Patent Publication Number: US-2020284067-A1

Title: Systems and methods for providing a security tag with a telescoping actuator and/or adjustable range of insert space sizes

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/982,936 filed May 17, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/508,283 filed on May 18, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/548,863 filed on Aug. 22, 2017, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Statement of the Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to security tag based systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to implementing systems and methods for providing a security tag with a telescoping actuator, an integrated retractable pin and/or an adjustable range of insert space sizes. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A typical Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system in a retail setting may comprise a monitoring system and at least one security tag or label attached to an article to be protected from unauthorized removal. The monitoring system establishes a surveillance zone in which the presence of security tags and/or labels can be detected. The surveillance zone is usually established at an access point for the controlled area (e.g., adjacent to a retail store entrance and/or exit). If an article enters the surveillance zone with an active security tag and/or label, then an alarm may be triggered to indicate possible unauthorized removal thereof from the controlled area. In contrast, if an article is authorized for removal from the controlled area, then the security tag and/or label thereof can be deactivated and/or detached therefrom. Consequently, the article can be carried through the surveillance zone without being detected by the monitoring system and/or without triggering the alarm. 
     The security tags may be reusable, and thus include releasable attachment devices for affixing the security tags to the articles. Such attachment devices are further designed to be releasable by authorized personnel only so that unauthorized removal of the security tags from their articles can be avoided. To this end, many attachment devices are made releasable only through the use of an associated special hook or detaching mechanism. 
     An exemplary security tag employing an attachment device and an associated detacher is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,419 (“the &#39;419 patent”), entitled SECURITY TAG HAVING ARCUATE CHANNEL AND DETACHER APPARATUS FOR SAME and assigned to the same assignee hereof. The security tag of the &#39;419 patent includes a tag body and an attachment element or device in the form of a tack assembly. The tack assembly is used to attach the tag body to an article which is to be protected by the security tag. This is accomplished by inserting a tack into an opening in the tag body. When the tack is fully inserted into the opening, it is releasably secured in the tag body via a releasable locking means. Access to the releasable locking means is through an arcuate channel. With this configuration, a special arcuate probe is needed to reach and release the releasable locking means, and thus detach the security tag from the article. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally concerns implementing systems and methods for operating a tag. The methods comprise: actuating a telescoping actuator of the tag to transition a pin from an unengaged position in which the pin is retracted into a first portion of the tag&#39;s housing to an engaged position in which the pin extends through an insert space and into a second portion of the tag&#39;s housing; and mechanically securing the pin in the engaged position using a securement mechanism disposed in the second portion of the tag&#39;s housing. The pin is securely coupled to a movable component of the telescoping actuator so as to be integrated into the tag&#39;s body. The first and second portions of the tag&#39;s housing are coupled to each other so as to form a unitary piece. The telescoping actuator has a decreased size when the pin is in the engaged position. 
     In some scenarios, the telescoping actuator has a dual purpose of (A) transitioning the pin between the engaged and unengaged positions and (B) providing a visual indication of a state of the pin&#39;s mechanical securement. The visual indication is at least partially provided by a marking or texture applied to the telescoping actuator. 
     At least a portion of the telescoping actuator is reliantly biased in a direction away from the tag&#39;s housing. In this regard, the telescoping actuator automatically transitions from an actuated position to an unactuated position by a resilient member when the pin is released from the securement mechanism. 
     A size of the insert space can be adjusted while the tag is being coupled to an article. The size of the insert space is selectively adjusted by: moving a portion of the telescoping actuator into the insert space; and/or moving the first portion of the tag&#39;s housing relative to the second portion of the tag&#39;s housing. A shoulder portion coupled to the telescoping actuator may be moved into the insert space for protecting the pin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present solution will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a system. 
         FIG. 2  provides an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a tag. 
         FIGS. 3-4  provide an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a conventional tag. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of the conventional security tag shown in  FIGS. 3-4  in an locked position. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of the conventional security tag shown in  FIGS. 3-4  in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a securement mechanism of the conventional security tag shown in  FIG. 3-6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a security tag in accordance with the present solution. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the security tag shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of the security tag shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the security tag shown in  FIG. 8  with a telescoping push button in an unengaged position. 
         FIG. 12  is side view of the security tag shown in  FIG. 8  with a telescoping push button in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 13  is front view of the security tag shown in  FIG. 8  with a telescoping push button in an engaged position. 
         FIGS. 14-15  provide cross-sectional views of the tag shown in  FIGS. 8-13 . 
         FIG. 16  provides illustrations showing another security tag architecture in accordance with the present solution. 
         FIG. 17  provides front perspective views of other security tag architectures in accordance with the present solution. 
         FIGS. 18-19  provide cross-sectional views of a security tag that are useful for understanding operations thereof. 
         FIGS. 20-21  provide cross-sectional views of a security tag that are useful for understanding operations thereof. 
         FIG. 22  provides a perspective view of a security tag in accordance with the present solution. 
         FIG. 23  provides a perspective view of the security tag shown in  FIG. 22  with a telescoping push button in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 24  provides illustrations of the security tag shown in  FIGS. 22-23  in different states for accommodating items of different thicknesses. 
         FIG. 25  provides a perspective view of a security tag in accordance with the present solution. 
         FIG. 26  provides a perspective view of the security tag shown in  FIGS. 22-23  with a telescoping push button in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 27  provides illustrations of the security tag shown in  FIGS. 25-26  in different states for accommodating items of different thicknesses. 
