Programmable security system and method for protecting merchandise
A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time. A counter inactivates the programmable key after a predetermined maximum number of activations.
1. A programmable security system for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the programmable security system comprising:
a programming station configured to generate a security code and having a memory for storing the security code;
a programmable key configured to communicate with the programming station to receive the security code and to store the security code in a memory; and
a security device comprising an alarm and a memory for storing the security code, the security device configured to be attached to an item of merchandise, the security device further comprising a switch configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised,
wherein the programmable key is configured to communicate with the security device to arm or disarm the security device upon a matching of the security code stored in the memory of the security device with the security code stored in the memory of the programmable key.
2. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the security device further comprises a fastener.
3. The programmable security system of claim 2 , wherein the fastener comprises an adhesive.
4. The programmable security system of claim 3 , wherein the adhesive is configured to secure the security device to a support.
5. The programmable security system of claim 1 , further comprising an attachment cable attached to the security device.
6. The programmable security system of claim 5 , wherein the alarm is configured to be activated in response to cutting the attachment cable.
7. The programmable security system of claim 5 , wherein the alarm is configured to be activated in response to detaching the attachment cable from the security device.
8. The programmable security system of claim 5 , wherein the security device comprises a plurality of connection jacks, and wherein the attachment cable is configured to be connected to one of the plurality of connection jacks.
9. The programmable security system of claim 5 , wherein the attachment cable extends between the security device and the item of merchandise.
10. The programmable security system of claim 5 , wherein the at least one attachment cable comprises a helical coil.
11. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the security device further comprises a visual indicator configured to indicate a status of the security device.
12. The programmable security system of claim 11 , wherein the visual indicator is an LED.
13. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key further comprises a visual indicator configured to indicate a status of the programmable key.
14. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key comprises an internal battery.
15. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programming station comprises a switch configured to be actuated for programming the security code in the programmable key.
16. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programming station comprises a port for receiving the programmable key therein.
17. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key is configured to wirelessly communicate with the security device.
18. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the security device comprises a power source.
19. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key comprises a timer and wherein the programmable key is configured to be inactivated after a predetermined period of time.
20. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programmable key comprises a timer and wherein the programmable key is configured to be inactivated if the security code stored in the memory of the programmable key is not reprogrammed or refreshed by the programming station within a predetermined period of time.
21. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to engage a support when the security device is attached thereto, and wherein the switch is configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to removal of the security device from the support.
22. The programmable security system of claim 1 , wherein the programming station is configured to generate a unique security code.
23. The programmable security system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of security devices.
24. The programmable security system of claim 23 , wherein each of the plurality of security devices is configured to communicate with the programmable key.
25. A method for protecting items of merchandise from theft, the method comprising:
actuating a switch on a programming station so that the programming station generates a security code, in wherein a programmable key is configured to communicate with the programming station to receive and store the security code;
attaching a security device to an item of merchandise, the security device comprising an alarm and storing the security code, the security device further comprising a switch configured to be actuated for activating the alarm in response to the integrity of the security device being compromised; and
actuating the programmable key storing the security code to communicate with the security device to arm or disarm the security device upon a matching of the security code stored in the security device with the security code stored in the programmable key.
26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the attaching comprises attaching the security device to a support such that the switch of the security device engages the support.
27. The method of claim 25 , wherein the attaching comprises attaching a cable to the item of merchandise such that the cable extends between the security device and the item of merchandise.