Patent Publication Number: US-2015082842-A1

Title: Mobile detacher and hard tag

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/882,157, filed on Sep. 25, 2013, and titled “MOBILE DETACHER FOR HARD TAG,” the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a security hard tag device, system, and method to unlock the hard tag. A detacher key or hard tag may include a cam for applying force to a pin retaining clip in the hard tag to release the pin from the hard tag. 
     Many retail items have security tags attached to them as a security measure to prevent their unauthorized removal from a desired area. One such security tag is a hard tag, wherein some hard tags use a pin as a way to attach the tag to merchandise. A means to secure the pin inside the hard tag is necessary for the tag to function as intended. It is also necessary to remove the pin once an article has been authorized for removal from the area, such as when bought before removing the item from the store. 
     Many hard tag detachers use a rare earth magnet as a means to remove the pin from the tag. The cost of quality rare earth magnet materials has escalated in recent years and is resulting in both an increase in selling price and erosion of profit margins for manufacturers selling these magnetic detachers. These magnetic detachers are typically of considerable weight and they are not easily transportable around a store. Customers who wish to purchase a product with a hard tag attached must bring the item to the checkout area where the hard tag can be detached by such a magnetic detacher. With the magnetic detacher located permanently at a checkout station, a concentration of customers forms in the checkout area, creating a log jam effect forcing customers to wait in line to have the tags removed from the merchandise. Customers who do not wish to stay and wait may choose to forgo the purchase and simply leave the store without the item, resulting in lost sales for the retailer. 
     The present disclosure eliminates the need for permanently fixed magnetic detachers, including expensive rare earth magnets, by providing a mechanical method of unlocking the pin from the hard tag anywhere in the store. The disclosure reduces the weight of the detacher to the point that it can easily be carried around the store by a sales associate, either in a pocket, attached to a belt, or in any other method of casual transportation. This detacher mobility further allows a retailer to take advantage of mobile checkout, a major trend in retail stores that enhances the customer experience by eliminating long checkout lines at the main point-of-sale and thus makes more efficient use of retail labor within the store. A reduction in checkout lines, including for tag detachment, is a win-win situation for both the retailer and the customer. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of this disclosure provide a security device, system, and method to remove a pin from the device using a mobile detacher key. The mobile detacher key is inserted into the device and rotated to unlock the pin from the clutches of a pin retaining clip inside the device. 
     Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a security device. The security device includes a pin. The security device also includes a housing. The housing includes a housing recess located about the housing and configured to receive the pin. The housing also includes a housing cavity located within the housing. The housing also includes a housing cavity entrance located about the surface of the housing for access to the housing cavity. The security device includes a retaining clip located within the housing and configured to secure the pin within the housing when the pin is received through the recess. The security device also includes a detacher key configured to enter the housing through the housing cavity entrance and into the housing cavity and to turn to rotate the pin from the retaining clip. 
     According to one embodiment, the retaining clip includes two pin restraint members configured to secure the pin when the pin is positioned in the housing recess and between the restraint members. The restraint members are configured to open to release the pin when a sufficient force is applied to a section of the retaining clip when the detacher key is rotated. 
     According to one embodiment, the retaining clip includes a clip body. The retaining clip also includes a secured end connected to one side of the clip body and extending transverse to the clip body in the same plane. The secured end includes an orifice located in a front portion of the secured end proximal to a front edge of the retaining clip. A pivot anchor extends through the orifice. The pivot anchor is a member of the housing. The retaining clip also includes an unsecured end connected to the opposing side of the clip body from the secured end. The unsecured end extends in the same direction from the clip body as the secured end. The unsecured end includes an exposed edge being the section of the retaining clip where the sufficient force is applied. The retaining clip also includes a resistance arm connected to the secured end at a back portion of the secured end distal from the front edge of the retaining clip and extending orthogonally downward from the plane of the secured end and clip body, and extending parallel in the plane of the clip body on the opposing side of the clip body from location of the pin restraint members. A first pin restraint member is connected to the secured end and a second pin restraint member is connected to the unsecured end. The restraint members are located in proximity to each other and face each other. The pin is located between the restraint members to secure the pin between the restraint members. 
     According to one aspect of one embodiment, the retaining clip is configured to rotate about the pivot anchor. The resistance arm is located in a trough about the housing. The restraint members are configured to release the pin when a sufficient torsional torque is applied on the retaining clip when the sufficient force is applied to the exposed edge such that the pin retaining clip rotates about the pivot anchor and the resistance arm remains secure in the trough providing a resultant torque force in a direction opposite the rotation direction of the retaining clip. The exposed edge is located on a side of the unsecured end opposite the side of the unsecured end nearer to the resistance arm. 
     According to one embodiment, the security device also includes a cam configured to apply the sufficient force to the section of the retaining clip when the detacher key is turned. 
