US 12,361,804 B2
Merchandise security system
Christopher Richard Helman, Charlotte, NC (US); Kyle Baker, Lancaster, SC (US); Jonathon D. Phillips, Fort Mill, SC (US); Daniel G. Dugas, Charlotte, NC (US); Michael R. Johnston, Waxhaw, NC (US); Daniel C. Symons, Waxhaw, NC (US); A. Reneau Van Landingham, Jr., Gastonia, NC (US); and Eric Brutke, Tega Cay, SC (US)
Assigned to InVue Security Products Inc., Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed by InVue Security Products Inc., Charlotte, NC (US)
Filed on Nov. 28, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/521,513.
Application 18/521,513 is a continuation of application No. 17/889,033, filed on Aug. 16, 2022, granted, now 11,869,320.
Application 17/889,033 is a continuation of application No. 17/184,068, filed on Feb. 24, 2021, granted, now 11,450,185, issued on Sep. 20, 2022.
Application 17/184,068 is a continuation of application No. 16/480,427, abandoned, previously published as PCT/US2018/015000, filed on Jan. 24, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/589,712, filed on Nov. 22, 2017.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/450,371, filed on Jan. 25, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2024/0112554 A1, Apr. 4, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G08B 13/14 (2006.01); A47F 5/00 (2006.01); A47F 7/00 (2006.01); E05B 73/00 (2006.01)
CPC G08B 13/1454 (2013.01) [A47F 5/00 (2013.01); A47F 7/00 (2013.01); E05B 73/0011 (2013.01); G08B 13/1409 (2013.01); G08B 13/1463 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, the security system comprising:
a sensor assembly comprising:
a first portion configured to be attached to a rear surface of an item of merchandise;
a plurality of bracket arms configured to engage the first portion and a respective side of the item of merchandise;
a second portion configured to releasably engage the first portion, the second portion configured to be removed from the first portion while the first portion and the plurality of bracket arms remain attached to the item of merchandise;
a connector configured to removably engage an input port of the item of merchandise; and
a lock mechanism configured to releasably lock the first portion and the second portion so as to prevent removal of the first portion from the second portion,
wherein the sensor assembly is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the sensor assembly or the connector from the item of merchandise,
wherein the first portion comprises one or more electrical contacts, and wherein the second portion comprises one or more electrical contacts for establishing an electrical connection with the one or more electrical contacts of the first portion when the second portion is engaged with the first portion, and
wherein the connector is configured to establish an electrical connection with the sensor assembly when the first portion is engaged with the second portion and the one or more electrical contacts of the first portion and the second portion are electrically connected to one another.