Abstract:
A housing for an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag includes a first portion and a second portion fixable to one another for encasing an EAS tag. The housing includes a stationary tab that projects outward away from the housing and includes an aperture to assist in securing the housing to a shop article.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application No. 61/154,858 filed Feb. 24, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    One or more embodiments of the present application are directed to electronic article surveillance tag assemblies. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Electronic article surveillance (EAS) is a technology commonly used in the retail industry to identify articles as they pass through a gated area in a store. This identification is used to alert store personnel that unauthorized removal of items is being attempted. Using an EAS system enables a retailer to display items on a store floor, where they can be seen, rather than putting them in locked cases or behind a retail counter. There are several types of EAS systems, three of which dominate the retail industry. In each case, an EAS tag or label is attached to an article. Upon a valid purchase of the item, the tag can be removed or deactivated. A tag that is deactivated is taken from an active state where it will alarm an EAS system to an inactive state where it will not flag the alarm. If the tag is a “hard” reusable tag, a detacher is used to remove it when a customer purchases the article it is attached to. If the tag is a disposable tag, such as some paper tags or other EAS labels, it may be deactivated by swiping it over a pad or with a hand held scanner that “informs” the system that the article is authorized to leave the store. If the article has not been deactivated or detached by a store clerk, an alarm may sound when the article is carried through an EAS detection gate near a shop exit. 
         [0004]    The three most commonly employed EAS systems include radio frequency (RF) systems, electromagnetic (EM) systems, and acousto-magnetic (AM) systems. The type of EAS system can dictate how wide an exit/entrance aisle to a store may be, and the physics of a particular EAS tag and technology can determine the frequency range used to create a surveillance area. 
         [0005]    In RF systems, an RF tag attached to an article responds to a specific frequency emitted by a transmitter. The response from the RF tag may then be picked up by a nearby receiver. The receiver processes the RF tag response signal and triggers an alarm when specific criteria is matched. Operating frequencies for RF systems generally range from 2-10 MHz. RF systems may use a frequency sweep technique in order to accommodate different RF tag frequencies. To disarm an RF tag, typically a strong RF pulse blasts the tag and destroys electrical components such as a capacitor. 
         [0006]    In EM systems, a magnetic strip with an adhesive layer can be attached to the merchandise. The magnetic strip is not removed at checkout, but rather is deactivated by a scanner or pad that uses a specific, highly intense, magnetic field. The magnetic strip of an EM tag has high permiability, making it easy for magnetic signals to flow through the strip. When the magnetic strip becomes saturated, from a magnetic perspective, it begins to look like air. Saturation of EM tags occurs abruptly and can be an important part of the design of the tag. A magnetized piece of magnetic material can be put up next to the active material in an EM tag to deactivate it. The magnetized piece of material is basically a weak magnet that saturates the tag and puts it in its inactive, saturated state. The EM system works by applying intensive low frequency magnetic fields generated by a transmitter. When the magnetic strip of the EM tag passes through an EAS gate, it transmits a unique frequency pattern. This pattern, in turn, can be picked up by a nearby receiver. The received signal is processed and will trigger an alarm when a specific pattern is recognized. 
         [0007]    Acousto-magnetic (AM) systems use a transmitter to create a surveillance zone where EAS tags can be detected. The transmitter sends a radio frequency signal of about 58 kHz in pulses, which energizes a tag in the surveillance zone. When the pulse ends, the tag responds emitting a single frequency signal. While the transmitter is off between pulses, the tag signal can be detected by a receiver. The receiver may then check the tag signal to ensure that it meets specific criteria such as: the right frequency, its time-synchronization with the transmitter, the proper signal strength, and the correct repetition rate. If all of these criteria are met, the alarm may sound. AM material is highly magnetostrictive, which means that when the tag material is placed in a magnetic field, it physically shrinks thereby changing its resonant frequency. When the AM tag is demagnetized, it is deactivated. When it is magnetized, it is activated. 
         [0008]    As previously mentioned, EAS tags may be disposable or reusable. 
         [0009]    Disposable EAS tags and labels are available in many different types including pressure sensitive labels with simulated bar codes, tags or labels that can be imprinted with price, inventory, promotional or bar code information, and tags specially designed for products that are easily pocketed by shoplifters, or the like. These thin, adhesive backed labels can be as small as a paperclip and can be easily disguised to look like standard retail tags. The most familiar reusable EAS tag is known as a “hard tag.” The reusable hard tag is often attached to apparel and armed with a very difficult to defeat locking mechanism, which requires a special detacher unit to remove the tag. 
         [0010]    EAS tags may also include radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Dual EAS/RFID tags may be capable of simultaneously storing and processing information about an article while protecting the article from theft. 
