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

• US 6,025,781 A
• Filed: 06/02/1997
• Issued: 02/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Original Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Inventors: Deschenes, Charles L.
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US08/867,348
• Time in Patent Office: 988 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572, 340/572.8, 340/572.1, 29/428
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 65/78 Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles , e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 2009/0003 Use of RFID labels
• CPC Class Codes: B65C 7/003 using paddle-shaped plastic pins using plastic pins for affixing buttons to garments A41H37/008
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2434 Tag housing and attachment details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2437 Tag layered structure, processes for making layered tags
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/244 Tag manufacturing, e.g. continuous manufacturing processes
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2445 Tag integrated into item to be protected, e.g. source tagging
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/0329 having electronic sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/037 having tie-wrap sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment. The device comprises a fastener of the type constructed for use in attaching a tag to the article of commerce. The fastener includes an elongated unitary member having a first end, a second end and a flexible filament, the flexible filament interconnecting the first end and the second end. The first end is shaped to define a cross-bar insertable through an article of commerce. The second end is sized and shaped to prevent the flexible filament from being pulled completely through the article of commerce. The device further comprises an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag which is incorporated into the fastener. The EAS tag can be commonly used tag such as an electromagnetic tag or a radio frequency tag and can be located in either the first end, the second end or in the flexible filament of the fastener. The device can be manufactured through a continuous molding process.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment, said fastener assembly comprising:

a) a fastener, said fastener comprising an elongated unitary member made of plastic and having a first end, a second end and a flexible filament, the flexible 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, the second end being sized and shaped to prevent said flexible filament from being pulled completely through the article of commerce; and

b) an EAS security tag mounted within said fastener, said EAS security tag comprising a tag housing and a magnetic element disposed in the tag housing.

2. A fastener assembly for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment, said fastener assembly comprising:

a) a fastener, said fastener comprising an elongated unitary member made of plastic and having a first end, a second end and a flexible filament, the flexible 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, the second end being sized and shaped to prevent said flexible filament from being pulled completely through the article of commerce; and

b) an EAS security tag mounted within said fastener, said EAS security tag comprising a radio frequency marker.