ES2566009T3 - Safety device without pin - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device (12, 120), which can be removably attached to an article, the security device (12, 120) comprising: a housing (16, 160) that includes a securing pad (42, 420); a blocking element arranged inside the housing (16, 160); and a strap (20, 200), including the strap (20, 200): a first end having a hitch region, the hitch region being able to be inserted into the housing (16, 160); and a second end (48, 480) that has an assurance side (36, 360); the strap (20, 200) can be slidably moved between an open position and a locked position, the blocking element being able to be coupled with the strap engagement region (20, 200), and the strap (20, 200), when it is in the locked position, it is retained at least partially inside the housing (16, 160) and secures the article between the securing pad (42, 420) and the securing side (36, 360) of the strap (20, 200) , wherein the locking element includes: a magnetically operable bolt (38, 380) and a flexible locking element (40, 400) that deflects the magnetically operable bolt (38) and the strap engagement region (20, 200) to a locked position, and characterized by a flexible channel element (32, 320) that exerts an upward force on the strap (20, 200), wherein the combination of forces applied to the strap (20, 200) by the element of flexible lock (40, 400) and flexible channel element (32, 320), in The locked position produces a torque on the strap (20, 200) that serves to allow the securing side (36, 360) of the strap (20, 200) to firmly grip the protected article so that a portion of the article it is captured between the securing side (36, 360) of the strap (20) and the securing pad (42) when it is in the locked position.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Safety device without pin Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") systems for the prevention of unauthorized removal of an item from a controlled area, and more particularly to an EAS security tag without a pin that joins with security to an article of commerce without penetrating the article.

Background of the invention

A typical Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") system in a retail environment may comprise a control system and one or more labels or markers attached to articles to protect them from unauthorized removal. The control system establishes a surveillance zone (also called an interrogation zone), usually at an access point for the controlled area. The items authorized for the removal of the area can be deactivated or removed so that they cannot be detected by the control system. If the controlled item enters the surveillance zone with an active security tag, an alarm will be activated to indicate the possible unauthorized removal of the item.

As is known in the art, security tags (also called markers) for EAS systems can be constructed in any number of configurations. The desired configuration of the label or marker is often dictated by the nature of the article to be protected. For example, prepackaged goods that are subject to retail theft, such as CDs, DVDs, small electronic devices, etc., may contain an EAS marker arranged inside the package so that it is hidden from the consumer at least during the pre-purchase period .

An EAS marker may be enclosed in a rigid housing that can be secured to the controlled item, such as hard tags containing EAS markers that are commonly attached to clothing in retail stores. The rigid housing normally includes a pin that is inserted through the fabric and secured in place on the opposite side. The housing cannot be removed from clothing without destroying the housing except using an EAS deactivator / remover.

However, when the pin is inserted through the fabric, the article to be protected incurs some damage on the part of the pin. Retailers and luxury customers do not like expensive goods, such as leather goods, to suffer damage to prevent theft. Shoes are especially difficult to protect using a device that has a pin since the material from which the shoe is constructed often suffers permanent damage from the pin.

Additionally, the shoes present other difficulties for EAS tags that have a pin since the shoe material may simply be too stiff to insert the pin. Many retailers are currently trying to secure their merchandise using these hard tags in combination with pins, cords or both through a lace eyelet or in the tongue area. This practice is suitable for some types of shoes, but the tag / pin / cord interferes with the process of fitting and tying the merchandise. In this way, many shoes, boots and shoes of expensive women or with strips cannot be labeled at all. For items such as boots, the pin may be too short to ascend through the thickness of the boot material, thus preventing the pin from securing.

Therefore, what is needed is an EAS safety device without a pin that can be attached to trade items without penetrating through them or damaging the item.

Document GB 2 305 212 A discloses a security tag device that has a hook that forms the closed loop and the free end of the hook is inserted into a perforation. A post or ring of the article is inserted through the open mouth to attach the device to the article.

Document GB 2 150 207 A teaches a labeling device that has an element with a hook and a body with an extension. The element can be inserted into the body so that an extension plane and an element plane enclose the article.

WO 2008/068725 A2 shows a monitoring device that can be used to secure glasses. A pivoting arm can be inserted into an opening whereby a closed loop is formed in the closed condition.

