Patent Description:
Product security devices are commonly used in a number of settings, including in retail loss prevention. In this regard, retail theft prevention systems, often referred to as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, use antennas located at the exits of a retail establishment to detect radio frequency (RF) signals emitted by a security device that is affixed to items, such as products for sale. A product security device may be affixed or locked to a product, and if the device is not removed at a point-of-sale during a sales transaction, the security device will be detected by the EAS system as the device, which is affixed to an product, leaves the store. An alarm may be triggered because the removal of the device from the retail establishment is likely to be associated with an attempted theft. Document <CIT> discloses an EAS device having an interchangeable contoured base.

One example of a security device for a retail setting is a security tag for a bottle or other container having an opening. Some of these bottles contain expensive products such as wine and liquor, which in some locations are stored on a shelf and not behind a counter, thus becoming susceptible to shoplifting. It is a desire to protect these bottles by attaching a security device easily around the neck of the bottle which contains an EAS tag, which devices can be reused to reduce cost to the retail establishment, and which devices can be placed easily and rapidly on the neck of the bottle for display without occupying an appreciable amount of storage and display space. These devices also must be able to be mass produced relatively inexpensive to enable the retail establishment to purchase a number of the devices for use on their displayed products.

Although many of these devices perform satisfactory for their intended purpose, many of them are relatively expensive to manufacture due to the number of separate components that must be assembled. Also, many of these devices are relatively difficult to install and remove from the article of merchandise due to the particular type of latching or locking mechanism and mechanical actuated key for unlocking the security device and removing it from the article being protected. Moreover, some security devices may be prone to tampering.

Therefore, the need exists for a more efficient or improved security device. There is also a need for improved security devices for cylindrical-shaped objects, such as bottle necks. Additionally, it may be desirable to have security devices with an EAS tag in a concealed housing, and with an efficient, yet secure, unlocking mechanism.

The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.

The present invention relates to a security device as defined in the appended claims. The security device comprises a tag comprising a first security element, a sled facing surface, a slug biased towards the sled facing surface, and an engagement feature. The security device further comprises a sled comprising a base comprising a sled engagement feature, a product facing surface, a tag facing surface, and a cavity comprising an opening on the tag facing surface. The security device further comprises an adhesive applied to the product facing surface for applying the sled to a product. The engagement feature and the sled engagement feature cooperate to secure the tag and sled together when the tag is operatively rotated about an axis of the sled to a locked position. The slug operatively extends through the opening when the engagement feature and the sled engagement feature are in the locked position. The security device comprises further a second security element that operates at a different frequency than the first security element.

The first security element may be configured to respond to an electromagnetic field with a radio frequency signal for detection by an alarming unit. In an embodiment, the security device may comprise a second security element. The second security element may operate at a different frequency than the first security element. For example, the second security element may be an RFID tag.

According to some example embodiments, the tab may include a beveled edge configured to engage a complementary beveled edge of the locking channel. According to some example embodiments, the example security device may comprise a second security element that operates at a different frequency than the first security element. Other example apparatuses are also provided.

The security device further comprises a security collar configured to be locked onto a product by the tag. The security collar comprises a locking ring that forms an opening sized to receive the sled, a first anti-tampering wall extending upwards from the locking ring and operatively circumscribing the tag, and a second anti-tampering wall extending downwards from the locking ring. The security collar is free to rotate relative to the tag, the sled, and the product in order to prevent the security collar from being used as leverage to improperly remove the security device. The security collar may further comprise fins in an interior lower cavity of the security collar to prevent the second anti-tampering wall from being pressed against the product to improperly remove the security device.

In an embodiment, the security device further comprises a detaching key operatively configured to permit movement of the slug and allow rotation of the tag from the locked position to an unlocked position.

The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings.

The accompanying drawings illustrate various systems, apparatuses, devices and methods, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.

The invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims, rather than in the specific description preceding them. All embodiments that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an instance, or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word "or" is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase "A employs B or C," includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless context suggests otherwise.

The terms "tag," "chip," "EAS component," and the like may be used interchangeably, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among such terms. It is further noted that tags may be chosen based on a frequency. Identification tags may comprise printable RF circuits, microchips, or the like. Tags can contain stored information, such as in a memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or various other types of memory). In another aspect, a tag may be powered by electromagnetic induction from magnetic fields produced by a reader. For instance, an identification tag may include an antenna that utilizes induction between another antennae located within a reader to effectively form an air-core transformer. The antennae may comprise various materials, such as copper. While an air-core transformer is described, various other antennae formations may be utilized.

