Patent Publication Number: US-9404291-B1

Title: Device and method for an alarming strap tag

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various example embodiments relate generally to theft deterrent devices and, more particularly, to a theft deterrent device that is attachable to the straps that are wrapped around various products to detect cutting of the straps. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Security devices have continued to evolve over time to improve the functional capabilities and reduce the cost of such devices. Some security devices are currently provided to be attached to individual products or objects in order to deter or prevent theft of such products or objects. In some cases, the security devices include tags or other such components that can be detected by gate devices at the exit of a retail establishment. These gate devices may be sometimes referred to as towers or pedestals. When the security device passes through or proximate to the gates, an alarm or other notification locally at the product and/or at the gates may be triggered. Additionally, a key may be provided at the point of sale terminal so that the security device can be removed when the corresponding products or objects are purchased. 
     In order to avoid detection at these security gates, and enable removal of products from the store without purchase, some individuals may attempt to remove, tamper with, or destroy the security devices. Thus, the manner by which the security device is attached to the product can be an important consideration. If the security device is easily removable, or can be removed without triggering an alarm function, the security device can be rendered ineffective. 
     Many products such as, for example, electronic equipment, software and otherwise small and easily pilfered objects, may be to small or oddly shaped to easily permit the attachment of a security device. Accordingly, the security devices for these products may instead be attached to the packaging in which the products are sold. Moreover, in some cases, the products may be placed in larger boxes that are made difficult to open so that the products cannot be removed from the boxes. To make the boxes difficult to open, they may be strapped with belts or straps made of a plastic material. The straps may be clamped around the boxes or other packaging to securely enclose the packaging. The straps generally form a continuous loop of material around the packaging and are welded or fixed with closure sleeves. In many cases, at least two such straps may be wrapped around the packaging such that they cross on opposing sides of the packaging, and each of the straps may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the other. However, in other cases, one strap or straps extending parallel to each other may also be employed. 
     Given that access to the product may require opening of the package, a thief may typically need to initially remove the straps. Based on the tension provided for the straps, cutting of the straps is normally the only option for removal. If the straps were conductive, perhaps an electronic sensor could directly detect cutting of the straps. However, the straps are typically made of plastic (i.e., non-conducting material) in order to keep their cost down and availability up. As such, detection of the removal of the straps may become more difficult. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES 
     Accordingly, some example embodiments may provide devices for improving the capability for securing products by providing a security device that is attachable to straps, and can detect removal of (and sometimes also attempts to remove) the straps. 
     In one example embodiment, a security device is provided. The security device may include a rotatable cap and an engagement member. The cap may be graspable by an operator during attachment of the security device to at least a first strap extending substantially around a portion of an object. The engagement member may be configured to engage the first strap. The engagement member may also be substantially fixed in relation to the cap during the attachment of the security device to the first strap and the engagement member may be rotatable with the cap. The security device may be transitioned to a locked state responsive to rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. The rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap may also increase tension on the first strap. 
     In some embodiments, the security device described above may include a collar rotatably disposed substantially between the engagement member and the cap. The collar may include at least one reception slot disposed at a lower periphery of the collar to engage the first strap to maintain a fixed orientation relative to the first strap responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. 
     In some embodiments, the engagement member of the security device described above may include alternating upward and downward facing sliding surfaces configured to engage inwardly extending detents provided on a collar. The collar may be rotatably disposed substantially between the engagement member and the cap via engagement between the sliding surfaces and the detents to maintain a fixed orientation relative to the first strap responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described some embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a security device in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the security device in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an isolated, top view of an engagement member of the security device according to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a top, perspective view of the engagement member in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates bottom view of the engagement member in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a side view of the engagement member in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3E  shows another side view from different perspective of the engagement member of  FIG. 3D  rotated about 90 degrees in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  is an exploded, top perspective view of the security device in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the security device in accordance with an example embodiment; and 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross sectional, side view of the security device to illustrate how the components of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may fit together in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. 
