Patent Description:
In a retail environment it is known to affix security tags to products or articles within a store to deter or prevent theft of these articles. Typically these tags include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor. While the EAS sensor is activated, the tag is arranged to trigger an alarm if the tag, and therefore the article, passes between a pair of detection gates, which are typically positioned at the entrance and exit of the retail store.

One type of EAS tag is commonly referred to as a hard tag and includes an acousto-magnetic sensor in a hard, or semi-rigid, plastic body. Such hard tags are typically physically or mechanically attached to an article by means of a pin, cable or lanyard. When the article is purchased, the tag is detached from the article by a detacher located at the point of sale so that the alarm is not triggered when that person leaves the retail store. Hard tags that are deactivated and removed completely from the article are re-usable.

A further type of EAS tag is an acousto-magnetic (AM) label that includes a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic amorphous metal strip, which has magnetostrictive properties. Typically this amorphous metal strip will be a ferrite. The detection gates at the entrance and exit of the retail store emit periodic tonal bursts at around <NUM>. This is the same as the resonant frequency of the amorphous metal strip or ferrite, which causes the amorphous strip to vibrate which leads to a change in its magnetisation. This change in magnetisation induces an AC voltage in a receiver antenna of the detection gate, which triggers an alarm. When a customer purchases an article having one of these AM labels attached to it, the label is deactivated by changing the magnetisation of part of the label so that the alarm is not triggered when that person leaves the retail store. The label, however, remains attached to the article and is, therefore, single use or disposable.

Traditionally, hard tags are applied to higher cost items and larger articles, while AM labels are typically attached to smaller, lower cost items.

Hard security tags are typically attached to articles such as clothing by means of a pin that pierces a part of the fabric of the clothing. When the tag is attached to the item of clothing the head of the pin sits on one side of the fabric and the tip of the pin is retained within a part of the hard tag on the other side of the fabric. A latch or clutch mechanism within the hard tag grips the tip of the pin so that the tag cannot be removed from the clothing without releasing the clutch mechanism. When the clutch mechanism is released, the tip of the pin can then be withdrawn from the hard tag and the pin can be removed from the clothing.

In order to pierce the fabric of the clothing, the tip of the pin is sharp, and when the tag is removed from the clothing, the pin presents a safety hazard. In some traditional systems, the sharp pin is entirely separate from the part of the hard tag including the clutch mechanism when the pin is not engaged with the clutch mechanism. In these systems there is, therefore, a high risk of injury from the exposed tip of the pin. In other systems the pin and the clutch mechanism are provided by a single security tag assembly. For example, the head of the pin may be attached to a first arm of the tag assembly and the clutch mechanism may be attached to a second arm of the tag assembly. In use, a piece of fabric is inserted into a gap between the two arms and the pin is moved to cross the gap, pierce the fabric and engage with the clutch mechanism. The pin may be movable relative to two static arms, or alternately the arms may be movable with respect to each other. For example, the arms may be hingedly or slidingly connected to each other. Such a security tag is disclosed in document <CIT>.

One problem with known security tags including a pin, is that it may be difficult to correctly align the tip of the pin with an entrance to the clutch mechanism. This may make attaching the security tag to an item difficult. In particular, in may mean that a user has to make more than one attempt to engage the pin in the clutch mechanism. This makes damage or tearing of the fabric more likely, especially when the pin is being attached to a piece of delicate fabric.

Against this background it is desirable to provide a security tag that may be more reliably attached to an article and which is easier to use. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved security tag that overcomes some of the problems with current hard pin tags.

According to the invention, a security tag is provided, comprising:.

wherein, security tag is moveable between an open configuration, in which the first and second arms are in an open position with respect to each other such that there is a first gap between the first and second clamping surfaces and the curved pin is in a disengaged position in which the pin is at least partially housed within the pin housing, and a locked configuration, in which the first and second arms are in a closed position with respect to each other such that there is a second smaller gap between the first and second clamping surfaces and the curved pin is engaged with the clutch mechanism to retain the first and second arms in the closed position.

In use, with the security tag in the open configuration, a part of a pierceable article, such as a piece of fabric, is inserted into the first gap between the first and second clamping surfaces. The security tag is then moved into the locked configuration. During movement of the security tag from the open configuration to the locked configuration the curved pin pierces the article within the gap between the first and second clamping surfaces and engages with the clutch mechanism. This retains the security tag in the locked configuration and attaches the security tag to the pierceable article.

