BR102019001773A2 - ELECTRONIC ANTI-THEFT DEVICE AND USE OF THE ELECTRONIC ANTI-THEFT DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

electronic anti-theft device (1) comprising electronic detection means, a first part (2) and a second part (3), each part provided with an internal surface called a contact (20, 30), and the first part (2) being mobile in relation to the second part (3) in order to cooperate by attaching the respective contact surface (20, 30) of the same, at least one of the parts, preferably both parts (2, 3) comprising on the contact surface an abrasive coating (8) thereof (20, 30).

Description

ELECTRONIC ANTI-THEFT DEVICE AND USE OF THE ELECTRONIC ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electronic anti-theft devices, more particularly, electronic storage devices that allow self-service items in stores to be protected electronically.

[0002] An electronic store anti-theft device, known by the initials EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance), comprises an electronic system that allows an alarm to be triggered when the anti-theft device passes through a detection portal designed to detect the frequency emitted by the electronic anti-theft system .

[0003] An electronic anti-theft device can take many forms, depending on the type of item to be protected. For example, it may involve an electronic label (often called a tag) or an anti-theft device in a form suitable for bottles, textile items, glasses, etc.

[0004] More particularly, the invention relates to an anti-theft device capable of being attached to an item to be protected, joining two pieces with a fixing or tying effect on the object.

[0005] Electronic anti-theft devices with a clamping function are known, such as those used for elongated items, such as the eyeglass rod parts.

[0006] This type of anti-theft device comprises two parts, articulated in relation to each other and each having a fixing contact surface with the item to be protected. Normally, each contact surface has a plastic material coating to prevent damage to the item and is preferably provided with raised means, such as teeth that cooperate for mutual engagement when the two contact surfaces are pressed against each other, and which are elastically deformable when they are pressed against the item.

[0007] However, it has been found that such an anti-theft device with a fixing function is not always suitable for certain articles that, when tightened, can be damaged, marked or even ruined when the anti-theft device is put in place or removed.

[0008] Items that cannot be protected by this type of anti-theft device with a fastening function are those that have a flexible envelope, especially aluminum foil, such as flexible metal packaging for fresh products, such as meat, coffee packages, goose liver, salmon or items made of suede leather, such as gloves, boots, women's shoes, etc.

[0009] Additionally, packaging made from aluminum cannot be protected with electronic anti-theft labels, since aluminum neutralizes the anti-theft label; they cannot even be protected with pin-type anti-theft devices, since the pin can penetrate the package, which would introduce air into the package and make the product unsuitable for consumption.

[0010] Finally, chorus products that are now drilled by conventional pin-type anti-theft devices are damaged by the holes left by the anti-theft pins.

[0011] Consequently, even today there are self-service items that cannot be protected electronically by antitheft devices on the market without the risk of damaging or ruining them.

[0012] Therefore, the purpose of the invention is to remove these disadvantages by proposing an electronic anti-theft device that can be reliably fixed and / or maintained on the object to be protected, without penetration, ruining or damaging the state of the object while being simple to implement.

[0013] For this purpose, according to the invention, the electronic anti-theft device comprises electronic detection means, a first part and a second part, each of which is provided with an internal surface called the contact surface, the first part being movable in relation to the second part in order to cooperate by fixing on the contact surface thereof, the contact device being characterized by the fact that at least one of the parts, preferably both parts, comprises an abrasive coating on the contact surface thereof. The abrasive coating is intended to be in direct contact with the object to be fixed.

[0014] Surprisingly, it was found that the surface with the abrasive coating ensures an ideal fixation of the object, thus preventing the removal of the anti-theft device better if the object or the anti-theft device is pulled when it is in the fixed, closed position.

[0015] Contrary to expectations, the abrasive coating whose function is normally to polish / polish in order to restore a surface by removing it, leaving no mark on the item during fixing or after removing the device.

[0016] Thus, the abrasive coating that is fully adapted for its removal function, combined with the fixation function of the two parts of the device is used as a means of security and surprisingly achieves a mechanical fixation of the anti-theft device avoiding any risk of damage to the item to be protected.

[0017] The first movable part is advantageously movable in rotation relative to an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation is arranged in a central part of the assembly of the device.

