WO2012120458A1

WO2012120458A1 - Security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels

Info

Publication number: WO2012120458A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/051066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marzio AMADORI
Original assignee: Lab Id S.R.L.
Priority date: 2011-03-07
Filing date: 2012-03-07
Publication date: 2012-09-13
Also published as: ITMI20110347A1

Abstract

A security tag (1) with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, comprising a supporting element (2) associable with a product to be tagged (3a, 3b) and provided with at least one transponder (4) of the radio frequency identification type, the transponder (4) comprising a microprocessor (5) which is provided with a pair of first poles (7, 8), which are connected to an antenna (9) which is integrated in the transponder (4) and at least one pair of second poles (14, 15) which are connectable to each other by means of an electric circuit (16) which is integrated in a strap (17) which is associable, by both of its ends (17a, 17b), with the supporting element (2) in order to define a loop (18) which is adapted to allow the fixing of the security tag (1) to the product to be sealed (3a, 3b) in a non-removable manner.

Description

SECURITY TAG WITH AUTOMATIC REMOTE IDENTIFICATION FOR PRODUCTS IN GENERAL, PARTICULARLY FOR ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND JEWELS

The present invention relates to a security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels.

Devices for automatic remote identification are known, particularly for promotional and advertising use and for preventing theft, for products in general which do not require physical contact between the product on which they are applied and a reader unit that communicates with the device.

In more detail, such conventional automatic remote identification devices consist of transponders (or tags), known objects based on a technology that is very common today and known as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification).

Thanks to the use of this technology, it is possible to exchange information with any object provided with a tag automatically, without needing to rest the object on or bring it close to a reader unit.

In fact, RFID technology overcomes the need to have to swipe, insert, place against, or even just orient a tag toward a reader unit, thanks to a technology that is based on the use of radio waves.

A transponder is in general constituted by a microprocessor, the size of which is usually in the order of a few millimeters or even smaller and contains a number of data items stored within it, and by an antenna which is adapted to transmit the data contained in the microprocessor to the reader unit.

In passive transponders, i.e. the most commonly used type for theft prevention technology, there is not even a need for batteries to power the microprocessor, since the energy to power it is supplied by the antenna which is suitably excited by RF waves.

The unit for reading the transponder, in fact, can emit an electromagnetic field that generates a small current in the antenna of the transponder, sufficient to power the microprocessor.

The microprocessor is thus powered and is therefore able to communicate the information contained in it, which is irradiated, again through the antenna of the tag, to the reader unit.

As well as in anti-theft systems, this technology is now used in many applications, which include product certification, car keys, passports, and authorization cards for employees of a company.

A great advantage of transponders is that they are very discreet, often actually invisible, and they can be detected within a force field generated by the antenna of the reader unit by simply passing the transponder within the radius of effectiveness of the antenna.

In fact, in anti-theft systems transponders are easily integrated with product labels so as to be easily detectable by a special reader unit which is usually located at the exit of the shop where the product is sold.

More specifically, if the product should be taken from the shop without going through the cash desk, i.e. without indicating to the central system that the product is authorized to leave the shop, the reader unit, suitably connected to acoustic means, alert the shop staff to a theft in progress.

Such conventional automatic remote identification devices are not devoid of drawbacks. Among these is the fact that they are easily removable, thus making it possible for counterfeiters to attach them to counterfeit products, such as items of clothing or jewels made using raw materials of low quality, so as to substitute them for original products that were previously bought, availing of the right to return the product or asking for the product to be changed.

In order to overcome this drawback, tamper-proof anti-theft devices have been developed, also known as security tags, which work with the RFID technology described previously and the peculiarity of which consists in that the antenna of the transponder is embedded in a cord that is made to pass through a hole/slot defined by the product.

In this way, the counterfeiter, in order to remove the tag from the original product and then apply it to the counterfeit product, necessarily must cut the cord and therefore the antenna of the transponder. This tampering can cause the non-functioning of the transponder (for transponders on HF frequencies) or a degradation of the performance (for transponders on UHF frequencies).

In fact, if the antenna is cut it will no longer be able to generate the current by induction which is necessary to power the microprocessor (HF), or if it is altered it causes a degradation in its capacity to transfer energy to the microprocessor (UHF).

