MXPA04009779A - Article surveillance tag having a metal clip - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag (20) having a metal attaching member (34) located therein and adapted to securely and releasably receive a shaft (52) of a pin therein, whereby a predetermined arcuate probe is inserted through an opening (56) and applies a requisite force to the attaching member (34) to release the shaft (52). There are no channels leading the authorized arcuate probe to the attaching member (34). A plurality of partitions (58) and pillars (62) are interspersed within tag (20) to deflect any unauthorized probes from engaging and detaching attaching member (34).

Description

ARTICLE SURVEILLANCE LABEL THAT HAS A METAL CALIPER DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to safety labels in general, and in particular to a label body containing a joining means for use in electronic article surveillance labels. (EAS) Several types of electronic article surveillance system (EAS) are known which has the common characteristic of employing a marker or label that is affixed to an article to be protected against theft, such as merchandise in a warehouse. When a legitimate purchase is made of the item, the bookmark can either be removed from the item, or converted from an activated state to a deactivated state. Such systems employ a detection arrangement, commonly placed at all exits of a store, and if an activated marker passes through the detection system, it is detected by the detection system and an alarm is triggered. For example, the North American Patent No. ,426,419 to Nguyen et al., And assigned to Sensormatic Electronics Corporation, discloses an EAS tag having an arcuate channel extending from an aperture thereof to the current joint assembly and the separation mechanism thereof. The channel increases the susceptibility to cancellation of the joint assembly because it guides an object that is inserted by an unauthorized individual directly to the joint assembly and allows the uncoupling thereof. U.S. Patent No. 6,373,390 to Hogan et al., Assigned to the same assignee as the patent 19, is an improved patent issued in view of the disadvantages of the '419 patent. The '390 patent admits that the EAS label of the' 419 patent can be annulled by inserting a relatively rigid metal segment bent into an arcuate shape to simulate the arcuate probe of the associated separate device. " Further, the '390 patent discloses a V-belt that can be formed to resemble the arcuate probe required to be able to override the EAS label of the' x 419 patent, "the formed V-belt 50 is strong enough to maintain its shape when it is pushed into the arched channel 7 until it can be manipulated in and against the member 6, which can then be rotated to release the tack assembly 4. With respect to the '419 and' 390 patent, many arched free placement probes have been fabricated or embezzled by unscrupulous individuals by dismantling the separating components with which the probes are associated. The arched probe is inserted into the manually arched channel and brought directly to the prevention mechanism. In the device '390, the arched channel brings the manipulated arched probe to the opening or slot located in the arched channel, where the opening also aligns and guides the manually manipulated probe directly to the prevention mechanism or member. In addition, the force required to release the prevention mechanism of the device '419 and 390 is less than the force required to release the prevention mechanism of the present invention. Accordingly, an unscrupulous individual can easily override the prevention mechanism of devices 19 and '390 by manipulating an illicitly acquired free placement arcuate probe. The devices ? 419 and? 390 can be annulled by penetrating the lower housing in a relationship close to the prevention mechanism and inserting a rigid and elongate element and forcing the metal clip to rotate, whereby the prevention mechanism will release the pin. The current device is harder to override in this way. In addition, the mechanism of prevention of patents * 419 and? 390 joins at only one end of it, thus allowing movement out of the horizontal plane. Consequently, the vertical movement of the clip increases the susceptibility to annulment of the joint assembly because the jaws extend more easily because the angle of the clip varies between the first end and the second end as a result of vertical movement of the end. unsure. The push force to uncouple a pin from the current device and the device v 419 is carried out when using a model product DPS220R from Imada, which can be obtained from 450 Skikie Blvd. # 503, N. Brook, IL 60062. The prior art does not address the need for an EAS label that is difficult to override. In addition, the prior art does not provide a clip assembly that requires greater pulling force to uncouple a pin from the clip assembly. In addition, the prior art does not provide a label that is more difficult to override even when an unscrupulous individual has illicitly acquired an arcuate probe of free placement. Therefore, there remains a need for a long time and continues an advance in the technique of EAS labels that are more difficult to cancel, be simpler in design and use, be more economical, efficient in its construction and use, and provide a more secure article link. Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Therefore, it is a primary objective of the invention to provide an EAS tag that is more difficult to override.