[0018] The first piece is movable in rotation / articulation in relation to the second piece between a first extreme open position, and a second extreme position called closed, where the two respective contact surfaces are intended to fix on the item to be electronically protected .

[0019] The size of the device and the opening angle on the two fixing pieces will depend on the thickness of the item to be fixed.

[0020] For example, a maximum angle of 60 ° is sufficient for items with a thickness of no more than 3 to 5 mm. Of course, the device can be adapted to larger thicknesses. According to a characteristic, the abrasive coating includes, on the one hand, a support made integral with the piece or parts suitable for fixation through one of the faces of it, the support, in particular, being paper, textiles, fabric, polymer or fibers synthetic and, on the other hand, abrasive grains that are transported by the support on the opposite engaging face of said support. The abrasive grains can be of synthetic or mineral material.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the abrasive coating has a roughness to which the grain (according to the classification of the Fédération Européenne des Producteurs d'Abrasifs [European Federation of Abrasive Producers], FEPA, which also corresponds to the ISO6344 standard ) is between P50 and P800, preferably between P50 and P400, and even more preferably between P80 and P120.

[0022] Preferably, the abrasive coating is made of abrasive fabric.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the abrasive coating covers all or part of the contact surfaces.

[0024] The abrasive coating is glued or thermally joined or over molded on the fixing pieces, or the bodies of the fixing pieces are on molded on the coating.

[0025] Advantageously, the contact surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0026] Advantageously, the electronic detection means are housed within the second movable fixture.

[0027] The anti-theft device comprises means for locking the two pieces in the closed position, and in particular, the locking means are arranged opposite the opening of the two pieces.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprise a toothed tongue suitable for cooperating with a toothed retaining part which is mobile and is associated with a magnetic material, said magnetic material being housed in a projecting element from the body of the device and disposed opposite the first and second fastening parts.

[0029] The locking means of the device are designed to hold the second movable part fixed in the fixed / closed position.

[0030] The magnetic material and the mobility of the retaining part enable the unlocking and opening of the device (the opening of the movable fastening part).

[0031] Advantageously, the locking means can be actuated through a pressing member (manual), preferably the said pressing member having a concave / depression surface on its external face, facing the external environment. positioning of the user's finger.

[0032] According to another characteristic, the first movable part is articulated in rotation relative to an axis of rotation, the device preferably comprising a pressing member which is associated with the axis of rotation and which participates in the closing of the device, in particular , the pressing member being integral with a gripping part extending from the moving part on the other side of the axis of rotation. In the open position of the device, the pressing member protrudes from the rest of the device body.

[0033] The rotation axis can be provided with a return mole for the automatic opening of the fixing parts once the device is unlocked.

[0034] Finally, the invention relates to the use of the electronic anti-theft device of the invention for self-service items, especially items being in rigid or semi-rigid or flexible packaging, such as a thickness in the order of no more than 5 mm (between 0, 1 mm and 5 mm), and / or items having a cooperating surface of the type made of aluminum or plastic material or suede leather.

[0035] The present invention is now described by way of example which is illustrative only and in no way limits the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations in which:

[0036] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of one of the faces of the anti-theft device according to the invention in the open position;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the opposite face of the anti-theft device of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 3 is a view of the antitheft device of Figure 2 in the closed position;

[0039] Figure 4 is a side view of the antitheft device of Figure 3;

[0040] Figure 5 is a top view of the antitheft device of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the antitheft device of the invention fixed on a pair of leather gloves, only one end of the said gloves being visible; and

[0042] Figure 7 is a top view in perspective of the product packaging, fixed by the anti-theft device of the invention.

[0043] The electronic anti-theft device 1 according to the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and following is intended to be fixed by stapling over a self-service store item to be protected, such as a pair of gloves (Figure 6), or a rigid or semi-rigid flexible packaging of a food product, for example, such as meat in the flexible aluminum packaging or fish in a semi-rigid packaging (Figure 7).