The security tags just described are also not devoid of drawbacks among which is the fact that, if one has to check a batch of products and not a single product and in the batch there is a single counterfeit product with a tampered tag applied, the reader unit will not be able to detect the tampering of the tag and thus the presence of the counterfeit product, since the tag itself is not active or not detectable and, therefore, is not able to communicate with the reader unit.

An even more serious situation arises if the transponder (if it uses

UHF frequencies) is still readable in proximity and therefore does not allow its tampered state to be noted.

In these cases the reader unit can only perform a count of the number of products present in the batch with an active tag and optionally, if the possibility is provided, compare that quantity with a reference figure so as to alert any count incongruences.

Similar problems to those just described can be found in the tags used to close containers for transport over sea and/or land, which contain large quantities of goods.

More specifically, during the transport these containers are opened by criminals, by removing the tags, so as to remove small amounts of goods from them with the intention of making the theft less visible. Subsequently, the tags are restored thus preventing security staff from identifying the theft.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, that solves and overcomes, respectively, the drawbacks and limitations of the known art.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a security tag that enables the automatic identification of any tampering with it and, at the same time, which acts as an anti-theft device.

Another object of the present invention consists in providing a security tag that acts as a certificate of guarantee and authenticity of the provenance of the product.

Another object of the present invention consists in providing a security tag that is particularly adapted for use on items of clothing, on jewels, on products in general and for closing containers.

Another aim of the present invention consists in providing a security tag that is capable of offering the widest guarantees of reliability and safety in use.

Another object of the invention consists in providing a security tag that is easy to make and economically competitive when compared to the known art.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, comprising a supporting element associable with a product to be tagged and provided with at least one transponder of the radio frequency identification type, said at least one transponder comprising a microprocessor which is provided with a pair of first poles, which are connected to an antenna which is integrated in said at least one transponder, characterized in that said microprocessor of said at least one transponder comprises at least one pair of second poles which are connectable to each other by means of an electric circuit which is integrated in a strap which is associable, by both of its ends, with said supporting element in order to define a loop which is adapted to allow the fixing of the security tag to said product to be sealed in a non-removable manner.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figures 1 to 3 are three perspective views of an embodiment of a security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, according to the invention;

Figures 4 and 5 are two perspective views of a variation of the security tag shown in the previous Figures;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the security tag shown in the previous Figures, ready for application to a product to be tagged;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an item of clothing with the security tag according to the invention applied;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a detail of a generic product with the security tag according to the invention applied.

With reference to the Figures, the security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a supporting element 2 which can be associated with a product to be tagged, such as for example an item of clothing 3a or a product in general 3b, and is provided with at least one transponder or tag 4 of the radio frequency identification type, or RFID for short. More specifically, the transponder 4 comprises a microprocessor 5 in which is contained a plurality of information about the product 3 a or 3 b and, in particular, an identification code of the transponder 4 which is adapted to enable its identification by an external reader unit 6.

The microprocessor 5 is provided with a pair of first poles 7 and 8 which are connected to an antenna 9 which is integrated in the transponder 4 and is necessary for the reception of radio waves emitted by the reader unit 6 for the generation of a current to power the microprocessor 5, according to the RIFD technology.

In one embodiment, the supporting element 2 comprises a label 10, preferably of the paper type or made of flexible plastic material, which is subdivided into at least two portions 10a and 10b which are foldable onto each other and are mutually associable by fixing means provided by a layer of adhesive material 12 which is defined on at least part of the portions 10a and 10b.

Conveniently, the transponder 4 can be printed directly on at least one of the portions 10a or 10b so as to not be visible to the eyes of the user, by remaining interposed between the portions 10a and 10b.

Advantageously, the label being of the paper type or made of flexible plastic material, graphics, writing and signs of any type can be reproduced on it by means of ordinary printing processes.

Among these signs, the representation of an identification code 13, for example a bar code, can be provided printed on the outer face of at least one of the two portions 10a or 10b.

Advantageously, the identification code 13 can be associated with the transponder 4 and, more specifically, with the identification code contained in the microprocessor 5, so as to enable the user to identify the transponder 4 and, therefore, the product 3a or 3b to which it is applied, even without the use of the reader unit 6 or as a double check together with the unit 6.

