HK1113505B - A security device having a magnetically actuable locking mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Safety device with magnetically actuable locking mechanism

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No.60/633813 entitled "Improved EAS Security Tags" filed on 7.12.2004 and U.S. provisional patent application serial No.60/683657 entitled "Improved EAS Security Tags" filed on 23.5.2005, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The international application designating the united states is related to the following applications designating the united states:

(1) "Optical disc security Device with Magnetically Actuable locking mechanism" ("Optical disc security Device a magnetic actuation locking mechanism");

(2) "Security device for An Article with a Constrained Elongate Element" ("Security device for An Article Having A Constrained Elongate Element");

(3) "Security Device with Cable" Security A Cable "; and

(4) "Security Device For A Bottle" ("Security Device For A Bottle").

These related applications are co-filed therewith and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

Security tag systems are designed to prevent unauthorized removal of items from a controlled area. For example, a typical Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system may include a surveillance system and one or more security tags. The monitoring system may form a monitoring area at an access location of the controlled area. Security tags may be packaged in security devices that are secured to an article being monitored, such as a hard good item, e.g., sporting equipment, glasses, jewelry, bottles, etc. If the monitored item enters the surveillance zone, an alarm is triggered to indicate unauthorized removal.

The security device may be secured to a number of different articles. The security device preferably allows authorized removal of the article while making unauthorized removal relatively difficult. There is therefore a general need to improve the technology in security devices and in particular a need for a system for securing a security device to an article.

Drawings

The subject matter regarded as the embodiments is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, these embodiments, both as to organization and method of operation, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows components of a security device and system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a separator according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B shows a top view of a separator according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C shows a front view of a separator according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1D shows a side view of a separator according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1E shows a perspective view of a portion of the safety device forming a disposable;

FIG. 1F shows a top view of a portion of a safety device constructed for single use;

FIG. 1G shows a perspective view of a portion of a safety device configured for resettability;

FIG. 1H shows a perspective view of a portion of the safety device forming a disposable;

FIG. 1I shows a top view of a portion of a safety device that constitutes a disposable;

FIG. 1J shows a front view of a safety device forming part of a disposable;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a circular Optical Disk (OD) security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a security tag cover and bottom housing of a circular OD security device in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a partially circular OD security device including a locking mechanism, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a bottom housing and security tag of a circular OD security device in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a top cover of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a top cover of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

fig. 11B shows a top view of a housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

fig. 11C shows a left side view of a housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

fig. 11D shows a right side view of a housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

fig. 11E shows a front view of a housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a security tag and bottom housing of a circular OD security device in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 12B shows an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of a security tag cover and bottom housing of a circular OD security device in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 13B shows an enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 13A;

figure 14 shows a perspective view of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment;

figure 15 shows a perspective view of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a security device having a cable according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a portion of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a bottle safety device according to one embodiment; and is

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a portion of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments may relate to devices, systems, and methods for pairing with items having security tags, such as Compact Discs (CDs), sporting equipment, glasses, jewelry, bottles, and the like. For example, one embodiment may include a security device comprised of a locking mechanism, a security tag, and a housing. The latching mechanism may include a magnetically actuable latch, a flexible element biasing the magnetically actuable latch toward a latched position, and a latch mating element that mates with at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch in the latched position. As used herein, a "locked position" may refer to a position of a magnetically actuable latch in which it is partially or fully within, engaged with, connected to, or otherwise engaged with a latch mating element. The housing may not be configured to partially or fully contain, enclose or otherwise secure the locking mechanism, security tag, latch mating element and article to the housing. In securing, the magnetically actuable element of the locking mechanism may cooperate with the latch mating element in the locked position to lock the housing and thereby secure the security tag secured with the housing to the article. The security device may prevent attempts to separate the housing from the item or provide an obstruction when locking the housing. Another embodiment may include a security system comprising the security device and a separator, which may be a device including a magnet. The decoupler can be employed to unlatch the housing by magnetically forcing the magnetically actuable latch from the latched position.

It is worthy to note that any reference in the 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. 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 may be set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the embodiments 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. 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 embodiments.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, there is shown in fig. 1a front view of the components that may be included in a security system 1 and a security device 2 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the security system 1 comprises a security device 2 and a separator 40. The security device 2 may include a locking mechanism 10, a security tag 20, and a housing 30.

The latching mechanism 10 may be a magnetically actuable latching mechanism and may include a magnetically actuable latch 12, a flexible element 16, and a latch mating element 18.

The magnetically actuable latch 12 may include: a base 13, which may include a base end 13A and sides 13B and 13C; and a latch portion 14, which may include a latch portion end 14A; and a central portion 15.

