Merchandise security system including retractable alarming power cord

Abstract

A merchandise security system for an electronic item of merchandise is provided. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a continuous alarming power cord comprising at least one electrical conductor. The alarming power cord has a first end adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic item of merchandise and a second end. The merchandise security system also includes a reel for receiving the second end of the alarming power cord and adapted for storing at least a portion of the alarming power cord thereon. In addition, the merchandise security system includes monitoring circuitry in electrical communication with the alarming power cord and configured to detect an interruption in an electrical signal provided to the alarming power cord.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A merchandise security system for protecting an electronic item of merchandise from theft in a retail store, the merchandise security system comprising:
 a reel configured to store at least a portion of a cord thereon, the reel comprising at least one electrical coupling on an outer surface thereof;   monitoring electronics configured to detect an interruption in a signal provided to the cord and to generate an alarm signal in response to an attempted theft of the electronic item of merchandise; and   a housing defining an interior for receiving the reel therein, the reel configured to be removably inserted within the housing, the housing comprising at least one electrical coupling configured to engage with and electrically connect to the at least one electrical coupling of the reel when the reel is received within the housing, wherein the housing is a display stand configured to removably support the electronic item of merchandise thereon,   wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is configured to extend between an interior surface of the interior of the housing and the at least one electrical coupling of the reel when the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is engaged with and electrically connected to the at least one electrical coupling of the reel.   
     
     
         2 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cord configured to be coupled to the electronic item of merchandise. 
     
     
         3 . The merchandise security system of  claim 2 , further comprising a connector coupled to the cord and adapted to engage a power input port of the electronic item of merchandise. 
     
     
         4 . The merchandise security system of  claim 3 , wherein the monitoring electronics is configured to detect, and generate an alarm signal in response to, removal of the connector from the power input port. 
     
     
         5 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the reel comprises an electrical trace. 
     
     
         6 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing comprises an electrical terminal. 
     
     
         7 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing comprises an electrical terminal coupled to the interior surface of the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         8 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing comprises an electrical terminal engaged with the interior surface of the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is engaged with the interior surface of the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is engaged with the interior surface of the interior of the housing and the at least one electrical coupling of the reel when the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is engaged with and electrically connected to the at least one electrical coupling of the reel. 
     
     
         11 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing comprises an electrical terminal and an electrical lead electrically connected to a printed circuit board disposed within the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         12 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises means for retracting the cord onto the reel. 
     
     
         13 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the reel is rotatable for dispensing and collecting a predetermined portion of the cord. 
     
     
         14 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a barrier configured to cover an opening to the interior of the housing for containing the reel therein and to be removed from the opening for inserting and removing the reel though the opening. 
     
     
         15 . The merchandise security system of  claim 14 , wherein the barrier comprises a door. 
     
     
         16 . The merchandise security system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is coupled to an interior surface of the barrier. 
     
     
         17 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the housing is coupled to the interior surface of the interior of the housing. 
     
     
         18 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical coupling of the reel is circular in shape. 
     
     
         19 . A method for securing an electronic item of merchandise from theft in a retail store, the method comprising:
 inserting a reel within an interior of a display housing such that at least one electrical coupling of the display housing engages with and electrically connects to at least one electrical coupling on an outer surface of the reel and such that the at least one electrical coupling of the display housing extends between an interior surface of the interior of the display housing and the at least one electrical coupling of the reel, wherein the reel is configured to store at least a portion of a cord thereon;   covering the interior of the housing for retaining the reel therein;   attaching a block member to a rear surface of the electronic item of merchandise, the block member configured to be operably engaged with the cord;   placing the block member on the display housing such that the block member mates with and is supported by the display housing for display in a retail store; and   removing the block member and the electronic item of merchandise from the display housing such that the cord extends relative to the display housing.   
     
     
         20 . The merchandise security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a block member configured to be secured to a rear surface of the electronic item of merchandise and further configured to be operably engaged with the cord.