It is another object of the invention to provide a cost-effective EAS label. It is another object of the present invention to provide an EAS label that is durable. It is still another object of the invention to provide an EAS label that does not have an arched channel that can be used to guide an unauthorized separation probe to the joining member. It is a further object of the invention to provide an EAS label that can be separated when used with an authorized separation unit. In keeping with the principles of the present invention, a unique EAS tag is described wherein no channel is defined therein that will guide an unauthorized probe to the joining member. The interior of the label also has numerous divisions and pillars that will prevent the insertion of the unauthorized probe if it is inserted in the wrong plane. In addition, the EAS tag will deflect the unauthorized probe into false paths. The EAS tag of the present invention also discloses a metal clamp that has a joint region for receiving a shaft of a pin securely therein. The pin can be removed when an authorized spacer is used to insert a probe into an opening within the EAS label, and as a result of the safety setting of the label within the portion nested to the spacer, the probe is guided to itself same to the union member and applies a force to it. The clamp is slidably mounted on at least one sliding guide which causes the clamp to travel in a linear motion and cause the joining region to release the shaft from the pin. In addition, an apex region of the EAS tag enclosing the binding member has an alveolar shape so that unauthorized probes can not be inserted into the holes created above the joining member to manipulate it. Such established objects and advantages of the invention are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the invention herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims that follow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It will be understood that the drawings will be used for purposes of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the drawings, where similar reference characters denote similar elements through the various views: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of the label of the present invention in an assembled state. Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the label of the present invention in a non-assembled state. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the label of the present invention and the components thereof. Figure 4 is a top plan view of the interior of the second half of the current label with the sliding guides installed. Figure 5 is a top plan view of the interior of the second half of the current label with the sliding guides and the joining member installed. Figure 6 is a top plan view of the interior of the first half of the current label illustrating an alternate preferred embodiment for accommodating an alternative elastic member. Figure 7 is a top plan view of the interior of the second half of the current label illustrating an alternate preferred embodiment for accommodating an alternative elastic member that attaches to the first half illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a view on top floor of the interior of the first half of the current label illustrating an alternative preferred embodiment for accommodating an alternative elastic member. Figure 9 is a top plan view of the interior of the second half of the current label with the joint member installed illustrating an alternative preferred embodiment for accommodating an alternative elastic member that is attached to the first half illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the interior of the first half of the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the interior of the second half of the present invention without the components therein. Figure HA is a perspective view of the interior of the second half of the present invention with the sliding guides and the joining member installed. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a pin used with the present invention. Figure 12A is a front perspective view of the joining member of the present invention. Figure 12B is a front elevational view of the attachment member of the present invention. Figure 12C is a side perspective view of the joining member of the present invention. Figure 12D is a top perspective view of the first and second slide guides used in the present invention. Figure 13 is a top plan view of the interior of the first half of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating additional pillars and walls that can be placed within the tag to prevent an unauthorized probe insertion. Figure 13A is a top plan view of the interior of the second half of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating additional pillars and walls that can be placed within the tag to prevent an unauthorized probe insert that attaches to the first half illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 14 is a top plan view of the interior of the first half of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating additional pillars that may be placed within the tag to prevent a non-penetrating probe insert. authorized Figure 14A is a top plan view of the interior of the second half of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating additional pillars that can be placed within the tag to prevent insertion of an unauthorized probe., and which is attached to the first half illustrated in Figure 14. Figure 15 is an electrical schematic diagram of the resonant circuit of the tag.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the resonant circuit of the label. Figure 17 is a block diagram of an item monitoring system incorporating the resonant circuit of the tag. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a tag resonant system taken along line 18-18 of Figure 16. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tag 20 having a first tag is illustrated. half 22 and a second half 24. The first and second halves 22 and 24 are preferably formed of a hard or rigid material. A useful rigid or hard material may be a hard plastic, such as for purposes of illustration, not limitation, an injection molded ABS plastic. If a plastic material is used, the connection of a first side wall 26 to a second side wall 28 can be achieved by an ultrasonic welding or similar joining mechanism. However, it will be understood that other joining methods, such as adhesives, can also be used. When the first half 22 and the second half 24 are securely joined, the first side wall 26 and the second side wall 28 form a peripheral outer wall of the label 20. The second half 24 has an apex region 25 extending from it in a direction opposite to the first half 22.