The magnetically actuable latch 12 may have a substantially rectangular surface so that the bottom portion 13 has the same width as the latch portion 14 and the central portion. Thus, the width of the bottom portion 13 or the distance between the side surfaces 13B and 13C may be the same as the corresponding widths of the latch portion 14 and the central portion 15. In other embodiments, the widths of the base portion 13, latch portion 14, and central portion 15 may be different. The magnetically actuable latch 12 may have an elongated uniform cross-section.

However, the magnetically actuable latch 12 may be constructed as desired, and may include one or more components, and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical about any point, line or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 12 may be configured to have a "T", "I", curved or other shaped surface, and have a rectangular, circular, thick, hollow or otherwise apertured and/or non-uniform cross-section, or as shown and/or as described herein for the magnetically actuable latches 112, 512, 912 and 1512. In another embodiment, the latch portion end 14A of the magnetically actuable latch 12 may include one or more teeth, ribs, grooves, indentations, tips, bends, apertures, or other shapes such as those shown and described herein with reference to embodiments of the magnetically actuable latch 112, 512, 912, and 1512, while the bottom end 13A may be flat or other shapes. In addition, the bottom end 13A may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically actuable latch 12 may be configured such that at least a portion thereof, such as the latch portion 14, may engage, receive, insert or otherwise mate with the latch mating element 18 described herein.

In one embodiment, the security device 2 includes a plurality of magnetically actuable latches 12, which may each be provided in the same or different parts of the security device 2 with another flexible element 16 and a latch mating element 18. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of magnetically actuable latches 12 may each cooperate with another portion of security device 2 to lock that portion, e.g., a portion to secure an item or a portion to secure security tag 20.

The magnetically actuable latch 12 may comprise or be formed from a magnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt or an alloy thereof. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 12 includes one or more magnetic materials, and may include one or more non-magnetic materials.

The flexible element 16 may be desirably shaped, such as cuboidal, oval, coil-shaped, or any other shape as shown and/or described herein with respect to the embodiments of the flexible elements 116, 516, 916, and 1516, and may include one or more components, or may be integrated or formed integrally with the magnetically actuable latch 12. In one embodiment, the flexible member 16 may be formed as a cantilever, such as a leaf spring. The flexible element 16 may comprise or be formed from a flexible material, such as a lightweight, porous, semi-rigid, resilient, gaseous, and/or sponge material, which may provide resistance when compressed and may partially or fully recover its uncompressed shape when the pressure is removed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible member 16 may be formed from foam rubber, polymeric foam, ceramic foam, or other foam; rubber; and/or another material or materials. The flexible member 16 may also or alternatively be configured to provide resistance when under compression. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible element 16 may be configured as a coil spring, leaf spring, or other cantilever or other spring or other similar member that is constructed of metal, polymer, ceramic, and/or another material or materials. The flexible member 16 can have a variety of masses.

The latch mating element 18 may be configured as desired, for example, with one or more holes or other apertures, ribs, teeth, protrusions, or other shapes. The latch mating element 18 may comprise one or more components and may be formed separately or integrally with the housing 30, such as described herein. The latch mating element 18 may be configured to engage, receive, insert into, or otherwise mate with at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch 12. For example, in embodiments where the magnetically actuable latch 12 is an elongated member having a rectangular surface shape, the latch mating element 18 may be configured with an aperture where the latch portion 14 of the magnetically actuable latch 12, or a portion thereof, may be inserted into the locking position, as described herein. In embodiments where the magnetically actuable latch 12 is toothed at its latching portion end 14A, the latch mating element 18 may be configured with a rib for engaging the tooth in the locking position.

The security tag 20 may be any detectable device or system, such as any security label or tag. For example, in various embodiments, security tag 20 may be any of an EAS tag (e.g., a Radio Frequency (RF) tag, an acousto-magnetic tag, and/or combinations thereof), a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a smart tag, or other detectable anti-theft or other tag. The security tag 20 may be detected by a corresponding detection system or device, such as an acousto-magnetic detector, an electromagnetic detector, a radio frequency detector or other detector, depending on the type of security marker or tag.

Housing 30, as partially shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, may be any or other structure that partially or fully houses and/or encloses, encapsulates, secures or interlocks with or otherwise secures locking mechanism 10 and security tag 20, and secures an item when locking mechanism 10 is in the locked position and thereby locks the housing. The housing 30 and the locking mechanism 10 may thus cooperate to secure or lock an item to the housing 30, and thus secure the security device 2. The housing 30 may be constructed as desired and may be shaped according to the locking mechanism 10, security tag 20 and the item it is designed to protect, such as described herein with respect to the embodiments of the housings 130, 530, 930 and 1730. The housing 30 may include a latch mating element 18, which may be integrally formed with the housing 30. The housing 30 may optionally be configured to mate with the latch mating element 18. The housing 30 may be constructed of a polymer and/or another material or materials.

