HK1073009B - A security tag having a linear clamp - Google Patents

Description

Security tag with linear clamp

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a security tag and a linear clamp for a security tag.

Background

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of an item from a controlled area. A typical EAS system includes a monitoring system and one or more security tags. The monitoring system is capable of creating a surveillance zone at the point of entry and exit of the controlled area. And the security tag may be secured to an article being monitored, such as an article of clothing. If a monitored item enters the surveillance zone, an alarm is activated to indicate that the item is being removed without authorization.

Security tags may be secured to a wide variety of different articles. It would be desirable for a security tag to be capable of being defeated by an authorization while making it difficult to defeat the security tag without authorization. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved security tags in general, and in particular, for securing systems for such security tags.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a security tag comprising: a label housing; a tack body; and a linear clamp disposed within the tag housing, the linear clamp including a resilient arm to bias the linear clamp against one or more abutments, the linear clamp having a slot with a slot length to secure the tack body and moving in a linear direction along the slot length in response to an external force to release the tack body from the slot.

The present invention also provides a linear clamp for a security tag, the linear clamp comprising: a clip main body; a spring arm connected to a first edge of the clip body to bias the linear clip against one or more abutments; and a tack body having a slot with a slot length for securing the tack body and releasing the tack body from the slot in response to a force applied in a linear direction along the slot length.

Drawings

It is specifically and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification that the embodiments of the present invention are regarded as essential. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the security tag of FIG. 1 along line A-A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the interior of a lower housing of a security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows a schematic view of the interior of the upper housing of the security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a schematic view of the exterior of the upper housing of the security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a first linear clamp exploded in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial schematic view of the interior of the lower housing of the security tag of FIG. 1 having a first linear clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second linear clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial schematic view of the interior of the lower housing of the security tag of FIG. 1 having a second linear clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a third linear clamp for use in the security tag of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the detacher arm, the lower housing interior of the security tag of FIG. 1, and a third linear clamp, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to techniques for installing and removing security tags. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag having a tag housing, a tack (tack) shank, and a linear clamp. To mount the security tag to an object, such as an article of clothing, the tack body may be passed through the article of clothing and inserted into an aperture in the tag housing. A linear clamp may be disposed within the interior of the tag housing to receive and secure the tack body to complete the installation process. To remove the security tag, a removal device having a removal probe may be used to apply force to the linear clamp. The force moves the linear clamp in an approximately linear direction to release the tack body from the linear clamp. The term "linear" as used herein refers to movement along an approximately straight line in any particular direction, but embodiments are not so limited. Once the tack body has been released from the linear clamp, the tack body may be removed from the tag housing to remove the security tag from the article.

It is worthy to note that any reference in this specification to "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 of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be recognized, however, by one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments of the invention. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now in detail to the drawings in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, there is illustrated in FIG. 1a security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a security tag 1 comprising an upper housing 2, the upper housing 2 having sidewalls 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D all joined by a top wall 2E. The security tag 1 further comprises a lower housing 3, the lower housing 3 having side walls 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D joined by a bottom wall 3E. The upper and lower cases 2 and 3 are joined or fitted along the corresponding or adjoining pairs of side walls (2A, 3A), (2B, 3B), (2C, 3C) and (2D, 3D) to form a closed tag body 1A.

In one embodiment, the housings 2 and 3 are made of a hard or rigid material. Rigid or hard materials that can be used can be hard plastics such as injection molded ABS plastic. If plastic is used, the mating sidewalls of the housing may be joined using the ultrasonic weld 1B of FIG. 2 or a similar joining mechanism.

Security tag 1 further includes a tack assembly 4, tack assembly 4 being shown having an expanded tack head 4A and an elongated tack body 4B, tack body 4B having a notch or groove 4C and a pointed leading end 4D thereon, as shown in fig. 2. Tack assembly 4 may be used to secure tag body 1A to an article 51 to be protected with security tag 1. In such an embodiment, the article 51 comprises, for example, an article of clothing.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the security tag of FIG. 1 along line A-A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. To detect the security tag 1 and thereby detect the presence of the tag and the secured item 51, the inner surfaces 2F and 3F of the walls 2E and 3E of the housings 2 and 3 are provided with frame members 2G and 3G which together define an interior cavity 1C for housing the EAS sensor 5. The EAS sensor 5 generates a detection signal and may be an acoustically resonant magnetic sensor as disclosed in U.S. patent nos. (USPN)4,510,489 and USPN4,510,490. Other magnetic EAS sensors that may be suitable for use as sensor 5 may be those disclosed in USPN4,686,516 and USPN4,797,658, while Radio Frequency (RF) EAS sensors that may be representative may be those disclosed in USPN4,429,302 and USPN4,356,477.

