EP3014038B1 - Anti-theft device intended to be attached to an item sold over-the-counter - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of antitheft devices for securing articles in free distribution. The most common solution for protecting items is undoubtedly the electronic gantry system with associated labeling.

These labels use devices equipped with a means interacting with a gantry equipping the exit areas outside the crates, and triggering an alarm when a barge tries to leave the place of sale without having paid the article to which the anti-theft device is fixed.

The cashier has an unlocker to remove the device of the article during the checkout.

The anti-theft devices are configured according to the geometry and nature of the article to be protected. The present invention relates more particularly to anti-theft devices for protecting clothing articles such as shoes, leather goods, fabrics, fashion accessories, undergarments, etc. without this list being exhaustive.

State of the art

For this type of article, it is known in the state of the art to provide a lock consisting of two parts. One of the parts has a tip that can pass through a hole in the article, or perforate a tissue. This tip is housed in a cavity provided on the complementary part which ensures locking. In this case, locking the tip prevents the opening of the lock. This cavity has a locking system that firmly holds the tip, when engaged in the second part. Its release is only possible with a specific unlocker.

In particular, the US patent application is known US2006070410 describing an antitheft device consisting of two articulated elements which are releasably joined together around a tubular article to be protected. One of the elements is extended at its end by a needle, the other of the elements being provided with a housing having locking means of the end of the needle, when the two elements are in the closed position.

The international patent application is also known WO0129354 discloses a rivet for security label, constituted by a hollow housing having a head extended by a movable needle between a retracted position inside the housing and an extended position, this assembly being separable from the security label.

The patent is still known WO2006 / 106536 describing an antitheft security tag comprising a first closure member provided with a nail, and a second closure member provided with means for gripping said nail. The label has a housing for receiving the nail, consisting of a cylindrical seat. A sealing ring protects the end of the nail in the retracted position.

The patent application WO2012020105 discloses an anti-theft device of the type with a spindle and a spindle retaining plate, comprising a head which supports an axis. The head and the plate are adapted to enclose in a manner similar to a sandwich between them a portion of an article of clothing which is traversed by the pin. The head has a hood for protecting the spindle, which can be reversibly expanded by resilient means from a spindle engagement configuration, with the shroud substantially retracted into the head, in a configuration for disengaging the spindle, pin, with the protective cover extending from the head so as to surround the pin until the end of its tip.

The patent is still known EP00702040 describing a protection detector against theft of articles, comprising an alarm circuit electrically connected to an end of at least one conductor and at the other end of the conductor by mechanically contacting a female element and a male element crossing the article to be protected.

The male element is an electrically conductive and conical needle along its entire length and said female element is constituted by a housing whose lid comprises a hole and in which an electrically insulating plate has a hole in the same axis as the hole and a diameter slightly greater than the largest diameter of the needle. The end of the conductor being connected to a point of contact of the wafer. The other end of the conductor is connected to a second point of contact of the wafer by the needle and two electrically conductive wires fixed tangentially on the wafer so as to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with the needle when it enters the wafers. holes.

An anti-theft device of the document is also known US2006 / 0070410 A1 consisting of two semi-tubular half hulls hinged to allow insertion or removal of an element cylindrical housing in the two semi-tubular cavities. One of the shells has a pushing system for moving a needle between a position where it slightly protrudes from the surface, and a position where it no longer protrudes, to engage in a complementary ball system laterally extending the other half-hull.

Finally, there are known anti-theft devices of the documents WO 2006/106536 A1 and WO 2012/020105 A1 comprising three retractable cages for moving a needle to a retracted position where the tip of the needle does not protrude.

Disadvantages of the solutions of the prior art

The solutions of the prior art are not fully satisfactory.

The first disadvantage is that the tip intended to cross the article to be protected is invasive and can injure the user when setting up or removing the device on an article, especially in the case where the tip is flush with the surface of the device in the open position.

The second disadvantage, for some solutions, is that this tip performs a curved path in which it is opposite the receiving orifice when the arms are well positioned. The slightest lateral force prevents penetration of the tip into the receiving hole.