Now with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, 11 and HA, an exploded perspective view, top plan view, and perspective views illustrate the interior of the second half 24. The second half 24 receives at least one first slide guide 30 therein, and in a preferred embodiment, also receives a second slide guide 32. The first slide guide 30 is received strongly within at least one first slot 31 and the second slide guide 32 is received strongly within at least one second slot 33, so that the slide guides 30 and 32 are maintained in substantially parallel relationships. The sliding guides 30 and 32 are formed of a hard material, such as, but not limited to, metal, which improves the durability and performance of the label 20. A joining member 34, as described in greater detail after this , rests slidably on at least one first slide guide 30, but in a preferred embodiment, rests on both first and second slide guides 30 and 32. The connecting member 34 has an elastic member 36 which normally maintains an opening 38 defined in the joining member 34 in axial alignment with an opening 40 defined within the second half 24 and a hole 42 defined within the first half 22. In a preferred embodiment, the joining member 34 is formed of metal foil for springs. The resilient member 36 may be an elastic lever arm 43 and in a preferred alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 9, at least one spring 44 may be replaced by the elastic lever arm 43. The elastic member 36 is maintained in relations close to a barrier 45, so that the joining member 34 is maintained in axial alignment described in the foregoing. Now with reference to Figures 6, 8 and 10, the interior of the first half 22 is illustrated having a reinforcing means 46 defining the opening 42. The reinforcing member 46 extends inwardly but does not interfere with the sliding action of the reinforcement member. connecting member 34 in the first and second sliding guides 30 and 32. At least one first flange 48 extends inwardly from the interior of the first half 22 and is in close relation to the first slide guide 30. In a preferred embodiment, a second flange 50 also extends into the interior of the first half 22 and is in close relationship with the second slide 32. The flanges 48 and 50 prevent upward movement of the attachment member 34, but do not interfere with the sliding arrangement of the attachment member 34 on the first and second slide guides 30 and 32. The flanges 48 and 50 are in substantially parallel relationship with each other.

Now with reference to FIGURE 12 and FIGURES 11 and HA again in particular, in addition to the previous figures, a plurality of devices have been provided to prevent unauthorized tampering and uncoupling of the joining member 34. When the first half 22 and the second half 24 are assembled, a shank 52, having a plurality of indentations 54 at predetermined intervals along the length thereof, is inserted through the hole 42 and received securely. but not removably within the opening 38 of the joining member 34. The shank 52 further extends into the opening 40, which is defined by a tubular formation 41 extending inwardly from the second half 24. An upper part 55 is held securely at one end of the shank 52, so that a opposite end of the shank 52 crosses an article to be monitored and is held within the opening 38 of the joining member 34 and the opening 40, whereby the article securely links between the upper part 55 and the outer surface of the article. the label 20. Now also with reference to FIGURES 12A, 12B and 12C, the joining member 34 has a leading edge 75 and a distant rear edge 77. A joining region 78 is defined to be close to the leading edge 75 and the elastic member 36 is located near the rear edge 77. A first region 80 and a second region 82 are divided by the binding region 78. A first projection 84 extends downwardly from the first region 80 and a second projection 86 extends downwardly from the second region 82, so that the first projection 84 and the second projection 86 are in substantially parallel relationships with each other, and each one of the projections 84 and 86 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second regions 80 and 82 respectively. A first interior wall 88 and a second interior wall 90 are created by the projections 84 and 86 respectively. The first projection 84 and the second projection 86 extend beyond the trailing edge 77 and form a first external curve 92 and a second external curve 94, respectively, on one side of the joining member 34 next to the elastic member 36. The opening 38 of the joint member 34 is defined by a first jaw 96 and a second opposite jaw 98. The jaws 96 and 98 extend downwardly from the plane of the first and second regions 80 and 82 and are in close relationship when defining the