HK1114144B - Identification/surveillance device with removable tack button - Google Patents

Description

Identification/surveillance device with removable tack button

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an item identification and surveillance system, and more particularly, to a removable item identification and surveillance system.

Background

A variety of item identification and/or surveillance systems are known, for example for preventing or deterring unauthorized removal of items from a controlled area, such as a retail store. Generally, an item identification/surveillance system includes a tag that is releasably secured to an item to be identified and/or monitored, such as an article of merchandise or the like. The tag may be removed or rendered inoperable until the item is permitted to be removed from the controlled area. The tag may activate an alarm upon unauthorized removal, for example some identification/surveillance tags or devices may be designed to sound an alarm through interaction with an electromagnetic field established at the exit of the controlled area. Other types of labels may be designed to release a dye if the label is forcibly removed, for example on an article.

The use of identification/surveillance tags is very popular in textile retail stores to reduce losses due primarily to theft of goods. One type, known as hard tags, includes a rigid or rigid plastic tag body that is commonly affixed to a textile article such as clothing using a tack. The tack may include a button with a pin extending from one side of the button. The end of the pin extending from the button is pointed to allow the pin to be inserted into the fabric/material of the article to apply the indicia without damaging the article. The button may be configured with sufficient dimensions to prevent anyone from forcing the fabric through the button and disabling the identification/surveillance system. According to various designs, the tack structure may include a plastic button molded around a metal pin. In other designs, the tack is configured similar to a drawing pin, wherein the pin and button are a unitary structure.

The pin of the tack may be inserted through the article into the tag body to secure the tag to the article for identification/surveillance. The tag may include a clip or clamp to grip the pin to prevent unauthorized removal of the tag from the article. The clamp or clip of the tag may be opened with a specially configured device. In addition to the clamp or clip, the tag may also mount a sensor element to be detected by an EAS (electronic article surveillance) detector. Other types include ink-jet labels and holders that release a fixed ink onto an article if the label is forcibly opened; the retaining member may comprise a cable or wire connected to the fixed structure to prevent the actual movement of the article. Once the clamp or clip has been opened, the tack can be removed from the tag, thus allowing the tag to be removed from the article.

One problem often encountered with article identification/surveillance devices for textiles is the danger associated with sharp needles. When the tag is fixed to an article, the pin is housed inside the tag, the tip of the pin is not exposed, and does not pose any risk. However, when the tag is removed, the tack is removed from the tag and the sharp pin is exposed. The sharp pin of an exposed, unsecured tack can present a hazard to store clerks, such as during or after removal of the tag, and can also present a hazard to consumers, for example, if inadvertently left in an item. With increasing frequency of use, stores have also proposed self-checkout in which the consumer scans and pays for items without the assistance of store clerks. The use of the new self-checkout mode can also present a hazard to the consumer if the consumer removes the tag and handles the unsecured tack without proper training.

In addition to the dangers presented by pins, another drawback often encountered with identification/surveillance tags that use a tack to secure the tag to an article is the difficulty in removing the tack from the tag. Typically, the tack is separate from the tag body. Removing the tack may require a certain amount of force to slide the pin out of the gripping material of the tag holder. Furthermore, long pins that may be used to label thicker articles may become caught on the surrounding material of the labeled article or may not be completely removed from the article during the removal process. These problems may prevent attempts to remove the tag automatically. These problems may also complicate the incorporation of self-checkout stations in retail stores. This further complication is due, at least in part, to the fact that consumers using self-checkout stations must remove the identification/surveillance tags without any thorough training or explanation.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the description of embodiments consistent with the present invention, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an identification/surveillance device consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an identification/surveillance device consistent with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an identification/surveillance device consistent with the invention;

figure 4 diagrammatically shows an embodiment of a detacher system according to the invention; and