The third disadvantage is that these solutions of the prior art are limited to one type of article, and does not have flexibility for more universal use, for articles of different thickness or configuration.

A fourth drawback is the vulnerability of the device of the prior art in the event of a sudden shock on the device. In this case, it is customary for the locking means to unintentionally release the needle, which allows a thief to remove the device and thus counter the alarm devices provided in the magazine.

Solution provided by the invention

In order to remedy the first three disadvantages, the present invention relates, according to its most general meaning, to an antitheft device intended to be attached to an article sold over the counter, formed by two parts, one of which includes means for remote interaction with a device. detection terminal of the passage of such a device, said parts being articulated by a hinge to allow a movement between a protective position in which it interacts with a portion of the article to be protected to prevent the separation of the antitheft device and the article, and a release position in which it allows the withdrawal of the article, one of the parties having at the opposite end to said moving needle hinge in a direction perpendicular to the median plane of the device, the other part having a housing for receiving said needle, the housing having locking means configured to allow the release of said needle to using an unlocker, characterized in that said first portion having three nested cages for moving said needle between a retracted position where the tip of said needle does not exceed the inner surface of the first part , and an output position where said needle is engaged in the complementary housing when the device is in the closed position.

Preferably the outer cage has an inner hollow volume corresponding to the external volume of the intermediate cage, said intermediate cage having an inner hollow space corresponding to the outer volume of the inner cage, the height of the intermediate cage being configured not to exceed the surface upper end of the outer cage, the height of the inner cage being configured not to exceed the upper end surface of the outer and middle cage in the locking position.

According to a variant, the locking means is constituted by at least one ball driven by a spring towards the bottom of the housing intended to receive the needle, said housing having a frustoconical shape intended to cause jamming of the ball against the needle, said bile being able to interact with an unlocking means to oppose the action of said spring.

Advantageously, the locking means further comprises lateral locking means of said frustoconical shaped housing, said lateral locking means being adapted to interact with an unlocking means to release the axial displacement of said housing.

According to a first variant, the locking means is constituted by at least one ball driven by a spring towards the bottom of the housing for receiving the needle, said housing having a conical shape intended to cause jamming of the ball against the needle. said bile being able to interact with an unlocking means to oppose the action of said spring.

In a second variant, the locking means is constituted by a blade configured to prevent movement of the needle at rest and interact with an unlocking means to release said needle.

Advantageously, said first and second parts are configured to delimit a transverse window.

According to a particular embodiment, the ends of said first and second parts are configured to form a retaining surface of the article to be protected.

To also meet the fourth disadvantage referred to above, said second portion is extended in the axis of the needle by a damper.

According to a first variant, said damper is constituted by an elastically deformable piece.

According to a second variant, said damper is constituted by a movable part axially and damped by a spring.

The invention also relates to means for enhancing the effectiveness of the protection.

According to a first variant, one of said parts contains a capsule filled with a marking substance.

According to a second variant, one of said parts has at least one transparent zone.

According to a third variant, at least one of said parts has on its inner surface a surface state reinforcing the mechanical interaction with the article to be protected.

According to a fourth variant, said parts have on their inner surfaces complementary surface elements to enhance cooperation with a thin and deformable article to protect.

According to a fifth variant, said portions have an arcuate shape to surround a cylindrical zone of an article to be protected.

Advantageously, the antitheft device according to the invention is one of the elements of a series of antitheft devices distinguished from each other by a color code.

The invention also relates to a system formed by a plurality of such antitheft devices, comprising a locking system common to a range of products, and a plurality of components forming first and second variable geometry parts, each of said locking devices consisting of by a first assembly comprising the nestable cages (12 to 14) and the nail (4), and a second assembly constituted by the locking system of the nail by balls.

