GB2611581A

GB2611581A - Security tag

Info

Publication number: GB2611581A
Application number: GB2114515.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pryce-Hall Timothy; Price Edward
Original assignee: Sekura Global IP LLP
Current assignee: Sekura Global IP LLP
Priority date: 2021-10-11
Filing date: 2021-10-11
Publication date: 2023-04-12
Also published as: GB202114515D0

Abstract

A security tag 20 comprising a main panel 30 including an elongate slot and a pair of securing assemblies 28, each comprising first and second retaining panels (figure 7, 62, 64) with a gap 26 between, the first and second retaining panels extending from the main panel in a direction transverse to the main panel with the gap aligned with a part of the slot, a pin assembly (figure 7, 70) attached to each of the first retaining panels and comprising a pin and a housing, a latch assembly attached to each of the second retaining panels and comprising a housing and a latch mechanism, each pin is moveable between a first position in which a tip of the pin is within the pin housing and a second position in which the pin extends from the pin housing, across the gap between the first and second retaining panels and into the latch housing. The pin assembly may comprise a biasing member. The security tag may comprise an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor. Also, an assembly comprising a hang tab box and a security tag.

Description

Security Tag

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to security tags for use in a retail environment. The invention relates in particular to security tags for attachment to hanging retail packaging or hang tab boxes, and to assemblies including a hang tab box and a security tag according to the invention.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Hanging retail packaging or hang tab boxes comprise a box or carton for holding and enclosing a product and a hang tab that extends from an upper part of the box. The hang tab includes an aperture in the form of a Euro hole, or similar, by which 15 the hang tab box can be suspended from a hook or rail in a retail environment.

The contents of the hang tab box may be relatively expensive or have an age restriction on their purchase. Accordingly, in some situations, it may be desirable to attach a security tag to the hang tab box or to place the hang tab box in a safer box.

The security tag or safer box may, for example, include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. While the EAS tag is activated, the tag is arranged to trigger an alarm if the tag, and therefore the article, passes between a pair of detection gates, which are typically positioned at the entrance and exit of the retail store. This may, therefore, deter or prevent theft of the product.

When the article or product is purchased, the security tag is detached from the article by a detacher located at the point of sale, or the safer box is opened to allow removal of the hang tab box and product, so that the alarm is not triggered when that person leaves the retail store.

One disadvantage of known security tags is that they do not prevent the hang tab box being opened to remove the contents. Alternatively they may be easily separated from the box part of the hang tab box by cutting or tearing a part of the hang tab.

Improved security may be achieved by placing the product (and hang tab box) in a safer box. A safer box fully encloses the hang tab box so that the ability to access the product is significantly restricted. It is also very difficult to open the safer box without the appropriate detacher.

A disadvantage of safer boxes is that they are generally designed to hold more than one size of hang tab box. As such, they can be significantly larger and more bulky than the article or product they are holding. This means that fewer articles can be provided in or on the retail display for a given size of shelf, rail or hook.

There is therefore a desire to provide an improved security tag for retail hang tab boxes that overcomes a disadvantage of the prior art security tags and security solutions, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a security tag comprising: a main panel including an elongate slot; a pair of securing assemblies, each securing assembly comprising: - first and second retaining panels, the first and second retaining panels extending substantially parallel to each other and being spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to a plane of each of the retaining panels to define a gap therebetween, the first and second retaining panels extending from the main panel in a first direction transverse to a plane of the main panel with the gap aligned with a part of the slot; - a pin assembly attached to each of the first retaining panels, each pin assembly comprising a pin housing and a pin having a tip; and - a latch assembly attached to each of the second retaining panels, each latch assembly comprising a latch housing and a latch mechanism -3 -within the latch housing, wherein each pin is moveable between a first position in which the tip of the pin is within the pin housing and a second position in which the pin extends from the pin housing, across the gap between the respective first and second retaining panels, and into the latch housing, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to releasably retain the tip of the pin when the pin is in the second position.

In use a header or hang tab of a hang tab box is received through the slot and the gaps of the securing assemblies, and the pins are moved into the second position to secure the security tag to the hang tab box.

In preferred embodiments the pin assembly further comprises a biasing member, which may be in the form of a spring. The biasing member is preferably arranged to urge the pin into the first position when the latch mechanism is released. In other embodiments the pin may be manually returned to the first position, for example by a user pulling on a part of the pin when the latch mechanism is released.