         FIG. 28  is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for operating a security tag. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The present solution may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present solution is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present solution should be or are in any single embodiment of the present solution. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the present solution may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the present solution can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present solution. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     As used in this document, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. 
     Despite the advantages of the security tag architecture described in the background section of this document, it suffers from certain drawbacks. Typically, security tags are manufactured as two separate parts, namely a tack (pin) and a tag body. Items (e.g., garments) are sandwiched or clamped between the tack head and the tag body to provide the security feature. When items are successfully purchased at the point of sale, the tack is separated from the tag body by a tag detaching mechanism. At this point, the tack and tag body can be separately reclaimed by the retailer for future use. The problem with this solution is that when a two-part tag is used in a retail environment, the following may occur: the tack with an exposed pin becomes loose and misplaced during the tag detachment procedure performed by store personnel; and an exposed tack can be lost in the retail store due to an unauthorized person defeating of the tag (e.g., a tack is forcibly removed from the tag body by unauthorized persons and left in a dressing room). Both of these scenarios create risk of injury to retail store customers and employees. Loose tacks pose safety issues, especially in the area of children&#39;s clothing. In some countries, retailers are legally prohibited from using security tags which include a tack portion with an exposed pin. 
     Accordingly, the present solution generally concerns implementing systems and methods for providing an improved tag. The tag comprises a unitary piece with a retractable pin. The retractable pin is integrated into the body of the tag. Since the pin is integrated into the tag body, it may have a sharper point at its free end as compared to that of conventional pin-based tags. As such, the present solution can be used with a more refined product since the pin would cause minimal marking if delicate materials with tagging. A locking means selectively prevents unauthorized detachment of the tag from an article. The locking means can include, but is not limited to, a clamp mechanism for retaining the pin in a locked position. An illustrative clamp mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,821,403 (“the &#39;403 patent”), entitled MAGNETICALLY RELEASABLE GROOVED TACK CLUTCH FOR REUSABLE AND NON-REUSABLE APPLICATIONS and assigned to the same assignee hereof. 
     The tag is attached to an article by urging the retractable pin assembly downward so that the sharp end of pin portion protrudes from an aperture in the tag. The retractable pin assembly can include, but is not limited to, a manually-actuated spring biased pushbutton which is configured to urge the pin through the aperture. The tag body, retractable pin assembly, and locking aperture are configured and arranged to maintain the sharp end of the pin in a safe position at all times to prevent external exposure of the sharp end of the pin. To accomplish this, the opening provided for sliding insertion of a portion of material is narrow enough to prevent human fingers from accidentally entering the area proximate the pin. The extended pin is received in a cooperating locking aperture in the tag body, and secured therein using the locking means. 
     The tag is configured to provide an article insertion opening having an adjustable range of action in order to accommodate a specific range of material thickness. In one scenario, an upper portion of the tag body is movable with respect to the lower portion of the tag body so as to provide an article insertion opening with a varying and selectable height. For example, the distance between the upper and lower portions of the tag body can be adjusted to be larger if a relatively thick piece of material is to be inserted. Conversely, this distance can be decreased to accommodate very thin items (e.g., fabrics). This adjustable feature ensures that the pin shank is never visible after the tag is attached. It also ensures that the garment is not damaged, since the material is held snugly between the upper and lower portions of the tag body, preventing the pin shank from possibly tearing of the item (e.g., fabric). 
     To release the pin from the locking aperture, an external tool is guided into a channel formed within the tag for releasing the retractable pin assembly from the securement member. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic field can be applied to the security tag so as to facilitate the transition a pin securement member or any other cooperating locking element to an unlocking position. 
     The security tag advantageously limits the opportunities to defeat the same. Typical defeat modes for prior art tags include efforts to separate the tack from the tag body. Since the pin in the tag disclosed herein is integral to the tag body, the defeat resistance is dramatically improved. 
     The tag significantly improves usability for application to an article in numerous ways. Because the pin/tack is integral to the tag, instead of managing a separate pin, the user only needs to depress a button to attach or actuate the pin. The spring-biased button can provide audible, visual and/or tactile feedback that the pin has been fully depressed and the garment is now protected by the tag. 
     The tag advantageously increases safety both for users who attached the tags and others who might encounter the tag in an unattached stated. Since the pin is integral to the tag body, the issue of possible injury due to an exposed pin is eliminated. 
     The tag disclosed herein also significantly improves usability for automatic detaching arrangements. The new tag design does not require any interpretation of when the item (e.g., garment) is ready for removal when automatically detaching. The pin is not required to be separately removed within a specified dwell time. Once the detacher hook releases the clamp, the user gets obvious visual and audible feedback that the detaching process has completed (e.g., pin will retract within housing automatically to provide easy removal of the garment). 
     Illustrative Systems 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is provided an illustration of an illustrative system  100  that is useful for understanding the present solution. The present solution is described herein in relation to a retail store environment. The present solution is not limited in this regard, and can be used in other environments. For example, the present solution can be used in distribution centers, factories and other commercial environments. Notably, the present solution can be employed in any environment in which objects and/or items need to be located and/or tracked. 