It will be appreciated that, as the first and second arms are hingedly connected at their proximal ends, the distal ends of the first and second arms follow a generally arcuate path as they move between the open and closed positions. The pin of the security tag is therefore advantageously curved so that the pin is able to more reliably engage with the clutch mechanism during this movement.

In preferred embodiments the curved pin is arcuate. The centre of radius of curvature of the curved pin is preferably coincident with the rotational axis of the hinge.

In the open configuration the curved pin is preferably fully housed within the pin housing.

In some embodiments the first and second arms are elongate. This may permit the security tag to pierce the pierceable article further from an edge of the article. It will be appreciated however that it may be advantageous for the first and second arms to not be elongate so as to reduce or minimise the overall size of the tag.

In preferred embodiments the hinge is a living hinge. The living hinge may comprise a flexible portion of the security tag between the proximal end of the first arm and the proximal end of the second arm. In other embodiments the hinge may comprise a hinge pin.

The first clamping surface may comprise a part of a surface of the first arm proximate or at the distal end of the first arm. The first clamping surface preferably includes an aperture through which the curved pin extends. The second clamping surface may comprise a part of a surface of the second arm proximate or at the distal end of the second arm. The second clamping surface may include an aperture through which the curved pin extends when the pin is engaged with the clutch mechanism.

The clutch mechanism preferably comprises an insertion pathway along which the curved pin enters the clutch mechanism. An axis of the insertion pathway is preferably at an angle of less than <NUM>° to a plane of the second clamping surface. More preferably the angle between the axis of the insertion pathway and the plane of the second clamping surface is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. The aperture in the second clamping surface may be disposed at one end of the insertion pathway.

The pin housing preferably comprises a side wall extending between a first end and a second end and surrounding an interior space of the housing. In preferred embodiments a centre line of the housing, extending between the first and second ends, is curved. A centre of a radius of curvature of the centre line preferably lies between the pin housing and the proximal end of the first arm. The centre of the radius of curvature may be coincident with the rotational axis of the hinge. Preferably the centre line is arcuate.

In preferred embodiments the security tag further comprises a button slidably received in the pin housing and connected to a head of the curved pin. In the locked configuration the button is preferably fully housed within the pin housing. The button may comprise an outwardly extending flange at an end of the button.

Movement of the first and second arms between the open and closed positions is preferably independent of the movement of the curved pin between the disengaged position and an engaged position in which the pin is engaged with the clutch mechanism. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments the security tag further comprises a latched configuration in which the curved pin is in its engaged position and the first and second arms are in their open position. In the latched configuration the button is preferably fully housed within the pin housing.

This independent movement and distinct latched and locked configurations permits a user to firstly pierce the pierceable article with the pin, and then secondly to clamp the article between the first and second clamping surfaces. Clamping the article in this way minimises the risks of tearing or otherwise damaging the article if the tag is pulled while it is attached to the article. To allow the security tag to clamp pierceable articles such as thin fabrics, the range of movement of the first and second arms is preferably such that in the locked configuration at least a part of the first clamping surface may be in contact with a part of the second clamping surface.

In preferred embodiments the clutch mechanism comprises a gripping mechanism configured to grip a part of the curved pin proximate the tip, and a release mechanism arranged to release the gripping mechanism from the pin upon application of a magnetic field to the second arm.

The security tag may be an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag, and therefore preferably further comprises an EAS sensor. The EAS sensor may be disposed in one of the first and second arms.

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which:.

A security tag <NUM> of the present invention is in the form of a hard tag including a pin <NUM>. The security tag <NUM> is designed to be releasably attached to an article in a retail store. In particular the security tag <NUM> is designed to be attached to a pierceable article by piercing a part of the article with the pin <NUM>. The pierceable article may be in the form of a garment or an item of clothing, bedding or other soft furnishings, or other merchandise such as luggage, fashion accessories, and footwear.

The security tag <NUM> preferably includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor (not shown) that generates detectable signals. A suitable EAS detector (not shown) is typically located at the entrance and/or exit of the retail store. If an article to which the security tag <NUM> is attached is removed from the store and, therefore, passes the detector, the detector detects signals emitted by the EAS sensor and triggers an alarm. To allow the article to leave the store without triggering the alarm, for example after purchase of the article, the security tag <NUM> is detached from the article. Typically the tag <NUM> is detached at the point of sale of the article by a suitable detacher system (not shown).