     As indicated above, some example embodiments may provide a security device (or tag) that is attachable to straps that are affixed around a product (or the packaging of the product). Accordingly, in the context of example embodiments, reference will generally be made to attachment of the security device to an “object,” which should be appreciated to represent either or both of a product and its corresponding packaging. The descriptions below will also describe at least some components in terms of relative positioning and/or directions. 
     In the context of the descriptions provided below, the downward direction should be appreciated as being a direction toward the object of a surface of the object. The upward direction should be appreciated as a direction away from the object or a surface of the object. Thus, the “top” of security device is farthest from the object when the security device is attached to the object, and the “bottom” of the security device is closest (or proximate to) the object when the security device is attached to the object. The same reference directions also apply even if the security device is not attached to the object, as only the “bottom” of the security device is configured to engage the object. Any relative terms such as “above” or “below” should also then be understood in reference to the lowest or bottom part of the security device being that part of the security device that is configured to be closest to the object when the security device is attached to the object. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a security device  10 , and  FIG. 2  shows a side view of the security device  10  in accordance with an example embodiment. In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the security device  10  may be operably coupled to an object  20  that is further secured with one or more straps. In this regard, the straps may include a first strap  30  extending around the object  20  along a first direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction) and a second strap  40  extending around the object  20  along a second direction (e.g., a latitudinal direction). In some cases, the first and second directions may be substantially perpendicular to each other. However, in other cases, only a single strap may be employed, or the first and second straps  30  and  40  may be extended around the object substantially parallel to each other. Other configurations are also possible for the straps without limitation. Further, in some cases, at least some tension may be applied on the object  20  via application of the first and second straps  30  and  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the security device  10  may be attached to at least one of the straps. Moreover, in embodiments in which straps that cross each other are employed, the security device  10  may be attached to the straps at a location proximate to a point of intersection between the first strap  30  and the second strap  40 . In an example embodiment, the security device  10  may be attached to the straps in a manner that at least partially increases the tension applied to the object  20  by each of the straps that the security device  10  engages. Thus, for example, when the security device  10  engages the first and second straps  30  and  40 , each of the first and second straps  30  and  40  may be further tensioned relative to their respective engagements with the object by virtue of the engagement between the security device  10  and the first and second straps  30  and  40 . 
     In some embodiments, the security device  10  may have a locked state and an unlocked state. The unlocked state may generally be the initial state in which the security device  10  is provided, and the security device  10  may be transitioned into the locked state in connection with the attachment of the security device to the first and second straps  30  and  40 . Thus, for example, the security device  10  may be placed proximate to the point of intersection between the first and second straps  30  and  40 , and the security device  10  may be rotated to engage the security device  10  to the first and second straps  30  and  40 . When the rotation (which may be provided in the direction of arrow  50 —e.g., clockwise in this example) reaches a physical limit such that the first and second straps  30  and  40  are engaged by the security device  10 , the security device  10  may simultaneously (or otherwise in connection with such rotation) be transitioned to the locked state. Once in the locked state, the security device  10  may be configured to alarm (locally or remotely) if the connection with the first strap  30  or the second strap  40  is compromised. The compromising of the connection may be detectable based on a reduction of tension of either of the first strap  30  or the second strap  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the security device  10  may include an engagement member  60  that may be configured to engage the first and second straps  40  responsive to the rotation in the direction of arrow  50 . The engagement member  60  may interface with a cap  70  and rotate responsive to turning of the cap  70 . Thus, for example, the operator may grasp the cap  70  and turn the cap  70  in the clockwise direction to impart the same turning motion onto the engagement member  60 . The security device  10  may also include a collar  80  that may have reception slots  82  disposed substantially at 90 degree intervals around a lower periphery of the collar  80 . The reception slots  82  may receive the first and second straps  30  and  40  and remain fixed with the first and second straps  30  and  40 , respectively, during rotation of the cap  70  and the engagement member  60  responsive to rotation in the direction of arrow  50 . In other words, during rotation, the straps  30  and  40  remain engaged in the reception slots  82  to prevent lateral movement of the straps as the straps engage with the engagement member  60  (and lift ramps  66  as described herein). 
