WO2017142902A1

WO2017142902A1 - Kiosk for portable electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2017142902A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/017899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik L. VAN BERGEN; Robert Bisesti; William B. Howell
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2016-02-17
Filing date: 2017-02-15
Publication date: 2017-08-24

Abstract

A kiosk device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. The kiosk device includes a rear housing configured to at least partially receive a portable electronic device and an insert assembly configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing. The insert assembly is configured to at least partially receive and engage the portable electronic device. The kiosk device also includes an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing and a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing.

Description

KIOSK FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/296,336 filed on February 17, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to kiosks for protecting portable electronic devices from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A recent trend in work and retail store environments is to use smart devices, sometimes cellphones, but more often tablets, as customer service devices. This usage takes on two forms. One form is using a tablet as a kiosk where customers can interact with the device. This may be used to deliver information about the establishment or its products to the consumer, or to act as an interface for customer loyalty programs in lieu of plastic cards. A second usage is for retail store associates to carry such a device around the store to assist customers. The associate may use the device to display a layout of the store to show a customer where an item is, check on a price of an item, or access information regarding a product the customer is buying. In some stores, tablets are being used to check-out customers. Restaurants may use smart devices at a table for ordering or game playing. Hospitals may allow doctors and nurses to carry smart devices for mobile access to patient's health charts.

[0004] This trend requires customers, store associates and employees to interact with smart devices that tend to be fairly expensive. In some instances, the customer, store associate or employee may need to leave the smart device unattended for a period of time to perform another task, or it may be desired to provide the smart device for customer interaction. Thus, there is a need for a kiosk device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft, while allowing a sufficient level of user interaction with the portable electronic device. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards kiosk devices and methods for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft. In one embodiment, a kiosk device includes a rear housing configured to at least partially receive a portable electronic device and an insert assembly configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing. The insert assembly is configured to at least partially receive and engage the portable electronic device. The kiosk device also includes an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing and a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing.

[0006] In another embodiment, a kiosk device includes a rear housing configured to at least partially receive a portable electronic device and an insert assembly configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing. The insert assembly is configured to at least partially receive and engage the portable electronic device. The kiosk device further includes an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing and a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing. In addition, the kiosk device includes a stand configured to be coupled to and support the rear housing, the insert assembly, and the upper housing, and an electronic key configured to communicate with the lock mechanism for locking or unlocking the lock mechanism.

[0007] In one embodiment, a kiosk device includes a rear housing configured to at least partially receive a portable electronic device and a plurality of insert assemblies. Each insert assembly is configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing, and each insert assembly is sized and configured to at least partially receive and engage a respective portable electronic device. The kiosk device also includes a plurality of upper housings, wherein each upper housing is configured to removably engage the rear housing. The kiosk device also further includes a lock mechanism configured to lock one of the upper housings to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the upper housing and the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method includes positioning an insert assembly within a rear housing and securing the insert assembly and the rear housing to a stand or a support surface. The method also includes positioning a portable electronic device within the insert assembly and positioning an upper housing on the rear housing such that the upper housing is automatically locked to the rear housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method includes positioning an insert assembly within a rear housing and securing the insert assembly and the rear housing to a stand or a support surface. In addition, the method includes positioning a portable electronic device within the insert assembly and locking an upper housing on the rear housing.

