Abstract:
The present invention relate to an anti-fraud return device that deters persons from temporarily using garments and or other consumer goods for a short period of time and then returning them to a merchant for a refund, exchange or credit. The present invention includes a strip of material formable into a fixed loop that may be provided with one or more security features.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/094,081 filed Sep. 4, 2008, which application is assigned to the same assignee as this application and whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to antifraud device for garments, electronic articles, consumer products and other devices that prevent unwanted conduct, e.g. theft or other misappropriation by individuals and avoid monetary loss by retailers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the National Retail Federation, US retailers lost $9.6 billion in 2006 and $10.8 billion in 2007 to return fraud. Return fraud refers to the practice of criminals taking advantage of retailers return policies, by seeking cash or credit for stolen goods. A type of return fraud is the practice known as “wardrobing”, which while not illegal has a substantial impact on retailers. Wardrobing is the practice of purchasing garments or apparel, using them, and then returning them to the store for a refund. A major problem with wardrobing is that it can strip the retailer of the most popular size, colors and styles so that honest consumers cannot purchase the goods. Auditioning is another form of return fraud in which a person purchases an item, such as a computer or radio, using the item and then returning the item to a store for a refund. Often, the retailer cannot resell these goods and instead may either have to discard the goods or resell the goods at deep discounts. “Price arbitrage” consists of buying an item that looks similar but has a lower price, then returning the cheaper item as though it was a more expensive item. The foregoing practices unfortunately cause retailers to raise prices. 
     Flexible cable devices for use as securing devices and anti-theft devices are well known. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,092 to Desantis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,982 to Valley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,758 to Ward, U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,457 to Faris, U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,684 to Johnsen and U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,072 to Leyden, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. The previously mentioned references represent devices that are not designed for removal from the retail establishment nor are they designed to allow removal by the consumer. The devices disclosed in these references are typically metal cables or such that are designed to prevent theft from the retail establishment and are always removed before a purchased item leaves the store. The relatively high cost of these devices precludes the notion that they would ever be taken home by the consumer and discarded. 
     The Loss Prevention Research Council, in conjunction with The Retail Equation announced “Customer Returns in the Retail Industry” survey results. Using 2007 retail data and 2008 survey results, the study revealed that return fraud and abuse is a $15.5 billion problem. The majority of retailers (64%) report that focusing on reducing refund fraud is a high priority. 
     While many devices have been created to prevent shoplifting, little or no attention has been paid to the area of wardrobing and auditioning. Hence, there remains a need for an effective method of curtailing this practice. The present invention is intended to curtail the issues associated with this problem. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. 
     One embodiment of the antifraud device of the present invention is a wardrobing prevention device in the form of a strip of material that loops through at least one opening and possibly two or more openings in a garment and which is permanently affixed to form a permanent loop of material. In order to wear the garment for daily use, the wardrobing prevention device would need to be removed by severing or otherwise destroying the integrity of the loop by the consumer. While the wardrobing prevention device would not preclude one from auditioning the garment, the looped strip would be a visible deterrent should the garment be worn in public without removing the wardrobing prevention device. The color and design of the strip could be altered so as to either be subtle with respect to the design or coloration of the garment or be a bold contrast to the design or coloration of the garment. The wardrobing prevention device, if removed would thus prevent the return of the consumer good for refund or credit as the absence of the device would show that it had been removed either due to a valid transaction or other nefarious activity reducing the value of the product. The device is intended to be a single use, disposable device that is destructible by the consumer or retailer on request. 