     While the collar  80  engages the first and second straps  30  and  40  (and is substantially fixed relative thereto), the engagement member  60  may lift the first and second straps  30  and  40  during the rotation of the cap  70  and the corresponding process of engaging the first and second straps  30  and  40 , as can be seen in  FIG. 2 . As such, the first and second straps  30  and  40  may initially be relatively close to, or even parallel with, a surface of the object  20  when the engagement member  60  is placed proximate to the point of intersection between the first strap  30  and the second strap  40 . The engagement member  60  may slightly displace or push on a surface of the object  20  to allow the engagement member  60  to engage the first and second straps  30  and  40 . Then responsive to rotation of the cap  70  and the engagement member  60 , the engagement member  60  may receive and engage the first and second straps  30  and  40  and simultaneously lift the first and second straps  30  and  40  slightly away from the surface of the object  20  to thereby increase the tension on the first and second straps  30  and  40  while the engagement member  60  and the cap  70  rotate relative to the first and second straps  30  and  40  and the collar  80 . After the first and second straps  30  and  40  are engaged and the security device  10  is transitioned to the locked state (as described in greater detail below), the engagement member  60  (and the bottom surface of the collar  80 ) may rest on the surface of the object  20  and maintain the first and second straps  30  and  40  under the increased tension provided by the engagement. While the engagement member  60  rests on the surface of the object  20 , the first and second straps  30  and  40  are maintained at least slightly spaced apart from the surface of the object proximate to the security device  10  to maintain the increased tension. 
     A further description of some components of the security device  10  in accordance with an example embodiment will now be described in reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIG. 3 , which includes  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E , shows various views of the engagement member  60  in isolation according to example embodiment. In this regard,  FIG. 3A  illustrates an isolated, top view of the engagement member  60  according to an example embodiment.  FIG. 3B  illustrates a top perspective view of the engagement member  60 , and  FIG. 3C  illustrates bottom view of the engagement member  60 .  FIG. 3D  illustrates a side view of the engagement member  60  and  FIG. 3E  shows another side view from a different perspective (e.g., with the engagement member  60  rotated about 90 degrees).  FIG. 4 , which includes  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C , illustrates various views of the components that combine to form the security device  10  of an example embodiment. In this regard,  FIG. 4A  is an exploded, top perspective view of the security device  10  and  FIG. 4B  is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the security device  10 .  FIG. 4C  is a cross sectional, side view of the security device  10  to illustrate how the components of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may fit together in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it should be appreciated that the collar  80  is disposed rotatably between the engagement member  60  and the cap  70 . Although the engagement member  60  and the cap  70  may be fixed relative to each other, the collar  80  may be rotatable within the space provided between the engagement member  60  and the cap  70 . Moreover, movement of the collar  80  may be employed in connection with causing the transfer of the security device  10  between the unlocked and locked states. However, it should be appreciated that movement of the collar  80  is relative to the engagement member  60  and the cap  70  when the cap  70  is rotated. The collar  80  actually appears to be substantially fixed relative to the first and second straps  30  and  40 . 
