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 looped around the item or items it is protecting and then is closed on itself or on an extension of the pliable material. 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. 60/985,695 filed on Nov. 6, 2007, entitled PLIABLE MATERIAL LOOP TAG and whose entire disclosure is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to security tags and more particularly, discloses a pliable material loop tag 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. Another undesirable effect is that when the sewn tag or label is removed from the apparel, it leaves behind an undesirable remnant, further detracting from the elegance or presentation of the apparel. 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. 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. No. 5,508,684 (Becker); U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,489 (Loemaker, et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,953 (Elston); and EP 1171300 (Bleckmann, et al.). 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,215 (Laurash, et al.) discloses a printable identification band of a flexible material such as paper or plastic that includes a cover patch which covers an RFID integrated circuit, that is either attached to the patch or to the band, and whereby opposite ends of the band are adhesively secured together around an object (e.g., a wrist, luggage handles, etc.). However, there is no teaching or suggestion of providing a pliable material in which is concealed a security tag, whereby the pliable material has upper and lower edges that are folded and whereby the pliable material has opposing ends, transverse to the upper and lower edges, that are fixedly secured together around a soft good. 
         [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 adapted 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 positioned and wherein the pliable material comprises dimensions that are greater than dimensions of the security element, wherein the pliable material has upper and lower edges that are folded, and wherein the pliable material has closed opposing ends that can be looped around the item and over each other and wherein the opposing ends are fixedly secured (e.g., being sewn together, hot crimped, etc.) to each other. 
         [0014]    A security tag that comprises a cover portion of a pliable material that overlays and sandwiches the security element between the cover portion and the pliable material to which the security element is attached. 
         [0015]    A security tag wherein the pliable material comprises a rectangular shape having an axis that is parallel to its shorter side, and wherein the pliable material is looped about the axis. 
         [0016]    A security tag wherein the pliable material comprises a rectangular shape having an axis that is parallel to its longer side, wherein the pliable material is looped about the axis. 
         [0017]    A security tag wherein the pliable material is a woven fabric. 
         [0018]    A security tag wherein the pliable material is plastic. 
         [0019]    A security tag wherein the opposing ends are fixedly secured together using an adhesive. 
         [0020]    A security tag wherein the opposing ends are fixedly secured together using ultrasonics. 
         [0021]    A security tag wherein the opposing ends are fixedly secured together using rivets. 
         [0022]    A security tag adapted 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.) having a pocket or pouch formed therein and in which the security element is positioned, and wherein the pliable material further comprises an extension having a free end, wherein the extension is manipulated to loop around the item and wherein the free end is fixedly secured (e.g., sewn, hot crimped, etc.) within the pouch or pocket of said pliable material. 
         [0023]    A security tag wherein the extension forms a perpendicular relationship to the substrate. 
         [0024]    A security tag wherein the extension forms a non-perpendicular angle with the substrate. 
         [0025]    A security tag wherein the extension is manipulated to form a trapezoidal loop around the item when said free end is secured to a portion of said substrate. 
         [0026]    A security tag adapted 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.) having a pocket or pouch formed therein and in which the security element is positioned and wherein the pliable material comprises at least two extensions, each having a respective free end, wherein the extensions are manipulated to loop around the item and wherein the free ends are fixedly secured (e.g., sewn, hot crimped, etc.) together. 
         [0027]    A security tag comprising a cover portion that overlays and sandwiches the security element between the cover portion and the substrate to which the security element is attached. 
         [0028]    A security tag wherein the at least two extensions form perpendicular relationships with the substrate. 
         [0029]    A security tag that comprises a closure seam for fixedly securing the free ends of the extensions together. 
         [0030]    A method for attaching a security tag to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) 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.) wherein dimensions of the pliable material exceed dimensions of the security element around its periphery; manipulating the pliable material around the item so that opposing sides of the pliable material pass over a portion of each other; and fixedly securing (e.g., sewn, hot crimped, etc.) the opposing sides of the pliable material together. 
         [0031]    A method wherein the step of coupling a security element to a pliable material also comprises applying a covering layer of the pliable material over the security element. 
         [0032]    A method wherein the pliable material is a woven fabric. 
         [0033]    A method wherein the pliable material is plastic. 
         [0034]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the opposing sides of the pliable material together comprises sewing them together. 