The components included in the security device 2 may be configured such that the security device 2 may be locked to an article, for example as described with reference to the security device embodiments below. The security tag 2 may be reusable or may be for a single use.

Fig. 1A-1D show perspective, top, front, and side views of the separator 40 shown in fig. 1, according to one embodiment. The separator 40 may be a device that includes and houses a magnet 42. The magnet 42 may be any type of magnet, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. For the security system 1, the security device 2 may employ a detacher 40 to disengage the security device 2 from the item. The detacher 40 may be suitably disposed adjacent the magnetically actuable latch 12 of the security device 2 to magnetically force the magnetically actuable latch 12 out of the locking position, thus allowing the housing 30 of the security device 2 to be disengaged from an item on which it may be locked.

In various embodiments, the separator 40 may include different magnets 42. For example, the magnet 42 of the decoupler 40 may be selected based on the magnetic force required to move the magnetically actuable latch 12 away from the latched position, thus unlocking the security device 2. The magnetic force needs to be greater than the force resisting the movement. These opposing forces may include, for example, a restraining force provided by the flexible element 16 when compressed by the magnetically actuable latch 12, a frictional force generated by the magnetically actuable latch 12 contacting the housing 30 and/or another element during movement, and other forces. In another embodiment, where the separator 40 is to be used on a variety of security devices having different configurations, the magnet 42 may be selected to be sufficient to unlock the security device that requires the strongest magnet to unlock it.

In one embodiment, the safety device 2 may be configured for a single use. For example, in one embodiment shown in fig. 1E-F, the magnetically actuable latch 12 of the security device 2 may be disposed within the channel 3 that mates with the latch mating element 18 in the locking position. One or more leaf springs or other cantilever arms, such as cantilever arms 4 and 5, are disposed in the channel 3 in a spring-loaded configuration.

For example, the cantilever 4 may have an unloaded position as shown in fig. 1E. The cantilever arm can be bent to a position where its side 4A is close to the channel wall 3A and is thus spring loaded. A magnetically actuable latch 12 may then be disposed in the channel 3 in the locking position adjacent its other side 4B, thereby preventing movement of the cantilever arm 4 and retaining its spring load. The cantilever 5 may be similarly arranged. With the magnetically actuable latch 12 then moved away from the latched position by the release 40, the cantilever arms 4 and 5 are no longer constrained by the magnetically actuable latch 12 and may spring back or otherwise return to their unloaded position. In these positions, the magnetically actuable latch 12 cannot return to the locking position in the event that the cantilever arms 4 and 5 extend into the channel 3 so that they can block the bottom 13 of the magnetically actuable latch 12 from moving past them. Thus, any attached security device can no longer be locked.

In another embodiment, only one of the cantilevers 4 and 5 is included. In various other embodiments, other resilient elements such as coil springs or other springs, rubber and foam may be employed within the channel 3 or other portion of the housing to prevent the attached safety device from being used twice.

In another embodiment as shown in fig. 1G-1J, the latching mechanism portion and housing portion may be configured such that after each movement of the magnetically actuable latch 12 out of the latching position, the magnetically actuable latch 12 needs to be reset to enable it to be reset in the latching position. For example, the magnetically actuable latch 12 may be disposed in the channel 6 with its bottom end 13A adjacent the recess 7. The recess 7 may be configured such that upon biasing the magnetically actuable latch 12 away from the locking position, at least one of the magnetically actuable latch 12 drops or is otherwise pressed into the recess 7. The recess 7 may be defined by a wall 8 that may limit movement of the magnetically actuable latch 12 back towards the locking position. In this embodiment, the security device in which the magnetically actuable latch 12 is provided may be "reset" for use, for example, by employing a magnet that moves the magnetically actuable latch 12 out of the recess.