     The collar  80  may include one or more detents  84  that may extend inwardly to engage corresponding sliding surfaces  62  that are disposed on an external periphery of the engagement member  60 . The sliding surfaces  62  may extend over an arc of limited length to define a range of motion for the collar  80  to move relative to the engagement member  60  when the cap  70  is rotated. In this regard, the detents  84  may ride over the sliding surfaces  62  over the range of the sliding surfaces  62  when the cap  70  is rotated and the reception slots  82  are engaged with the first and second straps  30  and  40 . In some embodiments, the sliding surfaces  62  may be alternately oriented in opposing directions. As such, for example, sliding surfaces  62  on opposite sides of the engagement member  60  may be facing upward, and sliding surfaces  62  between the upward facing surfaces may be facing downward. The detents  84  may be proximate to one side of each of the reception slots  82  to allow for a balanced and supported interface between the collar  80  and the engagement member  60  during rotational movement therebetween. Break-in slots  64  disposed between each of the sliding surfaces  62  may allow the detents  84  to be positioned appropriately proximate to their respective sliding surfaces  62  during construction. 
     The engagement member  60  may also include lift ramps  66  disposed at a bottom surface thereof. In an embodiment configured to engage two intersecting straps (e.g., the first and second straps  30  and  40 ), four lift ramps  66  may be provided so that each lift ramp engages a corresponding strap. The lift ramps  66  may have flat bottom surfaces and sloped top surfaces to feed the straps along the sloped top surfaces responsive to rotation of the cap  70  (and therefore also the engagement member  60 ). In other words, as the lift ramp  66  engages with the strap (e.g., at a pointed tip) and moves towards the strap, the sloped upper surface of the lift ramp  66  causes the strap to travel upward and away from the object, thereby increasing the tension on the strap. Further, the strap can remain laterally stationary within the reception slots  82 , as the lift ramp  66  moves relative to the reception slot  82  and the strap. Accordingly, each of the lift ramps  66  may be distributed at 90 degree intervals relative to one another at a bottom portion of the engagement member  60 . The lift ramps  66  may generally follow the curvature of the periphery of the engagement member  60  and may be disposed between the outer periphery of the engagement member  60  and a cap support  100  that forms an inner core of the engagement member  60 . 
     The cap support  100  may be a substantially cylindrical structure that is hollow inside. The cap support  100  may include one or more connection towers  110  that may receive a screw, or other protruding member to connect the cap support  100  to the cap  70 . In some embodiments, one or more sensor channels  120  may be formed in a portion of the cap support  100  (e.g., between adjacent connection towers  110 . The sensor channels  120  may house or otherwise provide a support structure for movable mounting of strap sensors  130 . The strap sensors  130  may be displaceable within the sensor channels  120  responsive to the first strap  30  or second strap  40  contacting the strap sensors  130 . Although  FIGS. 3 and 4  show two strap sensors  130  and two sensor channels  120 , it should be appreciated that more or fewer sensor straps  130  and sensor channels  120  could be employed in alternative embodiments. 
     The strap sensors  130  may be biased downwardly within the sensor channels  120  (e.g., toward a surface of the object  20 ). Biasing members (e.g., springs  135 ) may be used to bias the strap sensors  130  away from the cap  70  to an untensioned state. Thus, for example, at least a portion of the strap sensors  130  may extend downward and below a highest portion of the reception slots  82 . In some cases, at least a portion of the strap sensors  130  may extend downward to at or near the downward-most extent of the bottom of the lift ramps  66 . However, responsive to the first and second straps  30  and  40  being engaged by the lift ramps  66 , the first and second straps  30  and  40  may push the strap sensors  130  upward against the biasing members and toward the cap  70  and into a tensioned state. The strap sensors  130  may move approximately a distance Δd shown in  FIG. 2  when the strap sensors  130  transition to the tensioned state. The distance Δd may also represent the approximate distance the first and second straps  30  and  40  are displaced away from the surface of the object  20  when fully engaged by the lift ramps  66  due to rotation of the cap  70  and the engagement body  60  relative to the collar  80  and the first and second straps  30  and  40 . 
