Display for hand-held electronics

Abstract

The invention disclosed here is a display system for managing power and security for a plurality of hand-held electronic devices sold to consumers in a retail location. The display includes features that allow power to be supplied to individual devices and security sensors without continuous hard wiring or multi-conductor retractor cables. The display also allows for individual security alarms to be triggered when a theft occurs. Security alarm conditions are preferably triggered via wireless signals.

Claims

1. A cable management apparatus for use in mounting an electronic device to a display, the apparatus comprising: a puck assembly adapted to receive the electronic device; a base assembly; and a tether assembly adapted to connect the puck assembly with the base assembly, wherein the tether assembly comprises a portion that is adapted to transmit an optical signal; wherein the puck assembly is adapted to be moveable between (1) a rest position in which (i) the puck assembly is in engagement with the base assembly and (ii) the puck assembly and the base assembly are connected to the tether assembly, and (2) a lift position in which (i) the puck assembly is disengaged from the base assembly and (i) the puck assembly and the base assembly are connected to the tether assembly; wherein the base assembly further comprises (1) base assembly circuitry configured to receive power from a power source, and (2) a plurality of base assembly electrical contacts connected to the base assembly circuitry; wherein the puck assembly comprises (1) a plurality of puck assembly electrical contacts, (2) a power storage device, (3) puck assembly circuitry connected to the puck assembly electrical contacts and the power storage device, and (4) a central region on a bottom surface of the puck assembly, wherein the central region is connectable to the tether assembly and does not include the puck assembly electrical contacts; wherein the base assembly contacts and the puck assembly contacts are adapted to contact each other when the puck assembly is in the rest position to form an electrical connection between the puck assembly circuitry and the base assembly circuitry; wherein the puck assembly circuitry is configured to, when the puck assembly is in the rest position, draw power from the power source through the electrical connection and provide the drawn power to the power storage device to charge the power storage device; and wherein the base assembly contacts and the puck assembly contacts are adapted to lose contact with each other when the puck assembly is in the lift position to thereby break the electrical connection.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the puck assembly further comprises a security sensor, and wherein the puck assembly circuitry, in cooperation with the security sensor, is further configured to generate a security condition signal in response to a detection by the security sensor of an event relating to a removal of the electronic device from the puck assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the puck assembly is further configured to wirelessly communicate the security condition signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the optical signal comprises the security condition signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the puck assembly circuitry is further configured to draw power from the power storage device for wirelessly communicating the security condition signal when the puck assembly is in the lift position.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the tether assembly further comprises a tether and a fitting, wherein the fitting is rotatable around the tether, and wherein the fitting is adapted to connect to the central region of the puck assembly lower surface for allowing the puck assembly to rotate relative to the tether.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the tether assembly further comprises a swivel, the swivel adapted for cooperation with the fitting to allow the puck assembly to rotate relative to the tether in response to the connection between the fitting and the puck assembly.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the fitting is further adapted for detachable connection with the puck assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the detachable connection between the fitting and the puck assembly is adapted to allow for the puck assembly and the electronic device to be swapped out of the apparatus as an integrated unit.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the puck assembly contacts and the base assembly contacts are located at a plurality of positions around the puck assembly and the base assembly, respectively, to allow for the puck assembly to be rotatable to a plurality of orientations when the puck assembly is in the rest position while still forming the electrical connection when the puck assembly is in the rest position at the orientations.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the puck assembly and the base assembly comprise a plurality of complementary recesses and projections where the puck assembly and the base assembly engage with each other when in the rest position at the orientations.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the complementary recesses and projections comprise complementary contours.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the base assembly contacts comprise a plurality of spring contacts.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the tether assembly is a retractable tether assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the retractable tether assembly comprises a modular retractable tether assembly, wherein the modular retractable tether assembly further comprises a mechanical retractor and retractor housing that are adapted to provide retractability for the tether.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the puck assembly further comprises a power cable that is connectable to a power input of the electronic device, and wherein the puck assembly circuitry is further configured to deliver power to the power cable for charging the electronic device.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tether assembly portion comprises a fiber optic cable for transmitting the optical signal.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base assembly comprises a first base assembly portion and a second base assembly portion; wherein the first base assembly portion is adapted to (1) engage with the puck assembly when the puck assembly is in the rest position and (2) disengage from the puck assembly when the puck assembly is in the lift position; wherein the second base assembly portion is adapted as a pedestal for the apparatus; wherein the first and second base assembly portions are further adapted for detachable engagement with each other such that the first base assembly portion can engage with the base assembly portion a plurality of display angles.