Detailed Description of Non-Limiting Examples of the Embodiment of the Invention

• les figures 1 et 2 représentent des vues du dispositif respectivement en position ouverte et en position fermée
• les figures 3 et 4 représentent des vues en coupe du dispositif fermé respectivement en position déverrouillée et en position verrouillées
• les figures 5 et 6 représentent des vues en coupe du dispositif fermé selon deux alternatives de réalisation
• les figures 7 à 10 représentent une vue éclatée, des vues en coupe transversale et en coupe longitudinale et une vue de dessus d'un dispositif antivol selon une variante de réalisation où l'un des bras contient une cartouche d'encre
• la figure 11 représente une autre variante de réalisation d'un antivol destiné à des tissus ou vêtements
• les figures 12 et 13 représentent des vues de dessus d'un antivol avec une fenêtre transparente et de cet antivol protégeant un article
• les figures 14 et 15 représentent des vues de dessus d'un antivol pour la protection de bouteilles.
• Les figures 16 à 18 représentent des vues d'une autre variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention
• Les figures 19 à 22 représentent des vues d'une autre variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, avec un codage indexé
• La figure 23 représente une vue éclatée d'une autre variante de réalisation d'un antivol avec une molette d'indexation
• La figure 24 représente une vue éclatée d'une une autre variante de réalisation d'un antivol pour la protection d'articles suspendus
• Les figures 25 à 28 représentent des vues d'une autre variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, pour la protection d'articles avec une boucle.
• Les figures 29 à 30 représentent des vues d'une autre variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention avec une sécurité renforcée
• La figure 31 représente une vue d'une une autre variante de réalisation d'un antivol avec une alarme
• La figure 32 représente une vue d'une une autre variante de réalisation d'un antivol avec bobine annulaire.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings relating to nonlimiting examples of embodiment in which:

• the Figures 1 and 2 represent views of the device respectively in the open position and in the closed position
• the Figures 3 and 4 represent sectional views of the closed device respectively in the unlocked position and in the locked position
• the Figures 5 and 6 represent sectional views of the closed device according to two alternative embodiments
• the Figures 7 to 10 are an exploded view, cross-sectional and longitudinal sectional views and a top view of an antitheft device according to an alternative embodiment wherein one of the arms contains an ink cartridge
• the figure 11 represents another variant embodiment of an anti-theft device for fabrics or clothing
• the Figures 12 and 13 represent top views of a lock with a transparent window and this lock protecting an item
• the Figures 14 and 15 represent top views of a lock for the protection of bottles.
• The Figures 16 to 18 represent views of another alternative embodiment of the invention
• The Figures 19 to 22 represent views of another alternative embodiment of the invention, with an indexed coding
• The figure 23 represents an exploded view of another embodiment of an antitheft device with an indexing wheel
• The figure 24 is an exploded view of another alternative embodiment of a lock for the protection of hanging articles
• The Figures 25 to 28 represent views of another alternative embodiment of the invention, for the protection of articles with a loop.
• The Figures 29 to 30 represent views of another alternative embodiment of the invention with enhanced security
• The figure 31 represents a view of an alternative embodiment of a lock with an alarm
• The figure 32 shows a view of another alternative embodiment of a lock with annular coil.

Description of a first variant

The Figures 1 and 2 represent views of the device respectively in the open position and in the closed position.

It is formed by two arms (1, 2), connected by a hinge (3). These arms (1, 2) are of generally parallelepipedal shape, slightly arched to form, in the closed position, a transverse cavity (6). The first arm (1) is extended perpendicularly by a needle (4). The other arm (2) is provided with a perpendicular extension (5).

The end (7) of the first arm (1) forms a plate coming into contact with a complementary plate (8) provided at the end of the second arm (2) when the device is in closed position.

• des articles minces présentant des oeillets, tels que des chaussures, des accessoires de mode, des vêtements et sous-vêtements, etc. : dans ce cas, l'aiguille (4) traverse un des oeillets de l'article
• des articles textiles : dans ce cas, l'aiguille (4) perfore une zone peu fragile de l'article
• des articles présentant un manche ou une lanière : dans ce cas, le dispositif est refermé pour loger le manche ou la lanière dans la fenêtre (6). Cette fenêtre peut présenter à cet effet une section rectangulaire, ou ronde, ou de toute autre forme adaptée.