     The strap sensors  130  may be operably coupled to a processing assembly  150  that may be housed between the collar  80  and the cap  70 . The strap sensors  130  may provide inputs to the processing assembly  150  based on whether the strap sensors  130  are in one or the other of the tensioned state and untensioned state. The processing assembly  150  may be supported on a platform  152  that may be enabled to move in a slide plane  154  disposed on a top side of the collar  80 . The platform  152  may be substantially fixed in its position relative to the cap  70 , but may slidably engage the slide plane  154  over a range of motion limited by the boundaries of the slide plane  154 . In an example embodiment, a switch, sensor or detector  160  may be disposed at one end of the platform  152  to detect when the platform  152  has been rotated relative to the slide plane  154  to reach one end of the slide plane  154 . When the detector  160  reaches the end of the slide plane  154 , the detector  160  may send a signal to the processing assembly  150  to shift the security device  10  to the locked state. When the detector  160  is not actuated (and therefore not in contact with the end of the slide plane  154 ), the security device  10  may be in the unlocked state. 
     The processing assembly  150  may include processing circuitry configured to monitor various inputs and execute alarm functionality and/or other programmable functions based on the inputs received. For example, the processing assembly  150  may monitor input from the detector  160  to determine whether the security device  10  should be in the locked state or unlocked state. The processing assembly  150  may also monitor inputs from the strap sensors  130  to determine whether the first and second straps  30  and  40  are held in the engagement member  60  and tensioned. If the security device  10  is in the unlocked state, the position of the strap sensors  130  may not cause an alarm function to be activated. However, if the security device  10  is in the locked state, a determination that either or both of the strap sensors  130  transitions from the tensioned state to the untensioned state. A transition of the strap sensors  130  from the tensioned state to the untensioned state, while the security device  10  is in the locked state may cause the processing assembly  150  to initiate an alarm function. 
     In an example embodiment, the collar  80  may include a ratchet plate  170  and one or more ratchet members  180  that may be biased toward engagement with the ratchet plate  170 . However, it should be appreciated that the ratchet plate  170  and the ratchet members  180  merely provide one example structure for implementing a locking assembly, and other locking assembly structures are also possible. In some embodiments, the ratchet members  180  may be metallic components biased toward the ratchet plate  170  by biasing members (e.g., springs  185 ). The springs  185  may be provided between the underside of the cap  70  and the ratchet members  180  to push the ratchet members  180  away from the cap  70  and downward toward the ratchet plate  170 . In some cases, the ratchet plate  170  may extend in an arc around a remainder of a portion disposed between the outer and inner peripheries of the collar  80  that is not covered by the slide plane  154 . 
     The ratchet plate  170  may include a plurality of tooth-like or other projections that extend away from the collar  80  and toward the cap  70 . The tooth-like projections may be ramped to allow movement of the ratchet members  180  up and over the ramps in one direction only (e.g., the clockwise direction), while the ratchet members  180  are biased to engage the ratchet plate  170 . Thus, when the cap  70  is rotated by the operator to engage the first and second straps  30  and  40 , the collar  80  may be in a relatively fixed engagement with the first and second straps  30  and  40  and may rotate between the cap  70  and engagement member  60  as the first and second straps  30  and  40  ride up the lift ramps  66  to displace the strap sensors  130  to the tensioned state. The rotation of the collar  80  may also cause the ratchet members  180  to slide along the ramps of the ratchet plate  170  until the detector  160  reaches the end of the slide plane  154  and transitions the security device  10  to the locked state. The ratchet members  180  may then prevent movement of the platform  152  in the counterclockwise direction and hold the detector  160  in place and actuated so that the security device  10  remains in the locked state. Removal of the security device  10  from the locked state (without triggering an alarm function) may therefore require release of the ratchet members  180  from engagement with the ratchet plate  170 . 
     In an example embodiment, the cap  70  may include key holes  190  into which a magnetic key can be inserted. When the magnetic key is inserted into the key holes  190 , the magnetic key may have sufficient attractive capacity to pull the ratchet members  180  away from the ratchet plate  170  disengaging the ratchet members  180  from the ratchet plate  170 . The collar  80  may then be allowed to rotate and disengage the detector  160  from contact with the end of the slide plane  154 , thereby transitioning the security device  10  out of the locked state and to the unlocked state. While in the unlocked state, the security device  10  can be removed from the first and second straps  30  and  40 , and the transition of the strap sensors  130  to the untensioned state may not cause any alarm function (since the security device  10  is in the unlocked state). 
