Patent Description:
Conventional hard-tag anti-theft and asset-tracking devices tend to rely on a pin or lanyard system that either extends through the article, such as a shirt or tablecloth, or loop around a portion of the article, such as a ring or handle, to secure the security device thereto. Other conventional anti-theft and asset-tracking devices, such as those used for multimedia, e.g. DVDs, CDs, and the like, utilize an adhesive and attach to an outer, secure packaging such as a plastic wrap. In order to ensure proper securement and to ultimately prevent tampering, these methods of attachment require a malleable fabric, an outer secure packaging, or an opening to accommodate the pin, lanyard, or the like.

Certain consumer items, such as shoes including high-heels, flats, boots, loafers, and the like, cannot be easily tagged and tracked by conventional hard-tags used in anti-theft and asset-tracking applications due to their shape and material. For example, articles made of leather, suede, velvet, wood, plastic, and the like would be damaged by the use of a security tag having a pin or adhesive. Additionally, wearable items, such as shoes, cannot include an outer, secure packaging as that may interfere with the consumer's ability to try on or view the item prior to purchase. Similarly, without a secure portion of the article able to accommodate a lanyard, such as a fixed strap or other opening, the security tag would not be able to be properly secured and may be subject to tampering. Additionally, security devices that are able to attach to the article without a pin, adhesive, or lanyard may still use high clamping pressure to prevent tampering that will still mark, imprint, and damage the article and make the article unsuitable for sale. Additionally, these security devices are often bulky and prevent a consumer's ability to try and/or wear the article.

Thus, there remains a need for an anti-theft and asset-tracking device that may securely attach to an item without causing damage to the item and that will prevent the unauthorized tampering with and removal of the security device. Moreover there is a need for a security device that does not visually obstruct the item and does not interfere with a consumer's ability to try on, sample, or otherwise view the item.

<CIT> discloses a housing with a retainer movable to an engagement position to frictionally grip and hold the EAS alarm tag on the article while an actuator arms an internal alarm system.

The following presents a summary of this invention to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.

Disclosed herein is a security tag having a two-alarm system for alarming when an item is removed from a store with the security tag still attached thereto and for alarming when the security device is forcibly removed or otherwise tampered with. The security tag includes a slider that is operatively slidable with a stop piece, and an engagement member positioned on a hollow face of the slider that operatively contacts an arm of the slider and that operatively depresses into the stop piece. The slider and engagement member are each moveable in a lateral direction and between an open or unarmed position and a closed or armed position. A side of an article or item, such as a shoe, may be inserted between the arm of the slider and the engagement member when the security device is in an open position and the side of the item may be secured between the arm of the slider and the engagement member when the security device is moved into a closed position. The slider and stop piece sequentially lock as the slider and stop piece are moved toward a closed position, such that the security device may accommodate a variety of different articles having different shapes, thickness, and sizes. As a result, the "closed" position is dependent on the particular article (or lack thereof). The security device may allow for anti-theft and asset-tracking capabilities of the item due to its two alarming systems.

According to the invention, the security tag comprises a slider coupled to a stop piece, wherein the slider is operatively slidable along the stop piece between an armed and an unarmed position; an engagement member that is operatively engageable with an article; and a first alarming mechanism that activates when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position. The engagement member may be configured to engage the article when the stop piece and the slider are in the armed position. The engagement member is spring-biased and includes a pressure plate. The engagement member is operatively moveable into the stop piece upon pressure from the slider or article. The engagement meber is configured to engage the article by a frictional clamping force between the slider and the engagement member, which provides a pressure sufficient to attach and secure to the article and activate the first alarming mechanism. The engagement member may be depressed into a housing of the stop piece by contact with the slider or article in the armed position. The engagement member may activate the first alarming mechanism in the armed position by activating a switch when depressed into the stop piece.