19. A cable management apparatus for use in mounting an electronic device to a display, the apparatus comprising: a puck assembly adapted to receive the electronic device; a base assembly; and a tether assembly adapted to connect the puck assembly with the base assembly, wherein the tether assembly comprises a portion that is adapted to transmit an optical signal; wherein the puck assembly is adapted to be moveable between (1) a rest position in which (i) the puck assembly is in engagement with the base assembly and (ii) the puck assembly and the base assembly are connected to the tether assembly, and (2) a lift position in which (i) the puck assembly is disengaged from the base assembly and (ii) the puck assembly and the base assembly are connected to the tether assembly; wherein the base assembly further comprises (1) base assembly circuitry configured to receive power from a power source, and (2) a plurality of base assembly electrical contacts connected to the base assembly circuitry; wherein the puck assembly comprises (1) a plurality of puck assembly electrical contacts, (2) a power cable that is connectable to a power input of the electronic device, (3) puck assembly circuitry connected to the puck assembly electrical contacts and the power cable, and (4) a central region on a bottom surface of the puck assembly, wherein the central region is connectable to the tether assembly and does not include the puck assembly electrical contacts; wherein the base assembly contacts and the puck assembly contacts are adapted to contact each other when the puck assembly is in the rest position to form an electrical connection between the puck assembly circuitry and the base assembly circuitry; wherein the puck assembly circuitry is configured to, when the puck assembly is in the rest position, draw power from the power source through the electrical connection and provide the drawn power to the power cable for use to charge the electronic device; and wherein the base assembly contacts and the puck assembly contacts are adapted to lose contact with each other when the puck assembly is in the lift position to thereby break the electrical connection.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the puck assembly further comprises a security sensor and a power storage device; wherein the puck assembly circuitry is further configured to, when the puck assembly is in the rest position, draw power from the power source through the electrical connection and provide the drawn power to the power storage device to charge the power storage device; wherein the puck assembly circuitry, in cooperation with the security sensor, is further configured to generate a security condition signal in response to a detection by the security sensor of an event relating to a removal of the electronic device from the puck assembly; wherein the puck assembly is further configured to wirelessly communicate the security condition signal; wherein the tether assembly further comprises (1) a tether, (2) a fitting, and (3) a swivel, wherein the fitting is rotatable around the tether, wherein the fitting is adapted to detachably connect the puck assembly with the tether assembly, and wherein the swivel is adapted for cooperation with the fitting to allow the puck assembly to rotate relative to the tether in response to the detachable connection between the fitting and the puck assembly; wherein the puck assembly contacts and the base assembly contacts are located at a plurality of positions around the puck assembly and the base assembly, respectively, to allow for the puck assembly to be rotatable to a plurality of orientations when the puck assembly is in the rest position while still forming the electrical connection when the puck assembly is in the rest position at the orientations; wherein the base assembly contacts comprise a plurality of spring contacts; and wherein the tether assembly is a retractable tether assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings, like reference numerals and letters refer to like parts throughout the various views, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a post position for mounting an electronic hand-held device to a retail display, with the Fig. showing the device exploded from the post;

(3) FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the mounting member or puck portion of the post position illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a view of the puck and base member portions of the post illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

(7) FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but shows the base portion of the post position with the puck in partial section;

(8) FIG. 7 is a view like FIGS. 5-6, but shows part of the base member portion removed;

(9) FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the post shown in FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a display constructed in accordance with the invention, and schematically illustrates a plurality of post positions connected to a supply module;

(11) FIG. 10 is a view like FIG. 9, but illustrates power supply features of the invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of the top part of a post;

(13) FIG. 12 is a flow chart explaining security alarm conditions;

(14) FIG. 13 is a continuation of FIG. 12;

(15) FIG. 14A is the first in a series of two electronic schematics illustrating the electronics in the puck portion of the invention;

(16) FIG. 14B is the follow-on schematic from FIG. 14A;

(17) FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating selected alert conditions for the display;

(18) FIG. 16 is a flow chart like FIG. 15;

(19) FIG. 17 is a flow chart like FIGS. 15-16;

(20) FIG. 18 is a flow chart like FIGS. 15-17;

(21) FIG. 19 is a top view of a post position and schematically illustrates the interconnections between a puck and electronic device;

(22) FIG. 20 is a view like FIG. 19, but illustrates how one device may be swapped with another off a post;

(23) FIG. 21 is a view of a source/alarm module;

(24) FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 9 and illustrates a display system having a plurality of post positions along with a display monitor that shows media content depending on which electronic device is examined by a consumer;

(25) FIG. 23 is a schematic that illustrates display functionalities of the invention;

(26) FIG. 24 is a flow chart that illustrates the logic underlying display functionality;

(27) FIG. 25 is a flow chart like FIG. 24;

(28) FIG. 26 illustrates how variable media content is developed for independent post positions;