This device can be used for different types of items:

• thin items with eyelets, such as shoes, fashion accessories, clothing and underwear, etc. : in this case, the needle (4) passes through one of the eyelets of the article
• textile articles: in this case, the needle (4) perforates a fragile area of the article
• articles having a handle or a strap: in this case, the device is closed to accommodate the handle or the strap in the window (6). This window may have for this purpose a rectangular section, or round, or any other suitable form.

The Figures 3 and 4 represent sectional views of the closed device respectively in the unlocked position and in the locked position.

In the unlocked position, the needle (4) is pushed into the retracted position by a spring (10) which abuts against an annular shoulder (11) provided at the head of the needle (4). This spring is supported on the opposite side on the flange (7) forming the end of the first arm (1).

The needle (4) is smooth, to avoid damaging the protected article as it passes through a fabric. It can also have grooves to improve the maintenance by the locking balls.

The needle is actuated by a set of three cages (12, 13, 14) retractable and nested.

The first cage (12) is fixed. The intermediate cage (13) is movable in axial translation with respect to the first cage (12). The inner cage (14) is movable in axial translation relative to the intermediate cage (14).

The first cage (12) has a cylindrical shape. It has the largest section. It is fixed and integral with the flange (7). It has a tubular inner surface, guiding the second cage (13), movable in axial translation relative to the first cage (12).

The upper end of the first cage has an annular inner shoulder (15) reducing the section and delimiting a passage for the second cylindrical cage (13).

This second cylindrical cage (13) also having a tubular inner surface, guiding the inner cage (14).

The intermediate cage (13) has at its lower part an annular outer shoulder (16) of an outer section complementary to the inner section of the cage (12), to provide movement and guidance. This shoulder (16) abuts against the inner annular shoulder (15) of the outer cage (12) and prevents removal of the second cage relative to the first cage (12).

The second cage (13) also has at its upper part an annular inner shoulder (17) reducing the section and delimiting a passage for a third frustoconical cage (14) having at its lower part an outer annular shoulder (18) limiting the moving and preventing removal of the third cage from the second cage (13).

The bottom of the third cage (14) is closed by a bottom (20) constituting an inner abutment against which the head of the needle (4) abuts, and whose outer surface forms a bearing zone allowing the user pushing the needle into its receptacle (5).

The strokes of the two intermediate and inner cages (13, 14) are substantially useful, so that the amount of displacement of the tip of the needle (14) is about two times greater than the variation in height of the locking knob , between the open position and the locked position. This reduces the size of the device, while preserving a useful stroke for effective locking.

Of course, the invention could also provide a higher number of mobile cages.

By exerting an axial force on the bottom of the third cage (14), the three cages are engaged in each other, which reduces their height and allows the needle to pass the surface of the frontal zone ( 7) of the first arm to engage the receptacle (5) provided at the end of the second arm (2).

This receptacle has a frustoconical housing (21) containing three balls (22, 23) distributed with an offset of 120 ° around the central axis.

These balls (22, 23) are pushed towards the bottom (26) of this conical housing (21) by a spring (25) bearing on the bottom of the receptacle (5). These balls block the displacement of the needle (4) by the wedging effect resulting from the radial component of the action of the balls (22, 23) on the inner wall of the frustoconical housing (21).

The balls (22, 23) are metallic and possibly magnetic. When an unlocker has a strong magnet or an electromagnet is brought near the bottom of the receptacle (5), the magnetic force opposes the effect of the spring (25), which reduces the jamming effect of the needle (4) and allows to release the needle, and thus to unlock and open the device.

To prevent axial shocks, exerted on the bottom of the receptacle, by suddenly tapping the device on a hard surface, unexpectedly move the balls and release the needle, different solutions are proposed.

The first is to orient the longitudinal axis defined by the needle (4) and the receptacle (5) at an angle relative to the transverse plane of the device, for example an angle of 10 to 35 degrees relative to the perpendicular, so that a frontal impact does not intervene in the axis of movement of the balls (22, 23).

Another solution is described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 .

The bottom of the receptacle (5) is extended by a damped area. This is, in the example illustrated by the figure 5 of an elastically deformable additional piece, for example a rubber half-sphere (30).