In an example, an EAS system may include a tag, a reader or emitter (such as at a store exit), and one or more antennae. For instance, the tag may include a loop antenna and the emitter may include another loop antenna. It is noted that the loop antennae may or may not be substantially similar to each other. The tag antenna and emitter antenna may be operatively coupled via an electromagnetic field. The coupling may form or represent an air-core coil or transformer. The emitter may generate an alternating current that may be received by the emitter antenna. The current may induce an electromagnetic field through the air or another carrier medium. The electromagnetic field may induce a current in the tag antenna. The received current may provide power to various components of the tag.

In various embodiments, a tag may include the antenna, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device may include various types of memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and the like. When the tag is powered (e.g., current induced by the electromagnetic field), the tag may generate a response that may be received by the emitter. As described herein, the identification tag may be a passive transponder that collects energy from interrogating radio waves and/or may include a local power source such as a battery. As such, an identification tag and a reader may be configured as a passive reader active tag (PRAT) system, active reader passive tag (ARPT) system, an active reader active tag (ARAT) system, or the like.

In another aspect, a tag may power various components or devices. For example, a tag may power a digital display and/or interface of a container. In embodiments, the identification tag may be configured to operate and/or communicate with a reader when within a threshold distance. For instance, an identification tag may communicate with a reader when the identification tag is less than or equal to j units from the reader, where j is a number and the unit is a unit of distance. In an example, the identification tag may operate when it is less than or about t centimeters from the reader, when it is less than or about one meter from the reader, etc. It is noted that the distance may be selected for a particular setting.

According to various example embodiments, an example locking sled security device is provided that includes a tag that securely attaches to a product via an attachment sled that is affixed to the product. The tag may include a wireless signal transmitting device that can be detected by an antenna of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system located at, for example, an exit of a retail establishment to indicate that the item to which the security device is attached is being stolen or otherwise improperly removed from a location. The tag may be removable from the sled through the use of a prescribed detacher key (e.g., a magnetic key) at a point of sale in a retail establishment during a transaction to purchase the product.

More specifically, an example security device includes tag and sled components. The sled may be affixed, via an adhesive, to a product to be protected, such as the cap of a bottle. The tag may then be removably locked to the sled to provide security to the product. To lock the tag to the sled, the tag may be configured to receive a tab of the sled into a receiving recess of the tag. Upon receiving the tab of the sled into the receiving recess of the tag, the tag may be rotated, by a user, relative to the sled such that the tab of the sled travels from the receiving recess of the tag into a locking channel of the tag. As the tab enters the locking channel, the tab of the sled may engage the locking channel, and more specifically a lower lip of the locking channel, thereby preventing the tag from being lifted away from the sled without rotating the tab back to the receiving recess. As rotation continues away from the receiving recess, the tab may travel within the channel into a locked position. In the locked position, a protrusion of a slug housed within the tag that is biased towards the sled may align with and engage a cavity in the sled. Due to the biasing, the protrusion of the slug may be forced into the cavity thereby preventing further rotational movement of the tag relative to the sled. In this configuration, the tag may not be removed from the sled, and therefore from the product, without the use of a detacher key.

To remove the tag from the sled, a detacher key with one or more magnets may be applied to the tag. Since the slug of the tag may be comprised of a ferrous material (e.g. steel), the slug may be urged against the bias force by the field of the magnet into a position where there protrusion of the slug no longer engages the cavity of the sled. With the protrusion of the slug removed from the cavity, the tag may now be rotated relative to the sled until the tab of the sled aligns with the receiving recess of the tag. Once in this position, the tag may be removed from the sled in the axial direction and put aside for reuse. The sled may remain with the product and leave the store with the purchased product.

