GB2523770A

GB2523770A - Apparatus for attaching a surveillance device

Info

Publication number: GB2523770A
Application number: GB1403797.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Peter Marchese; Charles Edward Cowan
Original assignee: TAG Co UK
Current assignee: TAG Co UK
Priority date: 2014-03-04
Filing date: 2014-03-04
Publication date: 2015-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-04
Also published as: GB201403797D0; GB2523770B

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus 10 for attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle. The apparatus comprises a housing 11 configured to encapsulate the surveillance device, and a first arm 12 and a second arm 13 projecting away from a surface of the housing, each of the first arm and the second arm having an engagement member 12c, 13c at a distal end. The apparatus is configured such that the positions of one or both of the first arm and the second arm are adjustable relative to one another by way of a one-way adjustment mechanism 14. The adjustment mechanism may comprise a ratchet mechanism provided on one or both of the first and second arms, said mechanism having linear racks of teeth 11b-e which engage with corresponding teeth 12d, 12e, 13d, 13e on the first and/or second arms. The surveillance device may comprise an electronic article surveillance (EAS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) device. The surveillance device is intended to prevent the theft of a shopping basket, trolley or the like (figures 5, 6), with the engagement members engaging with a framework (21a,b) of the basket or trolley.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ATTACHING A SURVEILLANCE DEVICE

The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle such as a shopping basket, trolley or cart. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus that utilises the existing framework of the receptacle and that can be adapted to attach to receptacles of various different types and designs.

Most retail outlets provide receptacles, such as shopping baskets, trolleys or carts, for use by customers to assist them with transporting merchandise whilst within the shop/store and/or its grounds. However, theft of shopping baskets/trolleys/carts can be a costly problem for retailers.

To avoid theft of shopping trolleys/carts retailers typically make use of electronic or magnetic wheel locking systems that are activated when a shopping trolley/cart leaves a designated area, applying a wheel lock to at least one of the wheels. However, these systems are expensive to install and can be circumvented by lifting the shopping trolley/cart over the electronic/magnetic strip that defines the designated area or by breaking the wheel locks. In addition, these electronic or magnetic wheel locking systems are only applicable to wheeled receptacles such as shopping trolleys/carts, and are not suitable for preventing theft of shopping baskets (wheeled, handheld or otherwise) that can be carried by customers.

It is therefore desirable to make use of alternative systems to reduce theft of receptacles such as shopping baskets, trolleys or carts. In this regard, Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have been developed for tracking assets and for use in preventing theft of merchandise (e.g. shoplifting). EAS systems conventionally comprise an electronic or magnetic tag that is attached to an article, and one or more detection gates or readers that detect the presence/proximity of the tag. Similarly, RFID anti-theft systems conventionally comprise an RFID tag that is attached to an article, and one or more readers that detect the presence/proximity of the tag.

To prevent shoplifting, a detection gate or reader is typically located at the exit of a retail outlet and activates an alarm when it detects a functional EASIRFID tag to indicate that someone may be attempting to carry merchandise out of a store without payment. For merchandise that has been purchased, the EAS/RFID tags are normally removed or deactivated at the point of sale.

EAS/RFID systems would therefore provide a convenient means for reducing theft of shopping baskets, trolleys and carts.

In this regard, EAS/RFID tags typically take the form of either a hard tag or a label, wherein an hard tag comprises a hard shell/casing encapsulating the detectable elements (e.g. a circuit, coil, ferrite, antenna, chip or strip), which is typically attached to an article using either a locking pin or cable mechanism, and a label comprises an adhesive label with the detectable elements incorporated on the underside or into the label. However, these conventional forms of surveillance devices are not ideal for use in protecting receptacles such as shopping baskets, trolleys or carts. In particular, such receptacles typically lack areas that are suitable for effective application of either hard tags or labels, and attaching hard tags limits the ability to stack the receptacles, which is essential for efficient storage.

In order to circumvent some of these problems, G32467440, EP2048087, and DE102009025202 describe receptacles that have been modified to incorporate surveillance devices. For example, GB2467440 describes a trolley in which an RFID security tag is incorporated into the handle, DEl 02009025202 describes a shopping basket in which the base of the shopping basket has a recess and retainers for receiving an EAS tag, whilst EP2048087 describes a shopping basket in which a housing for an EAS tag provided in the mountings that attach the carrying handle to the basket. However, these systems require a receptacle whose structure has been modified in order to provide a means for retaining a surveillance device.

