Abstract:
A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is coupled to the item or items it is protecting by either a lanyard or by passing a portion of the unfinished garment through aperture(s) in the pliable material. The lanyard can take on various compositions and can couple to the pliable material using different latching mechanisms. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/012,222 filed on Dec. 7, 2007, entitled PLIABLE MATERIAL TAG USING A LANYARD OR A PORTION OF A GARMENT and whose entire disclosure is incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a continuation-in-part application and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of application Ser. No. 12/264,640 filed on Nov. 4,2008, entitled PLIABLE MATERIAL LOOP TAG which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/985,695 filed on Nov. 6, 2007, entitled PLIABLE MATERIAL LOOP TAG and both of whose entire disclosures are also incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to security tags and more particulary, discloses pliable material tags using a lanyard or a portion of a garment for attachment to elegant or soft goods. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Many apparel items can be tagged (i.e., a security device or element applied) at the source using these existing product and methods. These security devices may comprise electronic article surveillance (EAS) elements, radio frequency identification (RFID) elements or combinations of such security devices, etc., and which can be wirelessly detected at business portals, e.g., store exits or points of sale (POS), etc. to prevent or diminish theft from the business. The actual tagging of the security device/element to the apparel “impacts” the apparel by either puncturing the apparel (e.g., pin and receptacle) or by being adhesively secured to the apparel, or being embedded (e.g., sewn) within the apparel. Not only does this create an undesirable effect (e.g., a puncture hole, a distortion, etc., in the apparel material) but it also disturbs the presentation of the apparel when displayed in the business. For example, the attachment of the security device/element to the apparel may distort or wrinkle the fabric when the apparel is positioned on the hanger, the mannequin, or other display methods. Such an uninviting display actually discourages patrons from even considering trying on the apparel, thereby losing a potential sale. 
         [0006]    This is most apparent in many apparel items such as intimates, bathing suits and accessories but also occurs with soft goods. Soft goods include homeware items such as bedding, towels, fabrics, etc. Thus, these types of goods do not favor the known security devices and methods for attaching such devices due to the size of the goods or the invasive nature of the products known in the art. The attachment of a security device embedded in packaging for apparel, linens and soft goods is known in the art. A woven label such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,265 (Bleckmann, et al.) has an embedded EAS or RFID device. 
         [0007]    The method of attaching such a woven label by a sewing machine is also known in the art. Other methods are disclosed where the device is embedded within a paper ticket, price tag or hang tag (swing ticket). These products are also attached by known methods. By way of example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,508,684 (Becker); 5,583,489 (Loemaker, et al.); 6,254,953 (Elston); and EP 1171300 (Bleckmann, et al.). 
         [0008]    Moreover, where RFID security devices are used, many people have an apprehension with such devices when they are used in connection with personal items because it harbors connotations of invasion of privacy. RFID security devices typically include a memory regarding the item itself. Where such security devices are sewn into apparel, people are reluctant to purchase apparel that may permanently contain a device that may store information and which cannot be removed without damaging the apparel. Thus, the use of RFID security devices tend to increase the “impact” of such security devices on apparel. 
         [0009]    Thus, in view of the foregoing, there remains a need for providing a security tag that can be secured to elegant items or soft goods without having to pierce, puncture or adhesively attach to such items and that minimize invasion of privacy concerns for customers, i.e., that provide a “zero or low impact” to such items. 
         [0010]    All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention provides a product and method for easily attaching a pliable non-invasive package embedded with at least one security element. 
         [0012]    The present invention relates to a package into which the security element is embedded. The invention also relates to a tool for efficient and reliable attachment to an apparel item. 
         [0013]    A security tag for coupling to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) wherein the security tag comprises: at least one security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) that responds to a magnetic or electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; and a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) in which the security element is enclosed and wherein the pliable material (e.g., which may comprise a multi-folded configuration, a single fold, or may comprise a two-layer configuration, etc.) comprises at least one aperture, wherein the at least aperture receives a portion of the item during item assembly, or receives a lanyard, for coupling to the item. 
         [0014]    A security tag for coupling to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) wherein the security tag comprises: at least one security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) in which said security element is enclosed; and a lanyard comprising a pair of ends at least one of which secures to at least one edge of said pliable material (e.g., which may comprise a single fold, or may comprise a two-layer configuration, etc.). 
         [0015]    A security tag for coupling to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) wherein the security tag comprises: at least one security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) in which the security element is enclosed; and a lanyard, filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, any substance that leaves a colored mark when released from the tube, etc.), having ends that are enclosed within the pliable material, and wherein the lanyard is coupled to the pliable material. 
         [0016]    A method for coupling a security label to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) without piercing or adhering the security label to the item and wherein the method comprises: enclosing a security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) within a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) and wherein the security element is responsive to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; providing at least one aperture within the pliable material; feeding a portion of the item through the at least one aperture during assembly of the item; and completing the item by securing the portion to the item. 
