Patent Publication Number: US-6209771-B1

Title: Apparatus for attaching a security tag

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for coupling security tags, used to control inventory and/or prevent theft, to articles. More particular, the present invention has one application wherein a first portion of the security tag is fixtured in an apparatus, and a second portion of the security tag is drawn into locking engagement with the first portion. Although, the present invention was developed for use in the soft goods industry, certain applications may be outside of this field. 
     The use of various electronic and other types of theft prevention systems has been widely adopted in the retail environment in order to maintain control over inventory and prevent the unauthorized removal of articles from a particular area or from the establishment itself. In the clothing and soft goods industry, a security tag is often attached to each article placed on display for sale. Generally, store personnel attach the security tag at the time the article is set out for display, or the security tag may have been attached when the articles were received in inventory. 
     A typical security tag includes a body having a fastener-receiving portion. A fastener is then inserted through the article and into the fastener-receiving portion in order to fasten the security tag to the article. Security tag systems are typically configured to prevent or discourage removal of the security tag by unauthorized parties. For example, many security tag designs require a special tool or detaching mechanism to decouple the security tag from the article. In some security tag systems the unauthorized removal of the security tag will result in damage to the article. Further, in other security tag systems, the security tag includes an electronic sensor that will beep or make a sound upon removal of the fastener from the body of the security tag. 
     Security tags have proven to be an effective method for preventing theft and controlling inventory in the retail-merchandising environment. However, in many instances the fastening of the security tags to the inventory is a time-consuming and tedious task. Presently, the attachment of security tags to an article is generally performed through the manual pressing of the fastener and body together by the store personnel. The task is a repetitive manual task, which may divert the store personnel from other responsibilities, such as tending to customers or managing the operation of the store. 
     There is a continuing need for an improved method and apparatus for attaching security tags to various articles. The present invention satisfies these and other needs in a novel and unobvious way. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention contemplates an apparatus for coupling a security tag having a body portion and a fastener portion to an article. The apparatus, comprising: a first member adapted for receiving and holding one of the body portion and the fastener portion; and a second member abutting the other of the body portion and the fastener portion, and wherein at least one of said members is moveable relative to the other of said members so as to place the fastener portion in frictional engagement with the body portion. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates a method for coupling a security tag to an article. The method comprising: fixturing the main body portion of the security tag to a first member; placing the fastener in an abutting relationship with a second member; and moving one of the members relative to the other member so as to cause the interengagement of the fastener with the main body portion of the security tag. 
     An apparatus for coupling a security tag having a body portion and a fastener portion to an article, comprising: a head having a security tag body receiving portion for receiving and holding a security tag body portion; an actuator having a surface for receiving and supporting a fastener thereon; and actuation means for moving the actuator relative to the head so as to drive the fastener into locking engagement with the security tag body portion. 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for coupling a security tag to an article. 
     Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an illustrative sectional view of a typical security tag coupled to an article. 
     FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention comprising an apparatus for coupling a security tag to an article. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 2 apparatus with an article positioned for receiving a security tag. 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 3 apparatus wherein the security tag has been coupled to the article. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an apparatus for coupling a security tag to an article. 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the FIG. 5 apparatus wherein the security tag has been coupled to the article. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an another alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an apparatus for coupling a security tag to an article. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an another alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an apparatus for coupling a security tag to an article. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an apparatus for coupling a security tag to an article. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described device, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a sectional view of a secured article, designated generally at  10 . Secured article  10  includes an article  11 , with a security tag assembly  12  coupled thereto. The security tag assembly  12  includes a main body portion  13  with a fastener receiving opening  14  formed therein, and a fastener  15 . The fastener  15  has a male portion  17  which is extendable through the article  11  to securely engage the fastener receiving opening  14  of security tag main body portion  13 . In the preferred embodiment the fastener  15  defines a pin. Security tags are generally well known to one skilled in the art and are not intended to be limited herein to the security tag shown in FIG.  1 . Many forms of security tags are commercially available and they have a multitude of geometric shapes, sizes and a variety of fastener styles. 