(29) FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a post position for mounting an electronic hand-held device to a retail display;

(30) FIG. 28 is a view like FIG. 27, but shows the electronic hand-held device lifted from the display;

(31) FIG. 29 is a view like FIG. 28, but shows the hand-held device removed from the post position;

(32) FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the display embodiment shown in FIGS. 27-29;

(33) FIG. 31A is an enlarged view showing the details of a puck portion of the other display embodiment;

(34) FIG. 31B is a view similar to FIG. 31A;

(35) FIG. 31C is a view similar to FIG. 31A;

(36) FIG. 32 is a pictorial view of another embodiment;

(37) FIG. 33 is a pictorial view similar to FIG. 32;

(38) FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-33;

(39) FIG. 35 is another exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-34;

(40) FIG. 36 is a view of a drop-in retractor;

(41) FIG. 37 is a pictorial view of another embodiment;

(42) FIG. 38 is another pictorial view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 37;

(43) FIG. 39 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-38;

(44) FIG. 40 is another view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-39;

(45) FIG. 41 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-40;

(46) FIG. 42 is a series of views relating to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-41;

(47) FIG. 43 is a view like FIG. 42;

(48) FIG. 44 is a view of yet another embodiment;

(49) FIG. 45 is a pictorial view the embodiment shown in FIG. 44, but looking from below;

(50) FIG. 46 is another view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 44-45;

(51) FIG. 47 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 44-46; and

(52) FIG. 48 is a view of a retaining member portion of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 44-47.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(53) In the drawings, and referring first to FIG. 1, shown generally at 10 is an improved display post assembly constructed in accordance with the various design improvements described and claimed here. The post assembly 10 includes a base assembly portion (indicated generally at 12) and a puck assembly portion (indicated generally at 14).

(54) First, beginning with base assembly 12, the display post 10 includes a base assembly portion or fitting 16 that is mounted to a display countertop surface 18. The base portion 16 has an annular flange 20 that rests on top of surface 18. Extending downwardly from the annular flange 20 is a threaded portion 22 that carries a bracket 24. The bracket 24 further carries a mechanical retractor (indicated generally at 26).

(55) The mechanical retractor 26 is conventional in design and includes a spring-loaded steel cable (indicated generally at 28), the length of which is drawn from and returned to the retractor housing 30 as the puck assembly 14 is lifted from and returned to the base assembly 12. The general construction of the mechanical retractor 26 (with steel cable) would be familiar to a person skilled in the art. However, a toroid 32 is mounted to an upper part of the retractor's housing 30. The toroid 32 surrounds the steel cable 28. Its function is further described later.

(56) There are other electrical components (indicated generally at 34) mounted to a circuit board assembly 36 on the reel housing 30. These components electrically connect the puck assembly 14 to an under-the-countertop source module (described later) via cable 38, when the puck assembly 14 is resting on base 16.

(57) Turning now to the puck assembly 14, it includes a lower portion 40 that nests within the space (indicated generally by arrow 42) in base part 20. The upper portion of the puck, indicated at 44, houses a puck electronics control board, or ECB, which will be described later in the context of other application drawings. The puck assembly 14 carries a hand-held 46 which is mounted to the puck assembly 14 in conventional ways known to those who are familiar with countertop displays.

(58) FIG. 2 illustrates the post assembly 10 with a variation in the mounting bracket 24. FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2. However, FIG. 3 is sectioned axially along the length of the post assembly 10 and reveals the location of spring contacts (the location is generally indicated at 48) that provide the means for supplying power to the puck assembly 14. These contacts will now be described by referring to FIG. 7.

(59) Directing attention there, FIG. 7 illustrates an annular plate 50 (that is also shown in FIG. 3). The annular plate or part 50 rests within the lower portion of the base's threaded part 22. The lower portion 40 of the puck assembly 14 has slots 52 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Preferably, these slots 52 are distributed around the circumference of part 40 and slide over a complementary set of spring contacts 54 that are resident on the annular part 50. There may be different variations on the way this is done. As is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the spring contacts 54 on the annular part 50 are female. The lower portion or part 40 of puck assembly 14 carries male contacts 56 (see FIG. 8). These male contacts 56 engage with the female contacts 54 when the puck assembly 14 rests in the base part 20. At that time, an electrical connection is made between the puck 14 and base 16.

(60) Turning now to FIG. 8, which is an exploded view, the male contacts 56 are connected to an electronics control board (ECB) 58 via assembly 60. The ECB 58, which will be further described later, resides within puck part 44.

(61) Another wire assembly 62 connects the female contacts 54 to the circuit board 36 that normally rests above the mechanical retractor 26. The second wire assembly is further connected to cable 38 which, as mentioned above, connects the post assembly 10 to a source module or other under-the-counter control electronics (described later). It should be mentioned at this point that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a clamping structure 64 or similar means that holds the base part 20 in place relative to bracket 24.