     In contrast to the flexible cable devices in the prior art, the current invention is designed so that the consumer can comfortably try on the garment or item, simulate actual conditions and then the consumer can take the item home to decide if they wish to keep the item and if they do decide to keep the item, the wardrobing prevention device can be easily removed by the consumer. The cost of the wardrobing prevention device is minimal and as such does not need to be reused as is the case for the above mentioned anti-theft devices in order to justify the expense associated with such devices. Also, in the case of the cable based anti-theft devices for garments, the weight and bulkiness of these devices prevents proper wearing of a garment because of the distortion the device creates by hanging within the garment. In contrast, embodiments of the current invention directed to garments are made of materials that are not heavy or bulky and thus do not tend to hang upon a garment in such a way as to distort it during the act of trying them on. Their primary purpose is not to prevent theft but rather to serve as a visual deterrent to wardrobing and return fraud. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the presently described antifraud device of the present invention, the engagement or securing strip could be highly colored or have printed warning indicia that indicates that the garment could not be returned for a refund, credit or exchange if the strip were severed or removed from the garment. This printing could include serial numbers, brand identifiers, advertisements, coupons, promotional offerings, linked offerings, bar coding and other alpha-numeric coding or indicia, continuous patterns (e.g. chains, bands, logo lines, etc.) which may indicate that if cut the consumer good could not be returned. The indicia can be machine readable, human readable or a combination of both. 
     In a still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wardrobing prevention system for a garment is presented and includes an elongated strip of material having a tear resistance of greater than about 5 pounds. The strip is planar and has a central portion that is sized and configured to fit through an opening in a garment. The strip has first and second longitudinally extending sides and first and second transversely extending edges with at least one of the edges having an attachment feature. A garment that has at least one opening and wherein the strip is placed through the at least one opening and the first and second ends are secured to one another by the attachment feature. 
     A yet still further exemplary embodiment is provided and includes an auditioning prevention device for consumer goods that includes (a) a strip of material that has first and second ends, first and second sides and a central portion between the first and second ends; (b) each of the first and second ends are configured to attach to one another permanently to form a locked loop; and (c) the strip of material is positioned so as to be interoperatively engaged with a consumer good to form a secured consumer good having the locked loop. 
     A still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method for reducing return fraud, that includes the steps of initially providing a garment that has at least one opening then providing a strip of material with the strip of material having first and second ends, first and second sides and an attachment feature disposed on at least one of the first and second ends and a central portion. Next, the central portion of the strip of material is printed with at least human readable indicia and machine readable indicia to provide a deterrent; and the strip of material is placed through the at least one opening to form a loop by bringing the first and second ends of the strip of material toward one another. Finally, the first and second ends of the strip of material are secured to one another to create a return fraud prevention device. 
     In yet another embodiment of the antifraud device, the strip could contain an alarm device that would sound if the strip were removed in the store. The alarm could be deactivated at check-out. 
     In another, more detailed feature of the antifraud device of the invention, the alarm could be reactivated if the item were returned to the store and put back into inventory. 
     In another embodiment of the antifraud device, the strip is of a tubular construction which is looped through a garment or around a device and be permanently affixed to itself. 
     In still another embodiment of the antifraud device, the strip could contain a RFID circuit or other device that would allow for tracking, inventory control and identification. 
     In a further embodiment of the antifraud device, an EAS or other device may be added to the strip to allow the strip to interact with shoplifting control devices within the store. 
     In yet another embodiment of the antifraud device, the strip could contain items such a holograms or other anti-counterfeiting measures or a combination thereof. 
     The present invention may also include other features such as reinforcing strips, e.g. wire, Tyvek®, string or the like to make the anti-wardrobing device more difficult to cut. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description of the various embodiments and specific examples, while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       These, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages of this invention, will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view of one embodiment of the wardrobing prevention device attached to a garment; 
         FIG. 1A  is a front elevational view of the wardrobing prevention device; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view showing the wardrobing prevention device attached to a belt loop or other single opening of an article to be secured; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of an auditioning prevention device being attached to an electronic device; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of another auditioning prevention device having an EAS or RFID device incorporated into it; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of another wardrobing prevention device which is tubular in design; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary method for applying a wardrobing prevention device to a garment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of an exemplary method for applying a wardrobing prevention device to an electronic device; and 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of an antifraud device with exemplary text. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated, the illustrations in the above figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is now illustrated in greater detail by way of the following detailed description, which represents the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention. However, it should be understood that this description is not to be used to limit the present invention, but rather, is provided for the purpose of illustrating the general features of the invention. 
     The basic construction of the wardrobing prevention device of this invention is such that the strip of material is long enough to accomplish the intended protection of the garment or device and that the strip has a means for attaching to itself so as to form a permanent loop of material. 
