KR101565292B1

KR101565292B1 - Pinless security device

Info

Publication number: KR101565292B1
Application number: KR1020117013527A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 루이스 앤더슨; 오스카 렌돈
Original assignee: 센소매틱 일렉트로닉스, 엘엘씨
Priority date: 2008-11-12
Filing date: 2009-05-15
Publication date: 2015-11-04
Also published as: CA2742614C; CA2742614A1; AU2009314637B2; CN102209827A; WO2010056261A1; AU2009314637A1; KR20110086849A; EP2344714A1; EP2344714B1; AR073349A1; ES2566009T3; CN102209827B

Abstract

The security device 12 is removably attached to the article. The security device includes a housing 16a having a fastening pad 42, a locking element 28 and a strap 20. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching area (34) insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing area (36). The strap is slidably movable between an open position and a locking position. The locking element is engaged with the latching area of the strap. When in the locked position, the strap secures the article between the fixed pad and the fixed region of the strap.

Description

{PINLESS SECURITY DEVICE}

The present invention generally relates to an electronic article tamper resistant (" EAS ") system for preventing unauthorized removal of an item from a controlled area, and more particularly to an electronic article tamper resistant To a pinless EAS security tag.

A conventional electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") system in a store may include a monitoring system and one or more security tags or labels attached to the article to prevent unauthorized removal. The monitoring system typically sets up a surveillance area (also referred to as a survey area) at an entry point to the controlled area. Commodities authorized for removal from the controlled zone may be activated or deactivated such that they are not detectable by the monitoring system. If the monitored item enters a surveillance zone with a security tag in operation, an alarm can be initiated to indicate possible unauthorized removal of the item.

As is known in the art, security tags (also referred to as labels) for EAS systems can be configured in any number of configurations. The desired configuration of the tag or label is often provided by the properties of the article to be protected. Pre-packaged items that are susceptible to retailing, such as, for example, CDs, DVDs, small electronic devices and the like, are labeled with an EAS label placed in the package in a manner that the EAS label is hidden from the consumer at least during pre- . &Lt; / RTI >

The EAS label may be enclosed in a rigid housing that may be secured to a monitored item, such as a rigid tag that typically includes an EAS label attached to the lid at the store. The rigid housing typically includes a pin inserted through the fabric and secured in place on the opposite side. The housing can not be removed from the lid without damaging the housing except using the EAS releaser / remover.

However, by inserting the pin through the fabric, the item being protected is slightly damaged from the pin. For example, high-grade retailers with expensive commodities such as leather goods are reluctant to incur any damage in order to prevent theft. It is particularly difficult to protect the shoe using a pinned device because the material making the shoe is often permanently damaged from the pin.

Also, the shoe provides different difficulties for the EAS tag with the pin because the shoe material is simply too rigid and the pin can not be inserted. Many retailers now attempt to fix their merchandise using lace eyelets or these hard tags in combination with pins, a landyard, or both, into the tongue area. This practice is good for some shoe types, but the tag / pin / thin string interferes with the assembly of goods and the process of stringing. Thus, many shoes, boots, and expensive or strap-like women's shoes can not be tagged at all. For items such as boots, the pins are too short to extend through the thickness of the boot material and the pins are not fixed.

Therefore, a non-EAS security device that can be attached to the item of goods without penetrating or damaging the item is required.