In some embodiments the first retaining panels of the securing assemblies are parts of a first elongate retaining panel extending from the main panel. Similarly, the second retaining panels of the securing assemblies are parts of a second elongate retaining panel extending from the main panel. In other embodiments the first retaining panel of a first one of the securing assemblies may be separate from the first retaining panel of a second one of the securing assemblies. Similarly, the second retaining panel of the first securing assembly may be separate from the second retaining panel of the second securing assembly.

In preferred embodiments a width of each of the gaps (Le. a distance between the first and second retaining panels) is substantially equal to a width of the slot.

The slot may be adjacent an edge of the main panel. The slot may extend for substantially the full length of the main panel. It will be appreciated that the slot is closed at each of its ends so that the header of the hang tab box cannot be -4 -withdrawn laterally from the slot. As such, a maximum length of the slot is such that the slot extends along almost the complete length of the main panel but retains closed ends.

The main panel may be part of a cover portion of the security tag. The cover portion may, in some embodiments, further comprise a wall extending from at least two opposite edges of the main panel in a second direction transverse to a plane of the main panel, the second transverse direction being opposite to the first transverse direction. In use, a part of a box of the hang tab box may be received in a space between the opposing walls of the cover portion. In preferred embodiments the security tag comprises a pair of lateral walls extending from opposite lateral edges of the main panel and a front wall and a rear wall extending from opposite front and rear edges of the main panel. These lateral walls, front wall and rear wall together surround and define a space for receiving a part of the box to restrict or limit access to the box.

In some embodiments the slot may be adjacent the rear edge of the main panel, and the second retaining panel of each securing assembly may be continuous with the rear wall of the cover portion.

In preferred embodiments the first retaining panel of each of the securing assemblies includes a first hole, the second retaining panel of each of the securing assemblies includes a second hole, and the second hole is aligned with the first hole. The pin preferably extends through both the first and second holes when the pin is in the second position.

Each pin assembly preferably further comprises a button assembly attached to an end of the pin furthest from the tip. At least a part of the button assembly preferably extends through an aperture in the pin housing, such that at least a cap portion of the button assembly is external to the pin housing. The cap portion of the button assembly preferably has a diameter greater than the aperture. This means that the cap portion cannot be drawn into the housing even when the pin is in the second -5 -position. Furthermore, a user may grasp the cap portion to manually return the pin to the first position if the force applied by the biasing member is not sufficient to return the pin to the first position.

Each of the latch mechanisms is preferably magnetically releasable. In use, a user may position a magnet in close proximity to each of the latch housings to release the latch mechanism.

The security tag preferably further comprises at least one electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor. In preferred embodiments the security tag comprises two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor, each EAS sensor being adjacent one of the locking assemblies.

A second aspect of the invention provides an assembly comprising: a hang tab box including a box and a header extending from the box, the header including a hang hole; and a security tag according to the first aspect of the invention, the header of the hang tab box extending through both the slot of the main panel and the gaps of the securing assemblies, and the pins extending through the header when the pins are in the second position.

In preferred embodiments the header of the hang tab box comprises a pair of holes. These holes are pre-formed in the header. When the header is engaged with the security tag each hole is preferably aligned with a respective pin, such that when the pins are in the second position the pins extend through the holes.

The size and arrangement of the header of the hang tab box may be such that the hang hole is disposed in a space between the pair of securing assemblies. In other embodiments an upper region of the header protrudes from the securing assemblies in a direction away from the main panel and the hang hole is disposed in the upper region of the header. Importantly the hang hole is not covered or obscured by any part of the security tag so that the hang hole remains accessible and may be used -6 -to hang or suspend the hang tab box from a hook or rail of a retail display.

A surface of the main panel is preferably in contact with a top panel of the box so as to restrict or prevent access to the top panel of the box while the security tag is attached.

In embodiments in which the security tag includes a pair of lateral walls extending from opposite lateral edges of the main panel and a front wall and a rear wall extending from opposite front and rear edges of the main panel, the lateral walls preferably extend over and lie closely adjacent to opposite side panels of the box, the front wall preferably extends over and lies closely adjacent to a front panel of the box and the rear wall preferably extends over and lies closely adjacent to a rear panel of the box.