         [0011]    The components of an EAS tag or the tag itself often require protection. One or more embodiments of an EAS tag housing described herein may provide this protection. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    According to one or more embodiments of the present application, an EAS tag housing may include a first portion having a floor and a peripheral wall orthogonal to the floor, which defines a cavity for an EAS tag. The EAS tag housing may also include a second portion adjoinable to the first portion and having a ceiling opposing the floor of the first portion for enclosing the EAS tag inside the cavity. The EAS tag housing may further include a stationary tab integrated with the first portion and projecting outward from the first portion. The stationary tab may project outward from an outer surface of the peripheral wall in a direction generally perpendicular to the outer surface. The stationary tab may include an aperture. At least one retention slot may be formed in one of the first or second portions. At least one retention tab corresponding to the at least one retention slot for insertion therein may be formed in the other of the first or second portions to secure the first portion to the second portion. At least a portion of the peripheral wall may include a recessed ledge. Moreover, the second portion may includes a peripheral lip opposite the peripheral wall that includes a mating surface that abuts the peripheral wall when the second portion is adjoined with the first portion. At least a portion of the peripheral lip may include a mating wall opposite the recessed ledge and extending orthogonally from the mating surface into the recessed ledge when the second portion is adjoined with the first portion. The first portion and the second portion may be generally rectangular such that the peripheral wall comprises a front wall, an opposing back wall, and two opposing side walls. 
         [0013]    According to one or more alternate embodiments of the present application, an EAS tag assembly may include an EAS tag and a two-piece housing having a first portion and a second portion for enclosing the EAS tag. The first portion may include a floor and a peripheral wall orthogonal to the floor defining a cavity for the EAS tag. The second portion may be attachable to the first portion and include a ceiling opposite the floor. The EAS tag assembly may further include a stationary tab integrated with the first housing portion. The stationary tab may projecting outward away from the housing and include an aperture. The EAS tag may be selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency (RF) tag, an electromagnetic (EM) tag, and an acousto-magnetic (AM) tag. The first or second portions may include at least one retention slot and the other may include at least one retention tab corresponding to the at least one retention slot for insertion therein to secure the first portion to the second portion. The stationary tab may project outward from an outer surface of the peripheral wall in a direction generally perpendicular to the outer surface. At least a portion of the peripheral wall may include a recessed ledge. Moreover, the second portion may include a peripheral lip, opposite the peripheral wall, that includes a mating surface that abuts the peripheral wall when the second portion is adjoined with the first portion. At least a portion of the peripheral lip may include a mating wall opposite the recessed ledge. The mating wall may extend orthogonally from the mating surface into the recessed ledge when the second portion is adjoined with the first portion. Furthermore, the first portion and the second portion may be generally rectangular such that the peripheral wall comprises a front wall and an opposing back wall and two opposing side walls. 
         [0014]    According to yet one or more alternate embodiments, an EAS tag assembly may include an EAS tag, a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a stationary tab. The first housing portion may include a floor and a peripheral wall orthogonal to the floor. The peripheral wall may include a front wall, an opposing back wall, and two opposing side walls defining a rectangular cavity for the EAS tag. The second housing portion may align with the first housing portion and be attachable thereto. The second housing portion may include a ceiling opposing the floor of the first housing portion for enclosing the EAS tag inside the cavity. The stationary tab may be integrated with the first housing portion and include an aperture. The stationary tab may project outward from an outer surface of the peripheral wall in a direction generally perpendicular to the outer surface. One of the first or second housing portions may include at least one retention slot and the other may include at least one retention tab corresponding to the at least one retention slot for insertion therein to secure the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The EAS tag may be selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency (RF) tag, an electromagnetic (EM) tag, and an acousto-magnetic (AM) tag. At least a portion of the peripheral wall may include a recessed ledge. Moreover, the second housing portion may include a peripheral lip, opposite the peripheral wall, that includes a mating surface that abuts the peripheral wall when the second housing portion is adjoined with the first housing portion. At least a portion of the peripheral lip may include a mating wall opposite the recessed ledge. The mating wall may extend orthogonally from the mating surface into the recessed ledge when the second housing portion is adjoined with the first housing portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary perspective view of an EAS tag housing according to one or more embodiments of the present application; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  depicts an exemplary perspective view of a first portion of the EAS tag housing according to one or more embodiments of the present application; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   b  depicts an alternate view of the first portion of the EAS tag housing according to one or more embodiments of the present application; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2   c  depicts yet another alternate view of the first portion of the EAS tag housing according to one or more embodiments of the present application; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   a  depicts an exemplary perspective view of a second portion of the EAS tag housing according to one or more embodiments of the present application; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 3   b  depicts an alternate view of the second portion of the EAS tag housing according to one or more embodiments of the present application. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present application are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of an invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present application. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts an EAS tag housing  10  according to one or more embodiments of the present application. The housing  10  can be a generally rectangular box-shaped housing having a first portion  12  and a second portion  14 . Alternatively, the housing  10  may be cylindrical or some other geometrical shape. The first portion  12  may include a stationary tab  16  projecting outward from the housing  10 . The stationary tab  16  may include an aperture or hole  18  for securing the housing  10  to an article (not shown). 
         [0023]    Referring generally to  FIGS. 2   a  through  2   c,  more detailed exemplary views of the first portion  12  of the housing  10  are provided.  FIG. 2   a  depicts the first portion  12  only of the housing  10  in a similar orientation to  FIG. 1 . As seen therein, the first portion  12  may include a floor  20 . The floor  20  may be generally rectangular, as shown in  FIG. 2   a , for example, to conform with the box-shaped housing. A peripheral wall  22  may extend from the outer edges of the floor  20  to define a cavity  24  for receiving an EAS tag (not shown). In the example provided in  FIG. 2   a , the peripheral wall  22  may comprise four adjoining walls that are generally orthogonal to the floor  20 . The four adjoining walls may include a front wall  26 , an opposing back wall  28 , and two opposing side walls  30  joining the front wall  26  to the back wall  28 . Moreover, the peripheral wall  22  may include an outer surface  32  and an inner surface  34 . 
         [0024]    The stationary tab  16  may be formed integrally with the peripheral wall  22  and extend outward therefrom so as to form a protuberance from the peripheral wall  22  of the first portion  12 . Particularly, the stationary tab  16  may project outward from the outer surface  32  of the peripheral wall  22  in a direction generally perpindicular to the outer surface  32 . Accordingly, the stationary tab  16  may be fixed to the first portion  12  to minimize the number of moving parts. 
         [0025]    The first portion  12  may include a plurality of retention slots  36  for securing the second portion  14  to the first portion  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2   a , one or more of the retention slots  36  may be formed at the junction between the floor  20  and the inner surface  34  of the peripheral wall  22 . The plurality of retention slots  36  may be shaped to receive corresponding retention stabs  38 , best shown in  FIG. 3   a , formed in the second portion  14 . 
         [0026]    The first portion  12  may further include at least one recessed ledge  40  formed in at least a portion of the peripheral wall  22  proximate the inner surface  34 . As shown in  FIG. 2   a , the recessed ledge  40  may be formed in at least one of the two opposing side walls  30 . Furthermore, the recessed ledge  40  formed in at least one of the side walls  30  may extend into a portion of the front wall  26 , the back wall  28 , or both. 
         [0027]    Referring briefly to  FIG. 2   b , an exemplary view of the first portion  12  described in  FIG. 2   a  is shown having an EAS tag  42  disposed within the cavity  24 .  FIG. 2   c  depicts an alternate perspective view of the first portion  12  of the housing  10 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   b  generally, the second portion  14  of the housing  10  is shown in greater detail. The second portion  14  may be keyed to the first portion  12  and attachable thereto for enclosing the EAS tag  42  within the cavity  24 . 
         [0029]    As seen in  FIG. 3   a , the second portion  14  may include a ceiling  44  for opposing the floor  20  of the first portion  12 . Accordingly, the ceiling  44  may be shaped similar to the floor  20  (e.g., rectangular). The ceiling  44  may be largely surrounded by a peripheral lip  46 . The peripheral lip  46  may include a mating surface  48  that abuts the peripheral wall  22  of the first portion  12  when the housing  10  is assembled. A plurality of retention stabs  38  may extend orthogonally from the ceiling  44  at locations that correspond with the retention slots  36  formed in the first portion  12 . Voids  50  may be formed in the peripheral lip  46  where each retention tab is located. An end  52  of each retention tab may include a hook  54  for securing the second portion  14  to the first portion  12  after the retention stabs  38  are inserted through the retention slots  36 . Each hook  54  may include a leading edge angled sufficiently to ease the engagement of the second portion  14  with the first portion  12  through the retention slots  36 . 
         [0030]    The second portion  14  may also include at least one mating wall  58  extending from at least a portion of the peripheral lip  46  and keyed to the at least one recessed ledge  40  of the first portion  12 . The mating wall  58  may be formed opposite the recessed ledge  40  and extend orthogonally from the mating surface  48  into the recessed ledge  40  when the second portion  14  is adjoined with the first portion  12 . When assembled with the first portion  12 , the mating wall  58  aligns with the corresponding recessed ledge  40  to help guide the second portion  14  and the first portion  12  together and offer additional stability to the housing  10 .  FIG. 3   b  depicts an alternate perspective view of the second portion  14  of the housing  10 . 
         [0031]    While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.