Smart device for use with an electronic key

Abstract

A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. The merchandise security system comprises a smart device and an electronic key coupled to the smart device. The electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating a merchandise security device.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, the merchandise security system comprising:
 a smart device; and   an electronic key coupled to the smart device and configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.   
     
     
         2 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic key does not include a power source and the smart device includes a power source, and wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power from the power source to the electronic key. 
     
     
         3 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is electrically coupled to the electronic key via an input port on the smart device. 
     
     
         4 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is integrated with the smart device. 
     
     
         5 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a shroud engaged with the smart device, wherein the electronic key is coupled to the shroud. 
     
     
         6 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device comprises a cellular phone or a tablet. 
     
     
         7 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to wirelessly communicate with the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         8 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to transfer power inductively to the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         9 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the smart device and/or the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         10 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power to a merchandise security device to arm, lock, disarm, and/or unlock the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         11 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power from the smart device to the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         12 . A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, comprising:
 a smart device;   an electronic key electrically coupled to the smart device; and   a merchandise security device,   wherein the electronic key is configured to communicate with the merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.   
     
     
         13 . The merchandise security system of  claim 12 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be locked and/or unlocked via electrical power transferred from the electronic key. 
     
     
         14 . The merchandise security system of  claim 13 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer power inductively. 
     
     
         15 . The merchandise security system of  claim 12 , wherein the merchandise security device is configured to be armed and/or disarmed via electrical power transferred from the electronic key. 
     
     
         16 . The merchandise security system of  claim 12 , wherein the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         17 . The merchandise security system of  claim 12 , wherein the merchandise security device and the electronic key do not include a power source. 
     
     
         18 . A method for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:
 coupling an electronic key to a smart device;   actuating the smart device or the electronic key to communicate with a merchandise security device for operating the merchandise security device.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein actuating causes transferring electrical power from the electronic key to the merchandise security device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein actuating causes the electronic key to communicate with the merchandise security device without the electronic key or the merchandise security device requiring a power source.