The present invention advantageously provides an unattended electronic article tear-free ("EAS") system for attaching a unfinished EAS security device to an article of merchandise. The unaffected EAS security device prevents the article from being removed from the monitored area without penetrating the article.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a security device is removably attachable to an article. The security device includes a housing, a locking element and a strap. The housing includes a holding pad. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching region insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing region. The strap is slidably movable between an open position and a locking position. The locking element can be tethered to the latching area of the strap. When in the locking position, the strap is at least partially retained within the housing and secures the article between the anchoring area of the strap and the anchoring pad.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") system for securing articles includes an EAS security device and a magnetic detacher. The EAS security device includes a housing, a strap, and a locking element. The housing includes a fixing pad and a protrusion. The strap includes a first end having a latching area insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing area. The locking element includes a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible locking element. The magnetically actuable latch is disposed within the protrusion of the housing. The flexible locking element deflects the latching area of the magnetically actuable latch and strap to a fixed position. The strap is slidably movable between an open position and a locking position. The locking element can be tethered to the latching area of the strap. When in the locked position, the strap is at least partially retained within the housing and secures the article between the fixed region of the strap and the fixation pad. The magnetic desorber includes a detachment zone that is actuated to nest the protrusion of the housing therein to detach the EAS security device from the article.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for protecting an article against theft. The security device is attached to a part of the article. The security device includes a housing, a locking element and a strap. The housing includes a security pad. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching element insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing area. The strap slidably moves from the open position to the locking position. The locking element is engaged with the latching area of the strap.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and the attendant advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows parts of a unfired electronic article tamper resistant ("EAS") security device and system, according to one embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 is a rear / left perspective view of a muffin EAS device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, with the left half of the housing removed,
Figure 3 is a left / front perspective view of a muffin EAS device with the left half of the housing constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention removed,
Figure 4 is a rear / left perspective view of a muffled EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 is a top / left / front perspective view of a muffin EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 3 is a bottom / left / front perspective view of a unfinished EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 4 is a rear / right side perspective view of a muffin EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 5 is a top / right / front perspective view of a muffin EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 6 is a bottom / right / front perspective view of a unfinished EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an optional embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 7 is a right side view of a unfinished EAS device provided with the right half of the housing, constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 8 is a view showing a muffin EAS device attached to a shoe, according to one embodiment of the present invention,
9 is a view showing a muffin EAS apparatus attached to a boot according to one embodiment of the present invention,
10 is a view showing the inside of the boot of Fig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing exemplary embodiments in detail in accordance with the present invention, embodiments are directed to implementing devices, systems, and methods for securing a muffler EAS security device with items of merchandise, It should be noted that this is a combination of related device parts and processing steps. Thus, the system and method components are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific details that are only specific to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention in order not to obscure the disclosure with the details that will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the detailed description of the invention In accordance with conventional symbols.

As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second", "upper" and "bottom" and the like may be used to distinguish just one entity or element from another entity or element, No physical or logical relationship or order between the same entities or elements is required or implied.

One embodiment includes a unaffected EAS security device including, for example, a locking mechanism, a locking mechanism, a security tag, and a housing. The fastening mechanism may include a strap and a fastening pad. The strap can be any suitable material, such as metal or plastic, and can be rigid or flexible. The strap includes a fixed side and a latching side. The fixed side of the strap can extend outwardly from the housing and secure the unattached EAS security device to the item by engaging a portion of the article between the strap and the retention pad. The locking mechanism may include a magnetically actuatable latch and a flexible element that biases the magnetically actuable latch toward the locking position. The latching side of the strap mates with at least a portion of the magnetically actuatable latch in the locked position. A "locking position ", as used above, may refer to the position of a magnetically actuable latch and may be partially or completely in this position engaged, latched, or otherwise engaged with the latching side of the strap It does not. The housing may be a locking mechanism, a security tag, a locking mechanism, and a structure configured to secure the article to the housing. When locked, the magnetically actuatable latch of the locking mechanism can be mated with the latching side of the strap to the locking position to lock the housing, such that the security tag to which the housing is secured is mated to the article. When the housing is locked, the security device can prevent or provide resistance that attempts to detach the housing from the article.

Any reference in the description of "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "within one embodiment" in various places within the detailed description are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Various specific details may be suggested to provide through an understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and parts have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative, but are not necessarily limitations of the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the specification, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of components that may be included in an EAS security system 10 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the security system 10 includes a security device 12 and a desorber 14 that is used to remove the security device 12 when attached to an item of merchandise. The unaffected EAS security device 12 may include a housing 16 having two coupled halves 16a, 16b molded with polymer and / or another rigid material or materials. The fastening mechanism 18, like the strap 20, is movable between an open position and a fixed position. When the security device 12 is attached to the article, the strap 20 is moved to a closed position in which the article is sandwiched between the stationary side 22 of the housing 16 and the strap 20 ) To be sandwiched.