Consequently, such arrangements would require retailers to either purchase suitably modified receptacles, or to incur the cost of modifying their existing receptacles accordingly. These approaches are therefore costly and inflexible.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that it is desirable to provide an improved arrangement for permanently attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle, such as a shopping basket, trolley or cart, that does not require any modification of the structure of the receptacle and that can be retrofitted to a broad range of shopping receptacles.

Therefore, according to a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle. The apparatus comprises a housing configured to encapsulate the surveillance device, and a first arm and a second arm projecting away from a surface of the housing, each of the first arm and the second arm having an engagement member at a distal end. The apparatus is configured such that the positions of one or both of the first arm and the second arm are adjustable relative to one another by way of a one-way adjustment mechanism.

The one-way adjustment mechanism therefore provides a permanent locking mechanism that prevents that first arm and the second arm being moved away from one another.

The engagement members at the distal end of each of the first arm and the second arm may project towards one another. Each engagement member may comprise a projection that extends substantially perpendicularly away from the distal end of the arm.

The one-way adjustment mechanism may comprise a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism may be configured to allow the positions of one or both of the first arm and the second arm to be adjusted in a direction that reduces the distance between the first arm and the second arm.

The ratchet mechanism may comprise one or more linear racks of teeth provided on the housing and one or more corresponding linear racks of teeth provided on one or both of the first arm and the second arm. Each of the one or more linear racks of teeth provided on the housing can engage with a corresponding linear rack of teeth provided on one of the first arm and the second arm so as to allow movement in one direction relative to the housing. The positions of both the first arm and the second arm relative to the housing may therefore be adjustable by way of the ratchet mechanism.

The base portions of both the first arm and the second arm may be provided with one or more linear racks of teeth that engage with corresponding linear racks of teeth on the housing. When disposed within the housing the base portion of the first arm projects towards the second arm, and the base portion of the second arm projects towards the first arm.

The position of the first arm relative to the housing may be fixed, and the position of the second arm relative to the housing is then adjustable by way of the ratchet mechanism. A base portion of the second arm may then be provided with one or more linear racks of teeth that engage with corresponding linear racks of teeth on the housing. The base portion of the second arm may then project towards the first arm.

The apparatus may further comprise a surveillance device encapsulated in a tamperproof form within the housing. The surveillance device may be one or more of an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) device and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device.

The depth (D) of the housing may be sufficiently small so as to not significantly restrict or impede stacking or nesting of the receptacle to which the apparatus is configured to be attached.

A surface of the housing may be provided with an asset marking that provides traceability of the receptacle to which the apparatus is configured to be attached.

The present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a pre-assembly configuration; Figures 4a to 4c illustrate a cross-section through a portion of a receptacle and the attachment of the apparatus of Figure ito the receptacle; Figure 5a illustrates schematically an example of a shopping basket which has an embodiment the apparatus described herein attached to a side wall of the basket; Figure 5b illustrates schematically a cross-sectional side view of two stacked shopping baskets, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus described herein attached to a side wall of the basket; Figure 5b illustrates schematically a cross-sectional side view of two stacked shopping baskets, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus described herein attached to a base of the basket; Figure 6a illustrates schematically an example of a shopping trolley/cart that has an embodiment of the apparatus described herein attached to a side wall of the storage compartment of the trolley/cart; Figure 6b illustrates schematically a cross-sectional plan view of two nested shopping trolleys/carts, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus described herein attached to a side wall of the storage compartment of the trolley/cart; and Figure 6c illustrates schematically a cross-sectional plan view of two nested shopping trolleys/carts, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus described herein attached to a front end of the storage compartment of the trolley/cart.

The shopping receptacles (i.e. baskets, trolleys and carts) used by retail outlets have a variety of different designs and constructions, such that it is difficult to design surveillance devices/tags that are compatible with a significant number of these different shopping receptacles.

Consequently, existing means for using surveillance devices/tags with shopping receptacles have relied on designs that are only compatible with a limited range of shopping receptacles, or on shopping receptacles that are designed and/or modified to incorporate a specific design of surveillance device. However, it has been recognised herein that a large proportion of the shopping receptacles provided by retail outlets and the like have regular patterns of openings/holes in their structures. For example, shopping baskets, trolleys and carts are often formed from either a cage-like lattice of metal wire, which therefore forms a grid/matrix of holes, or from plastic that is moulded so as to form a grid/matrix of holes. Providing shopping receptacles with a regular pattern of openings/holes reduces the total amount of material used in their manufacture, thereby reducing their cost and weight, whilst also allowing users to be able to see the contents when in use.

