WO2005029432A1 - Dispositif de securite de marchandises - Google Patents

Dispositif de securite de marchandises Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005029432A1
WO2005029432A1 PCT/US2004/030646 US2004030646W WO2005029432A1 WO 2005029432 A1 WO2005029432 A1 WO 2005029432A1 US 2004030646 W US2004030646 W US 2004030646W WO 2005029432 A1 WO2005029432 A1 WO 2005029432A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
security device
plunger
tag body
merchandise security
article
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/030646
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael A. Lyle
William R. Greene
Original Assignee
Lyle Michael A
Greene William R
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lyle Michael A, Greene William R filed Critical Lyle Michael A
Publication of WO2005029432A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005029432A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0017—Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0017—Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops
    • E05B73/0047—Unlocking tools; Decouplers
    • E05B73/0064—Unlocking tools; Decouplers of the mechanical type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2428—Tag details
    • G08B13/2434—Tag housing and attachment details

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to merchandise security devices and relates more particularly to a novel merchandise security device.
  • the prevention and deterrence of merchandise theft has been the subject of numerous technical approaches.
  • One type of approach has been to attach to an article of merchandise a security device in the form of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag or device, the EAS device being adapted to trigger an alarm or the like if the article is moved beyond a predetermined location and the EAS device has not been deactivated or removed from the article.
  • EAS electronic article surveillance
  • a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus are typically situated on opposite sides of a passageway leading to an exit of the premises being protected, the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus together defining an interrogation zone.
  • the transmitting apparatus is typically used to transmit over the interrogation zone an interrogation signal that is recognizable by the EAS device and that causes the EAS device, if not deactivated, to emit a response signal.
  • the receiving apparatus is typically used to detect the presence of a response signal from an activated EAS device located within the interrogation zone. The detection by the receiving apparatus of a response signal indicates that the EAS device has not been removed or deactivated and that the article bearing the EAS device may not have been paid for or properly checked out.
  • a hard tag is typically used to protect articles of clothing and similar items.
  • a hard tag comprises a tag body and a tack.
  • the tag body is typically made of rigid plastic and houses an EAS sensor.
  • the tack has a sharp end that is adapted to pierce the article being protected and then is adapted to be inserted into the interior of the tag body.
  • a mechanism which may include a magnetic or mechanical clamp, is typically housed within the tag body and is used to retain the sharp end of the tack within the tag body, thereby preventing the hard tag from being removed from the article.
  • a detaching device is typically used to release the tack from the clamping mechanism, thereby permitting the tack to be removed from the tag body and, in turn, the hard tag to be removed from the article.
  • a hard tag is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419, inventors Nguyen et al., which issued June 20, 1995, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the hard tag of the aforementioned patent comprises a tag body and a tack, the tack being completely physically separable from the tag body.
  • the tag body comprises an upper housing member and a lower housing member, the upper and lower housing members being joined together by welding or the like and jointly defining a front cavity and a rear cavity.
  • a front opening is provided in the tag body, and interior walls and the sides of the housing members define an arcuate channel leading from the front opening to the front cavity.
  • An EAS sensor is disposed within the rear cavity of the tag body.
  • the tack includes an enlarged tack head and an elongated tack body, the tack body extending from the tack head. The end of the tack body opposite the tack head is pointed for insertion through an article of clothing or the like.
  • a small opening is provided in the upper housing member, the pointed end of the tack body being insertable through said small opening and into a receiving collar disposed within the front cavity of the tag body until the tack head is seated upon the upper housing member.
  • a spring clamp is disposed within the front cavity of the tag body for preventing the tack body from being withdrawn from the tag body, the spring clamp being shaped to include a clamp body and a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws are adapted to grip the tack body and prevent its release from the tag body.
  • an arcuate probe is inserted through the front opening and the arcuate channel and is used to pivot the clamp body until the jaws are moved away from the tack body.
  • the tack may then be removed from the tag body, thereby permitting the tag to be removed from the article.
  • hard tags of the aforementioned type have achieved widespread use, such tags suffer from certain shortcomings.
  • tags of the type described above are typically intended to be used more than once.
  • tags of the type described above may be able to pivot the clamp away from the tack, thereby releasing the tack from the tag body, by inserting an unauthorized arcuate member (such as a bent paper clip or the like) through the front opening in the tag body and through the arcuate channel that leads directly to the clamp.