According to the invention, the microprocessor 5 of the transponder 4 comprises at least one pair of second poles 14 and 15 which are connectable to each other by means of an electric circuit 16 which is integrated in a strap 17 which is associable, by both of its ends 17a and 17b, with the supporting element 2 in order to form a loop 18 which is adapted to allow the fixing of the security tag 1 to the product to be sealed 3 a or 3 b in a non-removable manner.

For example, if the product to be sealed is an item of clothing 3a, as shown in Figure 7, the strap 17 can be made to pass through a buttonhole 19 of the item of clothing 3 a.

Similarly, if the product to be sealed is a generic product 3b, as shown in Figure 8, the strap 17 can be made to pass through a through hole 20 in the generic product 3b.

Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in order to optimize the production layout the strap 17 is made separately from the supporting element 2.

In this case, the ends 17a and 17b of the strap 17 can be interposed between the two portions 10a and 10b of the label 10 during the folding of the latter.

During the phase of interposing the ends 17a and 17b of the strap 17 between the two portions 10a and 10b of the label 10, it is essential that the ends 17a and 17b are located, respectively, at the second poles 14 and 15, one for each, for their electrical connection by means of the electric circuit 16 integrated in the strap 17.

In fact, an incorrect connection of the electrical circuit 16, i.e. placing both of the ends 17a and 17b on the same second pole 14 or 15 or not placing one of the two ends 17a and 17b at the second poles 14 and 15, would prevent the electrical connection of the two second poles 14 and 15 thus telling the microprocessor 5 that the security tag 1 has been tampered with.

For example, such correct positioning can be assisted by the presence of two extensions 21a and 21b which are provided at the ends 17a and 17b in such a way that the same ends 17a and 17b can only be placed on the second poles 14 and 15.

In order to further simplify the step of positioning the ends 17a and 17b on the second poles 14 and 15, thus preventing their incorrect positioning, in a variation of the security tag 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5, the strap 17 is provided together with the supporting element 2 at one of its ends 17a and with one of the second poles 14 connected to the electric circuit 16. In this way, a contact is made by default.

The other end 17b can then be interposed between the two portions

10a and 10b of the supporting element 2 at the other second pole 15 for the electrical connection of the second poles 14 and 15.

Conveniently, in this variation the end 17b, which can be interposed between the two portions 10a and 10b of the supporting element 2, has an extension 23 which is adapted to be fixed to an adhesive region 24 of the portion 17a in such a way that the end 17b can be placed only on the free second pole 15.

Depending on the number of security tags 1 required, these can be supplied on different supporting media.

For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the security tag 1 can be supplied on a single supporting medium 10 or 11, or, as shown in Figure 2, the supporting elements 2 can be supplied on a first supporting medium 30a and the straps 17 on a second supporting medium 31.

Operation of the security tag 1 with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, is described as follows.

Once the strap 17 is passed through the slot 19 of the item of clothing 3a or through the through hole 20 of the generic product 3b, which can be a jewel or the like, both of the ends 17a and 17b of the strap 17, or only the end 17b if the strap 17 is already connected to the supporting element 2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, are positioned on the respective second poles 14 and 15.

Such positioning occurs in a unique manner thanks to the presence of the extensions 21a and 21b or of the extension 23, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, which, having to be fixed only to the adhesive regions 24, guarantee the correct electrical connection of the second poles 14 and 15 by means of the electric circuit 16.

Having positioned the strap 17 on the supporting element 2, the latter is folded onto itself so that the two portions 10a and 10b are perfectly superimposed.

The portions 10a and 10b adhere to each other thanks to the presence of the layer of adhesive material 12.

Conveniently, in order to prevent fraudulent tampering of the security tag 1, the layer of adhesive material 12 can be provided with an adhesive substance that is such as to prevent the detachment of the two portions 10a and 10b without them, and therefore the transponder 4, being torn or ripped, thus making the security tag 1 unusable.

Moreover, if it is desired to transfer the security tag 1 from one product to another, for example in the exchange of original products with counterfeit products, the only way to do this would be to cut the strap 17, i.e. break the electric circuit 16, at the base of the supporting element 2 and re-glue the strap 17 as best one can to the same supporting element 2.

Such operation would be ineffective however because, thanks to the breaking of the electrical connection of the two second poles 14 and 15, the transponder 4, when interrogated by the reader unit 6, would report the tampering.

It needs to be emphasized in fact that, despite the breaking of the electrical connection of the two second poles 14 and 15, the transponder 4 continues to effectively perform its functions, maintaining its characteristics as an anti-theft device, and enabling the exchange of information with the reader unit 6.

In practice it has been found that the security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, according to the present invention, fully achieves the intended aim and objects, in that it makes it possible to provide an effective protection of products against actions of counterfeiting thereof, thus acting as a certificate of guarantee and authenticity, and against actions of theft in shops and of exchange of original goods with counterfeit goods, for example, by means of buying and selling products online on the web.

Another advantage of the security tag, according to the present invention, consists in that it cannot be tampered with in any way without damaging the electrical component contained in it and therefore without such tampering being detectable.

Another advantage of the security tag, according to the present invention, consists in that it is particularly adapted to be applied on items of clothing and associated accessories, jewels, perfumes and foods such as wines and liquors.

Another advantage of the security tag, according to the present invention, consists in that it can substitute the certificate of guarantee and/or the labels bearing the product prices. In this way, the product can be supplied to the shop with each tag acting as a certificate of guarantee and/or as a price tag, without requiring the addition of further labels/devices.

Another advantage of the security tag, according to the present invention, consists in that it is used as a tag for containers and the like.

Another advantage of the security tag, according to the present invention, consists in that it can be provided at low cost.

The security tag with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a second customizable label can be provided which can be applied externally to the supporting element. In this manner, the tag can be made at low cost on a large scale independently of the sector of application and customized with promotional messages for each client with evident advantages of flexibility of use.

In addition, all the details may be replaced by other, technically equivalent elements.

In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements.

The content of the Italian application for invention patent no. MI2011 A000347, the priority of which is claimed in the present application, is incorporated as a reference.

Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and/or signs, those reference numerals and/or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and/or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and/or signs.

Claims

1. A security tag (1) with automatic remote identification for products in general, particularly for items of clothing and jewels, comprising a supporting element (2) associable with a product to be tagged (3 a, 3 b) and provided with at least one transponder (4) of the radio frequency identification type, said at least one transponder (4) comprising a microprocessor (5) which is provided with a pair of first poles (7, 8), which are connected to an antenna (9) which is integrated in said at least one transponder (4), characterized in that said microprocessor (5) of said at least one transponder (4) comprises at least one pair of second poles (14, 15) which are connectable to each other by means of an electric circuit (16) which is integrated in a strap (17) which is associable, by both of its ends (17a, 17b), with said supporting element (2) in order to form a loop (18) which is adapted to allow the fixing of the security tag (1) to said product to be sealed (3a, 3b) in a non-removable manner.

2. The security tag (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said supporting element (2) comprises a label which is divided into at least two portions (10a, 10b) which are foldable onto each other and are mutually associable by fixing means, said at least one transponder (4) being interposed between said two portions (10a, 10b).

3. The security tag (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said at least one transponder (4) is printed directly on at least one of said portions (10a).

4. The security tag (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fixing means comprise a layer of adhesive material (12) which is defined on at least part of at least one of said portions (10a, 10b).

5. The security tag (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said label is of the paper type.

6. The security tag (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said label is of the type made of flexible plastic material.

7. The security tag (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supporting element (2) comprises an identification code (13) which is printed on the outer face of at least one of said two portions (10b), said identification code (13) being associated with said at least one transponder (4).

8. The security tag (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strap (17) is provided together with said supporting element (2) at one of said ends (1 a) and with one of said second poles (14) connected to said electrical circuit (16), the other one of said ends (17b) being interposable between said two portions (10a, 10b) at the other one of said second poles (15) for the electrical connection of said second poles (14, 15).

9. The security tag (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said strap (17) is provided separately from said supporting element (2), said ends (17a, 17b) of said strap (17) being interposable between said two portions (10a, 10b), respectively, at said second poles (14, 15) for their electrical connection by means of said electric circuit (16) integrated in said strap (17).

10. The security tag (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second label which is customizable and applicable externally to said supporting element (2).