fig. 5 schematically shows another embodiment of a detacher system according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a portion of an identification/surveillance device 10 consistent with the present invention. The illustrated identification/surveillance device 10 generally includes a tag 12 and a tack 14. The label 12 may include a detection/marking feature 13. The detection/marker feature 13 may include, for example, an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) device, such as an RFID; a marking device, etc. The detection/marking element 13 may be provided in a part of the tag 12 other than the position shown. The tack 14 may generally include a button 16 and a pin 18. The pin 18 may engage the button 16 and may pass through an item 17 to be identified or monitored. The pin 18 may have a pointed or pointed end 20 to facilitate passage of the pin 18 through an item to be identified or monitored. The sharp or pointed end 20 of the pin may be at least partially received in the tag portion 12 and may engage the tag 12. Thus, as shown, an item being identified or monitored may be clamped between the button 16 and the tag 12 with the pin 18 extending through the item 17.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pin 18 is releasably engaged to the button 16 using a magnetic ball clutch. As shown, the ball clutch may be disposed about a portion of a pin 18 received in the button 16. The magnetic ball clutch may include a coil spring 26. The coil spring 26 may bear against a ferrous plunger 28 and bias the ferrous plunger 28 axially relative to the needle 18 toward the tip 20 of the needle 18. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the ferrous plunger 28 may be configured as an annular member that is coaxially disposed about the needle 18 in an assembled configuration. The ferrous plunger 28 may, in turn, act upon one or more ball bearings 30, 32, thereby biasing the ball bearings 30, 32 toward the converging surface 34. Consistent with this configuration, the needle 18 may include a radial groove 24 around at least a portion of the circumference of the needle 18. The force of the ferrous plunger 28 biasing the ball bearings 30, 32 against the converging surface 34 may urge the ball bearings 30, 32 toward the needle 18 so that the ball bearings 30, 32 may engage the groove 24 in the needle 18. When the ball bearings 30, 32 are engaged in the groove 24 of the pin 18, the pin 18 may be prevented from being removed or separated from the button 16.

The button 16 may be removed from the pin 18 against the biasing force of the spring 26 using a magnet. The magnet may be brought into proximity with the button 16 from above, i.e., on the side of the button 16 adjacent the spring 26. The magnets attract the ferrous plunger 28, thereby compressing the spring 26 and relieving the biasing force on the ball bearings 30, 32. As the biasing force of the ball bearings 30, 32 decreases, the ball bearings 30, 32 may be released from the groove 24 on the pin 18, thereby allowing the pin 18 to be separated from the button 16.

Many variations on the magnetic ball clutch described above are possible. For example, other spring configurations than the illustrated coil spring 26 may be suitably employed to bias the ferrous plunger 28. Similarly, rather than biasing one or more ball bearings 30, 32, a segmented ring or the like may be biased to grip the pin 18. Further alternatives and variations of the magnetic ball clutch shown may also be suitably employed herein.

In addition to being releasably engaged to the button 16, the pin 18 may also be engaged with the tag portion 12. According to one embodiment, tag portion 12 may be configured to engage tack 14 in a non-removable manner or in a manner that is not readily releasable. Referring to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the tag portion 12 may include a clamp 38 configured to clamp the pin 18. The needle 18 may be configured to include a second radial groove 36 extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the needle 18. As shown, the second groove may be disposed on a portion of the needle 18 adjacent the needle tip 20. The clamp 38 may engage the second groove 36 of the pin 18 to prevent the pin 18 from being removed from the tag portion 12.

According to one embodiment, the clamp 38 may include an opening 40, an inner diameter of the opening 40 being smaller than an outer diameter of the needle 18, and the clamp 38 may be sized to be at least partially received within the second groove 36 of the needle 18. The tip 20 of the needle 18 may be pressed into the opening 40 and the taper of the tip 20 may cause the opening to elastically expand to receive the needle 18. The opening 40 may resiliently return to the second recess 36 when the needle 18 is pressed far enough into the opening 40 to align the second recess 36 on the needle 18 with the clamp 38. According to one embodiment, the second groove 36 may be formed to have a stepped or steeply inclined shape adjacent the tip 20 of the needle 18. This stepped or steeply inclined shape may provide limited mechanical advantage for the opening 40 to elastically deform to enable withdrawal of the needle 18 from the clamp 38. Thus, the clip 38 prevents the needle 18 from being easily removed.