(62) FIG. 8 also provides a good view of the ECB 58 and other component parts that reside within the puck assembly 14. One of the more important features of the design described here is that the puck continues to be in an active, operating state after the consumer lifts it from the base assembly 12.

(63) As described above, when a lift event occurs, the electrical connection that is created by spring contacts 54 and 56 is broken. The only power line connection from under the counter to the puck occurs when the puck assembly or puck 14 is at rest (as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-6, for example). At this point in time, the wiring assembly that is defined by the serial connections consisting of cables 38, 62 and 60 provide one power wire circuit (single source power) from under the counter to the ECB 58. As a skilled person would understand, the post assembly 10 is operated on DC voltage. Therefore, the circuit needs to be defined by two wires within the cable just described, one to create a ground. This one circuit is the sole wire-to-wire connection that arises between under-the-counter control electronics and the puck assembly 14 and it arises only when the puck is at rest.

(64) The design offers at the puck, or ECB 58 level, a sufficiently high voltage and amperage to operate any kind of hand-held that might be mounted to the top face surface 66 of the puck assembly 14. For example, the voltage offered at the puck level might be as high as 18 volts. Assuming the amperage is sufficient, this voltage is more than adequate to operate the various types of hand-helds sold on the market today, if the voltage is stepped-down from the puck assembly 14, which will be described later.

(65) Directing the reader's attention to FIG. 19, arrow 68 generally indicates the wire assembly described above that provides power to the ECB 58 when the puck is at rest. At that time, the ECB 58 has circuitry that passes the voltage through to a connector fitting 70 on one side of the puck 14. According to a preferred embodiment, a short adaptor cable, indicated generally at 72, interconnects the puck connector 70 and the power jack on the hand-held 46. The hand-held power jack is generally indicated at 74.

(66) Referring now to FIG. 20, the adaptor cable 22 has a unique key circuit or resistor circuit (R1) that adjusts the voltage supplied by ECB 58 to the specific power requirements of the hand-held 46. As a person skilled in the art would know, a typical cell phone operates at a different voltage relative to a camcorder, as one example.

(67) The adaptor cable 72 connects the ECB 58 to the hand-held's internal battery 76. This, of course, charges battery 76. When the puck assembly 46 is in lift mode, the hand-held's battery 76 allows the consumer to operate the hand-held on the puck, so that the consumer can visually inspect the hand-held's display, how its buttons work, etc.

(68) As indicated previously in this disclosure, one of the overall advantages of the post assembly described here is that it provides an easy way for a salesperson to swap different hand-held devices 46 to and from the post assembly position. This is schematically indicated in FIG. 20 by the second adaptor cable 78. The second adaptor cable 78 will have a different resistance value (R2) that steps down the voltage from ECB 58 to a uniquely different level. Thus, the retailer or retailer's salesperson simply selects the appropriate adaptor cable that corresponds to the model or brand of hand-held and swaps one with the other by simply removing and replacing the hand-held from the puck's upper surface 46.

(69) In FIG. 20, arrow 80 generally represents an under-the-counter source module 80 (described further below). Power from the source module 80 is distributed by the ECB 58 which passes one portion to the hand-held 46 and another portion to ECB circuitry (see FIGS. 14A-B) and a battery 82. The battery 82 is also illustrated in FIG. 8. Its size will be a variable depending on application or the physical footprint of the puck assembly 14.

(70) The puck battery 82 is also charged by ECB circuitry when the puck assembly 14 is at rest. When lifted, the puck battery 82 then serves to drive ECB electronics, which will include one or more security sensors. Referring to FIG. 4, for example, it is common to use secondary security sensors like the one illustrated generally at 84. A security sensor of this type will connect to the ECB 58 via fitting 86 (see, for example, FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 4, an outer end 88 of the secondary cable 84 may include a pressure-type sensor with a pressure pad or pressure button that rests against one side of the hand-held 46. The pressure pad portion is generally indicated at 90 in FIG. 4. The pressure pad 90 may be held in place by a cable strap 92 that surrounds the hand-held 46. Similarly, the hand-held 46 may be held in position against the top surface 66 of the puck assembly 14 via another cable strap 94.

(71) It is also common to use another security sensor at the interface between the hand-held 46 and puck top surface 66. FIG. 4 illustrates a pressure button 96 that is depressed when the hand-held 46 is mounted to the puck assembly 14. Another illustration of the pressure button 96 is shown in FIG. 6 where the ECB 58 is revealed as well.

(72) The pressure button 96 is released when the hand-held 46 is removed. Disconnection of the secondary sensor cable 84 or release of the pressure button 96 will trigger a security signal that is transmitted in the manner described below.