         [0035]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the opposing sides together comprises using hot crimping. 
         [0036]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the opposing sides together comprises using an adhesive. 
         [0037]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the opposing sides together comprises using ultrasonics. 
         [0038]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the opposing sides together comprises using rivets. 
         [0039]    A method for attaching a security tag to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) wherein the method comprises: forming a pouch or pocket of a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.); disposing a security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) within the pouch or pocket; forming an extension of the pliable material that includes a free end; manipulating the extension to loop around the item; and fixedly securing (e.g., sewn, hot crimped, etc.) the free end of the extension within the pouch or pocket. 
         [0040]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the free end comprises sewing the extension to the substrate. 
         [0041]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the free end comprises using hot crimping. 
         [0042]    A method for attaching a security tag to an item (e.g., elegant or soft goods) wherein the method comprises: forming a pouch or pocket of a pliable material e.g., a woven fabric, plastic, other non-conductive pliable materials, etc.); disposing a security element (e.g., an EAS or RFID security element or any combination thereof in any frequency range or ranges) within the pouch or pocket; forming at least two extensions of the pliable material and wherein each extension comprises a free end; securing the pouch or pocket closed; manipulating the extensions to loop around the item; and fixedly securing (e.g., sewn, hot crimped, etc.) the free ends of the extensions together. 
         [0043]    A method wherein the step of fixedly securing the free end comprises sewing the free ends of the extensions together. 
         [0044]    The method wherein the step of fixedly securing the free ends together comprises using hot crimping. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0045]    The invention will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: 
           [0046]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the front side of a first embodiment of the present invention showing a security element concealed within a pliable material; 
           [0047]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the back side of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the first embodiment formed into a loop around an item (not shown) with overlapping edges fixedly secured together; 
           [0050]      FIG. 5  depicts a plan view of the back side of another version of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the security element concealed within a pliable material; 
           [0051]      FIG. 6  depicts an isometric view of the first embodiment of  FIG. 5  having folded upper and lower edges and formed into a loop around an item (not shown) with overlapping edges fixedly secured together; 
           [0052]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 7  is also a plan view of a further version of the first embodiment showing the front side of the pliable material which contains labeling information; 
           [0054]      FIG. 8  is plan view of the back side of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , showing the security element attached to the pliable material; 
           [0055]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  formed into a loop around an item (not shown) with overlapping opposing edges secured together; 
           [0056]      FIG. 10A  is a plan view of the second embodiment of the present invention which includes an extension or lanyard of pliable material for looping around an item to be protected; 
           [0057]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the second embodiment, taken along line  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A , showing the security element embedded between pliable material layers; 
           [0058]      FIG. 11A  is a plan view of the alternative version of the second embodiment of the present invention wherein the lanyard is a separate element from the pliable material layers; 
           [0059]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the alternative version of the second embodiment, taken along line  11 B- 11 B of  FIG. 11A , showing the pliable material layers sandwiching the security element; 
           [0060]      FIGS. 12-14  depict variations on the extension/lanyard of the second embodiment and depict the pouch or pocket for receiving the free end of that extension/lanyard; 
           [0061]      FIG. 15  depicts a plan view of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the extension/lanyard that is looped around the item to be protected; 
           [0062]      FIG. 16  is the same view as  FIG. 15  except that the cover portion of the pouch or pocket has been omitted, revealing the security element; 
           [0063]      FIG. 17  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 16  but showing the security element in partial view; 
           [0064]      FIG. 18  depicts the second embodiment with the loop formed by the extension/lanyard around the item to be protected (not shown); 
           [0065]      FIG. 19  is similar to the view in  FIG. 18  but with the cover portion removed, exposing the security element for viewing clarity only; 
           [0066]      FIG. 20  is similar to  FIG. 19  but with the security element shown in partial view; 
           [0067]      FIG. 21  depicts the second embodiment using an angled extension/lanyard to achieve a different presentation on the soft goods to which it is attached; 
           [0068]      FIG. 22  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 21  but with the cover portion omitted; 
           [0069]      FIG. 23  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 22  but with the security element shown in partial view; 
           [0070]      FIGS. 24-26  depict an angled extension/lanyard that is manipulated to form a trapezoidal loop with the crossover facing the labeling side and with the cover portion removed in  FIGS. 25-26 ; 
           [0071]      FIGS. 27-29  depict the angled extension/lanyard that is manipulated to form the trapezoidal loop with the crossover on the back side of the invention and with the cover portion removed in  FIGS. 28-29 ; 
           [0072]      FIGS. 30-32  depict another variation of the second embodiment wherein two extension/lanyards are used with the cover portion removed in  FIGS. 31-32 ; and 
           [0073]      FIGS. 33-35  depict how the dual extension/lanyards are used to form the loop around the item to be protected and with the cover portion removed in  FIGS. 34-35 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0074]    The present invention provides a product and method for coupling 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”) to an item (or items) in a “zero or low impact” manner; 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. The various embodiments of the product, as will be discussed in detail later, comprise a security element enclosed within a pliable material, hence forming a “security tag.” It should be further noted that the frequency range of the operation of the security element 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. 