Document US 6,705,133 B1 shows a portable lock to secure laptops. The locking mechanism includes two arms that can be joined to form a closed loop.

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Summary of the invention

The present invention advantageously provides a security device, an Electronic Article Surveillance System ("EAS") and a method for attaching the security device to a trade item. The safety device protects the article from its removal from a controlled area without penetrating the article.

An aspect of the present invention defines a safety device according to claim 1.

Another aspect of the present invention defines an electronic article EAS system according to claim 11.

A further aspect of the present invention defines a method according to claim 12.

Brief description of the drawings

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages and auxiliary characteristics thereof, will be more readily understood in reference to the following detailed description when considered together with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates components of an electronic article surveillance security system and device ("EAS") without pin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear / left perspective view of an EAS device without a pin with the left half of the housing removed, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the left / front side of an EAS device without a pin with the left half of the housing removed, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a rear / left perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top / right / front side perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a bottom / left / front perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a rear / right perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a top / right / front side perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a bottom / right side / front perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a view of the right side of an EAS device without a pin with the right half of the housing removed, constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an illustration showing an EAS device without a pin attached to a shoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an illustration showing an EAS device without a pin attached to a boot, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 10 is an illustration showing a view of the inside of the boot of Figure 9.

Detailed description of the invention

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it is mentioned that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to the implementation of apparatus, systems and methods to ensure an EAS safety device no pin to trade items without penetrating through them or damaging the item. Therefore, the system and the components of the method have been represented where it has been appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are relevant to understand the embodiments of the present invention so as not to complicate the disclosure with details that will be apparent. immediately for those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the description in this document.

As used herein, the relational terms such as "first" and "second" -, "superior" and "inferior", and the like, can only be used to distinguish an entity or element from another entity or element without needing necessarily or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between entities or elements.

An embodiment may include, for example, an EAS safety device without a pin comprising a locking mechanism, a locking mechanism, a security tag and a housing. The securing mechanism may comprise a strap and an assurance pad. The strap can be any suitable material, such as metal or plastic and can be rigid or flexible. The strap includes a securing side and a hitching side. The strap securing side can extend outward from the housing and secure the EAS safety device without a pin to an article by trapping a portion of an article between the strap and the

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assurance pad. The locking mechanism may include a magnetically operable bolt and a flexible element that deflects the magnetically operable bolt into a locked position. The strap hitching side coincides with at least one portion of the magnetically operable bolt in the locked position. As used herein, the "locking position" may refer to the position of the magnetically operable bolt in which it is particularly or totally within a gap of, in engagement with, joined with, or otherwise paired with the hooking side of the strap The housing can be a structure configured to secure the locking mechanism, the security tag, the securing mechanism, and the article to the housing, as it is secured, the magnetically operable lock of the locking mechanism it can coincide with the hitching side of the strap in the locked position to block the housing, and thus the security label with which the housing is secured, to the article.When the housing is locked, the safety device can avoid or provide resistance to an attempt to separate the housing from the article.

It is worth mentioning that any reference in the specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The occurrences of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now in detail to the drawings in which similar parts are designated by similar reference numbers through them, a perspective view of components that can be included in an EAS 10 security system in accordance is illustrated in Figure 1. With an accomplishment. In this embodiment, the security system 10 includes the security device 12 and a separator 14 used to remove the security device 12 when attached to a trade item. The safety device EAS 12 without pin can include a housing 16 having two joining halves 16a, 16b molded from a polymer and / or other rigid material or materials. A safety mechanism 18, such as a strap 20, can move between an open position and a locked position. When the safety device 12 is attached to an article, the strap 20 moves to the closed position where the article is caught or imprisoned between the strap 20 and a securing side 22 of the housing 16.

The housing 16 also includes a protuberance 24 designed to fit into a dented separation zone 26 of the magnetic tag separator 14 to remove the security tag 12 EAS without pin of the protected article.