(73) Referring again to FIG. 19, arrow 98 generally indicates a line that corresponds to the cable 28 carried by the mechanical retractor 26. As described above, and continuing to refer to FIG. 19, the retractor cable 98 is preferably a braided steel cable for mechanical security purposes. While not adequate or suited for functioning as a typical conductor (e.g., for transmitting power or security signals), the cable 98 (see FIG. 19) is nevertheless capable of functioning as an antenna. Therefore, the ECB electronics (see FIGS. 14A-B) are designed to apply an electromagnetic signal to cable 98. In this manner, the cable 98 therefore serves as a transmitting antenna with fluctuations in the electromagnetic signal serving as a means to communicate various kinds of information.

(74) One kind of obvious information to be communicated by ECB 58 relates to a security breach condition that could be triggered by the secondary security cable 84 or pressure button 96 described above. In other words, if a user should attempt and be successful at removing the hand-held 46 from the puck assembly 14, the depressed pressure button 96 will be released thus triggering a signal that is picked up by the ECB board. This, in turn, will cause a change in what is transmitted via the antenna that is created by the mechanical retractor's cable 98.

(75) It is to be appreciated that the wireless functionality described above could be handled in other ways such as, for example, building a small antenna on the puck ECB board 58. However, many of the past problems relating to display technologies of the type described here involves ongoing reliability problems. Post assemblies need to operate for long periods of time without maintenance. Maintenance is a problem for a retailer because these systems are becoming highly sophisticated and the retailer lacks the capability or means to fix serious technical problems when they arise. Therefore, it is believed that creating antenna structure in the form of a mechanical steel retractor cable is a highly reliable way to generate electronic signals over a long period of time without malfunctions. As indicated above, signals transmitted by the cable/antenna 98 are picked up by the toroid 32 that is resident on the mechanical retractor 26 (see FIGS. 19 and 1, for example).

(76) Directing the reader's attention now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is a schematic arrangement that reflects a typical display installation at a retail site. The post assembly 10 previously described is illustrated in FIG. 9 with additional letter designations (10A, 10B, etc.) to reflect the different numbers of posts used in a typical display. To the extent this description refers to post A, for example, post A is meant to refer to post assembly 10A in FIG. 9, and so forth.

(77) In the previous description relating to FIGS. 1 and 8, cable 38 was described as part of an overall wiring assembly that connected each post assembly 10 to a source or control module that is normally located under the countertop of the display. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 38 schematically indicates the cable just described, for each post assembly 10A-10H. Each cable is connected to a conventional low voltage connector 100A-H on a control module 102.

(78) An enlarged view of the control module 102 is illustrated in FIG. 21. The control module 102 may have terminal blocks 104, 106. A key pad, as schematically indicated at 108 in FIG. 9, makes it possible to set up remote control alarm activation, if desired.

(79) Turning now to FIG. 10, the control module is powered by conventional means, and preferably, operates as a low voltage system that has different power adaptors (e.g., power supply for battery backup) 110, 112 for the purpose of driving different functionalities coming off of the control module 102. Obviously, the single-source power line to each post assembly 10, as described above, emanates from the control module 102. However, as will be further described later, the control module 102 may also serve as a distributor for other signal functions (i.e., triggering the display of media content), depending on which pucks 14 are lifted from a respective post position. The control module 102 may have its own battery backup 114 in case of power failure. Otherwise, the entire control system may be driven from a conventional power strip 116, which would be familiar to a person skilled in the art. It should be mentioned, at this point in time, that arrow 118 in FIG. 9 generally refers to the power supply features described above relative to FIG. 9.

(80) Referring now to FIG. 22, for example, the control module 102 (labeled as alarm module, which is one way of referring to control module) is connected to another control module (UIM) 122 via a logic cable 120. Another wiring assembly for cable assembly 124, 126 interconnects the UIM module 122 to a media player 128 or the like. The media player 128 will typically have its own power supply 130.

(81) Post assembly position 10B in FIG. 22 represents a typical puck lift condition. When this happens, the post assembly's spring contacts 54, 56 are broken. The ECB board 58 in the puck detects breaking of the contacts 54, 56 and generates an appropriate signal to the controller 102 that indicates lift. While this may be done in different ways, preferably, the signal is communicated via cable/antenna 98 to toroid 32 (see FIG. 19) that is resident on the mechanical retractor (see FIGS. 1 and 8, for example).