     According to one embodiment, the cam is located on an end of the detacher key first entering the housing. The pin retaining clip and the key rotate about parallel planes. 
     According to another embodiment, the cam is located on an end of the detacher key first entering the housing. The pin retaining clip and the key rotate about orthogonal planes. 
     According to one embodiment, the cam is located in the housing cavity and is configured to receive the detacher key and rotate in the same direction as the detacher key when the detacher key is turned. The retaining clip and the cam are configured to rotate about parallel planes. 
     According to another embodiment, the cam is located in the housing cavity and is configured to receive the detacher key and rotate in the same direction as the detacher key when the detacher key is turned. The retaining clip and the cam are configured to rotate about orthogonal planes. 
     According to one embodiment, the housing cavity entrance to the housing cavity is located on a side of the housing different from another side of the housing where the housing recess is located. The housing also includes a key path shield configured to at least partially encase a segment of the housing cavity in the housing. The housing cavity includes a slot configured to allow for the cam to rotate within the slot and external of the key path shield to allow for the cam to apply the sufficient force to the section of the retaining clip when the detacher key is rotated. 
     According to one aspect of one embodiment, the housing also includes a post located in the housing cavity to block unauthorized devices, other than the detacher key from releasing the pin from the retaining clip. 
     According to one embodiment, the cam is located in the housing cavity. The cam includes a dome-shaped top. The cam also includes a cam extension protruding from a side of the cam. When the detacher key rotates, the cam extension is configured to apply the sufficient force to the section of the retaining clip. The cam also includes a bottom surface including an opening. The opening is configured to receive a first end of the detacher key. The design of the first end of the detacher key aligns with the design of the opening so that the detacher key connects with the opening. 
     According to one embodiment, the housing includes an excess receiving volume to allow for the cam to tilt from side to side in the excess receiving volume. When the cam is tilted beyond a particular threshold the cam arm will misalign with the section of the retaining clip so that the cam arm may not apply the sufficient force on the section of the retaining clip. 
     According to one embodiment, the housing also includes a flexible spacer connected to the cam. The flexible spacer is configured to retain the cam in a first position so that the cam arm is prevented from applying a force to the section of the retaining clip. The flexible spacer is configured to depress to a second position when the detacher key is pushed against the cam to permit the cam arm to apply the sufficient force to the section of the retaining clip. 
     According to one embodiment, the housing also includes a stabilizer including two walls. Each wall extends from the housing and is parallel from the other wall. The two walls are configured to provide guidance for the cam to rotate between the two walls so that the cam may align with the section of the retaining clip such that the cam may apply sufficient force to the section of the retaining clip when the detacher key is turned. 
     According to one embodiment, the housing also includes a flange in the housing cavity located between the detacher key and the retaining clip. The flange is configured to require an additional torque force to rotate the detacher key to apply the sufficient force to the section of the retaining clip. 
     According to one embodiment, the detacher key includes a gripping pad located on a second end of the detacher key opposite a first end of the detacher key first entering the housing. The detacher key also includes a shaft extending from the gripping pad to the first end of the detacher key, the gripping pad providing a moment arm about the axis of the shaft to generate a torque force to turn the detacher key to release the pin from the retaining clip. 
     According to one aspect of one embodiment, the detacher key also includes a shoulder protruding outwards from the shaft, whereby the shoulder is positioned at a known distance from the first end of the detacher key such that when the first end of the detacher key enters the housing, the housing prevents the detacher key from entering the housing any further beyond the shoulder such that the detacher key is located at a position for the detacher key to turn so that the sufficient force is applied to the section of the retaining clip. 
     According to one embodiment, the detacher key is non-magnetic. 
     According to another embodiment, the detacher key is 50 mm or less in length. 
     According to one embodiment, a security element is located within the housing. The security element includes at least one of an EAS element or a RFID element. 
     Embodiments of this disclosure are also directed to a method for removing a security device from an article. The method includes providing an article with a security device housing and a pin attached about the article and into the security device housing. The pin is secured in a retaining clip located in the security device housing. And the article is secured between the pin and the security device housing. The method also includes inserting a detacher key into the housing. The method also includes rotating the detacher key. The rotation of the detacher key provides sufficient force on the retaining clip to release the pin from the retaining clip. The method also includes removing the pin from the retaining clip and from the housing. 
     Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of this disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating this disclosure, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that this disclosure is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a hard tag with a detacher key inserted into the tag according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the hard tag of  FIG. 1  with the detacher key and pin removed; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hard tag of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an enlarged top-side view of the retaining clip and a perspective view of the detacher key with an attached cam according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the pin retaining clip and detacher key of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a front view of the retaining clip and detacher key; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a hard tag with the housing cavity entrance located on the side of the tag according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the hard tag of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged top-side view of the retaining clip and detacher key inside the side entry hard tag of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a side view of hard tag with side entry showing the housing cavity entrance and a post located inside the housing cavity according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a cross-sectional top-side view of the side entry tag of  FIG. 8A  with the detacher key, retaining clip, key path shield, and several housing supports removed to show post in housing cavity; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hard tag with a cam inside the tag according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a hard tag with a cam located inside the hard tag according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates an enlarged view of the cam shown in  FIG. 10  tilted one direction; 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates an enlarged view of the cam shown in  FIG. 10  tilted another direction; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cam in a hard tag with a spacer according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a variety of detacher key end designs according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a flange in the hard tag according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     This document describes a device and method to detach a security hard tag from merchandise using a detacher key. The detacher key may be a mobile key so that detachment of the security hard tag merchandise may occur in any location in or about the store by a retail employee. 
     In the disclosure, the term “security device” may be designated as security hard tag. “Security hard tag” may alternatively be designated “hard tag” or simply “tag.” In the disclosure, the detacher device to remove the security device from the merchandise may also be designated as “detacher key,” “detacher,” or “key.” 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a security hard tag  100  with a detacher key  110  inserted into the tag  100  for detaching pin  130  according to one embodiment. The hard tag  100  is partially formed by an exterior shell, or housing  101 , which may be a hard or rigid material, such as plastic. The housing  101  may be strong enough to thwart an individual from an unauthorized attempt to use their hands or other tools to break open the housing  101  and thus remove the tag  100  from the merchandise. The hard tag  100  includes face  160  on the housing  101 , which is a side of the housing  101  on which is located recess opening  141 , to receive pin  130 . On the opposite side of the housing  101  from face  160  is located tag mound  117  that includes a housing cavity entrance  119  (see  FIG. 2 ), an opening in the mound  117  to the housing cavity  120  (see  FIG. 2 ). In  FIG. 1 , the detacher key  110  is shown inserted through the housing cavity entrance  119  and into the housing cavity  120 . When inserted into the hard tag  100 , the detacher key  110  may be used to allow for the pin  130  to be removed from recess opening  141  and out of hard tag  100 . In the preferred embodiment, the housing cavity  120  is located proximal to the recess opening  141 , though an opposite side of the housing  101 , to ensure that the detacher key  110  is properly aligned in proximity internal to the tag  100  with retaining clip  310  (see  FIG. 3 ). The pin  130  is used to secure merchandise to the tag  100 . The pin  130  can be pushed through merchandise material, or through any other material connected to the merchandise, before being inserted into recess  140  in hard tag  100  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     When the detacher key  110  is not in use it may be removed from the tag  100 . The key  110  may be lightweight and small enough that it may then be stored in a store employee&#39;s pocket, or secured to a key ring (not shown) which may pass through key cavity  170  located about one end of detacher key  110 . The detacher key  110  shown in  FIG. 1  is 50 mm in length, but may be larger or smaller in size. The detacher key  110  may be small and lightweight so as to allow a user to carry it in their pocket, on a belt, or other method of transportation on the person. The detacher key may be non-magnetic. The detacher key may be made of plastic. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the hard tag  100  of  FIG. 1  with the detacher key  110  and pin  130  removed. The detacher key  110  may have a key paddle  200  which is a wide piece having flat surfaces that allows a user to grip the paddle  200  with fingers to generate a torque force when rotating the key  110  in either direction about key shaft  210 . The detacher key  110  may also include a key cam  240  attached at an end of the key shaft  210 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the key cam  240  is located at the end of the detacher key  110  which first enters the housing cavity  120  and opposite the end of the key  110  where the key cavity  170  is located about key  110 . The key cam  240  may be molded as part of the key  110 , such as an extension from shaft  210 , or it may be manufactured separately and then attached to the key shaft  210  using methods such as, but not limited to, adhesive. The key shaft  210  may be solid or hollow. The key shaft  210  shown in  FIG. 2  is hollow so that guide post  118 , which is cylinder in shape, in housing cavity  120 , fits into the hollow shaft  210  as key shaft  210  is inserted into the housing cavity  120 . When a user turns the detacher key  110 , the key cam  240  is rotated wherein it contacts a section of retaining clip  310  (see  FIG. 3 ) located in housing  101 , and wherein a sufficient force is applied to a particular section of the pin retaining clip  310 , so that the retaining clip  310  releases pin  130 . The pin retaining clip  310  may also be referred to as “retaining clip” or “clip,” as it is the instrument to secure the pin  130  in tag  100 . The housing cavity entrance  119  and housing cavity  120  may be shaped to accommodate the key  110  and key cam  240 . As shown in  FIG. 2  in one embodiment, the key  110  must be turned/rotated to a certain position to allow the key cam  240  to enter the housing cavity entrance  119  and housing cavity  120 . The shape of the housing cavity entrance  119  and housing cavity  120  may be modified to accommodate any size or shape detacher key and may not be limited by the size of shape of the embodiments shown. 
