A security tag assembly for placing around a boot, including a circuit board having a processor, and one or more wires electrically connected to the circuit board that form a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings are respectively configured to receive first and second components of the boot. The assembly further includes a tension switch connected to the one or more wires and having a closed position corresponding to a first tension level on the one or more wires and an open position corresponding to a second tension level on the one or more wires, wherein the second tension level is greater than the first tension level. Further, the processor is configured to monitor whether the tension switch is in at least the open position, wherein the processor is configured to trigger an alarm in response to the switch being in the open position.

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.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a mobile device accessory that includes a first housing defining a first attachment surface that is configured to adhere to another surface, a user input mechanism configured to activate in response to input by a user of the mobile device, and circuitry configured to activate in response to activation of the user input mechanism, wherein activation of the circuitry (i) causes an audible alarm to be emitted by the mobile device, or (ii) causes a software application to be executed on a mobile device, or (iii) both.

A merchandise security device configured for use with an electronic key for locking and/or unlocking a lock mechanism is provided. The merchandise security device may include a housing operably coupled with a cable, wherein the cable is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the housing and to at least partially surround an item of merchandise. The security device may also include a lock mechanism configured to releasably secure the cable relative to the housing for locking the cable about the item of merchandise. In addition, the lock mechanism is configured to receive electrical power for unlocking the lock mechanism so that the housing and the cable may be removed from the item of merchandise.

A product-display system for displaying and securing a retail product. The system may include a retainer having a retainer bracket and a retainer body coupled to the retainer bracket. A retaining cable may be coupled to the retainer body at an opening in the retainer body. A fastener that may be unfastened to release the product from the retainer may only be accessed through the opening of the retainer body such that when the retaining cable is coupled to the opening, no fasteners of the retainer may be visible or accessible. The system may also include a display stem for holding the retainer and product. The display stem may include a recess for receiving at least a portion of the retainer body. The retaining cable may extend through the display stem and may simultaneously transmit power and data to a displayed product. The retainer may be returned to and held on top of the display stem using a retaining cable. The retainer may be oriented on top of the display stem in one or more predetermined positions through the use of magnetic forces.

A security device system including portions configured to have a combined state and a separated state. In the combined state, circuitry is configured to have an armed state and a not-armed state, and to trigger an alarm during a breach of the armed state. Depending on the embodiment, at least one of the portions, and in some embodiments more than one of the portions, participate in the armed and not-armed states. In some embodiments, the security device system includes an alarm device portion, a cradle portion, and a stratum portion.

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 predetermined period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.

A method of displaying a portable article having a body with a peripheral edge. A support assembly with a frame, fixed relative to a support, is obtained having U-shaped receptacles and a blocking assembly. The portable article is slid guidingly against the support assembly in a first direction consistently along a predetermined first path from a pre-assembly position into a display position. With the blocking assembly in a first state, the blocking assembly does not interfere with guided movement of the portable article oppositely to the first direction from the display position. With the blocking assembly changed into a second state, movement of the portable article in the display position along the predetermined first path oppositely to the first direction is blocked.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The helical recess is configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.