In preferred embodiments at least the header of the hang tab box is made from a cardboard material.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of attaching a security tag to a hang tab box, the security tag being according to the first aspect of the invention, 20 the hang tab box including a box and a header extending from the box, the header including a hang hole, and the method comprising: inserting the header of the hang tab box through the slot of the main panel and the gaps of the securing assemblies until a surface of the main panel contacts a panel of the box; and moving each of the pins from the first position to the second position such that each of the pins extends through a part of the header.

In embodiments in which the header of the hang tab box comprises a pair of holes, the preferably method comprises inserting the header such that each of the holes is aligned with a respective one of the pins, and moving each of the pins from the first position to the second position such that the pins extend through the holes in the header. In embodiments in which holes have not been pre-formed in the header, the step of moving each of the pins from the first position to the second position may comprise piercing a part of the header with the tip of each of the pins.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which: Figures la and lb show two examples of hanging retail packaging or hang tab boxes for use with the security tag of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a security tag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention engaged with the hang tab box of Figure la; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the security tag of Figure 2 showing, in particular, a pair of pin assemblies of the security tag; Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the security tag of Figure 2 showing, in particular, a cover portion of the security tag; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the security tag of Figure 2 showing, in particular, two latch assemblies of the security tag; Figure 6 is a plan view from a front of the security tag of Figure 2; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the security tag of Figure 2; -8 -Figure 8 is a perspective view of the security tag of Figure 2 showing the pin assemblies in a disengaged or released configuration; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the security tag along the line A-A of Figure 6, with the pin assemblies in the disengaged or released configuration; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the security tag of Figure 2 showing the pin assemblies in an engaged or locked configuration; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the security tag along the line A-A of Figure 6, with the pin assemblies in the engaged or locked configuration; Figure 12 is a plan view from a front of a security tag according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of a security tag according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The security tag 20 of the present invention is designed to engage with packaging in the form of a hang tab box 2. A hang tab box 2 comprises a box 4, which is usually in the form of a tuck end box or tuck top box, for holding the contents of the packaging. A header or hang tab 6 extends from the box 4 and is provided with an aperture or hang hole 8 for hanging the packaging on a suitable display unit, such as a hook or rail, in a retail store.

In the examples illustrated in Figures la and lb the header 6 is integrally formed 30 with the box 4. Each header 6 includes a Euro hole 8; however, the header may include a hole having one of a range of different shapes, such as a delta hole, a circular hole, or any other desired shape. Hereinafter the Euro hole is more generally -9 -referred to as a hang hole 8 The header or hang tab 6 usually extends from an upper flap or top panel 10 of the box 4 to allow the packaging to be suspended or hung from the display unit. A height of the header 6 is defined as the distance between the top panel 10 of the box 4 and an upper edge 12 of the header 6. A width of the header 6 is defined as the distance between opposite lateral edges 14 of the header 6. The hang hole 8 is preferably disposed midway across the width of the header 6 so that the hang tab box 2 hangs vertically when suspended from a hook or rail.

The hang tab box 2 is preferably made at least partially from a cardboard or paperboard material. The hang tab box 2 may include a transparent or translucent display window made from a suitable polymeric material. This display window may allow a customer to view the contents of the hang tab box 2.

The security tag 20 of the present invention is designed to engage with the header or hang tab 6 of a hang tab box 2 and to extend over at least a part of the upper flap or top panel 10 of the box 4.

Referring firstly to Figure 13, the security tag 20 comprises a cover portion 22 and an attachment portion 24. The cover portion 22 is designed to extend over a part of the box 4 to prevent access to at least a top of the box 4. The attachment portion 24 is designed to engage with the header 6 of the hang tab box 2. The attachment portion 24 includes a gap or slot 26 for receiving a part of the header 6 and a pair of locking assemblies 28 for releasably securing the security tag 20 to the hang tab box 2.

In its simplest form the cover portion 22 comprises only a main panel 30 that, in use, extends over the top panel 10 of the box 4, as shown in Figure 13. The main panel 30 includes opposite first and second, or upper and lower, surfaces 32, 34. The main panel 30 is preferably rectangular, and preferably includes opposite front edge 36 and rear edge, and opposite lateral edges 40.