Referring now to Figure 2, a rear / left perspective view of an EAS device without pin with the left half 16b of the housing removed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is provided. The safety device 12 without pin EAS may include a securing mechanism 18, a locking mechanism 28, a detectable safety element 30 and a housing 16. The securing mechanism 18 may include a strap 20 and a flexible channel element 32 The strap 20 has a hooking side 34 and a securing side 36. The locking mechanism 28 may be a magnetically operable locking mechanism, and may include a magnetically operable bolt 38 and a flexible locking element 40. The locking element 40. flexible lock 40, for example a spring, in a locked position, is deflected to apply an upward force on the magnetically operable bolt 38, thereby causing the magnetically operable bolt 38 to engage the engagement side 34 of the securing mechanism 18.

The housing 16 can be any sheath or other structure that partially or totally contains and / or surrounds, encloses, attaches to, engages with, or otherwise secures the locking mechanism 28 and the detectable safety element 30, a portion of the securing mechanism 18 and an article when the locking mechanism 28 is in the locked position and the housing 16 is locked in this way. The housing 16 and the locking mechanism 28 can cooperate in this way to secure, or block, the article in the housing 16 and thus the safety device 12. The housing 16 can be configured as desired, and can be molded based on the forms of the locking mechanism 28, the detectable safety element 30 and the article to be secured and for which it has been designed, as will be described below with respect to embodiments of the housing 16. The housing 16 may include a pad of securing 42, which can be part of the housing 16 or can be a separate part mounted on the securing side 22 of the housing 16. The housing 16 can alternatively be configured to pair with the securing pad 42. The interior of the housing 16 may comprise in addition a rectangular channel 44 that encompasses a portion of the hitching side 34 of the strap 20 and allows the strap 20 to slide along l channel 44. Channel 44 is oriented at an acute angle of approximately 35 ° with respect to the securing side 36 of the housing 16.

In one embodiment, the strap 20 may comprise or be formed of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum, plastic or a casting alloy. The strap 20 may comprise a "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" element in which one side of the U (or V) is a hook side 34 and the other side is a securing side 36. The Angle between the hitching side 34 and the securing side 36 is an acute angle of approximately 20-60 °. The hitching side 34 resides partially in the housing 16 within the rectangular channel 44. The hitching side 34 of the strap 20 slides into the channel 44 to allow the strap 20 to move from an open position to a closed position. A flexible channel element 32 is comprised between the lower surface 46 of the engagement side 34 of the strap and an outer wall of the housing 16, thereby deflecting the flexible element 32 to apply an ascending force to the lower surface 46 of the engagement side 34 of the strap 20 and causing the strap 20 to rest in an open position. The flexible channel element 32 may be a cylindrical spring, an elliptical spring,

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a cantilever arm, such as, for example, a crossbow or any other shape, as long as the flexible channel element 32 functions to apply an upward force on the bottom surface 46 of the side 34 of the strap hitch 20.

The securing side 36 of the strap 20 includes a terminal portion 48 having at least one protrusion 50, such as projections, ridges, tips, teeth, etc., extending inward towards the securing side 24 of the housing 16. The Amount and types of protuberance 50 may vary depending on the type of article to be secured. When the safety device 12 is attached to an article, the strap 20 moves to a closed position where the article is trapped or pinched between the terminal portion 48 of the securing side 36 of the strap 20 and the securing pad 42 on the side 24 securing the housing 16. The protrusions 50 of the securing side 36 of the strap 20 "bite" the material of the article preventing the security tag 12 from being removed without destroying or damaging the detectable security element 30 or the article.

The securing pad 42 may also include protrusions, such as rows of teeth or ridges 52 designed to work together with the protuberances 50 of the securing side 36 of the strap 20 to securely grip the material of an article and prevent the device from Safety 12 EAS without pin is removed from the article when the strap 20 is in the locked position. The securing pad 42 may comprise a metal, polymer, ceramic, and / or any other material or materials material, as long as the material is rigid enough to prevent the housing 16 from necessarily being removed from the article, when secured to the article, without destroying or damaging the detectable security element 30 or the article.

The hooking side 34 of the strip 20 includes a plurality of parallel ridges 54, such as projections, teeth, notches, spikes, points, curves, gaps, or other shapes, which are coupled to the magnetically operable bolt 38 to secure the strap 20 in a locked position and prevent the hitching side 34 from extending from the housing 16. The hitching side 34 of the securing mechanism 16 can be configured as desired, such as with one or more holes or other holes, projections, teeth, protrusions or other ways. The hooking side 34 may be configured to engage, receive, insert in, or otherwise coincide with at least a portion of the magnetically operable bolt 38.