The housing 16 further includes a protrusion 24 designed to fit into the withdrawn detachment area 26 of the magnetic tag detacher 14 to remove the unaffected EAS security tag 12 from the protected article.

Referring now to Figure 2, a rear / left perspective view of a muffin EAS device with a left half 16b of the removed housing is provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The unaffected EAS security device 12 may include a locking mechanism 18, a locking mechanism 28, a detectable security element 30, and a housing 16. The fastening mechanism 18 may comprise a strap 20 and a flexible channel element 32. The strap 20 has a latching side 34 and a fixed side 36. The locking mechanism 28 may be a magnetically actuatable locking mechanism and may include a magnetically actuable latch 38 and a flexible locking element 40. In the locked position, the flexible locking element 40, e.g., a spring, is biased to apply an upward force on the magnetically actuable latch 38 such that the magnetically actuable latch 38 engages the locking mechanism 18, The latching side portions 34 of the latches 34 are connected.

The housing 16 is configured to partially or completely contain the locking mechanism 28 and the detectable security element 30, a portion of the locking mechanism 18 and the article when the locking mechanism 28 is in the locked position and / Enclosed, encircled, attached, interlocked and otherwise secured, thereby locking the housing 16. The housing 16 and the locking mechanism 28 can thus cooperate to secure or lock the article to the housing 16 and thereby the security device 12. [ The housing 16 may be constructed as desired and may include a locking mechanism 28, a detectable security element 30, and an article of manufacture designed to secure, as described below for embodiments of the housing 16 Shape. &Lt; / RTI > The housing 16 may be integral with the housing 16 or may include a fastening pad 42 which may be a separate piece mounted on the fastening side 22 of the housing 16. The housing 16 may optionally be paired with a holding pad 42. The interior of the housing 16 may further include a rectangular channel 44 that surrounds a portion of the latching side 34 of the strap 20 to allow the strap 20 to slide along the channel 44. The channel 44 is oriented at an acute angle of about 35 degrees with respect to the stationary side 36 of the housing 16.

In one embodiment, the strap 20 may comprise or be formed from a non-magnetic material such as aluminum, plastic, or die-cast alloy. The strap 20 includes a "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" element, with one side of U (or V) being the latching side 34 and the other side being the fixed side 36. The angle between the latching side 34 and the fixed side 36 is an acute angle of about 20 to 60 degrees. The latching side 34 is partially disposed within the rectangular channel 44 in the housing 16. [ The latching side portion 34 of the strap 20 is slid in the channel 44 to move the strap 20 from the open position to the closed position. The flexible channel element 32 compresses between the bottom surface 46 of the latching side 34 of the strap and the outer wall of the housing 16 to engage the bottom surface 46 of the latching side 34 of the strap 20 To bias the flexible element 32 to apply an upward force and to have the strap 20 tend to be placed in the open position. The flexible channel element 32 may be a cylindrical spring, an elliptical spring, a flexible spring element, or the like, as long as the flexible channel element 32 serves to apply an upward force on the bottom surface 46 of the latching side 34 of the strap 20. [ A cantilevered arm such as a plate string, or any other shape.

The fixed side 36 of the strap 20 includes at least one protrusion 36 extending inward toward the fixed side 24 of the housing 16, such as a rib, a ridge, a spike, a tooth, (50). The type and amount of protrusions 50 may vary depending on the type of article being fixed. When the security device 12 is attached to the article, the strap 20 is positioned such that the article is secured to the end 48 of the fixed side 36 of the strap 20 and to the securing side 42 of the stationary side 24 of the housing 16 To a closed position where it is sandwiched or sandwiched. The protrusion 50 of the stationary side 36 of the strap 20 can be "bite" with the material of the article so that the security tag 12 To be removed.