According to the previous embodiment, the clamp 38 may be made of any material that allows sufficient elastic deformation and recovery to allow the pin 18 to be pressed into the opening 40 and elastically return to engaging features on the pin 18. For example, the clamp 38 may be made of an elastic material, such as natural rubber, a polymeric material, or the like. However, it is not necessary that all of the deformation of the clip 38 be within the elastic range of the clip 38 material. In addition, other features besides grooves and openings may be used to non-releasably engage the pin 18 to the label portion 12. The clamp may comprise one or more resiliently deformable parts. For example, the clip may include a metal member, such as a piece of sheet metal, having an opening therein and at least one spring clip extending into the opening. The spring clip is resiliently deflectable as the needle passes through the opening and resiliently returns into engagement with the groove on the needle. Similarly, the needle may include an engagement member other than a groove. For example, the pin may include barbs, protrusions, etc., configured to mate with the engagement member of the tag.

According to one embodiment, the pin 18 and button 16 may be preassembled to form a tack 14 having a pointed end 20. The identification/surveillance device 10 may be secured to an article by passing the tip 20 of the pin 18 through the article. The label portion 12 may be pressed onto the tip 20 of the needle 18. The pin 18 may be pressed into the tag portion 12 until the clamp 38 of the tag portion 12 engages the pin 18. Similarly, the tack 14 may be pressed into the tag portion 12. For example, at least a portion of the article to be identified/monitored may be placed on the label portion 12. The pointed end 20 of the pin 18 may be aligned with an opening in the label portion 12 to provide access to the clamp 38. The tack 14 may be pressed into the tag portion 12 until the clamp 38 engages the pin 18. In this manner, the identification/surveillance device 10 may be securely engaged to an article having the enlarged button 14 and tag portion 12, thereby preventing removal of the identification/surveillance device 10 from the article.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the pin 18 is releasably engaged with the button 16 of the identification/surveillance device 10. Thus, the identification/surveillance system 10 may be separated or detached from the article by separating the pin 18 from the button 16. According to this embodiment, the pin 18 may remain engaged within the tag portion 12, while the button 16 may be disengaged from the remainder of the device. As shown, the end 22 of the pin 18 removably engaged by the button 16 may be blunt or blunt and configured to minimize the risk of puncture of the pin 18 as compared to the tip or point 20 of the pin 18. For example, according to various embodiments, the end 22 of the needle 18 may be flat, rounded, etc. Thus, when the identification/surveillance device 10 is removed from an article by disengaging the button 16 from the pin 18, the pointed end 20 of the pin 18 engages the tag portion 12, leaving only the blunt end 22 of the pin 18 exposed. In this way, the risk of puncture associated with removal of the identification/surveillance device may be reduced. The terms sharp or pointed and the terms blunt or blunt as used in any embodiment herein refer to the configuration of the opposing ends of the needle relative to each other, and not the absolute or particular structure or geometry. In one embodiment, for example, the end surface area of the tip or point may be smaller than the end surface area of the blunt or blunt end, or the tip or point may have a smaller end curvature diameter than the blunt or blunt end.

According to one aspect, simplifying removal of the identification/surveillance device 10 and reducing the risk of being punctured may facilitate economical use of the identification/surveillance system. For example, ease of removal of the identification/surveillance device 10 and reduced risk of puncture may reduce the amount of training required to safely and efficiently remove the identification/surveillance device 10. In addition, the ease of removal of the identification/surveillance device 10 and the reduced risk of puncture may also make the identification/surveillance device 10 consistent with the present disclosure more suitable for use by untrained consumers in the context of self-checkout stations in retail stores. Further, the automatic removal may be further facilitated by simply removing the button, as opposed to the entire tack. For example, simply removing the button may reduce or eliminate problems that may occur due to the pin of the tack becoming entangled in the item or due to the risk of a puncture occurring with a free tack.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of an identification/surveillance device 100 consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the identification/surveillance device 100 may include a tag portion 102 and a tack 104. The tack 104 may include a button 106 and a pin 108. Similar to the embodiments described above, the pin 108 may include a pointed end 110 engageable with the tag portion 102 and a blunt end 112 engageable with the button 106. The tip 110 of the needle 108 may be configured to allow easy penetration of an item to be identified/monitored. The blunt end 112 of the pin 108 may releasably engage the button 106 and may thus be configured to reduce the risk of puncture compared to the pointed end 110 of the pin 108. According to the illustrated embodiment, the button 106 may include a magnetic ball clutch or similar device to releasably engage the blunt end 112 of the pin 108.

