EP3204580B1 - Seal for securing goods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a seal for securing goods and a method for securing a product. The seal according to the invention and the method according to the invention are intended in particular to protect against exchange fraud of goods ordered by telephone or via the Internet.

Counterfeit labels found their way into German department stores in the mid-1980s to prevent shoplifting. These usually consist of a transponder on the building output and a transmitter coil, which is attached to the goods. In order to remove the transmitter coil from the goods, special devices are needed at the box office, for example, magnetically detach the label from the goods. Typically, in such an EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) protection system, a transmitter and a receiver are within a defined protection zone.

Transponder systems for detection are usually located between the cash register and the outlet of the store. There are currently four different electronic article surveillance systems on the market: There are radio-frequency, electromagnetic, high-frequency and acoustomagnetic article surveillance systems, each with different EAS elements. Depending on the type of fuses, the label on the goods can be detected by measurable magnetic fields, resonance frequencies and / or vibrations. In the event of theft, a protected item leaves the protection zone and the EAS element triggers an alarm near the transponder.

Alternatively, there are housings that make the goods unusable, for example with paint, unusable. Common to all previous security tags is the exclusively passive function, i. they can only be activated and deactivated by the cashier with the help of special equipment.

US 2007/205902 A1 discloses a seal for securing goods comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1.

From the EP 0 978 812 A2 is disclosed an electronic seal with an alarm circuit.

EP 2 568 443 A1 describes an RFID-based seal which prevents or records unauthorized opening.

In the DE 10 2012 112 240 A1 A combined RFID seal is shown, which also has the function of the passive and active RFID seal.

US 2002/171550 A1 discloses a device for securing goods, wherein the connecting element of the device comprises a cable.

In distance selling, ie when ordering by telephone or the Internet and the delivery of the ordered goods by mail or delivery service, so far no goods safeguards are used. However, the distance trade is suffering from the increasing phenomenon of so-called Wardrobing. For distance contracts, the consumer is in Germany
basically a right of withdrawal. In other words, the consumer can within a period of two weeks, for example, a contract concluded over the Internet purchase contract without giving reasons and return the goods already received. This right of revocation is sometimes made massive use. For example, between 30% and 50% of the goods are returned in the clothing and footwear segment.

As long as the right of withdrawal is only used to inspect the goods received and possibly try on, this is not problematic. In fact, however, the goods are often not ordered fraudulently for the purpose of a purchase, but only "borrowed" by the dealer. In other words, for example, a particular piece of clothing or a pair of shoes is ordered, worn for a specific occasion or for a week, and then returned with reference to the right of withdrawal. Due to the resulting signs of use, in certain segments 10% of the returned goods are no longer resaleable.

To cope with this increasing problem, the present invention has the object to provide a seal or a method for securing goods that can effectively prevent Wardrobing.

One of the reasons why conventional tag security labels are not suitable is that they can only be removed by the dealer using special devices in the store or department store and do not permit customer interaction such as the provision of goods information or the customer's opening. It is therefore also an object of the present invention to provide a security device which can effectively avoid the risk of injury.

The objects are achieved by a merchandise security device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 5.

The invention is based, inter alia, on the idea of providing a seal or merchandise security label which can only be detached from the secured merchandise if a data input unit and / or data receiving unit of the seal or the merchandise security label receives a predetermined data signal which the merchant first obtains then provides when the customer waives his right of withdrawal has expired, the two-week period has expired or the customer has paid for the goods in stationary trade. For this purpose, the seal is attached to a prominent place of the goods (eg on the front of a garment), so that the goods can only be used to a limited extent. For example, most fraudsters would be reluctant to publicly wear a garment provided with such a seal or on a specific occasion
wear. Nonetheless, the seal allows unrestricted testing of clothing to comply with the right of withdrawal. If the customer has sufficiently tested the goods and is sure that he would like to buy and retain them, he informs the dealer accordingly. The dealer then provides a code or data signal that the customer enters into the data entry unit of the seal or that is received directly from the seal's data-receiving unit. Subsequently, the seal can be removed from the goods without damage and use the goods in full.