At least one embodiment may comprise a security device comprising a tag comprising a first security element, a receiving recess, a locking channel adjacent to the receiving recess, and a slug biased towards a sled facing surface of the tag by a biasing member; and a sled comprising a base having a tab extending therefrom, an adhesive applied to a product facing surface of the base for applying the sled to a product, and a cavity in the base having an opening on a tag facing surface of the base. The tag is configured to receive the tab of the sled into the receiving recess of the tag. In an aspect, upon receiving the tab of the sled into the receiving recess, the tag is rotatable about an axis relative to the sled such that the tab travels from the receiving recess into the locking channel and into a locked position where a protrusion of the slug aligns with and engages the cavity of the sled. In another aspect, in the locked position the tag is prevented from moving relative to the sled in an axial direction due to engagement between the tab and the locking channel, and the tag is prevented from rotating relative to the sled due to engagement between the protrusion of the slug and the cavity of the sled.

It is noted that the first security element may be configured to respond to an electromagnetic field with a radio frequency signal for detection by an alarming unit. In some examples, the tab includes a beveled edge configured to engage a complementary beveled edge of a lip of the locking channel. The security device comprises further a second security element that operates a different frequency than the first security element. The second security element is an RFID tag. The security device includes a security collar that is configured to be locked on a product by the tag. The security collar comprises a locking ring that forms an opening sized to receive the sled, a first anti-tampering wall extending upwards from the locking ring, and a second anti-tampering wall extending downwards from the locking ring. The security collar is free to rotate relative to the tag, the sled, and the product, wherein the rotation prevents the security collar from being used as leverage to improperly remove the security device. In another example, the security collar further comprises fins in an interior lower cavity of the security collar, wherein the fins prevent the second anti-tampering wall from being pressed against the product to improperly remove the security device. Described biasing members may be a spring. The product to be secured may be a bottle. The receiving recess and the locking chambers of the tab may extend beyond the sled facing surface of the tag and interact with the tabs and the engagement surfaces of the sled. The receiving recess and the locking chambers of the tab form a recess within the sled facing surface of the tag and interact with the tabs and the engagement surfaces of the sled.

Also described is a security system including the security device as described herein and a detacher key. The detacher key may comprise a magnet and locating features, wherein the locating features are complementary to key locators on the tag and assist in the proper placement of the detacher key to the tag for detaching. The magnet of the detacher key interacts with the biasing member of the tag that biases the slug toward the sled facing surface of the tag, and removes the slug from the cavity of the sled; wherein upon removing the slug from the cavity, the tab thereafter is rotatable about the axis relative to the sled such that the tab travels from the locking channel into the receiving recess and into an unlocked position; and wherein the tag may be removed from the sled in an axial direction.

The tag includes two or more security elements that are configured to respond to a radio frequency (RF) field (or electromagnetic field) generated by antennas located at the exits (or entrances) of, for example, a retail store. The security element may respond to the RF field with an RF response signal. The security element may, according to some example embodiments, be an RF resonator (e.g., and LC circuit) configured to output a resonant signal of a certain frequency in response to the RF field. A receiver antenna of the alarm system may receive the signal provided by the security element and trigger an alarm to notify, for example, store personnel that a theft may be occurring because a product with a tag is nearing the exit.

In view of the foregoing, <FIG> shows an example locking sled security device <NUM> affixed to a product <NUM> in accordance with an example embodiment. The locking sled security device <NUM> comprises a tag <NUM> and a sled <NUM>. Sled <NUM> may be affixed to a product <NUM> via an adhesive. In this example embodiment, the sled <NUM> is affixed to a cap <NUM> of a bottle <NUM> and the tag <NUM> is locked to the sled <NUM>. When applying and removing the tag <NUM> from the sled <NUM>, the tag <NUM> may rotate relative to the sled <NUM> about the axis <NUM>, which may, for example, be a central axis of the sled <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exterior view of a top surface of the tag <NUM> according to some example embodiments. The tag <NUM> may include an upper cover <NUM> that, for example, has a shoulder <NUM>. The shoulder <NUM> may comprise a rounded, convex, tapered, frustoconical, or other form factor about a periphery <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may include key locators <NUM> that assist a user with placement of a detacher key (not shown) to align the magnet of the key with the slug of the tag <NUM> to unlock the tag <NUM> from the sled <NUM>, as described here as well as elsewhere in the specification. The key locators <NUM> may comprise indicia, physical formations (e.g., apertures, channels, etc.), or other components that may assist in alignment of a detacher key.

<FIG> shows a view of the tag <NUM> with the upper cover <NUM> removed to show at least some of the internal components of the tag <NUM>. In this regard, the tag <NUM> may include a base <NUM> to which at least some of the internal components may be affixed. According to some example embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be permanently snap-connected or welded to the base <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cover <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be monolithically formed, adhered together with an adhesive, coupled together via fasteners, threaded together, or otherwise attached together.