In an embodiment, unauthorized tampering or removal of the security tag may cause the engagement member to at least partially move from the armed position; wherein unauthorized movement of the engagement member causes the switch to alarm. The engagement member may at least partially extend from a depressed position in the stop piece during unauthorized tampering or removal of the security tag to cause the switch to alarm. The engagement member may comprise a compressible material. In an embodiment, the compressible material may be selected from a rubber, a silicone material, a foam, or a polyurethane. The compressible material may conform to the contours of the article to which it is attached.

In an embodiment, the security tag further comprises a power mechanism. The power mechanism may include a paddle, an arm attached to a paddle, and a power switch. The paddle may extend outside of the stop piece in an off position, with the arm and power switch within the stop piece. The paddle may be positioned between the slider and the stop piece, and may prevent the slider from sliding on the stop piece to a closed position. The paddle may be pressed into the stop piece, rotating the arm of the paddle inside of the stop piece, until the arm presses the power switch and turns on the power to an on position. When the paddle is pressed into the stop piece into an on position, the slider may be free to slide on the stop piece into a closed position. In an embodiment, the power mechanism ensures the power is only on when the security tag is in a closed position and is most likely to be secured to an article. In an embodiment, the paddle of the power mechanism ensures the slider may not move into a closed position and the power of the security tag may not be turned on inadvertently, such as during shipping, transport, and storage. In am embodiment, the security device may further comprise a paddle that compresses a power switch when pressed into the stop piece in the armed position. The paddle may prevent movement of the slider when extended beyond the stop piece in the unarmed position. The paddle may prevent the security tag from accidentally moving from the unarmed position to the armed position during shipping, transport, or storage.

In an embodiment, the security tag further comprises a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a ratchet rack, a pawl, and a biasing member. The biasing member may be a spring and may attach to the pawl and bias the pawl toward the ratchet rack. The ratchet rack and the pawl may have angular corresponding teeth that allow movement in a single direction. For example, the locking mechanism may allow movement of the slider toward the stop piece from an open to a closed position, but not vice versa. The locking mechanism may prevent movement from a closed to an open position and lock the slider in each subsequent position as the slider moves toward the stop piece. In an embodiment, the security tag may further comprise a ratchet locking mechanism configured to allow movement of the slider along the stop piece in a forward lateral direction toward the stop piece, but prevent movement of the slider along the stop piece in a backward lateral direction away from the stop piece. The ratchet locking mechanism may include a spring-biased pawl that moves in a direction perpendicular to a ratchet track.

In an embodiment, the security tag further comprises an alarm actuation mechanism. The alarm actuation mechanism may include an engagement member, an arm, and a micro-switch. As a slider is moved between an on position and an off position and a side of an item is inserted between an arm of the slider and the engagement member, the engagement member may be compressed by the slider and the side of the article, into a stop piece. As the engagement member is compressed into the stop piece, an arm may compress and activate a micro-switch. In an embodiment, the security tag may use sufficient pressure to hold the side of the item between the arm of the slider and the engagement member, but may not require pressure that may leave an imprint on the item. Instead, if the item is tampered with or forcibly removed without a corresponding detachment device, the engagement member will move and extend further outside the housing, releasing the arm from the micro-switch, and causing the micro-switch to an alarm. In an embodiment, the engagement member further comprises a compressible pad, such as rubber or silicone.

In an embodiment, the security tag may be pin-less. In an embodiment, the security tag may be free of an external loop. In an embodiment, the security tag may be adhesive free. In an embodiment, the security tag may not require one or more of insertion through the article, full <NUM> °circumscription around the article, or adhesive. The security tag, when engaged with the article, may provide a pressure sufficient to attach and secure to the article and activate the switch, but the pressure is such that it does not leave an imprint on or damage the article. In an embodiment, the security tag may further comprise a second alarming mechanism that activates when passed through the security pedestals of a store. In an embodiment, the article may be a shoe. In an embodiment, a user may view, try on, or touch the article and security tag without causing the first alarming mechanism to alarm.

