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 an electronic item of merchandise comprising:
 a continuous alarming cord having a first end adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic item of merchandise;   a reel for receiving a second end of the alarming cord and adapted for storing at least a portion of the alarming cord thereon; and   monitoring circuitry in electrical communication with the alarming cord and configured to detect an interruption in an electrical signal provided to the alarming cord.   
     
     
         2 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an alarm module comprising the monitoring circuitry; and   a power cable having a first end electrically coupled to the second end of the alarming cord and a second end electrically connected to the alarm module.   
     
     
         3 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the alarming cord and the first end of the power cable each terminate in a transformer comprising a coiled spool of wire configured to electrically connect the alarming power cord and the power cable. 
     
     
         4 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 2 , wherein the alarming cord and the power cable are not in direct wire-to-wire electrical communication. 
     
     
         5 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 2 , wherein the reel comprises a central hub portion for receiving the second end of the alarming cord, and wherein the first end of the power cable is electrically coupled to the second end of the alarming cord at the central hub portion of the reel. 
     
     
         6 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 2 , wherein the alarm module is configured to generate an audible and/or a visible alarm in response to interruption of the electrical signal. 
     
     
         7 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the alarming cord comprises a connector and the first end of the power cable comprises a socket or plug configured to mate with the connector. 
     
     
         8 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a display stand for housing the reel and providing electrical power to the alarming cord. 
     
     
         9 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 8 , wherein the electronic item of merchandise is configured to be removably secured on the display stand. 
     
     
         10 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 8 , wherein each of the reel and the display stand comprises electrical traces configured to electrically couple with one another for providing electrical power through the alarming cable to the electronic item of merchandise. 
     
     
         11 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for retracting the alarming cord onto the reel, wherein the reel and the portion of the alarming cord stored thereon are detachable from the means for retracting. 
     
     
         12 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 11 , wherein the means for retracting the alarming cord onto the reel is biased by a biasing force to automatically retract the portion of the alarming cord in the absence of a tensile pulling force that exceeds the biasing force. 
     
     
         13 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , wherein the reel is rotatable for dispensing and collecting a predetermined portion of the alarming cord. 
     
     
         14 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the alarming cord comprises a connector adapted to engage a power input port of the electronic item of merchandise. 
     
     
         15 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a strain relief block configured to be attached to the electronic item of merchandise, wherein a portion of the alarming cord is configured to be routed through the strain relief block. 
     
     
         16 . The merchandise security system according to  claim 1 , wherein the alarming cord does not comprise a second cable selected from a plurality of adapter cables to provide an appropriate operating voltage and/or current to the electronic item of merchandise. 
     
     
         17 . A method for securing an electronic item of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
 electrically connecting a first end of a continuous alarming cord to the electronic item of merchandise, wherein a second end of the alarming cord is connected to a reel for storing at least a portion of the alarming cord thereon; and   electrically coupling the second end of the alarming cord to a power source such that an electrical signal is provided to the alarming cord, wherein an interruption in the electrical signal is detectable by monitoring electronics.