         [0075]    The principle of the present invention is to enclose a security element within a pliable material and to associate the formed security tag with the soft good. A first embodiment of the present invention ( FIGS. 1-9 ) is constructed such that the dimensions of the pliable material exceed the dimensions of the security element. This permits the folding of upper and lower edges around the security element, while closing the transverse edges to enclose the security element therein. These transverse edges of the pliable material form opposing edges and one of which is then looped around the elegant item or soft good (not shown) and then opposing edges of the pliable material are secured (e.g., by sewing, or adhesive, hot melting, crimping, ultrasonics, riveting or other known methods of attachment) to each other to close the loop. A second embodiment ( FIGS. 10A-29 ) uses an extension or lanyard of the pliable material which is then looped around the elegant item or soft good and then portions of the extension or lanyard are then secured (e.g., by sewing, adhesive, hot melting, crimping, ultrasonics, riveting or other known method of attachment) within a pouch or pocket to close the loop. The second embodiment also includes the use of a pair of extensions or lanyards ( FIGS. 30-35 ) which are then looped around the elegant item or soft good and then the free ends of the extension or lanyard are then secured (e.g., by sewing, adhesive, hot melting, crimping, ultrasonics, riveting or other known method of attachment) together to close the loop. 
         [0076]    It should be understood that the pliable material may comprise a wide range of materials that can be rolled or looped such as, but not limited to, fabric (e.g., woven materials, etc.) or plastic, etc. 
         [0077]    In all of the embodiments discussed below, the security element may be attached to the pliable material. 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. 
         [0078]    It should be further understood that where the term “sewn” is used throughout the Specification, it is to be construed in its broadest interpretation to include all manners and kinds of sewing. Reference number  132  ( FIGS. 18-20 ) indicates an example of a securement by sewing. The preferred method of accomplishing the securement is via sewing, although all other well known types of securement (e.g., hot crimping, adhesive, ultrasonics, riveting, etc.) are within the broadest scope of the invention. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0079]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-2 , the invention  20  comprises a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, a plastic material, etc.)  22 A 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 , or ultrasonic bonding, or simply free-floating (see  FIG. 10A ). This material comprises a non-conductive material. In particular, with the security element  10  positioned against the pliable material  22 A (and either adhesively secured or free-floating), an upper portion of the pliable material  22 A and a lower portion of the pliable material  22 A are folded around the security element  10  to form respective folds F 1  and F 2  that overlap (see  FIG. 3 ). These folds are heated and pressed which applies a memory to the pliable material  22  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 can be applied at the overlap of folds F 1  and F 2 . In addition, the sides of the pliable material  22 A are bonded to form closed left L 1  and right edges R 1 , thereby enclosing the security element  10  within the pliable material  22 A. 
         [0080]    Either edge L 1  or R 1  is then looped around the item (not shown, e.g., a soft good or the suspension article (e.g., a hangar strut, etc.) of the soft good, or around a portion of the item (e.g., an opening, a tie, lace, etc.)) such that edges L 1  and R 1  form opposing ends that overlap and which are then fixedly secured together, e.g., by being sewn together; alternatively a crimping tool can be used for utilizing a hot crimping process to form a permanent attachment interface  26  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0081]    By way of example only, the front side of the pliable material  22  comprises indicia 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. 