opening 38. However, the jaws 96 and 98 are flexible so that they can move relative to each other to decrease the size of the opening 38 or may move away from each other to increase the size of the opening 38. As a result, the shank 52 is held within the opening 38 as defined by the jaws 96 and 98 in a secure, but removable manner. Also now with reference to Figure 12D, the first slide guide 30 has a first upper edge 100 and a first lower edge 104 that are distant from each other and are interconnected by a first front edge 108 and a first opposite rear edge 112. The second slide guide 30 has a second upper edge 102 and a second lower edge 106 that are distant from each other and are interconnected by a second front edge 110 and a second opposite rear edge 114. The first rear edge 112 and the second rear edge 114 are bent to accommodate the curved portion of the second side wall 28 where the apex 25 is created. The first slide 30 has a first outer surface 116 and a first inner surface 120 and the second sliding guide 32 has a second outer surface 118 and a second inner surface 122. In order to be able to uncouple the shank 52 from the jaws 96 and 98, sufficient force must be applied to the leading edge 75 of the joining member 34 to bypass the force exerted by the elastic member 36, and to move the attachment member 34 towards the rear edge 75 . In addition, the force must be sufficient to overcome the frictional force created between the first inner wall 88 and the second outer surface 118 and the frictional force created between the second inner wall 90 and the first outer surface 116. To do so, a probe of a predetermined shape and length must be inserted through the inlet 56 of the tag 20 and extended to the joining member 34 to apply sufficient force to the leading edge 75 to overcome the force exerted by the elastic member 36 and the frictional force described in the foregoing to allow sufficient linear movement along the first and second slide guides 30 and 32 to uncouple and remove the shank 52 from the first and second jaws 96 and 98. U.S. Patent No. 4,738,258 is incorporated in the present for reference to teach the required probe and the necessary activation thereof for the insertion in the input 56. The American Patent No. 4,738,258 can be modified in the decoupling apparatus illustrated in the US Patent No. 5,426,419 and the North American Patent No. 5,535,606, the teachings of the spacer are also incorporated herein by reference. To determine the force required to uncouple the shank 52 from the jaws 96 and 98 of the attachment member 34 of the present invention when compared to the label of the '419 patent, the following experiment was carried out on ten labels 10 of the present invention and ten labels produced according to the patent specification? 419. A spring balance was hung on a wall, with its spring loading hook on the bottom. Two ends of a cotton sling were tied together to form a loop. One end of the loop was secured to the hook of the balance while the other end was wound through the handle so that a downward pull force on the separator (as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 of the '419 patent) at narrowing of the separator trigger. Because the spring balance is in series with the sling, a measure of the firing force to separate the tack shaft 52 can be measured. On average approximately 5 pounds of more force is required to separate the shank 52 from the joining member 34 of the present invention than the patent label? 419. In order to be able to cancel the introduction of the unauthorized probes in the input 56, several false paths and barriers are provided within the label 20 and the arched channel of the '419 patent and the 390 patent are completely eliminated. Because the apex region 25 of the tag 20 is constructed to be securely retained within a nested or trough-like area of a spacer, as taught by the 19 patent, the tag 20 does not require any arched channel to carry the probe of separation to the leading edge 75 of the joining member 34. The predetermined shape of the separation probe and the predetermined positioning of the joining member 34 allow an authorized individual using an authorized spacer to uncouple the shank 52 from the jaws 96 and 98, thereby releasing the attached article. The dotted line 99, of Figure 5, illustrates a suitable path that can be taken by the separation probe. However, to still cancel the introduction of a probe that has been unlawfully disassembled from an authorized separator, a first division 58 prevents the unauthorized probe from entering if it is in an incorrect plane. A second division 60 having a greater height than the first division 58 also prevents the introduction of an unauthorized probe to the joining member 34. A first pillar 62 and a second pillar 64 also prevent the