[0010] In another embodiment, a kiosk device includes a rear housing configured to at least partially receive a portable electronic device and an insert assembly configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing. The insert assembly is configured to at least partially receive and engage the portable electronic device. The kiosk device also includes an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing and a stand configured to be coupled to and support the rear housing, the insert assembly, and the upper housing. Moreover, the kiosk device includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing, the insert assembly, and the rear housing to the stand in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device from the stand and to disengage the stand in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the stand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kiosk device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the kiosk device shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the kiosk device shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a rear housing according to one embodiment of the invention. [0015] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the rear housing shown in FIG. 4. [0016] FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the rear housing shown in FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a upper housing according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an insert assembly disposed within a upper housing according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an insert assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portable electronic device and insert assembly disposed within a rear housing according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stand according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same or similar parts, elements, components, assemblies, subassemblies or the like throughout the various views. The attached drawing figures show embodiments of a kiosk 10 for protecting a portable electronic device 15, for example, a tablet, against theft or unauthorized removal. As used herein, the term "tablet" is intended to include without limitation all types of portable, personal computers, for example, laptop, notebook, mini- notebook, sub-notebook and netbook type computers, as well as personal data assistant (PDA) and personal mobile communications (e.g., cell phone) type devices. The kiosk device 10 may be suitable for use by customers or employees, such as a retail store associate, a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a maintenance worker, or an airline pilot/attendant, in a variety of locations and environments.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a portable electronic device 15, and in particular a tablet, for use with a kiosk device 10 according to the invention. In one embodiment, the kiosk device 10 includes a housing 20, shroud, frame, sleeve, or the like that is configured to receive and secure the portable electronic device 15. The housing 20 is configured to at least partially receive and surround the portable electronic device 15. According to one embodiment, the housing 20 comprises a upper housing 24 and a rear housing 28 that are configured to engage with one another. The housing 20 may be made of a formable, substantially rigid material, such as hard plastic, composite, or thin sheet metal.

[0024] The housing 20 may be removably supported on a stand 50, as will be discussed in further detail below. In some cases, the housing 20 is locked to the stand 50 and cannot be removed without providing proper authentication (e.g., unlocking with a key). As noted above, the housing 20 may include a upper housing 24 and a rear housing 28. The upper housing 24 may be removably attached to the rear housing 28 such that the upper housing can be completely removed from the rear housing. For example, the upper housing 24 may include a lip member 30 that is configured to engage a corresponding lip member 32 on the rear housing 28. When the lip members 30, 32 are engaged with one another, the upper housing 24 is configured to pivot from an open position to a closed position on the rear housing 28. Similarly, when the upper housing 24 is unlocked from the rear housing 28, the upper housing may be configured to pivot from the closed position to the open position for removing the portable electronic device 15. In other embodiments, the upper housing 24 and the rear housing 28 may be attached to one another.

[0025] The rear housing 28 may be configured to receive and display different sized portable electronic devices 15. In this manner, the rear housing 28 may in a sense be "universal", while the upper housing 24 may be customized for a particular portable electronic device 15. The rear housing 28 may be configured to at least support a rear surface of the portable electronic device 15, while the upper housing 24 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the front surface of the portable electronic device. The upper housing 24 may be envisioned as a "frame" for the portable electronic device in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the housing 20 further includes an insert assembly 34 for at least partially receiving a portable electronic device 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9-10). Similar to the upper housing 24, the insert assembly 34 may be customized for different sized portable electronic devices 15. In some cases, the insert assembly 34 is configured to at least partially receive the portable electronic device 15 and support the portable electronic device when positioned within the rear housing 28. The insert assembly 34 may include a portion or portions that are configured to receive the respective corners of the portable electronic device 15, or the insert assembly may be configured to extend around all or a portion of the periphery of the portable electronic device. For instance, FIG. 9 shows four discrete portions for engaging each of the corners of the portable electronic device 15. In some cases, the insert assembly 34 may be at least partially formed of a flexible or pliable material (e.g., foam) for engagement with the portable electronic device, such as the portions engaging the corners of the portable electronic device.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 9, the insert assembly 34 may include a series of holes 36 for receiving corresponding fasteners 38 that mate with corresponding holes 40 on the stand 50 for securing the insert assembly to the stand. The rear housing 28 may likewise include holes 42 configured to align with holes 36, 40 and receive the fasteners 38 for securing the rear housing to the stand 50.