The tag <NUM> comprises a first portion or arm <NUM> that extends between a first, distal end <NUM> and a second, proximal end <NUM>, and a second portion or arm <NUM> that extends between a first, distal end <NUM> and a second, proximal end <NUM>. The arms <NUM>, <NUM> are connected at their respective proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. In this example the hinge <NUM> is in the form of a living hinge or flexible portion between the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> permits the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> to move relative to each other between an open position, shown in <FIG>, and a closed position, shown in <FIG>. In particular, each of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> rotates about an axis of rotation of the hinge <NUM>. As such, each of the distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> travels along an arcuate or curved path between the open and closed positions. The hinge <NUM> is preferably arranged to bias the arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the open position.

The first arm <NUM> of the tag <NUM> comprises an elongate member <NUM> having a first clamping surface <NUM>. Similarly, the second arm <NUM> comprises an elongate member <NUM> having a second clamping surface <NUM>. The first and second clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> oppose each other across a gap or slot <NUM> of the security tag <NUM> defined between the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>. In the open position there is a first distance between the clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and in the closed position there is a second distance between the clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, the second distance being smaller than the first distance. The second distance may be zero, such that the clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are in contact with each other in the closed position.

The slot <NUM> extends from the distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the arms <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction towards the hinge <NUM> at the proximal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is configured to receive a part of a pierceable article, such as an item of clothing or other textile article, such that part of the article is disposed between the clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The pierceable article may be disposed between the clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> at the distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

A pin housing <NUM> is disposed at the distal end <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>. The pin housing <NUM> comprises a side wall <NUM> extending from the elongate member <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> surrounds and defines an interior space <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> extends between a first end <NUM>, where the side wall <NUM> is connected to the elongate member <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>, furthest from the elongate member <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> surrounds an opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As shown most clearly in <FIG>, a centre line of the housing <NUM>, extending between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, is curved. In particular the centre line is curved such that a centre of a radius of curvature of the centre line preferably lies between the pin housing <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>. The centre of the radius of curvature of the centre line may be coincident with the axis of rotation of the hinge <NUM>. The centre line may be continuously curved or may include at least one curved section. In some preferred embodiments the centre line is arcuate, having a constant radius of curvature.

A button <NUM> is disposed in the pin housing <NUM>. The button <NUM> extends between first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. A length of the button <NUM>, between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, is shorter than a length of the pin housing <NUM> between its first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, because in this example the pin housing <NUM> has a curved centre line, the button <NUM> has a corresponding shape so as to be engageable with the housing <NUM>. In particular, in the same manner as the pin housing <NUM>, a centre line of the button <NUM>, extending between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, is curved. In particular the centre line is curved such that a centre of a radius of curvature of the centre line preferably lies between the pin housing <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> with the button <NUM> disposed in the pin housing <NUM>. The centre of the radius of curvature of the centre line may be coincident with the axis of rotation of the hinge <NUM>. The centre line may be continuously curved or may include at least one curved section. In some preferred embodiments the centre line is arcuate, having a constant radius of curvature.

The button <NUM> is slidably engaged with the side wall <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>. The button <NUM> is moveable between an extended position, shown in <FIG>, to an inserted position, shown in <FIG>. In the extended position the button <NUM> protrudes from the opening <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>. In the extended position the first end <NUM> of the button <NUM> is disposed within the pin housing <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the button <NUM> is disposed beyond the second end <NUM> of the side wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In the extended position the first end <NUM> of the button <NUM> may be disposed at or proximate the second end <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. In the inserted position both the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the button <NUM> are disposed within the housing <NUM>. In the inserted position the first end <NUM> of the button <NUM> may be disposed at or proximate the first end <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. The button <NUM> is preferably biased into the extended position.

The pin <NUM> is connected to the button <NUM>. In particular the pin <NUM> extends from the first end <NUM> of the button <NUM>. The pin <NUM> extends from the button <NUM> to a sharp tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is curved. The pin <NUM> may be continuously curved or may include at least one curved section. In some preferred embodiments the pin <NUM> is arcuate, having a constant radius of curvature. Preferably the pin <NUM> is connected or attached to the button <NUM> so that the centre line of the button <NUM> and the curved pin <NUM> lie on a continuous curved or arcuate path.

The pin <NUM> extends through an aperture <NUM> in the first arm <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is disposed in the elongate member <NUM> and is aligned with the interior space <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>. With the button <NUM> in the extended position the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> may be disposed within the pin housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the pin <NUM> may only protrude a short distance through the aperture <NUM>. Importantly, with the button <NUM> in the extended position the pin <NUM> is in a disengaged position in which the pin <NUM> does not span the gap or slot <NUM> between the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, with the pin <NUM> in the disengaged position a pierceable article may be inserted into the slot <NUM>.