     The system  100  is generally configured to facilitate inventory counts and security of objects within a facility. As shown in  FIG. 1 , system  100  comprises a Retail Store Facility (“RSF”)  128  in which display equipment  1021 , . . . ,  102   m  (collectively referred to as “ 102 ”) is disposed. The display equipment is provided for displaying objects (or items)  1101 - 110 N (collectively referred to as “ 110 ”),  116   1 - 116   X  (collectively referred to as “ 116 ”) to customers of the retail store. The display equipment can include, but is not limited to, shelves, article display cabinets, promotional displays, fixtures and/or equipment securing areas of the RSF  128 . The RSF can also include emergency equipment (not shown), checkout counters and an EAS system (not shown). Emergency equipment, checkout counters, and EAS systems are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. 
     At least one tag reader  120  is provided to assist in counting and/or locating the objects  110 ,  116  within the RSF  128 . The tag reader  120  comprises an RFID reader configured to read RFID tags. RFID tags  112   1 - 112   N  (collectively referred to as “ 112 ”),  118   1 - 118   X  (collectively referred to as “ 118 ”) are respectively attached or coupled to the objects  110 ,  116 . The RFID tags are described herein as comprising single-technology tags that are only RFID enabled. The present solution is not limited in this regard. The RFID tags can alternatively or additionally comprise Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) tags, or dual-technology tags that have both EAS and RFID capabilities. EAS tag technology is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known EAS tag technology can be used herein without limitation. 
     Notably, the tag reader  120  is strategically placed at a known location within the RSF  128 . By correlating the tag reader&#39;s RFID tag reads and the tag reader&#39;s known location within the RSF  128 , it is possible to determine the location of objects  110 ,  116  within the RSF  128 . The tag reader&#39;s known coverage area also facilitates object location determinations. Accordingly, RFID tag read information and tag reader location information is stored in a data store  126 . This information can be stored in the data store  126  using a server  124 . Tag readers, servers and data stores are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. 
     An EAS system  130  is also provided in the RSF  128 . EAS systems are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known EAS system can be employed herein without limitation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a tag  200 . Tags  112 ,  118  are the same as or similar to tag  200 . As such, the discussion of tag  200  is sufficient for understanding the tags  112 ,  118  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The tag  200  can include more or less components than that shown in  FIG. 2 . However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementing the present solution. Some or all of the components of the tag  200  can be implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuit(s) may comprise passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and/or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein. 
     The hardware architecture of  FIG. 2  represents a representative tag  200  configured to facilitate inventory management and object security. In this regard, the tag  200  is configured for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., tag reader  120  of  FIG. 1  and/or server  124  of  FIG. 1 ) via wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology can include, but is not limited to, a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) technology, a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology, and/or a Short Range Communication (“SRC”) technology. For example, one or more of the following wireless communication technologies (is)are employed: Radio Frequency (“RF”) communication technology; Bluetooth technology; WiFi technology; beacon technology; and/or LiFi technology. Each of the listed wireless communication technologies is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Any known or to be known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology can be used herein without limitation. 
     The components  206 - 214  shown in  FIG. 2  may be collectively referred to herein as a communication enabled device  204 , and include a memory  208  and a clock/timer  214 . Memory  208  may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory  208  can include, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (“RAM”), Dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), Static RAM (“SRAM”), Read Only Memory (“ROM”) and flash memory. The memory  208  may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the communication enabled device  204  comprises at least one antenna  202 ,  216  for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via a wireless communication technology (e.g., an RFID technology, an NFC technology and/or a SRC technology). The antenna  202 ,  216  is configured to receive signals from the external device and/or transmit signals generated by the communication enabled device  204 . The antenna  202 ,  216  can comprise a near-field or far-field antenna. The antennas include, but are not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna. 
     The communication enabled device  204  also comprises a communications circuit  206 . Communications circuits are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known communications circuit can be used herein provided that it supports RFID communications. For example, in some scenarios, the communications circuit comprises a transceiver. In other scenarios, the communications circuit comprises a receiver and is configured to provide a backscatter response. 
     During operation, the communications circuit  206  processes received signals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices to determine whether it should transmit a response signal (e.g., RF carrier signal) to external devices or provide a backscatter response to the external device. In this way, the communication enabled device  204  facilitates the registration, identification, location and/or tracking of an item (e.g., object  110  or  112  of  FIG. 1 ) to which the tag  200  is coupled. 
     The communication enabled device  204  also facilitates the automatic and dynamic modification of item level information  226  that is being or is to be output from the tag  200  in response to certain trigger events. The trigger events can include, but are not limited to, the tag&#39;s arrival at a particular facility (e.g., RSF  128  of  FIG. 1 ), the tag&#39;s arrival in a particular country or geographic region, a date occurrence, a time occurrence, a price change, and/or the reception of user instructions. 
     Item level information  226  and a unique identifier (“ID”)  224  for the tag  200  can be stored in memory  208  of the communication enabled device  204  and/or communicated to other external devices (e.g., tag reader  120  of  FIG. 1  and/or server  124  of  FIG. 1 ) via communications circuit  206  and/or interface  240  (e.g., an Internet Protocol or cellular network interface). For example, the communication enabled device  204  can communicate information specifying a timestamp, a unique identifier for an item, item description, item price, a currency symbol and/or location information to an external device. The external device (e.g., server) can then store the information in a database (e.g., database  126  of  FIG. 1 ) and/or use the information for various purposes. 