The identification/surveillance device 100 as shown in fig. 2 includes a tag portion 102 configured to releasably engage a tip 110 of a pin 108. According to the illustrated embodiment, the tag portion 102 may employ a magnetic ball clutch or similar device for releasably engaging the pointed end 110 of the pin 108. Similar to the arrangement of the button 106, the magnetic ball clutch in the tag portion 102 may generally include a coil spring 114. The coil spring 114 may bias the ferrous plunger 116 toward the button 106 generally along the axis of the pin 108. The ferrous plunger 116 may be generally configured as a ring of ferrous material, although other configurations may be suitable for use herein. The ferrous plunger 116 may bear against one or more ball bearings 118, 120, pressing the ball bearings 118, 120 against the converging surface 122. The force of the ball bearings 118, 120 against the converging surface 122 may push the ball bearings together.

The pin 108 may be inserted into the magnetic ball clutch assembly of the tag portion 102 by pressing the pointed end 110 of the pin into the opening of the tag portion 102 and between the ball bearings 118, 120. The needle 108 is inserted into the magnetic ball clutch so that the spring 114 is compressed by applying a compressive force to the spring through the ball bearings 118, 120 and the ferrous plunger 116. When the spring 114 is compressed, the ball bearings 118, 120 may move away from the converging surface 122, thereby enabling the ball bearings 118, 120 to move away from each other, thereby enabling the needle 108 to move intermediate the ball bearings 118, 120.

The needle 108 may also include a radial groove 124. When the groove 124 is aligned with the ball bearings 118, 120, the compressive force exerted by the needle 108 may be reduced, allowing the spring 114 to urge the ball bearings 118, 120 against the converging surface 122, thereby also urging the ball bearings 118, 120 together into engagement with the groove 124 of the needle 108. When the ball bearings 118, 120 engage the groove 124 of the pin 108, the magnetic ball clutch may resist removal of the pin 108 from the tag portion 102.

As previously described, the blunt end 112 of the pin 108 may be pre-assembled to the button 106 to form a complete tack 104. The identification/surveillance device 100 may be secured by pushing the tip 110 of the pin 108 through the item to be identified/surveilled and into the magnetic ball clutch of the tag portion 102. The pointed end 110 of the pin 108 may be engaged by the magnetic ball clutch of the tag portion 102 in the manner described above.

Similar to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1, the identification/surveillance device 100 may be removed from the article by bringing a magnet into proximity with the button 106, thereby unlocking the magnetic ball clutch in the button 106 and allowing the blunt end 112 of the pin 108 to disengage from the button 106. The tag portion 102 and the pin 108 can then be removed from the article without exposing the pointed end 110 of the pin 108. The pin 108 may then be disengaged or removed from the tag portion 102. Thus, the tag portion 102 and/or the pin 108 may be easily reusable.

In addition, many modifications and variations can be made to the ball clamp without substantially departing from the principles thereof. For example, the spring 114 may take on configurations other than a coil spring. Similarly, the design and construction of the ferrous plunger and ball bearing may be modified and/or varied as previously discussed.