-10 -Referring now to Figures 3 to 5, in a preferred embodiment the cover portion 22 further comprises a pair of lateral walls 42. Each of the lateral walls 42 extends from a respective one of the lateral edges 40 of the main panel 30. The lateral walls 42 extend from the main panel 30 in a direction transverse to, or in this embodiment substantially perpendicular to, a plane of the main panel 30.

A front wall 44 may extend from the front edge 36 of the main panel 30 in substantially the same direction as the lateral walls 42. The front wall 44 preferably extends for the full length of the front edge 36 between the lateral walls 42; although in some embodiments the front wall 44 may only extend for part of this length. In this embodiment the front wall 44 comprises two deeper end portions 46 and a shallow middle section 48. A height or depth of each of the end portions 46 is preferably the same as a height or depth of each of the lateral walls 42.

The cover portion 22 may include a rear wall 50 that extends from the rear edge of the main panel 30 in substantially the same direction as the lateral walls 42. The rear wall 50 preferably extends for the full length of the rear edge between the lateral walls 42; although in some embodiments the rear wall 50 may only extend for part of this length. In this embodiment the rear wall 50 has the same profile as the front wall 44, and includes two end portions 52 and a middle section 54, the middle section 54 having a smaller height or depth than the end portions 52.

The advantage of shaping the front and rear walls 44, 50 as described and illustrated is that the walls 44, 50 do not obscure front and rear panels of the packaging when the security tag 20 is engaged with a hang tab box 2. These front and rear panels of the box 4 may, for example, include branding and/or information about the article or product contained with the box 4.

A slot 56 is provided in the main panel 30 and, in this example, the slot 56 extends parallel to the rear edge of the main panel 30. The slot 56 of this embodiment is disposed adjacent the rear edge of the main panel 30 and extends for substantially the full length of the rear edge.

The security tag 20 further comprises a pair of securing assemblies 60. Each securing assembly 60 is connected to the main panel 30.

Each of the securing assemblies 60 comprises first and second retaining panels 62, 64. Each of the retaining panels 62, 64 extends from the main panel 30 in a direction transverse to, or in this embodiment substantially perpendicular to, a plane of the main panel 30. In the illustrated example, the retaining panels 62, 64 extend in a direction generally opposite to the lateral walls 42. The retaining panels 62, 64 extend adjacent and substantially parallel to each other. The retaining panels 62, 64 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to a plane of each of the retaining panels 62, 64 to define a gap 26 between the panels 62, 64.

A width of the gap 26, i.e. a distance between the retaining panels 62, 64, is preferably substantially the same as a width of the slot 56 in the main panel 30. The securing assemblies 60 are spaced apart along a length of the slot 56 such that the gap 26 of a first one of the securing assemblies 60 is aligned with a first part of the slot 56 and the gap 26 of a second one of the securing assemblies 60 is aligned with a second part of the slot 56.

As the gaps 26 of the securing assemblies 60 are aligned with the slot 56 of the main panel 30, it will be appreciated that, in this embodiment. the securing assemblies 60 are disposed at or adjacent the rear edge of the main panel 30. As shown most clearly in Figure 5, in this example the second retaining panels 64 of the securing assemblies 60 are continuous with the rear wall 50 of the cover portion 22.

Associated with each of the securing assemblies 60 is a locking assembly 28. Each locking assembly 28 includes a pin assembly 70 and a latch assembly 72. In this embodiment each pin assembly 70 is attached to a respective one of first retaining panels 62 and each latch assembly 72 is attached to a respective one of the second -12 -retaining panels 64.

Referring now to Figures 7, 9 and 11, each pin assembly 70 comprises a pin 74 having a shaft 76 and a tip 78 at a first end of the shaft 76. A cap 80 is attached to 5 the shaft 76 at its second end. In this example the cap 80 comprises a disc element 82 that extends radially outwardly from the shaft 76. A sleeve 84 is connected to the cap 80 and a side wall of the sleeve 84 extends along the shaft 76 of the pin 74 in a direction towards the tip 78. A lip 86 extends radially outwardly from the free end of the side wall of the sleeve 84 furthest from the cap 80. The cap 80 and sleeve 84 10 together form a button assembly. The pin assembly 70 further comprises a pin housing 88. In this embodiment at least a part of the pin housing 88 is integrally formed with the main panel 30 of the cover portion 22.