     The security tag  12  may cause an alarm to sound, beep, spray ink when tampered with, and/or do other things to deter people from the unauthorized movement of articles. The term article  11  as used herein includes any type of goods to which a security tag  12  may be affixed. Typically, the security tag  12  is attached to articles such as clothing, linen, and other types of soft goods. However, the security tag  12  may also be coupled to the packaging of various other articles, which packaging may be referred to as an article carrier. The present invention is applicable for coupling security tags  12  to virtually any type of article  11  as known to one ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2-4, there is illustrated an apparatus  20  for securing fastener  15  to the security tag main body portion  13 . The apparatus  20  includes a head  22 , a frame  23  and a fastener driver  24 . The frame  23  is a substantially rigid structure for supporting the components of the apparatus. While the frame  23  is illustrated as a fabricated structure it may be formed of sheet metal, metal plates, wood members, plastic pieces, integrally cast or a combination of the above. The design and construction of the supporting frame can take any of a multitude of forms which are believed within the contemplation of a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In one embodiment, head  22  is coupled to a platform portion  25  of support  23  via a pair of fasteners  26  and nuts  16 . However, in alternate embodiments the number of fasteners is not limited to a pair and can be one or more. Each of the fasteners  26  extend through a hole  27  defined in head  22  and continue through a hole  28  formed in the platform  25 . The fasteners  26  may be threaded studs, bolts, screws, clips, or any other fastening mechanism capable of securing head  22  to platform  25 . In the preferred embodiment, head  22  is readily removable so as to be interchangeable with alternate heads (not shown). The interchangeable alternate heads being configured to receive and fixture different types of security tag main body portions  13  thereby allowing flexibility in applying the present invention to a variety of security tags. In one alternate embodiment, head  22  is not interchangeable with other heads, and thus may be permanently fastened to frame  23 . The head  22  may be welded, brazed, pinned, or coupled in other fashions so as to permanently attach the head to the frame.  23 . 
     Head  22  has a first end  29  and an opposite other second end  30 . In a preferred embodiment a relief  31  is formed in the second end  30  to receive the security tag body portion  13 . The relief  31  is configured to slidingly receive the security tag body portion  13  therein. A spring biasing member  32  is coupled to the head  22  so as to apply pressure to the bottom surface  33  of the security tag body portion  13  and normally retain it against the head  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the spring biasing member is a leaf spring. The head  22  configuration is not limited to one having a relief  31  formed therein. One alternate embodiment utilizes a head without a relief portion, and the spring biasing member  32  forcing the security tag body portion  13  against the head. Another form of the head  22  includes a pair of opposing slots for receiving and holding the edges of the security tag body portion  13  therein. It is contemplated herein that heads having a variety of configurations so as to allow the use with a multitude of security tags would be useable with the present invention either in an interchangeable mode and/or a dedicated non-interchangeable mode. 
     In a preferred embodiment a sensor  34  is coupled to the apparatus  20  for sensing when a security tag body portion  13  is positioned in head  22  at the desired location for attaching to the article. The sensor may be located at other positions proximate the head  22 . In the preferred embodiment the sensor  34  is a mechanically actuated switch, however the sensor may be an interlock sensor, pressure sensor, optical, or any type of sensor known in the art capable of sensing the position of security tag body portions  13  relative to the head  22 . Further, the present invention can also be utilized without a sensor. 
     In the preferred embodiment the fastener driver  24  includes a carrier  35  coupled to an upstanding wall member  36  of the frame  23 . The carrier  35  has a first end  37  and an opposite other second end  38  with a bore  39  extending therebetween. The bore  39  is configured to slidingly receive a plunger/actuator  40  therein. In the preferred embodiment the plunger/actuator  40  is defined as a push rod. Carrier  35  has a loading slot  41  formed therein that is in communication with the bore  39 . The loading slot  41  allows for the placement of a fastener  15  therein and movement of it into the bore  39 . The plunger/actuator  40  is positioned in a first mode such that the upper surface  42  of the plunger/actuator  40  is parallel with the surface  43  of the loading slot  41 . In an alternate embodiment the upper surface  42  of the plunger/actuator  40  can be at different elevations relative to the loading slot  41 . However, the change in the relative elevations may require the adjustment of the length of the plunger/actuator  40  and the travel associated therewith. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the loading slot  41  is not formed in the carrier and the fastener  15  is positioned within the bore  39  by top feeding the fastener from the opening at the second end  38 . 