application of force to the attachment member 34 by an unauthorized probe by deflecting it. A third division 66, a fourth division 68, a fifth division 70, and a sixth division 72 are at different levels and define a plurality of cavities 74 therebetween. The cavities 74 extend into the apex region 25 and are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the attachment member 34, so that an unauthorized probe inserted through the apex region 25 will be retained within a single cavity 74. will not be able to manipulate the joining member 34 laterally to decouple the shaft 52. In addition, if a manually unauthorized probe is being manipulated, the probe will not be inserted in the correct plane to make the proper contact with the leading edge 75 of the joining member 34 to uncouple it. In fact, the unauthorized probe will enter the space defined between the joining member 34 and the different divisions 66, 68, 70 and 72. Figures 13 and 13A teach an alternate preferred embodiment with different barriers to prevent access to the attachment member 34 of the tag 20. Figures 14 and 14A teach an alternative preferred embodiment with additional different barrier arrangements to prevent access to the member 34. of label 20. Referring now also to Figure 15, a schematic diagram of a label resonant circuit 124 is illustrated therein. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit 124 has at least one inductive element 126 and at least one capacitive element 128 connected in a series loop and forming a resonant capacitive inductive circuit (LC) 124. The label resonant circuit is employed in conjunction with electronic article security systems, particularly electronic article security systems of the electromagnetic RF radio frequency field type. Such electronic article security systems are well known in the art and a complete detailed description of the structure and operation of such electronic article security systems is consequently not necessary for an understanding of the present invention.

However, as illustrated in Figure 17, such electronic article security systems employing label resonant circuits include a transmission means 130 for transmitting electromagnetic energy at or near the resonant frequency of the resonant tag in or through a 132 surveillance zone. A detection means 134 monitors the surveillance zone 132 by the presence of a resonant tag within the surveillance zone 132. The surveillance zone 132 is generally close to an entrance and / or exit from an installation such as, but not limited to, a retail store. The function of the security system is to detect the presence within the surveillance zone 132 of a monitored item having a resonant tag circuit 124 attached thereto in a secure manner. In such a system, the transmission means 130 transmits pulses in the form of RF bursts at a frequency in the low radio frequency range, such as 58 kHz in a preferred embodiment but can be adapted to be at any appropriate frequency when desired. The pulses (burst) are emitted (transmitted) at a repetition rate of, for example, AC cycle of 60 Hz, with a pause between successive pulses. The detection means 134 includes a receiver 136 which is synchronized (in gate) with the transmission means 130 so that it is activated only during pauses between the pulses subjected by the transmission means 130. The receiver 136 expects to detect nothing in these pauses between the pulses. If an activated tag is present within the surveillance zone 132, however, the resonator therein is excited by the transmitted pulses, and will be caused to oscillate at the transmitter frequency, i.e. at 58 kHz in the previous example. . The resonator emits a signal that sounds at the frequency of the resonator, with an exponential decay time ("sound reduction time"). The signal emitted by the activated tag, if present between the transmission means 130 and the receiver 136, is detected by the receiver 136 in the pauses between the transmitted pulses and the receiver therefore triggers an alarm 138. The alarm 138 may be audible and / or visual or it may be a silent alarm that is detected by any means known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, to decrease false alarms, the detection means 134 should normally detect a signal in at least two and preferably four successive pauses; however, it will be understood that the present invention may be adapted to operate within a pause. In addition, in order to further reduce false alarms, such as due to signals produced by other RF sources, the receiver 136 employs two detection windows within each pause. The receiver 136 integrates any signal of 58 kHz (in this example) that is present in each window, and compares the integration results of the respective signals integrated in the windows. Since the signal produced by the label