Anti-theft hang tag

• US 8,890,694 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2012
• Issued: 11/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: W G Security Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: W G Security Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Yang, Xiao Hui
• Primary Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US13/719,496
• Publication Number:
  US 20140071643A1
• Time in Patent Office: 699 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.8, 3405721-5727, 340/527.9, 340/541, 340/551, 340/568.1, 340555-556, 340/552, 340/10.1, 340/10.5
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0017 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 Class Codes: G08B 13/1463 Physical arrangements, e.g. housings devices to prevent theft or loss of purses, luggage or hand carried bags A45C13/18
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2434 Tag housing and attachment details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2448 Tag with at least dual detection means, e.g. combined inductive and ferromagnetic tags, dual frequencies within a single technology, tampering detection or signalling means on the tag
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0208 Interlock mechanisms; Means for avoiding unauthorised use or function, e.g. tamperproof

Abstract

An anti-theft device comprised of a housing hingably connected to a cover. The housing and cover can move from an open position to a closed position to clasp and secure an article to be monitored. The housing and cover have latch components. When the housing and cover are rotated to a closed position in relation to one another, a latch component on the cover interconnects with a latch component of the housing to hold the housing and cover in a closed position. The latch components may be releasably lockable and may be released by application of a magnet to a blocking component in the housing which has a magnetically-attractable element associated with it, combined with manual manipulation of a latch switch to disengage the latching components of the housing and cover. The anti-theft device carries at least a passive electronic article surveillance element. More advanced electronic article surveillance elements may also be carried in the housing.

Claims

1. An anti-theft device comprising;

a first component hingably connected to a second component, said first and second components rotatable along a hinge axis between open and closed positions and, when in said closed position, defining a passageway for receiving a portion of an object to be monitored;

said first component comprising a latch, a first spring, and a housing defining an internal compartment, said latch including a first interlock element;

said second component comprising a latch receiver for receiving said latch when said first and second components are rotated to said closed position and said latch is moved to a latched position;

electronics located within said internal compartment;

a blocking component comprised of a second interlock element; and

,

a second spring;

said second spring moving said blocking component into a blocking position to prevent a return of said latch when said first component and said second component are rotated to said closed position and said latch is moved to said latched position;

said first spring biasing said latch in said latched position toward said blocking component to interlock said first interlock element with said second interlock element.

2. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein:

said blocking component is at least partially comprised of a magnetically attractable material and can be retracted to a non-blocking position when specific conditions are met;

said specific conditions comprising the manipulation of said latch against said first spring to disengage said first interlock element from said second interlock element, and the application of a magnet to said anti-theft tag to overcome said second spring.

3. The anti-theft device of claim 2, wherein:

when said blocking component is retracted to said non-blocking position, and said manipulation of said latch is ceased, said first spring moves said latch into an unlatched position.

4. The anti-theft device of claim 3, wherein:

when said latch is in said unlatched position, said latch maintains said blocking component in said non-blocking position.

5. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein:

said electronics comprise a passive electronic article surveillance element.

6. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein:

said first component further comprises a switch aperture passing from said internal compartment to external of said housing;

said electronics comprise a circuit board, microprocessor, battery, audible alarm generator, and a closure switch;

said closure switch extending through said switch aperture in said housing;

said second component changing the state of said closure switch when said first and second components are moved to said closed position.

7. The anti-theft device of claim 6, wherein;

said electronics further comprise communication elements.

8. The anti-theft device of claim 6, wherein;

said electronics further comprise infrared communication elements.

9. The anti-theft device of claim 6, wherein;

said electronics further comprise radio frequency circuitry elements.

10. The anti-theft device of claim 6, wherein;

said electronics further comprise a latch switch.

11. The anti-theft device of claim 1, further comprising;

a hanger aperture for hanging said anti-theft tag and said object to be monitored.

12. The anti-theft device of claim 11, further comprising;

a first connector element;

a hanger member, said hanger member comprising said hanger aperture and a second connector element;

said first connector element connecting to said second connector element.