In the example embodiment of tag <NUM>, two security elements l4a and l4b are included. The tag <NUM> may be referred to as a dual-technology tag, because the tag may operate to send response signals in two different type of systems that operate at different frequencies, giving the tag <NUM> sales flexibility. In this regard, individually, the security elements may be one of a radio frequency resonator, an acousto-magnetic resonator, or an RFID tag. As a radio frequency resonator or acousto-magnetic device, the security elements may resonate in the presence of an electromagnetic field of a certain frequency and return a resonance signal that may be detected. In response to detecting the return resonance signal from the security elements, a remote alarm may be triggered to indicate that, for example, an individual is attempting to exit a retail establishment without having first had the tag <NUM> removed from a product (e.g., product <NUM>) for sale by store personnel, which may be indicative of an attempted theft of the item.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the security elements may include an RFID tag. In this regard, the RFID tag may be configured to respond to an interrogation signal with a unique code indicative of the RFID tag. As such, the RFID tag may facilitate not only theft deterrence functions, but also inventory counting or tracking of the location of the security element within and environment that is appropriately equipped with tracking hardware.

The components of the tag <NUM> include a biasing member <NUM> and a slug <NUM>. According to some example embodiments, the biasing member <NUM> may be a magnet, a spring, or other biasing member that is disposed between the cover <NUM> and the slug <NUM> to urge the slug away from the cover <NUM> and towards the base <NUM> (and the sled facing surface) of the tag <NUM>. The slug <NUM> may comprise a ferrous metal that is attracted to magnetic fields. The slug <NUM> may include a feature to interface with the biasing member <NUM>, such as a protrusion, recess, or the like. In an aspect, the slug <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> that extends through an opening in the base <NUM> of the tag <NUM>, when the detacher key with a magnet is not applied. Axis of rotation <NUM> is also shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the tag <NUM> and the sled <NUM> of the example locking sled security device <NUM> in accordance with an example embodiment. In this regard, the bottom or sled facing surface <NUM> of the tag <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>. As can be seen, the protrusion <NUM> of the slug <NUM> may pass through an opening <NUM> in the base <NUM> of the tag <NUM>. To interface with the sled <NUM> and facilitate locking to the sled <NUM>, the tag <NUM> may include receiving recesses <NUM>, locking channels <NUM>, lower lips <NUM>, and stops <NUM>. The sled <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, tabs <NUM> with respective engagement surfaces <NUM>, and an adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> may be located on the product facing surface of the base <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, and may be in the form of an adhesive pad with a removable layer that protects an adhesive surface until the user is prepared to apply the sled <NUM> to a product.

While it can be seen in <FIG> that four receiving recesses <NUM>, four locking channels <NUM>, four lower lips <NUM>, and four stops <NUM> are included on the tag <NUM> for interaction with one of four respective tabs <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, the following describes this interaction with respect to only one of each of these elements with the understanding that the same description applies to each of the four similarly. Further, while the tag <NUM> and sled <NUM> show four different complementary engagement features, it is noted that any number of engagement features may be utilized. It is further noted that the tag <NUM> and sled <NUM> may be secured or attached together via various types of cooperating engagement features. Such engagement features may include channels and protrusions, tongue and groove engagements, hook-style protrusions and corresponding latches, male and female threads, bayonet-type engagement features, or the like.

According to embodiments, after application of the sled <NUM> to a product, the tag <NUM> may be engaged and locked to the sled <NUM> via the corresponding engagement features of the tag <NUM> and sled <NUM>, as well as the slug <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the tag <NUM> may be applied to the sled <NUM> such that tab <NUM> enters receiving recess <NUM>. When the tab <NUM> is seated within receiving recess <NUM>, the user may then rotate the tag <NUM> such that tab <NUM> enters locking channel <NUM> of the tag <NUM>. Upon entering the locking channel <NUM>, engagement surface <NUM> may be adjacent and above lower lip <NUM> thereby preventing the tag <NUM> from being lifted in the axial direction <NUM> away from the sled <NUM>. According to some example embodiments, the engagement surface <NUM> of the tab <NUM> may be beveled and the lower lip <NUM> may have complimentary beveling to engage with the engagement surface <NUM>. As the user continues to rotate the tag <NUM> relative to the sled <NUM>, the tab <NUM> continues to travel in the locking channel <NUM> until the tab <NUM> reaches the stop <NUM>. When the tab reaches the stop <NUM> or generally reaches the stop (e.g., within <NUM> to <NUM> of the stop <NUM>), the tag <NUM> may be in the locked position.