The magnetically operable bolt 38 may include a base portion 56, which may include a base portion end 58 and a hitch portion 62 that may include a hitch portion end 64. Overhanging from the hitch portion end 64, the magnetically operable bolt 38 includes one or more teeth 66, projections, notches, spikes, points, curves, gaps or other shapes such as those described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically operable bolt 38, while the portion end of base 58 can be flat or otherwise. In one embodiment, each crest or tooth 66 may have an elevation of approximately 1.36 mm and a development of approximately 0.46 mm. Exemplary elevation ratios with respect to development can be approximately 3: 1, 4: 1 or 5: 2. It is understood, however, that these examples are not limiting and that other relationships may be used depending on the design requirements and the object to be secured.

In an embodiment where the magnetically operable bolt 38 is serrated at its hitch portion 64, the engaging side 34 of the securing mechanism 16 can be configured with projections 54 that engage the teeth 66 of the magnetically operable bolt 38 in the position lock The flexible locking element 40 is deflected to exert a force on the base portion end 58 to couple the teeth 66 of the engagement portion 64 to the teeth 54 of the engagement side 34 of the strap 20 to prevent the strap 20 removed from the housing 16. The flexible locking element 40 prevents the base portion 56 from being disengaged from the engagement side 34 of the strap 20 unless the magnetically operable bolt 38 is removed from the engagement side 34 by a magnetic force, such as exercised by a separator 14.

The flexible locking element 40 may be molded as desired, such as in a cuboid, ellipsoid, coil or any other form as described herein with respect to the embodiments of the flexible locking element 40 and may include one or more pieces, or can be combined or formed integrally with the magnetically operable bolt 38. In one embodiment, the flexible locking element 40 can be molded as a cantilever arm, such as, for example, a crossbow. The flexible blocking element 40 may comprise or may be formed of a flexible material such as a light, porous, semi-rigid, elastic, gaseous and / or spongy material that can provide a resistance force when compressed and can fully or partially recover its uncompressed form when the compression force is removed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible locking element 40 may comprise or be formed of foam rubber, polymer foam, ceramic foam, or other foams; a rubber; and / or other material or materials. The flexible locking element 40 can also be configured as an alternative to provide the strength of resistance when compressed. For example, in various embodiments the flexible locking element 40 can be configured as a coil, leaf spring or other cantilever arm, or another spring, or other similar member, comprising a metallic, polymeric, ceramic and / or other material or materials. The flexible locking element 40 may have any of various masses.

Additionally, the combination of forces applied to the strap 20 by the flexible locking element 40 and the flexible channel element 32, in the locked position, produces a torque on the strap 20 which also serves

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to allow the securing side 22 of the strap 20 to firmly grip the protected article.

The magnetically operable bolt 38 can be configured as desired, to comprise one or more pieces, and can be symmetric or non-symmetrical around any point, line or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically operable bolt 38 can be configured with a "T", "I", curved, or with another face shape and with a rectangular, circular, thick, hollow or otherwise empty cross section and / or non-uniform, or as described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically operable bolt 38. In addition, the base portion end 58 may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically operable bolt 38 can be configured so that at least a portion thereof, such as the engagement portion 62, may be coupled, received, inserted into, or otherwise coincided with the engagement side 34 of the securing mechanism 16, as described herein.

The magnetically operable bolt 38 may comprise or be formed of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, or of an alloy of iron, nickel or cobalt. In one embodiment, the magnetically operable bolt 38 includes one or more magnetic materials and may also include one or more non-magnetic materials.

In one embodiment, the magnetically operable bolt 38 and the flexible locking element 40 are contained within the protuberance 24 of the housing 16 as opposed to the securing side 22. The protuberance 24 is designed to fit into a dented separation zone 26 of the separator. of magnetic label 14 (Figure 1) to remove the safety label EAS 12 without pin of the protected article. The magnetic tag separator 14 applies a magnetic field that attracts the magnetically operable bolt 38 with sufficient force to overcome the rising force supplied by the flexible locking element 40 so that the ridges or teeth 66 of the magnetically operable bolt 38 are decoupled from the ridges or teeth 54 of the hooking side 34 of the strap 20, thereby allowing the strap 20 to move freely in the channel 44 and releasing the article.