The apparatus described herein therefore provides a means for permanently attaching a surveillance device (e.g. an EAS and/or REID device) to a receptacle, such as a shopping basket, trolley or cart, which has a regular pattern of openings. The apparatus comprises a housing/body configured to encapsulate a security/surveillance device, and a first arm and a second arm that project away from a surface of the housing/body. Each of the first arm and the second arm have an engagement member (i.e. a catch/hook/claw) at a distal end, and the apparatus is configured such that the positions of one or both of the first arm and the second arm are adjustable relative to one another by way of a one-way adjustment mechanism. In this regard, a one-way adjustment mechanism allows movement in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction. In particular, the one-way adjustment mechanism is configured to allow the positions of one or both of the first arm and the second arm to be adjusted in a direction that reduces the distance between the first arm and the second arm.

By way of example, the one-way adjustment mechanism could be provided by a ratchet mechanism, wherein a ratchet is defined as a mechanical device that allows movement in only one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction. In this regard, a ratchet mechanism could comprise any of pairs of interacting racks of asymmetrical teeth, a rack of angled teeth and a spring-loaded finger or pawl, or a rack of angled teeth and a housing containing a small number of teeth (in a similar arrangement to that used in a zip tie). As an alternative example, the one-way adjustment mechanism could be provided by a clamp mechanism that incorporates a freewheel mechanism (e.g. an overrunning clutch) to prevent the clamp from being undone. In this regard, such a clamping mechanism could comprise corresponding internal (female) and external threads provided on separate components of the device that interact to allow for adjustment/movement, with the freewheel mechanism being used to allow rotation of threads relative to one another to occur in one direction only.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown an embodiment of an apparatus/mounting unit 10 for attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle. In this embodiment, the apparatuslmounting unit 10 comprises a housing 11 that is configured to encapsulate a surveillance device (not shown) so as to prevent tampering. By way of example, the surveillance device could be one of or a combination of an EAS (e.g. radio frequency, acousto magnetic and! or electromagnetic) or RFID tag/label, or any other suitable remote surveillance device.

The housing 11 takes the form of a flat, relatively thin box/container. In paiticular, the depth (D) of the housing 11 is sufficiently sized so as to not significantly restrict or impede stacking or nesting of receptacles whilst providing space to house the surveillance device. In this regard, the extent to which receptacles can be stacked or nested is influenced by their specific design.

By way of example, the stacking/nesting of shopping receptacles can be influenced by any of the angles at which the sides of the receptacle taper, the size of a rim or lip provided as part of the structure, the size and design of the handles, the size and location of any additional features such as wheels, standoff fins etc. Consequently, for receptacles that leave a space between one another when nested or stacked, the depth (D) of the housing 11 is preferably no greater than the size of the space between adjacent stacked/nested receptacles. In Figures 1 to 3 the housing 11 is illustrated as being generally cuboid in shape with a rectangular cross-section; however, the shape and dimensions of the housing can vary.

The housing 11 can be provided with an access socket/port through which a surveillance device can be located within the housing 11. Preferably, the access port would be configured such that, once located within the housing 11, the surveillance device cannot be removed without breaking the housing 11. For example, this could be achieved by providing a cover for the access port that cannot be opened once it has been closed, or by forming the access port such that a surveillance device can be inserted but that it is extremely difficult to reach inside.

Alternatively, the surveillance device is incorporated into the housing 11 during manufacture (i.e. by forming or moulding the housing 11 around the surveillance device).

The housing 11 is provided with a linear recessed slot/channel ha that extends length of the housing 11. Both side walls of the recessed slot are provided with racks of asymmetrical teeth lib, lic, lid, lie.

The apparatus/mounting unit 10 further comprises a first arm 12 and a second arm 13. Both the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 comprise an arm portion 12a, 13a, a flat base portion 12b, 13b that projects perpendicularly from a proximal end of the arm portion 12a, 13a, and an engagement member 12c, 13c that that projects perpendicularly from a distal end of the arm portion 12a, 13a. Both the base portion 12b, 13b and the engagement member 12c, 13c of each arm 12, 13 project away from the arm portion 12a, 13a in the same direction, such that both the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 are approximately u-shaped, although it should be noted that the base portion 12b, 13b and the engagement member 12c, 13c can be of different lengths.