[0027] As alluded to above, in some embodiments, the kiosk device 10 may have a lock mechanism 60 for securing the portable electronic device 15 on the stand 50. In some cases, the lock mechanism 60 may lock the portable electronic device 15 and housing 20 to the stand, while in other cases, the lock mechanism may facilitate removal of the portable electronic device from the housing. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism 60 may be attached to, or otherwise integrated with, the rear housing 28. The lock mechanism 60 may include any combination of electrical, magnetic, inductive, and/or mechanical interaction. For example, the lock mechanism 60 may be configured to automatically lock when the upper housing 24 is moved to a closed position on the rear housing 28. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 60 may be actuated mechanically and/or electronically. For example, FIGS. 4-5 (a portion of the upper housing 24 is removed for purposes of illustration) show a lock mechanism 60 that includes a pair of pins 62 that are configured to engage a pair of corresponding engagement members 64 on the upper housing 24. It is understood that any number of pins 62 and engagement members 64 may be employed (e.g., one or more). The pins 62 may be configured to move laterally between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the engagement members 64. In some instances, a motor may be configured to actuate a cam 66 that in turn actuates the pins 62. In other words, rotation of the cam 66 may cause the pins 62 to move laterally into or out of engagement with the engagement members 64. The pins 62 may be biased towards a retracted position (e.g., via a spring) such that rotation of the cam 66 to the disengaged positions allows the pins 62 to retract out of engagement with the engagement members. The motor may be in communication with a battery for powering the motor, and the lock mechanism 60 may include appropriate circuitry for controlling the motor and other components associated with the lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 60 may be powered by the power source of the portable electronic device 15 or tap power from the power source of the portable electronic device.

[0028] In on embodiment, the lock mechanism 60 may be actuated in response to closing the upper housing 24 on the rear housing 28. For instance, the upper housing 24 may include one or more magnets 70 that are configured to align with and engage one or more corresponding conductive pins 72 on the rear housing 28. Engagement of the magnets 70 with the pins 72 may result in completing an electrical circuit with circuitry disposed within the lock mechanism 60. In some cases, the upper housing 24 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) for also forming the electrical circuit with the lock mechanism 60. Completion of the circuit may signal the motor to be activated and thereby actuate the cam 66 and associated pins 62 for engaging the upper housing 24.

[0029] In order to release the upper housing 24 and the portable electronic device 15 from the stand 50, an authorized user could use an electronic key or other suitable security means (e.g. a pass code) to disarm an alarming device (e.g., alarm and monitoring electronics) and/or disengage the lock mechanism 60. For example, FIG. 2 shows that the rear housing 28 includes a port 74 for communicating with an electronic key for unlocking the lock mechanism 60. An unlocking feature for removing the portable electronic device 15 and/or disarming the alarming device may take many forms, including those discussed above. One embodiment is an electronic key utilizing radio frequencies, infrared, or some other electronic means to communicate with the housing 20 and/or stand 50 to allow the portable electronic device 15 to be released. For example, the port 74 may be configured to receive a signal from the electronic key having a unique identifying code recognizable by the housing 20 and/or stand 50, but otherwise unrecognizable by other housings and/or stands not associated with the code (e.g., in other departments or stores). Upon matching of the codes, the lock mechanism 60 may initiate unlocking of the upper housing 20 from the rear housing 28.