• - duas peças de fixação 2 e 3 que estão articuladas uma em relação a outra ao longo do eixo de rotação 4 a fim de obter um dispositivo na condição aberta, como ilustrado nas Figuras 1 e 2, ou na condição fechada (Figuras 3 a 7), a primeira peça de fixação 2 (chamada peça móvel) sendo, por exemplo, móvel em relação a segunda peça 3 (chama peça fixa);
• - duas peças de agarre 2A e 3A que são extensões das respectivas peças de fixação 2 e 3, transversais ao eixo de rotação 4 (portanto, opostas a abertura das peças de fixação do dispositivo);
• - meios de proteção eletrônicos, não visíveis, e preferivelmente alojados em uma parte ligeiramente espessa do corpo da peça de fixação móvel 2, os meios de proteção eletrônicos não sendo descritos em detalhes uma vez que eles são conhecidos, tais como, radiofrequência, acústico-magnético, RFID e outras tecnologias eletrônicas;
• - um membro de atuação/pressionamento 5 para o fechamento do dispositivo o qual, de forma vantajosa, forma ou é transportado pela peça de fixação 2A da peça móvel 2;
• - meios de travamento 6 habilitando o dispositivo para ser travado na posição fechada/fixada, e
• - um elemento 7 salientando a partir da parte de agarre 3A da peça fixa 3, o citado elemento sendo disposto oposto às peças de fixação 2 e 3 e participando no destravamento das duas peças de fixação 2 e 3 quando elas estão fechadas a fim de abrir o dispositivo.

[0044] The electronic anti-theft device 1 comprises according to the invention:

• - two fixing parts 2 and 3 that are articulated with respect to each other along the axis of rotation 4 in order to obtain a device in the open condition, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or in the closed condition (Figures 3 to 7 ), the first fixing part 2 (called a moving part) being, for example, movable in relation to the second part 3 (called a fixed part);
• - two grip pieces 2A and 3A which are extensions of the respective fixation parts 2 and 3, transversal to the axis of rotation 4 (therefore, opposite to the opening of the fixation parts of the device);
• - electronic means of protection, not visible, and preferably housed in a slightly thick part of the body of the movable fixture 2, electronic means of protection not being described in detail since they are known, such as radio frequency, acoustic- magnetic, RFID and other electronic technologies;
• - an actuating / pressing member 5 for closing the device which advantageously forms or is transported by the fastening part 2A of the moving part 2;
• - locking means 6 enabling the device to be locked in the closed / fixed position, and
• - an element 7 protruding from the grip part 3A of the fixed part 3, said element being disposed opposite the fixing parts 2 and 3 and participating in the unlocking of the two fixing parts 2 and 3 when they are closed in order to open the device.

[0045] The fixing parts 2 and 3, the gripping parts 3A and 2A, the pressing member 5, the locking members 6 and the protruding element 7 are made of rigid plastic, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) .

[0046] In the illustrated example, each fixture 2 and 3 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, which is by no means limited, the larger dimension from which it defines a longitudinal direction, which is also that of the axis of rotation 4.

• - uma posição aberta (Figuras 1 e 2), por exemplo, acima de um ângulo de abertura máxima de cerca de 60°;
• - uma posição dobrada ou fechada (Figuras 3 a 7) para qual, quando não existir objeto colocado entre as peças, a peça móvel 2 e a peça fixa 3 apoiadas uma contra a outra, e quando um objeto está posicionado entre as peças, a citada peça móvel 2 se fixa contra o citado objeto enquanto a peça fixa já está no lugar sobre a face oposta do objeto.

[0047] The moving part 2 is movable in rotation relative to the fixed part 3, between two extreme positions, namely:

• - an open position (Figures 1 and 2), for example, above a maximum opening angle of about 60 °;
• - a folded or closed position (Figures 3 to 7) for which, when there is no object placed between the parts, the moving part 2 and the fixed part 3 supported against each other, and when an object is positioned between the parts, the said moving part 2 is fixed against said object while the fixed part is already in place on the opposite face of the object.

[0048] The movable fixture 2 is articulated through the axis of rotation 4.

[0049] The fixing parts 2 and 3 and their respective grip parts 2A, 3A are transversal in relation to the axis of rotation 4 in order to form a clamp.

[0050] The axis of rotation 4 can be associated with a return spring. If a return spring is present, the return spring has a resting position on the moving part 2 being fully open, and the moving part 2 is forced into the closed / clamping position against the fixed part 3. The return spring enables the movable fixture 2 to be automatically opened when the release is actuated.