     The strip can be constructed of any material that is not easily torn or ripped during transportation, sale and auditioning, but can easily be severed by the consumer. Preferably the material is of low cost and can be printed or imaged or could serve as a carrier for promotional offers, such a “piggyback” construction in which a label or coupon could be removably attached the strap for later redemption by the consumer. The strip can be a flat fabric like structure or it can be tubular in design. Woven and non-woven materials and plastic films which meet these criteria would be suited for this application. As an example, Tyvek® by Dupont Corp of Wilmington, Del. could be used. Likewise, many types of polymer tubing could be used. In most cases, a tear strength of greater than 5 pounds (per ASTM D 1117) serves this purpose, however stronger material may also be used, having a tear strength of greater than about 10 pounds. Alternatively, the strip of material can include reinforcing bands or strips in order to add additional strength to the device. While the device has a particular tear or burst strength, the device is intended to be a single use, disposable device which can be destroyed, cut, torn, etc. by the consumer or retailer if necessary. 
     Sealing of the flat materials could be accomplished using hand held ultrasonic welding devices or by the use of permanent pressure sensitive adhesives. Sealing of tube like devices could be accomplished using a wide assortment of couplers that would permanently insert into the open ends of the tubing to form a continuous loop of tubing. A snap connector or interlocking device could also be employed in both the flat and tube constructions. 
     Printing of the flat strips could be accomplished using any number of printing techniques including but not limited to offset, gravure, thermal transfer, hot stamping, non impact printing (such as ink-jet or laser) and letterpress. Likewise, printing techniques for tubing are well known. Indicia printed on the strips could include the store name, the store location, brand identifiers, coupons, serial numbers, bar codes, manufacturing dates or codes, repetitive security patterns and a warning that the item is not returnable for exchange or refund if the strip is removed or severed. Additional warnings about the inclusion of alarm devices, etc could be added to the strips as well. 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment where a strip of flat construction  12  is attached to a garment  10 . The strip  12  is shown looping through a first opening  6  of the garment  10  and exiting a second opening  8 . It should however be understood that the strip  12  may only loop through a single opening such as a button hole or the like in a garment. The strip  12  has generally longitudinally extending side edges  11  and  13  and a central portion  9  upon which indicia may provides such as shown in  FIG. 7 . If reinforcing strips (not shown) are provided, they may be provided along one or more of the longitudinally extending side edges  11  and  13  or in the central portion  9 . 
     The strip  12  may also be temporary affixed to the garment through adhesive or light stitching which is shown by reference numeral  7  in  FIG. 1 . With a temporary attachment the strip  12  may then not get tangled with the customer causing any interference with auditioning the garment  10 . 
       FIG. 1A  provides a front elevational view of a generally planar strip  12  and includes first and second longitudinally extending sides  25  and  27  and first and second transversely extending ends  21  and  23 , the sides  25  and  27  having a greater length than of either of the ends  21  and  23 . Disposed adjacent the sides  25  and  27  are reinforcing bands  25  and  27 . While two bands are illustrated, there may only be a single band or multiple bands may be provided. For example, there could be a number of reinforcing fibers that run generally parallel to the side edges  25  and  27  or there could be other patterns used to improve tear resistance. Disposed on each of the ends  21  and  23  are the areas for attachment  29  and  31 . As illustrated, end  29  is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive  33  as an attachment feature to allow the loop to be formed around the article to be secured. The attachment feature is shown as provided on at least one of the ends, but the attachment can be provided on both ends, such as with a cohesive arrangement, hook and loop fasteners, etc. 
       FIG. 1B  shows the strip  12  connected to a belt loop  35  of a garment to illustrate the embodiment that the strip  12  can be attached to a single opening on an article such as a garment  10 . It should however be understood that the opening could be a button hole, eyelet for shoes, purse handles, fashion accessories (e.g. belts, purses) or the like and that the current embodiment is not intended to be limited but can include anything having at least one opening.  FIG. 1B  further illustrates the attachment of the ends  29  and  31  to one another via a pressure sensitive adhesive  33 . It should be understood that other types of adhesive may be used, such as a hot melt adhesive, cohesive or other attachment configurations could be used such as hook and loop fasteners, mechanical fasteners (e.g. staples, rivets) or such other fasteners as may be appropriate. 