Fig. 3, 4A and 4B show the inner and outer parts of the security tag 1 body. More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the interior of a lower housing of a security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows a schematic view of the interior of the upper housing of the security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4B shows a schematic view of the exterior of the upper housing of the security tag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The components of fig. 3, 4A and 4B will be described in more detail below.

Referring again to fig. 1, article 51 is attached to tag body 1A using tack assembly 4. This may be accomplished by inserting tack body 4B into aperture 2H in wall 2E of upper housing 2. An upstanding cavity or collar 3H extending from the inner surface 3F of the lower housing wall 3E may receive the pointed end 4D of the tack 4 after the tack body 4B is fully inserted. And tack head 4A is again seated in a recessed area 2I in upper surface 2J of wall 2E. Thereby retaining article 51 between tack head 4A and wall 2E.

Security tag 1 may also include a linear clamp 500 as shown in fig. 5. The linear clamp 500 is disposed within the tag body 1A to safely prevent the tack body from disengaging from the tag body. Thus, tack assembly 4 and article 51 may be securely locked to security tag 1 using linear clamp 500. Tack assembly 4 can be released from linear clamp 500 by applying a force to move linear clamp 500 in a linear direction. The linear clamp 500 will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 5.

In such embodiments, security tag 1 may be further adapted to release tack assembly 4 with difficulty accessing linear clamp 500 except by authorized personnel. To this end, the tag body 1A may be configured to access the linear clamp 500 via the arcuate channel 7, as shown in fig. 3. The arcuate channel 7 may be a channel that conforms to the arcuate probe 8. The arcuate channel 7 may be defined by any element or member, such as a wall, column, or pedestal, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the arcuate channel 7 may be defined by one or more interior walls, portions of side walls, and upper and lower walls of the tag body 1A. In this configuration, the linear clamp 500 may be reached and released by the probe 8 in line with the arcuate channel 7 and thereby detach the tack assembly 4 and article 51 from the tag body 1A.

As shown in fig. 3, the arcuate channel 7 may be defined by an arcuate inner wall 7A. This wall 7A extends upwardly from the inner surface 3F of the lower housing 3 to abut the inner surface of the upper housing 2 of the security tag 1. This wall 7A is also spaced from the side wall 3D of the lower housing 3 and its outward end 7A 'terminates in an inwardly curved portion 3A' of the side wall 3A. The inwardly bent portion 3A' of the wall 3A forms a space or slot 9A between the side walls 3A and 3D of the lower housing 3.

This slot 9A, in cooperation with a similar slot 9B located between the side walls 2A and 2D of the upper housing 2, defines a second aperture 9, which second aperture 9 provides an entrance or entry into the outward end 7A' of the channel 7. At this inlet, the side wall 2A is also curved inwardly at a portion 2A ', the latter portion 2A ' cooperating with a curved side wall portion 3A ' of the side wall 3 of the lower housing 3.

The channel 7 is further defined by a second curved wall 7B extending downwardly from the inner surface 2F of the upper housing 2. The wall 7B is located outside the inner end of the curved wall 7A.

The presence of wall 7B may alter or change the configuration of channel 7 at the inner end 7 "of channel 7 adjacent to linear clamp 500. This variation or change in configuration defines a keyway in channel 7 that allows probe 8 to be accommodated through channel 7 and proximate linear clamp 500. In this case, the wall 7B may change the cross-section of the channel from approximately rectangular to approximately L-shaped, for example.

Near the inner end 7 "of the channel 7, the lower shell 2 and the upper shell 3 are also provided with curved walls 9 and 11, which walls 9 and 11 terminate in wall portions 9A and 11A adjoining the end walls 2D and 3D. The walls 9 and 11 are located outside the channel 7 and together with the end walls 2D and 3D define a blocking zone 13 that prevents access to the linear clamp 500. This region 13 provides a safety measure against unauthorized objects entering the channel 7 of the tag body 1A attempting to reach the linear clamp 500.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a first linear clamp for use in the security tag of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates a linear clamp 500. As previously described, linear clamp 500 is adapted to safely prevent tack body 4B from disengaging tag body 1A. More specifically, further in accordance with this embodiment, linear clamp 500 is particularly adapted to cooperatively release tack body 4B via arcuate probe 8 moving into arcuate channel 7.