In the locked position, the protrusion <NUM> of the slug <NUM> may align with an opening in a cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which depicts cavities <NUM> on a tag facing surface of the base <NUM> and the sled <NUM>. Upon alignment, the protrusion <NUM> of the slug <NUM> may pass into the cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, thereby preventing the tag <NUM> from rotating further, in either direction, relative to the sled <NUM>. As such, in the locked position, the tag <NUM> may be prevented from being lifted away from the sled, for example, along the axis <NUM>, due to the engagement between the engagement surface <NUM> of the tab <NUM> and the lower lip <NUM> of the tag <NUM> and be prevented from rotating relative the sled <NUM> due to the engagement between the protrusion <NUM> of the slug <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM>. While illustrated as generally cylindrical, it is noted that the protrusion <NUM> and the cavity <NUM> may comprise other shapes, such as n-side prisms (where n is a number), polygonal shapes, or irregular shapes.

<FIG> shows a cross-section view of the locking sled security device <NUM> with the tag <NUM> locked to the sled <NUM> component in accordance with an example embodiment. As can be seen in <FIG>, the engagement surface <NUM> of the tab <NUM> is engaged with the lower lip <NUM> of the locking channel <NUM>. Further, the protrusion <NUM> of the slug <NUM> is disposed in the cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM> because the tag <NUM> has been rotated into the locked position with the sled <NUM> where the protrusion <NUM> aligns with the cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section view of the locking sled security device <NUM> engaged with a detacher key <NUM> in accordance with an example embodiment. The detacher key <NUM> may include a magnet <NUM>. The detacher key <NUM> may be placed in a prescribed position on the tag <NUM> as indicated by the key locators <NUM> of <FIG>. The detacher key <NUM> may have complimentary locating features. In the prescribed position, the magnet <NUM> and its field align with the slug <NUM> to pull the slug <NUM> upwards, against the force of the biasing member <NUM>, to remove the protrusion <NUM> from the cavity <NUM> in the sled <NUM>. With the protrusion <NUM> of the slug <NUM> removed from the cavity <NUM>, the tag <NUM> may now be rotated relative to the sled <NUM> until the tab <NUM> of the sled <NUM> aligns with the receiving recess <NUM> of the tag <NUM>. Once in this position, the tag <NUM> may be removed from the sled <NUM> (e.g., lifted away from the sled <NUM> in the axial direction relative the axis <NUM>) and put aside for reuse. The sled <NUM>, which may be disposable, may remain with the product and leave, for example, the store with the purchased product.

<FIG> shows another example tag <NUM> according to some example embodiments. In this regard, the tag <NUM> may be the same or similar to the tag <NUM>, with the exception of an alternative sled engaging interface. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> of the tag <NUM> and the sled facing surface <NUM> of tag <NUM> may include an extended portion of the base <NUM> that is configured to engage with a complementary sled <NUM>, which may be similar to sled <NUM> with the exception of the tag engagement interface.

Referring now to <FIG>, tag <NUM> and the sled <NUM> of the example locking sled security device <NUM> are provided. In this regard, the bottom surface or sled facing surface <NUM> of the tag <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>. A protrusion <NUM> of a slug (similar to slug <NUM>) may pass through an opening in the base <NUM> of the tag <NUM>. To interface with the sled <NUM> and facilitate locking to the sled <NUM>, the tag <NUM> may include receiving recesses <NUM>, locking channels <NUM>, and lower lips. The sled <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, tabs <NUM> with respective engagement surfaces <NUM>, cavities <NUM>, stops <NUM>, a and an adhesive (not shown). The adhesive may be located on the product facing surface of the base <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, and may be in the form of an adhesive pad with a removable layer that protects an adhesive surface until the user is prepared to apply the sled <NUM> to a product. In contrast to the sled <NUM>, sled <NUM> may include a circumferential ridge <NUM> that is part of the base <NUM>, from which the tabs <NUM> extend.