  • an unauthorized arcuate member such as a bent paper clip or the like
  • a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted; (b) a plunger, said plunger having a closed bottom end, said plunger being coupled to said upper jaw for movement between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said closed bottom end of said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article; and (c) a security sensor disposed within said tag body.
  • a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted; (b) a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article, said plunger having a first annular groove; (c) means for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position, said releasably locking means comprising an elongated member movable from a locking position to an unlocking position, said elongated member being shaped to include a transverse opening through which said plunger may extend, said transverse opening having a smaller portion and a larger portion, said smaller portion of said transverse opening being dimensioned to lockingly receive said first annular groove;
  • a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body having an attachment portion and a sensor portion, said attachment portion comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted, said sensor portion being adapted to receive a sensor; (b) a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article; (c) means disposed within said tag body for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said sensor portion of said tag body; (e) wherein said sensor portion of said tag body is shaped to include a keyhole, said keyhole being adapted to receive a key to release said plunger from said releasably locking means.
  • a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body having a keyhole for accessing the interior of said tag body; (b) means for attaching an article to said tag body; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said attaching means in an attaching state; (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body; (e) means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said releasably locking means for impeding the passage of an unauthorized picking element to said releaseably locking means.
  • a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tack; (b) a tag body, the tag body having a first opening and a second opening, said tack being insertable into said first opening in a snug but freely removable manner; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said tack to said tag body when said tack is inserted into said second opening but not said first opening; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body.
  • the present invention is also directed at a novel hand tool adapted for applying certain types of merchandise security devices to articles.
  • Figs. 1(a) through 1(h) are perspective, exploded top perspective, exploded bottom perspective, top, front, transverse section, right side and rear views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being shown in Figs.
  • Fig.2(a) through 2(d) are perspective, front, transverse section, and right side views, respectively, of the hard tag of Fig. 1(a), with the plunger being shown in its extended position;
  • Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are enlarged top perspective and enlarged bottom perspective views, respectively, of the upper body member shown in Fig. 1(a);
  • Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lower body member shown in Fig. 1(a);
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the plunger shown in Fig. 1(a); Fig.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig. 1(b);
  • Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are right side and perspective views, respectively, showing the plunger of Fig. 5 held in its retracted position within the locking member of Fig. 6;
  • Figs. 7(c) and 7(d) are left side and perspective views, respectively, showing the plunger of Fig.5 snap-locked into its extended position within the locking member of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 7(e) is a right perspective view, showing the plunger of Fig. 5 released from the locking member of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 is a transverse section view, showing the tag of Fig. 1(a) attached to a garment;
  • FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the tag of Fig. 1(a), showing how the key of a detaching apparatus is used to move the locking member so as to release the plunger from the locking member (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown to reveal certain internal components of the tag body);
  • Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) are top perspective and left side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being shown with its plunger and pin in their respective retracted positions;
  • Fig. 10(c) is a top perspective view of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a), the hard tag being shown with its plunger and pin in their respective extended positions;
  • Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the plunger shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the pin shown in Fig. 10(a);
  • Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the pin of Fig. 12 fully inserted into the plunger of Fig. 11 ;
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tool constructed according to the teachings of the present invention for use in moving the plunger and pin of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a) from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions;
  • Figs. 15(a) and 15(b) are perspective views, showing how the tool of Fig. 14 is used to move the plunger and pin of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a) from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions;
  • Figs. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tool constructed according to the teachings of the present invention for use in moving the plunger and pin of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a) from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions;
  • FIG. 16(a) through 16(e) are perspective, exploded perspective, top, front and left side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being shown in Figs. 16(a), 16(c), 16(d) and 16(e) with the piercing tip of the tack locked inside the tag body;
  • Figs. 17(a) through 17(c) are perspective, top and left side views, respectively, of the hard tag of Fig. 16(a), with the piercing tip of the tack removably inserted into the tag body through a storage opening;
  • Fig. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the hard tag of Fig.