     Pin  130  is shown removed from recess opening  141  in  FIG. 2 . Pin  130  includes a pinhead  250  located at one end of pin shaft  260  opposite the end first inserted into recess opening  141 . The width of the pinhead  250  may ensure that merchandise remain secured between the pinhead  250  and housing  101 . In other embodiments, the housing  101  may include an enclosure  220 , surrounded by an extension above face  160  around recess opening  141  that may allow for pinhead  250  to fit within the extension surrounding the enclosure  220 . This may allow pin  130  to be shielded by the tag housing  101  thereby making it difficult to pry pin head  250 , using a screwdriver or similar device, from between the pinhead  250  and the tag  100 . Pin shaft  260  may include ridge(s)  230  allowing for the pin  130  to be better secured by the retaining clip  310  (see also  FIG. 7 ) with ridge  230 . The ridge  230  may be wide enough to allow the restraint members  340  of retaining clip  310  to fit within a ridge  230  to secure the pin  130 . Pin shaft  260  may have more than one ridge  230  at different locations along the shaft  210  to allow for merchandise of differing thicknesses to be secured by the same pin  130  between the tag  100  and pinhead  250 . The recess  140  may accommodate a pin with various ridges  230  located along the shaft  260  and the adjustable pin depth allows the retailer to purchase one standard pin that can be used for many different products. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hard tag  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.  FIG. 3  shows a view of the internal arrangement of hard tag  100  of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The tag housing  101  is shown separated as tag cover  300  and tag body  307 . The tag body  307  includes outer housing walls  308  and internal housing supports  390  extending between walls  308 . The supports  390  may form an area to accommodate location of the retaining clip  310  and/or a security element  309 . The security element  309 , or a portion of the security element  309 , may be an electronic article surveillance (EAS) element or a radio frequency identification (RFID) element. The supports  390  may also be positioned to create troughs  391  in the tag body  307 . The security element  309  may be located in any one or more troughs  391 . The tag body  307  may have an outer ledge  305  incorporated into outer walls  308  where the tag cover  300  may be pressed into the tag body  307  to form the housing  101 . 
     Recess  140  is located for alignment between the restraint members  340 ,  341  of retaining clip  310  (see also  FIG. 4A  for enlarged view). The pin retaining clip  310  is preferably made of thin metal and is secured on one end by clip pivot anchor  320 , which is preferably a molded part of tag body  307 . Pivot anchor  320  may keep the retaining clip  310  properly aligned while the tag  100  is attached to merchandise and may also prevent the retaining clip  310  from moving while the pin  130  is locked or unlocked in tag  100 . The retaining clip  310  may include orifice  350  on the secured end  360  of the retaining clip  310  that fits around clip pivot anchor  320  (see also  FIG. 4A ). As shown in  FIG. 4A , the orifice  350  is located in a proximal portion of the secured end  360  proximal to the front edge  351  of the retaining clip  310 . Unsecured end  330  of retaining clip  310  may move freely in two dimensions when a force is applied to it, particularly at an exposed edge  370  located on unsecured end  330 . The force may be applied by key cam  240  in the preferred embodiment. Housing cavity  120  (see  FIG. 2 ) allows for the key cam  240  to be positioned within the housing cavity  120  to contact a particular section of retaining clip  310  to provide sufficient force to that section so that the retaining clip  310  releases pin  130 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the key cam  240  may contact the exposed edge  370  of the unsecured end  330  of retaining clip  310  after the detacher key  110  is inserted into the housing cavity entrance  119  and through housing cavity  120  and then rotated (see also  FIG. 1 ). The key cam  240  rotates such that the flat key cam edge  480  of cam  240  contacts the exposed edge  370  and increases the torsional force applied to exposed edge  370  as the key  110  is rotated applying increased force to the exposed edge  370 . Retaining clip trough  380  located in housing  101  provides a section in the tag body  307  where part of the retaining clip  310  is secured. 
     In  FIG. 3 , internal cover bottom face  301  of tag cover  300  is shown. A pin guide  303  protrudes generally perpendicularly from the bottom face  301 . The pin guide  303  functions to ensure that the pin  130  is properly aligned when the pin  130  is inserted into the recess opening  141  from the opposing side of tag cover  300 , and passes through pin guide channel  306  of pin guide  303  to recess  140  between restraint members  340 . The pin guide  303  may be molded as part of tag cover  300  and is firm enough that it may not distort if pin  130  is inserted slightly misaligned. The pin guide  303  can extend from the cover bottom face  301  at a distance such that the bottom of pin guide opposite pin guide  303  connection with internal cover bottom face  301 , stops just before contacting retaining clip  310 . In other embodiments, two pin guides may exist to guide pin  130  on opposite sides of the retaining clip  310 , or no guides may exist. 