         [0082]    Another variation of the first embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5  where the invention  20 A comprises a pliable material (e.g., a woven fabric, a plastic material, etc.)  22  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 , or ultrasonic bonding, or simply free-floating (see  FIG. 10A ). This material comprises a non-conductive material. A cover layer  22 A of the same pliable material is placed over the security element  10  and secured to the pliable material  22 . Although there are many methods of securing the cover layer  22 A and the pliable material  22  together while preventing access by a would-be thief to the security element  10 , the preferred method (as discussed previously with regard to  FIGS. 1-4 ) is via the use of folds F 1  and F 2  along an upper edge and a lower edge, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , which can be set by ultrasonically bonding, or melting the folds or via an adhesive. 
         [0083]    By way of example only, this cover layer  22 A contains indicia 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 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. 
         [0084]      FIG. 6A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the invention  20  showing how the pliable material  22  and the cover portion  22 A form a front and back side of the invention  20 . It should be understood that the cover portion  22 A may comprise a separate element that is secured (e.g., by being sewn or by hot crimping, etc.) to the pliable material  22  around the edges of the security element  10 . 
         [0085]    With the pliable material  22  and the cover portion  22 A secured together, the dimensions of these front/back sides of the invention  20  are greater than the security element  10  dimensions. As a result, the invention  20  can be rolled or looped around an item to be protected (not shown) so that opposing edges, either horizontally or vertically, can be passed over each other and then secured, e.g., by being sewn together; alternatively a crimping tool can be used for utilizing a hot crimping process to form a permanent attachment interface  26  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0086]      FIGS. 7-9  provide another variation of the first embodiment  20 . In  FIG. 8  (showing the back side of the first embodiment  20 ), it can be seen that the vertical dimension of the security element  10  is similar to the vertical dimension of the pliable material  22 . Thus, in this case, the pliable material  22 A can be rolled about a vertical axis V but not about a horizontal axis, H.  FIG. 7  is a plan view of the first embodiment  20  of the front side  22 A whereas  FIG. 8  shows the back side of the first embodiment  20 .  FIG. 9  is a top view of the first embodiment  20  showing the overlap of the edges of the pliable material/cover portion  22 A and the permanent attachment interface  26 . As discussed previously, it should be understood that before the permanent attachment interface  26  is formed (e.g., by being sewn, or via an adhesive, hot melting, crimping, ultrasonics, riveting or other known methods of attachment) either one of the closed opposing edges L 1  or R 1  is looped around the item (not shown) to be protected, and then overlapped with the other opposing edge and the attachment interface  26  is formed. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0087]    As mentioned previously, the second embodiment  120  uses an extension or lanyard  128  that is looped around the item to be protected, rather than the closed opposing ends L 1  and R 1 . 
         [0088]    In particular,  FIG. 10A  shows a side view of the second embodiment  120  whereby the pliable material  122  is folded B 1  to form a cover portion  122 A that sandwiches the security element  10  but wherein the pliable material  122  includes an integral extension or lanyard  128 . The sides L 1  and R 1  ( FIG. 10A ) of the pliable material  122  are closed to form an opening  126  to receive the free end  127  of the extension/lanyard  128  once it is looped around the item to be protected. What is formed is a type of “pouch” or “pocket” or “package” which receives the free end  127  of the extension or lanyard  128 . The opening  126  is then secured closed using a variety of methods, with the preferred method being the use of hot crimping.  FIG. 10B  shows a plan view of this second embodiment  120 . 
         [0089]    It should be understood that the second embodiment, as well as the other variations thereof discussed below, may be formed in a variety of ways. The preferred method is where side edges L 1  and L 2  ( FIG. 10B ) are formed either by bonding or melting the side edges of the pliable material  122  and the cover portion  122 A together. The bottom edge B 1  is a folded side where the pliable material  122  and the cover portion  122 A form an acute angle α 1  ( FIG. 10A ). The result is a structure that comprises three closed sides (L 1 , R 1  and B 1 ) and an open side T 1 , which forms the opening  126 . It should also be understood that it is possible to heat crimp closed, sew, or adhesively close edge T 1  at, or at some point below edge T 1 , (e.g., see reference  132  in  FIGS. 18-20 ) once the free end of the extension/lanyard  128  is disposed in the pouch or pocket. With regard to edges L 1  and R 1 , it should be understood that those edges can be formed by heat melting or ultrasonic cutting and bonding of the side edges of the pliable material  122  and the cover portion  122 A. 