     As an alternative to the locking assembly described above, in some embodiments the ratchet plate  170  could be embodied as or replaced by a structure (e.g., a locking plate) with only one or two locking positions, and the ratchet members  180  (or another locking member) could be configured to engage with the locking positions when rotated sufficiently, and may also be released similar to the manner described above. 
     In an example embodiment, the processing assembly  150  may be battery powered, and a battery  200  may be disposed in a cavity formed by the hollow portion of the cap support  100 . In some cases, a cover  210  may be configured to mate with a bottom of the cavity to enclose the battery  200  substantially within the cavity of the cap support  100 . The battery  200  may power the processing assembly  150 . The processing assembly  150  may include a processor or other processing device and memory for storing executable instructions or applications. In some cases, the executable instructions or applications may include relatively simple guidance regarding responses to be provided to various inputs or stimuli. For example, the instructions may direct the processing assembly  150  to monitor whether the security device  10  is in the locked state or unlocked state (e.g., based on detector  160  input), and also monitor the strap sensors  130  to determine whether one or both are in the tensioned or untensioned state. If either or both of the strap sensors  130  transition from the tensioned state to the untensioned state while the security device  10  is in the locked state, the processing assembly  150  may initiate the alarm function. Accordingly, if the security device  10  is removed from contact with the first or second straps  30 / 40 , or if either of the first or second straps  30 / 40  are cut prior to the key being used to allow the ratchet members  180  to be disengaged from the ratchet plate  170  so that the detector  160  can be slid out of contact with the end of the slide plane  154  (to thereby shift to the unlocked state), the processing assembly  150  will initiate the alarm function. The alarm function could be a local alarm, an alarming gate that responds when a portion of the processing assembly  150  is disposed in a field generated by the alarming gate, or another remote alarm. 
     Additionally, in some cases, a contact sensor may also be provided to sense contact with the object  20 . For example, one of the strap sensors  130  could be replaced with a plunger or other such proximity sensor. Alternatively, an additional sensor channel could be added to house the proximity sensor. In any case, the proximity sensor, if employed, may be configured to extend below the bottom of the engagement member  60  to contact the object  20  and be displaced by contact with the object  20 . When the proximity sensor contacts the object, a corresponding signal may be provided to the processing assembly  150 . The processing assembly  150  may then be configured to initiate the alarm function also if the proximity sensor senses that the security device  10  is no longer proximate to the object  20  by virtue of the proximity sensor being enabled to extend away from the security device  10  by a distance greater than the distance that the proximity sensor lies at in a rest position when proximate to the object (e.g., the throw of the sensor). 
     In an example embodiment, the security device  10  may therefore be configured to increase tension on the straps by rotational engagement while shifting to a locked state. Thereafter, the tension on the straps can be monitored to initiate an alarm function if the tension on one or both of the straps is lost or otherwise reduced. In an example embodiment, a security device is provided. The security device may include a rotatable cap and an engagement member. The cap may be graspable by an operator during attachment of the security device to at least a first strap extending substantially around a portion of an object. The engagement member may be configured to engage the first strap. The engagement member may also be substantially fixed in relation to the cap during the attachment of the security device to the first strap and the engagement member may be rotatable with the cap. The security device may be transitioned to a locked state responsive to rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. The rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap may also increase tension on the first strap. 