A method of attaching a security tag to an article comprises (a) pressing a paddle of a power mechanism into a housing of a stop piece to engage a power switch; (b) sliding a slider across a track of the stop piece from an open position toward a closed position; (c) inserting an article between an arm of the slider and an engagement member that that is biased by a spring; (d) sliding the slider along the track the stop piece until the article is secured between the arm of the slider and the engagement member, wherein the engagement member activates a switch and alarms the security device when in the closed position. In an embodiment, the security tag may provide enough pressure to attach and secure to the article and activate the switch, but not so much pressure as to leave an imprint or otherwise damage the article.

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 present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:.

The present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The scope of the present 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.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration and does not limit the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the scope of the 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.

It is noted that the various embodiments described herein may include other components and/or functionality. It is further noted that while various embodiments refer to a security tag, various other systems may be utilized in view of embodiments described herein. For example, embodiments may be utilized in any kind of security device or tracking device. As such, references to a security tag or security device are interchangeable and understood to include tracking systems, anti-theft devices, asset tracking devices and the like.

A two-alarm security device <NUM> for use in inventory tracking and anti-theft applications is described herein. <FIG> illustrates examples of articles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for which the security device <NUM> may be used. <FIG> further illustrates an exemplary attachment of a security device <NUM> to a consumer item <NUM>. Although the disclosure references shoes as an example of an article suitable for use with the security device <NUM>, it is noted that any item can be used with the security device <NUM> described herein, including clothing, electronics, homeware, office supplies, accessories, and the like. The security device <NUM> may be used without the need for a pin, adhesive, lanyard, or the other similar securement mechanism to ensure proper attachment to an article or item, such as a shoe. Instead, the security device <NUM> clamps onto an article or item with frictional pressure that is sufficient to stay in an operative position during normal use of the article to which it is attached, including shipping, transport, trying on and viewing by a consumer, and the like, but that is minimal enough to avoid a lasting imprint on the article or item when properly removed.

The security device <NUM> will alarm if the security device <NUM> is forcibly removed from the article or item without detachment by a corresponding detachment device, such as detachment device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The security device <NUM> will also cause the pedestals in a store to alarm if the article or item is passed through the pedestals with the security device <NUM> still attached, thereby incorporating two alarms. In an embodiment, the security device <NUM> may be pin-less, may be free of an external loop, and may be adhesive free. Moreover, the security device <NUM> may not require one or more of: insertion through the article, full <NUM> °circumscription around the article, or adhesive. The security device <NUM>, when engaged with the article, may provide a pressure sufficient to attach and secure to the article and activate the switch or alarm the system, but the pressure is such that it will not leave an imprint on or damage the article. In an embodiment, the article may be a shoe. A user may view, try on, or touch the article and security device <NUM> without causing the first alarming mechanism to alarm.

Turning to <FIG>, disclosed is a two-alarm security device <NUM>. The security device <NUM> comprises a slider <NUM>, a stop piece <NUM>, and an engagement member <NUM>. The slider <NUM> and stop piece <NUM> may include housings <NUM>, <NUM> that surround or circumscribe the internal power, locking, and actuation mechanisms therein. The housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be monolithically formed or may comprise one or more portions operatively assembled together, such as a top cover and bottom cover and/or or two side covers and a front cover. It is noted that the housings <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise any appropriate shape and material, such as plastic, rubberized plastic, and the like.

The slider <NUM> is slidably engagable with the stop piece <NUM> such that the slider <NUM> may move in a lateral direction relative to the stop piece <NUM>. For example, the slider <NUM> may include rails <NUM> that slidably engage with a track <NUM> on the stop piece <NUM>. For example, the slider <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> that slidably engages with a recess <NUM> on the stop piece <NUM>, or vice versa. The sliding movement of the slider <NUM> in reference to the stop piece <NUM> allows the security device <NUM> to transition between an open position shown in <FIG> and a closed position shown in <FIG>, wherein the security device <NUM> is unpowered and unarmed in the open position and is powered and armed in the closed position.