is a decay signal, if the detected signal originates from a resonator in a label it will show the amplitude of decrease (integration results) in the windows. In contrast, an RF signal from another RF source, which may coincidentally be at or harmonic at the predetermined resonant frequency, can be expected to show substantially the same amplitude (integration result) in each window. Therefore, alarm 138 is triggered only if the signal detected in both windows in a pause shows the aforementioned amplitude of decrease characteristic in each of a number of successive pauses. For this purpose, as seen in the above, the electronics of the receiver is synchronized by a synchronization circuit with the transmitter electronics. The electronics of the receiver are activated by the synchronization circuit in order to be able to search for the presence of a signal at the predetermined resonant frequency in a first activation window of approximately 1.7 ms after the end of each transmitted pulse. To reliably distinguish the signal (if it originated from the resonator) integrated within this first window of the integrated signal of the second window, a high signal amplitude in the first window is desirable. Subsequently, the electronics of the receiver are deactivated, and then reactivated in a second detection window in approximately 6ms after the original excitation of the resonator in order to be able to search again and integrate a signal at the predetermined resonant frequency. If such a signal is integrated with approximately the same result as in the first detection window, the evaluation electronics assume that the signal detected in the first window did not originate from a marker, but in fact originated from noise or another RF source external, and therefore alarm 138 is not triggered. Now also with reference to Figures 16 and 18, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of resonant tag circuit 124. The inductive element 126 is formed by a conduction member 140 that is formed of any material that has the ability to conduct electricity, and in a preferred embodiment copper is formed. The driving member 140 is wound around a first member 142 which is preferably constructed of a non-conductive material, such as, but not limited to, plastic and rubber. The first member 142 has a first wall 144 and a second wall 146 that are interconnected by a middle portion 148. The first wall 144, the second wall 146 and the middle portion 148 define axially a cavity 150 extending therethrough. The middle portion 148 is adapted to receive the conduit member 140 therein in a shape wound on an outer surface 152 thereof between the first wall 144 and the second wall 146. The middle portion 148 has an interior surface 154 defining the cavity 150. A magnetic member 156 is adapted to be received within the cavity 150 and to frictionally retain within the interior surface 154 of the middle portion 148. The magnetic member 156 may be of a ferromagnetic material or any other material having magnetic properties, and in a preferred embodiment, the magnetic member 156 is formed of amorphous metals. The capacitive element 128 is a parallel plate capacitor formed of conductive material in a first plate and a second plate (not shown) that are known in the art. The capacitive element 128 is adapted to be received in the first member 142, and in a preferred embodiment is received in the first wall 144 thereof. The first plate and the second plate of the capacitive element 128 are joined at opposite ends of the conducting member 140 to form a series circuit. When the resonant tag circuit 124 enters a monitoring zone 132 it is subjected to an electromagnetic field and the magnetic member 156 is charged. When the electromagnetic field is removed, the magnetic energy stored in the magnetic member 156 is released and in this way an ac current is generated within the inductive element 126 and the capacitive element 128. When an ac voltage is applied to the resonant tag circuit 124, the current depends on the frequency thereof. The resonant frequency of circuit 124 can be determined by the following equation: fo = Ip C Where f0 is the resonant frequency of the circuit and L is the ctance and C is the capacitance. As can be stated from the equation, many possible combinations provide the desired resonant frequency, however, the L to C ratio is preferably kept high for the circuit to be selective and to reduce undesirable resonances to disturbances close to the resonant frequency in this way decreasing false alarms. In a preferred embodiment, optimal values were determined to be L = 2.08 mH and C = 3.6 nF thereby providing a L to C ratio of 577,777.78. It will be understood that the resonant tag circuit 124 is of sufficient size to be stored within boxes used in article surveillance systems.