The pin housing 88 comprises a side wall 90 that extends from the first retaining panel 62 in a direction away from the second retaining panel 64 and an end wall 92 at an end of the side wall 90 furthest from the first retaining panel 62. The end wall 92 includes an aperture 94 through which the sleeve 84 extends. In particular a diameter of the aperture 94 and an outer diameter of the side wall of the sleeve 84 are such that there is a sliding fit of the sleeve 84 through the aperture 94. A radially outer diameter of the lip 86 is larger than the diameter of the aperture 94 and the lip 86 therefore retains the free end of the sleeve 84 within the pin housing 88 as described further below.

Each latch assembly 72 comprises a latch housing 100. The latch housing 100 includes a frustoconical or tapered side wall 102 that extends from the second retaining panel 64 in a direction away from the first retaining panel 62 and an end wall 104 at an end of the side wall 102 furthest from the second retaining panel 64. A latch mechanism 106 is disposed within the latch housing 100. The latch mechanism 106 is configured to releasably retain the pin 74.

Suitable latch mechanisms 106 are known in the art and will not be described in detail; however, one example of a latch mechanism 106 shown in this example -13 -includes a plurality of ball bearings or spheres 108 retained in a volume defined by a frustoconical cup element 110. The cup element 110 is positioned in the latch housing 100 such that a diameter of the cup element 110 decreases in a direction towards the second retaining panel 64. The latch mechanism 106 further comprises an actuating element 112 received within the cup element 110, and with which the spheres 108 are engaged, and a biasing member in the form of a spring 114 that acts on the actuating element 112 to urge the actuating element 112 and therefore the spheres 108 in a direction towards the second retaining panel 64. At least the actuating element 112 is preferably made of a suitable metal material.

Each locking assembly has a disengaged or released configuration, shown in Figures 8 and 9, and an engaged or locked configuration, shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In the released configuration the pin 74 is in a first position in which the tip 78 of the pin 74 is housed within the pin housing 88 and the sleeve 84 protrudes from the housing 88 in a direction away from the first retaining panel 62. A biasing member, which in this embodiment is in the form of a spring 96, is disposed within the housing 88 and acts on the sleeve to urge the pin 74 into this first position. The lip 86 of the sleeve 84 is in engagement with the housing 88 to limit movement of the pin 74 in a direction away from the first retaining panel 62.

To move the locking assembly 28 from the released configuration to the locked configuration a user presses on the cap 80 in a direction towards the first retaining panel 62. This pushes the sleeve 84 into the housing 88 against the force of the spring 96. This also causes the pin 74 to protrude or extend from the housing 88 through a hole 98 in the first retaining panel 62 into a second position.

In the second position the pin 74 extends across the gap 26 between the retaining panels 62, 64 and the tip 78 of the pin 74 enters the latch housing 100 through a hole 116 in the second retaining panel 64. It will be appreciated therefore that the hole 116 in the second retaining panel 64 is aligned with the hole 98 in the first -14 -retaining panel 62. In the second position the cap 80 may be in contact with the end wall 92 of the pin housing 88.

The tip 78 of the pin 74 then engages with the latch mechanism 106. The tip 78 of the pin 74 extends between the ball bearings 108 so that the ball bearings 108 surround the pin 74. The latch mechanism 106 is biased into a first, gripping position, in which the ball bearings 108 are urged towards the pin 74, by the spring 114. The shaft 76 of the pin 74 proximate the tip 78 may include one or more circumferential or annular grooves in which the ball bearings 108 are at least partially seated when the latch mechanism 106 is in the gripping position.

The action of the latch mechanism 106 is such that, while the pin 74 may be able to be inserted further into the latch mechanism 106 in a first insertion direction, the gripping of the pin 74 by the ball bearings 108 prevents the pin 74 from being withdrawn from the latch mechanism 106 in a second withdrawing direction. Accordingly, the latch mechanism 106 retains the pin 74 in a second, engaged position.

To release the pins 74 from their respective latch mechanisms 106, a magnetic field is preferably applied to each of the latch mechanisms 106. In preferred embodiments the latch housings 100 are positioned adjacent or in contact with a suitable magnet. The magnet is preferably positioned adjacent or in contact with the end wall 104 of the housing 100. The magnetic force acts to pull the metal actuating element 112 in a direction towards the end wall 104 and the spheres 108 are pulled, by the actuating element 112, into a part of the cup element 110 having a larger diameter. The grip of the spheres 108 on the pin 74 is therefore reduced, releasing the pin 74 from the latch mechanism 106.