       FIG. 2  shows one embodiment where a strip of flat construction  12  is attached to an electronic device  14  such that the strip  12  precludes opening or access to the battery compartment. In this embodiment, the strip  12  is securely fastened to the device  14  such as by tension, although a removable, repositionable or other pressure sensitive adhesive may be used to hold the strip  12  in position on the device  14 . A reinforcing strip  15  (is shown in  FIG. 2  in phantom) disposed in the central portion  9  of the strip  12 . The reinforcing strip  15  can also be used to aid in carrying the device  14  from the retail location. 
       FIG. 3  shows one embodiment where a strip  12  having a flat construction is attached to an electronic device  16 . The strip  12  contains a RFID or EAS device  18 , or other security device such as an ink cartridge which can rupture upon improper removal. Exemplary RFID or EAS devices for use herein are available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena Calif. The EAS device can be used in connection with a security system at a retail location, such as to prevent shoplifting and the RFID device can be used for inventory purposes as well as tracking of the goods while they are in range of the stores reader systems. In addition, if a reinforcing strip  15  is provided and constructed of a conductive material (e.g. aluminum, copper, etc.), the strip can form part of the antenna system for the RFID device, such as an RFID inlay being parasitically coupled to the reinforcing strip, such that when the strip  12  is broken the read range of the RFID inlay is significantly reduced thereby possibly alerting store monitoring systems. 
       FIG. 3  also shows a coupon  17  or other promotional item attached to the strip  12 . This can be done in a piggy back fashion (easily removable from the strip) or alternatively could be a portion that is intended to be removed as part of a customer loyalty promotion. 
       FIG. 4  shows one embodiment where a strip of tubular construction  20  is attached to a garment  10 . The strip  20  may also contain a reinforcing element internally of the tube. While reference is made to a tube which may be generally cylindrically shaped, the tube can have other geometric configurations which may add to a particular branding initiative of the retailer or consumer product manufacturer. 
       FIG. 5  shows an exemplary method of attaching a strip  12  to a garment  10 . A method is described wherein at step  24  a garment or a consumer good is provided and at step  26  a strip is provided. At step  28  the strip is placed through at least one pre-existing openings in the garment and the strip is formed into a loop such that it encircles at least a portion of the garment. (See also  FIG. 1 ). Examples of pre-existing openings in a garment include: openings for the neck, arms, legs or torso of the person wearing the garment or other openings such as button holes, belt loops, slits, etc. At step  30  the ends of the strip are sealably attached to one another to form a permanent loop structure. The strip  12  would be positioned so as to not interfere with a consumer wearing the garment while deciding whether to purchase and retain the garment. The strip is applied so as to be very close to the garment yet loose enough so as to allow an arm or leg to be easily put through the opening of the garment while not distorting the appearance of the garment to allow a consumer to try on merchandise in order to determine if it is suitable for his or her needs. If the strip  12  is placed through a button hole or other similar opening, then of course the ease of auditioning a garment may be further facilitated. 
       FIG. 6  shows an exemplary method of attaching a strip  12  to an electronic device or other consumer good that it may be preferable to secure.  14 . A method is described wherein at step  36  an electronic device is provided and at step  38  a strip is provided. At step  40  the strip is placed around the device so as to preclude access to the battery compartment or the controls of the device and the strip is formed into a loop so that it tightly encircles the device. At step  42  the ends of the strip are sealably attached to form a permanent loop structure. 
       FIG. 7  shows one embodiment where strip  12  is imprinted with indicia  46 . The indicia may take the form of alpha and/or numeric characters, logo lines, repetitive patterns or the like, any one of which if broken would indicate that the strip had been tampered and as such not subject to a return policy or presentable for a refund. 
     It will thus be seen according to the present invention a highly advantageous anti fraud device has been provided. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, and that many modifications and equivalent arrangements may be made thereof within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. 
     The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of their invention as it pertains to any apparatus, system, method or article not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.