     A plunger actuation means  44  for moving the plunger/actuator between the first mode and a second mode for forcing the fastener  15  into engagement with the wall surfaces  9  (FIG. 1) forming the fastener receiving opening  14 . The fastener  15  forming a locking frictional engagement with the main body portion  13  during the movement of the plunger/actuator in the second mode. In a preferred form of the present invention the plunger actuation means  44  are coupled to the wall member  36  of frame  23 . In one embodiment the plunger actuation means  44  is defined as a solenoid electrically coupled to a power source  45 . In one embodiment, the solenoid has the following characteristics: 120 volt a.c. with intermittent duty cycle; 315.0 ounce of thrust at ⅛ of an inch extension and 187.0 ounces of thrust at ⅞ of an inch extension; and is a push style with 85 ohms of internal resistance. However, other types and characteristics of solenoids are contemplated herein. The solenoid is operable upon activation of a switch (not illustrated) to cause the plunger/actuator  40  to move from a first mode wherein the fastener is aligned with but spaced from the fastener receiving opening  14 , to a second mode wherein the plunger/actuator  40  has moved within the bore  39  to force the fastener  15  into the fastener receiving opening  14 . The switch may be positioned proximate apparatus  20  for actuation by hand and/or foot. 
     The plunger actuation means  44  are disclosed above as being a solenoid, however other embodiments of the plunger actuation means include, but are not limited to, an electric motor coupled to a gear mechanism, a battery pack coupled to a gear mechanism, fluid driven such as by compressed air or hydraulics, a cam system, lever, crank, or gear system. In any event, it is preferred that the head  22  is securely coupled to the frame  23  so as to be substantially immovable relative to the plunger/actuator  40 . The present invention also contemplates that the relative position of the head to the carrier  35  can be changed, such as by having the head  22  positioned below the carrier  35 . Alternatively, carrier  35  may be mounted on  25  and head  22  mounted on wall member  36 . While the above alternatives will require some modification to the operation of the apparatus, and care related to the handling of the fastener  15  and the main body portion  13  the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to these alternative configurations. 
     In the preferred embodiment the sensor  34  is positioned within relief  31  so as to prevent the movement of plunger/actuator  40  towards the main body  13  of the security tag  12  unless the main body  13  is located in the appropriate position on head  22 . The sensor ensures the fastener-receiving portion  14  of the main body  13  is properly aligned with the male portion  17  of the fastener  15 . Thereby minimizing and/or preventing the misalignment and improper engagement of the fastener  15  with the main body  13 . Typically, most security tags  12  require precise alignment between the fastener receiving portion  14  and the male portion  17  in order for the tag to function properly. However, it is understood herein that the present invention  20  does not require a sensor  34 , and in an alternate embodiment does not include one. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the operation of the apparatus  20  will now be briefly described. The main body portion  13  of the security tag  12  is positioned within the relief  31  above the spring biasing member. The spring biasing member serving to normally hold the main body portion  13  adjacent the head  22 . The fastener  15  is placed through the loading slot such that the fastener  15  is disposed within the bore  39  on top of the upper surface  42  of the plunger/actuator  40 . The article  11  is then positioned between the second end  38  of the carrier  35  and the main body portion  13  of the security tag  12 . The switch is actuated so as to cause the plunger actuation means  44  to move the plunger/actuator  40  from its first mode into its second mode. As the plunger/actuator  40  moves from the first mode to the second mode the fastener  15  is carried towards the main body portion  13  of the security tag  12 . The male portion  17  of the fastener  15  is forced through article  11  and into the fastener-receiving portion  14 . The movement of the plunger/actuator  40  places the fastener  15  in frictional locking engagement with the wall member defining the fastener-receiving portion  14 . Plunger/actuator  40  is then returned to the first mode proximate the surface of the loading slot  43 . The secured article  10  is then removed from the apparatus. 