On each arm 12, 13, the two opposing sides of the base portion (i.e. that face away from the direction in which the arm portion projects) are provided with racks of asymmetrical teeth 12d, 12e, 13d, 13e such that when the arm 12, 13 is inserted through an open end of the slot ha provided in the housing 11, the racks of teeth on each side of the arm 12d, 12e, 13d, 13e engage with the corresponding racks of teeth lib, llc,ild, lie provided on the side walls of the slot ii a. The racks of teeth provided on the housing 11 and the racks of teeth provided on the arms 12, 13 therefore cooperate to provide a one-way adjustment mechanism in the form of a ratchet mechanism 14 that allows the position of each arm 12, 13 to be adjusted in only one direction relative to the housing 11, such that the positions of both of the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 can only be adjusted in a direction that reduces the distance between them.

The engagement members 12c, 13c provided at the distal ends of the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 comprise projections that extend perpendicularly away from the distal end of the arms such that when the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 are inserted through the opposing open ends of the slot ha in the housing 11, the engagement members 12c, 13c at the distal end of the first armi2 and the second arm 13 project towards one another.

To attach the apparatus to a receptacle such as a shopping basket, trolley or cart, both the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 are partially inserted through the opposing open ends of the slot 1 la in the housing 11, such that a portion of the teeth provided by each of the racks of teeth 12d, 12e, 13d, 13e on the arms engage with the corresponding racks of teeth lib, lic, lid, lie on the housing ii, as illustrated in Figure 1. In this embodiment, both the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 are therefore operatively connected to the housing ii by the ratchet mechanism.

The apparatus hO is then positioned adjacent to a receptacle 20 (a part of which is illustrated in Figures 4a to 4c), with the first arm 12 aligned with a first opening/hole 21 provided in the structure of the receptacle 20, and the second arm 13 aligned with a second opening/hole 22 provided in the structure of the receptacle 20, as illustrated in Figure 4a.

The apparatus 10 is then moved towards the receptacle (as indicated by arrow A in Figure 4a), such that the first arm 12 is inserted through the first opening 21 provided in the structure of the receptacle 20, and the second arm 13 is inserted through the second opening 22 provided in the structure of the receptacle 20.

A force can then be applied to one or both of the first arm 12 and the second arm 12 so as to move them towards the housing ii and close the gap between the arms (as indicated by the arrows B in Figure 4b) (e.g. by squeezing the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 towards each other). As a result of the application of this force, the inward facing gentle slopes of the teeth 12d, 12e, 13d, 13e provided on the arms 12, 13 slide up and over the outward facing gentle slopes of the teeth ii b, lie, lid, lie provided on the housing 11. The gap between the arms 12, 13 is closed at least until the engagement members i2c, i3c are positioned such that they catch on those parts of the structure of the receptacle 23, 24 that are immediately adjacent to the first and second openings 21, 22 respectively. In other words, when the housing ii of the apparatus 10 is located against/near a surface of a side or base of the receptacle, the engagement members 12c, 13c are positioned such that they will catch on the reverse surface of the side/base of the receptacle 20.

Preferably, the gap between the arms 12, 13 is closed until the arm portion 12a, 13a of each arm comes into contact with those parts of the structure of the receptacle 23, 24 that are immediately adjacent to the first and second openings 21, 22 respectively, as this will ensure that the engagement members i2c, 13c catch onto the framework of the receptacle to thereby attach the apparatus 10 to the receptacle 20.

The engagement of the outward facing steep slopes of the asymmetrical teeth 12d, 12e, 13d, 13 provided on the arms 12, 13 with the inward facing steep slopes of the asymmetrical teeth ii b, 1 ic, lid, lie provided on the housing ii then prevents the arms 12, 13 from being moved away from and out of the housing ii, such that the arms 12, 13 cannot be retracted.

Consequently, once the engagement members 12c, 13c have been positioned such that they catch on the structure of the receptacle 20, the apparatus 10 cannot be removed from the receptacle 20 without breaking at least one of the arms 12, 13 and/or the engagement members 12c, 13c. As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, it is preferable that the outward facing slopes of the teeth 12d, 12e, 13d, 13 provided on the arms 12, 13 and the inward facing slopes of the teeth lib, lic, lid, lie provided on the housing 11 are substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 move when adjusted, thereby ensuring that the arms 12, 13 cannot be retracted out of the housing.