In one embodiment, linear clamp 500 may release tack body 4B by moving in a linear direction. As previously defined, a linear direction refers to movement along an approximately straight line in any particular direction, but embodiments are not limited thereto. This is in contrast to, for example, a rotational movement about a certain pivot point. In one embodiment, the linear direction is represented by line 542. The arrows at the ends of line 542 indicate that linear clamp 500 may be moved in either direction along line 542, as desired for a particular application. Although line 542 is used as an example, it should be recognized that any linear direction may be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, linear clamp 500 includes a clamp body 524 and a tack retaining body 536. Tack retaining body 536 may be an integral part of clamp body 524. Tack retaining body 536 includes jaws 506 and 518. Jaws 506 and 518 each extend out of the plane of clamp body 524 and then inwardly toward the other jaw. In addition, jaws 506 and 518 terminate in opposing edges 522 and 526. These edges extend inwardly from common edge 510 of clamp body 524 toward each other to form jaw opening areas and then curve outwardly away from each other to define slot 504 for receiving tack body 4B. The edges 522 and 526 then continue in linear alignment, forming an elongated slot 548, and terminating in a slot 514 in the clamp body 524.

In one embodiment, the slot 504 includes a set of mutually parallel lines and a curve 508 at one end thereof and connecting the lines together. The width of the slot 504 is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of tack slot 4C. This width should be sufficient to allow linear clamp 500 to move freely along linear direction 542 with inserted tack body 4B. But the width should also be sufficient to prevent tack body 4B from disengaging jaws 506 and 518 vertically. This curve 508 may, for example, approximate the curve of tack body 4B or 4C. Slot 504 also has a release portion defined between points 544 and 546 that allows tack body to move from slot 504 to the jaw opening area in accordance with linear movement of linear clamp 500.

In one embodiment, when the pointed end of tack body 4B is inserted into slot 504, jaws 506 and 518 may be spread apart until tack groove 4C is aligned with jaws 506 and 518. This alignment returns jaws 506 and 518 to their original, relaxed positions and locks (capture) tack 4. Once jaws 506 and 518 lock tack 4, they prevent removal of tack 4 from slot 504, as will be described further below.

In one embodiment, an elongated spring arm 502 may be mounted to one side 530 of edge 532 by a bonding region 528. The elongated spring arm 502 extends along the length of the edge 532 and is also out of the plane of the clamp body 524. Elongated spring arm 502 biases (bias) linear clamp 500 toward one or more abutments (abutments) to form an initial position zone. The support should be located along line 540. Line 540 should be generally parallel to the linear movement of clip 500, represented by line 542. The force applied by the arcuate probe 8 is applied to point 558, as indicated by arrow 550, which point 558 is also disposed along line 540. One possible example of a standoff may be standoff 608 as shown in FIG. 6. It will be seen that when the line of force applied by the arcuate probe 8 is repositioned from the position shown in figure 6, the position of the abutment should also move accordingly, remaining substantially in line with the force.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial schematic view of the interior of the lower housing of the security tag of FIG. 1 having a first linear clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The linear clamp 500 shown in fig. 6 is disposed in the lower case 3. Upper housing 2 and lower housing 3 have various means for limiting linear clamp 500 from moving in all directions except along linear direction 542. The specific configuration and amount of movement may vary according to various embodiments, as will be further described below.

Fig. 6 also shows tack 4 being inserted into slot 504 of linear clamp 500. As described above, the article 51 is joined to the tag body 1A via the tack assembly 4. Pointed end 4D of tack body 4B is guided in a downward linear direction through hole 2H in upper housing 2. Portion 2K of upper housing 2 is shaped to fit within a recess of spring clip body 524 above jaws 506 and 518, and has a hole 2H. Portion 2K may guide tack body 4B into slot 504 defined by opposing edges 522 and 526 of the jaws. This causes the jaws to spread or open, allowing tack body 4B to pass through the jaws and into slot 504.

When the tack downward movement terminates at the desired slot 4C, such as the slot securing the tack head 4A and article 51 to the wall 2E of the upper housing 2, the jaws 506 and 518 retract and grip the tack body 4B. In this position, jaws 506 and 518 prevent upward movement of tack 4. Thereby, the tack 4 and the article 51 are locked to the tag body 1A.

To release the tack 4 from the tag body 1A, the arcuate probe 8 is inserted into the channel 7 of the tag body 1A until the L-shaped front end 8A of the probe 8 enters the L-shaped inner end 7 "of the channel 7. This directs the probe end 8A toward the common edge 510 of the clamp body 524. When probe end 8A provides force 550 along line 540 to linear clamp 500, linear clamp 500 moves substantially in direction 542 toward support 608. As linear clamp 500 moves along line 540, tack body 4B slides along slot 504 until it reaches a release portion defined by points 544 and 546. As tack body 4B enters and passes through the release portion, it eventually moves into the jaw opening area, thereby releasing tack body 4B from the clamping or gripping of the jaws. Tack 4 may now be moved in an upward linear direction past the jaws by an upward force on tack head 4A, thereby disengaging tack body 4B from and away from tag body 1A and article 51 from and away from security tag 1.