         [0017]    A method of attaching a security label to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) without piercing or adhering the security label to the item and wherein the method comprises: enclosing a security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) within a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) and wherein the security element is responsive to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; providing at least one aperture within the pliable material; passing one end of a lanyard through the at least one aperture; and securing the one end of the lanyard to another end of the lanyard to couple the security label to the item. 
         [0018]    A method of attaching a security label to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) without piercing or adhering the security label to the item and wherein the method comprises: enclosing a security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) within a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) and wherein the security element is responsive to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; fixedly securing a lanyard coupling along an edge of the pliable material; looping a lanyard around a portion of the item; and fixedly securing ends of the lanyard within the lanyard coupling. 
         [0019]    A method for coupling a security label to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) without piercing or adhering said security label to the item, said method comprises: enclosing a security element within a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.), wherein the security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) is responsive to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; fixedly securing a lanyard coupling along an edge of the pliable material; looping a lanyard around a portion of the item; and fixedly securing a first end of the lanyard within the lanyard coupling and securing a second end of the lanyard to the lanyard. 
         [0020]    A method of attaching a security label to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) without piercing or adhering the security label to the item and wherein the method comprises: enclosing a security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) within a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.) and wherein the security element is responsive to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; looping a lanyard around a portion of the item; and fixedly securing ends of the lanyard to an edge of the pliable material. 
         [0021]    A method for coupling a security label to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) without piercing or adhering the security label to the item, and wherein the security tag comprises: enclosing a security element within a pliable material(e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.), and wherein the security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) is responsive to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies; providing a lanyard, filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, any substance that leaves a colored mark when released from the tube, etc.), and disposing ends of the lanyard within the pliable material; and securing the lanyard to the pliable material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the front side of a security tag or label of the present invention showing a security element concealed within a pliable material or carrier and which is coupled to an unfinished portion (e.g., a belt loop, brassiere strap, etc.) of a soft good or garment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the back side of the security tag or label of the present invention of  FIG. 1  shown coupled to an unfinished portion of a soft good or garment portion; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is an unfolded presentation of the security tag or label of the present invention showing the apertures formed therein; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  depicts a plan view of a second security tag of the present invention showing the two layers of pliable material or carrier sandwiching the security element and having apertures through which passes an unfinished portion (e.g., a belt loop, a brassiere strap, etc.) of the garment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the security tag or label of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the second security tag/label or the third security tag/label using a single aperture; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is plan view of the second security tag/label or the third security tag/label having a pair of vertically-adjacent apertures; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the second security tag/label or the third security tag/label having another version of a single aperture; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the second security tag/label or the third security tag/label having a pair of horizontally-adjacent apertures; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is also a plan view of a third security tag/label having a single aperture; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of the third security tag/label of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is also a plan view of the third security tag/label having a pair of vertically-adjacent apertures; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional view of the third security tag/label of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is also a plan view of the third security tag/label having a pair of horizontally-adjacent apertures; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a side cross-sectional view of the third security tag/label of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  depicts a lanyard including a clear plastic tube which is filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, etc.) to deter tampering and passed through the third security tag/label; 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  is a side cross-sectional view of the third security tag/label of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 19  is an enlarged isometric view, shown partially broken, of the second or third security tag/label using a male/female coupling for fixedly securing a lanyard/tether to either security tag/label; 
           [0042]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the security tag/label taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 20  but shown as a male member is inserted in the female receptacle, temporarily distorted due to its flexible composition; 
           [0044]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of a male member of a lanyard/tether having a diamond cross-section about to be inserted into a corresponding aperture in the female receptacle; 
           [0045]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged partial view of the distal end of a male member of a lanyard/tether having a “slit-shaped” cross-section about to be inserted into a corresponding aperture in the female receptacle; 