Figures 5a to 5c and 6a to 6c illustrate schematically examples of the apparatus 10 described herein when attached to a receptacle. Figure 5a illustrates schematically an example of a shopping basket 20a which has an embodiment of the apparatus 10 attached to a side wall of the basket. In this example, the shopping basket 20a comprises has a framework structure 21a that forms the container portion of the basket 20a, a rim 22a formed around the open end of the container portion, a handle 23a attached to the rim, and standoff fins 24a projecting from the underside of the rim and outwards from the container portion. Figure 5b then illustrates schematically a cross-sectional side view of two stacked shopping baskets 20a, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus 10 attached to a side wall of the basket. Similarly, Figure 5b illustrates schematically a cross-sectional side view of two stacked shopping baskets 20a, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus 10 attached to a base of the basket.

Figure 6a then illustrates schematically an example of a shopping trolley/cart 20b that has an embodiment of the apparatus 10 attached to a side wall of the storage compartment of the trolley/cart. In this example, the shopping trolley/cart 20b comprises has a framework structure 21b that forms the storage compartment of the trolley/cart 20b, a rim 22b formed around the open end of the storage compartment, and a handle 23b attached to the rim. Figure 6b then illustrates schematically a cross-sectional plan view of two nested shopping trolleys/carts 20b, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus 10 attached to a side wall of the storage compartment of the trolley/cart. Similarly, Figure 6c illustrates schematically a cross-sectional plan view of two nested shopping trolleys/carts 20b, each of which has an embodiment of the apparatus 10 attached to a front end of the storage compartment of the trolley/cart.

Figures 5a to 5c and 6a to 6c thereby illustrates that the housing 11 of the apparatus 10 has a sufficiently low profile so as to not significantly restrict or impede stacking or nesting of receptacles; however, it should be noted that the apparatus 10 could equally be attached to any other surface of a receptacle that has a regular patterns of openings/holes in their structures.

Whilst the illustrated embodiment has racks of teeth provided on both sides of the first arm and the second arm, each arm could equally be provided with a rack of asymmetrical teeth on one side only. The slot in the housing would then only require racks of asymmetrical teeth that correspond and engage with those provided on each arm. The opposite side of each arm could then be provided with one of a groove and a rail, whilst the slot in the housing is provided with the other of a groove and a rail, the groove and rail being configured to engage with one another to assist in retaining the arms within the housing. Alternatively, rather than a recessed slot such as that shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing could be provided within an enclosed slot that can only be accessed through it's open ends.

Moreover, whilst the illustrated embodiment has arms and a corresponding slot in the housing that are of rectangular cross-section, both the arms and the slot could be of different cross-sectional shapes. By way of example, the arms could have any of a square, circular, ovular cross-section. The slot would then have a corresponding cross-sectional shape such that the base portion of the arm will fit within the slot. Depending upon the cross-sectional shape of the arms and the slot, any or all of the sides of the arm and the slot could be provided with cooperating racks of asymmetrical teeth so as to form the ratchet mechanism.

In addition, whilst in the illustrated embodiments both the first arm and the second arm are operatively connected to the housing by a linear ratchet mechanism, such that the position of both the first arm and the second arm can be adjusted in one direction relative to the housing, one of the arms could be formed with or immovably attached to the housing. In this alternative arrangement, the position of the arm that is formed with or immovably attached to the housing will be fixed, whilst the position of the other arm relative to the housing would be adjustable by way of a linear ratchet mechanism, such that the distance between the arms can be reduced.

The apparatus described herein provides a means for attaching a surveillance device (e.g. an EAS and/or RFID device) to a receptacle, such as a shopping basket, trolley or cart, which is compatible with a large variety of different receptacles. In particular, the apparatus is configured to utilise the existing structure/frame of the receptacle in order to aftach itself to the receptacle, and can be adjusted so as to fit receptacles of a variety of different designs. The apparatus described herein therefore provides that surveillance devices can be retrofitted to existing designs of receptacle, and is therefore significantly cheaper to implement then conventional means.