The detectable security element 30 is placed inside a chamber in the housing 16 and can be any detectable device or system, such as any security label or marker. For example, in various embodiments, the detectable security element 30 may be any type of EAS element (eg, Radio Frequency Element, Acoustomagnetic Element, etc.), Radio Frequency Identification Element ("RFID"), combination of EAS elements / RFID, smart tag, or other detectable anti-theft item or other security item. It should be mentioned that although the present invention is described in reference to an "EAS system" that uses "eAS tags", these terms are used in the general sense and include tags that use one or more security elements, for example, EAS element , RFID element, etc. The detectable security element 30 can be detected by a corresponding detection system or device, such as, depending on the type of security tag or marker, an acoustomagnetic detector, electromagnetic detector, radiofrequency detector, or other detector.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the left / front side of an EAS device 12 without a pin with the left half 16b of the housing removed. Figure 4 illustrates a rear / left perspective view of an EAS device 12 without a pin constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the detectable safety element 30 is oriented so that the longitudinal axis of the detectable safety element 30 rests in the same plane as the strap 20 (hereinafter referred to as "vertical embodiment") .

Referring now to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of an EAS security tag 120 without a pin is provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In comparison with the security label 12 EAS, the longitudinal axis of the detectable security element 300 rests in a plane perpendicular to the strip 200 (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal embodiment").

The horizontal embodiment of an EAS security tag 120 without a pin may include a housing 160 having two joining halves 160a, 160b molded from a polymer and / or other material or materials. A securing mechanism 180, such as a strap 200, can move between an open position and a locked position. When the safety device 120 is attached to an article, the strap 200 moves to the closed position where the article is caught or pinched between the strap 200 and a securing side 220 of the housing 160.

The housing 160 also includes a protuberance 240 designed to fit into a dented separation zone 26 of a magnetic tag separator 14 to remove the EAS security tag 120 without a pin from the protected article.

Figure 6 illustrates a bottom / right side / front perspective view of an EAS device without a pin constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 7, a view of the right side of an EAS security device 120 without a pin is provided with the right half 160b of the housing 160 removed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The safety device EAS 120 without a pin can include a locking mechanism 180, a locking mechanism 280, a detectable safety element 300 and a housing 160. The locking mechanism 180

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it can include a strap 200 and a flexible channel element 320. The strap 200 has a latch side 340 and a securing side 360. The locking mechanism 280 can be a magnetically operable locking mechanism, and can include a magnetically operable latch. 380 and a flexible locking element 400. The flexible locking element 400, for example, a spring, in a locked position, is deflected to apply an upward force on the magnetically operable bolt 380, thereby causing the magnetically operable bolt 380 it is coupled to the hitching side 340 of the securing mechanism 180.

The housing 160 may be any sheath or other structure that partially or totally contains and / or surrounds, encloses, attaches to, engages with, or otherwise secures the locking mechanism 280 and the detectable security element 300, a portion of the securing mechanism 180, and an article when the locking mechanism 280 is in the locked position and the housing 160 is therefore locked. The housing 160 and the locking mechanism 280 can cooperate to secure, or block, the article in the housing 160 and thus the safety device 120. The housing 160 can be configured as desired, and can be molded based on the shapes of the locking mechanism 280, the detectable security element 300, and an article to be secured and for which it has been designed, as described below with respect to embodiments of the housing 160. The housing 160 may include a securing pad 420, which can be part of the housing 160 or can be a separate piece mounted on the securing side 220 of the housing 160. The housing 160 can be configured as an alternative to pair with the securing pad 420. The interior of the housing 160 may further comprise a rectangular channel 440 that encompasses a portion of the hitching side 340 of the strap 200 and allows the strap 200 to slide along of channel 440.