The spring 96 in the pin housing 88 acts to draw the tip 78 of the pin 74 out of the latch housing 100 and back into the pin housing 88 so that the pin 74 returns to the first position. In some situations the force applied to the pin 74 by the spring 96 may not be sufficient to overcome a frictional force between the shaft 76 of the pin 74 -15 -and a pad of the header 6, such that the pins 74 may be retained in the second position. In these circumstances a user may grasp a part of the cap 80 of the button assembly and manually pull the pin 74 to return the pin 74 to the first position.

The security tag 20 is designed to be releasably attached to an article or product in a retail store. The security tag 20 preferably includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor 120 that generates detectable signals. A suitable EAS detector (not shown) is typically located at the exit (and entrance) of the retail store. If an article with a security tag 20 attached is removed from the store and, therefore, passes the detector, the detector detects signals emitted by the EAS sensor and triggers an alarm. To allow an article to leave the store without triggering the alarm, for example after purchase of the article, the security tag 20 is detached from the article. Typically the tag 20 is detached at the point of sale of the article by a suitable detacher system (not shown).

The EAS sensor 120 is preferably enclosed within a sensor housing 122. The sensor housing 122 may be attached to one or both of the cover portion 22 and the attachment portion 24.

In a preferred embodiment, and as shown most clearly in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the security tag 20 comprises two EAS sensors 120, each one being enclosed in a separate sensor housing 122. Each sensor housing 122 is disposed adjacent one of the locking assemblies 28. In this embodiment each sensor housing 122 is disposed between one of the locking assemblies 28 and a respective nearest lateral edge 40 of the main panel 30.

One or both of the EAS sensors 120 may be an acousto-magnetic (AM) sensor. In particular, each of the sensors 120 may comprise a ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic amorphous metal strip having magnetostrictive properties. Preferably the amorphous metal strip is a ferrite. The amorphous metal strip may have a resonant frequency of about 58 kHz. Alternatively, one or both of the EAS sensors 120 may be a radio frequency (RE) sensor. The RE sensor may operate at about 8.2 MHz. In -16 -some embodiments one of the EAS sensors 120 may be an AM sensor and the other EAS sensor 120 may be a radio frequency (RE) sensor. In preferred embodiments each of the sensors 120 comprises an elongate strip of amorphous metal having a longitudinal axis, surrounded by a coil.

Referring now to Figure 2, the attachment of the security tag 20 to a hang tab box 2 will now be described.

The header 6 of the hang tab box 2 is inserted through the slot 56 in the main panel 10 30 and through the gaps 26 between the retaining panels 62, 64 of the securing assemblies 60. The header 6 is inserted until the upper flap or top panel 10 of the box 4 contacts the lower surface 34 of the main panel 30.

The shape and dimensions of the main panel 30 preferably correspond to the shape and dimensions of the top panel 10 of the box 4. For example, a distance between the front edge 36 and rear edge of the main panel 30 is preferably substantially the same as or only slightly larger than a distance between opposite front and rear edges of the top panel 10, and a distance between the lateral edges 40 of the main panel 30 is preferably substantially the same as or only slightly larger than a distance between opposite side edges of the top panel 10. In embodiments in which the cover portion 22 includes one or more of a pair of lateral walls 42, a front wall 44 and a rear wall 50, a distance between the lateral walls 42 is preferably substantially the same as or only slightly larger than a distance between opposite side edges of the top panel 10, and a distance between the front and rear walls 44, 50 is preferably substantially the same as or only slightly larger than a distance between opposite front and rear edges of the top panel 10. In these embodiments, when the security tag 20 is engaged with the hang tab box 2, an upper part of the box 4 is received within a space defined by the walls 42, 44, 50 of the cover portion 22 in such a way that there is little or no movement of the box 4 relative to the cover portion 22. With the walls 42, 44, 50 positioned close to panels of the box 4 access to the upper part of the box 4 is also restricted or severely limited.

-17 -With the header 6 of the hang tab box 2 disposed through the attachment portion 24 of the security tag 2 each of the locking assemblies 28 can be moved from the released configuration to the locked configuration, i.e. each of the pins 74 can be moved from their first position to their second position, to secure the security tag 2 to the hang tab box 2.