     In one embodiment, the tag cover bottom face  301  may also have a pivot anchor receiver  302  extending from face  301 . The pivot anchor receiver  302  may be aligned with pivot anchor  320  located on tag body  307  so as to secure the circumference of the pivot anchor  320  within the circumference of the pivot anchor receiver  302 . The pivot anchor receiver  302  may further secure the pin retaining clip  310  and ensure that the pin guide  303  is properly aligned with the retaining clip  310  when the tag cover  301  and tag body  307  are connected and sealed. As shown the pivot anchor receiver  302  may be inserted within the circumference of the pivot anchor  320  in a recess at the top of the pivot anchor  320 . The tag cover  301  and tag body  307  may be secured by welding or adhesive. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an enlarged top-side view of retaining clip  310  and perspective view of detacher key  110 , with an attached cam  240 , according to one embodiment.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of the pin retaining clip  310  and detacher key  110  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4C  illustrates a front view of the retaining clip  310  and detacher key  110 . Retaining clip  310  is shown to include orifice  350  that may surround pivot anchor  320  extending from tag body  307 . Orifice  350  is located on the portion of secured end  360  proximal to the front edge  351  of the retaining clip  310 . Its location ensures that the retaining clip  310  rotates about pivot anchor  320  when a force is applied to the non-secured end  330  at exposed edge  370 . Secured end  360  is connected to a clip body  400  which links the secured end  360  and unsecured end  330 . The clip body  400  may be sufficiently rigid so as not to become distorted, bent, or cracked when the retaining clip  310  is rotated. The unsecured end  330  is connected to the clip body  400  opposite the secured end  360 . The exposed edge  370 , on the unsecured end  330 , is shown as the edge located closest to the cam  240 . The unsecured end  330  is free to rotate when a force is applied to the exposed edge  370  of the unsecured end  330 . 
     Both the secured end  360  and unsecured end  330  each include clip segments  355 ,  356  extending toward one another and generally parallel with clip body  400 . Each segment  355 ,  356  includes a restraint member  340 ,  341 . Restraint segues  470 ,  471  may interconnect their respective restraint members  340 ,  341  to their respective end  330 ,  360 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . A security restraint piece  490 ,  491  may be connected between their respective restraint members  340 ,  341  and restraint segues  470 ,  471  and may also be positioned on different planes than either the members  340 ,  341  or segues  470 ,  471  as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
     The location of the secured end  360  and unsecured end  330  on a different plane than either the security restraint pieces  490 ,  491 , restraint members  340 ,  341 , or restraint segues  470 ,  471  may provide additional stability when the tag cover  300  is placed on tag body  307  and the pin  130  is secured. Pin guide  303  (see  FIG. 3 ) may extend from the tag cover  300  and occupy the depression lower than the plane of tag body  400 , secured end  360 , and unsecured end  330  as created by the restraint segues  470 ,  471 . The pin guide  303  is preferably located directly above and between security restraint pieces  490 ,  491 . The restraint members  340 ,  341  may have a cut out  402  directly above recess  140  where the pin  130  will be held by the restraint members  340 ,  341 . The restraint members  340 ,  341  may be of a thickness that will allow for them to fit within a pin ridge  230  to secure pin  130  tightly between members  340 ,  341 . 