In one embodiment, the strap 200 may comprise or be formed of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum or extended polycarbonate. The strap 200 may comprise a "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" element in which one side of the U (or V) is a hitch side 340 and the other side is a securing side 360. The angle between the hitch side 340 and the securing side 360 is an acute angle of approximately 30-60 °. The hitch side 340 resides partially in the housing 160 within the rectangular channel 440. The hitch side 340 of the strap 200 is slides into the channel 440 to allow the strap 200 to move from an open position to a closed position A flexible channel element 320 is comprised between the lower surface 460 of the hitching side 340 of the strap and an outer wall of the housing 160, thereby deflecting the flexible element 320 to apply an upward force to the lower surface 460 of the hitching side 340 of the strap 200 and causing the strap 200 to rest in an open position. The flexible channel element 320 may be a cylindrical spring, an elliptical spring, a cantilever arm, such as, for example, a crossbow or any other shape, as long as the flexible channel element 320 functions to apply an ascending force to the bottom surface 460 of the hitching side 340 of the strip 200.

The securing side 360 of the strip 200 includes a terminal portion 480 having at least one protuberance 500, such as projections, ridges, tips, teeth etc., which extend backward towards the securing side 240 of the housing 160. The amount and type of the bulge 500 may vary depending on the type of article to be secured. When the security device 120 is attached to an article, the strap 200 is moved to a closed position where the article is caught or imprisoned between the terminal portion 480 of the securing side 360 of the strap 200 and the securing pad 420 of the side of securing 240 of the housing 160. The protrusions 500 of the securing side 360 of the strap 200 "bite" the material of the article preventing the security tag 120 from being removed without destroying or damaging the detectable security element 300 or the article.

The securing pad 420 may also include protuberances, such as rows of teeth or ridges (not shown) designed to work together with the protuberances 500 of the securing side 360 of the strap 200 to securely grip the material of an article and prevent The safety device EAS 120 without pin is removed from the article when the strap 200 is in the locked position. The securing pad 420 may comprise a metal, polymer, ceramic and / or other material or materials, as long as the material is rigid enough to prevent the housing 160 from being forcefully removed from the article, when secured to the article, without destroying or damaging the detectable security element 300 or the article.

The hitching side 340 of the strip 200 includes a plurality of parallel ridges 540, such as projections, teeth, notches, spikes, points, curves, gaps, or other shapes, which are coupled to the magnetically operable bolt 380 to secure the strap 200 in a locked position and prevent the hitching side 340 from extending from the housing 160. The hitching side 340 of the securing mechanism 160 can be configured as desired, such as with one or more holes or other holes, projections, teeth, protrusions or other ways. The hitching side 340 can be configured to engage, receive, insert in or otherwise coincide with at least a portion of the magnetically operable bolt 380.

The magnetically operable bolt 380 may include a base portion 560, which may include a base portion end 580 and a hitch portion 620 that may include a hitch portion end 640. Overhanging from the hitch portion end 640, the magnetically operable bolt 380 includes one or more teeth 660, projections, notches, spikes, points, curves, gaps or other shapes such as those described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically operable bolt 380, while the portion end 580 base can be flat or otherwise.

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In an embodiment where the magnetically actuated bolt 380 is serrated at its hitch portion 640, the engagement side 340 of the securing mechanism 160 can be configured with projections 540 that engage the teeth 660 of the magnetically actuated bolt 380 in the position lock The flexible locking element 400 is deflected to exert a force on the base portion end 580 to engage the teeth 660 of the engagement portion end 640 on the teeth 540 of the engagement side 340 of the strap 200 to prevent the strap 200 is removed from the housing 160. The flexible locking element 400 prevents the base portion 560 from decoupling from the hitching side 340 of the strap 200 unless the magnetically operable bolt 380 is removed from the hitching side 340 by means of a magnetic force, such as exercised by a separator 14.