An alternative illustrated by the figure 6 consists in providing in the bottom of the receptacle (5) a closed cage (31) in which the spring (25) abuts.

Description of particular variants of the invention

The Figures 7 to 10 are an exploded view, cross-sectional and longitudinal sectional views and a top view of an antitheft device according to an alternative embodiment wherein one of the arms contains a cartridge (50) filled with a marking substance.

This substance may be an indelible ink, possibly under pressure. In the event of an attempt to destroy the lock, for example with a cutting pliers used to break the arm (1), or a lever inserted between the article and the arm to force it, the cartridge (50) breaks and releases its content on the protected article, thereby removing its value permanently, but also on the hands of the thief. The ink capsule (50) is transparent to allow visibility of the ink.

The cartridge (50) may also contain an odorous substance, for example a foul-smelling liquid, facilitating the identification of the thief and the provision of a presumption of attempted theft.

The cartridge (50) is transparent to sensitize people tempted to commit fraud of the consequences of their act. It is protected by a transparent blade (51) and rests on a cradle (52).

The second arm (2) incorporates an electromagnetic element (52) interacting with the antenna of the detection gantries placed at the entrances and exits of the magazine. The two arms (1, 2) are articulated by an axis (54).

The figure 11 represents another variant embodiment of an antitheft device for fabrics or clothing.

The inner surfaces of the arms (1, 2) have complementary surface elements (55, 56) to enhance the holding of an article having a thin, deformable area such as a fabric or garment.

These surface elements have protuberances (55) of geometry complementary to the geometry of the recesses (56) provided on the inner surface of the opposite arm.

The Figures 12 and 13 represent top views of a lock with a window (57) transparent and this lock protecting an article. The body of the lock can be either totally transparent or colored in the mass, with a window (57) passing through one of the arms (1) to allow the reading of information printed on the packaging (58) of the article to protect.

The Figures 14 and 15 represent top views of a lock for the protection of bottles.

One of the arms (1) has an arcuate shape with a semicircular section, a radius corresponding to the outer radius of a bottle neck for example. The other arm (2) has a cradle (59) of a complementary profile. When the lock is closed, it determines a tubular space (60) can enclose a cylindrical portion of an article to protect.

The various anti-theft devices can be grouped to form a set of locks, distinguished by a color code, for example by the color of the plastic or a colored pellet.

The Figures 16 to 18 represent views of another variant of implementation of the invention respectively from the front, in the open position, and from the rear, for securing against theft of articles presented under plastic shells with a top portion having a slot for hanging on the rods of a display.

The device consists of two parts (1, 2) of rectangular shape, connected by an axis (53).

One of the parts (1) is provided with the retractable elements (12 to 14) for the displacement of the needle (4) between the retracted position, where its end is set back with respect to the inner surface of the part ( 1), and a locking position where it passes through the blister of the article and enters the locking member (5) through a hole (72) provided in the second part (2).
The inner surfaces of the rectangular portions (1, 2) have complementary zones (71) for blocking the fastening slot of the blisters.

The upper part of the device has an area (70) provided with a slot (73) having the general shape of the attachment cutout provided with the blisters.

The blister is introduced when the two parts (1, 2) are open and the needle (4) retracted. The clipping slit of the blister is then positioned in the complementary zone (71), and the two parts (1, 2) are closed. The needle (4) is then pressed by pressing on the retractable parts (12 to 14) until the end of the needle is inserted into the ball lock system (5).

Detailed description of a variant embodiment

The Figures 19 to 22 represent views of another variant embodiment of the invention, with an indexed coding.

This variant makes it possible to highlight an encoding related to the value of the secure object. Indeed thieves replace the barcode label on the bottle by a barcode label of a bottle of a lower price. This flight tip is very difficult to track in the box, a secure marking bottle by a barcode label of a bottle of a lower price. This trick flight is very difficult to detect in cash, a secure marking on the lock associating a number (s) or letter (s) in relation to the value of the object (example: coding 1 -> price between 1 and 10 EUROS / coding 2 - price between 10 and 20 EUROS etc ...) allows the cashier to have an immediate relationship between the actual value of the bottle and the price related to the barcode. If the bottle goes to 9 euros and the coding is 4 (price between 30 and 40 euro).