However, the present invention is not limited to the distance selling, but also allows a use in stationary retail, for example, to accelerate the purchase process, to provide goods information and to improve the shopping experience. Digitization of trade has so far failed due to corresponding concepts with a customer added value. This also stagnates growth in brick-and-mortar retail, while distance selling is growing at an annual rate. The present invention is intended to solve this discrepancy.

Thus, the goods can alternatively be presented in the retailer's shop and paid by the customer via mobile or online payments. The seal can then be removed after payment on the spot and the theft protection is thus repealed. The goods have become the property of the customer. An activation of the seal can be carried out for example by means of the (customer) smartphone or at a self-service terminal. On the smartphone, an application (app) could be installed, which communicates with the seal. With this software, goods information could be read out, transactions triggered and the activation code transmitted. Customers without a corresponding mobile device could unlock the seal at special self-service terminals, where the terminal takes over the code transmission. Subsequently, the customer can leave the store together with the purchased goods. This has the advantage that the customer does not have to hire a conventional cash register or use the dealer staff. It saves time in this way. The dealer, in turn, can exchange cashiers for sales personnel and focus on customer service. Through the personalized approach via the customer's terminal, customer loyalty programs and discount campaigns can be combined with the purchase process and the seal removal. The communication between the seal and the smartphone or self-service terminal preferably takes place by means of near-field communication (near field communication, NFC), ie according to ISO 18000 -2, -3 and 22536, as it enables, among other things, a secure data transmission.

Once the seal has been removed from the goods, they can no longer be attached to the goods by the customer. Without (or with damaged or manipulated) seal, however, the dealer will no longer take back the goods from the customer or demand compensation. Complaints or exchanges according to legal conditions or individual terms and conditions are still possible. A seal attached to the goods continues to hold the theft protection in the stationary trade.

The invention relates inter alia to a seal for securing goods, wherein the seal has a first portion with a connecting element, a second portion with a receiving element for receiving at least a portion of the connecting element and a data input unit and / or data receiving unit. The first and second sections may be joined together by inserting at least a portion of the connecting element into the receiving element. The first and second sections can only be separated again non-destructively if the data input unit and / or data reception unit receives a predetermined data signal, and wherein the connection element has a needle.

By the term "needle" in the context of the present invention is meant an elongate, thin tool of hard material having a tip at one end and also includes, for example, the terms "nail" and "spike". Preferably, the needle is designed such that it can pierce the fabric of conventional garments. The thickness of the needle is preferably selected so that withdrawal of the needle from the fabric leaves no significant visible traces.

The two sections of the seal preferably consist of a stable, hard material, such as hard plastic. At least one of the two sections is preferably designed to be so large that the seal attached to the goods visibly deforms the goods. Preferably, the outer surface of one of the two sections has an area of at least 25 cm 2, more preferably at least 50 cm 2. The seal can also be marked conspicuously by striking colors and / or patterns or by a corresponding inscription ("Property of ...").

By a "nondestructive" separation of the two sections, a separation is meant such that no visible traces remain for the dealer. This feature is merely intended to ensure that the dealer can determine from the returned product and the seal attached to it whether the seal was previously removed. A remote seal indicates in stationary trading on a purchase, in order to prove this purchase are additional cash / purchase receipts in physical or electronic form possible. A not removed seal triggers the described theft alarm when leaving the surveillance area.