When the button <NUM> is pressed to move the button <NUM> from the extended position to the inserted position, the pin <NUM> moves to an engaged position, shown in <FIG>. In this engaged position the pin <NUM> spans the slot <NUM>. Movement of the pin <NUM> from the disengaged position to the engaged position therefore allows the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> to pierce an article disposed in the slot <NUM>.

The second arm <NUM> of the security tag <NUM> includes a clutch housing <NUM>. The clutch housing <NUM> is disposed at or proximate the distal end <NUM> of the second arm <NUM>. A clutch mechanism <NUM> is disposed within the clutch housing <NUM>. The clutch mechanism <NUM> is configured to releasably retain the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM>.

Suitable clutch mechanisms <NUM> are known in the art and will not be described in detail; however, one example of a clutch mechanism <NUM> shown in this example includes a plurality of ball bearings or spheres <NUM> retained in a volume defined by a tubular or conical retaining wall <NUM>. The clutch mechanism <NUM> further comprises an annular metal press plate and biasing means in the form of a spring <NUM>, the annular press plate being positioned between the ball bearings <NUM> and an end of the spring <NUM>. When the pin <NUM> is inserted into the clutch mechanism <NUM>, the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> extends between the ball bearings <NUM> so that the ball bearings <NUM> surround the pin <NUM>. The clutch mechanism <NUM> is biased into a first, gripping position, in which the ball bearings <NUM> are urged towards the pin <NUM>, by the spring <NUM>. A shaft of the pin <NUM> proximate the tip <NUM> may include one or more circumferential or annular grooves in which the ball bearings <NUM> are at least partially seated when the clutch mechanism <NUM> is in the gripping position.

When the pin <NUM> is moved into the engaged position the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> enters the clutch housing <NUM> through an aperture <NUM> in the second arm <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is disposed in the elongate member <NUM> and is aligned with the clutch mechanism <NUM> within the clutch housing <NUM>. The tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> then engages with the clutch mechanism <NUM> as described above. The action of the clutch mechanism <NUM> is such that, while the pin <NUM> can be inserted further into the clutch mechanism <NUM> in a first insertion direction, the gripping of the pin <NUM> prevents the pin <NUM> from being withdrawn from the clutch mechanism <NUM> in a second withdrawing direction. Accordingly, the clutch mechanism <NUM> retains the pin <NUM> in its engaged position.

The position of the aperture <NUM> is such that it lies on the curved path along which the tip <NUM> of the curved pin <NUM> moves as the pin <NUM> moves from the disengaged to the engaged position. Accordingly, the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> is reliably inserted through the aperture <NUM> each time the security tag <NUM> is used. Additionally, the clutch mechanism <NUM> is preferably angled with respect to a plane of the clamping surface <NUM> such that the curved pin <NUM> is reliably engaged with the clutch mechanism <NUM>.

In this example, an axis of the clutch mechanism <NUM> is at an angle of less than <NUM>° to the plane of the clamping surface <NUM>, and most preferably at an angle of between <NUM>° and <NUM>° to the clamping surface <NUM>. The axis of the clutch mechanism <NUM> is equivalent or corresponds to an insertion pathway of the clutch mechanism <NUM> along which a pin travels as it is inserted into the clutch mechanism. In this example the axis of the clutch mechanism <NUM> is coaxial with both an axis of the spring <NUM> and an axis of the annular/tubular/conical retaining wall <NUM>.

In this example, the clutch mechanism <NUM> is substantially identical to a prior art clutch mechanism previously configured to retain a straight pin. When the curved pin <NUM> of the present security tag <NUM> is inserted into the clutch mechanism <NUM>, the angle of the clutch mechanism <NUM> accommodates some of the curvature of the pin <NUM>. In other words, the linear axis of the clutch mechanism <NUM> effectively lies on a tangent to the curved pathway along which the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> travels between the disengaged and engaged positions.

With the pin <NUM> in its engaged position spanning the slot <NUM> and engaged with the clutch mechanism <NUM>, and with the arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the open position, the security tag <NUM> is in a latched configuration, as shown in <FIG>.

To minimise the possibility of damage to the pierceable article, it is advantageous if the security tag <NUM> grips or clamps the article around the site of the piercing. This minimises the likelihood of the article, such as a piece of fabric, tearing if the security tag <NUM> is pulled.