           [0046]      FIG. 24  is a plan view of an alternative lanyard/tether for use with the coupling of  FIGS. 19-21 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 25  is a plan view of another alternative lanyard/tether for use with the coupling of  FIGS. 19-21 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 26  is a plan view of a further alternative lanyard/tether comprising an integral one piece design for use with the coupling of  FIGS. 19-21 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 27  depicts a functional diagram of the third security tag/label using the coupling of  FIGS. 19-26 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 27A  is a side cross-sectional view of the third security tag/label using the coupling of  FIGS. 19-26 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 28  depicts another variation of a lanyard/tether coupling mechanism for the third security tag/label which includes an “all in one latch” mechanism in the lanyard for capturing or seizing an edge of the carrier; 
           [0052]      FIG. 28A  is a side cross-sectional view of the variation of the lanyard/tether coupling mechanism of the third security element of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 29  depicts even a further variation of the lanyard/tether coupling mechanism of the third security tag/label whereby the “all in one latch mechanism” comprises a pin on one end of the lanyard and a pin receptacle on the other end of the lanyard and whereby the pin passes through the carrier and is captured in the pin receptacle; 
           [0054]      FIG. 29A  is a side cross-sectional view of the further variation of the lanyard/tether coupling mechanism of the third security tag/label of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0055]      FIGS. 30A-30F  depict lanyards having different compositions that can be used in any of the second or third security tag/label configurations; 
           [0056]      FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 4  but showing a separate pliable material that is coupled to the security tag and whose ends are looped around a finished portion of a garment and closed on itself for coupling the security tag; 
           [0057]      FIG. 32  is similar to the invention of  FIGS. 19-26  but where one end of the lanyard couples to a lanyard coupling at the security tag and the other end of the lanyard couples to itself after being looped around a finished portion of a garment; 
           [0058]      FIG. 33  depicts an colorant-filled lanyard having respective latches coupled to respective sections of the lanyard; and 
           [0059]      FIG. 34  depicts how the lanyard of  FIG. 33  is coupled to, and lanyard end portions that are concealed within, the security label. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0060]    The present invention provides a product and method for attaching a radio frequency (RF), acousto-magnetic (AM), electromagnetic (EM) or other transmitting and/or receiving device, circuit, coil, microchip, antenna, EAS device, RFID device, or any combination thereof (hereinafter referred to as a “security element” or “security tag”) to an item (or items); the preferred items to which the present invention is attached are apparel or soft goods products, although this is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Thus, the term “garment” as used throughout this Specification is used in its broadest sense to encompass this broad category of apparel or soft good products. It should be further noted that the frequency range of the operation of the security element or tag presents no limitation to the present invention and that operation of a security element in the kHz range (or lower) or operation in the microwave or GHz range (or higher) is within the broadest scope of the present invention. Therefore, whenever the security tag/label is subjected to an interrogation field (e.g., pedestals at a store exit, RFID reader at the point-of-sale (POS), or any other reader/interrogation configuration and location) of the particular frequency or frequencies, the security element portion responds. 
         [0061]    The principle of the present invention is to couple a security element to a pliable material (also referred to as a “carrier”) which is then folded, or has portions that are then folded over each other, or whereby another layer of pliable material is placed against the other pliable material to “sandwich” the security element therebetween. The end result is a “security tag” or “security label” for use with apparel or soft good products. Apertures formed in these configurations permit the passage of a portion (e.g., belt loop, brassiere strap, etc.) of the soft goods (hereinafter “garment”) through the carrier, prior to the garment&#39;s completion during assembly; once passed through the carrier, the portion of the garment is then permanently attached to the garment as normal, thereby securing the present invention, including the security element, to the garment. Alternatively, a lanyard or tether may be passed through the apertures for securing the carrier to the garment. Other variations of the present invention do not involve including slots or slits in the carrier but rather that the use of couplings associated with the carrier and lanyards that permit the invention of the present application to be coupled to the garment. 
         [0062]    It should be understood that the pliable material may comprise a wide range of materials that are pliable such as, but not limited to, fabric (e.g., woven materials, etc.) or plastic, etc. 
         [0063]    The construction of a security element within a pliable material is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/264,640 entitled “Pliable Material Loop Tag” filed on Nov. 4, 2008, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,265 (Bleckmann, et al.), both of whose entire disclosures are incorporated by reference herein. The edges of the carrier are sealed and bonded with the security element  10  inside. As mentioned in these documents, the sealing can be, by way of example only, ultrasonic stitching. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the security label  220  of the present invention relates to a carrier for an anti-theft or electronic article surveillance (EAS) device or radio frequency (RF), or radio frequency identification (RFID) item tracking device, hereinafter referred to as a security element  10 . 
         [0065]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3-4 , the security label  220  comprises a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, a plastic material, etc.) or carrier  222  in which a security element  10  (e.g., an EAS security element, RFID security element, a combination of security elements or tags, etc.) is concealed, e.g., via an adhesive  23  ( FIG. 4 ), or ultrasonic bonding, or simply free-floating (see  FIG. 6 ). This material or carrier  222  comprises a non-conductive material. In particular, with the security element  10  positioned against a central portion  223  the pliable material  222  (and either adhesively-secured or free-floating), an upper portion  225 U of the pliable material  222  and a lower portion  225 L of the pliable material  222  are folded around the security element  10  to form respective folds F 1  and F 2  that overlap (see  FIG. 2 ). These folds are heated and pressed which applies a memory to the pliable material  222  at the folds F 1  and F 2  such that they do not come apart, thereby concealing the security element  10  therein; alternatively, an adhesive  23 A ( FIG. 4 ) can be applied at the overlap of folds F 1  and F 2 . In addition, the sides of the pliable material or carrier  222  are bonded to form closed left L 1  and right edges R 1  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), thereby enclosing the security element  10  within the pliable material  222 . It should be noted that the bonding of the sides L 1  and RI may take before the folds F 1  and F 2  are formed or after. 