     With reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the security tag affixation apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus  100  includes a base member  101  and a security tag main body carrying member  102  that are pivotally coupled together. The security tag main body carrying member  102  pivots about a pivot point  103  relative to the base member  101 . In the preferred embodiment, a pin  104  functions to couple the base member  101  to the security tag main body-carrying member  102 . The security tag main body-carrying member  102  includes a relief  105  for receiving the security tag main body portion  13  therein. In one embodiment, the relief  105  has been sized to receive a particular sized and shaped security tag body portion  13 . The relief  105  has been sized so as to position the security tag body portion fastener receiving opening  14  in registry with the male portion  17  of the fastener  15 . In an alternative embodiment, the relief  105  is configured so as to receive an insert therein (not illustrated) so as to allow different sized and shaped security tag portions to be used with a universal tool. Thus, the apparatus can have a different insert put into the relief  105  so as to allow different size and shape security tags to be fastened to articles with the apparatus. 
     The base member  101  having a relief portion  106  to provide clearance for different thickness articles during the coupling of the security tag  12  to the article  11 . Positioned at a first end  107  is a fastener receiving and fixturing portion  108 . The fastener receiving and fixturing portion  108  having, in a preferred embodiment, a depth, which corresponds to the upstanding thickness of the head of the fastener, portion  15 . Further, in an alternative embodiment, the fastener receiving and fixturing portion is contoured and shaped so as to match the geometric profile of the head of the fastener. 
     With reference to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a front elevational view of the security tag affixation apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  is illustrated in a mode wherein the security tag main body carrying member  102  has been moved downward such that it rotates about pin  104  and drives the security tag main body portion  13  into engagement with the male portion  17  of the fastener  15 . The male portion  17  has been securely received within the fastener receiving opening  14 . In the preferred embodiment of apparatus  100 , the force applied to the security tag main body-carrying member  102  has been applied by the human operator. However, in an alternative embodiment, the force can be applied by a mechanically actuated device such as a cam wherein the eccentric of the cam would force the main body carrying member  102  to rotate about pin  104  and drive the components of security tag into locking engagement. Further, the reversal of the components within FIG. 5 is contemplated herein. 
     With reference to FIG. 7, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the security tag fixation apparatus. The apparatus  200  is substantially similar to apparatus  100  and like feature numbers will be utilized to indicate like components. A bracket  201  is coupled to the main body-carrying member for receiving and holding the security tag main body portion  13 . The bracket  201  is coupled to the security tag main body-carrying member  203  by a plurality of fasteners  202 . In a preferred embodiment, the bracket  201  is readily interchangeable so as to allow different sizes and styles of security tags to be utilized with the apparatus  200 . The bracket  201  provides a relief  205  for receiving and holding the security tag main body portion  13  therein. Further, the bracket  201  facilitates interchange with other brackets (not illustrated) for added flexibility in using different shapes, sizes and configuration of security tags. The remaining operation of the apparatus  200  is substantially similar to the apparatus  100 . Further, the bracket  201  can also be permanently affixed to the security tag main body-carrying member  203 . 
     With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the security tag affixation apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus  300  is substantially identical to the apparatus  100  and like figures will be utilized to represent like components. The substantial difference between the apparatus  300  and the apparatus  100  is that apparatus  300  does not include a relief portion  106 . It is further understood that this concept can be applied to other apparatuses such as the one shown in FIG.  7 . 
     With reference to FIG. 9, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the security tag affixation apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus  400  is substantially identical to the apparatus  100  and like figures will be utilized to represent like components. An additional feature of apparatus  400  includes a fastener restraining means  401  and a moveable door  402 . In one embodiment, the fastener restraining means  401  includes a slot  410  configured to fit tightly with the male portion  17  of the fastener  15 . The door  402  is openable to allow the passage of the fastener  15  into the slot  410 . The door  402  may be closed by rotation to prevent the inadvertent removal of the fastener  15  from the slot  410 . In operation after the fastener  15  has been secured to the main body portion  13 , the entire secured article  10  is withdrawn in the direction of arrow Q to remove the item from the apparatus  400 . It is understood herein that the thickness of the fastener restraining means  401  may be adjusted so as to limit the degree of insertion of the fastener  15  into the main body portion  13 . Further, the relief  105  accepts and securely holds the main body portion  13 . 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.