For this technical solution the upper movable body must be necessarily transparent.

The knob and the coding ring being free to rotate, we have the possibility when the device is unlocked to be able to freely manipulate (in rotation) the coding ring. Depending on the desired coding, turn the ring until the marking is vertical to the coding window.

At this point, all the codings remain visible. After positioning the device on the bottle, the pressure exerted on the button to engage the nail in the ball lock will cause the button / encoder ring assembly downward. This action allows preselected coding to be the only one visible by the coding window made in the lower ring.

Although the coding ring was no longer easily accessible, we could exert a pressure in rotation on the button zone (locked) to change the coding. This problem has been solved by associating teeth (3 teeth in relief at 120 °) on the coding ring and a circular zone serrated hollow in the transparent moving body. Indeed during the locking, the coding ring is found in pressure against the transparent movable body at the tooth zone arranged in the two parts. This combination of parts prevents modification of the coding after locking.

This example relates to an anti-theft device for bottles, but the proposed solution is not limited to this application, but more generally applies to any application of a needle lock operable by retractable cages. The portion (1) is transparent to avoid the masking of the capsule surrounding the neck of the bottle.

This variant relates to the fact that the tubular wall of the outer cage (12) has a cutout (90) extending in the example described over an angular width of about 40 degrees.

The intermediate cage (13) carries markings distributed on the outer surface of the tubular wall, in the example describes a series of numbers, characters, signs or colors.

The marking made on this ring can in particular give an indication of the size of a garment by combining the lettering S / M / L / X / XL / XXL, or tariff range, or promotion.

When the device is in the open position, the intermediate cage can be moved angularly to match one of the markings of the intermediate cage with the cutout (90) of the outer cage.

When the cages (12 to 14) are in the locked position, one of the markings is visible through the window (90).

The lower front surface (91) of the intermediate cage (14), and more precisely of its annular edge, has one or more indexing teeth (92). These indexing teeth (92) cooperate with a notched surface (93) provided on an annular zone of the floor of the portion (1).

In this embodiment, the outer cage (12) has a slotted tubular skirt, forming tabs (94 to 96) whose lower end is provided with hooks (97 to 99).

These tabs anchor the outer cage (12) on the part (1). This part (1) has a housing whose tubular skirt has ribs (101) whose bottom has slots (100). The outer cage (12) is thus clipped into the part (1).

Detailed description of a device comprising a marking wheel

The figure 23 another variant of an anti-theft device an indexing wheel. When placing the lock on the garment the operator moves the wheel (110) by turning it to reach the requested size.

This wheel is an integral part of the upper mobile subassembly (1), having a window (112) cut to allow reading of one of the marks affixed to the wheel (110).

A system of serrations (111) between the rotatable part and its housing prevents the wheel from turning unexpectedly.

Indeed only the force exerted on the wheel (110) by the operator to rotate it allows to release the two toothed portions (111).

When the anti-theft device is in the locked position, the forces exerted by the pinched article in the cavity (6) provided between the first part (1) and the second part (2) pushes the wheel (110) into its housing and, thanks to to the teeth (111), blocks the rotation of the wheel (110).

Detailed description of a device for protecting hanging articles.

The figure 24 is an exploded view of another alternative embodiment of a lock for the protection of hanging articles, packaged in the form of "blister" (trade name).

This variant has two parts (1, 2), one of which is provided with a tilting hook (120) in order to be able to exit the spindle more easily and without risk of breaking the hook. The articulation of the hook (120) also prevents it from producing a lever effect that can weaken the device.

This hook (120) is hinged relative to the portion (1) with two pivots (121, 122) also ensuring the articulation between the first and the second portion (1, 2).

The device has on the inner surface of one of the parts (2), two retractable pins (123, 124) mounted on springs (125, 126). These pins (123, 124) make it possible to set up blisters having hook holes of different shapes and thicknesses and to adapt the size of the cavity formed between the two parts to the configuration of the article to be protected. without unnecessary game.