  • FIG. 16(a) With the lower body member not being shown to reveal how the piercing tip of the tack is locked inside the tag body;
  • FIGs. 19(a) through 19(c) are top perspective, bottom perspective, and bottom views, respectively, of the upper body member shown in Fig. 16(a);
  • Figs. 20(a) through 20(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lower body member shown in Fig. 16(a);
  • Figs. 21(a) and 21(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the tack shown in Fig. 16(a);
  • Fig. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 23 is a side view, showing the tag of Fig. 16(a) being attached to an article
  • Fig. 24 is a bottom view of the tag of Fig. 16(a), showing how the key of a detaching apparatus is used to move the locking member so as to release the tack from the locking member (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown to reveal certain components contained in the tag body)
  • Fig.25 is a top view of a third embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention
  • Fig. 26 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 27 is a top view of an fifth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention
  • Figs.28(a) and 28(b) are exploded bottom perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown in Fig. 28(b) to reveal certain components contained in the tag body)
  • Figs.29(a) and 29(b) are exploded bottom perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown in Fig. 29(b) to reveal certain components contained in the tag body)
  • Figs. 30(a) and 39(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the upper body member shown in Fig. 29(a)
  • Fig. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig.
  • Figs.32(a) and 32(b) are exploded bottom perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an eighth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown in Fig. 32(b) to reveal certain components contained in the tag body).
  • FIGs. 1(a) through 1(h) and 2(a) through 2(d) there are shown various views of a first embodiment of a merchandise security device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the merchandise security device being in the form of a hard tag represented generally by reference numeral 11.
  • Tag 11 includes an upper body member 13, a lower body member 15, a plunger 17, a locking member 19 and a sensor 21.
  • Upper body member 13 which is also shown separately in Figs.3(a) and 3(b), is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like.
  • Member 13 is shaped to include a top wall 25, a front wall 27, a rear wall 29, a left side wall 31 and a right side wall 33.
  • a transverse opening 35 is provided in top wall 25, opening 35 being dimensioned to receive the shaft of plunger 17 as will be discussed further below.
  • An annular recess 37 surrounds opening 35, recess 37 being dimensioned to receive the head of plunger 17 as will be discussed further below.
  • top wall 25 is shaped to bulge upwardly to form a registration element 39, element 39 being receivable in a complementary-shaped nesting element of a conventional detaching apparatus, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419.
  • Front wall 27 includes an opening 41 , the purpose of which will be discussed below, and rear wall 29 includes an opening 43, the purpose of which will be discussed below.
  • Left side wall 31 is generally straight, and right side wall 33 includes a straight front portion 33-1 and a curved rear portion 33-2.
  • a plurality of inner walls 51 and 53 are formed on the bottom surface of top wall 25, walls 51 and 53, together with rear wall 29 and left side wall 31 , collectively defining a cavity 55 for receiving sensor 21.
  • wall 53 together with a pair of walls 57 and 59 formed on the bottom surface of top wall 25, collectively define a slot 61 for slidably receiving locking member 19.
  • a plurality of reinforcing ribs 62 are disposed on the sides of walls 57 and 59 facing away from slot 61.
  • a wall 63 formed on the bottom surface of top wall 25 extends generally perpendicularly from wall 57 into slot 61 to serve as a stop for limiting rearward movement of locking member 19 with slot 61.
  • a wall 65 extending rearwardly from front wall 27 about half the distance to wall 63 and extending laterally between walls 57 and 59 serves to keep locking member 19 from falling downwardly out of slot 61.
  • Lower body member 15 which is also shown separately in Figs.4(a) and 4(b), is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. Member 15 is shaped to include a bottom wall 71 , a front wall 73, a rear wall 75, a left side wall 77 and a right side wall 79. Bottom wall 71 includes a generally flat front portion 81 , a generally flat rear portion 83 and a sloped intermediate portion 85.
  • a bowl-shaped cavity 87 is formed on the upper surface of front portion 81 , cavity 87 being used to receive the bottom (i.e., free) end of plunger 17.
  • a plurality of reinforcing ribs 88 surround cavity 87.
  • An opening 89 is provided in rear wall 75.
  • opening 89 of lower body member 15 and opening 43 of upper body member 13 collectively define a keyhole that is used to provide access to the rear end of locking member 19 when it is desired to detach tag 11 from an article to which it has been attached.
  • a slot 90 is formed on the upper surface of rear portion 83, slot 90 receiving the rear portion of locking member 19.
  • a plurality of walls 91 , 93 and 95 are formed on the upper surface of rear portion 83.
  • Wall 91 which extends forwardly a short distance from a point proximate to rear wall 75, serves as a physical barrier to protect sensor 21 from being damaged by the insertion of certain unauthorized implements through the keyhole.