The fastening pad 42 also includes a fastening pad 42 that is configured to securely grip the material of the article when the strap 20 is in the locked position and to prevent the unattached EAS security device 12 from being removed from the article. Such as rows of teeth and ridges designed to operate in conjunction with protrusions 50, As long as the fixation pad 42 is sufficiently rigid to prevent the housing 16 from being forcibly removed from the article when the article is secured to the article without damaging or damaging the detectable security element 30 or article, Metals, polymers, ceramics, and / or other materials or materials.

The latching side portion 34 of the strap 20 may include a plurality of parallel ridges 54 such as ribs, teeth, notches, jags, points, curves, voids, Which engage latches 38 magnetically operable to secure the strap 20 in the locked position to prevent the latching side 34 from extending from the housing 16. The latching side 34 of the securing mechanism 16 may be configured as desired, such as having one or more apertures, or other voids, ribs, teeth, protrusions or other features. The latching side 34 may be configured to engage, engage, insert into, or otherwise mate with at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch 38.

The magnetically actuable latch 38 may include a latching portion 62 that may include a base portion 56 and a latching portion end 64 that may include a base portion end 58. The magnetically actuatable latch 38 that projects from the latching portion end 64 may include one or more teeth 66, ribs, notches, jag, points, curves, voids, or magnetically actuatable latches 38, and the base portion end 58 may be flat or of a different shape. In one embodiment, each ridge or tooth 66 may have a rise of about 1.36 mm and a run of about 0.46 mm. An exemplary ratio of rise to run may be about 3: 1, 4: 1, or 5: 2. However, these examples are not limiting, and different ratios may be used depending on design requirements and fixed articles.

In one embodiment in which the magnetically actuable latch 38 is engaged at the latching end portion 64, the latching side 34 of the locking mechanism 16 is in the locked position with the teeth 38 of magnetically actuatable latch 38 And a rib (54) engaged with the boss (66). The flexible locking element 40 is biased to exert a force on the base portion end 58 to prevent the strap 20 from being pulled away from the housing 16 and the latching side 34 of the strap 20, (64) of the latching end portion (64) into the latching portion (54). The flexible locking element 40 is configured such that the base portion 56 engages the strap 38 when the magnetically actuable latch 38 is not pulled away from the latching side portion 34 by magnetic force, From separating from the latching side portion (34) of the latching member (20).

The flexible locking element 40 may be formed as desired, such as any other shape as described herein for embodiments of cubic, elliptical, coil, or flexible locking element 40, May include one or more pieces, and may also be formed integrally with a latch operatively associated with or operable with a magnetically actuable latch 38. In one embodiment, the flexible locking element 40 may be formed as a cantilevered arm, such as, for example, a leaf spring. The flexible locking element 40 provides resistance when light, porous, semi-rigid, elastic, gaseous, and / or compressed, and partially or completely restores the uncompressed shape when the compression force is removed. Or may be formed of such materials. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible locking element 40 may include a foam rubber, a polymeric foam, a ceramic foam, or other foam, rubber, and / or another material or materials, As shown in FIG. The flexible locking element 40 may also or alternatively be configured to provide resistance when compressed. For example, the flexible locking element 40 may be configured as a coil, a leaf or other cantilevered arm, or other similar member, including other springs, or metals, , Ceramics, and / or other materials or materials. The flexible locking element 40 may have any of a variety of masses.

The combination of the forces applied to the strap 20 by the flexible locking element 40 and the flexible channel element 32 at the locking position also ensures that the fixed side of the strap 22 is additionally secured To produce torque on the strap 20 to function.

The magnetically actuable latch 38 may be constructed as desired and may include one or more pieces and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to a given point, line or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 38 may be a "T", "I", a curved, or other shaped face, and a rectangular, circular, thick, And / or non-uniform cross-section, or as described herein in accordance with embodiments of the magnetically actuable latch 38. In addition, the base portion end 58 may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically actuatable latch 38 is configured such that at least a portion of a magnetically actuatable latch, such as the latching portion 62, is coupled to the latching side 34 of the securing mechanism 16, as described herein, The latching side is received, inserted into the latching side, or otherwise mated with the latching side.

