| INVUE SECURITY PRODUCTS INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120120571 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SECURITY DEVICE INCLUDING MEANS FOR RETAINING POWER ADAPTER CORD - A merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise includes means for retaining a power adapter cord on a sensor housing when the article of merchandise is attached to the sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a body configured for attachment to the article of merchandise and a power output port. A shelf adjacent the power output port includes an outer wall that defines a groove for receiving and retaining a portion of the power adapter cord. The portion of the power adapter cord is disposed within the groove and rotatable between an engaged, but uncoupled position in which the article of merchandise cannot be readily attached to the sensor housing and an engaged and coupled position in which the article of merchandise can be attached to the sensor housing and the power adapter cord is retained on the sensor housing. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120103031 | SECURITY SYSTEM FOR MERCHANDISE SHELF - A security system for a merchandise shelf includes an elongate rod having a free first end and a second end adapted to be secured on the shelf with at least one tether attached to an item of merchandise removably disposed on the rod. A locking nose includes a mounting plate adapted to be secured on the shelf and a housing configured for sliding movement relative to the mounting plate between an unlocked position and an unlocked position. A locking mechanism releasably locks the housing to the first end of the rod to retain the tether on the rod. A key is operable to transfer electrical power to unlock the locking mechanism and permit the housing to be moved to the unlocked position to remove the tether from the rod. The rod and mounting plate are secured on the shelf without accessing the underside. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120099256 | SENSOR INCLUDING RETRACTABLE POWER ADAPTER CORD - A sensor for attachment to an item of merchandise includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an electrical circuit disposed within the interior cavity. A power adapter cord having a length and containing one or more conductors is connected at one end to the electrical circuit and at the other end to the item of merchandise to supply electrical power to the item of merchandise. At least a portion of the length of the power adapter cord is retractable into the interior cavity of the housing by a wheel disposed and rotatably mounted within the interior cavity. The wheel has a large diameter portion and a small diameter hub portion that depends from the large diameter portion and on which the retractable portion of the length of the power adapter cord is wound when the wheel is rotated relative to the housing. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120038342 | VOLTAGE REGULATOR FOR MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SECURITY DEVICE - A voltage regulator for a merchandise display security device provides an appropriate operating voltage through a power cable electrically connected between an alarm sensor and an item of merchandise. The voltage regulator utilizes a feedback signal from a power conversion chip and data from a microprocessor look-up table to adjust the input power to the merchandise. The look-up table stores appropriate operating voltage requirements for each power cable used for different types and brands of merchandise. The type and brand of merchandise is identified by the resistance of the power cable and the feedback signal is modified continuously to maintain power to the merchandise at an appropriate operating voltage. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20110254661 | PROGRAMMABLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING MERCHANDISE - A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110227735 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SECURITY SYSTEM INCLUDING MAGNETIC SENSOR - A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise having a movable or removable cover includes a sensor configured to be attached to the cover. The sensor may include a magnet assembly that produces a magnetic field defining a predetermined minimum strength when the sensor is attached to the cover and the cover is closed on the item of merchandise. A transducer detects the presence of the magnetic field, or alternatively, changes in the strength of the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example an output voltage. The transducer communicates the electrical signal to electronics that activate an alarm if the strength of the magnetic field is less than a predetermined minimum strength or greater than a predetermined maximum strength. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110147324 | COUNTER DISPLAY FOR SECURELY DISPLAYING MERCHANDISE - A counter display includes a pedestal adapted to be positioned on a support surface and at least one lockable display arm for securely displaying items of merchandise suspended from the display arm. The display arm has an elongate rod for supporting the items of merchandise thereon and a mounting end for mounting the display arm on the pedestal. The rod has a free end opposite the mounting end for loading the items of merchandise on the rod and for removing the items of merchandise from the rod. An end assembly is disposed on the display arm adjacent the free end of the rod and is movable between a locked position for preventing items of merchandise from being removed from the rod and an unlocked position for permitting items of merchandise to be removed from the rod. A lock mechanism releasably locks the end assembly on the display arm. Another lock mechanism releasably locks the display arm on the pedestal. Another lock mechanism locks a removable cover on the pedestal such that the display arm cannot be removed from the pedestal unless the cover is removed from the pedestal. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110127225 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOK INCLUDING HELICAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM HAVING BI-DIRECTIONAL GEAR - A merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise includes a support rod and a helix disposed about the support rod and extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the support rod. The support rod includes mounting structure for mounting the display hook to a display fixture and has a first end adjacent the mounting structure and a second end opposite the first end adjacent the helix for loading the items of merchandise onto the support rod and for dispensing the items of merchandise from the support rod. The merchandise display hook further includes a time delay mechanism attached to the helix adjacent the second end of the support rod so as to define a space therebetween for loading and dispensing the items of merchandise. The time delay mechanism includes a gear assembly configured for permitting the items of merchandise to be loaded onto the support rod at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the items of merchandise can be dispensed from the support rod. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110100073 | ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR LAPTOP COMPUTER OR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC PRODUCT - An anti-theft device for protecting a laptop computer or similar portable electronic product from theft or unauthorized removal includes at least one retaining assembly including a laterally extending retaining arm terminating in a retaining hook for engaging a lateral edge of the laptop computer or similar portable electronic product, a retaining leg depending from the retaining arm and a retaining base for receiving the retaining leg in a locked configuration. The retaining arm is adjustable to accommodate laptop computers or similar portable electronic products having various widths and a lock mechanism includes a shuttle fixed to a collar made of a magnetically attractive material and a biasing spring for biasing the shuttle into engagement with the retaining leg of the retaining arm. The lock mechanism is operable with a magnetic key to impart a magnetic attraction force to the shuttle to move the shuttle out of engagement with the retaining leg of the retaining arm and thereby permit the retaining arm to move to an unlocked configuration. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110084838 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY STAND DEFINING AN ANGLED EXIT PATH - A merchandise display stand for displaying an item of merchandise defines an angled exit path for a security cable attached to the merchandise. The display stand includes a base configured for attachment to a support surface and an upright extending from the base. The security cable extends from the base through an internal passageway defined by the upright to the merchandise. The upright has an arcuate or an angled shape relative to the support surface and the angled exit path forms an acute angle with a central axis between about fifteen and about seventy-five degrees. A sensor housing may be disposed between an upper end of the security cable and the merchandise and configured for attachment to the merchandise. A first displacement sensor may be provided for indicating whether the base is separated from the support surface and a second displacement sensor may be provided for indicating whether the merchandise is separated from the sensor housing. Electronic circuitry may also be provided for monitoring and detecting an unsecured state of the first and second displacement sensors and for activating an alarm when the first or second displacement sensor is in the unsecured state. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110047844 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY STAND AND REMOVABLE LABEL HOLDER - A merchandise display stand for displaying an item of merchandise includes a base and a sensor housing coupled to the base. The sensor housing includes a mounting surface for receiving the item of merchandise and attachment means for affixing the item of merchandise to the mounting surface. A label holder is configured to be removably mounted on the base and prevented from being removed from the base with the item of merchandise affixed to the sensor housing. The label holder includes a mounting portion and a label holding portion extending from the mounting portion. The base has an exterior contour and the mounting portion of the label holder has a complimentary interior contour defining an opening for receiving the base. The opening is sized smaller than an outer periphery of the item of merchandise affixed to the sensor housing such that the label holder cannot be removed from the display stand with the label holder mounted on the display stand and the item of merchandise affixed to the sensor housing | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110036789 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOK HAVING TIME DELAY MECHANISM INCLUDING HELIX - A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading. A first drive gear may be affixed to the handle that engages a reducing gear that in turn engages a second drive gear affixed to the helix so that the second drive gear turns the helix slower than the handle turns the first drive gear. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110006181 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOK HAVING PIVOTABLE LOCKING BASE - A merchandise display hook includes a display rod and a locking base pivotally attached to the display rod for locking the display hook on a display support. The locking base is configured to pivot relative to the display rod inwardly towards the display support from an unlocked position to a locked position and outwardly from the display support from the locked position to the unlocked position. The display hook includes a first attachment member configured to engage a front surface of the display support and a second attachment member configured to engage a rear surface of the display support. The locking base defines a contact surface configured to engage the front surface of the display support in the locked position. When the locking base is in the locked position, the locking base and the display rod define a first angle therebetween. When the locking base is in the unlocked position, the locking base and the display rod define a second angle therebetween that is less than the first angle. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100238031 | SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING MERCHANDISE - A security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller, and a memory operably coupled to the controller for initially providing a security disarm code (SDC) to a programmable key including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller and a memory operably coupled to the controller. The programmable key subsequently provides the SDC to a security device configured for attachment to the merchandise and including a logic control circuit having a controller, a communication circuit operably coupled to the controller, and a memory operably coupled to the controller. Thereafter, the security device is disarmed by using the programmable key to verify the SDC in the memory of the key with the SDC in the memory of the security device. A wireless interface is provided for the communication circuit of the programming station, programmable key and security device. An internal timer in the programmable key invalidates the SDC after a preset period of time period to prevent use of the key for disarming a security device after the time period has expired. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100223965 | REVERSIBLE LOCKING DEVICE FOR MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOKS - A locking device for a merchandise display hook has an upper rod disposed along a longitudinal axis and a lower rod disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and the upper rod. The locking device includes a housing having a vertical slot adapted to receive the upper rod and the lower rod of the display hook. A bayonet is movable between a locked position in which a portion of the bayonet extends into the slot and restricts movement of at least one of the upper rod and the lower rod within the slot, and an unlocked position in which the bayonet does not extend into the slot and thereby permits movement of the upper rod and the lower rod within the slot. An elongate nose depending outwardly from the housing defines a channel that intersects the slot of the housing and receives the upper rod of the display hook with the upper rod and the lower rod disposed within the slot. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100199538 | LOCKING DEVICE AND LABEL HOLDER MOUNT FOR MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOKS - A locking device for a merchandise display hook includes a housing disposed adjacent a free end of the merchandise hook and defining an interior cavity adapted for receiving an end portion of the display hook. A shuttle biased by a biasing spring secures the end portion of the display hook in a locked configuration within the interior cavity. A label holder mount is integrally formed with the housing and disposed adjacent the free end of the merchandise display hook. The label holder mount is adapted for mounting a plurality of different types of label holders on the display hook. In one embodiment, a bayonet at least partially disposed within the interior cavity is movable between an unlocked configuration wherein the end portion of the display hook is removable from the interior cavity and the locked configuration wherein the end portion of the display hook is secured within the interior cavity and the locking device is locked onto the display hook with the bayonet positioned between the end portion and the housing. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100176945 | DETACHABLE CARRIAGE FOR MERCHANDISE SECURITY SYSTEM - A sensor for a merchandise security system for displaying an article of merchandise includes a sensor housing, a detachable carriage releasably attached to the sensor housing, and an alarm for indicating when the article of merchandise is displaced from the detachable carriage or when the detachable carriage is detached from the sensor housing. The detachable carriage includes a carrier having a fastener for attaching the article of merchandise to the detachable carriage and a switch that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position when the article of merchandise is attached to the detachable carriage. The sensor housing includes a contact plate for biasing the switch in the extended position and an electrical contact for completing an electrical circuit with the alarm when the detachable carriage is attached to the sensor housing. The carrier is slidable within the detachable carriage for positioning the article of merchandise relative to the sensor housing. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100175438 | COMBINATION NON-PROGRAMMABLE AND PROGRAMMABLE KEY FOR SECURITY DEVICE - A combination non-programmable and programmable key for a security device of the type used to display items of merchandise includes a non-programmable portion for cooperating with a mechanical lock of the security device and a programmable portion for cooperating with a sensor of the security device that is operatively coupled to an alarm for indicating a security threat to the security device or to an item of merchandise displayed on the security device. The non-programmable portion includes a side assembly having a magnet that cooperates with a magnetically attractable locking pin to unlock the mechanical lock of the security device. The programmable portion emits an energy signal that cooperates with the sensor of the security device to disarm the alarm and thereby permit the security device to be removed or an item of merchandise to be removed without the alarm indicating a security threat. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100118144 | MERCHANDISE SECURITY SYSTEM INCLUDING DISPLAY STAND HAVING VIDEO CAMERA - A merchandise security system includes a display stand for supporting and displaying an article of merchandise, a video imaging device and an actuator operably coupled to the video imaging device for actuating the video imaging device to collect video data in response to a displacement of the article of merchandise relative to the display stand. In exemplary embodiments, the actuator includes a first activation element disposed on a sensor housing configured for attachment to the article of merchandise and a second activation element disposed on the display stand. The first activation element and the second activation element actuate the video imaging device between the inactive state and the active state to collect the video data when the article of merchandise is displaced relative to the display stand. The video imaging device may be a video camera housed within, positioned adjacent to, or integrated with the display stand. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100079285 | ADJUSTABLE SECURITY DEVICE FOR LAPTOP COMPUTER - An adjustable security device is configured for engaging and securing items of merchandise having various widths and thicknesses. The security device includes an adjustment mechanism that manipulates in a lateral direction a pair of opposed arms having retaining members for engaging the opposed sides and top of the item. The retaining members are operable to simultaneously engage and secure the item against removal from the security device in the lateral direction as well as a vertical direction, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to examine and operate a demonstration model of the item. Each of the retaining members may be pivotally mounted or slidably mounted to one of the opposed arms and at least one of the opposed arms is configured for extending and retracting movement relative to the base in the lateral direction. The security device may further include a lock for locking the opposed arms in a desired lateral position. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20090266953 | CONVERSION BRACKET FOR DISPLAY HOOK - A conversion bracket for mounting a pegboard display hook on an alternate display structure includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate movably coupled to the first mounting plate so as to permit the conversion bracket to be guided over and positioned on the alternate display structure. The first mounting plate has at least one first mounting opening and the second mounting plate has at least one second mounting opening for receiving the mounting structure of the display hook. Each of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate defines at least one cavity configured to receive a portion of the alternate display structure. The first mounting plate may include a pair of first mounting plates that are joined together by an integral arm extending therebetween, or alternatively, are independently rotatable relative to the second mounting plate. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090173868 | DISPLAY STAND INCLUDING MEANS FOR DISPENSING AND COLLECTING HELICAL CABLE - A display stand for displaying an article of merchandise includes a base defining an outer periphery and means for dispensing and collecting a helical cable attached to the article of merchandise. The means for dispensing and collecting supports and guides the helical cable along the outer periphery of the base between a retracted length and an extracted length. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one wheel disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one roller disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a low-friction surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a scalloped surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The display stand may further include a collection tube for delivering the helical cable to the article. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090173853 | UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET FOR MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOKS - A universal mounting bracket tightly attaches display hooks having a common base to a display structure, thereby restraining movement of the display hook relative to the display structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting member having a feature that cooperates with a complimentary feature on the common base to mount the display hook onto the mounting bracket, an engaging member for engaging the mounting member with the display structure, and a securing member for securing the mounting member against the display structure. The mounting member may include a plate with an outer periphery having a rib that is received within a groove formed in the common base in an interference fit, and the securing member may include an adjustment guide and an adjustment element configured for guided movement relative to the adjustment guide in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the plate of the mounting member. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090166483 | DEVICE FOR DISPLAY ITEM INCLUDING CENTERING MECHANISM - A device for displaying a display item includes a mounting member which includes a first mounting element and a second mounting element which is mountable on the display item and movable relative to the first mounting element between a plurality of display positions to position the display item as desired, and typically, to center the display item. The first mounting element includes a base and a lid which define an interior chamber and an elongated entrance opening. The second mounting element is disposed within the interior chamber and extends through the entrance opening. The base and lid close to secure the second mounting element relative to the first mounting element. The mounting member may be mounted on a base and removable therefrom for handling and viewing of the display item. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090095695 | MERCHANDISE DISPLAY HOOK HAVING INTERLOCKING TIME DELAY ARMS - A display hook for supporting items of merchandise includes a rod assembly and a pair of mechanically interlocked time delay arms medially disposed on the rod assembly. The time delay arms are sequentially movable to permit a potential purchaser to manipulate an item beyond the time delay arms for removal from the display hook. The time delay arms include a guide tube slidingly disposed on the rod assembly, a first arm rotatably mounted on the guide tube and a second arm spaced outwardly from the first arm and fixedly mounted on the guide tube. The first arm is spaced-apart from the second arm sufficiently to permit at least one of the items to be disposed between the arms. The first arm has a circumferentially extending groove and the guide tube has a key that cooperates with the groove to permit limited rotation between the guide tube and the first arm. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090079566 | SECURITY DEVICE INCLUDING SENSOR HAVING AN EXTENSION - A security device for an item of merchandise having at least one removable component includes a sensor attached to the item of merchandise. The sensor has an extension that extends outwardly from the sensor in a first direction generally parallel to an axis defined by the item of merchandise sufficiently to prevent a removable component from being removed from the item of merchandise. The extension is preferably a plate having an outer surface that is adhered to the sensor and an inner surface that is adhered to the item of merchandise. The extension includes a leg depending from the plate in a second direction that defines an angle with the axis defined by the item of merchandise sufficiently to prevent a removable component from being removed from the item of merchandise when the plate is adhered to the item of merchandise. The sensor is electrically connected to an alarm circuit. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20080209960 | DISPLAY HOOK ASSEMBLY HAVING A SECURE FREE END - A securable system for displaying items of merchandise on a display board. The display system includes a lockable end assembly that engages the free end of at least one rod of a merchandise display therein. The end assembly is slidable along the rod between an unlocked position where items of merchandise may be removed therefrom and a locked position where items of merchandise cannot be removed therefrom. The end assembly is lockingly engaged with the rod by a locking mechanism that is linearly moveable within an interior chamber of the end assembly. The end assembly is provided with a specially shaped recess in its outer wall which is positioned perpendicular to the linear motion of the locking mechanism. A complementary dipole magnet key is inserted into the recess to unlock the locking mechanism. | 09-04-2008 |