The needle has a pointed end and a blunt end, wherein the pointed end is irreversibly connected to the receiving element when introduced into the receiving element. This has the advantage that the customer does not come in contact with the pointed end of the needle and thus a potential risk of injury can be effectively avoided. If the first and second sections are separated by the customer, this is then done by releasing the blunt end of the needle. The blunt end of the needle can be separated from the first section if and only if the data input unit and / or data reception unit receives the predetermined data signal. The first portion of the seal has a securing mechanism that secures the blunt end of the needle in the first portion and that is adapted to release the blunt end of the needle when the data input unit and / or data receiving unit receives the predetermined data signal. For this purpose, the blunt end of the needle preferably has an opening and / or groove which engages with a bolt and / or projection of the securing mechanism. Alternatively, a clamp, clamp or spring can fix the needle, as for example in US Pat US 5,426,419 A is described. For example, when the product is dispatched to the customer along with the seal, a bolt of the securing mechanism may be inserted into an opening of the blunt end of the needle such that the needle can not be removed from the first portion of the seal. As soon as the data input unit and / or data receiving unit receives the predetermined data signal, the bolt is either actively withdrawn or released so that it can be manually withdrawn by the customer, for example. This in turn releases the needle, which can then be released together with the second portion of the seal from the first portion of the seal. The pointed end of the needle remains in the second section of the seal.

Preferably, the pointed end of the needle has a groove which locks irreversibly when inserting the needle into the receiving element with a locking mechanism of the receiving element. If the seal according to the invention is to be used for theft protection in stationary trade, the seal preferably has an EAS element. Such an EAS element may, for example, have an acoustically resonant magnetic element, as it is for example in the US 4,510,489 and the US 4,510,490 is described. Also in US 4,686,516 and US 4,797,658 described elements can be used according to the invention as EAS elements. The preferred embodiment of the seal according to the invention described here, in which the connecting element has a needle, can be particularly advantageous for securing garments, shoes and other goods that can be easily pierced with a needle at least in sections (such as leather bags, carpets, curtains and the like ), deploy. However, since the problem of wardrobing or theft is not limited to these goods, but also occurs, for example, in the field of accessories such as handbags, sunglasses and the like, the present invention is not limited to seals with fasteners having a needle. Rather, the connecting element may also have a bolt, a pin, a cable, a wire, a rope or a bracket.

The present invention further relates to a method for securing a product. First, a seal and a product are provided. The seal has a first portion with a connecting element, a second portion with a receiving element for receiving at least a part of the connecting element and a data input unit and / or data receiving unit. According to the invention, the seal is a seal, as described above. The first and second portions of the seal are interconnected by inserting at least a portion of the connector into the receiver such that the seal is bonded to the product and can not be removed from the product without the first and second portions of the seal from one another be separated. In this case, the first and second sections should only be able to be separated from one another again without destruction if the data input unit and / or data reception unit receives a predetermined data signal. The product with the seal attached to it is then transmitted to a customer, for example by mail or the delivery service to this or the customer picks them up in a branch of the dealer. As soon as the customer has decided to permanently retain and pay for the goods and to waive the right of withdrawal (or after the expiry of the two weeks), the predetermined data signal is transmitted to the data input unit and / or data receiving unit. The first and second sections of the seal can then be separated to release the goods.

Alternatively, the goods are in the store of the dealer. Here the customer can test and try the goods as usual. As soon as the customer has decided to buy and pay for the goods (for example by means of a smartphone through mobile payment or with an internet connection through ePayment, at a self-service terminal or traditional POS terminal by conventional payment methods), the predetermined data signal is sent to the data entry unit and / or Transfer data receiving unit. The first and second sections of the seal can then be separated to release the goods. In this case, no theft alarm is triggered when leaving the surveillance area.

Common to both alternatives is the opening of the fuse directly by the end customer. Previous solutions require this always trained staff and special opening systems, which are usually installed stationary at the point of sale, which does not allow the flexible use that allows the invention.

The release of the two seal sections from one another can be effected, for example, by first transmitting the predetermined data signal (for example, on request) to the customer and then inputting the received data signal into the data entry unit. Alternatively, the predetermined data signal can also be transmitted directly from the dealer to the data receiving unit, for example via the Internet.

According to the invention, the connecting element has a needle. The joining of the first and second portions of the seal such that the seal is connected to the product, then preferably comprises piercing a portion of the goods by means of the needle, so that this portion of the product is fixed between the first and second portion of the seal. Preferably, the first and second portions of the seal are additionally connected to each other via a cable, a wire or a bracket, so that the fixation of the product does not have a Piercing must be done with a needle, but, for example, by the cable, the wire or the strap is wrapped around a portion of the goods, such as a handbag handle, and the goods is so connected to the seal.