In one embodiment, slot 504 has the same width between the ends, such that the resistance provided by jaws 506 and 518 is very small, if any, as tack body 4B slides along slot 504. Resistance to movement of linear clamp 500 should be provided primarily by spring arm 502 when spring arm 502 is compressed by support 608. As previously mentioned, the point of contact between support 608 and spring arm 502 should be approximately consistent with the force provided by arcuate probe 8. Thus, the resultant torque should be substantially zero and the net motion of linear clamp 500 should be minimal primarily in direction 542.

As linear clamp 500 moves linearly due to the in-plane force applied by probe 8, elongate spring arm 502 at land 528 is compressed. Spring arm 502 is biased toward support 608 as shown in direction 602, which direction 602 is generally coincident with the point of contact of arcuate probe 8 with edge 510, and also coincident with the force applied along line 540 in direction 542. After the tack 4 is separated from the tag body 1A, the probe 8 may be removed from the channel 7. Upon removal of probe 8 from channel 7, probe 8 is disengaged from linear clamp 500. Thereby relieving the force on linear clamp 500 and causing elongated spring arm 502 to spread apart. This causes linear clamp 500 to move in an opposite linear direction 542. Thereby returning linear clamp 500 to its original position, waiting for tack body 4B to re-enter and secure something to security tag 1 again.

Lower housing 3 may have a plurality of guide interfaces to assist linear clamp 500 in moving in linear direction 542. In one embodiment, the lower housing 3 has a pair of guides 25 and 26 as shown in fig. 3 and 6. Guides 25 and 26 help guide linear clamp 500 in linear direction 542. These guides are generally rectangular members, and each has a long side that contacts edges 552 and 554 of linear clamp 500. When force from arcuate probe 8 is applied to edge 510 of linear clamp 500 along line 540, linear clamp 500 begins to move in linear direction 542. Guides 25 and 26 facilitate this linear movement while limiting rotational or pivotal movement of linear clamp 500. Likewise, once the force from arcuate probe 8 is released, guides 25 and 26 also assist linear clamp 500 in returning to its original position as spring arm 502 returns to its original position.

It can be seen that other guide interfaces may be used to assist linear clamp 500 in moving in linear direction 542. For example, linear clamp 500 may have a set of slots formed in clamp body 524. These slots are parallel to sides 552 and 554. These grooves can also be designed to coincide with corresponding guide rails formed on the lower housing 3. Such a slot-rail interface may assist linear clamp 500 in moving in linear direction 542. In another example, the lower housing 3 has a pair of guide posts that rest in contact with corresponding sides 552 and 554 of the linear clamp 500. The guide post is provided to restrict rotational movement while emphasizing linear movement. In yet another example, linear clamp 500 has flanges mounted on sides 552 and 554, respectively. In this embodiment, lower housing 3 has a pair of corresponding slots that receive the flanges and allow the flanges to move in linear direction 542 while limiting rotational movement. The embodiments are not limited to these and other configurations that help guide linear clamp 500 in a linear direction.

The amount of linear movement for a particular implementation may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the length of slot 504, the angle at which the jaw opening area is formed, the diameter of tack body 4B, and so forth. For example, the amount of linear movement may be slightly greater than the diameter of tack body 4B, i.e., about.05 inches, to release tack slot 4C into the jaw opening area. In some instances, it may be desirable to have a greater amount of linear movement to ensure that tack body 4B does not substantially interfere with jaws 506 and 518 during vertical movement of tack 4, i.e., when tack 4 is removed from tag body 1A. In one embodiment, for example, the initial position of linear clamp 500 is such that a probe in its maximum extended position linearly moves linear clamp 500 between 0.045 and 0.065 inches against the bias of elongate spring arm 502, although embodiments are not so limited.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second linear clamp exploded view in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 illustrates a second linear clamp 700. The second linear clamp 700 is similar to, for example, the first linear clamp 500. For example, components 502, 506, 508, 510, 514, 518, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534, 536, 540, 542, 544, 546, 548, 550, 552, 554, and 558 in fig. 5 correspond to components 702, 706, 708, 710, 714, 718, 722, 724, 726, 728, 730, 732, 734, 736, 740, 742, 744, 746, 748, 750, 752, 754, and 758 in fig. 7.