The magnetically actuable latch 38 may comprise a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, or an alloy of iron, nickel, or cobalt, or may be formed of a magnetic material. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 38 includes one or more magnetic materials and may also include one or more non-magnetic materials.

In one embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 38 and the flexible locking element 40 enter into the protrusion of the housing 16 facing the stationary side 22. The protrusions 24 are designed to fit into the withdrawn detachment area 26 of the magnetic tag detacher 14 (FIG. 1) to remove the unaffected EAS security tag 12 from the protected article. The magnetic tag despooler 14 applies a magnetic field that attracts magnetically actuatable latch 38 with sufficient force to overcome the upward force supplied by the flexible locking element 40, The ridges or teeth 66 of the possible latches 38 are disengaged from the ridges or teeth 54 of the latching side 34 of the strap 20 so that the straps 20 are free to move within the channels 44 Thereby releasing the article.

The removable security element 30 may be any removable device or system, such as a security tag or label, located within the chamber within the housing 16. [ For example, in various embodiments, the removable security element 30 may include an EAS element (e.g., a radio frequency element, an acoustic-magnetic element, etc.), a radio frequency identification , A smart tag, or some other type of detectable anti-theft or other security element. For reference, although the present invention has been described with reference to an "EAS system" using an "EAS tag ", this term is used in a generic sense and refers to a system that uses one or a security element such as an EAS element, an RFID element, Tag. The detectable security element 30 may be detectable by a corresponding detection system, such as a security tag, or a type of label, such as an acousto-magnetic detector, electromagnetic detector, wireless detector, or other detector.

3 is a left / front perspective view of the muffin EAS apparatus 12 from which the left half 16b of the housing has been removed. 4 is a rear / left perspective view of a muffled EAS apparatus 12 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 4, the detectable security element 30 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the detectable security element 30 lies in the same plane as the strap 20 Quot;).

Referring now to FIG. 5, an optional embodiment of a unpaired EAS security tag 120 is provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Contrasting with the EAS supplemental tag 12, the longitudinal axis of the detectable security element 300 lies in a plane perpendicular to the strap 200 (hereinafter referred to as a "horizontal embodiment").

A horizontal embodiment of the unaffected EAS security tag 120 may include a housing 160 having two coupled halves 160a, 160b molded from polymer and / or another material or materials. The fastening mechanism 180, such as the strap 200, is actuated between an open position and a locked position. When the security device 120 is attached to the article, the strap 200 is moved to a closed position in which the article is sandwiched or sandwiched between the strap 200 and the fixed side 220 of the housing 160.

The housing 160 further includes protrusions 240 that are designed to fit into the withdrawn detachment area 26 of the magnetic tag detacher 14 to remove the unaffected EAS security tag 120 from the protected article.

Figure 6 illustrates a bottom / right / front perspective view of a unfinished EAS apparatus constructed in accordance with an optional embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a right-hand side view of a muffin EAS security device 120 with the right half 160b of the housing 160 removed is provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The unaffected EAS security device 120 may include a locking mechanism 180, a locking mechanism 280, a detectable security element 300, and a housing 160. The securing mechanism 180 may include a strap 200 and a flexible channel element 320. The strap 200 has a latching side 340 and a fixed side 360. The locking mechanism 280 may be a magnetically actuatable locking mechanism and may include a magnetically actuable latch 380 and a flexible locking element 400. The flexible locking element 400, e.g., the spring, in the locking position is biased to apply an upward force on the magnetically actuable latch 380 such that the magnetically actuable latch 380 is biased by a locking mechanism 180 To the latching side portion 340 of the latching portion 340.

The housing 160 includes a locking mechanism 280 and a detectable security element 300. One portion of the locking mechanism 180 and the locking mechanism 280 are in the locked position and the article 160 is locked when the housing 160 is locked thereby. Partially enclosed or fully enclosed, and / or enclosed, enclosed, enclosed, interlocked, or otherwise secured. The housing 160 and the locking mechanism 280 may cooperate to secure the article to the housing 160 and thereby to the security device 120. The housing 160 can be constructed as desired and can be configured as desired based on the article being designed to be secured, as described below for the locking mechanism 280, the detectable security element 300, and the embodiment of the housing 160 . The housing 160 may include a stationary pad 420 that may be integral with the housing 160 or may be a separate piece mounted on the stationary side 220 of the housing 160. The housing 160 may include a housing 160, May optionally be configured to pair with the immobilizing pad. The interior of the housing 160 may further include a rectangular channel 440 that surrounds a portion of the latching side portion 340 of the strap 200 and allows the strap 200 to slide along the channel 440.