This solution also makes it possible to preserve the largest possible gripping surface in order to oppose the tearing of the blister by the thief. The shape of the standard hook allowed the passage of three pawns, which is not the case for other forms of hooked (round hole or triangular). The retractable side pegs (123, 124) allow positioning of a wide variety of hook shapes. The shape of the body to allow to also accept blisters with a border and not of flat shape.

Detailed description of an article protection device with a loop.

The Figures 25 to 28 represent views of another alternative embodiment of the invention, for the protection of articles such as shoes, lingerie articles, articles having a closed tube, etc.

According to this variant, one of the parts (2) has a housing (131) receiving the end of a loop (130) made of a material resistant to cutting, including a steel buckle. The opposite end of this loop (130) has a bore (132) which can be traversed by the needle (4).

This device uses the same locking base as the other variants, and allows you to adapt the lock with a minimum of technical changes to the protection of a wide range of items.

The loop may have a "U" shape as shown in the Figures 25 and 26 , or even more elaborate forms, as represented in figure 27 and 28 , for example a shape with a loop (133) of reduced width extended by a bridge (134).

Detailed description of a device for the protection of articles with enhanced security.

The Figures 29 to 30 represent views of another variant of implementation of the invention with enhanced security, respectively represented in the locked position and in the unlocked position.

To enable the unlocking of the system the use of three magnets simultaneously is mandatory.

Indeed, if the lateral weights (130, 131) are not attracted by the side magnets (133, 134), the vertical subassembly consisting of the main feeder (135), the ball cage (136) and the balls ( 137, 138) can not descend under the action of the lower magnet (139). The descent of this subassembly releases the pressure exerted on the nail by the balls (137, 138).

Of course, the number of lateral weights can be set between 1 and N, and a regular distribution or not to enhance security.

Detailed description of a protection device with alarm.

The figure 31 represents a view of an alternative embodiment of a lock with an alarm. One of the parts (2) contains an electronic circuit integrated in the body, with a power supply and a sound generator. A probe (140) detects the closure of the device and the support of a protected article between the two parts (1, 2). The activation of the alarm is done when the device is closed. In the open position, it is in standby, until a first closing, activating the alarm. In case of forcing of the opening, the probe (140) is released and triggers the alarm. The deactivation under the control of the hostess is carried out by the detection of a magnetic field or a remote deactivation means.

This circuit would be equipped with a probe allowing that during the introduction of the blister, the pressure exerted by the closure of the moving part and the blister activates the alarm via the probe. During the attempted break-in either by tearing off the blister or attempting to tear off the nail the probe is released and triggers the alarm

Detailed description of a protection device with an annular coil.

The figure 31 shows a view of another alternative embodiment of a lock with an annular coil (150). One of the parts (2) has a disc shape, to receive a large annular coil (150), to increase the efficiency of the detection.

Anti-theft system

The invention also relates to an anti-theft system constituted by a plurality of devices according to claim 1 and comprising a locking system common to a range of products, and a plurality of components forming variable first and second parts of geometry. The locking system is constituted by a first assembly comprising the nestable cages (12 to 14) and the nail (4), and a second assembly constituted by the locking system of the nail by balls.

The first set may consist of a clipping component on one of the parts. The second set may also consist of a clip-on component on the opposite side.

This solution reduces tooling costs to provide a wide range of anti-theft products.

Claims (21)