[0051] The interior of each fixture 2 and 3 has a contact surface 20, respectively 30 (Figures 1 to 3) which will be described below. In the closed position of the anti-theft device with no object attached to it, surfaces 20 and 30 are in contact, or almost in contact, or very close to each other (Figure 4).

[0052] The moving part 2 (bigger / thicker than the fixed part 3) invisibly houses the electronic means of protection intended in the event of theft to cooperate with the detection means and sensors arranged at the store exits. The aforementioned electronic means of protection, which are known as such, are not described in more detail.

[0053] The grip part 3A of the fixed part 3 includes on one of its main faces, opposite the extending face of the moving part 2 and between the axis of rotation 4 and the projecting element 7, a recess 31 for the grip part 2A of moving part 2 to protrude.

[0054] Pressing on the gripping part 2A of the moving part 2 causes the articulation of the moving part 2 in relation to the axis of rotation 4. The recess 31 enables the receiving or extraction of the gripping part 2A by carrying the actuating / pressing member 5. The pressing member 5 assists in closing (and, therefore, fixing) the aforementioned movable fixation piece when pressure is applied from above, for example as a finger.

[0055] Advantageously, the pressing member 5 has on its external face, facing the external environment, a concave / depression surface 50 to facilitate the positioning of the user's finger.

[0056] The locking means 6 are provided to temporarily close (until unlocking) the two fixing pieces 2 and 3 against each other.

[0057] The locking members 6 comprise (Figure 2) opposite to the axis of rotation 4, on the one hand a toothed tongue 60 that extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 4 and in a direction along the thickness of the device , while being integral with the free end of the pressing member 5 and, on the other hand, a receiving housing 61 carried by the interface of the projecting element 7 facing the recess 31, said housing 61 being complementary to the tongue 61 and provided with a retaining part 62 which is movable through the hinge or translation in order to be able to move away from the tongue 60 by displacement through the interior of the element 7.

[0058] The retaining piece 62 is toothed on its internal face in the housing 61 in order to mutually cooperate with the toothed tongue 60 when the said tongue is inserted into the receiving housing 61, in order to lock the closing of the device.

[0059] The movable toothed retaining piece 62 has on its opposite face, the face housed within the projecting element 7, the piece made of magnetic material not shown here.

[0060] The protruding element 7 has a final outer face 70 which is intended to cooperate with the usual anti-theft separation tool (not shown), generally called a release and formed from a powerful magnet to cause the pieces of fasteners 2 and 3. In the supporting position of the protruding element 7 against the release, the magnetic part of the movable retaining part 62 is attracted towards the separator causing the movement of the retaining part 62 towards the interior of the element 7 and in the direction opposite of the pressing member 5 and the toothed tongue 60, which releases the coupling of the mutual tooth of the tongue 60 and the retaining part 62 and thus unlocks the closing of the two fastening parts.

[0061] The two fixing parts 2 and 3 can be pulled to open the clamp / device.

[0062] In a case in which a return spring is present, due to the association of the pressing member 5 (grip part 2A of the moving part 2) with the return spring of the rotation axis 4, when the toothed tongue 60 a which is integral with the pressing member 5 is separated from the retaining part 62 which has been attracted by the release, the tongue 60 is ejected from the housing 62 and the movable fixing part 2 then opens automatically.

[0063] Preferably, the gripping part 2A of the moving part 2 with the pressing member 5 and the projecting element 7 has a thickness dimension (height) that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 4 and to the plane of the contact surfaces of the parts of fixation 2 and 3, which does not (or substantially not) exceed the height / thickness of the two fixing parts 2 and 3 in the closed position, as shown in Figure 4. Thus, the device takes up little space.

[0064] As the fixation is carried out, the contact surfaces 20 and 30 form fixation surfaces for the object, among which the object is destined to be sandwiched firmly. For example, the gloves (Figure 6) and the flexible envelope (Figure 7), are tightened or fixed between the mentioned contact surfaces 20 and 30.

[0065] According to the invention, the contact surfaces 20 and 30 are such that they allow the ideal tightening of the object, ensuring that the anti-theft device 1 is firmly held in place, and without the risk of the anti-theft device opening or being removed , or to damage the fixed surface of the object if the device is inadvertently pulled when in its closed condition.

[0066] According to the invention, the contact surfaces 20 and 30 comprise an abrasive coating 8. In the preferred embodiment, the abrasive coating 8 is abrasive fabric. In particular, it has a grain size between P80 and P120.