While it can be seen in <FIG> that two receiving recesses <NUM>, two locking channels <NUM>, and two lower lips <NUM> are included on the tag <NUM> for interaction with one of two respective tabs <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, the following describes this interaction with respect to only one of each of these elements with the understanding that the same description applies to each two similarly. Further, while the tag <NUM> and sled <NUM> show two different complementary engagement features, it is contemplated that any number of engagement features may be utilized.

Accordingly, after application of the sled <NUM> to a product, the tag <NUM> may be engaged and locked to the sled <NUM>. In this regard, the tag <NUM> may be applied to the sled <NUM> such that tab <NUM> enters receiving recess <NUM>. When the tab <NUM> is seated within receiving recess <NUM>, the user may then rotate the tag <NUM> such that tab <NUM> enters locking channel <NUM> of the tag <NUM>. Upon entering the locking channel <NUM>, engagement surface <NUM> may be adjacent and above lower lip <NUM> thereby preventing the tag <NUM> from being lifted in the axial direction (referring to the axis of rotation) away from the sled <NUM>. According to some example embodiments, the engagement surface <NUM> of the tab <NUM> may be beveled and the lower lip <NUM> may have complimentary beveling to engage with the engagement surface <NUM>. As the user continues to rotate the tag <NUM> relative to the sled <NUM>, the tab <NUM> continues to travel in the locking channel <NUM> until an edge <NUM> of the locking channel <NUM> reaches the stop <NUM> of the sled <NUM>. When the edge <NUM> reaches the stop <NUM>, the tag <NUM> may be in the locked position.

In the locked position, the protrusion <NUM> of the slug may align with an opening in a cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which depicts cavities <NUM> on a tag facing surface of the base <NUM> and the sled <NUM>. Upon alignment, the protrusion <NUM> of the slug may pass into the cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM>, thereby preventing the tag <NUM> from rotating further, in either direction, relative to the sled <NUM>. As such, in the locked position, the tag <NUM> may be prevented from being lifted away from the sled <NUM>, for example, along the axis of rotation, due to the engagement between the engagement surface <NUM> of the tab <NUM> and the lower lip <NUM> of the tag <NUM> and be prevented from rotating relative the sled <NUM> due to the engagement between the protrusion <NUM> of the slug and the cavity <NUM> of the sled <NUM>.

It is noted that the tabs <NUM> and the lips <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be referred to as channels <NUM> and tabs <NUM>. In an aspect, this may represent a similar locking systems as shown in <FIG> except where the channels are formed in or with the sled while tabs are formed in or with the tag. The labeling or nomenclature utilized to describe such engagement features is selected for simplicity of explanation throughout this disclosure. Accordingly, it is noted that different or other nomenclatures may be used to describe similar or the same engagement interfaces or features.

<FIG> shows an example sled <NUM> and a security collar <NUM> in accordance with an example embodiment. The security collar <NUM> may be, for example, a cylindrical or partially conical tube having a locking ring <NUM> disposed in its interior. As can be seen in <FIG>, the locking ring <NUM> may be a shelf that may extends around the interior of the security collar <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> forms an opening <NUM> that is sized to receive the sled <NUM> within the opening <NUM>. As such, if the sled <NUM> is affixed (e.g., via adhesive) to a bottle top, the security collar <NUM> may be placed on the bottle and around the sled <NUM> in preparation for the tag <NUM> to be locked to the sled <NUM>, thereby also locking the security collar <NUM> in place with the sled <NUM> and the tag <NUM>. In this regard, the base <NUM> may be wider than the sled <NUM> and therefore the outer portions of the base <NUM> may engage with the locking ring <NUM> to lock the security collar <NUM> to the bottle and the tag <NUM>.

The security collar <NUM> extends upwards from the locking ring <NUM> to form an anti-tamper wall <NUM>. In this regard, when the tag <NUM> is locked to the security collar <NUM> and the sled <NUM>, the anti-tamper wall <NUM> may prevent access to the tag-sled interface to avoid tampering with the tag <NUM> or the sled <NUM> in an effort to steal a product. Further, the security collar <NUM> extends downward from the locking ring <NUM> to form an anti-tamper wall <NUM>. In this regard, when the tag <NUM> is locked to the security collar <NUM> and the sled <NUM>, the anti-tamper wall <NUM> may prevent access to the bottle cap to avoid tampering with or removal of the cap.