  • Wall 93 which is positioned a short distance in front of opening 89, serves as an obstruction or diversion to block a direct pathway from the keyhole to locking member 19, thereby making more difficult the movement of locking member 19 without the use of an authorized detaching apparatus having an appropriately curved key.
  • wall 93 has a curved shape and is angled relative to opening 89 so that an unauthorized member inserted straight through opening 89 will likely be diverted away from locking member 19 and towards wall 91.
  • Wall 95 which is positioned a short distance behind slot 90, includes a frangible portion 99 that acts as a seal or membrane to prevent certain unauthorized implements from passing through to locking member 19. More specifically, frangible portion 99 is constructed to have a size and strength such that certain unauthorized implements are prevented from passing therethrough while, at the same time, allowing the key of an authorized detaching apparatus to break therethrough to engage locking member 19.
  • Upper body member 13 and lower body member 15 are joined together, preferably by welding, glue or the like, to define a tag body having an attachment portion 14 and a sensor portion 16.
  • Attachment portion 14 includes an upper jaw 18 and a lower jaw 20, jaws 18 and 20 being spaced apart to define a mouth 22 into which a portion of an article may be inserted.
  • Sensor portion 16 is a generally closed structure that houses sensor 21 , with openings 43 and 89 jointly defining a keyhole 24 leading to the interior of sensor portion 16.
  • Plunger 17, which is also shown separately in Fig. 5, is a solid, unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like.
  • plunger 17 may be made of metal.
  • Plunger 17 is shaped to include an elongated, generally cylindrical shaft 101 and an enlarged, generally dome-shaped head 103, head 103 being disposed at the upper end of shaft 101.
  • a pair of annular grooves 105 and 107 are provided in shaft 101 , grooves 105 and 107 being used to retain shaft 101 at retracted and extended positions, respectively, within locking member 19, as will be discussed further below.
  • Locking member 19, which is also shown separately in Fig. 6, is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like.
  • Locking member 19 is appropriately sized for sliding movement within slot 61 and is shaped to include a front portion 111 and a rear portion 113, front portion 111 being comparatively wider and shorter than rear portion 113.
  • the rear surface 112 of front portion 111 is engageable with wall 63 to limit rearward movement of member 19 within slot 61.
  • a protrusion 114 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of member 19 is engageable with wall 65 and limits forward movement of member 19 within slot 61.
  • Front portion 111 which is generally rectangular in shape, includes a transverse opening 115 having a comparatively smaller diameter front section 117 and a comparatively larger diameter rear section 119.
  • front section 117 is appropriately dimensioned relative to shaft 101 of plunger 17 so that, when shaft 101 is aligned within front section 117, plunger 17 is movable, with force, from a retracted position in which front section 117 stably resides in groove 105 to a snap-locked extended position in which front section 117 lockably engages groove 107.
  • front section 117 is appropriately dimensioned relative to shaft 101 of plunger 17 so that, when shaft 101 is aligned within front section 117, plunger 17 is movable, with force, from a retracted position in which front section 117 stably resides in groove 105 to a snap-locked extended position in which front section 117 lockably engages groove 107.
  • rear section 119 is appropriately dimensioned relative to shaft 101 of plunger 17 so that, when shaft 101 is aligned within rear section 119, shaft 101 is free to move transversely relative to locking member 19.
  • Rear portion 113 of locking member 19 is shaped to include an outwardly- biasing arm 120. Arm 120 is appropriately positioned along the length of rear portion 113 so that, when locking member 19 is moved to its forward position by the key of a detaching apparatus, arm 120 swings outwardly so as to be engageable with wall 51 , thereby preventing locking member 19 from being returned to its rearward position. Consequently, tag 11 cannot be reused and, therefore, is intended to be disposed after a single use.
  • Sensor 21 may be any type of EAS sensor but is preferably an acoustically resonant magnetic sensor of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,510,489 and 4,510,490, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Other types of sensors suitable for use as sensor 21 include magnetic EAS sensors, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,686,516 and 4,797,658, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, and RF EAS sensors, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,429,302 and 4,356,477, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • sensor 21 may be in the form of an RFID device.
  • plunger to attach tag 11 to an article of merchandise, such as a garment G, plunger
  • plunger 17 is then moved downwardly until snap- locked in its extended position, causing a portion of garment G to become securely held by the bottom end of plunger 17 within cavity 87, as shown in Fig. 8.