         [0066]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 3 , the carrier or pliable material  222  is shown in its original state, i.e., before it is folded. The pliable material or carrier  222  includes apertures, e.g., slots  226 A- 226 C and slits  227 A- 227 B for receiving a portion  12  of a garment (e.g., belt loop, brassiere strap, etc.) prior to the garment&#39;s completion during assembly. The arrangement of the slots  226 A- 226 C and the slits  227 A- 227 B are such that when the pliable material or carrier  222  is folded to enclose the security element  10  therein, these apertures permit a free end of the portion  12  to be passed therethrough, thereby coupling the security label  220  to the portion  12  of the garment and then fixedly securing the free end of the portion  12  to the garment (not shown). In particular, the upper portion  225 U comprises at least one slot  226 A and a slit  227 A positioned along a fold line  228 . The lower portion  225 L comprises at least two slots  226 A and  226 B and a slit  227 B positioned along another fold line  230 . Thus, when the upper portion  225 U and the lower portion  225 L are folded along their respective fold lines  228  and  230 , the result, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 , is that slots  226 A and  226 C align when folds F 1  and F 2  are formed. In this configuration and as shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 , a free end ( 12 A or  12 B) of the garment portion  12  (e.g., a belt loop) is passed through the apertures. For example, free end  12 A can be first inserted through the slit  227 B in fold line  230 , passed through slot  226 B in fold F 2  and then inserted into aligned slots  226 A and  226 C in fold F 1  and out through slit  227 A in fold line  228 . Similarly, free end  12 B can be first inserted through slit  227 A in fold line  228  and the process reversed. 
         [0067]    It should be understood that after the folds F 1  and F 2  are formed and prior to inserting the portion  12  through the apertures, the sides of the carrier or pliable material  222  are closed. 
         [0068]    In particular, the sides of the pliable material or carrier  222  are bonded to form closed left L 1  and right edges R 1 , thereby enclosing the security element  10  within the carrier or pliable material  222 . By way of example only, the upper portion  225 U may comprise approximately 13 mm, the central portion  223  may comprise approximately 44 mm and the lower portion  225 L may comprise approximately 43 mm in length while the overall width of the carrier or pliable material  222  may comprise 42 mm. Again, by way of example only, an even smaller version may comprise the following respective dimensions: 17 mm, 34 mm, 33 mm and 35 mm. 
         [0069]    It should be understood that different configurations of apertures can be used and not just those shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . For example, the lower portion  225 L may comprise only one slot while the upper portion  225 U may comprise two slots. The key feature is that the folds and the fold lines comprise a plurality of slots and slits that permit the passage of the portion  12  therethrough. 
         [0070]    By way of example only, the front side of the pliable material or carrier  222  opposite the folds F 1  and F 2  may comprise indicia  229  of various kinds, such as item-related indicia (e.g., price, size, etc.) and/or visual theft deterrent indicia (e.g., “security device enclosed”) but not limited to only those types. For example, where RFID integrated circuits (ICs) are used as the security element  10 , the indicia may include notification to the customer that an RFID IC is included therein, in case the customer wishes to remove the IC after purchase due to privacy concerns. 
         [0071]    As can be appreciated from  FIGS. 1-4 , the construction of the security label  220 , the position of the folds F 1  and F 2  and the slots of the corresponding folds are on one side (e.g., the back side, see  FIG. 2 ) of the security label  220 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1 , this results in a clear, undisturbed presentation of the label  220  and its indicia  229  with the garment (not shown). 
         [0072]    If the portion of the garment to which the security label  220  is to be coupled is already finished or closed (this being represented by the “garment loop” shown in  FIG. 31 ), a lanyard or tether  112  of pliable material can be fed through the security label  220 , through the finished portion of the garment (e.g., garment loop), and then the ends  112 A and  112 B of the lanyard or tether  112  can be fixedly secured together using any well-known securement mechanisms such as, but not limited to, sewing, hot crimping, adhesive, ultrasonics, riveting, etc. 
         [0073]    Another security label  220 A ( FIGS. 5-7 ) involves the use oftwo layers of pliable material  222 A and  222 B that are secured together to “sandwich” the security element  10  therebetween, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 6 . For example, materials  222 A and  222 B form respective front and back sides of the security label  220 A which are secured together (e.g., bonded, by being sewn or by hot crimping, etc.) to enclose or conceal the security element  10  therein. Thus, the security label  220 A also comprises apertures, e.g., slots  232  and  234  for receiving a portion  12  of a garment (e.g., belt loop, brassiere strap, etc.) prior to the garment&#39;s completion during assembly. 
         [0074]    Thus, for example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the portion  12  may comprise a belt loop having one end  12 B that is sewn to the pants&#39; waste (not shown). However, the upper end  12 A has not been sewn to the pants at this portion of the pants assembly. At this point, the security label  220 A, having slots  232  and  234 , is slid over the open upper end  12 A of the belt loop as shown in  FIG. 5 . Next, in the pants assembly process, the upper end  12 A is then sewn to the pants waste.  FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the security label  220 A slipped over the portion  12  and showing the security label  220 A in cross section which also depicts the security element  10 . 
         [0075]    The end result is that the security label  220 A is secured to the pants during assembly. Another example is a strap for a dress that is sewn to the dress on two ends. Prior to the second end being sewn in place, the strap is looped through the security label  220 A during the assembly of the dress. Once the invention  220 A has been slid onto the strap, the strap is sewn in the second location, thereby completing the assembly of that portion of dress, while securing the security label  220 A to the dress. 