     The secured end  360  may also be connected to a resistance arm  420  via clip transition piece  410  at a portion of the secured end  360  distal from orifice  350  and the front edge  351  and proximal to back edge  352 . The clip transition piece  410  extends perpendicularly down from the clip top surface  460 , as shown in  FIG. 4B . The clip transition piece  410  is solid and formed as part of retaining clip  310 . The clip transition piece  410  is connected to one end of resistance arm  420 , identified as resistance arm fixed end  440 . The opposite end of the resistance arm  420  is arm free end  450 . When the retaining clip  310  is placed inside the tag body  307  the resistance arm  420  is positioned in retaining clip trough  380 . The resistance arm  420  is tightly confined in the clip trough  380  so that if the resistance arm  420  experiences any movement it almost immediately contacts the tag body  307  and is prevented from moving further. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4A , when tag  100  is removed from an article the user, e.g. store employee, will insert key  110  into tag  100 . The user will grip the key  110  about key paddle  200  and rotate the key  110  about the axis of the key shaft  210  in the rotation direction as shown in  FIG. 3 . This causes the key cam  240  to rotate applying force about the surface area of the cam edge  480  with the exposed edge  370  of the unsecured end  330  of retaining clip  310 . Key cam  240  continues to rotate causing an increase in exerted force in direction ‘b’ on the unsecured end  330 . The retaining clip  310  is fixed about secured end  360  by the pivot anchor  320  so that the retaining clip  310  may rotate about pivot anchor  320  in direction ‘c,’ in the opposing direction of rotation of key cam  240  in generally the same plane. As the retaining clip  310  is experiencing this rotation, the resistance arm free end  450  is unable to move since confined in retaining clip trough  380 . Therefore the immovable free end  450  generates a torsional force through the clip transition piece  410  and into the clip body  400  opposing the rotation of the pin retaining clip  310  in direction ‘c.’ This opposing force holds the retaining clip  310  in place. A user is able to turn the key  110  to exert sufficient torsional force to temporarily weaken the grip of the restraint members  340 ,  341  on pin  130  since the torsional force forces the restraint members  340 ,  341  to open, removing restraint members&#39;  340 ,  341  contact with pin ridges  230 . Once the pin ridges  230  are not in contact with restraint members  340 ,  341  the pin  130  may be pulled from between the restraint members  340 ,  341  and out from recess  140  to remove from tag  100 . The key  110  may then be rotated back to its original position in direction opposite of ‘a,’ so that the restraint members  340 ,  341  close and the retaining clip  310  is restored to its original form. The tag  100  may then be ready to accept the same pin  130  or another pin for repeated use. When the tag  100  is attached to merchandise, the pin  130  is again inserted into recess  140  and pushed between restraint members  340 ,  341  until the appropriate pin ridge  230  is positioned between the restraint members  340 ,  341  thus securing pin  130  into tag  100 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a hard tag  500  with the housing cavity entrance  509  located on a side of the tag  500  according to one embodiment. The housing cavity entrance  509  is located on a side orthogonal to a side where recess opening  506  is located. This may increase the difficulty of using an item, other than an authorized key  507  to release pin  505  from tag  500 . The side entry tag  500  is composed of a tag cover  501  and a tag body  502 . The tag body  502  may be non-uniform shape to accommodate the housing cavity  508  within the key  507 , and/or the retaining clip  310  (see  FIG. 6 ). In other embodiments, the tag body  502  may have uniform depth. Detacher key  507  utilized with the side entry tag  500 , may differ from key  200  (see  FIG. 1 ) due to an elongated shaft  504 . Key  507  may also include cam  240  attached on one end of shaft  504 . The elongated shaft  504  may be a solid material, hollow, or any combination thereof. Positioning the housing cavity entrance  509  on the side of tag  500  creates a longer housing cavity  508  in the tag  500  so that key  507  must travel further into the tag  500  before it may be rotated to apply sufficient force on the retaining clip  310 , at for example an exposed edge  370  of the retaining clip  310 . In the embodiment shown, the housing cavity entrance  509  is on the side of the tag  500  opposite the unsecured end  330  of retaining clip  310 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the hard tag  500  of  FIG. 5 . Housing cavity  508  is shown located in tag body  502  and the cavity  508  may be covered by a key path shield  609 . The key path shield  609  is shown as segments of partial cylinders located between internal housing supports  390 . The housing supports  390  located within housing cavity  508  have opening to allow the key  507  to pass through and under key path shield  609 . The key path shield  609  increases the difficulty of inserting a foreign object to jam tag  500  and break open retaining clip  310  by creating a confined space into which key  507  may be inserted. In other embodiments, the key path shield  609  may extend the length of the housing cavity  508 . The key path shield  609  may be segmented or one piece, and the walls of the shield  609  may be partial sides of a cylinder or may be a wall extending the full circumference of a cylinder. 