It will be appreciated that a part of the header 6 is disposed in the gap 26 between the retaining panels 62, 64. In some embodiments the tip 78 of each pin 74 may pierce that part of the header 6 disposed in the gap 26 as the tip 78 of the pin extends across the gap 26 upon movement from the first position to the second position.

This may be possible if the header 6 of the hang tab box 2 is made of a relatively thin or easily pierceable material. In other embodiments, such as those in which the header 6 is made of a thicker or tougher material, it may be beneficial to provide holes 16 in the header 6 through which the pins 74 extend.

As shown in Figures la and 1 b, these holes 16 are preferably pre-formed in the header 6. The header holes 16 are positioned so as to align with the holes 98, 116 in the first and second retaining panels 62, 64. In particular a distance between each of the header holes 16 and the top panel 10 of the box 4 is substantially the same as the distance between each of the holes 98 and the lower surface 34 of the main panel 30. Further, a distance between the header holes 16 is substantially the same as a distance between the holes 98. Preferably a diameter of each of the holes 16 is only slightly greater than a diameter of the shaft 76 of each pin 74 such that there is minimal movement of the security tag 20 relative to the hang tab box 2 when the security tag 20 is secured to the header 6.

In embodiments in which the header 6 has a relatively small height, such as those shown in Figures la and 2, the hang hole 8 may be located relatively close to the top panel 10 of the box 4. In these embodiments the hang hole 8 may be disposed between the securing assemblies 60 in a recess or space 124 in the attachment portion 24. This means that the hang hole 8 is not covered by the securing assemblies 60 and remains accessible for hanging the hang tab box 2 from a hook -18 -or rail of a retail display.

In other embodiments the header 6 may have a relatively greater height, such as that shown in Figure 1 b. In these embodiments the hang hole 8 may be located in an upper section of the header 6 further from the top panel 10 of the box 4. In these embodiments the height of the header 6 may be such that the upper section of the header 6 protrudes above the securing assemblies 60. Accordingly, the hang hole 8 is disposed above the attachment portion 24 and, again, is not covered or obscured by the securing assemblies 60.

In embodiments in which the security tag 20 is designed to engage with a hang tab box 2 having a header with a relatively greater height, the securing assemblies 60 may be disposed at end regions of or spaced apart regions of elongate retaining panels 62, 64 that extend along the full length of, or substantially the full length of, the main panel 30 of the cover portion 22, as illustrated in Figure 12. In particular, as a locking assembly 28 is associated with each of the securing assemblies 60, and the locking assemblies 28 are spaced apart along the length of the slot 56, the securing assemblies 60 are also effectively spaced apart.

The first and second retaining panels 62, 64 may be continuous between the securing assemblies 60. In some embodiments, a height of the retaining panels 62, 64 (i.e. a distance between the main panel 30 and an upper edge of each of the retaining panels 62, 64) may vary along a length of the elongate retaining panels 62, 64. A height of the retaining panels 62, 64 in the securing assemblies 60 may be greater than a height of the retaining panels 62, 64 between the securing assemblies 60. In these embodiments, when the security tag 20 is secured to the hang tab box 2, the hang hole 8 may locate in a recess or indent 124 in a central portion of the retaining panels 62, 64 defined by the variation in height of the retaining panels 62, 64.

Although the main panel 30 of the security tag 20 has been illustrated and described as having a rectangular shape, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the -19 -main panel 30 may have any suitable shape. The geometric shape defined by the edges of the main panel 30 preferably corresponds to a geometric shape defined by edges of a top panel of the packaging to which the security tag 20 is to be attached.