Fig. 1a

eine Draufsicht auf einen ersten Abschnitt einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Plombe;

Fig. 1b

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Abschnitts gemäß Figur 1a;

Fig. 2

eine seitliche Schnittansicht des ersten Abschnitts der Figur 1a;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung elektronischer Komponenten der erfindungsgemäßen Plombe;

Fig. 4a-4g

bevorzugte Merkmale des erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungselements;

Fig. 5

eine seitliche Schnittansicht des zweiten Abschnitts einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Plombe;

Fig. 6

eine seitliche Teilschnittansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Plombe;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Plombe gemäß Figur 6;

Fig. 8a

einen ersten Abschnitt einer Plombe gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8b

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Abschnitts gemäß Figur 8a;

Fig. 9a

einen ersten Abschnitt einer Plombe gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform in Draufsicht;

Fig. 9b

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Abschnitts gemäß Figur 9a;

Fig. 10a

eine Draufsicht auf einen ersten Abschnitt einer Plombe gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 10b

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Abschnitts gemäß Figur 10a; und

Fig. 11

eine Plombe gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1a

a plan view of a first portion of a preferred embodiment of the seal according to the invention;

Fig. 1b

a side view of the first section according to FIG. 1a ;

Fig. 2

a side sectional view of the first portion of FIG. 1a ;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of electronic components of the seal according to the invention;

Fig. 4a-4g

preferred features of the connecting element according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a side sectional view of the second portion of a preferred embodiment of the seal according to the invention;

Fig. 6

a partial side sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a seal according to the invention;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of the seal according to FIG. 6 ;

Fig. 8a

a first portion of a seal according to another preferred embodiment;

Fig. 8b

a side view of the first section according to FIG. 8a ;

Fig. 9a

a first portion of a seal according to another preferred embodiment in plan view;

Fig. 9b

a side view of the first section according to FIG. 9a ;

Fig. 10a

a plan view of a first portion of a seal according to another preferred embodiment;

Fig. 10b

a side view of the first section according to FIG. 10a ; and

Fig. 11

a seal according to another preferred embodiment.

In the FIGS. 6 and 7 a preferred embodiment of the seal 1 according to the invention for securing a product 19 in a partial side sectional view and a perspective view is shown. The seal 1 has a first section 2 with a connecting element 4 and a second section 3 with a receiving element 5 for receiving at least part of the connecting element 4. The first section 2 and the second section 3 can be connected to one another by introducing at least a part of the connecting element 4 into the receiving element 5 such that the seal 1 is connected to the goods 19. Here, a portion of the product 19 is pierced by the connecting element 4, so that this portion of the product 19 between the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 of the seal 1 is fixed.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed sectional view of the second portion 3 of the seal according to the FIGS. 6 and 7 , In the preferred embodiment shown here, the connecting element 4 has a needle with a pointed end 7, which can be received by the receiving element 5 of the second section 3. In this case, a groove 12 of the pointed end of the needle 4 locked with a locking mechanism 13 of the receiving element 5 irreversible. The latching mechanism 13 may be formed, for example, by a clamp or spring, which slides on insertion of the needle 4 into the receiving element 5 via the pointed end 2 of the needle and then locked with the groove 12 of the needle. Retraction of the needle 4 from the receiving element 5 is no longer possible. In this way, the first portion of the seal 1 and the second portion 3 of the seal 1 are connected to each other via the needle or the connecting element 4 and can only be separated again non-destructively, when the data input or data receiving unit 6 receives a predetermined data signal , An exemplary embodiment of a corresponding release mechanism is shown in the sectional view according to FIG FIG. 2 shown. The there illustrated first portion 2 of a seal 1 is in plan view and side view in the FIGS. 1a and 1b to see.