To achieve this with the present security tag <NUM>, a user may move the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the tag <NUM> into their closed position so that the article is clamped between the opposed clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. Movement of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the closed position inserts the pin <NUM> further into the clutch mechanism <NUM> so that the pin <NUM> is gripped by the ball bearings <NUM> further from the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably moved until the clamping surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> contact the pierceable article disposed in the slot <NUM>. The clutch mechanism <NUM> then acts to retain the arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the closed position.

With the pin <NUM> in its engaged position spanning the slot <NUM> and engaged with the clutch mechanism <NUM>, and with the arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the closed position, the security tag <NUM> is in a locked configuration, as shown in <FIG>.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that the movement of the pin <NUM> between the disengaged and engaged positions is at least partially independent of the movement of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> between the open and closed positions. This may allow a user to depress the button <NUM> to move the pin <NUM> to pierce an article before moving the arms <NUM>, <NUM> to clamp the article. This may allow a user to see where the article is being pierced before then closing the arms <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, a user may close the arms <NUM>, <NUM> before depressing the button <NUM>. This allows a user to clamp or grip the article before piercing it. This may have an advantage when an article is difficult to pierce as it allows a greater force to be applied to the pin <NUM>, or if a piece of fabric is delicate and needs to be held securely before piercing. In practice it is likely that a user will move the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the closed position and the pin into the engaged position simultaneously.

To release and remove the security tag <NUM> from the article, the clutch mechanism <NUM> must be released to remove the pin <NUM> from the clutch mechanism <NUM>, return the pin <NUM> to its disengaged position and return the arms <NUM>, <NUM> to their open position.

To release the clutch mechanism <NUM> a magnetic force is preferably applied to a part of the second arm <NUM> proximate the clutch housing <NUM>. The magnetic force acts on a part of the clutch mechanism <NUM>, in this example the press plate, to draw the press plate in a direction away from the narrow end of the conical volume, against the force of the spring <NUM>. This reduces the gripping force of the ball bearings <NUM> on the pin <NUM>, such that the pin <NUM> is released from the clutch mechanism <NUM>.

The pin <NUM> is preferably automatically returned to its disengaged position by the biasing force applied to the button <NUM>. As this biasing force moves the button <NUM> to the extended position, the pin <NUM> is drawn out of the clutch mechanism <NUM> and into its disengaged position. Similarly, once the pin <NUM> is released, the hinge <NUM> automatically returns the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> to the open position.

Several variations and modifications to the above-described embodiment are possible.

The hinge <NUM> may not be in the form of a living hinge, but may instead include a hinge pin about which the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> rotate. In these embodiments the security tag <NUM> may include a biasing member or biasing mechanism, such as a spring, that is arranged to bias the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the open position.

In the above example the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> were elongate. In other embodiments the arms <NUM>, <NUM> may not be elongate. The arms <NUM>, <NUM> may be of any suitable length. The provision of shorter arms <NUM>, <NUM> may make the security tag <NUM> more compact. Alternatively, the inclusion of longer arms <NUM>, <NUM> may allow an article to be pierced further from an edge of the article.

As described above the button <NUM> preferably comprises a single piece. This makes construction of a curved button <NUM> easier. In other embodiments, however, the button <NUM> may comprise a plurality of segments. These segments may be telescopically arranged such that the pin housing <NUM> may be more compact. In these tags <NUM>, each of the plurality of segments may be curved.

It will be appreciated that other clutch mechanisms <NUM> for applying a releasable gripping force to the pin <NUM> are also well known and may alternatively be utilised in a security tag <NUM> according to the present invention. The clutch mechanism <NUM> and the pin <NUM> may be designed to provide a series of discrete positions in which the clutch mechanism <NUM> will retain the pin <NUM>. Alternatively, the pin <NUM> may be retained by the clutch mechanism <NUM> in any position.

A further embodiment of a security tag <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. Most of the features of this tag <NUM> are identical to the security tag <NUM> of the first embodiment and will not be described further in relation to this embodiment.

The security tag <NUM> comprises a button <NUM> including a cap portion <NUM> at a second end <NUM> of the actuating button <NUM>. The cap portion <NUM> includes an outwardly extending flange or annular projection <NUM>. The annular projection <NUM> extends outwardly from a circumferential or perimeter edge of the button <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the button <NUM>. The annular projection <NUM> or cap portion <NUM> provides a gripping member of the button <NUM>. A diameter of an outer circumferential edge of the annular projection <NUM> is preferably greater than an outer diameter of the side wall <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>.

