Merchandise security system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes an electrical connector. The security system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the base includes an electronics module having a connector. The connector of the sensor and the connector of the electronics module are configured to electrically connect with one another when the sensor is supported on the base, and the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor.

1 . A security system for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, the security system comprising:
 a bracket configured to be attached to an item of merchandise;   a sensor configured to releasably engage the bracket; and   a flexible circuit with a connector configured to removably engage an input port of the item of merchandise and configured to be in electrical communication with the sensor,   wherein the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the sensor or the connector from the item of merchandise.   
     
     
         2 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to releasably engage the bracket with a lock mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The security system of  claim 2 , wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be magnetically actuated. 
     
     
         4 . The security system of  claim 2 , wherein the lock mechanism is biased towards a locked position. 
     
     
         5 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible circuit is configured to establish an electrical connection with the sensor when the sensor is engaged with the bracket. 
     
     
         6 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible circuit is releasably engaged with the sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to slidably engage the bracket. 
     
     
         8 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible circuit does not comprise a round or helical cable. 
     
     
         9 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible circuit is configured to extend outwardly from the sensor and to the connector. 
     
     
         10 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the connector from the input port. 
     
     
         11 . The security system of  claim 10 , further comprising a cable electrically connected to the sensor, the cable comprising at least one conductor for defining a sense loop. 
     
     
         12 . The security system of  claim 11 , further comprising an alarm unit operably engaged with the cable and configured to generate a security signal when the sensor or the connector is removed from the item of merchandise or the sense loop is interrupted. 
     
     
         13 . The security system of  claim 11 , further comprising a recoiler connected to the cable. 
     
     
         14 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a power box configured to communicate with the item of merchandise to determine a voltage requirement of the item of merchandise via USB Power Delivery. 
     
     
         15 . The security system of  claim 14 , wherein the power box is configured to provide a voltage to the item of merchandise based on the voltage requirement. 
     
     
         16 . The security system of  claim 14 , wherein the power box is configured to convert an input AC voltage to an output DC voltage. 
     
     
         17 . The security system of  claim 14 , wherein the base is electrically connected to the power box. 
     
     
         18 . The security system of  claim 17 , wherein the power box is operably connected to the base via a USB-C connector. 
     
     
         19 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein an end of the flexible circuit comprises one or more electrical contacts that are configured to align with and contact one or more electrical contacts on the sensor when the sensor is in engagement with the bracket for establishing an electrical connection. 
     
     
         20 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a bracket assembly having at least one bracket arm configured to engage a side of the item of merchandise and the bracket, wherein the bracket assembly is configured to prevent removal of the sensor from the bracket. 
     
     
         21 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible circuit is not soldered to the sensor. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A method for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal, the method comprising:
 attaching a bracket to an item of merchandise;   engaging a sensor with the bracket; and   engaging a connector of a flexible circuit with an input port of the item of merchandise to establish electrical communication with the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the sensor or the connector from the item of merchandise.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein attaching comprises attaching the bracket to a rear surface of the item of merchandise. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising engaging a bracket assembly with the item of merchandise and the bracket, wherein the bracket assembly is configured to prevent removal of the sensor from the bracket. 
     
     
         27 . (canceled)