Fig. 2-9 show various perspective views of a circular Optical Disk (OD) security device 102 (or a portion thereof) that may include a locking mechanism 110, a security tag 120, and a housing 130, according to one embodiment. As used herein, the terms "circular optical disc" and "circular OD" refer to the following: the optical disk includes, for example, any of a Compact Disk (CD), a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a mini CD-ROM, a compact disk recordable (CD-R), and a compact disk rewritable (CD-RW); a digital video disk or a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) including, for example, any of a DVD, a DVD read only memory (DVD-ROM), a recordable DVD (DVD-R), a high definition DVD (HD-DVD); any other optical disc, which may BE at least partially cylindrical in shape with a central hole, or an optical disc, which is flat and has a circular periphery or is otherwise formed like a CD or DVD or like any of the above CD or DVD types, including, for example, blu-ray disc (BD), BD-writable (BD-BE), BD-recordable (BD-RE), and BD read only memory (BD-ROM). In various other embodiments, the security device 102 (or a portion thereof), locking mechanism 110, and security tag 120 may be used on other items such as non-circular compact discs, non-compact discs, and/or any other object formed into various geometries and sizes.

The housing 130 shown in the embodiment of fig. 2-4 has an at least partially cuboid-like shape and may have an at least partially rectangular outer surface 131 and may also be at least partially square. The housing 130 may in various embodiments have an outer shape at least partially resembling any of a CD, DVD, BD, or other circular OD housing, or may have another shape. The housing 130 may be shaped and otherwise configured to partially or fully house, enclose, adhere, or otherwise secure each of the locking mechanism 110, the security tag 120, and the article as a circular OD to the housing 130.

For example, fig. 11A-11E show a perspective view, a top view, a left side view, a right side view, and a front view, respectively, of one embodiment of the housing 130. Housing 130 may have an elongated thickness T, as shown in fig. 11C-11E, as compared to the dimensions of outer surface 131, as shown in fig. 11B. In one embodiment, the thickness T may be about 10.27mm, and the surface may have side dimensions S1 and S2 of about 142.33mm and 124.86mm, respectively. The housing 130 in this embodiment may be formed at least in part as a CD case or other circular OD case.

Fig. 5-9 show perspective views of embodiments of a portion of a circular OD security device 102. Fig. 10-13 show additional views of embodiments of a circular OD security device and a portion thereof.

Referring first to fig. 6, a perspective view of a portion of a circular OD security device 102 including a locking mechanism 110 according to one embodiment is shown. The locking mechanism 110 may include a magnetically actuable latch 112, a flexible element 116, and a latch mating element 118.

The magnetically actuable latch 112 may include a magnetic material and may include one or more materials such as those described with reference to the magnetically actuable latch 12 of fig. 1. The magnetically actuable latch 112 may include: a bottom 113, which may include a bottom end 113A and bottom sides 113B and 113C; a latch portion 114, which may include a latch portion end 114A (disposed with the latch mating element 118 and thus not shown in fig. 6, but shown in fig. 10); and a central portion 115.

Magnetically actuable latch 112 may be shaped as a "T". Thus, bottom sides 113B and 113C can be parallel and each can be at least substantially straight, and the width of bottom 13, i.e., the distance between bottom sides 113B and 113C, can be wider than the other widths of magnetically actuable latch 112. The bottom end 113A may be flat and may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom sides 113B and 113C. Magnetically actuable latch 112 may be constructed with a slim thickness. However, the magnetically actuable latch 112 may be otherwise configured in other embodiments, as described herein with reference to the magnetically actuable latch shown in fig. 1.

The flexible member 116 may be constructed or formed of a flexible material and may include a material or materials as described herein with reference to the flexible member 16 shown in fig. 1. In one embodiment, the flexible member 116 may be configured to have a substantially cubic shape such that its side 116A is wider than its side 116B, or may have another shape. In various other embodiments, the flexible element 116 may be constructed as, and include one or more materials for, a coil spring or other spring or similar member as described above with reference to the magnetically actuable latch 12 of fig. 1. Additionally, in one embodiment, the flexible element 116 may be combined or formed integrally with the magnetically actuable latch 112. In one embodiment, the flexible element 116 may be formed as a cantilever, such as a leaf spring.

The latch mating element 118 may be integrally formed with the housing 130 or a portion thereof as described below, or may be a separate component.

Fig. 7 and 12A show perspective views of the bottom housing 150 and the security tag 120 of the circular OD security device 102 as described below, according to one embodiment. Fig. 12B shows an enlarged view of a portion a of the bottom housing 150 of fig. 12A. Referring to fig. 7, 12A and 12B, the security tag 120 may be an elongated EAS tag or label. In various other embodiments, security tag 120 may be another type and/or shape of security marking or label, such as described herein with reference to security tag 20 shown in FIG. 1. The security tag 120 may be adhered to the bottom housing 150 by epoxy, adhesive, or other means. In various other embodiments, the security tag 120 may be located on, disposed within, or secured to various other surfaces of a circular OD or other article.