A curved pin <NUM> extends from the first end <NUM> of the button <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is arranged to extend through an aperture <NUM> in the first arm <NUM> of the security tag <NUM>.

The button <NUM> is moveable between an extended position and an inserted position. In the extended position the button <NUM> protrudes a first distance from an opening <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>. In the inserted position the button <NUM> protrudes a second distance from an opening <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>, the second distance being significantly smaller than the first distance. In a preferred embodiment, when the button <NUM> is in the inserted position the cap portion <NUM> is in contact with the second end <NUM> of the pin housing <NUM>. The button <NUM> is preferably biased into the extended position.

With the button <NUM> in the extended position a tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> may be disposed within the pin housing <NUM> or may protrude a short distance through the aperture <NUM>. Importantly, with the button <NUM> in the extended position the pin <NUM> is in a disengaged position in which the pin <NUM> does not span the gap or slot <NUM> between the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, with the pin <NUM> in the disengaged position a pierceable article may be inserted into the slot <NUM>.

When the button <NUM> is pressed to move the button <NUM> from the extended position to the inserted position, the pin <NUM> moves to an engaged position. In this engaged position the pin <NUM> spans the slot <NUM>. Movement of the pin <NUM> from the disengaged position to the engaged position therefore allows the tip <NUM> of the pin <NUM> to pierce an article disposed in the slot <NUM>. Furthermore, in the engaged position the pin <NUM> engages with a clutch mechanism <NUM> in the second arm <NUM>, as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

As described above, to release and remove the security tag <NUM> from an article, the clutch mechanism <NUM> must be released to remove the pin <NUM> from the clutch mechanism <NUM> and return the pin <NUM> to its disengaged position. To release the clutch mechanism <NUM> a magnetic force is preferably applied to a part of the second arm <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is then preferably automatically returned to its disengaged position by a biasing force applied to the button <NUM>. As this biasing force moves the button <NUM> to the extended position, the pin <NUM> is drawn out of the clutch mechanism <NUM> and into its disengaged position.

In some circumstances the application of a suitable detacher to the clutch mechanism <NUM> may not result in the clutch mechanism <NUM> fully releasing the pin <NUM>. In these circumstances the biasing force applied to the button <NUM> may not be sufficient to return the button <NUM> to its extended position and to withdraw the pin <NUM> from the article. In other circumstances the detacher may cause the clutch mechanism <NUM> to release, but the tip <NUM> of pin <NUM> may remain within the second arm <NUM> due to a gripping force applied to the pin <NUM> by the article or material through which the pin <NUM> has pierced. This may be the case, for example, if the material is thick and/or stiff, such as a leather or rubber material. In these circumstances, the gripping force applied by the material to the pin <NUM> may be greater than the biasing force applied to the button <NUM>.

In these and similar circumstances, in which automatic retraction of the pin <NUM> is prevented after a suitable detacher has been applied to the clutch mechanism <NUM>, a user may grip the cap portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> and manually pull the button <NUM> into the extended position to withdraw the pin <NUM> and return the pin <NUM> to its disengaged position.

The provision of the cap portion <NUM> is also beneficial in embodiments of the security tag <NUM> in which the pin <NUM> is not automatically returned to the disengaged position by a biasing member acting on the button <NUM>. In these embodiments a user may grip the cap portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> to manually return the button <NUM> to the extended position.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A security tag (<NUM>) comprising:
- a first arm (<NUM>) extending between a proximal end (<NUM>) and a distal end (<NUM>), the first arm including a first clamping surface (<NUM>) and a pin housing (<NUM>) proximate the distal end of the first arm;
- a second arm (<NUM>) extending between a proximal end (<NUM>) and a distal end (<NUM>), the second arm including a second clamping surface (<NUM>) and a clutch mechanism (<NUM>) proximate the distal end of the second arm;
- a hinge (<NUM>) connecting the first and second arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) at their proximal ends (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
- a curved pin (<NUM>) having a tip (<NUM>), the curved pin being associated with the pin housing (<NUM>),
wherein, security tag (<NUM>) is moveable between an open configuration, in which the first and second arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in an open position with respect to each other such that there is a first gap between the first and second clamping surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the curved pin (<NUM>) is in a disengaged position in which the pin is at least partially housed within the pin housing (<NUM>), and a locked configuration, in which the first and second arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in a closed position with respect to each other such that there is a second smaller gap between the first and second clamping surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the curved pin (<NUM>) is engaged with the clutch mechanism (<NUM>) to retain the first and second arms in the closed position.