In one embodiment, the strap 200 comprises a non-magnetic material, such as stretched aluminum or poly-carbonate, or may comprise a non-magnetic material. The strap 200 may include a "U-shaped" or "V-shaped" element, where one side of U (or V) is the latching side 340 and the other side is the fixed side. The angle between the latching side 340 and the fixed side 360 is an acute angle of about 30 to 60 degrees. The latching side 340 is partially located within the housing 160 within the rectangular channel 440. The latching side portion 340 of the strap 200 slides within the channel 440 to allow the strap 200 to move from the open position to the closed position. The flexible channel element 320 compresses between the bottom surface 460 of the latching side 340 of the strap and the outer wall of the housing 160 to the bottom surface 460 of the latching side portion 340 of the strap 200 Deflect flexible element 320 to apply an upward force such that strap 200 has a tendency to rest in an open position. The flexible channel element 320 may be a cylindrical spring, an elliptical spring, a flexible spring element, or the like, as long as the flexible channel element 320 serves to apply an upward force on the bottom surface 460 of the latching side 340 of the strap 200. [ A cantilevered arm such as a leaf spring, or any other shape.

The fixed side 360 of the strap 200 includes an end portion 480 having one or more protrusions 500 such as ribs, ridges, spikes, teeth, etc. that extend rearward toward the fixed side 240 of the housing 160. [ . The amount and type of protrusion 500 may vary depending on the type of article being fixed. When the security device 120 is attached to the article, the strap 200 is moved to a closed position in which the article is secured to the end portion 480 of the fixed side 360 of the strap 200 and the housing 160, Or between the fixing pads 420 on the fixed side 240 of the base plate. The protrusion 500 of the stationary side 360 of the strap 200 may be "bite" into the material of the article so that the security tag 120 To be removed.

The retention pad 420 also includes a protrusion such as a row of teeth or ridges (not shown) designed to operate in conjunction with the protrusion 500 of the fixed side 360 of the strap 200, Securely grips the material of the article when in the locked position to prevent the unfast EAS security device 120 from being removed from the article. As long as the material has a sufficient stiffness to prevent the security element 300 or the housing from being forcibly removed from the article without destroying or damaging the article when the material is secured to the article, , Ceramics, and / or other materials or materials.

The latching side portion 340 of the strap 200 is configured to secure the strap 200 in the locked position to prevent the latching side portion 340 from extending from the housing 160. [ A plurality of parallel ridges 540, such as teeth, notches, jag, points, curves, voids, or other shapes. The latching side 340 of the fastening mechanism 160 can be configured as desired, such as having one or more holes or other voids, ribs, teeth, protrusions, or other features. The latching side 340 can be configured to engage, engage, insert into, or otherwise match a portion of at least one portion of the magnetically actuable latch 380.

The magnetically coupled latch 380 may include a latching portion 620 that may include a base portion 560 and a latching portion end 640 that may include a base portion end 580. [ The magnetically actuable latch 380 that protrudes from the latching portion end 640 may include one or more teeth 660, a rib, a notch, a jag, a point, a curved portion, a void or a magnetically actuable latch 380 ), And the base portion end 580 may be flat or another shape.

In one embodiment in which the magnetically actuable latch 380 is engaged at the latching portion end 640, the latching side 340 of the securing mechanism 160 is in the locked position in the position of the magnetically actuable latch 380 And a rib 540 coupled to the mold 660. The flexible locking element 400 may be inserted into the teeth 540 of the latching side 340 of the strap 200 to prevent the strap 200 from being pulled away from the housing 160. [ 660 so as to engage the base portion end 580. As shown in Fig. The flexible locking element 400 is moved away from the base portion 560 when the magnetically actuable latch 380 is not pulled away from the latching side portion 340 by magnetic force, From separating from the latching side portion (340) of the strap (200).

The flexible locking element 400 may be formed as desired, such as a cuboid, an oval, a coil, or any other shape as described herein for an embodiment of a flexible locking element 400, May comprise more than one piece, or may be combined with the magnetically actuable latch 380 or formed integrally with the latch. In one embodiment, the flexible locking element 400 may be formed as a cantilevered arm, such as, for example, a leaf spring. The flexible locking element 400 may be a lightweight, porous, semi-rigid, resilient, weather and / or sponge that can provide an elastic force when compressed and can be partially or totally restored to an uncompressed shape when the compression force is removed. May include a flexible material such as a material, or may be formed of a flexible material. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible locking element 400 can include a foam rubber, a polymeric foam, a ceramic foam, or other foam; Rubber: and / or other materials or materials, or may be formed of these materials. The flexible locking element 400 may also or alternatively be configured to provide resistance when compressed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible locking element 400 may be formed as a coil, plate or other cantilevered arm or other spring or other similar member comprising metal, polymer, ceramic, and / or another material or materials . The flexible locking element 400 may have any of a variety of masses.

The combination of forces applied by the flexible locking element 400 and the flexible channel element 320 to the strap 200 also allows the fixed side 220 of the strap 200 to securely grip the protected article Thereby generating a torque on the strap 200 that is further functioning.

The magnetically actuable latch 380 may be formed as desired and may be symmetrical or asymmetric about one or more pieces and a given point, line, or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 380 may be configured as a "T", "I", curved, or other shaped face and in a rectangular, circular, thick, , And / or a non-uniform cross-sectional area, or a magnetically actuable latch 380 as described herein. Also, the base portion end 580 may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically actuable latch 380 is configured such that at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch is coupled to the latching side 340 of the securing mechanism 160 as described below, The side can be received, inserted into the latching side, or otherwise matched to the latching side.

The magnetically actuable latch 380 may comprise a magnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, or an alloy of iron, nickel, or cobalt, or may be formed of a magnetic material. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 380 includes one or more magnetic materials and also includes one or more non-magnetic materials.

The magnetically actuable latch 380 and the flexible locking element 400 are contained within the protrusion 240 of the housing 160 facing the fixed side 220. In one embodiment, The protrusion 240 is designed to fit into the withdrawn detachment zone of the magnetic tag detacher 14 (FIG. 1) to remove the unaffected EAS security tag 12 from the protected article. The magnetic tag desorber 14 applies a magnetic field that pulls a magnetically actuable latch 380 with sufficient force to overcome the upward force provided by the flexible locking element 400, The ridge or tooth 660 of the strap 200 is separated from the ridge or teeth 540 of the latching side 34 of the strap 200 such that the strap 200 is free to move within the channel 440 .

Detectable security element 300 may be any detectable device or system, such as a predetermined security tag or label. For example, in various embodiments, the detectable security element 300 may include any type of EAS element (e.g., a radio frequency element, an acoustic-magnetic element, etc.), a radio frequency identification An EAS / RFID element, a smart tag, or other detectable anti-theft or other security element. Note that although the present invention has been described with respect to an "EAS system" using an "EAS tag ", this term is used in a generic sense and includes one or a tag that uses a security element, e.g., an EAS element, an RFID element, do. The detectable security element 300 may be detectable by a corresponding detection system or device, such as by a security tag, or by type of label, acousto-magnetic detector, electromagnetic detector, radio frequency detector, or other detector.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a horizontal embodiment of un-EAS security device 120 is shown attached to female shoes. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a horizontal embodiment of a muffin EAS security device 120 while attached to a boot. As can be noted from Figures 8-10, embodiments of the present invention advantageously allow a customer to view items of a commodity with minimal interference from the unaffected EAS security device, while ensuring protection against theft to the retail store Allow.

Note that although the present invention is described as fixing a portion of an article to be fixed between a contact pad on the housing and a fixed region on the strap, the use of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the article has an element with an opening, such as an opening or handbag strap, handle, ring or belt buckle, the strap of the security tag can be inserted through the opening in the article, Contacts the retention pad to lock the security tag into the article.

It should be noted that, unless stated to the contrary, all of the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. It is important to note that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, and therefore, upon reference to the following claims, which represent the scope of the invention rather than the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

A security device removably attached to an article,
A housing including a holding pad;
A locking element disposed within the housing; And
A strap including a first end having a latching area insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing area,
Wherein the strap is slidably movable between an open position and a locking position, the locking element being capable of engaging a latching area of the strap, the strap being at least partially retained within the housing when in a locked position, Fixing the article between a pad and a fixed region of the strap,
Said locking element comprising:
A magnetically actuable latch;
A flexible locking element for biasing the magnetically actuable latch and the latching area of the strap to a locking position; And
And a flexible channel element for applying an upward force on the strap,
Wherein the flexible locking element forms a torque on the strap with the flexible channel element such that a portion of the article in the locking position is sandwiched between the fixed pad and the fixed side of the strap.
A security device removably affixed to an article.

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The method according to claim 1,
The housing including an outer wall defining an interior volume, the housing having the magnetically actuable latch disposed therein, the housing including a passage therethrough, the passage slidably receiving the strap therein, Wherein the channel is further configured to hold the flexible channel element such that the flexible channel element is compressed between the strap and the outer wall,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

5. The method of claim 4,
The housing further comprising a fixed side, the channel oriented at an acute angle of 20 [deg.] To 60 [deg.] Relative to the fixed side of the housing,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

The method according to claim 1,
The strap has a V-
A security device removably affixed to an article.

The method according to claim 1,
The strap is U-shaped,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the housing further comprises a detectable security element chamber and wherein the security device further comprises a detectable security element located within the detectable security element chamber,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the detectable security element is one or more of an electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") tag and a radio frequency identification ("RFID &
A security device removably affixed to an article.

9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the latching region and the anchoring region of the strap are in a first plane and the longitudinal axis of the detectable security element is within a first plane,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the latching region and the anchoring region of the strap are in a first plane, the longitudinal axis of the detectable security element is in a second plane, the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the latching area of the strap includes at least one protrusion extending from the latching area.
A security device removably affixed to an article.

13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the at least one protrusion includes at least one toothed portion having a rise and a run, the ratio of the toe to run is 3: 1,
A security device removably affixed to an article.

An electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") system for securing articles,
As an EAS security device,
A housing including a holding pad and a protrusion;
A strap comprising a first end having a latching area insertable into the housing, and a second end having a securing area; And
A locking element,
Wherein the locking element comprises:
A magnetically actuable latch disposed within a protrusion of the housing;
A flexible locking element for biasing the latching area of the strap and the magnetically actuable latch to a locking position; And
And a flexible channel element for applying an upward force on the strap,
Wherein the strap is operable between an open position and a locking position, the locking element being capable of engaging a latching area of the strap, the strap being at least partially retained within the housing when in the locking position,
Wherein the flexible locking element produces a torque on the strap with the flexible channel element such that in the locking position the article is not pierced and a portion of the article is sandwiched between the fixed pad and the fixed side of the strap In addition,
EAS security devices; And
A magnetic detacher comprising a detachment zone, the detachment zone being movable within the detachment zone to disengage the EAS security device from the article,
A magnetic desorber;
Electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") system for fixing articles.

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15. The method of claim 14,
The housing includes an outer wall defining an interior volume, the housing having a magnetically actuatable latch disposed within the interior volume, the housing including a passageway therein, the passageway having a slidable Wherein the channel is configured to hold the flexible channel element such that the flexible channel element is compressed between the strap and the outer wall,
Electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") system for fixing articles.

17. The method of claim 16,
The housing further comprising a fixed side, the channel oriented at an acute angle of 20 [deg.] To 60 [deg.] Relative to the fixed side of the housing,
Electronic article anti-theft ("EAS") system for fixing articles.

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