         [0076]    It should be noted that the slots  232  and  234  may be formed after the two layers  222 A and  222 B are secured together, or alternatively, the slots may be pre-formed in layer  222 A which are then aligned with corresponding pre-formed slots  232 A and  234 A in layer  222 B (see  FIG. 6 ) and then the two layers  222 A and  222 B are secured together. Either of these aperture formations is within the broadest scope of the invention. 
         [0077]    It should be understood that, as with the security label  220 , upon a valid sale of the garment to which the security label  220 A is attached, the security label  220 A can be removed by store personnel at the point of sale (POS) by cutting the security label  220 A using, for example, a scissors, to release it from the portion  12  of the garment. The only way for a thief to defeat this invention is to carry a tool (e.g., a scissors) that can be cut through the security label  220 A. 
         [0078]    The deterrent is that a thief is hesitant to carry a “tool” into a store or business to defeat the security labels  220  or  220 A. As with the security label  220 , the sides L 1  and R 1  of the security label  220 A are closed (e.g., bonded). As with the side edges L 1  and R 1 , the top edge T 1  and bottom edge B 1  are also closed by any well-known securement mechanisms such as, but not limited to, sewing, hot crimping, adhesive, ultrasonics, riveting, etc. It should be understood that the term “sewing” or “sewn” includes all manners and kinds of sewing. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 8-10  show the security label  220 A with different aperture configurations such as:  FIG. 8  depicts the security label  220 A with a pair of vertically-adjacent apertures  236  and  238 .  FIG. 9  depicts the security label  220 A with a single aperture  240 .  FIG. 10  depicts the security label  220 A with a pair of horizontally-adjacent apertures  242  and  244 . Thus, as with the security label  220 , a portion (e.g., belt loop, brassiere strap, etc.) of the garment (not shown) may be passed through any of these different aperture configurations as discussed previously with respect to the security label  220  prior to the garment&#39;s completion during assembly. 
         [0080]    Alternatively, by way of example only,  FIG. 10  also shows a lanyard or tether  246  passed through the apertures  242 / 244  for coupling to the garment (not shown). Thus, it should be understood that not only may a portion  12  of the garment be passed through the aperture configurations of the security labels  220  and  220 A, but an external lanyard or tether  246  may be positioned through any of these aperture configurations and the lanyard or tether  246  is then looped or otherwise coupled to the garment (not shown). The lanyard  246  may comprise a string, cord, wire, tube, ribbon or other lanyard/tether configuration that is fed through the different aperture configurations and then coupled to the garment. It is preferred that the lanyard/tether  246  comprise ends (not shown) that are permanently closed once the lanyard  246  is coupled to the garment. 
         [0081]    Other variations  220 B of the security label or tag include the use of a single pliable material or carrier  222 C ( FIG. 12 ) that is folded only once, e.g., at a bottom fold  231 , and wherein the free ends are fixedly secured together (e.g., bonded, by being sewn or by hot crimping, etc.) and whereby an aperture (or apertures) are formed at the secured ends of the folded pliable material, as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18 . As discussed previously with the two layer configuration  220 A, the slots may be pre-formed in the respective free ends of the pliable material  222 C and then aligned at which time the ends are fixedly secured together; alternatively, the ends may first be fixedly secured together and then the aperture(s) formed therein. 
         [0082]    For example,  FIGS. 11-18  depict the security label  220 B having a single bottom fold  231  but with different configurations of apertures.  FIGS. 11-12  depict an aperture  232  formed by the alignment of slots  232  and  232 A being aligned to form a single aperture through which a portion  12  of a garment (or a lanyard/tether  246 ) may pass;  FIGS. 13-14  depict the security label  220 B using a pair of vertically-adjacent apertures  236 / 238  formed by the alignment of slots  236 / 236 A and  238 / 238 A;  FIGS. 15-18  depict the security label  220 B using a pair of horizontally-adjacent apertures  240 / 242  formed by or corresponding slots, only two of which  240 / 240 A are shown in  FIG. 16 ;  FIG. 18  shows the lanyard or tether  246  (by way of example only) passing through these horizontally-adjacent apertures.  FIG. 17  also shows end couplings  247 A and  247 B for fixedly securing the lanyard/tether  246  ends together around the portion of the garment. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 17-18  also depict a lanyard  246  comprising a clear plastic tube which is filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, any substance that leaves a colored mark when released from the tube, etc.) to deter tampering. Upon a valid purchase at the POS, the lanyard  246  and the invention  220 A or  220 B can be separated from the garment safely by a tool (not shown) that: (1) compresses the tube to safely rupture the tube; (2) safely evacuates the colorant from within the tube; and (3) crimps/melts the rupture closed. 
