Device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment

• US 5,717,382 A
• Filed: 03/15/1996
• Issued: 02/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Original Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Inventors: Cooper, William J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US08/616,084
• Time in Patent Office: 697 Days
• Field of Search: 340/551, 340/572, 340/568, 340/825.54, 340/825.36
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2434 Tag housing and attachment details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2442 Tag materials and material properties thereof, e.g. magnetic material details

Abstract

A device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment. In one embodiment, the device comprises a fastener of the type constructed for use in attaching a tag to the article of commerce. The fastener includes a first end, a second end and a filament interconnecting the first end and the second end. The first end is shaped to define a cross-bar which can be inserted through the tag and then through the article of commerce. The second end is sized and shaped to prevent the tag from being pulled off the filament. The fastener is made of plastic and includes one or more magnetizable particles embedded therewithin. The particles are initially placed in a magnetized state. Consequently, when an article, including the fastener, passes through a magnetic field detector, a signal will be emitted unless the particles have been demagnetized.

Claims

1. A device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment, said device comprising a plastic member, said plastic member having one or more magnetizable particles embedded therewithin, said plastic member being a cross-bar of a plastic fastener of the type comprising a flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end thereof for insertion through an article of commerce using a tagger gun having a hollow slotted needle.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plastic is polypropylene.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said one or more magnetizable particles are iron filings.

4. A device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment, said device comprising a fastener of the type which can be used to secure a tag to said article of commerce, the fastener comprising an elongated unitary member having a first end, a second end, and a filament, said filament interconnecting said first end and said second end, said first end being shaped to define a cross-bar insertable through an article of commerce using a tagger gun having a hollow slotted needle, said second end being sized and shaped to prevent said filament from being pulled completely through the article of commerce, said elongated unitary member being made of plastic and having one or more magnetizable particles embedded therewithin.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plastic is polypropylene.

6. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said second end is shaped to define a paddle.

7. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plastic is nylon.

8. The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said magnetizable particles are iron filings.

9. A method for constructing a device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce, said method comprising the steps of:

a. mixing one or more magnetizable particles together with plastic to form a molding compound; and

b. molding said molding compound into a fastener of the type which includes an elongated unitary member having a first end, a second end, and a filament, the filament interconnecting the first end and the second end, the first end being shaped to define a cross-bar insertable through an article of commerce using a tagger gun having a hollow slotted needle, the second end being sized and shaped to prevent the filament from being pulled completely through the article of commerce.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second end is shaped to define a paddle.

11. A method for constructing a device for use in detecting the theft of an article of commerce, said method comprising the steps of:

a. mix together one or more magnetizable particles with plastic to form a molding compound; and

b. molding said molding compound into an elongated member being a cross-bar of a plastic fastener of the type comprising a flexible filament having a cross-bar at one end thereof for insertion through an article of commerce using a tagger gun having a hollow slotted needle.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 wherein said elongated member is insertable into an article of commerce using a tagging gun.