Another configuration of the tag portion may include a ball clutch configured to be non-detachable. A ball clip according to this embodiment may generally be as described with reference to fig. 2. However, the ferrous plunger may be replaced by a non-ferrous plunger. In this configuration, the ball clip can be engaged by inserting the tip of the needle into the clip. However, the non-ferrous plunger cannot utilize a magnet to push the compression spring. Thus, once the tip of the pin is engaged into the ball clutch, the pin may become non-releasably engaged to the tag portion.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an identification/surveillance device 200 consistent with the present disclosure is shown. As with the previous embodiments, the identification/surveillance device 200 may generally include a tag portion 202 and a tack portion 204. The tack portion 204 may generally include a button 206 and a pin 208 configured to releasably engage the button 206. The pin 208 may have a pointed or pointed end that may be configured to engage the tag portion 202. The pin 208 may also have a blunt end 212 configured to releasably engage the button 206.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the button 206 may include a magnetically separable clip that includes a locking member 214. The locking element 214 may be configured to engage a radial groove 216 on the needle 208. As described, when the locking member 214 is disposed in the radial groove 216 of the pin 208, the locking member 214 may impede withdrawal of the pin 208 from the button 206. The locking member 214 may be retained in a desired position and/or orientation within the button 206 by a compressible foam member 218 or other similar resiliently deformable member. According to the illustrated embodiment, the blunt end 212 of the pin 208 may be inserted into the button 206.

The blunt end 212 of the pin 208 may contact the locking member 214 during insertion of the pin 208 into the button 206. The compressible foam member 218 may deform and allow the locking member 214 to rotate or pivot away from the needle 208. When the pin 208 is inserted into the button 206 such that the groove 216 of the pin 208 is aligned with the locking member 214, the locking member 214 may be rotated or pivoted toward the pin 208 and engaged to the groove 216 under the biasing force of the compressible foam member 218.

As shown, the tag portion 202 of the identification/surveillance device 200 may also include a magnetic clamp similar to the magnetic clamp associated with the button 206. Accordingly, the tag portion 202 may include a locking member 220 configured to engage a recess 222 on the pin 208 adjacent a tip or point 224 of the pin 208. The locking member 220 may be supported in a desired position and/or orientation with a compressible foam member 226 or similar resiliently deformable member. As described with reference to the clip associated with the button 206, the locking member 220 may pivot or rotate away from the pin 208 when the pin 208 is inserted into the clip mechanism of the tag portion 202. When the recess 222 of the needle 208 is aligned with the adjacent portion of the locking member 220, the locking member may be rotated or pivoted into the recess 222 under the biasing force provided by the foam member 226. When engaged within the groove 222 of the pin 208, the locking member 220 may impede the withdrawal of the pin 208 from the tag portion 202.

The pin 208 may be preassembled to the button 204 to form a tack 204 that includes the pin 208 engaged with the button 206. The pin 208 may be inserted into the tag portion 202 through an item to be identified/monitored until the pin 208 is engaged by the clip of the tag portion 202. In this manner, the identification/surveillance device 200 may be secured to an article.

The identification/surveillance device 200 may be separated from the article by disengaging the magnetic clutch in the button 206 from the pin 208. According to the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic clutch in the button 206 may be disengaged from the pin 208 by moving a magnet with sufficient field strength and the correct orientation proximate to the button 206. The locking member 214 may be made of a ferrous material. Thus, the magnet may pivot or rotate the locking member 214 out of the groove 216 on the needle 208. With the locking member 214 rotated out of the recess 216, the pin 208 may be withdrawn from the button 206, thereby exposing the blunt or dull end 212 of the pin 208. The pin 208 may remain engaged with the tag portion 202 and may be withdrawn from the article by removing the tag portion 202 from the article. The pin 208 may then be removed from the tag portion 202 in a manner similar to the disengagement of the magnetic clutch in the button 206 by providing a locking member 220 made of a ferrous material and using a magnet to pivot or rotate the locking member 220 out of a recess 222 adjacent a tapered or pointed end 224 of the pin 208. Thus, the button 206, pin 208, and/or tag portion 202 may be reusable.