         [0084]    It should be understood that  FIG. 17  represents the broad concept of the present invention wherein any of the security labels/tags described in this Specification can use a lanyard/tether that can be looped around any portion of a garment and then closed on itself. Thus, the end couplings  247 A and  247 B are meant to represent any and all types of couplings known in the art for securing the ends of the lanyard/tether  246  together and includes overlapping the ends (e.g., such as that shown by  112 A/ 112 B in  FIG. 31 ) and securing them together. 
         [0085]    In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that these different aperture configurations can be used with regard to the security label  220 A where two distinct layers  222 A and  222 B are used, rather than the single folded layer  222 C. Thus,  FIGS. 7-10  are referenced as comprising  220 A or  220 B. It should also be understood that these aperture configurations are by way of example only, and that any variation of one or several apertures are within the broadest scope of this invention. Moreover, the aperture or apertures can take the form of slots or openings of numerous sizes and shapes and configurations. 
         [0086]    As with the previous security labels  220  and  220 A, the side edges L 1  and R 1  of the invention  220 B are bonded or otherwise closed. 
         [0087]    As discussed previously with the security label  220 A, closure of the top edge T 1  (as well as the side edges L 1  and R 1 ) may be accomplished in a variety of ways, e.g., bonding. 
         [0088]    An alternative to using different aperture configurations for permitting a portion of the garment or a lanyard/tether to pass through the aperture(s) and then coupling the free end of the portion, or the lanyard/tether, to the garment, is via a coupling  248  as shown in  FIGS. 19-23 . Thus, it should be understood that using the two layer ( 222 A and  222 B) configuration of the security label  220 A, or the single layer  222 C of the security label  220 B, with the coupling  248 , the different aperture configurations can be omitted. Therefore, where this coupling  248  is used in the present invention, the security label  220 C is referenced. 
         [0089]    It should be further noted that the coupling  248  is shown by way of example only and the scope of the invention is not limited to that shown. 
         [0090]    In particular, as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 19-20 , the coupling  248  comprises a female receptacle  250  that is secured at the free ends of the single layer  222 C (or at the top portion of the two distinct layers  222 A/ 222 B) to form the top closure of the security label  220 C. The female receptacle  250  receives two male members  252 A and  252 B that form the two ends of a lanyard or tether  254 . The female receptacle  252  comprises a flexible material (e.g., plastic) that includes a pair of sidewalls  250 A and  250 B that are secured (e.g., an adhesive  251 , etc.) to the free ends of the single layer  222 C (or to the two distinct layers  222 A/ 222 B). The receptacle  251  also comprises top  250 C and bottom  250 D surfaces which include a plurality of aligned apertures A.  FIG. 20  shows one of the male members  252 B passed through two aligned apertures Al and A 2  in the top  250 C and bottom  250 D surfaces respectively. The use of the plurality of aligned apertures A permits the merchant to adjust the size of the loop formed by the lanyard/tether  254  and thereby change the overall appearance and presentation of the invention  220 C when coupled to the garment. Each male member  252 A and  252 B comprise a plurality of teeth T that are used to lock against the underside of the top  250 C and bottom  250 D surfaces of the female receptacle  250 . The plurality of teeth T again permit the merchant to establish the size of the loop formed by lanyard/tether  254 . Although not shown, it is within the broadest scope of the present invention to include corresponding teeth or protrusions or cavities on the underside of the top surface  250 C and bottom surface  250 D to engage or mate with the teeth T on the male members  252 A and  252 B. As can also be seen in  FIGS. 19-20 , as the male members  252 A and  252 B are pushed farther down into the security label  220 C, they provide a support along the side edges L 1  and R 1  of the security label  220 C but without distorting or bulging the pliable material  222 C (or materials  222 A/ 222 B). In use, the merchant would secure one of the male members  252 A into a pair of aligned apertures A, loop the remaining free end of the lanyard/tether  254  around a portion of the garment and then secure the other male member  252 B (or vice versa) into another set of aligned apertures A, thereby securing the security label  220 C to the garment (not shown). 
         [0091]    By way of example only,  FIG. 21  depicts the flexible nature of the female receptacle  250  as pressure is applied to insert the male member  252 A therethrough. In particular, when the male member  252 A is passed through the aligned apertures A, the female receptacle  250  is momentarily distorted into a rhomboid shape. 