(82) Redirecting attention briefly to FIG. 8, for example, the toroid 32 resides on a circuit board 36 on top of the mechanical retractor 26. Cable 38 is a multi-conductor cable that interconnects circuit board 36 to the controller 102. Thus, both security signals (via toroid 32, for example) and power signals are communicated between the mechanical retractor position 26 and controller 102 via a multi-conductor cable. However, and referring to FIG. 1, power is supplied via a single source or single line, which is indicated generally by reference numeral 62. In other words, arrow 132 indicates a power wire from circuit board 36 to the spring contacts 54, 56 within the puck assembly 10 as previously described.

(83) Referring back to the media player 128, when the puck at post position 10B is lifted, the controller 102 detects the lift signal and communicates it to the media player. The UIM module 122, in essence, translates the signal and instructs the media player 128 to play content that has been uniquely mapped to post position 10B.

(84) For example, if post position 10B carries a particular make, model or brand of a camera, the media player 128 is instructed to play pre-stored content for that particular device. The media content may be visually displayed via a conventional monitor 134 or it may be combined with audio content that is broadcast from local speakers (not shown) that explains unique features about the device.

(85) It is to be appreciated at this point, that the post assembly 10 described herein, when implemented in an overall system of the kind illustrated in FIG. 22, provides a truly universal system for a retailer. When the system is installed, the permanent components consist of the under-the-counter control modules, media content player (or players) and the hardware configurations of the posts. What is left for the retailer to do is swap models to and from post positions or add or subtract media content that is correlated to individual post positions.

(86) FIG. 23 illustrates another variation of the system described above. It is possible to program media content at the display level in different ways. In preferred form, for any display having a monitor 134, there will always be something playing on the monitor (arrow 136) even when no pucks are lifted at any post or SKU position. According to the system described above, when a lift is detected at any particular post position, then a media file specific to that position can be played, as indicated at 138.

(87) An advantage to the system is that it is possible to interface a display at any particular store with media content that is created off-site and provided via the internet or other means, as indicated at 148. In this way, and for large retailers who will have their own media departments, in particular, the retailer may assemble media content 150 at a separate corporate location and transmit it to individual displays (at different store locations) from media storage 152. This may be accomplished in different ways that include either adjusting content on a per post basis or generically mapping out (planogram) all post positions at the same time. With respect to the latter concept, some retailers may install identical displays having the same arrangement and number of post positions, monitors, etc. at a variety of stores. In situations of this kind, it is possible to develop generic plans, as shown at FIG. 26, where the retailer or supplier can create a media plan that selectively controls all the post positions. At the same time, the salesperson is simply instructed as to which hand-held device model needs to be installed in a certain position. In other words, a central corporate location can provide a single sheet or sheets of instructions for its display that tell the salesperson nothing more than what type of camera and power adaptor cable (between camera and puck) needs to be put at each post position. Thereafter, media content is supplied automatically via the internet or the like. FIGS. 24-25 generally indicate the control logic for the system just described.

(88) Next, returning to FIG. 22, in preferred form, each puck assembly 14 will carry a light ring 154 that can be used to visually output certain kinds of security alarm conditions or other alerts. For example, each light ring position 154 may output different flashing sequences that are triggered by different security breach events. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, for example, the light rings may be programmed to flash by certain events such as product being removed from the puck (156) an active puck being removed from the display (158); cutting of the mechanical retractor cable (160); removal of the secondary or other security sensors (162); incorrect product mounting (164); or other kinds of indicia of faulty puck operation (166). FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the flowchart logic for implementing the system. Audio alarms may be triggered at the same time as a flashing light ring. It is to be appreciated that, in accordance with the design described here, the light ring is built into the puck assembly. Therefore, it may be driven by the ECB battery 82 (previously described).

(89) Finally, the light ring system 154 may also be used to indicate a wide variety of alerts that communicate whether each post position is operating correctly. These alerts may range from steady light output at each post position (indicating the puck assembly 14 is armed and charging at that post position when at rest) or no light (indicating lack of power) different kinds of flashing and/or alarm siren cycles may also be used to indicate different kinds of alert conditions, as reflected in FIGS. 15-18.

(90) FIGS. 27-31 disclose another embodiment of the display 10 previously described. Similar to the preceding description, the alternative embodiment has a puck 202 that rests on a generally vertical base member 204. The puck 202 is physically connected to the base member 204 by a tether 206. The tether 206 may extend or retract via a reel mechanism (not shown) that is housed within the base member 204. A power cable 208 also interconnects the puck 202 to a hand-held 200, the latter device being mounted to the puck 202.

(91) Referring now to FIG. 29, the puck 202 carries internal electronic components that may include, among other things, an audible alarm that emits sound when a theft condition is detected. The puck 202 is therefore intelligent in the sense that it includes sensor and alarm systems that are built into puck electronics.

(92) The base 204 has an upper cradle portion that is generally indicated by reference numeral 220 in FIG. 29. The cradle portion has a series of four recesses (222, 224, 226, 228) that meet or match with projections (230, 232, 234) that are molded into each quadrant of the upper portion (see, generally, item 238 in the puck 202).