1. An anti-theft device intended to be attached to an item sold over-the-counter, formed from two portions (1, 2), one of which comprises a means for remote interaction with a terminal for detecting when it is passed by such a device, with said portions (1, 2) being articulated by a hinge (3) in order to allow travel between a protected position in which they interact with a portion of the item to be protected in order to prevent the anti-theft device from being separated from the item, and a released position in which they can be removed from the item, with one of the portions (1) having, at the end opposite said movable hinge (3), a needle (4) that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the median plane of the device, with the other portion (2) comprising a housing (5) for receiving said needle (4), with the housing (5) comprising locking means so configured as to allow said needle (4) to be released using an opener, characterised in that said first portion (1) has three, so-called outer, middle and inner retractable cages (12, 13, 14) that allow said needle (4) to move between a retracted position in which the tip of said needle (4) does not extend beyond the inner surface of the first portion, and a protruding position in which said needle (4) is engaged in the matching housing (5) when the device is in closed position.
2. An anti-theft device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the outer cage (12) has a hollow internal volume matching the external volume of the middle cage (13), with said middle cage (13) having a hollow internal volume matching the external volume of the inner cage (14), with the height of the middle cage (13) being so configured as not to extend beyond the upper front surface of the outer cage (12), with the height of the inner cage (14) being so configured as not to exceed the upper front surface of the outer (12) and middle (13) cages in the locking position.
3. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means consists of at least one ball (22, 23) pushed back by a spring (25) towards the bottom of the housing (21) intended for receiving the needle (4), with said housing (21) having a frustoconical shape intended for causing sticking of the ball against the needle, with said ball being capable of interacting with an unlocking means to oppose the action of said spring.
4. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means further comprises a means for laterally locking said housing (21) having a frustoconical shape, with said lateral locking means being adapted to interact with an unlocking means to release the axial movement of said housing (21).
5. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of said portions (1, 2) contains a capsule filled with a marking substance.
6. An antitheft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of said portions (1, 2) has at least one transparent area.
7. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said portions (1, 2) has, on its inner surface, a surface condition which reinforces the mechanical interaction with the item to be protected.
8. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said portions (1, 2) have, on their inner surfaces, complementary surface elements for enhancing the cooperation with a thin and deformable item to be protected.
9. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said portions (1, 2) have an arcuate shape so as to surround a cylindrical area of an item to be protected.
10. An anti-theft device according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of two portions (1, 2) having a rectangular shape, connected by a shaft (53), with one of the portions (1) being extended by a suspension area (73), with one of the portions (1) being provided with the retractable elements (12 to 14) for moving the needle (4) between the retracted position where its end is set back relative to the inner surface of the portion (1), and a locking position where it goes through the suspension cutout in the item blister and is inserted into the locking member (5) through a hole (72) provided in the second portion (2).
11. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it constitutes one of the elements of a series of anti-theft devices which can be distinguished from one another by a color code.
12. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower front surface (91) of the middle cage (14) has one or more indexing tooth/teeth (92) capable of cooperating with a notched surface (93) provided on an annular area of the bottom of the portion (1).
13. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular wall of the outer cage (12) has a cutout (90) and in that the middle cage (13) carries markings distributed over the outer surface of the tubular wall.
14. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer cage (12) has a slotted tubular skirt forming tabs (94 to 96), the lower end of which is provided with hooks (97 to 99) adapted to provide the anchoring of the outer cage (12) on the portion (1) provided with housings, the tubular skirt of which has ribs (101) provided with slots (100) for clipping the outer cage (12) thereon.
15. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a knurl (110) received in one of the portions (1) having a window (112) cut out to make it possible to read one of the marks affixed on the knurl (110).
16. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the portions (1) has, on its inner surface, at least one retractable pin (123, 124) mounted on springs (125, 126).
17. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the portions (2) has a housing (131) receiving the end of a loop (130), with the opposite end of this loop (130) has a bore (132) which the needle (4) can go through.
18. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means comprises at least one side feeder head (130, 131) adapted to be attracted by the side magnets (133, 134) and blocking, when at rest, the vertical movement of the subassembly which consists of the main feeder head (135).
19. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the portions (2) contains an electronic circuit integrated in the body, with a power supply and a sound generator. A probe (140) detects the closing of the device and the resting of a protected item between the two portions (1, 2) .
20. An anti-theft device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the portions (2) has a disc shape, for receiving a large annular coil (150).
21. An anti-theft system consisting of a plurality of devices according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a locking system common to a range of products, and a plurality of components forming first and second portions having a variable geometry, with each of said locking devices consisting of a first set comprising the nestable cages (12 to 14) and the nail (4), and a second set consisting of the system for blocking the nail with balls.

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