The housing 130 of the circular OD security device 102, shown at least in part in each of the embodiments of fig. 2-13, may include a bottom housing 150, a locking mechanism cover 180, a security tag cover 190, a bottom cover 200, and a top cover 205. In one embodiment, one or more of these component parts of housing 130 may be separate parts. In various other embodiments, one or more combinations of these components can each include one component or more components that are inseparably affixed to one component. Each of these components of the housing 130 may be made of plastic, another material, or a combination of materials in various embodiments. These components may comprise the same or different materials or combinations of materials in various embodiments.

Fig. 5 and 13A show perspective views of the security tag cover 190 and bottom housing 150 described below, according to one embodiment. Fig. 13B shows an enlarged portion B of the bottom housing 150 of fig. 13. Referring to the embodiment of fig. 5 and 13A-13B, the bottom housing 150 can have a rectangular profile defined by housing perimeter walls 150A-150D. Bottom housing 150 may include a bottom 150 that includes a security tag receptacle 152, an arcuate inner wall 154, and a bottom of a circular OD receptacle 156 that includes a bottom of a circular OD mating element 157 and an aperture 159. The security tag receptacle 152 may be defined by the bottom housing perimeter walls 150A and 150D and the arcuate inner wall 154, and may be sized to receive the elongated security tag 120, and may also receive the security tag cover 190, as described herein. In various embodiments, the housing perimeter walls 190A and 150C and/or 150B and 150D may extend to increase the area of the security tag receptacle 152 so that larger and/or differently sized security tags 120 may fit within the security tag receptacle 152.

The circular OD socket 156 may be integrally formed with one or more of the bottom housing perimeter walls 150B-150D and possibly the arcuate inner wall 154, or may be otherwise secured with the bottom housing 150.

Referring again to fig. 6, an embodiment of a portion of the upper portion 161 of the bottom housing 150 is also shown. The upper portion 161 may be configured such that the magnetically actuable latch 112 and the flexible element 116 may be disposed adjacent thereto. Thus, bottom end 113A of magnetically actuable latch 112 may be disposed adjacent or contiguous with flexible element 116. With this configuration of upper portion 161, movement of magnetically actuable latch 112 and flexible element 116 may be restricted in one or more directions.

For example, the upper portion 161 of the bottom housing 150 may include a channel end wall 165, channel walls 166 and 168, and a channel 164 defined by the channel walls 166 and 168, and may be bounded by the channel end wall 165. Channel walls 166 and 168 may include portions that are substantially parallel to each other and may be disposed proximate to or in contact with magnetically actuable latch 112 at bottom sides 113B and 113C and at the sides of central latch portions 115 and 114, respectively, thereby restricting movement of magnetically actuable latch 112 to movement along channel 164, which may be in a substantially linear direction. In various other embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 112 may be moved in a rotational, combined rotational/linear direction, or any other direction. In these various other embodiments, one or more of the channel 164, the flexible element 116, and the latch mating element 118 may be formed or shaped or otherwise configured to guide the magnetically actuable latch 112 in that direction or directions.

Flexible element 116 may be disposed proximate channel wall 165 such that upon forcing magnetically actuable latch 112 out of the latching position and against flexible element 116, flexible element 116 will compress under the force of magnetically actuable latch 112 and the resistance of channel end wall 165. The flexible element 116 may provide resistance to such compression, thereby resisting such movement of the magnetically actuable latch 112.

As noted above, in each embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 112 may be configured to have another shape, in which case the channel 164, and thus the channel walls 166 and 168, may be configured to accommodate such magnetically actuable latch 112 and may restrict movement of the magnetically actuable latch 112 in one or more directions. In each of these embodiments, the flexible element 116 may be configured to fit within the channel 164.

Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of a circular OD security device 102 according to one embodiment. Referring to fig. 10 and also to fig. 5, the upper portion 161 of the bottom housing 150 may include an upper portion of the circular OD socket 156. The upper portion of the circular OD socket 156 can include an OD mating element 157, a tub wall 170, a tub floor 171, and a tub 172 defined by the tub wall 170 and the tub floor 171. The OD mating element 157 may include one or more cantilevered prongs 158 that may be integrally formed with the bottom housing 150 and define a void 159 thereof. The cantilevered prongs 158 may be provided in a circular configuration as shown and may be made of, for example, a plastic material so that the cantilevered prongs 158 may spring back when bent inward or toward the hole. The circular structure may define an outer boundary having a radius that is the same as or greater than the radius of a central aperture of a circular OD, such as central aperture 250 of circular OD 252. Thus, a circular OD may be disposed around and secured by the cantilevered prongs 158, and thus the OD mating element 157, by an interference fit. When the circular OD is removed, the cantilevered prongs 158 may spring back to their unflexed position. In one embodiment, the circular configuration of the cantilevered prongs 158 may define an outer boundary having a radius that is less than the radius of the central aperture of the circular OD.