In the preferred embodiment of the security tag 20 the front and rear walls 44, 50 of the cover portion 22 included end portions having a greater height or depth than a central section. In other embodiments the height or depth of the front and rear walls 44, 50 may be the same along the full length of the walls 44, 50. In other embodiments the free edges of the front and rear walls 44, 50 and the lateral walls 42 may have any shape or profile.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-20 -CLAIMS1. A security tag comprising: a main panel including an elongate slot; a pair of securing assemblies, each securing assembly comprising: - first and second retaining panels, the first and second retaining panels extending substantially parallel to each other and being spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to a plane of each of the retaining panels to define a gap therebetween, the first and second retaining panels extending from the main panel in a first direction transverse to a plane of the main panel with the gap aligned with a part of the slot; - a pin assembly attached to each of the first retaining panels, each pin assembly comprising a pin housing and a pin having a tip; and - a latch assembly attached to each of the second retaining panels, each latch assembly comprising a latch housing and a latch mechanism within the latch housing, wherein each pin is moveable between a first position in which the tip of the pin is within the pin housing and a second position in which the pin extends from the pin housing, across the gap between the respective first and second retaining panels, and into the latch housing, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to releasably retain the tip of the pin when the pin is in the second position.
2. A security tag according to Claim 1, in which the pin assembly comprises a biasing member, and wherein the biasing member is arranged to urge the pin into the first position when the latch mechanism is released.
3. A security tag according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the first retaining panels of the securing assemblies are parts of a first elongate retaining panel extending from the main panel and the second retaining panels of the securing assemblies are parts of a second elongate retaining panel extending from the main panel.
4. A security tag according to any preceding claim, in which a width of each of the gaps is substantially equal to a width of the slot.
5. A security tag according to any preceding claim, in which the slot is adjacent an edge of the main panel and extends for substantially the full length of the main panel.
6. A security tag according to any preceding claim, further comprising a wall extending from at least two opposite edges of the main panel in a second direction transverse to a plane of the main panel, the second transverse direction being opposite to the first transverse direction.
7. A security tag according to Claim 6, comprising a pair of lateral walls extending from opposite lateral edges of the main panel and a front wall and a rear 15 wall extending from opposite front and rear edges of the main panel.
B. A security tag according to Claim 7 when dependent on Claim 5, wherein the second retaining panel of each securing assembly is continuous with the rear wall.
9. A security tag according to any preceding claim, in which the first retaining panel of each of the securing assemblies includes a first hole, the second retaining panel of each of the securing assemblies includes a second hole, the second hole is aligned with the first hole, and the pin extends through both the first and second holes when the pin is in the second position.
10. A security tag according to any preceding claim, in which each pin assembly further comprises a button assembly attached to an end of the pin furthest from the tip, at least a part of the button assembly extending through an aperture in the pin housing, and a cap portion of the button assembly external to the pin housing having a diameter greater than the aperture.
11. A security tag according to any preceding claim, in which each of the latch -22 -mechanisms is magnetically releasable.
12. A security tag according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor.
13. A security tag according to Claim 12, comprising two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor, each EAS sensor being adjacent one of the locking assemblies.
14. An assembly comprising: a hang tab box including a box and a header extending from the box, the header including a hang hole; and a security tag according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, the header of the hang tab box extending through both the slot of the main panel and the gaps of the securing assemblies, and the pins extending through the header when the pins are in the second position.
15. An assembly according to Claim 14, in which the header of the hang tab box comprises a pair of holes, each hole being aligned with a respective pin, such that 20 when the pins are in the second position the pins extend through the holes.
16. An assembly according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, in which the hang hole is disposed in a space between the pair of securing assemblies.
17. An assembly according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, in which an upper region of the header protrudes from the securing assemblies in a direction away from the main panel and the hang hole is disposed in the upper region of the header.
18. An assembly according to any one of Claims 14 to 17, in which a surface of the main panel is in contact with a top panel of the box.
19. An assembly according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, wherein the security -23 -tag is according to Claim 7, and in which the lateral walls extend over and lie closely adjacent to opposite side panels of the box, the front wall extends over and lies closely adjacent to a front panel of the box and the rear wall extends over and lies closely adjacent to a rear panel of the box.
20. An assembly according to any one of Claims 14 to 19, in which at least the header of the hang tab box is made from a cardboard material.
21. A method of attaching a security tag to a hang tab box, the security tag being according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, the hang tab box including a box and a header extending from the box, the header including a hang hole, and the method comprising: inserting the header of the hang tab box through the slot of the main panel and the gaps of the securing assemblies until a surface of the main panel contacts a panel of the box; and moving each of the pins from the first position to the second position such that each of the pins extends through a part of the header.
22. A method according to Claim 21, wherein the header of the hang tab box comprises a pair of holes, and the method comprises: inserting the header such that each of the holes is aligned with a respective one of the pins; and moving each of the pins from the first position to the second position such that the pins extend through the holes in the header.
23. A method according to Claim 21, wherein the step of moving each of the pins from the first position to the second position comprises piercing a part of the header with the tip of each of the pins.