         [0092]      FIGS. 22-23  depict other cross-sectional shapes for the apertures A of the female receptacles as well as the corresponding male members  252 A/ 252 B. In particular,  FIG. 22  shows a rhomboid or diamond-shaped cross-sectional form for the apertures A and a corresponding cross-sectional shape of the male member  252 B (it being understood that the male member  252 A and its corresponding female receptacle apertures correspond accordingly). Similarly,  FIG. 23  shows a “slit-shaped” male member  252 B that can pass through a corresponding “slit-shaped” aperture A in the female receptacle  250  (it being understood that the male member  252 A and its corresponding female receptacle apertures correspond accordingly). Thus, it is within the broadest scope of the present invention to include an unlimited number of cross-sectional shapes and sizes for the female receptacle apertures A and the corresponding male member cross-sections. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 24-26  depict various lanyard/tether  254  configurations for use with the coupling  248 . In  FIG. 24 , the lanyard/tether  254 A comprises the male members having upper portions  256 A and  256 B that include the teeth T with reduced diameter (or reduced size) shank portions  258 A and  258 B. Thus, during use, since the upper portions  258 A/ 258 B function to lock the lanyard/tether  254 A within the female receptacle  250 , the teeth T are confined to those upper portions. This permits the shank portions  258 A/ 258 B to be reduced in size and thereby avoid distorting or bulging the pliable material  222 C (or materials  222 A/ 222 B) of the security label  220 C.  FIG. 25  depicts a similar lanyard/tether  254 B but with further reduced-sized shank portions  260 A and  260 B. In both configurations  254 A and  254 B, the lanyards/tethers comprise distinct parts. In contrast,  FIG. 26  depicts an integrated tether design whereby the lanyard/tether  254 C comprises one material shaped to form the male member portions  260 A/ 260 B and the corresponding shank portions  264 A/ 264 B. Thus, the lanyard/tether  254 C may be an extruded element whereby the male members  262 A/ 262 B and the lanyard/tether portion  254  that ultimately loops around the garment (not shown) are of the same size while the end portions (which form the shank portions  264 A/ 264 B) are of a reduced size. 
         [0094]    It should be understood that any of these alternative lanyard/tether configurations of  FIGS. 24-26  may comprise the cross-sectional designs or  FIGS. 19-23  or other cross-sectional designs. 
         [0095]    An alternative to the use of a lanyard whose two ends are secured within the lanyard coupling  248  is shown in  FIG. 32 . In particular, only one end of the lanyard  256  is secured within the female receptacle  250 . The other end of the lanyard  254  comprises a small male member  277 . In addition, the lanyard  254  itself comprises a female receptacle  276  for receiving the male member  277 . Thus, one end of the lanyard  254  can be looped around a finished portion of a garment (e.g., see “garment loop) and then connected to itself via elements  276 / 277  and the other end of the lanyard  254  can be secured within the female receptacle  250 , thereby coupling the security label  220 C to the garment.  FIG. 32  shows the male member  277  being partially inserted into the female receptacle  276 , to more clearly show any teeth (or equivalent mechanisms) for locking the male member  277  into the female receptacle  277 . 
         [0096]    It should also be understood that the lanyard configuration of  FIGS. 19-26  may comprise colorant-filled lanyards and wherein the male member extensions that reside within the pliable material are also filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, any substance that leaves a colored mark when released from the lanyard, etc.) when the male members are secured within the lanyard coupling. As a result, if a would-thief were to cut the lanyard  254  this would release the colorant; alternatively, if the would-be thief were to cut through the pliable material itself, this would rupture the male member extension also releasing the colorant. By way of example only, it is within the broadest scope of the present invention to have the extension portions  260 A and  260 B in  FIG. 25  comprise a single hollow element with the lanyard  254  which is filled with a colorant. The upper portions  256 A and  256 B can be slid over the respective ends  260 A and  260 B forming a lanyard assembly. The male members can then be engaged within the lanyard coupling  250  as discussed previously. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 27 and 27A  depict the security label  220 C in a general configuration using the coupling  248  and the male member/female receptacle components. 
         [0098]    Other variations of the lanyard/tether configuration include a lanyard of a woven ribbon including a metal material woven into the ribbon for the purpose of making it more difficult to remove the lanyard without a proper tool. Another variation involves a carrier comprising a pliable material wherein the lanyard is a separate item which includes a meltable material attached thereto. The lanyard is then dispensed onto or into the carrier using a tool. The tool then melts the carrier to the melt material on the lanyard. 
         [0099]      FIGS. 28-28A  depict another version of the lanyard/tether coupling mechanism. In particular, the lanyard includes ends  266 A and  266 B that contain an “all in one latch” that capture or seize the top edge of the security label  220 C. 
         [0100]      FIG. 29-29A  depict even a further version of the lanyard/tether coupling mechanism. In particular, the lanyard includes a variation to the “all in one latch” whereby a pin  268  is present on one end of the lanyard  524  and a pin receptacle  270  for receiving the pin  268  is located on the other end of the lanyard  524 . As shown most clearly in  FIG. 29A , the pin  268  either passes through an aperture in the carrier  222 C or it pierces the carrier  222 C and then is captured in the receptacle  270 . 
         [0101]    It should be understood that although the various lanyard/tether configurations of  FIGS. 27-29A  are shown in use with the third security tag  220 C, this is by way of example only; these various lanyard/tether configurations can also be used with the second security tag  220 B. 
         [0102]    It should be understood that the male/female latching mechanisms described herein are by way of example only and encompass various kinds of such latches, not just those described herein. 