In various other embodiments, the OD mating element 157 may comprise another structure, such as a solid, hollow, pronged, or other structure that may mate with the central hole of the circular OD by interference fit, snap fit, or other means. In another embodiment, the circular OD socket 156 does not include an OD mating element 157.

The basin wall 170 may be configured, for example, as a circle, or otherwise configured to define the basin 172 large enough so that a circular OD may fit within the basin 172 with or without contact with the basin wall 170.

The upper portion of the bottom housing 150 can also include channel walls 174-177 and arcuate channels 174A-177A defined by the channel walls 174-177, respectively (177A being opaque and thus not visible in FIG. 10). For example, the channel wall 174 may include and define an arcuate channel 174A. The interior of the groove wall 174 may be formed in a "J" or "U" shape adjacent the arcuate groove 174A. The arcuate channels 174A-177A may be shaped in a similar manner or have substantially the same shape. The groove walls 174-177 may each be disposed above or integral with the basin wall 170 and may be spaced apart such that the optical disks OD may move thereacross to be disposed in or removed from the basin 172.

Referring again to fig. 6 and 10, the upper portion of the bottom housing 150 may also include a latch mating element 118. Latch mating element 118 may be integrally formed with bottom housing 150 and may extend between and may protrude from channel walls 166 and 168. The latch mating element 118 may include a latch mating element wall 118 having an outer cover 118B defined by the latch mating element wall 118A, an end wall 118C, and a recess 118D. The latch mating element 118A may be configured such that the recess 118D is shaped like one or more of the arcuate grooves 174A-177A described above.

The latch portion 114, and possibly more of the magnetically actuable latch 112, may extend under the cover 118B and thus into the recess 118D when in the locking position. In one embodiment, the latch portion 114, and possibly more of the magnetically actuable latch 112, may extend beyond the recess 118D and to the end wall 118C.

The housing 130 may also include a locking mechanism cover 180 as shown in the embodiments of fig. 2-4 and 10. The locking mechanism cover 180 may include structure configured to be disposed over the flexible element 116 and at least a portion, such as an exposed portion, of the magnetically actuable latch 112. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the locking mechanism cover 180 may include structure configured to be disposed over the flexible element 116 and at least a portion, such as an exposed portion, of the magnetically actuable latch 112. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the locking mechanism cover 180 may include a housing 180A and sidewalls 180B and 180C that cooperate with the channel 164 and/or the channel walls 166 and 168 to enclose the exposed portion of the magnetically actuable latch 112 disposed in the channel 164. The locking mechanism cover 180 may be secured to the bottom housing 150 by welding, fusing, gluing, snap-fit (e.g., the channel walls 166 and 168 and the locking mechanism cover 180 are configured with mating projections and apertures), interference fit, and/or by other securing means. When secured, the locking mechanism cover 180 may prevent or increase the difficulty of disengaging the magnetically actuable latch 112 from the bottom housing 150.

Referring again to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 13A-13B, housing 150 may also include a security tag cover 190. The security tag cover 190 may be configured to fit over the security tag 120 and may be secured within the security tag receptacle 152 and/or to the security tag 120, such as by welding, gluing, taping, mechanical fit, or by other means.

Referring to fig. 8, a perspective view of the bottom cover 200 of the circular OD security device 102 is shown, according to one embodiment. The bottom cover 200 may be configured to be fixed to the bottom housing 150. For example, the bottom cover 200 may have a rectangular shape defined by bottom cover perimeter walls 200A and 200D, and be sized such that the bottom cover perimeter walls 200A and 200D may be secured around the bottom housing perimeter walls 150A-150D of the bottom housing 150. Such securing may be accomplished by snap-fitting, gluing, taping, and/or by other means. In embodiments where the bottom housing 150 is shaped differently, the bottom cover 200 may be configured with a complementary shape so that it may be secured to the bottom housing 150.

When bottom cover 200 is secured to bottom housing 150, security tag 120 may be encapsulated and thus secured thereto so that it cannot be accessed and removed.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a top cover 205 of a circular OD security device 102 in accordance with one embodiment. Referring to fig. 9 and the embodiments of fig. 2-4 and 10, the housing 130 may further include a top cover 205. The top cover 205 may be configured with a top cover base 207, which may be solid and defined by a top cover wall 209. The cap base 207 and cap wall 209 may be circular and sized such that the inner diameter of the cap wall 209 is greater than the outer diameter of the circular OD. In this case, where the circular OD is disposed within the basin 172 of the bottom housing 150, as described above, the top cover base 207 and the top cover wall 209 may fit over and around the circular OD, respectively, thus enclosing the circular OD within the housing 130.