  • plunger 17 may be inserted through a button hole, belt loop or other bounded opening in the garment.
  • sensor portion 16 does not include a channel leading from keyhole 24 to locking member 19, but rather, includes a diverting wall 93 and a sealing wall 95, many unauthorized implements are prevented from accessing locking member 19.
  • a key K of a detaching apparatus is inserted into tag 11 through keyhole 24 and advanced therein until locking member 19 is contacted therewith (see Fig. 9). Key K then moves locking member 19 forward until rear section 119 of opening 115 is moved into alignment with plunger 17. Plunger 17 may then be pulled upwardly from jaw 20 (or even removed entirely from the tag body), thereby releasing the article from the pinch between plunger 17 and cavity 87 of jaw 20.
  • Tag 11 has an overall size and shape to be compatible with presently commercially available detachers of the type having a curved key.
  • One notable advantage of tag 11 as compared to conventional hard tags of the type comprising a piercing tack and a tag body, is that tag 11 does not involve the piercing of an article with a tack, but rather, involves the pinching or trapping of the article between plunger 17 and the tag body. Consequently, tag 11 will not tear or otherwise damage articles to which it is attached. Similarly, because tag 11 does not include a sharpened tack, there is no risk that an individual attaching tag 11 to an article may prick himself, others or inanimate objects.
  • tag 11 should be difficult for most prospective thieves to pick. Furthermore, because keyhole 24 and mouth 22 are located at opposite ends of tag 11 , when inserting tag 11 into a conventional detaching apparatus, the garment may be kept safely away from the detaching apparatus. Additionally, because of its design, construction and materials cost, tag 11 may be fabricated at costs considerably less than many presently commercially available hard tags. Consequently, the disposal of tag 11 after a single use should not be a financial burden. Notwithstanding the above, if desired, one could modify tag 11 to be re-usable by eliminating arm 120 from locking member 19.
  • FIG. 10(a) through 10(c) there are shown bottom views of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 151.
  • Tag 151 is similar in most respects to tag 11 , the principal differences between the two tags being (i) that tag 151 includes a plunger 153, instead of plunger 17, and (ii) that tag 151 additionally includes a pin 155.
  • Plunger 153 which is also shown separately in Fig. 11 , is similar to plunger
  • plunger 153 does not have a closed bottom end, but rather, includes a longitudinal bore 156 extending its entire length and additionally includes an annular recess 157 surrounding bore 156 at its top end.
  • Pin 155 which is also shown separately in Fig. 12, is mounted within bore 156 of plunger 153 by an interference fit and includes an elongated shaft 159, shaft 159 terminating at its bottom end in a sharp tip 161 and at its top end in an enlarged head 163. Pin 155 is sized to be longer than plunger 153.
  • tag 155 is also shown separately in Fig. 12
  • pin 155 is positioned relative to plunger 153 so that head 163 of pin 155 is positioned above the head of plunger 153 and so that tip 161 of pin 155 does not extend beyond the bottom end of plunger 153. In this manner, tip 161 cannot cause injury to a user of tag 151 and cannot damage an article inserted into mouth 22.
  • plunger 153 moved from its retracted position to its extended position, but pin 155 is moved downwardly relative to shaft 159 until head 163 of pin 155 is seated within recess 157 of plunger 153 (see Fig. 13).
  • tip 161 extends beyond the bottom end of plunger 153, through the article in question, and into cavity 87.
  • pin 155 pierces the article to which tag
  • tag 151 is attached, tag 151 is not as gentle to certain sensitive articles (e.g., fine fabrics) as tag 11.
  • pin 155 and plunger 153 may be moved from their retracted positions to their extended positions by pushing down on pin 155 and plunger 153 with one's finger, it may be difficult for some users to do so.
  • Fig. 14 there is shown a hand tool that may be used to move pin 155 and plunger 153 from their retracted positions to their extended positions so that tag 151 may be applied to a desired article, said tool being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 201.
  • tool 201 includes a body 203, body 203 being shaped to include a pair of slots 205-1 and 205-2 for receiving tag 151 and a pair of finger rests 207-1 and 207-2 for receiving a pair of fingers (preferably the index finger and the middle finger of a user's hand).
  • a pair of L-shaped clips 209-1 and 209-2 are mounted on body 203 and serve as shelves to retain tag 151 within slots 207-1 and 207-2.
  • Tool 201 also includes a plunger 211 , plunger 211 being slidably mounted in body 203.
  • Plunger 211 is shaped to include a shaft 213, shaft 213 having an enlarged head 215 at its upper end and an enlarged head 217 at its lower end.
  • Head 215 is adapted to be manually actuated by a user (preferably by the thumb of the same hand used to grip body 203). Head 217 is adapted to contact pin 155 and plunger 153 and to move pin 155 and plunger 153 downwardly in the tag body. A spring 219 is inserted over shaft 213 between head 217 and the top surface of body 203, spring 219 biasing plunger 211 upwardly. The operation of tool 201 in conjunction with tag 151 is shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b).
  • Tag 301 includes an upper body member 313, a lower body member 315, a tack 317, a locking member 319 and a sensor 321.
  • 19(a) through 19(c) is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like.
  • Member 313 is shaped to include a top wall 325, a front wall 327, a rear wall 329, a left side wall 331 and a right side wall 333.
  • Top wall 325 includes a front portion 335, a rear portion 337 and an intermediate portion 339, front portion 335 being elevated relative to rear portion 337.
  • the top surface of front portion 335 is shaped to include a pedestal 341 in the form of a truncated dome.
  • front portion 335 is shaped to include a bracket 343 having a pair of side walls 345-1 and 345-2 interconnected by a top wall 347. As will be explained further below, bracket 343 receives locking member 319. A pair of transverse openings 349 and 351 are provided in front portion 335 and extend through pedestal 341 and top wall 347 of bracket 343.
  • opening 349 is used to receive the piercing end of tack 317 when one wishes to lockingly attach tag 301 to an article of merchandise
  • opening 351 is used to receive the piercing end of tack 317 when one wishes merely to couple tack 317 to the remainder of tag 301 , without locking the two together, such as when tag 301 is stored prior to or subsequent to being attached to an article.
  • Opening 351 is preferably sized for an interference fit with the shaft of tack 317 to keep tack 317 from falling out of opening 351 during storage and, on the other hand, to permit tack 317 to be removed easily from opening 351 when one wishes to attach tag 301 to an article.
  • a plurality of protrusions are formed on the lower surface of top wall 347 and extend downwardly therefrom.
  • One such protrusion is a generally rectangular block 353, block 353 having a scalloped face 355 bounding approximately one-half the circumference of opening 349.
  • locking member 319 is used to hold the shaft of tack 317 within the recess of scalloped face 355 and against block 353.
  • top wall 347 The other protrusions on the lower surface of top wall 347 are stops 357 and 359, stop 357 serving to prevent rearward movement of locking member 319 within bracket 343 and stop 359 serving to prevent forward movement of locking member 319 within bracket 343 until locking member 319 is moved forwardly by the key of a detaching apparatus.
  • a plurality of walls 361 , 363 and 365 are formed on the bottom surface of rear portion 337, walls 361 , 363 and 365 being identical in structure and function to walls 91 , 93 and 95, respectively, of tag 11.
  • Rear wall 329 of upper body member 313 is shaped to include an opening 367, opening 367 serving the same function as opening 43 of tag 11.
  • Lower body member 315 which is also shown separately in Figs.
  • 20(a) and 20(b) is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like.
  • Member 315 which may be joined to upper body member 313 by welding, glueing or the like to form a substantially closed tag body, is shaped to include a bottom wall 371 , a front wall 373, a rear wall 375, a left side wall 377 and a right side wall 379.
  • a portion of bottom wall 371 is shaped to bulge downwardly to form a registration element 380, element 380 being receivable in a complementary-shaped nesting element of a conventional detaching apparatus, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419.
  • a sleeve 381 extends upwardly from the top surface of bottom wall 371 , sleeve 381 being aligned with opening 349 of upper body member 313 to receive the piercing tip of tack 317.
  • An opening 385 is provided in rear wall 375 of lower body member 315, opening 385, together with opening 367 of upper body member 313, defining a keyhole 387 into which a key may be inserted to unlock tack 317 from the remainder of tag 301.
  • Tack 317 which is also shown separately in Figs. 21 (a) and 21 (b), comprises a tack shaft 391 and a tack head 393, tack head 393 being disposed at the upper end of tack shaft 391.
  • tack shaft 391 is in the shape of a sharp tip 395 adapted to pierce through clothing and similar articles of merchandise.
  • tack 317 is formed by inserting a pin, preferably made of metal, through a dome-shaped head, preferably made of molded plastic, tack 317 may be fashioned as a unitary structure made of a suitable metal or plastic.
  • Locking member 319 which is also shown separately in Fig. 22, is a unitary structure, preferably made of a stamped metal or a rigid molded plastic. Locking member 319 is shaped to include a front portion 401 , an intermediate portion 403, and a rear portion 405.
  • Front portion 401 and rear portion 405 are generally parallel to one another, but lying in different planes, with intermediate portion 403 perpendicular to each of front portion 401 and rear portion 405.
  • front portion 401 which is seated within bracket 343 against top wall 347, is adapted for sliding movement along top wall 347.
  • Front portion 401 which is a generally rectangular member, is provided with a generally U-shaped transverse opening 407 that is bounded by a front wall 409, a rear wall 410, a left wall 411 , a right wall 412, and a tab 413 extending a short distance rearwardly from front wall 409.
  • tab 413 is shaped to include a curved recess 415 for receiving shaft 391 of tack 317.
  • shaft 391 is tightly retained between tab 413 and block 353, with stop 357 positioned within the front end of opening 407 to prevent rearward movement of member 319 and stop 359 positioned within the rear end of opening 407 to prevent forward movement of member 319 until urged therepast by the key of a detaching apparatus.
  • Sensor 321 which is disposed within the tag body, is identical to sensor 21 of tag 11. Referring now to Fig.
  • tack 317 which has preferably been stored by inserting tip 395 through storage opening 351 , is first withdrawn from storage opening 351. (Because tack 317 is not locked in storage opening 351 , no unlocking step is required to remove tack 317.) Tip 395 of tack 317 is then inserted first through garment G and then through opening 349 and into sleeve 381 , with shaft 391 of tack 317 being gripped tightly by an interference fit between tab 413 and block 353. Referring now to Fig.
  • Tag 301 is sized and shaped to be compatible with presently commercially available detachers of the type having a curved key.
  • storage opening 351 of tag 301 is positioned on pedestal 341 of upper body member 313, storage opening 351 may be positioned at a variety of different locations on the tag body. Examples of alternative locations for storage openings are shown by tags 431 , 441 and 451 of Figs. 25 through 27, respectively.
  • tags 431 , 441 and 451 are shown by tags 431 , 441 and 451 of Figs. 25 through 27, respectively.
  • tags 301 , 431 , 441 and 451 are not constrained to being attached to articles capable of being inserted into a mouth-like opening.
  • Tags 301 , 431 , 441 and 451 are designed to be disposable or single-use items.
  • FIGs. 28(a) and 28(b) there are shown various views of a sixth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 501.
  • Tag 501 which is a re-usable tag, is similar in most respects to tag 301 , one difference between the two tags being that tag 501 additionally includes a resilient member 503.
  • Resilient member 503 which may be a block of a resilient polymeric material, such as a suitable urethane, is appropriately positioned in the tag body in front of locking member 319 so as to bias locking member 319 rearwardly. In this manner, after locking member 319 has been moved forwardly by a detaching apparatus and tack 317 has been removed from the tag body, member 319 is returned to its original rearward position so that tack 317 may be reinserted into the tag body to be locked therewithin.
  • Another difference between tags 501 and tag 301 is that, in tag 501 , storage opening 505 is moved slightly forwardly so that the shaft 391 of tack 317 may be removably retained in the tag body by the rear edge of front wall 409 of locking member 319.
  • Figs. 29(a) and 29(b) there are shown various views of a seventh embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 601.
  • Tag 601 is similar in many respects to tag 301 , the principal differences between the two tags being that tag 601 includes (i) an upper body member 603, instead of upper body member 313; and (ii) includes a locking member 605, instead of locking member 319.
  • Bracket 607 is shaped to include a pair of side walls 609-1 and 609-2 interconnected by a top wall 611.
  • a storage opening 613 similar in function to opening 351 of tag 301 , extends from the top surface of member 313 through wall 611.
  • a locking opening 615 similar in function to opening 349 of tag 301 , extends downwardly from the top surface of member 313, residing partially in wall 611 and partially in wall 609-1 , thereby forming a semicircular groove 616 in wall 609-1 for receiving shaft 391 of tack 317.