In one embodiment, linear clamp 700 includes a slot 704. The slot 704 has two ends. A first end is defined proximate to one end of curve 708, which curve 708 corresponds to tack body 4B. The second end is defined as the end located between the release points 744 and 746. In one embodiment, a first width between the first ends is different than a second width between the second ends. This is in contrast to first linear clamp 500, which may have, for example, the same width at both ends of first linear clamp 500 to facilitate movement of tack body 4B within slot 504. More specifically, in one embodiment, the width of the first end is greater than the width of the second end. For example, the width between the walls forming the slot 704 may narrow as they approach the release points 744 and 746. On the other hand, the width between the walls forming the slot 704 may be the same until just before the release points 744 and 746 are reached, and then the walls narrow the width between the release points 744 and 746 inwardly toward each other. The actual difference in width may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the diameter of tack groove 4C, the amount of resistance to movement required for tack body 4B through slot 704, the length of slot 704, the desired linear motion, and so forth. The embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of the interior of the lower housing of the security tag of FIG. 1 having a second linear clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows a second linear clamp 700 disposed within the lower housing 3. The clip main body 724 is supported by a plurality of support walls in the lower case 3. For example, in one embodiment, linear clamp 700 is defined with guide 25, guide 26, and support 808. These supports help define the direction and amount of linear movement of linear clamp 700. One end 734 of elongated spring arm 702 rests on, for example, support 808 and guide 25, as shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 8 also shows tack 4 being inserted into slot 704 of linear clamp 700. Tack 4 is clamped with linear clamp 700 in a manner similar to that described with reference to fig. 6. But the release operation is different due in part to the configuration of the slot 704, as will be described in more detail below.

During disassembly, the arcuate probe 8 can be inserted into the channel 7 of the tag body 1A until the probe end 8A contacts the common edge 710 of the clamp body 724. When probe end 8A provides force 750 to linear clamp 700 along line 740, linear clamp 700 may move toward support 808 approximately in direction 742. As previously described, the slot 704 has two widths as previously described with reference to FIG. 7. The first width is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of tack slot 4C. The second width is reduced until it is slightly less than the point where the distance between release points 744 and 746 is slightly less than the diameter of tack groove 4C. This may be such that when linear clamp 700 is moved approximately along line 740, interference between slot 704 and tack groove 4C may occur. When release points 744 and 746 must extend laterally through tack slot 4C, the release points 744 and 746 create resistance 812. This resistive force 812, in combination with the force 750 from the arcuate probe 8, produces a counterclockwise torque 816 as shown in FIG. 8. The resistance 824 from the spring arm 702 is at a contact point 828 with the lower housing 3. Providing a contact point 828 on the spring arm 702 toward the end 734 produces a clockwise resistive torque 820. Accordingly, the contact point 828 should be set such that the resulting clockwise torque 820 is substantially equal to the counterclockwise torque 816 due to the narrowing of the slots 704, and opposite to the counterclockwise torque 816. Thus, the net rotational force is still approximately zero. Thus, the force from the arcuate probe 8 causes the linear clamp 700 to move substantially linearly along the linear direction 742. The amount of movement in the linear direction depends on the same variables previously described with reference to fig. 5 and 6. As tack body 4B enters and passes through the release portion, it eventually enters the jaw opening area, thereby releasing tack body 4B from the clamping or gripping of the jaws. The tack 4 may now be moved in an upward linear direction past the jaws by an upward force on the tack head 4A, thereby disengaging and moving the tack body 4B away from the tag body 1A and the item 51 away from the security tag 1.

In one embodiment, contact point 828 is located between support 808 and spring arm 702, as shown in FIG. 8. Notably, the abutment 808 is arranged to transmit the movement of the point of contact toward the end 734 to counteract the resistive force 812 caused by the slot 704 as shown by the line 804. For a given implementation, the actual length of spring arm 702 and the positioning of seat 808 depend on the amount of resistance created by slot 704, but embodiments are not so limited.

During linear movement of the clip body 724 due to the face-up force exerted by the probe 8, the elongated spring arm 702 at the junction 728 is compressed. Spring arm 702 may be pressed against seat 808 until tack body 4B is released. After the tack 4 is separated from the tag body 1A, the probe 8 may be removed from the channel 7. This allows the probe 8 to be removed from the clamp body 724 when the probe 8 is removed from the channel 7. Thereby relieving the force on linear clamp 700 and causing elongated spring arms 702 to spread apart. This causes linear clamp 700 to move in the opposite linear direction 742. As previously described, movement along linear direction 742 may be assisted by guides 25 and 26. Thereby returning linear clamp 700 to its original position, waiting for tack body 4B to re-enter and secure something to security tag 1 again.