(93) Also, referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the puck 202 has a quick connect at the puck's base, indicated generally by reference numeral 240. In other words, the tether 206 terminates in a fitting 242 that is free to rotate at the end of the tether. The fitting 242 slides within a groove 244 in the bottom of the puck 202. A quick-release mechanism, generally indicated at 246, enables the electronics portion of the puck 202 (or, in other words, the upper portion) to slide cross-wise from fitting 242 on the end of the tether 206.

(94) The recesses (222, 224, 226, 228) and corresponding projections (230, 232, 234) on the puck 202 allow the puck to be lifted and replaced at different angular orientations relative to the base 204. The advantage of this arrangement is that it enables electrical contacts to be made between the puck 202 and underlying electrical contacts within the base 204, so that the puck 202 can be returned to the post as different angular positions, relative to its position when lifted, and still make the needed charging contacts. The charging contacts would, of course, be similar to those previously described. However, every quadrant of the puck 202 (four sides) will have dedicated contacts that engage with one or more contacts in the base, regardless of the puck's angular position when returned to the base.

(95) A key tool 248 locks the electronics portion 238 of the puck 202 (and enables release, when needed). As disclosed here, the key tool 248 would be required for release, but not for attachment of the electronics portion 238 to item 242. The fitting 242 functions as a puck (base) part when connected to the electronics portion. As indicated above, the fitting 242 will have an integrated swivel that alleviates torsional twisting forces on the tether 206. As another alternative, the electronics portion may have a light lens built into the puck 202 as a system status indicator. Arrow 250 indicates a suitable location. Arrow 252 points to the location of one or more side ports (mini or micro-USB) for cable connections.

(96) An advantage of the alternative embodiment is that it enables easy product swapping to and from the end of tether 206. One significant difference between the alternative design illustrated in FIGS. 27-31 and known prior art is that product swapping to and from displays is traditionally done by removing or disconnecting the electronic hand-held from the upper surface of the puck. In the alternative embodiment, the device plus puck can be swapped together as an integrated unit. This alternative design allows retailers to easily reconfigure or arrange different products within their stores, without the additional complications of detaching and resecuring hand-helds to the puck.

(97) FIGS. 32-48 illustrate several other embodiments. Referring first to FIGS. 32-36, the embodiment illustrated in these Figs. relates to a design that addresses factors attributable to retractor wear. This embodiment is a design that simplifies retractor replacement and thereby reduces maintenance costs.

(98) Referring specifically to FIG. 32, this figure is a perspective view and shows the electronic device 10 on the end of a tether 275 in a typical retail environment. The device 10 is shown lifted from the display fixture, indicated generally at 277.

(99) FIG. 33 is a perspective view like FIG. 32 However, FIG. 33 shows the device 10 returned to the fixture 277 (with the tether 275 retracted inside the fixture).

(100) FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the display. Reference numeral 279 generally points to a puck portion of the display. The puck 279 carries an electronic control board (ECB) for operating the device 10 and provides certain security functions, similar to the above description. Reference 281 generally indicates a quick-connect mechanism (quick-connect) at the end of the tether 275. Reference 283 generally indicates a modular retractor.

(101) Directing attention to FIG. 34, the puck 279 is releasably attached to the quick-connect 281. The modular retractor 283 is housed inside the hollow body 285 of the display. The display is generally indicated at 286 in FIGS. 32-36.

(102) The housing body 285 has upper and lower parts 285A, 285B, respectively. The upper part 285A is removable from the lower part 285B via screws 287. In essence, the upper part 285A serves as a cap for the modular retractor 283 and a resting place for the puck portion 279.

(103) When the upper part or cap 285A is removed (see FIG. 35), the modular retractor unit 283 can be removed from lower display part 285B (and replaced, as the case may be), as shown in the third image from the left on FIG. 36. The cap 285A is easy to replace via screws 287. Similarly, the puck portion 279 snaps back onto the quick-release 281.

(104) Rather than undertake a complicated sequence of repair steps and electrical disconnectionswhich is typical for retractor-based displays in use today, the present disclosure enables simple and easy retractor replacement by simply using a tool 26 to release the puck portion 279 from the quick-connect piece 281; undoing a small number of screws 287 to remove cap 285A; make a simple swap of the retractor 283; and then replace the cap portion 285 (with the screws 287) and slide the puck portion 279 back on the quick-connect 281. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 32-36 offers the potential for significant cost savings relating to service costs for big-box retailers and other retailers who use security displays of this type in connection with the sale of large numbers of consumer electronic devices. FIG. 36 is a series of three images showing the modular retractor 283. The retractor 283 will have modular footings for making the necessary electrical contacts when it is dropped into the display 286.