In addition, by utilising a ratchet mechanism to cause the apparatus to engage with the existing structure/frame of the receptacle the apparatus forms a permanent attachment to the receptacle, such that the apparatus and the encapsulated surveillance device can only be removed by breaking the apparatus.

Furthermore, as the device housing is relatively thin, that portion of the apparatus that is not located within the openings formed in the structure of a receptacle has a low profile such that the apparatus will not significantly restrict or impede stacking or nesting of receptacles.

Moreover, by providing that the device housing has a relatively low profile, the apparatus also minimises the risk of damage to either the receptacle or the apparatus that could occur were the apparatus to catch or snag or an adjacent receptacle during stacking/nesting. In addition, by providing that the device housing has a flat surface this flat surface provides an ideal location for adding branding, asset marking or attaching marketing materials. In particular, the addition of branding or asset marking onto the apparatus enables identification/tracing of the source of the apparatus and/or the receptacle to which the apparatus is attached. For example, the apparatus could be provided with markings that allow the manufacturer, retailer or owner of the apparatus and/or the receptacle to be identified.

It will be appreciated that individual items described above may be used on their own or in combination with other items shown in the drawings or described in the description and that items mentioned in the same passage as each other or the same drawing as each other need not be used in combination with each other. In addition, the expression "means" may be replaced by actuator or system or device as may be desirable. In addition, any reference to "comprising" or "consisting" is not intended to be limiting in any way whatsoever and the reader should interpret the description and claims accordingly.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described invention might be equally applicable to other forms of receptacle such as luggage trolleys provided at airports etc.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (10) for attaching a surveillance device to a receptacle (20), the apparatus comprising: a housing (11) configured to encapsulate the surveillance device; and a first arm (12) and a second arm (13) projecting away from a surface of the housing (11), each of the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) having an engagement member (12c, 13c) at a distal end, the apparatus (10) being configured such that the positions of one or both of the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) are adjustable relative to one another by way of one-way adjustment mechanism (14).
2. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement members (12c, 13c) at the distal end of each of the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) project towards one another.
3. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein each engagement member (12c, 13c) comprises a projection that extends substantially perpendicularly away from the distal end of the arm.
4. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one-way adjustment mechanism (14) is configured to allow the positions of one or both of the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) to be adjusted in a direction that reduces the distance between the first arm (12) and the second arm (13).
5. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one-way adjustment mechanism comprises a ratchet mechanism (14).
6. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ratchet mechanism (14) comprises one or more linear racks of teeth (lib, lic, lid, lie) provided on the housing and one or more corresponding linear racks of teeth (12d, 12e, 13d, 13e) provided on one or both of the first arm 02) and the second arm (13).
7. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the one or more linear racks of teeth (iib, iic, lid, lie) provided on the housing engage with the corresponding linear rack of teeth (i2d, i2e, i3d, i3e) provided on one of the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) so as to allow movement in one direction relative to the housing (11).
8. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the positions of both the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) relative to the housing (ii) are adjustable by way of the ratchet mechanism (14).
9. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein base portions (12b, 13b) of both the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) are provided with one or more linear racks of teeth (12d, 12e, 13d, 13e) that engage with corresponding linear racks of teeth (lib, lic, lid, lie) on the housing (ii).
10. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base portion (12b) of the first arm (12) projects towards the second arm (13), and the base portion (i3b) of the second arm (13) projects towards the first arm (12).
11. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the position of the first arm (12) relative to the housing (11) is fixed, and the position of the second arm (13) relative to the housing (ii) is adjustable by way of the ratchet mechanism (14).
12. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a base portion (i3b) of the second arm (13) is provided with one or more linear racks of teeth (i3d, i3e) that engage with corresponding linear racks of teeth (lid, lie) on the housing (ii).
13. The apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the base portion (13b) of the second arm (13) projects towards the first arm (12).
14. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, and further comprising a surveillance device encapsulated in a tamperproof form within the housing (ii).
15. The apparatus 00) as claimed in claim 14, and wherein the surveillance device is one or more of an Electronic Article Surveillance, EAS, device and a Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, device.
16. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depth, D, of the housing (11) is sufficiently small so as to not significantly restrict or impede stacking or nesting of the receptacle to which the apparatus (10) is configured to be attached.
17. The apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a surface of the housing (11) is provided with an asset marking that provides traceability of the receptacle to which the apparatus (10) is configured to be attached.