Although a slider <NUM> mechanism is herein described, it is noted that any clamping mechanism or engaging mechanism may be used to transition the security device <NUM> between open and closed positions. For example, the slider <NUM> may have rotational movement at a junction between the slider <NUM> and the stop piece <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may rotate around an axis at the junction of the slider <NUM> and the stop piece <NUM> between open and closed positions. In addition, the slider <NUM> and stop piece <NUM> may engage through any appropriate configuration, including, without limitation, through telescoping, sliding, rotating, pivoting, or the like rotation to engage the slider <NUM> and stop piece <NUM> as otherwise described herein.

This transition between an open and a closed position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, enables securement of an item or article, such as a side of a shoe <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (the engagement of which is shown in <FIG>). The security device <NUM> may engage the side of a shoe <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the space <NUM> between the slider <NUM> and stop piece <NUM> or engagement member <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM> may be located on a hollow face <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> and may operatively contact an arm <NUM> of the slider <NUM> when in a fully closed position and when the security device <NUM> is not attached to an item or article, as shown in <FIG>.

The engagement member <NUM> includes a pressure plate <NUM> or other frictional component that gently, but securely molds to an article. This may both prevent the unauthorized tampering and removal of the security device <NUM> and prevent damage to the article, such as leaving a lasting imprint, when the security device <NUM> is removed by a corresponding detachment device <NUM>. The pressure plate <NUM> may include a rubber or rubber-like material, such as silicone. Other suitable materials may include silicone sponges or foams, polyurethane, natural rubbers, and the like. The engagement member <NUM> is also moveable in a lateral direction relative to the stop piece <NUM> from an open position shown in <FIG>, where the security device <NUM> is unpowered and unarmed, to a closed position shown in <FIG>, where the security device <NUM> is powered and armed, similar to that of the slider <NUM>.

In order to arm the security device <NUM> and secure an article therein, the security device <NUM> first includes a power mechanism <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The power mechanism <NUM> may comprise a paddle <NUM> and a power switch <NUM>. When in a power off position, as shown in <FIG>, the paddle <NUM> extends above the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> and into the track <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. In an embodiment, the slider <NUM> may itself press the paddle <NUM> to engage the power mechanism <NUM> as the slider <NUM> is moved to a closed position.

In another embodiment, the paddle <NUM> must be pressed by another force, such as by a user. The paddle <NUM>, extending outside of the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> into the track <NUM> of the stop piece, may prevent the slider <NUM> from moving along the track <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. As a result, the paddle <NUM> may prevent movement of the slider <NUM> toward the stop piece <NUM> to avoid unintentional powering, locking, and/or arming of the security device <NUM> during, for example, manufacturing, shipping, transport, or storage.

A user may press the paddle <NUM> into and below the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> to a power on position as shown in <FIG>. In this position, the paddle <NUM> rotates a bar or arm <NUM>, which in turn, may press a power switch <NUM> to turn the security device on <NUM>. When the paddle <NUM> is pressed into the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> to turn on the power switch <NUM>, the slider <NUM> is thereby free to slide along the stop piece <NUM> into a closed position as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the movement of the slider <NUM> holds down the paddle <NUM> and arm <NUM> to ensure the power is on only when the slider <NUM> is in a closed position (i.e., when the slider <NUM> is no longer in an open position). For example, if a user presses the paddle <NUM> and then releases the paddle <NUM> without moving the slider <NUM>, the power will turn back off as the paddle <NUM> moves back into its original position extending outside of the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. The paddle <NUM>, and thereby the power switch <NUM>, must remain depressed either by the force of a user or by the slider <NUM> being moved from an open position, for the power of the security device <NUM> to remain in a power on position.