[0030] In the example where the portable electronic device 15 and housing 20 are removable from the stand 50 via actuation of the lock mechanism 60, the portable electronic device, housing, and/or and stand may cooperate with one another to determine a proximity relative to one another and to initiate security or alarm signals based on the proximity. The portable electronic device 15, housing 20, and/or and stand 50 may communicate using wireless signals to determine proximity or location (e.g., received signal strength indicator ("RSSI") or ultra- wideband time of flight). For example, the stand 60 may define a home position, and the portable electronic device 15 and housing 20 may be configured to move an allowable distance from the home position before a security or alarm signal is generated. Likewise, a security or alarm signal may be generated in response to the proximity between the portable electronic device 15 and housing 20 being within a particular proximity to a device or location. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device 15, housing 20, and/or stand 50 may communicate and determine proximity similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,437,088, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise From Theft, U.S. Patent No. 8,878,673, entitled Systems and Methods for Protecting Retail Display Merchandise From Theft, International Appl. Publ. No. WO 2016/210069, entitled Wireless Merchandise Security System, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] As previously mentioned, the kiosk device 10 may further include a stand 50, dock, base, or the like for receiving and supporting the portable electronic device 15. The stand 50 may be configured to temporarily secure the portable electronic device 15 thereto. In turn, the stand 50 may be configured to be fixed to a support surface, such as a fixture, a counter, a wall, or the like, for example, with one or more fasteners and/or adhesive. For example, FIGS. 1-3 show that the stand 50 may include one or more fasteners 80 for being secured to a support surface. In some instances, the portable electronic device 15 is configured to be readily placed on the stand 50 and removed by an authorized user. For example, a retail store associate may utilize a portable electronic device 15 for point-of-sale transactions and wish to temporarily secure the device against theft or unauthorized removal. As such, the stand 50 may also be configured to be alarmed, locked, and/or otherwise secured so that unauthorized persons cannot remove the portable electronic device 15. In one embodiment, the stand 50 includes an alarming device (e.g., an alarm and monitoring electronics) configured to arm when the portable electronic device 15 is positioned within the stand, and to disarm when the portable electronic device is removed by an authorized user. The portable electronic device 15 may be operably engaged with the stand 50 and/or with an alarming device in a wireless manner (i.e., no tether is required), although wired means may be used if desired.

[0032] The stand 50 may include various input and/or output connections for communicating power, data, and/or security signals with the portable electronic device 15, housing 20, and/or stand. For instance, the stand 50 may include various data outputs and video outputs, such as for communicating with one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, etc.). Moreover, the stand 50 may include one or more data ports (e.g., USB ports) for communicating with the portable electronic device 15, such as for receiving data from or providing data to the portable electronic device.

[0033] The housing and/or stand 50 may include alarm and monitoring electronics for activating the alarm in the event that the housing 20 and/or the portable electronic device 15 are detached from the stand in an unauthorized manner. The monitoring electronics may be configured to monitor one or more sensors or switches and to activate an audible or visible alarm signal in response to a security event. Moreover, the housing 20 and/or stand 50 may include a processor or controller that is operably engaged with the monitoring electronics, a motor, switches, an alarm, etc.

[0034] Moreover, the stand 50 may be configured to support the portable electronic device 15 in one of a plurality of desired orientations (e.g., portrait or landscape). In addition or alternatively, the housing 20 may be configured to rotate about the stand so as to be positioned in any desired orientation (e.g., rotatable 360 degrees). In another embodiment, the housing 20 may be configured to have a plurality of degrees of freedom relative to the stand 50. For example, the housing 20 may be configured to rotate about at least two axes of rotation (e.g., rotation and tilt). As such, a user is able to readily adjust the position of the portable electronic device 15 relative to the stand 50. In some cases, the stand 50 may include add-on features for enabling rotation or tilt. For instance, a rotation mechanism may be able to be added between the housing 20 and the stand 50 for allowing rotation therebetween, or a rotation mechanism could be added to the bottom of the stand between the stand and the support surface. In some cases, a tilt mechanism may be configured to be added to the stand for allowing the housing 20 to tilt relative to the stand 50. Thus, the stand 50 may be adapted to receive various add-on components depending on the needs of the end user.

[0035] The stand 50 may include a mechanical mechanism or sensor, such as a pressure or plunger switch, operably engaged with the alarm and monitoring electronics that is configured to activate in response to engagement and disengagement with the portable electronic device 15 and/or the housing 20. Likewise, the stand 50 may include a mechanical mechanism or sensor that is configured to sense if the stand has been removed from a support surface in an unauthorized manner. As discussed above, the authorized user may utilize a key, pass code, RFID, or the like to unlock the portable electronic device 15 and housing 20 from the stand 50 and/or to disarm the alarm and monitoring electronics.