The flexible locking element 400 may be molded as desired, such as in a cuboid, ellipsoid, coil or any other form as described herein with respect to the embodiments of the flexible blocking element 400 and may include one or more pieces, or it can be combined or formed integrally with the magnetically operable bolt 380. In one embodiment, the flexible locking element 400 can be molded as a cantilever arm, such as, for example, a crossbow. The flexible blocking element 400 may comprise or may be formed of a flexible material such as a light, porous, semi-rigid, elastic, gaseous and / or spongy material that can provide a resistance force when compressed and can fully or partially recover its shape. not compressed when the compression force is removed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible locking element 400 may comprise or be formed of a foam chunk, polymer foam, ceramic foam or other foam; a rubber; and / or other material or materials. The flexible locking element 400 may also be configured as an alternative to provide the strength of resistance when compressed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible locking element 400 may be configured as a coil, leaf spring or other cantilever arm, or another spring, or other similar member, comprising a metallic, polymeric, ceramic, and / or other material. material or materials The flexible locking element 400 may have any of various masses.

Additionally, the combination of forces applied to the strip 200 by means of the flexible locking element 400 and the flexible channel element 320, in the locked position, produces a torque on the strap 200 which also serves to allow the securing side 220 of the strap 200 firmly grasp the protected article.

The magnetically operable lock 380 can be configured as desired, can comprise one or more pieces, and can be symmetrical or asymmetric around any point, line or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically operable bolt 380 can be configured with a "T", "I", curved or otherwise face and with a rectangular, circular, thick, hollow or otherwise empty cross section, and / or non-uniform, or as described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically operable lock 380. In addition, the base portion end 580 may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically operable lock 380 can be configured so that at least a portion thereof, such as the hitch portion 620, may be coupled, received, inserted into or otherwise coincided with the hitching side 340 of the securing mechanism 160, as described herein.

The magnetically operable bolt 380 may comprise or be formed of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt or an alloy of iron, nickel or cobalt. In one embodiment, the magnetically operable lock 380 includes one or more magnetic materials and may also include one or more non-magnetic materials.

In one embodiment, the magnetically operable bolt 380 and the flexible locking element 400 are contained within the protuberance 240 of the housing 160 as opposed to the securing side 220. The protuberance 240 is designed to fit into a dented separation zone 26 of the separator. of magnetic label 14 (Figure 1) to remove the security label 12 EAS without pin of the protected article. The magnetic tag separator 14 applies a magnetic field that attracts the magnetically operable bolt 380 with sufficient force to overcome the rising force supplied by the flexible locking element 400 so that the ridges or teeth 660 of the magnetically operable bolt 38 are decoupled from the crests or teeth 540 of the engagement side 34 of the strip 200, thereby allowing the strap 200 to move freely in the channel 440 and releasing the article.

The detectable security element 300 may be any detectable device or system, such as any security label or marker. For example, in various embodiments, the detectable security element 300 may be any type of eAs element (eg, Radio Frequency Element, Acoustomagnetic Element, etc.), a Radio Frequency Identification Element ("RFID"), element combination EAS / RFID, smart tag, or other detectable anti-theft or security item. It should be mentioned that although the present invention is described in reference to an "EAS system" that uses "EAS tags", these terms are used in a general sense and include tags that use one or more security elements, for example, EAS element , RFID element, etc. The detectable security element 300 may be detectable by a corresponding detection system or device, such as, depending on the type of security tag or marker, an acoustomagnetic detector, electromagnetic detector, radiofrequency detector, or other detector.

Referring now to Figure 8, a horizontal embodiment of an EAS 120 safety device without pin during use attached to a woman's shoe is illustrated. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a horizontal embodiment of a

EAS 120 safety device without pin when attached to a boot. As can be seen from Figures 8-10, the embodiments of the present invention allow a customer to test the trade item with a minimum interference of the EAS safety device without a pin, while advantageously providing the security of protection against Theft for the retailer.