     The communication enabled device  204  also comprises a controller  210  (e.g., a CPU) and input/output devices  212 . The controller  210  can execute instructions  222  implementing methods for facilitating inventory counts and management. In this regard, the controller  210  includes a processor (or logic circuitry that responds to instructions) and the memory  208  includes a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions  222  (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions  222  can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the controller  210  during execution thereof by the tag  200 . The memory  208  and the controller  210  also can constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions  222 . The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions  222  for execution by the tag  200  and that cause the tag  200  to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. 
     The input/output devices can include, but are not limited to, a display (e.g., an E Ink display, an LCD display and/or an active matrix display), a speaker, a keypad and/or light emitting diodes. The display is used to present item level information in a textual format and/or graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output item level information in an auditory format. The speaker and/or light emitting diodes may be used to output alerts for drawing a person&#39;s attention to the tag  200  (e.g., when motion thereof has been detected) and/or for notifying the person of a particular pricing status (e.g., on sale status) of the item to which the tag is coupled. 
     The clock/timer  214  is configured to determine a date, a time, and/or an expiration of a pre-defined period of time. Technique for determining these listed items are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known technique for determining these listed items can be used herein without limitation. 
     The tag  200  also comprises an optional location module  230 . The location module  230  is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the tag at any given time. For example, in some scenarios, the location module  230  employs Global Positioning System (“GPS”) technology and/or Internet based local time acquisition technology. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. Any known or to be known technique for determining a geographic location can be used herein without limitation including relative positioning within a facility or structure. 
     The coupler  242  is provided to securely or removably couple the tag  200  to an item (e.g., object  110  or  112  of  FIG. 1 ). The coupler  242  includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical coupling means (e.g., a retractable pin). 
     The tag  200  can also include an optional EAS component  244  and/or a passive/active/semi-passive RFID component  246 . Each of the listed components  244 ,  246  is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known battery, EAS component and/or RFID component can be used herein without limitation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tag  200  further comprises an energy harvesting circuit  232 . In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit  232  is configured to harvest energy from at least one energy source (e.g., RFID and/or motion) and to generate output power from the harvested energy. Energy harvesting circuits are well known in the art, and therefore will not be discussed herein. An optional rechargeable battery  234  may also be provided to power the electronic components of the tag. 
     As noted above, the tag  200  may also include one or more sensors  250 . Sensors are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known sensor can be used herein without limitation. For example, the sensor  250  includes, but is not limited to, a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a linear motion sensor, a Passive Infrared (“PIR”) sensor, a tilt sensor, a rotation sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or a proximity sensor. 
     Illustrative Architecture of a Conventional Tag 
     An illustrative architecture of a conventional tag  300  will now be discussed in relation to  FIGS. 3-7 . This discussion is useful for understanding certain operations of novel security tags implementing the present solution. These novel security tags can employ the same or similar securement mechanism for securing a pin to a tag body as that employed by the conventional tag  300 . Accordingly, the novel security tags can be detached from an object in the same or similar manner as the conventional tag  300  (i.e., via an arcuate probe as discussed below). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-7 , there is provided schematic illustrations useful for understanding an illustrative conventional security tag  300 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-7 , the security tag  300  includes a housing  304  with an upper housing member  306  joined to a lower housing member  308 . The housing members  306 ,  308  can be joined together via an adhesive, a mechanical coupling means (e.g., snaps, screws, etc.), or a weld (e.g., an ultrasonic weld). The housing  304  can be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. The housing  304  has an opening  404  formed therein such that at least a portion of a tack assembly  310  (or attachment element) can be inserted into the security tag for facilitating the attachment of the security tag to an article  314  (e.g., a piece of clothing). EAS and/or RFID components  506  are contained within the housing  304 . EAS and RFID components of security tags are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. 
     Tack assembly  310  has a tack head  312  and an elongate tack body  402  extending down and away from the tack head. The tack body  402  is sized and shaped for insertion into opening  404  and removal from opening  404 . A plurality of grooves (not shown in  FIGS. 3-7 ) may be formed along a length of the tack body  402  for engagement with a securement mechanism  406  disposed within the housing  304 . When the grooves are engaged by the securement mechanism  406 , the security tag  300  is secured to the article  314 . Thereafter, unauthorized removal of the article  314  from a controlled area can be detected by a monitoring device of an EAS system. Such monitoring devices are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Still, it should be understood that at least one sensor (not shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) is disposed within the housing  304 . The sensor includes, but is not limited to, an acoustically resonant magnetic sensor. In all cases, the sensor generates signals which can be detected by the monitoring device. 
     Such detection occurs when the security tag is present within a surveillance zone established by the monitoring device. The surveillance zone is usually established at an access point for the controlled area (e.g., adjacent to a retail store entrance and/or exit). If the article  314  enters the surveillance zone with the security tag  300 , then an alarm may be triggered to indicate possible unauthorized removal thereof from the controlled area. In contrast, if the article  314  is authorized for removal from the controlled area, then the security tag  300  thereof can be deactivated and/or detached therefrom using a detachment mechanism  302  (or external tool). Consequently, the article  314  can be carried through the surveillance zone without being detected by the monitoring system and/or without triggering the alarm. 