In a related embodiment, a clip mechanism associated with the tag portion may be adapted to non-releasably engage the pin. For example, the locking member of the clip in the tag portion may be made of a non-ferrous material. Thus, once the locking element engages the recess adjacent the tip of the needle, the locking element cannot be separated by the magnet. On the other hand, a magnetic shield material may be provided around the locking member. The shielding material may reduce the influence of an external magnetic field on the locking member. Various other configurations may be employed to achieve non-detachability between the needle and the clip in the tag portion.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, the pin is releasably engaged with both the button and the tag portion, using the same releasable engagement mechanism for both the button and the tag portion. According to an alternative embodiment, the releasable engagement mechanism configured to releasably engage the pin to the button may be different than the releasable engagement mechanism configured to releasably engage the pin to the tag portion. For example, with reference to the two exemplary clip mechanisms shown, the pin may be releasably engaged to the button using a magnetic ball clip mechanism. However, a magnetic clip mechanism as shown in FIG. 3 may be used to releasably engage the pin to the tag portion. Various alternative removable and non-removable engagement mechanisms may be used to engage the pin to the button and/or tag portion of the identification/surveillance system.

Furthermore, while the embodiments shown in fig. 1 through 3 have been directed to identification/surveillance systems configured as buttons with studs removably engaged with the pins, such configurations may be modified in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the blunt end of the pin may be releasably engaged with the tag portion and the sharp or pointed end may be engaged with the button. According to this configuration, the blunt end of the needle can engage the label, thereby causing the sharp end of the needle to protrude from the label. The tip of the needle may be passed through the item to be identified/monitored. The button may then be pressed onto the tip of the pin such that the button covers the tip and engages the pin. The identification/surveillance device may be removed from the article by disengaging the engagement between the tag and the pin, and the tack, including the pin and button, may then be removed from the article. In this embodiment, when the tack is removed as a complete unit, i.e., including the pin and button, the pin is exposed as a blunt end, thereby reducing the risk of puncture associated with the tack. According to various embodiments, the pin may be releasably engaged with the button or non-releasably engaged with the button.

According to another aspect, the tag may be configured with a notch extending from the clip or clamp. According to this configuration, after the button has been separated or disengaged from the blunt end of the pin, the pin may be pushed into a recess extending from the clamp or clip of the tag. Thus, once the needle has been pushed into the recess, the risk of needle-related puncture injuries is even further reduced. In one embodiment consistent with this aspect, a detachment mechanism may be provided to separate the blunt end of the pin from the button and push the pin into the notch of the tag. According to one embodiment, the detachment mechanism may disengage the button, such as using a movable hammer, and pass the pin through the article and into the recess. In this embodiment, the pins may be disposed at least partially, if not entirely, within the tag when the identification/surveillance device is separated from the article, thereby further reducing any risk of puncture associated with the pins.

Turning now to fig. 4, in accordance with another aspect contemplated herein, a detacher system 300 may be provided that includes a magnet 306 that may disengage the button 304 or tag 302 from the blunt end of the pin 308 and/or detach the button 304 or tag 302 from the pin 308. The detacher 300 may include a magnet 306 that may be brought into close proximity with the button 304 to disengage a magnetically separable clamp located in the button 304. The button 304 may be retained to the magnet 306 by magnetic attraction between the magnet 306 and ferrous elements in the button 304, such as ferrous plunger, ball bearings, etc. Thus, when the magnet 304 is retracted from the identification/surveillance device, the button 304 may be removed from the pin 308 and retracted along with the magnet 306. In a related embodiment, once the magnetic clamp has been separated, the button may be swept away from the magnet or blown away from the magnet, such as with compressed air or the like. The magnet may be configured to be selectively magnetizable, such as an electromagnet. The magnet may separate the button from the pin, and the button may be retained to the magnet. The magnet may then be demagnetized to disengage the button, allowing the button to be collected, for example, in a hopper or container. According to these embodiments, the removed button may be easily stored in a receiving hopper or receptacle.

In accordance with yet another aspect shown in FIG. 5, a detacher system 400 may be provided that either detaches the tack 404 as a unit or simply removes the button 413 to engage the pin 412 with the tag 402. For example, the pin 412 may be releasably engaged to the button 413 and may be releasably engaged to the tag 402. The detachment system 400 may include a first magnet 406 that is selectively moved into a position proximate to the button 413. When the first magnet 406 is moved into a position proximate to the button 413, the magnetic clutch in the button 413 may disengage, thereby allowing the button 413 to be removed from the pin 412. In one embodiment, the blunt end of the pin may be exposed when the button 413 is removed from the pin 412. The detachment mechanism is particularly well suited for self-checkout.

The detacher system 400 may also include a second magnet 408 that is selectively moved into position proximate the tag 402. When the second magnet 408 is moved into a position proximate to the tag 402, the second magnet 408 may disengage from the magnetic clamp in the tag 402, allowing the tack 404 to disengage from the tag 402. When the clip in the tag 402 has been disengaged, including the button 413 engaged to the pin 412, the tack 404 may be removed from the tag 402, thereby exposing the tip of the pin 412. When the tack 404 is removed entirely from the tag 402, the tack 404 may be reused satisfactorily without having to first assemble the pin 412 to the button 413. Such a detachment mechanism may be suitable for use by trained employees at the auxiliary checkout stations of the retail store.

In accordance with the foregoing aspects, a single detacher system 400 may be provided that is suitable for both self-checkout and assisted checkout modes. The detacher system 400 may include a controller 410 to enable a manual selection of the mode of operation, for example, depending on whether the checkout station is a self-checkout station or an auxiliary checkout station. Alternatively, or in addition, the detachment mode may be selected automatically. Additionally, the first and/or second magnets may be electromagnets rather than permanent magnets. Thus, in addition to moving the first or second magnet to a position proximate the button or tag, the controller 410 may also issue an electronic signal to enable the power source to turn on the appropriate electromagnet for selecting the detachment mode.

The system may also include a means to force the pin 412 into the tag 402 or button 413 after the button or tag has been removed. In one embodiment, in which the button 413 is removed to expose the blunt end of the pin, the pin 412 may be forced axially into the tag 402 such that no portion of the pin extends outwardly from the tag, thereby eliminating any risk of being punctured and/or interfering with the tag removal process associated with the blunt end of the pin. The pin 412 may be pulled or pushed into the tag 402 or button 413 using mechanical and/or electromechanical means. For example, the magnet 408 may be configured to draw the pin into the tag 402, or the magnet 406 may be configured to draw the pin into the button 413.

While specific embodiments of pin-engaging clips and/or clamps have been described herein, various other clip and/or clamp designs and configurations may be employed for releasably engaging buttons and pins, and for releasably or non-releasably engaging tags and pins. In addition, the clips and clamps disclosed herein are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations. For example, rather than employing a magnetic breakaway configuration, the clip designs disclosed herein can be configured to employ a mechanical breakaway or disengagement feature. Various other modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The embodiments that have been described herein are but a few of the several which utilize this invention and are set forth here by way of illustration but not of limitation. It is evident that many other embodiments, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. An identification/surveillance device, comprising:

a label;

a button;

a needle comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being pointed than the second end;

a clip in one of the tag or the button adapted to releasably engage the second end of the pin; and

another clip in the other of the tag or the button adapted to non-releasably engage the first end of the pin.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the clips comprises a magnetically separable clip.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the clips includes at least one ball bearing configured to engage an associated feature on the needle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the clips includes a spring biasing the at least one ball bearing toward the engaged configuration.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the spring acts through a plunger biasing the at least one ball bearing toward an engaged configuration.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the plunger comprises a ferrous body.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the clips includes a locking member and a resiliently deformable member biasing the locking member toward a locked configuration.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the locking member comprises a ferrous member.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the tag or the button comprises an EAS device.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the tag or the button comprises an RFID device.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the tag or the button comprises a marking device.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the needle has a flat end face.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the needle is tapered.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the other clip is a clamp configured to grip the first end of the needle.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the clamp includes a member defining a resiliently expandable opening sized to non-releasably engage a radial groove on the needle.

16. A method of identifying/monitoring an item, the method comprising:

providing a needle having a first end and a second end, the first end being pointed relative to the second end of the needle;

providing a button having a first clip adapted to releasably engage the second end of the pin;

providing a tag having a second clip adapted to non-releasably engage with the first end of the needle;

engaging the second end of the pin to a first clip in a button to form a tack;

passing the first end of the needle through the article; and is

Engaging the first end of the pin to a second clip in the tag.