As mentioned above, after the sled <NUM> is affixed to a product and the security collar <NUM> is placed on the sled <NUM> such that the locking ring <NUM> surrounds the sled <NUM>, the tag <NUM> may be locked to the sled <NUM>. The tag <NUM> may be placed in the upper cavity of the security collar <NUM> and rotated to lock onto the sled <NUM>. The tag <NUM>, merely engages the security collar <NUM> at an interface between the base <NUM> and the locking ring <NUM>. Due to a height of the sled <NUM> and the extended portion of the base <NUM>, a gap between the product (e.g., bottle cap) and the base <NUM> of the tag <NUM> may be formed. The locking ring <NUM> of the security collar <NUM> may reside in the gap, which may be longer than the thickness of the locking ring. Accordingly, while the security collar <NUM> may be locked between the product and the tag <NUM>, the security collar <NUM> may be free to rotate relative to the tag <NUM>, the sled <NUM>, and the product. This feature may operate as a security feature. Because the security collar <NUM> can rotate freely relative to the sled <NUM>, the tag <NUM>, and the product, the security collar <NUM> cannot be used as leverage to remove the sled <NUM> or the tag <NUM> from the product, or remove, for example, the cap of a bottle that the sled <NUM> is affixed to.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the security collar <NUM>. In this view, fins <NUM> in the interior lower cavity (below the locking ring <NUM>) of the security collar <NUM> can be seen. The fins <NUM> may be place around the internal circumference of the interior lower cavity of security collar <NUM>. According to some example embodiments, the fins <NUM> may be spaced at regular intervals. The fins <NUM> may extend into the interior lower cavity. According to some example embodiments, the fins <NUM> may be configured to engage a surface of a product. In this regard, the presence of the fins <NUM> may prevent the anti-tamper wall <NUM> form being pressed against the exterior surface of a neck of a bottle to create a moment/force on the base <NUM> of tag <NUM> to pry the tag <NUM> away from the bottle cap. As such, the fins <NUM> may function as yet another security feature.

<FIG> shows the security collar <NUM> installed on a bottle <NUM> in accordance with an example embodiment. The security device <NUM> comprising the tag <NUM>, the sled <NUM>, and the security collar <NUM> may be installed on the bottle <NUM> not only to protect the bottle <NUM> from theft by leaving the store, but to also protect against in-store tampering with the bottle. In the installed position, the security collar <NUM> may not be removed without first detaching the tag <NUM> from the sled <NUM> using a detacher key, as described with respect to <FIG>. Further, in the installed position, the security collar <NUM> may not be removed in the upward direction due to the base <NUM> of the tag <NUM> being extended over the locking ring <NUM> to prevent movement in the upward direction. Further, in the installed position, the security collar <NUM> may not be removed in the downward direction due to tapered bottle <NUM>. According to some example embodiments, the security collar <NUM> may also include internal fins that extend downward from the locking ring <NUM> to engage the bottle <NUM>.

Many modifications and other embodiments according to those set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that embodiments are not to be limited to the specific ones disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claim 1:
A security device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a tag (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first security element, a sled facing surface, a slug (<NUM>) biased towards the sled facing surface, and an engagement feature (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a sled (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>) comprising a sled engagement feature (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a product facing surface, a tag facing surface, and a cavity (<NUM>) comprising an opening on the tag facing surface; and an adhesive (<NUM>) applied to the product facing surface for applying the sled to a product; characterized in that the engagement feature and the sled engagement feature cooperate to secure the tag and sled together when the tag is operatively rotated about an axis of the sled to a locked position,
wherein the slug (<NUM>) operatively extends through the opening when the engagement feature and the sled engagement feature are in the locked position;
wherein the security device further comprises a second security element that operates at a different frequency than the first security element;
wherein the security device further comprises a security collar (<NUM>) configured to be locked on a product by the tag (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the security collar (<NUM>) comprises a locking ring (<NUM>) that forms an opening (<NUM>) sized to receive the sled, a first anti-tampering wall (<NUM>) extending upwards from the locking ring and operatively circumscribing the tag, and a second anti-tampering wall (<NUM>) extending downwards from the locking ring,
wherein the security collar (<NUM>) may be free to rotate relative to the tag (<NUM>), the sled (<NUM>), and the product, wherein the rotation prevents the security collar (<NUM>) from being used as leverage to improperly remove the security device.