     The detachment mechanism  302  is sized and shaped to at least be partially slidingly inserted into and removed from an insert space  316  formed in the housing  304 . When inserted into insert space  316 , the detachment mechanism  302  travels through an arcuate channel  502  so as to be guided towards the securement mechanism  406 . In this regard, the detachment mechanism  302  has a generally arcuate shape matching that of the arcuate channel  502 . Upon engagement with the securement mechanism  406 , the detachment mechanism  302  releases the tack body  402  therefrom. Next, the tack body  402  can be removed from the housing, so as to decouple the security tag  300  from the article  314 . 
     A schematic illustration of the securement mechanism  406  is provided in  FIG. 7 . As noted above, the securement mechanism  406  is specifically adapted to accommodate release of the tack body  402  via the detachment mechanism  302  (or arcuate probe) moving in the arcuate channel  502 . The securement mechanism  406  is generally in the form of a spring clamp securely disposed within the housing  304  of the security tag so as to be pivotable (or rotatable) about an axis  408 . In this regard, the spring clamp comprises a clamp body  702  and jaws  704 ,  706 . The clamp body  702  includes a mounting part  708  extending laterally of jaw  706  and a release part  710  extending laterally of jaw  704 . The mounting part  708  includes a mounting aperture  712  facilitating the pivotable movement of the securement mechanism  406  within the housing of the security tag. The pivotable movement allows the securement mechanism  406  to be transitioned by the detachment mechanism  302  (or arcuate probe) from a first position in which the tack assembly is locked thereto (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) and a second position in which the tack assembly is released or unlocked therefrom (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     Each of the jaws  704 ,  706  extends outwardly of the plane of the clamp body  702  and then inwardly toward the other jaw. The jaws  704 ,  706  terminate in facing edges  714 ,  716 . These edges extend from a common edge  718  of the clamp body  702  inwardly toward each other, then curve outwardly away from each other to define an aperture  720  (typically, circular or elliptical) for receiving the tack body  402 . The edges  714 ,  716  then continue in aligned fashion and end in an elongated, lateral slot  722  in the clamp body  702 . The lateral slot lies inward of a further clamp body edge  724  which opposes the clamp body edge  718 . 
     A further laterally extending elongated spring sleeve  726  is attached by a joint area  728  to the side  730  of the edge  724  bordering the mounting part  708 . The sleeve  726  extends along the length of the edge  724  and is also out of the plane of the clamp body  702 . 
     For mounting and supporting the spring clamp  702 , the lower housing member  308  of the security tag  300  includes a circular mount  602 . The spring clamp  502  is mounted, via aperture  512  of the mounting part  508 , on the circular mount  602 . In this way, the mounting part  708  can be rotated about the circular mount  602 . The spring clamp  702  is thus able to pivot about the mounting part  708 . 
     When an end of the tack assembly  310  is introduced in the downward direction through the opening  404  in the upper housing member  306 , the tack body  404  is directed to aperture  720  of the securement mechanism  406 . This causes the jaws  704 ,  706  to spread open and allow the tack body  404  to pass there through. 
     When the downward movement of the tack assembly  310  is stopped, the jaws  704 ,  706  retract and clutch the tack body  404 . In this position, the jaws  704 ,  706  prevent upward movement of the tack assembly  310 . As such, the security tag  300  becomes securely coupled to the article  314 . 
     In order to release the tack body  404  from the jaws  704 - 706 , the detachment mechanism  302  is introduced into the insert space  316  formed in the housing  304  of the security tag  300 . Rotation of the detachment mechanism  302  causes it to be moved in and guided by the arcuate channel  502  until the end  318  abuts portion  732  of the securement mechanism  406 . Continued rotational movement of the detachment mechanism  302  causes force to be applied to portion  732  of the securement mechanism  406 . This force, in turn, causes the clamp body  702  to rotate about the support area  708 . The jaw  704  is thus enabled to spread away from jaw  706  due to the force of the tack body  404 , which is being held stationary by jaw  706 . As a result, aperture  720  expands, releasing the tack body  504  from the clutch of the jaws. The tack assembly  310  can now be moved in the upward direction past the jaws, via an upward force on the tack head  312 . 
     During rotation of the clamp body  702 , the spring sleeve  726  at the joint area  728  is compressed. After the tack assembly  310  is separated from the housing  304 , the detachment mechanism  302  is rotated in the reverse direction. This reverse rotation disengages the detachment mechanism  302  from the securement mechanism  406 . Consequently, the spring sleeve  726  rotates in an opposite direction so as to be brought back to its original position. Thereafter, the detachment mechanism  302  is guided out of the arcuate channel  502  and is removed from insert space  316  formed in the housing  304 . 
     As evident from the above discussion, the detachment mechanism  302  is provided to deflect the securement mechanism  406  so as to allow the tack assembly  310  to be removed from the housing  304 . The detachment mechanism  302  may be part of an external detacher. Detachers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. When the tack assembly  310  is removed from the housing  304 , the security tag  300  can be decoupled from an article  314  (e.g., a piece of clothing). 
     The deflection of the securement mechanism  406  results from an application of mechanical energy by the detachment mechanism  302 . The present invention provides a means for harnessing the applied mechanical energy. The means includes an additional element disposed between the securement mechanism and EAS/RFID component(s). The additional element can include, but is not limited to, a piezo (or piezoelectric) element, a magnet/solenoid element, and/or a MEMS device. 
