Merchandise security devices for use with an electronic key
A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
1. A merchandise security system for protecting an item of merchandise from theft, comprising:
an electronic key configured to communicate data and transfer electrical power; and
a merchandise security device comprising a lock mechanism that is configured to be operated by electrical power transferred from the electronic key to the lock mechanism,
wherein the lock mechanism is operably engaged with a shape memory material that is configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power from the electronic key to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism,
wherein the electronic key is configured to communicate data to the merchandise security device,
wherein the merchandise security device is not configured to recognize the data, and
wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power to the lock mechanism after transmitting the data to the merchandise security device and not receiving a return signal from the merchandise security device.
2. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power inductively to the lock mechanism.
3. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to time out after a predetermined period of time.
4. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device does not include at least one of a rectifier, a battery, or a logic control circuit to facilitate locking or unlocking thereof.
5. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one conductor operably engaged with the lock mechanism and in electrical communication with the shape memory material.
6. The merchandise security system of claim 5 , wherein the at least one conductor comprises a coil having a plurality of continuous windings.
7. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a wire in electrical communication with the lock mechanism.
8. The merchandise security system of claim 7 , wherein the shape memory material is configured to change in length in response to the at least one conductor receiving electrical power.
9. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power wirelessly.
10. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device comprises:
a container defining an enclosure configured to receive the item of merchandise therein; and
a lid pivotally engaged with the container and configured to pivot between open and closed positions relative to the container,
wherein the lock mechanism is operably engaged with the lid or the container and is operable to lock the lid to the container in the closed position, and
wherein the shape memory material is configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power for unlocking the lid from the container so that the item of merchandise may be removed from the container in the open position.
11. The merchandise security system of claim 10 , wherein the lock mechanism is operably engaged with the lid.
12. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device further comprises a locking hook configured to be secured to a display surface, the locking hook comprising at least one rod for supporting items of merchandise thereon and a housing configured to releasably engage the at least one rod in response to actuation of the lock mechanism, wherein the housing contains the lock mechanism and is configured to be engaged to the at least one rod when the lock mechanism is in a locked configuration and disengaged from the at least one rod when the lock mechanism is in an unlocked configuration.
13. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device further comprises a housing configured to releasably engage, and be removed from, at least one rod in response to actuation of the lock mechanism, wherein the housing contains the lock mechanism and is configured to be engaged to the at least one rod when the lock mechanism is in a locked configuration and disengaged from the at least one rod when the lock mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, and wherein the at least one rod is configured to be secured to a display surface for supporting items of merchandise thereon.
14. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the data comprises a security disarm code.
15. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein the merchandise security device does not include an alarm circuit.
16. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , wherein no compressive and/or torsional force is exerted by the electronic key on the lock mechanism in order to lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
17. The merchandise security system of claim 1 , further comprising a second merchandise security device configured to communicate with the electronic key for authorizing operation of the second merchandise security device, wherein the electronic key is configured to transfer electrical power to the lock mechanism after determining that the merchandise security device is an authorized device.
18. A method for protecting an item of merchandise susceptible to theft, comprising:
receiving data from an electronic key at a merchandise security device, wherein the merchandise security device is not configured to recognize the data and comprises a lock mechanism;
receiving electrical power from the electronic key at the merchandise security device after receiving the data and not receiving a return signal from the merchandise security device; and
locking or unlocking the lock mechanism in response to a change in shape of a shape memory material operably engaged with the lock mechanism.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein receiving electrical power comprises receiving electrical power inductively.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein receiving data comprises receiving a security disarm code.