The slider <NUM> and stop piece <NUM> are further engagable by a locking mechanism <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a ratchet rack <NUM> and pawl <NUM>, wherein the pawl <NUM> is biased by a biasing member <NUM> to engage with the ratchet rack <NUM>. In an embodiment, the biasing member <NUM> may comprise a spring. The ratchet rack <NUM> and pawl <NUM> may include angled teeth <NUM> that generally allow motion of the slider <NUM> between an open position and a closed position, but that will not allow motion of the slider <NUM> backwards from a closed position to an open position. In an embodiment, the pawl <NUM> and biasing member <NUM> are located in the housing <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and the ratchet rack <NUM> is located in the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. It is noted, however, that the mechanism may be switched with the pawl <NUM> and biasing member <NUM> located in the stop piece <NUM> and the ratchet rack <NUM> located in the slider <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pawl <NUM> may move linearly in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the ratchet rack <NUM> and engage with the ratchet rack <NUM> due to its biasing member <NUM>.

As the slider <NUM> moves toward the stop piece <NUM>, the angular teeth of the ratchet rack <NUM> and pawl <NUM> engage and effectively lock the security device <NUM>, allowing the slider <NUM> to potentially move further toward the stop piece <NUM> and to a closed position, but preventing any other movement backwards away from the stop piece <NUM> and back toward an open position without a corresponding detachment device <NUM>. Since the ratchet locking mechanism <NUM> allows for sequential and adjustable locking as the pawl <NUM> is moved laterally across the ratchet rack <NUM>, the security device <NUM> is adjustable and can accommodate any type of article or item, such as a shoe, having any material, thickness, and geometry. In an embodiment, the detachment device <NUM> may include a magnet <NUM> that aligns with ferrous material on the pawl <NUM> and pulls up the pawl <NUM> from the ratchet rack <NUM> to allow movement of the slider <NUM> backwards from the stop piece <NUM> toward an open position. In an embodiment, the detachment device <NUM> is an S3 key.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the security device may further comprise an alarming mechanism <NUM> including a micro-switch <NUM> and an arm <NUM> that actuates the micro-switch <NUM> to prevent tampering with the security device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the engagement member <NUM>, which is located on a hollow face <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>, may be biased through the use of a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring, against the stop piece <NUM>. As a result, when an article, such as a side of a shoe, or arm <NUM> of the slider <NUM> comes into contact with the engagement member <NUM> or pressure pad <NUM>, the engagement member <NUM> may also move in a lateral direction relative to the stop piece <NUM> in the same direction as the slider <NUM>. In an embodiment, the alarming mechanism <NUM>, pressure plate <NUM>, and engagement member <NUM> may ensure the security device <NUM> maintains minimal clamping pressure on the article so that no damage is done to the article. The alarming mechanism <NUM>, pressure plate <NUM>, and engagement member <NUM> may also ensure that sufficient clamping pressure is applied on the article so that the security device <NUM> remains on the article and may stay in place during normal use, including shipping, transport, trying on and viewing by a consumer, and the like.

As the slider <NUM> and engagement member <NUM> are transitioned from an open position as shown in <FIG> to a closed position as shown in <FIG>, the movement of the engagement member <NUM> actuates the actuation mechanism <NUM>. In an embodiment, the micro-switch <NUM> is located on a side of the engagement member <NUM> facing the stop piece <NUM> and on the side opposite the pressure plate <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is located opposite the micro-switch <NUM> on the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. It is noted that the reverse configuration may also be utilized where the arm <NUM> is located on the engagement member <NUM> and the micro-switch <NUM> is located in the stop piece <NUM>. As the engagement member <NUM> moves to a closed position and withdraws into the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>, the arm <NUM> engages and activates the micro-switch <NUM>.