         [0103]      FIGS. 30A-30F  provide variations in the composition of the lanyard/tether  524  itself. It should be understood that any one of these lanyard/tethers could be used with all of the coupling mechanisms for the second and third security tags/labels described previously. Thus, the lanyard  254 D of  FIG. 30A  comprises a wire lanyard that requires a more specialized tool to remove it from the garment. The lanyard  254 E comprises a plastic lanyard that requires a more specialized tool to remove it from the garment. The lanyard  254 F (similar to the lanyard described earlier with respect to  FIG. 17 ) comprises a clear plastic tube filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, any substance that leaves a colored mark when released from the tube, etc.) therein. The lanyard  254 G comprises either a clear plastic tube, wire or plastic and has a locked cinching mechanism. The lanyard  254 H is an elegant woven ribbon lanyard. The lanyard  2541  is an elegant woven ribbon lanyard with an interwoven wire. The lanyard ends  266 A and  266 B in these lanyard/tether configurations of  FIGS. 30A-30F  are shown by way of example only. 
         [0104]    Another variation of this embodiment involves a lanyard filled with a colorant (e.g., ink, dye, any substance that leaves a colored mark when released from the lanyard, etc.) and wherein the lanyard ends are disposed within the pliable material and the lanyard is then secured to the pliable material. Thus, if a would-be thief attempts to cut through the lanyard, the colorant will be dispersed. Alternatively, if the would-be thief decides to cut through the security label itself, one or both of the lanyard ends will be severed, again dispersing the colorant. By way of example only,  FIGS. 33-34  show such a variation. In particular, lanyard  254  comprises an exemplary latch mechanism for capturing or seizing an edge (e.g., the top edge T 1 ) of the security label  220 C. In particular, a colorant-filled lanyard  254  has respective latches  278 A and  278 B secured thereto. Stops  280 A and  280 B are provided to prevent the lanyard  254  from being pulled out of the latches  278 A and  278 B. During formation of the security tag  220 C as well as coupling to the garment (not shown), the ends  254 J and  254 K of the lanyard  254  are looped around the garment portion (not shown) then disposed inside the pliable material or carrier through an open edge (e.g., top edge T 1 ). This edge of the tag can be bonded or sealed closed as discussed previously and the latches  278 A and  278 B can be fixedly coupled to this edge (e.g., top edge T 1 ) of the security label  220 C. Thus, if a would-be thief attempts to cut through the lanyard  254 , the colorant will be dispersed. Alternatively, if the would-be thief decides to cut through the security label  220 C itself, either or both of the lanyard ends  254 J/ 254 K will be severed, again dispersing the colorant. However, it should be understood that the particular embodiment portrayed in  FIGS. 33-34  is by way of example only and that there may be several ways to accomplish securing the colorant-filled lanyard to the pliable material while positioning a portion of the lanyard within the pliable material. 
         [0105]    It should be understood that in the hot crimping process involves the use of a crimp tool that utilizes heat to create localized heat (rather than ambient heat) to avoid damaging the security element  10 . The hot crimp process melts the pliable material or carrier to form a bond long the sides L 1 /R 1 , and/or along the top edge where the single layer  222 C pliable material is used, or along all of the edges where the two layer configuration  222 A and  222 B is used. A heat-activated adhesive or acrylic adhesive may be used therewith. Joining the folds F 1  and F 2  may also use a similar process. The width of this hot crimp seam may comprise 1/16″ or 1/32″ by way of example only. Joining the folds F 1  and F 2  may also use a similar process. 
         [0106]    It is within the broadest scope of the present invention to include the creation of a “pouch” or “pocket” with the pliable material itself without the use of folds (e.g.,  FIGS. 1-4 , or  12  or  14 ) or sandwiching (e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). This further variation for forming a “pouch” or “pocket” within a pliable material itself, is to form a “woven cavity”. In particular, using a process known as “tube weaving”, the edges L 1 , R 1 , B 1  (for example,  FIG. 5 ) are woven edges with an open edge T 1  which form an integral pouch or pocket for permitting depositing the security element  10  therein. The open edge T 1  is then closed using a heat crimp, sewing or adhesive. 
         [0107]    In all of the embodiments discussed previously, the security element  10  may be attached to the pliable material or carrier. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways but the most preferred method is an adhesive, typically, using hot melt rubber-based adhesives. These adhesives are used for the application of the security element to the pliable material. Alternatively, the security element may simply be free-floating within the pliable material. 
         [0108]    Different embodiments and/or variations may comprise different colors or material constructions to have the desired appearance or may carry desired information such as but not limited to instructions to remove the item due to the nature of the device, e.g., “RFID device enclosed, remove if desired”, or “RFID device enclosed—if this labeling is removed the item can not be returned.” Other instructions are also intended for this packaging. 
         [0109]    The security labels/tags of the present invention may also be constructed with additional material to enhance the bonding characteristics when the folds are fastened together either to enhance the crimping or hot melt properties or to strengthen the label to reduce the ease in which the invention can be removed from the item to which it is attached. 
         [0110]    The present invention provides a means to attach a non-invasive tag/label which holds a security device to an item or items so that it may be attached in an efficient manner, not be a permanent fixture of the item or items, carry instructions or brand information, attached at the source of manufacture, attached at distribution, attached at retail or at any location along the supply chain. The present invention is intended to be removed from the item by the consumer. 
         [0111]    While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.