     Illustrative Physical Structures of Novel Tags 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-15 , there are provided illustrations of an illustrative physical structure of a tag  800  in accordance with the present solution. The security tags  112 ,  118  of  FIG. 1 and 200  of  FIG. 2  can have the same or similar physical structure as tag  800 . As such, the discussion of tag  800  is sufficient for understanding the physical structures of security tags  112 ,  118  of  FIG. 1 and 200  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The tag  800  includes a housing  804  with an upper housing member  806  joined to a lower housing member  808 . The housing members  806 ,  808  can be joined together via an adhesive, a mechanical coupling means (e.g., snaps, screws, etc.), or a weld (e.g., an ultrasonic weld) so as to form a unitary piece. The housing  804  can be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic. Various electronic components are contained within the housing  804 . For example, the electronic components are disposed in portion  810  of the lower housing member  808 . These electronic components include, but are not limited to, all or some of the electronic components  202 - 216 ,  230 - 240 ,  244 - 250  of  FIG. 2 . 
     The housing  804  has an insert space  802  formed between the upper and lower housing members  806 ,  808 . The insert space  802  is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of an article (e.g., a piece of clothing). When inserted into the insert space  802 , the tag  800  can be secured to the article via a retractable pin  1302 . Notably, the retractable pin  1302  is integrated into the body of the tag  800 . In order to secure the tag to the article, the retractable pin  1302  is urged in a downward direction  1100  from an unengaged position shown in  FIGS. 11 and 14  to an engaged position shown in  FIGS. 13 and 15 . When in the unengaged position, the pin  1302  is retracted into the upper housing member  806 . When in the engaged position, the pin  1302  extends through the insert space  802  and into the lower housing member  808 . The housing  804  has an opening  1304  formed therein such that at least a portion of a retractable pin  1302  (or attachment element) can be inserted into the lower housing member  808  for facilitating the attachment of the security tag to an article. 
     A free end  1502  of the retractable pin  1302  can be secured inside the lower housing member  808  via a securement mechanism  1504 . The securement mechanism  1504  is the same as or similar to the securement mechanism  406  discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 4-7 . The above discussion of securement mechanism  406  is sufficient for understanding securement mechanism  1504 . 
     The transition of the pin  1302  from the unengaged position to the engaged position is achieved via a telescoping actuator  812 . An end  1404  of the pin  1302  is secured to the telescoping actuator  812  such that the pin moves in the downward direction  1100  when the telescoping actuator  812  is depressed by an operator. This securement can be achieved, for example, via an adhesive or mating threads. An illustration of the telescoping actuator  812  in its undepressed position is shown in  FIGS. 8-11 and 14 , and an illustration of the telescoping actuator  812  in its depressed position is shown in  FIGS. 12-13 and 15 . 
     The housing  804 , insert space  802 , and retractable pin assembly  812 ,  1302  are configured and arranged to maintain the pin&#39;s free end  1502  (which may be sharp) in a safe position at all times to prevent external exposure thereof. To accomplish this, the insert space  802  is narrow enough to prevent human fingers from entering the area proximate to the pin  1302 . In effect, the tag advantageously has an improved safety feature both for users who attach the tag to an article and others who might encounter the tag in an unattached state. Since the pin is integral to the tag body, the issue of possible injury due to pin exposure is eliminated. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , the telescoping actuator  812  comprises a first part  1406  securely coupled to a second part  1408  in a way that allows the actuator  812  to be smaller via depression thereof so as to provide minimal interference with a person&#39;s inspection of the article having the tag coupled thereto. In this regard, the first part  1406  is configured to slidingly engage the second part  1408  such that it can slide into the second part and slide out of the second part. When slid out of the second part, the first part  1406  extends therefrom in a direction away from the tag. When slid into the second part, the first part  1406  resides therein. A stop structure  1410  is provided on an inner surface of the second part  1408  for limiting the distance that the first part  1406  can travel in the downward direction  1100  relative to at least the second part  1408 . This stop structure  1410  also provides a means for causing the second part  1408  to travel along with and in conjunction with the first part  1406  in the downward direction  1100 . 
     The second part  1408  is coupled to the tag&#39;s housing  804 . The second part  1408  is configured to slidingly engage the tag&#39;s housing  804  such that it can slide into the tag&#39;s housing and slide out of the tag&#39;s housing. When slid out of the tag&#39;s housing, the second part  1408  extends therefrom in a direction away from the tag. When slid into the tag&#39;s housing, the second part  1408  resides therein. A stop structure  1412  is provided on an inner surface of the tag&#39;s housing for limiting the distance that the second part  1408  can travel in the downward direction  1100  relative to at least the tag&#39;s housing. Another stop structure  1506  is also provided to limit the distance that the second part  1408  can travel in the upward direction relative to at least the tag&#39;s housing. The stop structures  1412 ,  1506  also provide a means for ensuring that the telescoping actuator does not become dislodged from the tag&#39;s housing during use thereof. 
     Notably, the telescoping actuator  812  may be resiliently biased (e.g., via a spring not shown in  FIGS. 8-15 ) in a direction away from the tag&#39;s housing so that it automatically returns to its undepressed position when the pin&#39;s free end  1502  is released from the securement mechanism  1504  (e.g., in the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 4-7 ). The telescoping actuator  812  also has multiple purposes of (1) facilitating the securement of the security tag to an article, (2) providing an indication of a state of the pin&#39;s mechanical securement (e.g., successfully secured or released), and/or (3) providing an indication to the operator that the tag can now be decoupled from the article because the pin has been successfully released. These indications are provided auditorily, visually and/or tactually. 
