Patent ID: 11948435
Assignee: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
Field: Control (Instruments)
Classification: CPC E  G | IPC G

Claim 0:
1. An apparatus for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article, comprising: an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or electromagnetic unlock force to a security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article; and an outer housing having an unlocking surface at least partially disposed above the unlocking device; wherein the unlocking surface includes a continuous and uninterrupted surface defined by a first surface area connected to and surrounding a second surface area, and the first surface area extends a first distance along the unlocking surface and the second surface area extends a second distance along the unlocking surface, wherein the first distance is substantially larger than the second distance; wherein the second surface area is tactily distinct from the first surface area; and includes an alignment feature configured to indicate a center of a source of the unlock signal or electromagnetic unlock force; and wherein the unlock signal or electromagnetic unlock force is configured to act on a tag at both the second surface area and a section of the surrounding first surface area.