The first portion 2 of the seal has a cavity or opening 22, in which the blunt end 8 of a needle 4 (see also FIG. 4a ) can be recorded. As in FIG. 4a shown in detail, the needle 4 at its blunt end 8 an opening or a slot 9 have. The securing mechanism 17 of the first portion 2 of the seal comprises a bolt or pin 11 which can be moved to the left and right by means of a motor of the safety mechanism 17 such that the bolt 11 engages the opening 9 of the needle 4. If the bolt 11 from the in FIG. 2 shown position by the motor to the left through the opening 9 of the needle 4, until the left end of the bolt 11 is received in the groove 23, the needle 4 is secured against being pulled out of the opening 22. In other words, the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 is fixed in the first section 2 of the seal 1. Since at the same time, as explained above, the pointed end 7 of the needle 4 with the locking mechanism 13 of the receiving element 5 of the second portion 3 of the seal 1 irreversibly locked, the seal can not be removed from the goods 19, without either the seal or the goods to damage. In addition, the seal may contain a detectable EAS element if it is to be used in stationary retailing. It is preferably an akustomagnetisches element with several hard magnetic metal strips.

Now, if the data input or data receiving unit 6 receives a predetermined data signal, so the bolt 11 is pulled out of the groove 23 and the opening 9 of the needle by means of the motor of the securing mechanism 17 and in the in FIG. 2 shown position moves. Alternatively, the needle may be released indirectly, such as by loosening a clamp, clamp or spring which is locked to the needle by mechanical movement, for example by the bolt, motor or magnet. Now the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 is released and the needle 4 can be pulled out substantially without resistance from the opening 22 of the first portion 2 of the seal. In this case, the pointed end 7 of the needle 4 remains in the receiving element 5 of the second section 3, so that the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 must be pulled through the goods 19, to release them.

The securing mechanism 17 or its motor for moving the pin or pin 11 is controlled by a microprocessor 18 and powered by a power supply 15, for example a battery. The electronic components are schematically in FIG. 3 shown. In order to save the battery 15, an on / off switch 14 may be provided, which must be operated by the customer before the predetermined data signal is input to the data input unit 6 or transmitted to the data receiving unit 6. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the data receiving unit 6 comprises a plurality of phototransistors or photodiodes 16 adapted to receive an optical signal. Such can be provided, for example, as in online banking on a monitor or display, represented by several flickering black and white areas. By means of the so-called "flickering", data such as the code for moving the bolt 11 can be transmitted to the photodiodes or phototransistors 16 of the data receiving unit 6, which are then further processed in the microprocessor 18 and / or decrypted, then optionally the bolt 11 to set in motion. Instead of this technology, for example, a data transmission using NFC or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can be used.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the in FIG. 2 illustrated data receiving unit 6 is still limited to the special securing mechanism 17. In particular, instead of the motor which moves the bolt 11, a magnetic mechanism or the like may be used. In a particularly simple embodiment, the bolt is metallic and is moved by applying a current by means of a coil. An indirect movement is conceivable, for example by a latched clip, clamp or spring is released and this then releases the needle 4. Instead of a data receiving unit 6 with phototransistors 16, a data receiving unit 6 with a serial data interface such as a USB port can be used, as shown schematically in the FIGS. 9a and 9b is shown. Instead of a data receiving unit may also be provided a data input unit, in which the customer must actively enter, for example, a numeric code. This data input unit 6 may, for example, a keyboard (see. Figures 10a and 10b ) or a mechanical combination lock (cf. FIGS. 8a and 8b ) exhibit. In addition, a display 20 (see. Figures 10a and 10b ) to display information.

The needle 4 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2 is again in detail in FIG. 4a displayed. The opening 9 of the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 can, as in FIGS. 4a and 4c is shown to be an elongated slot. In these a correspondingly shaped pin or pin 11 can be introduced, as shown in the FIGS. 4e and 4g in perspective Outlined side view and top view. Of course, the opening 9 may also have a different shape and in particular be square, round, elliptical or triangular. The cross section of the bolt or pin 11 is preferably adapted to the cross section of the opening 9. Instead of an opening 9, the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 may also have, for example, a groove 10, as shown in FIG FIG. 4b is shown. The bolt or pin 11 then preferably has a notch or opening 11a engageable with the groove 10, as shown in FIGS Figures 4d and 4f is shown schematically in side view and plan view.