It should be noted that some slight rotation may still occur in some embodiments, but the primary motion should still be in the linear direction 742. In addition, it can be seen that once tack body 4B is released into the jaw opening area, the resistance of jaws 706 and 718 will disappear. The remaining forces are the force from the arcuate probe 8 and the resistance from the spring arm 702. Thus, any further movement of linear clamp 700 tends to rotate in a clockwise direction. But such movement is not critical to the operation of security tag 1 since tack 4 has been released from linear clamp 700.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a third linear clamp for use in the security tag of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 illustrates a third linear clamp 900. The third linear clamp 900 is similar in structure, restraint, support, positioning, and operation to the first linear clamp 500. More specifically, components 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534, 536, 540, 542, 544, 546, 548, 550, 552, and 554 correspond to components 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 940, 942, 944, 946, 948, 950, 952, and 954, respectively.

In one embodiment, third linear clamp 900 further includes a bridge 938. The bridge 938 may be a portion of material disposed across the jaw opening area 960. The bridge 938 may be accomplished in a number of ways to obtain sufficient jaw opening area size and bridge strength for a given application. The particular bridge solution may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the jaw spacing, the size of the jaw opening area, the type and resilience of the material, the contact face of the probe, the bridge shape, etc. The shape of the bridge may be any desired shape, such as linear, wavy, concave, convex, etc. For a given bridge 938 embodiment, the jaw opening area 960 should be large enough not to interfere with tack body 4B when the probe is in its maximum extended position. An advantage of this arrangement is to ensure that only one contact point is actually in contact with any additional contact or bridge. In some cases, the point of contact should be along a line that passes approximately through the center of bridge 938.

In one embodiment, bridge 938 may be split into two bridge portions 938A and 938B. One end of the bridge portions 938A and 938B are secured to the jaws 906 and 918, respectively. The other ends of bridge portions 938A and 938B each have spaced apart opposing edges. This causes bridge 938 to have a narrow gap through its center, perpendicular to groove 914, and along line 940. In another embodiment, the bridge 938 may be a sheet integrally connected with the jaws 922 and 926. The embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of the detacher arm, the lower housing interior of the security tag of FIG. 1, and a third linear clamp, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows a third linear clamp 900 provided in the modified lower case 3. In one embodiment, this variation lower housing 3 may reposition third linear clamp 900 relative to the previous embodiment. The new position may cause probe end 8A to contact bridge 938 along line 1004. The force from the probe 8 and along the wire 1004 may move the third linear clamp 900 in a linear direction 942.

More specifically, the modified lower case 3 includes guides 1010 and 1012. The guides 1010 and 1012 perform a function similar to that of the guides 25 and 26. Depending on the force applied by the arcuate probe 8, the guides 1010 and 1012 may help guide the third linear clamp 900 in a linear direction 942.

The modified lower housing 3 also comprises a wall 1014. The wall 1014 further includes a standoff 1016. The wall 1014 and the stand-offs 1016 can help limit the amount of movement in the linear direction 942. Further, as the third linear clamp 900 moves in the linear direction 942, the seat 1016 may contact the spring arm 902 along the wire 940 of the third linear clamp 900 to bias the spring arm 902.

The modified lower housing 3 also repositions collar 3H to receive tack pointed ends 4D of tacks 4 when in the fastened condition. Depending on the embodiment, tack 4 may also need to be adjusted to accommodate the new position of collar 3H. For example, the length of tack 4 may be adjusted to ensure it is properly secured within collar 3H after it is fully inserted.

Additional adjustments to the modified lower housing 3 are also required to accommodate the new position of the third linear clamp 900. For example, the inner surface 3F of the wall 3E of the housing 3 has a frame member 3G, which frame members 3G together define an internal cavity 1C for housing the EAS sensor 5. For example, the frame member 3G may be repositioned towards the wall 3B.

In addition to the modification of the modified lower case 3, the upper case 2 is similarly modified to correspond to the modification of the modified lower case 3. For example, the hole 2H in the wall 2E of the modified upper housing 2 can be repositioned to correspond to the collar 3H of the modified lower housing 3. In another example, recessed area 2I on upper surface 2J of wall 2E may be repositioned to ensure that tack head 4A is properly seated within recessed area 2I when fully inserted into and through hole 2H.

Other changes to the modified upper housing 2, modified lower housing 3, and tack 4 may be required for a particular embodiment. It can be seen that the embodiments are not so limited.

In one embodiment, security tag 1 is used with the same detaching device having probe 8. In another embodiment, a different removal device is required to accommodate the new position of linear clamp 900. In the latter case, the radius of the probe should be configured to pass through the arcuate channel 7. The probe end 8A or cross-section of the probe may be varied as desired for a particular implementation.