     Near the end of the housing cavity  508 , where the key path shield  609  does not exist, an open cam slot  610  is located to allow the key cam  240  to rotate and thus contact retaining clip  310 . The key cam edge  480  contacts, as for example exposed edge  370 , when the key  507  is rotated in direction ‘x.’ The key cam edge  480  applies linear force against exposed edge  370  in direction ‘y.’ Retaining clip  310  may be the same shown and used in other embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pivot anchor receiver  302  may cover pivot anchor  320 , as opposed to being inserted into a portion of pivot anchor  320  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged view of retaining clip  310  and detacher key  507  inside the side entry hard tag  500  of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . Key cam  240  is visible through cam slot  610 . Key  507  may be rotated along a different axis than the embodiment described in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the key  507  and the pin retaining clip  310  rotate in opposite directions on the same two-dimensional plane. In this embodiment, the axis of key  507  rotates perpendicularly to the axis rotation of the retaining clip  310 , when the key  507  rotates in direction ‘x’ and the retaining clip  310  rotates about pivot anchor  320  in direction ‘z.’ However, functionality of the retaining clip  310  remains the same as described in previous figures for securing and releasing pin  130 . When key  507  is rotated it causes the key cam  240  to contact the exposed edge  370  of retaining clip  310 . Further rotation of key  507  after initial contact may cause retaining clip  310  to rotate about clip pivot anchor  320  in direction ‘z.’ Resistance arm  420  provides a force opposing motion, opposite direction ‘y,’ as secured in retaining clip trough  380  between internal housing supports  390 . Increasing the torque as applied by the key  507  turning in direction ‘x,’ causes the retaining clip  310  to further rotate, resulting in the restraint members  340 ,  341  disengaging from pin ridge  230 , and thereby allowing pin  130  to be removed from the tag  500 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a side view of the side entry tag  500  showing the housing cavity entrance  509  and a post  802  located inside the housing cavity  508  according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, post  802  is shown located at the end of housing cavity  508  opposite the cavity entrance  509  wherein the top or free end of the post faces the cavity entrance  509 . The diameter of post  802  may be of any diameter smaller than the diameter of the housing cavity  508 . 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates a cross-sectional top-side view of the side entry tag  500  of  FIG. 8A  with the detacher key  507 , retaining clip  310 , key path shield  609 , and several housing supports  390  removed to show post  802  in housing cavity  508 . Post  802  may extend from the end of the housing cavity  508 , opposite from the housing cavity entrance  509 , towards the center of the housing cavity  508 . A longer post  802  may be used to increase difficulty to break into tag  500  and manipulate retaining clip  310 . Post  802  may extend the length of the housing cavity  508  up to the key entrance  509  or, alternatively, can be any length shorter than that of the housing cavity  508 . In some embodiments, placing post  802  at the same end of the housing cavity  508  as the cam slot  610  may increase difficulty to insert a foreign instrument, thin enough to circumvent post  802 , and be pliable enough to enter cam slot  610 , while simultaneously being rigid enough to apply sufficient force to the retaining clip  310  to release pin  130 . Key  507  may have a hollow shaft on the end first is inserted into housing cavity  508 . The hollow shaft may allow the key  507  to fit around post  802  when the key  507  is inserted and still allow it to rotate in operation to apply sufficient force to retaining clip  310 . In another embodiment, the end of the post  802  opposite the cavity entrance  509  may include a spring such that the key  505  may push back the post  802 , compressing the spring against a portion of tag body  502 , to a position in which the cam  240  may enter cam slot  610 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of hard tag  900  with a cam  901  inside the tag  900  according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, housing cam  901  may be permanently located inside tag  900 . Tag  900 , with a permanent housing cam  901  inside, may make it nearly impossible for someone using a foreign object or tool to penetrate tag  900  and to contact retaining clip  310  and manipulate it. In some embodiments, the housing cam  901  may be located adjacent to the retaining clip  310 . The housing cam  901  may include its own cavity for accepting key  902  on the side of the housing cam  901  facing the housing cavity entrance (not shown). The user can then insert key  902  into the tag  900  where it enters housing cam  901  and may then be rotated. Rotation of key  902  in direction ‘x’ causes the housing cam  901  and housing cam extension  903  to contact the retaining clip  310  at the exposed edge  370 . Further rotation of cam  901  causes the retaining clip  310  to function as previously described releasing pin  130 . 
     When the cam is located inside the hard tag there is a possibility of someone trying to forcefully rotate the cam with a foreign object or tool (e.g. a screwdriver) to unlock the tag. The foreign object may be inserted into the housing cavity of a tag and firmly pressed to create an indentation in the cam to allow for a tool to rotate the cam and unlock the tag. The threat of someone using this method to remove the tag may be reduced by incorporating other various anti-theft features. One such embodiment is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a hard tag  100  with another type of cam  1001  located inside the tag  1000  according to one embodiment. Anti-theft cam  1001  may be molded as a single piece of plastic and may have a rounded, dome-shaped top  1002  located on the opposite side of the cam  1001  near the housing cavity (now shown) wherein the key  1004  penetrates. The dome top  1002  may be located in excess receiving volume  1003  inside tag  1000  allowing the anti-theft cam  1001  to tilt from one side to the other. 
       FIG. 11  A and  FIG. 11B  illustrate enlarged views of the cam  1001  in  FIG. 10  tilted in two directions. The anti-theft cam  1001  may tilt in response to an uneven force being applied to the cam  1001 . Tilting the cam  1001  may result in cam arm  1005  becoming misaligned above or below gate opening  1007  between gate posts  1006 , depending on which side uneven force is applied to the cam  1001 . With an even force, the cam arm  1005  should pass gate opening  1007  between gate posts as key  1004  is turned to contact exposed edge  370  of retaining clip  310  to release pin  130 . The arm  1005  becoming misaligned with the gate opening  1007  can prevent rotation of the cam  1001 . When key  1004  is inserted into the anti-theft cam  1001  a uniform force is applied to it, the cam arm  1005  remains aligned with the gate opening  1007  and the cam  1001  may be rotated allowing cam arm  1005  to pass through gate opening  1007  to apply pressure on the exposed edge  370  of retaining clip  310  to release pin  130 . 