     In some embodiments, the features described above may be augmented or modified, or additional features may be added. These augmentations, modifications and additions may be optional and may be provided in any combination. Thus, although some example modifications, augmentations and additions are listed below, it should be appreciated that any of the modifications, augmentations and additions could be implemented individually or in combination with one or more, or even all of the other modifications, augmentations and additions that are listed. As such, for example, the engagement member may include a lift ramp disposed to translate the rotational movement of the engaging member into vertical movement of the first strap and lift the first strap away from a surface of the object. In some embodiments, the security device may include a collar rotatably disposed substantially between the engagement member and the cap. The collar may maintain a fixed orientation relative to the first strap responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. In some embodiments, the security device may further include a first strap sensor biased toward an untensioned state. The first strap sensor may be movable to a tensioned state responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. In some embodiments, the collar rotates relative to the cap and the engagement member to transition the security device to the locked state based on a position of the collar relative to the cap and the engagement member. In some embodiments, the security device may further include a processing assembly configured to execute an alarm function responsive to detecting a transition of the first strap sensor to the untensioned state when the security device is in the locked state. The processing assembly may be battery powered. In some embodiments, the processing assembly may be operably coupled to a platform that slides in a slide plane disposed at a surface of the collar responsive to relative motion between the collar and the cap. In such an embodiment, a detector disposed at a portion of the platform may contact an end of the slide plane to cause the security device to transition to the locked state. 
     In some embodiments, the collar may include a locking (e.g., ratchet) plate, and at least one locking (e.g., ratchet member) may be biased toward contact with the locking plate to enable rotation (e.g., of the collar relative to the cap and engagement member) in a first direction toward the locked state, and prevent rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., due to the engagement between the locking member and locking plate). In some embodiments, the cap includes at least one key hole into which a magnetic key is insertable to overcome biasing of the at least one locking member to enable the cap to rotate in the second direction to transition the security device to an unlocked state. As an alternative, one or the other of the collar and the cap may include a locking plate, and at least one locking member may be biased toward contact with the locking plate to enable rotation in a first direction toward the locked state, and prevent rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction. In such an alternative embodiment, the cap may include at least one key hole into which a key is insertable to overcome biasing of the at least one locking member to enable the cap to rotate in the second direction to transition the security device to an unlocked state. 
     In some embodiments, the security device may further include a proximity sensor configured to detect proximity of the security device to a surface of the object. In some embodiments, the engagement member may be configured to engage the first strap and a second strap disposed about the object substantially perpendicular to the first strap. The engagement member may include four lift ramps each offset from each other by about 90 degrees proximate to a periphery of the engagement member. Adjacent ones of the lift ramps may engage opposite ones of the first and second straps. 
     In some embodiments, the security device may further include a first strap sensor movable to a tensioned state responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap and a second strap sensor movable to the tensioned state responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the second strap. The security device may also include a processing assembly configured to receive inputs from each of the first and second strap sensors and trigger an alarm function responsive to first strap sensor or the second strap sensor transitioning to an untensioned state from the tensioned state while the security device is in the locked state. In some embodiments, the first and second strap sensors may each be disposed within respective sensor channels that extend substantially perpendicular to a direction of extension of the lift ramps. In some embodiments, the first and second strap sensors each contact the first and second straps, respectively, at a point closer to an axis of rotation of the security device than a point at which the first and second straps contact the lift ramps. In some embodiments, the first and second strap sensors may each contact the first and second straps, respectively, at a point closer to a point of intersection of the first and second straps than a point at which the first and second straps contact the lift ramps. 
     In some embodiments, the security device may include a collar rotatably disposed substantially between the engagement member and the cap. The collar may include at least one reception slot disposed at a lower periphery of the collar to engage the first strap to maintain a fixed orientation relative to the first strap responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. In some embodiments, the engagement member may include alternating upward and downward facing sliding surfaces configured to engage inwardly extending detents provided on a collar. The collar may be rotatably disposed substantially between the engagement member and the cap via engagement between the sliding surfaces and the detents to maintain a fixed orientation relative to the first strap responsive to the rotational engagement of the engagement member with the first strap. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments covered are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.