     The visual indication can be provided simply by the telescoping actuator being placed in its fully depressed state and/or returned to its undepressed state. Alternatively or alternatively, the visual indication is provided via a marking and/or texture  902 ,  904  formed on or coupled to at least one surface  906 ,  908  of the telescoping actuator  812 . The marking can include, but is not limited to, a colored line or other shape. The texture can include, but is not limited to, protrusions and/or dimples. A visual indication that the tag has been successfully secured to an article is provided when the marking and/or texture are no longer visible to the operator. In contrast, a visual indication the tag can now be decoupled from the article is provided when the marking and/or texture are once again visible to the operator. The visual indication can alternatively or additionally be provided via a post  1202  that fills an aperture  1002  when the telescoping actuator  812  is in its depressed position, and not when the telescoping actuator  812  is in its undepressed position. The post  1202  may also provide a tactile indication to the operator of a successful securement of the pin. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , the telescoping actuator  812  is designed so that a shoulder member  1306  extends into the insert space  802  when it is in its depressed position. This shoulder member  1306  provides: (A) a means to prevent a person&#39;s ability to cut, break or deform the pin  1302  when the tag  800  is in use; (B) a means to protect damage to the article; and/or (C) a means to selectively adjust the size of the insert space. In scenario (B), shoulder member  1306  is at least partially formed of a deformable material (such as rubber or foam) or has a deformable material coupled to an engagement surface thereof (e.g., a pad coupled to a bottom surface thereof that is to come in contact with an article). 
     The tag&#39;s design significantly improves usability for automatic detaching arrangements. The new tag design does not require any interpretation of when the article is ready for removal during a detaching process. The pin is not required to be separately removed within a specified dwell time. Once the detacher probe or hook (e.g., detachment mechanism  302  of  FIG. 3 ) releases the securement mechanism, the operator is provided with visual and/or auditory feedback that the detaching process has completed (the pin will retract within the housing automatically to provide easy removal of the article from insert space). 
     The present solution is not limited to the physical design shown in  FIGS. 8-15 . For example, the pin can be designed such that it does not extend into the lower housing member when in its fully engaged position. In this case, the securement mechanism is eliminated from the tag. Other illustrative tag designs are shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The tags of  FIGS. 16-17  generally operate in the same manner as that discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 8-15 . The main difference between the tags of  FIGS. 16-17  and the tag of  FIGS. 8-15  is the telescoping actuator dimensions. 
     In some scenarios, the tag is designed such that the insert space has an adjustable size. This adjustability allows the tag to accommodate articles with different thicknesses. The size of the insert space can be adjusted in accordance with a plurality of different means. For example, the insert space&#39;s size is adjusted by: moving the upper housing portion relative to the lower housing portion; or moving a portion of a telescoping actuator into the insert space (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 16-17 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18-19 , there are provided cross-sectional diagrams of a tag  1800  which has a variable sized insert space  1802 . The insert space&#39;s size is selectively varied via the pin and telescoping actuator assembly. The pin  1804  is coupled to a first part  1806  of a telescoping actuator  1810 . This coupling is achieved via an adhesive, threads, or other coupling means. In effect, depression of the first part  1806  causes movement of the pin  1804  in the downward direction  1850 . 
     The pin  1804  has a plurality of notches  1902  formed on its elongate body so as to be spaced apart from each other. The notches  1902  provide specific areas on the pin that can be engaged by the securement mechanism  1904 . The specific notch that is engaged by the securement mechanism  1904  depends on the thickness of the article disposed in the insert space  1802 . For example, a first notch  1906  is engaged by the securement mechanism  1904  when a relatively thin article is disposed in the insert space  1802  and provides resistance to further downward movement thereof. In contrast, a second notch  1908  is engaged by the securement mechanism  1904  when a relatively thick article is disposed in the insert space  1802  and provides resistance to further downward movement thereof. 
     The telescoping actuator  1810  is designed to be depressed into a smaller form as shown in  FIG. 19 . In this regard, the first part  1806  of the telescoping actuator  1810  is configured such that it slidingly engages an inner surface  1816  of the second part  1808 . A second part  1808  of the telescoping actuator  1810  is configured such that it slidingly engages an inner surface  1812  of the tag&#39;s housing  1814 . When a flange  1818  of the first part  1806  engages a bottom surface  1820  of the second part  1808 , a downward pushing force is applied by the first part on the second part. In effect, the first and second parts travel together in the downward direction  1850 . The second part is designed so that a portion thereof is able to extend into the insert space and is able to come in direct contact with the article disposed in the insert space. Consequently, the size of the insert space is adjusted to accommodate the actual thickness of the article. The first and second parts are maintained in the depressed positions through use of the pin  1804 , notches  1902  and securement mechanism  1904 . 
     In some scenarios, the first part  1806  is resiliently biased so that the telescoping actuator automatically returns to its undepressed position when the pin  1804  is released from the securement mechanism  1904  (e.g., in the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 3-7 ). In this regard, the first part may be resiliently biased by a resilient member (e.g., a spring not shown in  FIGS. 18-19 ) disposed between a bottom surface  1822  of the first part  1806  and a bottom surface  1820  of the second part  1808 . 