     The anti-theft cam  1001  described above may include additional or alternative security features to further reduce the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the hard tag from merchandise.  FIG. 12  illustrates cam  1001  in a hard tag  1000  with a spacer  1201  according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the anti-theft cam  1001  can be combined with a spacer  1201  also shown in  FIG. 12 . Spacer  1201  may be flexible. Spacer  1201  shown in this embodiment is circular in shape with fingers  1202  extending from the outer rim  1205  toward the spacer center  1204 . The spacer fingers  1202  hold the anti-theft cam  1001  in an initial position where the cam arm  1005  is misaligned with the gate opening  1007 . The spacer fingers  1202  preferably are made of a material, such as thin metal or plastic, with spring like properties that allow them to flex when a force is applied to the cam and return to the initial position when the force is no longer applied. The ability of the spacer  1201  to flex allows a user to use key  1206  to push cam arm  1005  into a second position to depress the spacer  1201  where cam  1001  may be properly aligned with gate opening  1007 . The spacer top  1203 , shown about spacer center  1204 , may abut a flat surface of the tag housing  1210 , creating a ceiling above the anti-theft cam  1001  such that when key  1206  is pushed into tag  1210  and into the bottom of cam  1001 , opposite the end of cam  1001  from spacer top  1203 , spacer  1201  pushes against the tag housing  1210  and further insertion of key  1206  causes fingers  1202  to flex. 
     In other embodiments, key  1206  may include a shoulder  1208  protruding outward from the circumference of key shaft  1207  set a known distance from the end of key  1209  first inserted into housing cavity  1020 . This distance can be such that cam arm  1005  may be aligned with the gate opening  1007  when key  1206  is inserted into tag  1000  until shoulder face  1211  directly contacts the outside surface of tag  1000 . Then, when cam arm  1005  is in correct position it may be rotated to contact the exposed edge  370  of the retaining clip  310 , allowing pin  130  to be released as previously described. 
     The effectiveness of any hard tag is reduced if a large number of keys exist to open the tag, so that, for example, unauthorized personnel eventually in some manner attain access to such keys. One way to alleviate this problem is to have different designs for the keys such that users with a uniquely designed key can only open certain tags.  FIG. 13  illustrates a variety of detacher key end  1302  designs according to one embodiment. Keys  1301  shown may be utilized with any tag including a cam inside the tag. The key insert end  1302  may have any pattern and should not be limited to the designs shown. The design on the key insert end  1302  may have variations in three dimensions. The key insert end  1302  may match the edge of connection opening in the cam. In other embodiments, the key shaft  210  may have the same shape as the key insert end  1302  and thus may match the edge walls of the housing cavity entrance  119  and housing cavity  120  to accommodate insertion of the key  1301  into the tag. In other embodiments, the key insert ends  1302  may contain cams. 
     The hard tag of the current invention is designed to hinder someone who is attempting to use an unauthorized device to enter the housing cavity and reach the retaining clip to manipulate the retaining clip and force it to open. One way of increasing the difficulty of achieving this unauthorized attempt is to integrate an additional flange into the tag.  FIG. 14  illustrates a flange  1401  in the hard tag  500  according to one embodiment. The tag cover  501  shown is from the side entry tag  500 , of  FIG. 6 , but it should be understood that the additional security feature herein described can be incorporated into any tag. Tag cover channel  304  may include two walls shown as extending from tag cover  501  and parallel to one another. A cutout  1402  may exist in the tag cover channel  304  and partially between the parallel walls to allow cam  509  to rotate inside housing about the top-side of cavity  508  (see also  FIG. 6 ) as between the walls of the tag cover channel  304 . The tag cover channel  304  may thus provide guidance for the cam  509  on the key  507  to pass between. Flange  1401 , in this embodiment, can be attached to cutout  1402  such that it is positioned between key  507  and the exposed edge  370  of retaining clip  310  when tag cover  501  is in connection with tag body  502 . When key  507  is inserted into the tag  500  and rotated, the cam  509  on key  507  contacts the flange  1401 . A user must then provide an additional torque force to turn key  507  and force flange  1401  to contact exposed edge  370  of retaining clip  310  to provide the sufficient force to, thereby release pin  130  as previously described. The thickness of the flange  1401  may be changed to require more or less torque force to release pin  130  as desired. For example, a thicker flange would require more force to turn key  507  than a thin flange. The flange  1401  may be a flexible piece of plastic or metal. 
     It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention. Many other variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure.