Two-alarm shoe tag

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11530555-B2
Application number	US-201917297767-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 27, 2019
Priority date	Nov 30, 2018
Publication date	Dec 20, 2022
Grant date	Dec 20, 2022

Abstract

Disclosed is a two-alarm security device that will alarm if the security device is forcibly removed from an article or item without detachment by a corresponding detachment device, and the security device will cause the pedestals in a store to alarm if the article or item is passed through the pedestals with the device still attached. The two-alarm security device comprises a slider operatively movable along a stop piece and a spring-biased engagement member that is operatively moveable into the housing of the stop piece. As the slider and engagement member move from an open position to a closed position, the security device alarm is actuated. A pressure pad attached to the engagement member assists in gently, but sufficiently securing an article between the slider and engagement member. If the article is improperly removed from the security device or otherwise tampered with, the spring-biased engagement member will cause a micro-switch to alarm.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A security tag comprising:
a slider coupled to a stop piece, wherein the slider is operatively slidable along the stop piece between an armed and an unarmed position;
an engagement member that is operatively engageable with an article; and
a first alarming mechanism that activates when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position;
wherein the engagement member (i) is spring-biased and operatively moveable into the stop piece upon pressure from the slider or article; (ii) is configured to engage the article by a frictional clamping force between the slider and the engagement member, or (iii) includes a pressure plate that comprises a compressible material.

2. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the engagement member is configured to engage the article when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position.

3. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the engagement member is depressed into a housing of the stop piece by contact with the slider or article in the armed position.

4. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the engagement member activates the first alarming mechanism in the armed position by activating a switch when depressed into the stop piece.

5. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein unauthorized tampering or removal of the security tag causes the engagement member to at least partially move from the armed position; wherein unauthorized movement of the engagement member causes the switch to alarm.

6. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the engagement member at least partially extends from a depressed position in the stop piece during unauthorized tampering or removal of the security tag to cause the switch to alarm.

7. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein when the engagement member includes a pressure plate comprising a compressible material, the compressible material of the pressure plate is selected from a rubber, a silicone material, a foam, or a polyurethane.

8. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein when the engagement member includes a pressure plate comprising a compressible material, the compressible material conforms to the contours of the article to which it is attached.

9. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the security tag is pin-less.

10. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the security tag is free of an external loop.

11. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the security tag is adhesive free.

12. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the security tag, when engaged with the article, provides a pressure sufficient to attach and secure to the article and activate the switch, but the pressure is such that it does not leave an imprint on or damage the article.

13. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the security tag further comprises a ratchet locking mechanism configured to allow movement of the slider along the stop piece in a forward lateral direction toward the stop piece, but prevent movement of the slider along the stop piece in a backward lateral direction away from the stop piece.

14. The security tag of claim 13 , wherein the ratchet locking mechanism includes a spring-biased pawl that moves in a direction perpendicular to a ratchet track.

15. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the security device further comprises a paddle that compresses a power switch when pressed into the stop piece in the armed position.

16. The security tag of claim 15 , wherein the paddle prevents movement of the slider when extended beyond the stop piece in the unarmed position.

17. The security tag of claim 15 , wherein the paddle prevents the security tag from accidentally moving from the unarmed position to the armed position during shipping, transport, or storage.

18. The security tag of claim 1 further comprising a second alarming mechanism that activates when passed through the security pedestals of a store.

19. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein the article is a shoe.

20. The security tag of claim 1 , wherein a user may view, try on, or touch the article and security tag without causing the first alarming mechanism to alarm.

21. A method of attaching a security tag to an article, comprising:
(a) pressing a paddle of a power mechanism into a housing of a stop piece to engage a power switch;
(b) sliding a slider across a track of the stop piece from an open position toward a closed position;
(c) inserting an article between an arm of the slider and an engagement member that that is biased by a spring;
(d) sliding the slider along the track the stop piece until the article is secured between the arm of the slider and the engagement member,
wherein the engagement member activates a switch and alarms the security device when in the closed position.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the security tag provides enough pressure to attach and secure to the article and activate the switch, but not so much pressure as to leave an imprint or otherwise damage the article.

23. A security tag comprising:
a slider coupled to a stop piece, wherein the slider is operatively slidable along the stop piece between an armed and an unarmed position;
an engagement member that is operatively engageable with an article; and
a first alarming mechanism that activates when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position; wherein the security tag is pin-less.

24. A security tag comprising:
a slider coupled to a stop piece, wherein the slider is operatively slidable along the stop piece between an armed and an unarmed position;
an engagement member that is operatively engageable with an article;
a first alarming mechanism that activates when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position; and
a ratchet locking mechanism configured to allow movement of the slider along the stop piece in a forward lateral direction toward the stop piece, but prevent movement of the slider along the stop piece in a backward lateral direction away from the stop piece, wherein the ratchet locking mechanism includes a spring-biased pawl that moves in a direction perpendicular to a ratchet track.

25. A security tag comprising:
a slider coupled to a stop piece, wherein the slider is operatively slidable along the stop piece between an armed and an unarmed position;
an engagement member that is operatively engageable with an article;
a first alarming mechanism that activates when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position; and
a paddle that compresses a power switch when pressed into the stop piece in the armed position.

Assignees

• Checkpoint Systems Inc

Inventors

• Perreau Benoit
• Galanti Joe
• Brody Michael

Classifications

• A43C19/00

  Attachments for footwear, not provided for in other groups of this subclass · CPC title

• G08B13/2434

  Tag housing and attachment details · CPC title

• E05B73/0017 Primary

  Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops · CPC title

• E05B17/22

  Means for operating or controlling lock or fastening device accessories, i.e. other than the fastening members, e.g. switches, indicators {(E05B39/00 - E05B45/00 take precedence)} · CPC title

• E05B73/0058

  for essentially box-shaped devices · CPC title