The top cover 205 may further include a guide wall 211 and 213. These guide walls 211 and 213 may extend from the top lid wall 209 and may be shaped to cooperate with the channel walls 174 and 177 and the latch mating element 118, including the latch mating element wall 118A. For example, in one embodiment, the guide walls 211 and 213 may extend from the top lid wall 209 in an "L" shape having arcuate lips 211A-213A, respectively, that are substantially parallel to the top lid wall 209. Thus, when the top cover 205 is fitted over and around the OD to enclose the circular OD within the housing 130, as described above, the arcuate lips 211A-213A of the guide walls 211-213 can slide within the arcuate grooves 174A-177A and the groove 118D of the bottom housing 150, respectively, as the top cover 205 is rotated.

The top cover 205 may be disposed over the circular OD and onto the bottom housing 150 such that the latch mating element 118 is disposed between the guide walls 212 and 213. In this position, the arcuate lips 212A and 213A of the guide walls 212 and 213, respectively, may be at least partially disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A and 175A of the bottom housing 150. Since the magnetically actuable latch 112 may be biased by the flexible element 116 into a locking position within the groove 118D of the latch mating element 118, the magnetically actuable latch may block the arcuate lips 212A and 213A from sliding through the groove 118D. This configuration allows only a limited amount of rotation of the top cover 206 so that at least one of the arcuate lips 211A-213A can be at least partially disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A-177A during this limited range of rotation, thereby securing the top cover 205 to the bottom housing 150. In another embodiment, the arcuate lips 211A-213A may be configured such that at least two of the arcuate lips 211A-213A are each at least partially disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A-177A during that limited range of rotation to further secure the top cover 205 to the bottom housing 150.

In various other embodiments, the mechanism for securing the top cover 205 to the bottom housing 150 can be modified, for example, in one or more of the following ways: the bottom housing 150 may include various sizes and/or less than all of the channel walls 174-177 and thus the arcuate channels 174A-177A, or may include other channel walls and arcuate channels; the bottom housing top cover 205 can include various dimensions and/or less than all three guide walls 211-213 and thus the arcuate lips 211A-213A; and/or the shape of the channel walls, channels, guide walls, and lip of the bottom housing 150 may be varied. Thus, for example, the number and size of the groove walls, arcuate grooves, guide walls, and arcuate lips may be configured in the bottom housing 150 and top cover 205 such that the top cover 205 may be secured to the bottom housing 150 of the circular OD security device 102 when the magnetically actuable latch 112 is in the locking position, as described above.

In another embodiment, a circular optical OD security device system includes a circular optical OD security device 102 and a splitter, such as splitter 40. With the detacher 40 disposed adjacent the magnetically actuable latch 112 of the security device 102 such that the flexible element 116 is disposed between the detacher 40 and the magnetically actuable latch 112, the detacher 40 may magnetically force the magnetically actuable latch 112 out of the locked position and against the flexible element 116. Magnetically actuable latch 112 may be moved out of the locking position if the magnetic force is greater than the compressive force of the flexible element and any other forces that resist such movement of magnetically actuable latch 112. In this case, the top cover 205 is no longer prevented from fully rotating and the top cover 205 may be free to rotate. Thus, the top cover 205 may be rotated until no portion of any of its arcuate lips 211A-213A is disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A-177A of the bottom housing 150, in which case the top cover 205 may be removed to expose any circular OD disposed within the basin 172 of the bottom housing 150. In other embodiments, the top cover 205 may be rotatably mounted on the bottom housing 150 in a hinged or other suitable arrangement. In other embodiments, the top cover 205 may be otherwise secured, rotatably secured, or mounted to the bottom housing 150. Because in this embodiment no part of the circular security device 102 will break during the unlocking process, the circular OD security device 102 can be reused.