         [0090]    Alternatively, L 1  and R 1  can be formed by adhesively sealing the side edges of the pliable material  122  and the cover portion  122 A. 
         [0091]    Another variation is where edge B 1  is not a fold but is rather also adhesively sealed. In that circumstance, pliable material  122  and the cover portion  122 A comprise distinct layers having respective bottom edges that, when adhesively sealed together, form the bottom edge B 1 . 
         [0092]    A further variation is to form the pouch or pocket within the pliable material  122  itself, thereby forming a “woven cavity”. In particular, using a process known as “tube weaving”, the edges L 1 , R 1 , B 1  are woven edges with an open edge T 1  which form an integral pouch or pocket for permitting depositing the security element  10  therein and for receiving the free end of the extension/lanyard  128 . As with all of the other embodiments, the open edge T 1  is then closed using a heat crimp, sewing or adhesive. 
         [0093]      FIG. 11A  shows a side view of an alternative second embodiment  120 A wherein the extension or lanyard  128 A is not integrated with the pliable material  122  but is a separate element (also made of a pliable material) that is secured to the pliable material  122  (or cover portion  122 A) during the sandwiching process of the security element  10 . The securement of the extension/lanyard  128 A can be accomplished using a variety of processes, although the preferred method is to sew the extension/lanyard  128 A to the pliable material  122  (or cover portion  122 A) as previously discussed with regard to  FIGS. 10A-10B ; alternatively, via using a hot crimping process which would simultaneously apply the lanyard  128 A to the pliable material  122  (or cover portion  122 A) when the opening  126 A is formed, as discussed previously with regard to  FIGS. 10A-10B . Thus, the upper portions  124 A and  125 A of the cover portion  122 A and the pliable material  122  are secured together (e.g., by being sewn or by hot crimping), while securing the lanyard  128 A thereto also, and an opening  126 A is formed to receive the free end  127 A of the lanyard  128 A therein. As mentioned previously, what is formed is a type of“pouch” or “pocket” which receives the free end  127 A of the lanyard  128 A. Once the free end  127 A is looped around the item to be protected, it is inserted through the opening  126 A of the pocket or pouch and then this opening is secured shut, e.g., by being sewn or by using the hot crimp process.  FIG. 11B  shows a plan view of this second embodiment  120 A. As with the embodiment of  FIGS. 10A-10B , the bottom edge B 1  is a folded side where the pliable material  122  and the cover portion  122 A form an acute angle α 2  ( FIG. 11A ). 
         [0094]      FIGS. 12-14  depict variations on the extension/lanyard  128  (or  128 A) of the second embodiment whose free end  127  is looped around the item to be protected and then positioned through the opening  126 . The various designs of the free end  127  adds more surface area to the lanyard that is trapped when the opening  126  is sealed.  FIG. 12  includes a semicircular tip at the free end  127 , whereas  FIG. 13  includes an angled lanyard  128  with a pointed free end  127 ;  FIG. 14  depicts a shortened lanyard  128 . 
         [0095]      FIGS. 15-17  show enlarged views of the second embodiment  120  with and without the cover portion  122 A, exposing the security element  10  for viewing clarity only. 
         [0096]      FIG. 18  depicts the second embodiment  120  with the loop  130  formed (by the extension/lanyard  128 ) around the item to be protected (not shown) and also shows the closure seam  132  (e.g., by being sewn, adhesive, hot melting, crimping, ultrasonics, riveting or other known methods of attachment).  FIG. 19  is similar to the view in  FIG. 18  but with the cover portion  122 A removed, exposing the security element  10  for viewing clarity only.  FIG. 20  is similar to  FIG. 19  but with the security element  10  shown in partial view. 
         [0097]    To provide different presentations of the invention when attached to the elegant or soft goods, the extension/lanyard  128  may be angled with respect to the pouch or pocket when it is secured to the pliable material  122 /cover portion  122 A. For example,  FIG. 21  is a plan view of the second embodiment  120  showing the extension/lanyard  128  oriented at an angle.  FIG. 22  is a similar view as in  FIG. 21  but with the cover portion  122 A omitted and  FIG. 22  is identical to  FIG. 21  but with the security element  10  shown in partial view. The advantage of orienting the extension/lanyard  128  at an angle can be seen more clearly by the way the free end  127  is inserted into the pocket or pouch, as shown in  FIGS. 24-26  and  FIGS. 27-29 . In  FIGS. 24-26 , the loop  130 A formed by the angled extension/lanyard  128  is a trapezoidal-shaped loop that appears on the labeling side of the invention  120 ;  FIGS. 25-26  reflect this. When this loop  130 A is formed, the free end  127  of the extension/lanyard  128  is folded upward, out of the plane of the paper, folded to the left and then downward through the opening  126 . In contrast, in  FIGS. 27-29 , the loop  130 B formed by the angled extension/lanyard  128  is also a trapezoidal-shaped loop but that loop is formed on the opposite side, away from the labeling side of the invention  120 ;  FIGS. 28-29  reflect this. When this loop  130 B is formed, the free end  127  of the extension/lanyard  128  is folded downward, into the plane of the paper, folded to the left and then downward through the opening  126 . 
         [0098]      FIGS. 30-35  depict another variation of the second embodiment whereby dual extension/lanyards are used, which may be integral extension/lanyards of the pliable material  122  or separate from the pliable material  122 . In this version, the loop  230  is not formed by single extension/lanyard whose free end is captured within the pocket or pouch but rather it is the joining of the free ends of the two extension/lanyards that forms the loop around the item to be protected. In particular, extension/lanyards  228 A and  228 B are secured at their respective ends within the pouch or pocket (where discrete extensions, as opposed to integral extensions, are used) and then the closure seam  132  is formed.  FIGS. 30-32  depict this. The free ends  227 A and  227 B of the extension/lanyards are positioned around an item to be protected (not shown) and then these free ends are secured together, e.g., by being sewn together or by using a hot crimp process, etc.  FIG. 33  depicts a plan view of this variation of the second embodiment;  FIGS. 34-35  depict the same invention but with the cover portion  122 A removed. 
         [0099]    It should be understood that where integral extensions are used, the closure seam  132  is still required to conceal the security element  10  and thereby deny access for tampering by a would-be thief. 
         [0100]    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, free end of the extension/lanyard and the cover portion together to secure the loop of the invention around the item to be protected; a heat-activated adhesive or acrylic adhesive is used therewith. The width of this hot crimp seam may comprise 1/16″ or 1/32″ by way of example only. 
         [0101]    It should also be understood that in some cases the soft good may include an unfinished component or loop itself and over which the present invention  20 / 120  is then looped and then the unfinished portion of the soft good is then secured to the soft good itself. For example, if the unfinished component were a belt loop, the loop  130  or  230  may be secured thereto and then the belt loop is stitched or secured to the pants waist portion. 
         [0102]    As mentioned previously, the invention in either the first or second embodiments can include several different variations; where the extending arm is twisted or manipulated in order to hang in a desired fashion from the item; where the extending arm is shaped to have a desired look or influence in order to hang in a desired fashion from the item; wherein the extending arm or the package itself is of a certain length as to fasten several items together. 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. 
         [0103]    The invention may also be constructed with additional material to enhance the bonding characteristics when the package is fastened to itself either to enhance the crimping or hot melt properties or to strengthen the package to reduce the ease in which the invention can be removed from the item to which it is attached. The same characteristics are intended to be used in the body of the invention and or the extension/lanyard that loops around the item or items. 
         [0104]    As also mentioned previously, any of the extensions or lanyards can be part of the same fabric material used in the main body of the package or be a separate piece of fabric, it may also be a material different then the main body of the package. The extension or lanyard of material can be attached to the main body of the package by being sewn to the main body or by adhesive, by ultrasonic bonding, by using the characteristics of the device such as adhesive on the device, by crimping, riveting or other known means of attachment. 
         [0105]    The present invention provides a means to attach a non-invasive package which holds a 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. 
         [0106]    It should be further noted that where any of the foregoing inventions are provided to a customer before they are looped or otherwise associated with the soft goods, the free end of the extension(s)/lanyard(s) can be temporarily positioned within the pouch or pocket during shipping. This protects the extension(s)/lanyard(s) during shipping. Thus, by way of example only, the free end and the majority of the extension/lanyard  128  ( FIG. 8 ) would be positioned within the opening  126  during shipping. Upon arrival, the free end of the extension/lanyard  128  would be removed from the opening  126  and then looped around the item to be protected and then secured (e.g., by being sewn, or hot crimping process, etc.) as discussed previously. 
         [0107]    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.