[0036] In some embodiments, the stand 50 is configured to power and/or charge a portable electronic device 15 that is docked on the stand. In this case, the kiosk device 10 may include a power cord coupled to the stand 50, inductive charging functionality, or contact charging functionality. For example, the stand 50 may pass power to the portable electronic device 15 via the housing 20 that is connected to a power input port of the portable electronic device via a connector operably engaged with the housing. When the housing 20 is docked on the stand 50, the stand is configured to pass power to the housing and/or the portable electronic device 15. In some embodiments, the battery in the housing 20 may be rechargeable when the housing is docked on the stand 50 by passing power to the housing. An LED or other signaling device may be used to indicate that the kiosk device 10 is armed. In addition, the alarm and monitoring electronics may be configured to generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/or visible alarm) in response to unauthorized removal of the portable electronic device 15 and/or housing 20 from the stand 50.

[0037] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a kiosk device for protecting a portable electronic device, for example, a tablet, from theft or unauthorized removal. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A kiosk device for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft, the kiosk device comprising:

a rear housing configured to at least partially receive a portable electronic device;

an insert assembly configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing, the insert assembly configured to at least partially receive and engage the portable electronic device;

an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing; and

a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing.

2. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a tablet.

3. The kiosk device of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of insert assemblies each sized for different sized portable electronic devices.

4. The kiosk device of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of upper housings each sized for different sized portable electronic devices.

5. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the insert assembly comprises a foam material.

6. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the upper housing is formed of a metal material.

7. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein engagement of the upper housing on the rear housing is configured to complete an electrical circuit for actuating the lock mechanism.

8. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is attached to the rear housing.

9. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to communicate with an electronic key for unlocking the lock mechanism.

10. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a pair of pins and the upper housing comprises a pair of engagement members, and wherein the pair of pins are configured to be actuated for engaging the pair of engagement members.

11. The kiosk device of Claim 1, further comprising a stand configured to be secured to and support the rear housing and the insert assembly.

12. The kiosk device of Claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to automatically lock in response to closing the upper housing on the rear housing.

13. A kiosk device for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft, the kiosk device comprising:

an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing;

a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing;

a stand configured to be coupled to and support the rear housing, the insert assembly, and the upper housing; and

an electronic key configured to communicate with the lock mechanism for locking or unlocking the lock mechanism.

14. A kiosk device for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft, the kiosk device comprising:

a plurality of insert assemblies, each insert assembly configured to be received by and secured to the rear housing, each insert assembly sized and configured to at least partially receive and engage a respective portable electronic device;

a plurality of upper housings, each upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing;

a lock mechanism configured to lock one of the upper housings to the rear housing in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device and to disengage the upper housing in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the upper housing and the portable electronic device to be removed from the rear housing.

15. The kiosk device of Claim 13, further comprising a stand configured to be secured to and support the rear housing and each insert assembly.

16. A method for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft, the method comprising:

positioning an insert assembly within a rear housing;

securing the insert assembly and the rear housing to a stand or a support surface;

positioning a portable electronic device within the insert assembly; and

positioning an upper housing on the rear housing such that the upper housing is automatically locked to the rear housing.

17. The method of Claim 16, further comprising unlocking the upper housing from the rear housing using an electronic key.

18. The method of Claim 16, further comprising selecting one of a plurality of different sized insert assemblies.

19. The method of Claim 18, further comprising selecting one of a plurality of different sized upper housings.

20. A method for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft, the method comprising:

positioning an insert assembly within a rear housing;

positioning a portable electronic device within the insert assembly; and

locking an upper housing on the rear housing.

21. A kiosk device for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorized removal or theft, the kiosk device comprising:

an upper housing configured to removably engage the rear housing; a stand configured to be coupled to and support the rear housing, the insert assembly, and the upper housing; and

a lock mechanism configured to lock the upper housing, the insert assembly, and the rear housing to the stand in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the portable electronic device from the stand and to disengage the stand in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the stand.