In one embodiment, the circular OD security device 102 may be configured to surround or contain a CD and may be referred to as a CD security device 102. In this embodiment, the CD security device 102 may also or may be configured to surround or accommodate another circular OD. The CD security device 102 is capable of holding EAS tags, magnetic mechanisms, and any variety of CDs. The security device in one embodiment carries an EAS component and may be used to provide resistance or prevent unauthorized removal and then leaving a storage device with a CD security device and any CD that may be packaged or otherwise secured thereto. In one embodiment, the security device may include a bottom housing, an EAS tag cover, a bottom cover, a latch mechanism cover, a magnetically actuable latch mechanism, and a top cover. In one embodiment, the circular OD security device 102 may comprise the security device such that the locking mechanism 110 may comprise a magnetically actuable latch mechanism, the security tag 120 may comprise an EAS marker or tag, and the housing 130 may comprise portions comprising a bottom housing, an EAS tag cover, a bottom cover, a latch mechanism cover, and a top cover, which may correspond to the bottom housing 150, the security tag cover 190, the bottom cover 200, the locking mechanism cover 180, and the top cover 205, respectively.

Fig. 14-19 show perspective views of examples of embodiments of housings, locking mechanisms, and other components that may be included in a security device, such as security device 2.

Fig. 14-15 show perspective views of an embodiment of a security device 502 and portions thereof that may be used to secure certain articles having elongated elements, such as eyeglasses. The security device 502 may include a housing 530 having a partially rectangular shape with outwardly curved sides 534. The safety device 502 may secure the temples within the tunnel 560. The security device 502 may include a magnetically actuable latch 512 that is at least partially "T" shaped, an at least partially cuboidal flexible element 516, and a security tag 520.

Fig. 16-17 show perspective views of an embodiment of a wired security device 902 and portions thereof that may be used to secure an item with a cable 922. The security device 902 may have a housing 930 shaped like a short "I" or lower case "l" and may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cable 922. The security device 902 may protect various items such as clothing, purses, and other items. The security device 902 may include a magnetically actuable latch 912 having teeth 981 and 983 or other protrusions. The cable 922 may include a latch mating element 918.

Fig. 18-19 show perspective views of an embodiment of a bottle security device 1702 and portions thereof. The bottle security device may have a housing 1730 shaped to fit around the mouth and at least a portion of the neck of a bottle, such as a wine or spirit bottle. The security device 1702 may include a magnetically actuable latch 1512 having one or more protrusions 1551, which may be, for example, teeth. The flexible member 1516 may have an at least partially rectangular outer surface. The security device 1702 may include a safety strap 1760 that can be restrained around at least a portion of the neck of the bottle to secure the security device thereto.

While certain features of the embodiments 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 scope of the embodiments.

Claims (19)

1. A security device (2) for an article, comprising:

a housing (30); an EAS tag (20) contained in the housing (30); and a locking mechanism (10) for securing the security device (20) to an article, the locking mechanism comprising:

a magnetically actuable latch (12) disposed in a channel (6) of the housing;

a flexible element (16) biasing the magnetically actuable latch (12) towards the locking position; and

a latch mating element (18) that mates with the magnetically actuable latch (12) when the magnetically actuable latch (12) is in the locked position;

the method is characterized in that: the security device (2) is resettable, the channel (6) comprising a recess (7), wherein the magnetically actuable latch (12) is positioned to enter the recess (7) when the magnetically actuable latch (12) is biased away from the locking position.

2. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the magnetically actuable latch (12) disposed in the recess (7) is resettable for use by employing a magnet (42) that moves the magnetically actuable latch (12) away from the recess (7).

3. The safety device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (16) comprises foam.

4. The safety device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (16) comprises a spring.

5. The safety device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (16) comprises rubber.

6. The safety device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible element (16) and the magnetically actuable latch (12) are formed in one piece.

7. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the magnetically actuable latch (12) is movable out of the locking position under the influence of magnetic force.

8. The safety device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the magnetically actuable latch (12) is movable in a substantially linear direction.

9. The safety device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the magnetically actuable latch (12) is movable in a substantially rotational direction.

10. The security device (2) of claim 7, wherein the magnetically actuable latch (12) is moveable in a combination of rotational and linear directions.

11. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the EAS tag (20) is an RF tag.

12. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the EAS tag (20) is an acousto-magnetic tag.

13. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the EAS tag (20) is an RFID tag.

14. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the housing (30) is for securing an item to the housing (30) when the magnetically actuable latch (12) is in the locking position.

15. The security device (2) of claim 14, wherein the housing (30) is adapted to secure an item to the housing (30) by surrounding at least a portion of the item.

16. The security device (2) of claim 14, wherein the housing (30) is adapted to secure an item to the housing by surrounding the item.

17. The security device (2) of claim 14, wherein the housing (30) is adapted to secure an item to the housing (30) by interlocking with the item.

18. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the housing (30) is adapted to secure the EAS tag (20) to the housing (30) by enclosing the EAS tag (20).

19. The security device (2) of claim 1, wherein the housing (30) is adapted to secure the latch mechanism (10) to the housing (30) by surrounding the latch mechanism (10).