In one embodiment, the new initial position of linear clamp 900 is centered with bridge 938 and toward the inner end 7 "of channel 7. When the probe 8 is inserted into the channel 7, the end of the probe 8 can move along the channel 7 and force the bridge 938 directly along line 1004. The wire 1004 may, for example, begin at the contact point, pass through the slot, and proceed to the contact point 1018 of the spring arm. This is in contrast to the previous embodiment, in which the point of contact between the probe end 8A and the linear clamp is towards one end of the linear clamp. As the line of force 1002 from the probe 8 passes through the slot, substantially zero torque is generated. Whereby the movement is substantially linear. This force moves the third linear clamp 900 along the linear direction 942 over the guides 1010 and 1012. This linear movement causes tack slot 4C to move out of slot 904 through release points 944 and 946 into jaw opening area 960. The new initial position is such that linear clamp 900 moves 0.045 to 0.065 inches toward spring arm contact point 1018 when probe 8 is in its maximum extended position, although embodiments are not so limited. It is noted that the seat 1016 of the biasing spring arm 902 should be repositioned along line 1004 as shown in fig. 10. Upon removal of probe 8, elongated spring arm 902 pushes linear clamp 900 back to its new initial position.

As the arcuate probe 8 moves along the arc, its point of contact with third linear clamp 900 will move slightly as the third linear clamp 900 moves to release tack body 4B. By centering the range of contact points at zero torque, the amount of torque may be reduced. Thus, at the beginning of the movement, the resolution of the force will have a slight clockwise component; in the middle of the move, this component will decrease and move towards zero; and at the end of the movement this component will increase, with a slight counterclockwise component. The net motion is essentially a translation. Slight deviations from this theoretical geometry may result in a small amount of net rotation. But the translation is more significant and the translation is the primary motion that causes tack body 4B to release. Optimizing the shape of the contact surface of third linear clamp 900 can further reduce the contact point range. As shown in fig. 10, third linear clamp 900 has a concave shape to reduce the contact range.

While certain features of the embodiments of the invention have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments of the invention.

Claims (48)

1. A security tag, comprising:

a label housing;

a tack body; and

a linear clamp disposed within the tag housing, the linear clamp including a spring arm to bias the linear clamp against one or more abutments, the linear clamp having a slot with a slot length to secure the tack body and moving in a linear direction along the slot length in response to an external force to release the tack body from the slot.

2. The security tag of claim 1, wherein said linear clamp further comprises:

a clip main body; the spring arm is connected to a first edge of the clip body; and

the tack fixing body is used for fixing the tack body.

3. The security tag of claim 2 wherein said tack body comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, each jaw terminating in spaced apart opposing edges forming said slot and jaw opening area on said clamp body.

4. The security tag of claim 3, wherein said pawl extends from a second edge of said clip body.

5. The security tag of claim 3, wherein said pawl is formed integrally with said clip body.

6. The security tag of claim 3, wherein said tack body comprises at least one first portion and at least one second portion, said first and second portions having first and second diameters, respectively, and said second diameter being less than said first diameter.

7. The security tag of claim 6, wherein said slot has a width equal to or slightly greater than said second diameter, said pawl moving from a first position to a second position to receive said first portion and from a second position to said first position to secure said second portion.

8. The security tag of claim 3 wherein one side of said clip body forms a first plane and one side of said tack retaining body forms a second plane substantially parallel to said first plane.

9. The security tag of claim 3, wherein a first portion of said spaced opposing edges are parallel to form two edges of said slot, a first end of said slot forming a curve approximating a curve used by said tack body and a second end of said slot forming a release portion leading to said jaw opening area.

10. The security tag of claim 9, wherein said tag has a tag body including a channel for a detachment probe, said channel configured to enable movement of said detachment probe to contact said second edge of said clamp body.

11. The security tag of claim 10, wherein said detachment probe provides a force against a second edge of said clip body to move said linear clip from said first position to said second position along said linear direction.

12. The security tag of claim 11, wherein said linear clamp moves from said second position to said first position when said force is terminated.

13. The security tag of claim 9, wherein a second portion of said spaced opposing edges are straight to form said jaw opening area, a first distance between first ends of said jaw opening area being less than a second distance between second ends of said jaw opening area.

14. The security tag of claim 1, wherein said tag housing comprises an upper half and a lower half, said lower half having a guide to assist said linear clamp in moving in said linear direction.

15. The security tag of claim 14 wherein said lower half includes said abutment, said abutment being arranged such that its position remains substantially coincident with said force.

16. The security tag of claim 2, wherein said spring arm comprises:

a spring arm body extending along the first edge of the clip body; and

a curved engagement coupling the spring arm body to one end of the clip body.

17. The security tag of claim 2, wherein said spring arm moves from a first position to a second position in response to said force and moves from said second position to said first position when said force is terminated.