     In those or other scenarios, the pin  1804  is additionally or alternatively resiliently biased so that it automatically applies an upward pushing force on the first part  1806  when the pin  1804  is released from the securement mechanism  1904  (e.g., in the manner described above in relation to  FIGS. 3-7 ). In this regard, the pin may be resiliently biased by a resilient member (e.g., a spring not shown in  FIGS. 18-19 ) disposed in a channel  1824 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-21 , there are provided cross-sectional diagrams of a tag  2000  which has a variable sized insert space  2002 . The insert space&#39;s size is selectively varied via the pin and telescoping actuator assembly. The pin and telescoping actuator assembly is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 18-19 . The main difference between the two pin and telescoping actuator assemblies is the physical structure of the second parts  1808 ,  2004  and corresponding housing portions. The operation of the two pin and telescoping actuator assemblies are generally the same or substantially similar. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22-23 , there are provided perspective views of a tag  2200  that is designed with an insert space  2202  having a size that can be adjusted in accordance with the teachings of  FIGS. 18-21 .  FIG. 24  shows the tag  2200  accommodating items of different thicknesses. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25-26 , there are provided illustrations showing a tag  2500  that is designed with an insert space  2508  having a size that can be adjusted by a different technique than that discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 18-24 . Tag  2500  comprises a housing  2502  having an upper portion  2504  and a lower portion  2506 . The upper portion  2504  is movable relative to the lower portion  2506 . For example, the upper portion  2504  is designed to have two components  2510 ,  2512  which slidingly engage each other. A first component  2512  is securely coupled to the lower portion  2506 . A second component  2510  is configured to move in two opposing directions  2600 ,  2602  relative to the first component  2512  and the lower portion  2506 . During operation, the second component  2510  is configured to move in the downward direction  2602  along with the telescoping actuator  2512  until it comes in direct contact with the article disposed in the insert space  2508 . In this way, the size of the insert space  2508  can be selectively adjusted each time the tag  2500  is being coupled to an article. Accordingly, the tag  2500  is able to accommodate items with different thicknesses as shown in  FIG. 27 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28 , there is provided a flow diagram of an illustrative method  2800  for operating a tag (e.g., tag  112 ,  118  of  FIG. 1, 200  of  FIG. 2, 800  of  FIGS. 8-15, 1600  of  FIG. 16, 1700, 1702, 1704  of  FIG. 17, 1800  of  FIGS. 18-19, 2000  of  FIGS. 20-21, 2200  of  FIG. 22-24 , or  2500  of  FIGS. 25-27 ). Method  2800  begins with  2802  and continues with  2804  where a telescoping actuator (e.g., telescoping actuator  812  of  FIG. 8, 1810  of  FIG. 18, 2512  of  FIG. 25 ) of the tag is actuated. As shown by  2806 , this actuation causes a pin (e.g., pin  1302  of  FIG. 13 or 1804  of  FIG. 18 ) to transition from an unengaged position in which the pin is retracted into a first portion (e.g., upper housing member  806  of  FIG. 8 or 2504  of  FIG. 25 ) of the tag&#39;s housing (e.g., housing  804  of  FIG. 8, 1814  of  FIG. 18 or 2502  of  FIG. 25 ) to an engaged position in which the pin extends through an insert space (e.g., insert space  802  of  FIG. 8, 1802  of  FIG. 18, 2002  of  FIG. 20 , or  2508  of  FIG. 25 ) and into a second portion (e.g., e.g., lower housing member  804  of  FIG. 8, 1814  of  FIG. 18 , or  2502  of  FIG. 25 ) of the tag&#39;s housing. Notably, the pin is securely coupled to a movable component (e.g., first part  1406  of  FIG. 14 or 1806  of  FIG. 18 ) of the telescoping actuator so as to be integrated into the tag&#39;s body. The first and second portions of the tag&#39;s housing are coupled to each other so as to form a unitary piece. The telescoping actuator has a decreased size when the pin is in the engaged position. 
     Next in optional  2808 , a size of the insert space is adjusted and/or a shoulder portion (e.g., shoulder portion  1306  of  FIG. 13 ) coupled to the telescoping actuator is moved into the insert space. The insert space&#39;s size is adjusted by: moving a portion (e.g., portion  1306  of  FIG. 13 or 1808  of  FIG. 18 ) of the telescoping actuator into the insert space; or moving the first portion (e.g., portion  2510  of  FIG. 25 ) of the tag&#39;s housing relative to the second portion (e.g., portion  2512  and/or  2506  of  FIG. 25 ) of the tag&#39;s housing. 
     In  2810 , the pin is mechanically secured in the engaged position using a securement mechanism (e.g., securement mechanism  406  of  FIG. 4, 1504  of  FIG. 15 , or  1904  of  FIG. 19 ) disposed in the second portion of the tag&#39;s housing. The telescoping actuator provides a visual indication of a state of the pin&#39;s mechanical securement, as shown by  2812 . The visual indication is at least partially provided by a marking or texture applied to the telescoping actuator. 
     At least a portion of the telescoping actuator is resiliently biased in a direction away from the tag&#39;s housing, as shown by  2814 . In this regard, the telescoping actuator automatically returns to its unactuated position when the pin is released from the securement mechanism, as shown by  2816 - 2818 . Subsequently,  2820  is performed where method  2800  ends or other processing is performed. 
     Although the present solution has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the present solution may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present solution should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the present solution should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.