Specifically, the label circuit 124 is of sufficient size to be received and enclosed within the compartment 76 of the label 20. The compartment 76 is defined by a peripheral wall 158 extending inwardly from the second half 24 to enclose the circuit 124 of resonant tag on it. A false path 160 is created between the second side wall 28 and the peripheral wall 158. If an article having the resonant label circuit 124 attached thereto by the label 20 moves within the surveillance zone 132, the alarm 138 will be activated by the circuit 124 to imply the unauthorized removal of the item through the a specified area. For purposes of illustration, not limitation, in a preferred embodiment, the length of the circuit 124 is less than 2cm and the radius thereof is less than 1cm. However, it will be understood that alternative sizes and circuit shapes 124 will also function as taught and alternative electronic detection circuits as are known in the art can also be used. Although the above description contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of a preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible without departing from the essential spirit of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiment, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (22)

1. CLAIMS 1. A device for monitoring articles through electronic article surveillance (EAS), characterized in that it comprises: a label body; a union member located within the tag body; a shaft having an upper part, wherein the shaft is inserted through an article to be monitored until the part engages the article, and the shaft enters the body of the label through a hole and is received in the form secure by the union member; a detectable EAS sensor inside the label body; a probe of a predetermined size and trajectory is inserted through an inlet into the label body and engages the attachment member and allows removal of the shaft without requiring a channel to guide the probe to the attachment member. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the label body further comprises a first half and a second half that are joined around a perimeter of the label body by a first side wall and a second side wall extending into the first and second halves respectively; the first side wall and the second side wall define an entry therethrough; the connecting member is slidably received in at least one first sliding guide located inside the second half; whereby, the application of the force to the connecting member by the probe forces the connecting member in a linear movement on the first sliding guide and 0 releases the shaft. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the joining member further comprises a first projection and a second projection extending from opposite ends of the joining member -5 in substantially parallel relations and extending over the first guide of glide. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the label body further comprises a second slide guide located 0 within the second half and extending in a substantially parallel relationship to the first slide rail; whereby, the union member travels in a slidable and linear manner therein. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the joining member further comprises a first projection and a second projection extending from opposite ends of the joining member in substantially parallel relations; the first protrusion extends over the first sliding guide and the second protrusion extends over the second sliding guide, whereby the joining member is slidably held therein and travels in a linear fashion along the first guide of sliding and the second sliding guide. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first half further comprises a first flange extending from an inner surface of the first half and a second flange extending from the inner surface; the first flange and the second flange are in close relationship to the first sliding guide and to the second sliding guide, respectively, so that the joining member is maintained in a substantially constant plane, but allowing sliding movement of the connecting member along the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first flange and the second flange extend longitudinally in substantially parallel relation on the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide, respectively. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the joining member further comprises a front edge and an opposite trailing edge and the edges interconnect the first projection and the second projection; a first jaw and a second jaw are defined by the leading edge; an opening is defined between the first jaw and the second jaw; an elastic member is located at the trailing edge and in a normal state forces the binding member toward the leading region; so the opening is adapted to receive the shaft in it in a safe but removable way. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the probe couples the front region and forces the joining member to slide towards the elastic member in a linear fashion along the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide , so it allows the shaft to be released from the opening. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastic member is selected from a group consisting of an elastic lever arm and a spring. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second half further comprises a first division and a second division along a path traveled by the probe; the first portion extends from an interior surface of the second half and is a shorter length than the second division, whereby an unauthorized probe that is introduced through the inlet will be annulled from reaching the union member. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second half and the first half also comprises a first pillar and a second pillar extending between them outside a line traveled by an authorized probe, so that a probe Unauthorized that is inserted through the entry will deviate from reaching and voiding the union member. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the second half and the first half also comprise a first pillar and a second pillar extending between them outside the line traveled by the authorized probe, so that a probe Unauthorized that is inserted through the entry will deviate from reaching and voiding the union member. 14. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second half further comprises an apex region extending outwardly in an opposite direction of the first half; a plurality of divisions extends into the first half and defines a plurality of cavities therebetween; so that an unauthorized probe can not be inserted through the apex region in order to reach and nullify the binding member. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of divisions comprises a third division, a fourth division, a fifth division and a sixth division of varying heights extending towards the joining member; whereby an unauthorized probe will enter a space created between the plurality of divisions and the joining member and will not be able to impart sufficient force to uncouple the joining member. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second half further comprises an apex region extending outwardly in a direction opposite to the first half; a third division, a fourth division, a fifth division and a sixth division of varying heights extend towards the joining member but do not interfere with the sliding action of the joining member; a space of varying sizes is created between the union member and the third division, the fourth division, the fifth division, the sixth division so that an unauthorized probe will enter space and will not be able to uncouple the union member. 17. A device for monitoring articles through electronic article surveillance (EAS), characterized in that it comprises: a label body having a first half and a second half that are joined around a perimeter of the label body by means of a first wall lateral and a second side wall extending into the first and second halves respectively; an inlet that is defined through the first side wall and the second side wall in a front region of the label body; a detectable EAS sensor enclosed in a compartment toward a back region of the label body; a joining member located between the first half and the second half; a first sliding guide and a second sliding guide extend in a substantial relationship parallel within the second half and slidably receive the joining member therein; a shaft having an upper part, wherein the shaft is inserted through an article to be monitored until the upper part engages the article, and the shaft enters the label body through a hole and is received in the form secure by the union member; a probe of a predetermined shape and path is inserted through an inlet into the tag body and imparts sufficient force on the joint member; whereby the connecting member travels along the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide in a linear fashion and allows the extraction of the shaft without requiring a channel to guide the probe to the joining member. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the joining member further comprises a first projection and a second projection extending from the opposite ends of the joining member in substantially parallel relations; the first protrusion extends over the first sliding guide and the second protrusion extends over the second sliding guide, whereby the joining member is slidably held in them and travels in a linear fashion along the first guide of sliding and the second sliding guide; a first flange extends from the inner surface of the first half and a second flange extends from the inner surface; the first flange and the second flange are in close relation to the first sliding guide and to the second sliding guide respectively, so that the joining member is maintained in a substantially constant plane, but allowing the sliding movement of the joining member along the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the joining member further comprises a leading edge and an opposite trailing edge and the edges interconnecting the first projection and the second projection; a first jaw and a second jaw are defined by the leading edge; an opening is defined between the first gag and the second gag in an expandable and collapsible form; an elastic member is located at the trailing edge and in a normal state forces the binding member towards the front region where it is stopped by a division so that the opening and the orifice are in axial alignment, whereby the opening is adapted to receive the shaft in a safe but removable way; the probe couples the front region and forces the joint member to slide towards the elastic member in a linear fashion along the first slide guide and the second slide guide, thereby allowing the shaft to be released from the opening . 20. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the second half and the first half further comprises a first pillar and a second pillar extending between them outside of a line traveled by the authorized probe, because a probe does not Authorized that is inserted through the entry will deviate from reaching and voiding the union member. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the second half further comprises an apex region extending outwards in a direction opposite to the first half; a third division, a fourth division, a fifth division and a sixth division of varying heights extend towards the joining member but do not interfere with the sliding action of the joining member; a plurality of cavities defined between the third division, the fourth division, the fifth division, the sixth division, so that an authorized probe inserted through the apex will not be able to decouple the joining member; and a space of varying sizes is created between the third division, the fourth division, the fifth division, the sixth division, and the joining member so that an unauthorized probe will enter space and will not be able to uncouple the union member . 22. A device for monitoring articles through electronic article surveillance (EAS), characterized in that it comprises: a label body having a first half and a second half that are joined around a perimeter of the label body by a first wall lateral and a second side wall extending into the first and second halves respectively; an inlet is defined through the first side wall and the second side wall in a front region of the label body; a detectable EAS sensor enclosed within a compartment towards a back region of the label body; a first sliding guide and a second sliding guide extend in substantial parallel relation within the second half and slidably receive a connecting member therein; the joining member located between the first half and the second half and the joining member further comprises a first projection and a second projection extending from opposite ends of the joining member in substantially parallel relations; the first protrusion extends over the first sliding guide and the second protrusion extends over the second sliding wedge, whereby the union member slidably remains therein and travels in a linear fashion along the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide; a shaft having an upper part, wherein the shaft is inserted through an article to be monitored until the upper part engages the article, and the shaft enters the label body through a hole and is received in the form secure by the union member; a probe of a predetermined shape and trajectory is inserted through an inlet into the label body and imparts sufficient force on the joining member; whereby the connecting member travels along the first sliding guide and the second sliding guide in a linear fashion and allows the extraction of the shaft without requiring a channel to guide the probe to the joining member.