It goes without saying that the seal according to the invention can also deviate in further features from the preferred embodiments shown here. In particular, the first and second portions of the seal may have a different shape and size. Furthermore, the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 of the seal 1 can be additionally connected to each other via, for example, a cable 21, as shown in FIG FIG. 11 is indicated. Instead of the cable, a wire or a strap can be used. This embodiment is particularly well suited to protect goods other than clothing such as handbags, sunglasses or other accessories from wardrobing. For this purpose, the second section 3 is guided together with the cable 21, for example by the handle of a handbag and connected by means of the needle 4 with the first section 2 of the seal 1. As a result, the seal 1 is fixed to the handbag and, as described above, can be released again only after receipt of the predetermined data signal.

With the invention, it is possible to provide a protective label or a seal, which (s) allows the customer to autonomously exempt the previously purchased or paid for goods and thus prevent a swap fraud or the check-out process in stationary trading accelerate.

The housing of the protective label, ie the first and second sections, is preferably made of stable plastic. The first section is preferably formed in two parts and contains a closure which holds the needle head or the blunt end of the needle in the second section or housing upper part with a mechanical or magnetic locking and is preferably made of metal. The purpose of the closure is to temporarily hold the needle, such as by means of a bolt inserted into a needle eye or notch of the needle engages and securely locks them in the shell. The shutter is preferably moved by an (electro) mechanical drive. After unlocking, the needle can be removed and the home position can not be restored by the customer. Only on the dealer side, the label or the seal can be put back in the delivery state with a new needle.

This lock is opened by an individual data input, for example a code. For this purpose, the first section contains a technique for data entry or data reception (unlocking technology). This can be electronic, digital, for example by means of RFID, Bluetooth or NFC chip or a SIM card. Here the code is received by means of the appropriate transmission technology. Likewise, it can be done via an optical component, such as a laser, a camera, a photo or infrared diode. Here, the optical component reads the code by means of data acquisition. Or it can be an external connector like USB. Here the code is transmitted by means of a special software. Alternatively, the data input can be magnetic or mechanical, such as a combination lock, a key or a rotary combination. Here the code is entered mechanically. Also possible is the direct data entry of the code via an integrated keypad with display.

The central idea of any form of data entry is the unambiguous identification of the protective label or the seal and the goods associated therewith for the subsequent activation of the closure. This is to prevent that several similar goods can be unlocked with the same code. It is also possible to read out product-specific information with appropriate software and to make it available to the customer.

With the exception of the magnetic or mechanical data input and the external connector with software, the technology further preferably has its own power supply. This can, for. B. be ensured via a removable battery. To save the battery voltage when not in use, it is advisable to equip the protective label with a power switch. Furthermore, the internal data processing and control of the shutter mechanism is preferably ensured by a microprocessor.

Each protective label has a serial number assigned to it. Advantageously, a code is generated from item number of the goods to be protected and serial number of the protective label. Only this code opens the shutter. The code can be permanently stored in the microprocessor or stored on the device with each new goods attachment via the activation technique.

The needle, whose needle head with the eyelet in the closure is temporarily attached, can be introduced with the needle tip into the housing base where it irreversibly clamps mechanically or magnetically or alternatively permanently bonded. For this purpose, the needle preferably has a smooth, notched or corrugated surface, which enters into a permanent connection in interaction with a clamp or explosive disk fastened in the lower part. Instead of a needle, a (wire) rope or a (wire) loop with the same fastening is conceivable which (s) does not perforate the goods but passes through potential openings of the goods. This rope could also be firmly connected to the upper and lower part (or first and second section). Another alternative is two magnets, one each in the upper and lower part, wherein the magnet in the upper part or first section can be deactivated or reversed by the code and thus cancels the connection. The product is clamped in the closed state between the magnets of the housing to the closure opening and protected.