  • Locking member 605, which is shown separately in Fig. 31 is shaped to include a tab 617.
  • the free end of tab 617 has a recessed area 619 adapted to receive and to hold shaft 391 securely within groove 616, thereby locking tack 317 within the tag body.
  • a stop 621 which is received in an opening 623 provided in locking member 605, is formed on wall 611 to prevent movement of locking member 605 within bracket 607 until locking member 605 is moved forwardly by the key of a detaching apparatus. When locking member 605 is moved forwardly, tab 617 is moved away from shaft 391 of tack 317, thereby permitting tack 317 to be withdrawn from the tag body.
  • Tag 601 is designed to be a disposable or single-use item. Referring now to Figs.
  • Tag 701 which is a re-usable tag, is similar in most respects to tag 601 , the principal difference between the two tags being that tag 701 additionally includes a resilient member 703.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un dispositif de sécurité de marchandises sous la forme d'une étiquette dure. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'étiquette dure comporte un organe de corps supérieur, un organe de corps inférieur, un doigt, un organe de verrouillage et un capteur de système électronique de surveillance d'articles. Les organes de corps supérieur et inférieur sont assemblés pour former un corps d'étiquette, le corps d'étiquette présentant une portion d'attache et une portion de réception de capteur. La portion d'attache comporte des mâchoires supérieure et inférieure espacées pour définir une ouverture dans laquelle un article peut être introduit. Le doigt s'étend à travers la mâchoire supérieure et est agencé pour se déplacer entre une position escamotée dans laquelle le doigt permet l'introduction et le retrait libre d'un article dans et hors de l'ouverture et une position déployée dans laquelle l'extrémité inférieure du doigt bloque l'article contre la mâchoire inférieure en interdisant la pénétration de l'article. L'organe de verrouillage, qui présente une ouverture transversale à travers laquelle le doigt se déploie, est monté à coulissement à l'intérieur de la mâchoire supérieure entre des positions de verrouillage et de déverrouillage. Dans sa position de verrouillage, l'ouverture de l'organe de verrouillage est dimensionnée pour l'engagement verrouillé du doigt, lors du déplacement du doigt vers sa position déployée. Dans sa position de déverrouillage, l'ouverture permet le déplacement inverse du doigt vers sa position escamotée.
PCT/US2004/030646 2003-09-18 2004-09-20 Dispositif de securite de marchandises WO2005029432A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2003-7295 2003-09-18
ZA200307295 2003-09-18
US59201204P 2004-07-27 2004-07-27
US60/592,012 2004-07-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005029432A1 true WO2005029432A1 (fr) 2005-03-31

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PCT/US2004/030646 WO2005029432A1 (fr) 2003-09-18 2004-09-20 Dispositif de securite de marchandises

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WO (1) WO2005029432A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1826344A2 (fr) 2006-02-27 2007-08-29 Johan Skjellerup Système de sécurité empêchant l'enlèvement de la marchandise
WO2008153476A1 (fr) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-18 FäRGKLäMMAN AB Élément antivol conçu pour être attaché à un article

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5019801A (en) * 1989-07-24 1991-05-28 Identitech Article surveillance system having target removal sensor
US5535606A (en) * 1994-09-27 1996-07-16 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Compact power detacher
US5955951A (en) * 1998-04-24 1999-09-21 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Combined article surveillance and product identification system
US6082789A (en) * 1997-01-16 2000-07-04 American Casting & Manufacturing Corp. Temper deterrent wire seal

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5019801A (en) * 1989-07-24 1991-05-28 Identitech Article surveillance system having target removal sensor
US5535606A (en) * 1994-09-27 1996-07-16 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Compact power detacher
US6082789A (en) * 1997-01-16 2000-07-04 American Casting & Manufacturing Corp. Temper deterrent wire seal
US5955951A (en) * 1998-04-24 1999-09-21 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation Combined article surveillance and product identification system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1826344A2 (fr) 2006-02-27 2007-08-29 Johan Skjellerup Système de sécurité empêchant l'enlèvement de la marchandise
EP1826344A3 (fr) * 2006-02-27 2009-11-18 Johan Skjellerup Système de sécurité empêchant l'enlèvement de la marchandise
WO2008153476A1 (fr) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-18 FäRGKLäMMAN AB Élément antivol conçu pour être attaché à un article

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