[0067] The coating 8 is made integral with the internal face of the fixing parts 2 and 3, preferably by gluing.

[0068] Preferably, the coating 8 is made integral with the entire internal face of both fixing parts 2 and 3.

[0069] The use of the anti-theft device 1 is as follows.

[0070] Advantageously, the user needs only one hand to manipulate the anti-theft device and to ensure its closure around the object that is secured with the other hand.

[0071] The user having picked up the anti-theft device 1 through the gripping parts 2A and 3A, the pressing member 5 protrudes from the external surface of the rest of the device body and the fixing parts 2 and 3 being in the open condition , it positions the two fixing pieces 2 and 3 to surround the object to be superimposed. He then places his finger against the pressing member 5, more particularly on the surface 50 for positioning the finger. When pressing on the pressing member 5, the said member moves towards the interior of the device, at the same time that the movable fastening piece is closed, the toothed tongue 60 is inserted into the housing 61 and cooperates with the retaining piece toothing 62 until the respective contact surfaces 20 and 30 press on the object.

[0072] The anti-theft device is locked.

[0073] Thus, the device of the invention makes it possible to fix the object in a locked way, while very effectively it resists being removed by pulling the object without the risk of damaging the object thanks to the abrasive coating 8 of the contact surfaces 20 and 30 .

[0074] To open the anti-theft device 1, the user positions the protruding element 7 against a release, releasing the toothed tongue 60 which allows the opening of the fixing parts 2 and 3 and makes the pressing member 5 move back . The user can then remove the anti-theft device from the object.

Claims (14)

Electronic anti-theft device, comprising electronic detection means, a first part (2) and a second part (3), each of which is provided with an internal surface called the contact surface (20, 30), and the first part (2 ) being movable in relation to the second part (3) in order to cooperate by fixing the respective contact surface (20, 30) of the same, characterized by the fact that at least one of the parts, preferably both parts (2, 3) comprise an abrasive coating (8) on the contact surface (20, 30) thereof. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the abrasive coating (8) includes, on the one hand, an integral support with the part or parts (2, 3) suitable for fixing, on one of its faces, the support, in particular, being of paper, textiles, fabric, polymeric or synthetic fibers and, on the other hand, abrasive grains which are carried by the support on the opposite engaging face of said support. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the abrasive coating (8) has a roughness in which the grain is between P50 and P800, preferably between P50 and P400, and even more preferably between P80 and P120. Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the abrasive coating (8) is abrasive fabric. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the abrasive coating (8) covers all or part of the contact surface (s) (20, 30). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact surfaces are parallel to each other. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the abrasive coating (8) is glued or thermally joined on the parts (2, 3), or the bodies of the parts (2, 3) are on top molded into the coating. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electronic detection means are housed within the second movable fixation piece (3). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises means (60, 62, 7) for locking the two parts (2, 3) in the closed position, in particular, the locking means being arranged opposite the opening of the two pieces (2, 3). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means (60, 62, 7) for locking the two parts (2, 3) in the closed position, through a magnetic material that is housed in an element (7) projecting from the body of the device and disposed opposite the first and second fastening parts (2, 3), preferably the locking means comprising a toothed tongue (60) suitable to cooperate with a toothed retaining part ( 62) which is capable of being moved and associated with a magnetic material, said magnetic material being housed in an element (7) projecting from the body of the device and disposed opposite the parts (2, 3). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (60) for locking the two parts (2, 3) in the closed position, which parts can be actuated by means of a pressing element ( 5), preferably, said pressing element (5) having on its external face, facing the external environment, a concave surface (50). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first movable part (2) is articulated in rotation relative to an axis of rotation (4), the device preferably comprising a pressing element ( 5) which is associated with the axis of rotation (4) and participates in the closing of the device, in particular the pressing element (5) being integral with a gripping part (2A) extending from the moving part (2) on the other side of the rotation axis (4). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the rotation axis is provided with a return spring for the automatic opening of the fastening parts once the device is unlocked. Use of the electronic anti-theft device, as defined in any of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that it is for use in self-service articles, in particular, the item being a flexible or semi-rigid or rigid packaging, and / or the item having a cooperation surface of the aluminum type, or made of plastic material or suede leather.

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