18. The security tag according to claim 3, further comprising a bridge across the jaw opening area.

19. The security tag of claim 18, wherein said tag includes a tag body including a channel for a detachment probe, said channel configured to enable movement of said detachment probe to contact said bridge.

20. The security tag of claim 19, wherein said detachment probe provides a force against said bridge to move said linear clamp from a first position to a second position along said linear direction.

21. The security tag of claim 20, wherein said linear clamp moves from said second position to said first position when said force is terminated.

22. The security tag of claim 3, wherein a first portion of said spaced apart opposing edges is substantially straight to form two edges of said slot, a first end of said slot having a first width and forming a curve approximating a curve used by said tack body, and a second end of said slot forming a release portion leading to said jaw opening area, said release portion having a second width less than said first width.

23. The security tag of claim 22, wherein said tag housing comprises an upper half and a lower half, said lower half having a guide to assist said linear clamp in moving in said linear direction.

24. The security tag of claim 23 wherein said lower half includes said abutment arranged to generate a clockwise torque substantially equal to and opposite to a counterclockwise torque generated by said slot.

25. A linear clamp for a security tag, comprising:

a clip main body;

a spring arm connected to a first edge of the clip body to bias the linear clip against one or more abutments; and

a tack retaining body having a slot with a slot length for retaining a tack body and releasing the tack body from the slot in response to a force applied in a linear direction along the slot length.

26. The linear clamp of claim 25, wherein the tack retaining body includes a first jaw and a second jaw, each jaw terminating in spaced apart opposing edges forming the slot and jaw opening area on the clamp body.

27. The linear clamp of claim 26, wherein the pawl extends from the second edge of the clamp body.

28. The linear clamp of claim 26, wherein the pawl is formed integrally with the clamp body.

29. The linear clamp of claim 26, wherein one side of the clamp body forms a first plane and one side of the tack retaining body forms a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane.

30. The linear clamp of claim 26, wherein a first portion of the spaced opposing edges are parallel to form two edges of the slot, a first end of the slot forming a curve approximating a curve used by the tack body, and a second end of the slot forming a release portion leading to the jaw opening area.

31. The linear clamp of claim 26, wherein the second edge of the clamp body is forced to move the linear clamp along the linear direction from a first position to a second position.

32. The linear clamp of claim 31, wherein, when the linear clamp is in the second position, the tack body enters the jaw opening area, thereby releasing the tack body from the tack mount.

33. The linear clamp of claim 32, wherein the linear clamp moves from the second position to the first position when the force is terminated.

34. The linear clamp of claim 30, wherein a second portion of the spaced apart opposing edges are straight to form the jaw opening area, a first distance between first ends of the jaw opening area being less than a second distance between second ends of the jaw opening area.

35. The linear clamp of claim 31, wherein the spring arm includes:

a spring arm body extending along the first edge of the clip body; and

a curved engagement coupling the spring arm body to one end of the clip body.

36. The linear clamp of claim 25, wherein the spring arm moves from a first position to a second position in response to the force and moves from the second position to the first position when the force is terminated.

37. The linear clamp of claim 36, wherein the spring arm is biased toward the seat.

38. The linear clamp of claim 26 further including a bridge across said jaw opening area.

39. The linear clamp of claim 38, wherein the bridge is forced to move the linear clamp from a first position to a second position along the linear direction.

40. The linear clamp of claim 39, wherein, when the linear clamp is in the second position, the tack body enters the jaw opening area, thereby releasing the tack body from the tack mount.

41. The linear clamp of claim 40, wherein the linear clamp moves from the second position to the first position when the force is terminated.

42. The linear clamp of claim 26, wherein a first portion of the spaced apart opposing edges is substantially straight to form two edges of the slot, a first end of the slot having a first width and forming a curve approximating a curve used by the tack body, and a second end of the slot forming a release portion open to the jaw opening area, the release portion having a second width less than the first width.

43. The linear clamp of claim 42, wherein the second edge of the clamp body is forced to move the linear clamp along the linear direction from a first position to a second position.

44. The linear clamp of claim 43, wherein, when the linear clamp is in the second position, the tack body enters the jaw opening area, thereby releasing the tack body from the tack mount.

45. The linear clamp of claim 44, wherein the linear clamp moves from the second position to the first position when the force is terminated.

46. The linear clamp of claim 42, wherein the spring arm includes:

a spring arm body extending along the first edge of the clip body; and

a curved engagement coupling the spring arm body to one end of the clip body.

47. The linear clamp of claim 46, wherein the spring arm moves from a first position to a second position in response to the force and moves from the second position to the first position when the force is terminated.

48. The linear clamp of claim 47, wherein the spring arm is biased to produce a clockwise torque that is substantially equal to and opposite from a counterclockwise torque produced by the slot.