5

It should be mentioned that although the present invention has been described in reference to the capture of a portion of an article to be secured between the contact pad in the housing and the securing region in the strap, the use of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, where an article has an opening or an element with an opening such as a bag strap, handle, ring or belt buckle, the security tag strap can be inserted through the opening in the article so that, when in the locked position, the assurance region contacts the assurance pad thereby blocking the security tag in the article.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. A safety device (12, 120), which can be removably attached to an article, the security device (12, 120) comprising: a housing (16, 160) that includes an assurance pad (42, 420); a blocking element arranged inside the housing (16, 160); and a strap (20, 200), including the strap (20, 200): a first end having a hitch region, the hitch region being able to be inserted in the housing (16, 160); Y a second end (48, 480) that has a securing side (36, 360); the strap (20, 200) can be slidably moved between an open position and a locked position, the locking element being able to be coupled with the region of the strap engagement (20, 200), and the strap (20, 200), when it is in the locked position, it is retained at least partially inside the housing (16, 160) and secures the article between the securing pad (42, 420) and the securing side (36, 360) of the strap (20, 200) , where the blocking element includes: a magnetically operable bolt (38, 380) and a flexible locking element (40, 400) that deflects the magnetically operable bolt (38) and the strap engagement region (20, 200) to a locked position, and characterized by a flexible channel element (32, 320) that exerts an upward force on the strap (20, 200), wherein the combination of forces applied to the strap (20, 200) by means of the flexible locking element (40, 400 ) and the flexible channel element (32, 320), in the locked position, produces a torque on the strap (20, 200) which serves to allow the securing side (36, 360) of the strap (20, 200) firmly grasp the protected article so that a portion of the article is captured between the securing side (36, 360) of the strap (20) and the securing pad (42) when it is in the locked position. 2. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the housing (16, 160) includes an outer wall defining an inner volume, the housing (16, 160) having the magnetically operable bolt (38, 380) disposed within of the interior volume, including the housing (16, 160) a passage inside which defines a channel (44, 440) configured to slidably receive the strap (20, 200) inside, also configured the channel (44, 440) to retain the flexible channel element (32, 320) so that the flexible channel element (32, 320) is compressed between the strip (20, 200) and the outer wall. 3. The safety device of claim 2, wherein the housing (16, 160) further includes a securing side (22, 220), the channel (44, 440) being oriented at an acute angle of substantially 20 ° at substantially 60 ° with respect to the housing securing side (22, 220) (16, 160). 4. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the strap (20, 200) has a V-shaped configuration. 5. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the strap (20, 200) has a U-shaped configuration. 6. The security device of claim 1, wherein the housing (16, 160) further includes a detectable security element camera and wherein the security device (12, 120) also includes a detectable security element ( 30, 300) located in the camera of the detectable security element. 7. The security device of claim 6, wherein the detectable security element (30, 300) is at least one of an Electronic Article Surveillance tag ("EAS") and a Radio Frequency Identification tag (" RFID ”). 8. The safety device of claim 6, wherein the securing side (36, 360) and the strap engagement region (20, 200) rest in the foreground, a longitudinal axis of the detectable safety element ( 30, 300) rests in the foreground or in the background, the second plane being perpendicular to the foreground. 9. The safety device of claim 1, wherein the strap engagement region (20, 200) includes at least one protrusion extending therefrom. 10. The safety device of claim 9, wherein the at least one protuberance includes at least one tooth having an elevation and a development, being a ratio of the elevation to the development of approximately 3: 1. 11. An Electronic Article Surveillance System (“EAS”) (10, 100) to secure an article, characterized by: a security device (12, 120) according to one of claims 1-10, said device (12, 120) having a housing (16, 160) with a protuberance (24, 240); Y a magnetic separator (14, 140) that includes a separation zone, the separation zone being able to be operated to fit the protuberance (24, 240) of the housing (16, 160) inside to separate the safety device (12, 120) of the article; wherein the housing (16, 160) also includes a camera of the element of detectable security and in which the security device (12, 120) also includes a detectable security element (30, 300) located in the camera of the detectable security element. 12. A method to protect an article against theft, the method is characterized by 10 fixing a safety device (12, 120) according to one of claims 1-10 to a portion of the article; sliding the strap (20, 200) slidably from an open position to a locked position, the locking element (40, 400) engaging with the hitch region (34, 340) of the strap (20, 200), where the flexible locking element (40, 400) deflects the magnetically operable bolt (38, 380) and the hitch region (34, 340) from the strap (20, 200) to a locked position; wherein the flexible locking element (40, 400), in combination with the flexible channel element, creates a torque in the strap (20, 200) so that a portion of the article is captured between the securing side ( 36, 360) of the strap (20, 200) and the securing pad (42, 420) when in the locked position, without the use of a pin and further comprising inserting the strap (20, 200) through an opening in the article, where in the locked position, the securing region comes into contact with the securing pad (42, 420).