(105) Finally, the display 286 illustrated in FIGS. 32-36 is a surface-mounted fixture having a base plate 300 connected to a surface-mount plate 302 via screws 304. It is unnecessary to disconnect screws 304 in order to service the retractor 283. The puck 279 has a typical VHB pad 306 for adhesively bonding the device 10 to the puck 279.

(106) Referring now to the next embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 37-43, the embodiment relates to another improvement to the pedestal portion of the display that can be altered easily by the retailer to adjust the display angle of the product. Moreover, this embodiment provides a means for displaying product trademarks, company logos, or other print media on the fixture itself.

(107) FIG. 37 is a perspective view of this alternative embodiment. Reference 320 generally points to the pedestal or post portion of the display. The post portion 320 provides a resting place for a puck mounted electronic device 10 as previously described. The puck is generally indicated at 279 in this particular embodiment. The puck 279 is tethered (reference 275) and may be lifted from and returned to the post 320, in the manner previously described relative to other embodiments. As illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38 (and other Figs.), the post 320 has a charge cup, generally indicated at 322, that receives the puck portion 279.

(108) FIG. 38 is another perspective view, that shows a wall mounted version of the same embodiment.

(109) FIG. 39 is an exploded view that illustrates disconnection of the charge cup 322 from the remainder of the post 320. As can be seen, in FIGS. 37-41, the charge cup 322 is angled at 324 in a manner so that it rests on a similar angled shoulder 326 on the post 320 (see FIG. 39). The lower part of post 320 is hollow for receiving the modular retractor 283 previously described. A base plate 328 is used to mount the post 320 to a countertop or wall.

(110) FIG. 40 is a series of three views that illustrates how the charge cup 322 may be changed to adjust the angle of the product 10. According to this embodiment, the charge cup 322 is held in place by two screws 330, 332. Removing screws 330, 332 allows the charge cup 322 to be lifted, rotated, and then returned to a different angular position, as shown on the right-hand side of FIG. 40.

(111) The charge cup 322 has four scallops indicated generally at 334. This feature was previously described and allows the puck portion 279 to be lifted, rotated and returned to the post 320, while reengaging with electrical contacts at any position. At other words, each scalloped portion 334 of the charging cup 322 has its own set of contacts 336 at each one of a 90 degree position. This allows the display 10 to lifted from the post 320, examined by the user, and the user can place the device on the post 10 in a different rotational position from the position it was in when lifted. Even if returned in a different rotational position, the charging contacts will be reinitiated so that the puck/device combination can recharge when in the rest position.

(112) Referring now to FIG. 41, the embodiment is amenable to using clip-on display or advertising cover surfaces 340 that are easy to attach and remove from the post 320. There may be different ways of attaching the covers 340 to the post 320. However, as shown in FIG. 42, at reference numeral 342, the outer surface of the covers 340 may carry printed matter or bear different designs or logos at different times. In other words, there may be times when a specific post 320 is used to display a specific branded product. At that time, brand-dedicated covers 340 are attached to post 320 with logos specific to the product. If the product is later changed to a different brand, it is easy to remove the covers 340 and replace them with new ones that bear the different brand. In this way, it is possible for specific posts in an array to advertise the brands in a highly visible manner that can be seen by the consumer as he or she approaches the display. Similarly, the lift-and-rotate design of the charge cup 322 is amenable to surface covers that could accommodate the changes in the angle. In other words, if the post 320 is converted from the straight-up configuration shown in FIG. 43 to the angled configuration shown in FIG. 42, one set of covers 340A can be swapped with a second set of covers 340B to accommodate the changed configuration. The covers 340 could be manufactured as stamped steel covers. They may be attached with a low strength adhesive or other means.

(113) Finally, FIGS. 44-48 illustrate a tool for adhesively mounting the electronic device 10 to a VHB patch 350 on an upper surface of the puck. A perforated rubber strap 360 is laid on top of the device 10 after it is initially adhered to the VHB material 350. Pins 362, 364 are threaded into each side of the puck to provide a means for attaching the rubber strap 360 and wrapping it around the device 10. The rubber strap 360 has sufficient elasticity to allow it to stretch so that the appropriate perforation 362 on the strap may be used to create sufficient tension in the strap that it will hold the device 10 against the VHB material. After the VHB material cures, the device can be easily removed by the retailer, along with the pins.

(114) It is to be appreciated that the foregoing description sets forth the best known examples and embodiments. It is not intended that any of the foregoing description be used to limit the scope of the patent protection. Instead, all patent protection is to be defined solely by the patent claim or claims that follow this description, the interpretation of which is to be made according to the legal rules of patent claim interpretation and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.