The lower part or the second portion is preferably formed in two parts and has the task to grip the needle permanently, so as to protect the end user from injury by the needle tip and on the other hand in connection with the upper part safely and until the opening permanently on the Goods to be attached. The needle can be held within the base by a clamp, a jump disc or a magnet. Alternatively, an adhesive bond can ensure the desired attachment.

In the state attached to the goods, the lower part is covered in an ideal application and the upper part is visibly fastened to the goods.

Furthermore, the upper part can be equipped with a new needle and reused several times, while the needle connected to the lower part can only be removed by destruction and so the lower part is not reusable. Alternatively, the base is to be constructed so that the needle is removed and thus reusable.

Claims (10)

1. Seal (1) for securing goods, the seal comprising a first portion (2) having a connecting element (4), a second portion (3) having a receiving element (5) for receiving at least one part of the connecting element (4), and a data input unit (6) and/or data receiving unit (6), it being possible to interconnect the first and second portion by introducing at least one part of the connecting element (4) into the receiving element (5), it being possible to non-destructively separate the first and second portion from one another again only when the data input unit (6) and/or data receiving unit (6) receives a predetermined data signal, and the connecting element (4) comprising a needle, said needle having a pointed end (7) and a blunt end (8) and the pointed end (7), upon introduction into the receiving element (5), being irreversibly connected to the receiving element, characterised in that the blunt end (8) of the needle can be separated from the first portion when the data input unit and/or data receiving unit receives the predetermined data signal, the first portion having a securing mechanism (17), which fixes the blunt end (8) of the needle in the first portion and is suitable for releasing the blunt end of the needle when the data input unit and/or data receiving unit receives the predetermined data signal.
2. Seal according to claim 1, wherein the blunt end (8) of the needle has an opening (9) and/or groove (10) and wherein the securing mechanism (17) has a bolt (11) and/or projection, which engages with the opening (9) and/or groove (10).
3. Seal according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pointed end (7) of the needle has a groove (12), which, upon introduction of the needle into the receiving element, irreversibly latches with a latching mechanism (13) of the receiving element (5).
4. Seal according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion has an EAS element.
5. Method for securing a goods item, said method comprising the following steps:

   a) providing a seal (1) according to any of the previous claims which comprises a first portion (2) having a connecting element (4), a second portion (3) having a receiving element (5) for receiving at least one part of the connecting element (4), and a data input unit (6) and/or data receiving unit (6);

   b) providing a goods item (19);

   c) connecting the first and second portion (2, 3) of the seal (1) by introducing at least one part of the connecting element (4) into the receiving element (5) in such a way that the seal (1) is connected to the goods item (19), wherein the first and second portion (2, 3) can be non-destructively separated from one another again only when the data input unit (6) and/or data receiving unit (6) receives a predetermined data signal;

   d) forwarding or providing, by sending the goods item (19), ordered by telephone or via the internet, to a customer by post or a delivery service, together with the seal (1);

   e) transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit (6) and/or data receiving unit (6); and

   f) separating the first and second portion (2, 3) from one another to release the goods item (19).
6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the step of transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit comprises the following steps:

   forwarding the predetermined data signal to the customer, and

   inputting the forwarded data signal into the data input unit, or

   transmitting the forwarded data signal to the data receiving unit.
7. Method according to either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the step of transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit takes place and/or is authorised by an external apparatus, as soon as a payment has been made, preferably by mobile payment or e-payment.
8. Method according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the step of transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit comprises a direct or indirect transmission of the predetermined data signal to the data receiving unit.
9. Method according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first and second portion (2, 3) of the seal (1) are additionally interconnected via a cable (21), a wire (21) or a bracket.
10. Method according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the connecting element (4) has a needle and wherein step c) comprises piercing a portion of the goods item (19), so that this portion of the goods item is fixed between the first and second portion (2, 3) of the seal (1).

Images