The micro-switch <NUM> will alarm if the engagement member <NUM>, by its biasing member <NUM>, moves enough to disengage the arm <NUM> from the micro-switch <NUM>, i.e., if the article inserted between the arm <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and pressure pad <NUM> of the engagement member <NUM> is forcibly removed or otherwise tampered with, thereby relieving pressure on the biasing member <NUM> and moving the engagement member <NUM> toward an open position where the micro-switch <NUM> is no longer compressed or no longer as compressed as it was in its particular alarmed position. When the micro-switch <NUM> is no longer compressed due to tampering or forcible removal of the security device <NUM> from an article, the micro-switch <NUM> will alarm. In an embodiment, the alarming micro-switch <NUM> negates the need for significant or excessive clamping pressure of the article in the security device <NUM>. Since the security device <NUM> will alarm when tampered with in a store, pressure of the security device <NUM> is needed only to ensure sufficient securement in normal use. Unlike anti-theft clamping tags that do not include this alarm, the security device <NUM> is intended to not damage the article or leave lasting imprints on the article.

Although a micro-switch <NUM> activation mechanism is herein described, it is noted that any activation mechanism may be used to transition the security device <NUM> into an alarmed state. For example, rather than physical actuation, a light sensor switch may be used. When in an open position, light may contact the light sensor. This light may be ambient light filtering through and into the housing of the stop piece <NUM> or the slider <NUM> or another light, such as LED, that may be utilized as a component of the stop piece <NUM> or slider <NUM>. As the security device <NUM> is transitioned into a closed position, the light path may be prevented from reaching the light sensor by an inhibitor component, thereby activating the light sensor. In an example, ambient light from outside the security device <NUM> is able to initially contact the light sensor in an open position through, for example, an opening in the housing of the stop piece <NUM> or slider <NUM>; as the security device <NUM> is closed, the slider or another inhibitor component of the security device may enter into the path of the ambient light, such as by covering the opening, and prevent the ambient light from reaching the light sensor. Similarly, another light source, such as an LED may be incorporated into the housing of the stop piece <NUM> or slider <NUM>. If the security device is tampered with or removed without a corresponding disengagement key, the inhibitor component may move slightly and allow light, such as the ambient or LED lighting, to reach the light sensor and cause the light sensor to alarm.

The security device <NUM>, in addition to the benefits described herein, may be relatively small and compact. Unlike anti-theft devices that rely on large and bulky profiles to physically secure and lock the anti-theft device to an article, where the physical securement is the only protection against tampering, the security device <NUM> may also physically secure and lock to an article, but may also include an alarming system sensitive to tampering and removal of the security device, which may allow for a smaller and more compact profile. The security device, due to its size, shape, method of attachment, and method of use, may not obstruct the visual impact of the article or shoe, may not interfere with a consumer's ability to try on and wear the article or shoe, and may not prevent the article or shoes from fitting in their original carton. Additionally, the security device <NUM> may be attached and removed using a single hand and may be cost effective to produce due to the size, materials, and system underlying the security device <NUM>. The security device <NUM> may be reprogrammed and reused, and may include a second alarming system to alarm if the article is removed from a store with the security device <NUM> still attached. The security device <NUM> may also include general asset-tracking capabilities and product identification, including those related to RFID or EAS technologies.

A method of arming the security device <NUM> is as follows: begin by pressing a paddle <NUM> of a power mechanism <NUM> into a housing <NUM> of a stop piece <NUM> to rotate an arm of a paddle <NUM> and engage a power switch <NUM>, effectively turning the security device <NUM> on. After the paddle <NUM> is pressed into the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>, a slider <NUM> is able to be slid across a track <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. In an embodiment, the security device <NUM> utilizes a locking system <NUM> having a ratchet track <NUM>, spring-biased pawl <NUM>, and a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring, to lock the slider <NUM> as it moves from an open position to a closed position. An article may be inserted between an arm <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and an engagement member <NUM> that comprises a pressure plate <NUM> and that is biased by a biasing member <NUM>, such as a spring. The slider <NUM> may be slid along the track <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> until the article is secured between the arm <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and the pressure plate <NUM> and until the engagement member <NUM> is compressed into the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. As the engagement member <NUM> is compressed into the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> to a closed position, the movement activates a micro-switch <NUM> and alarms the security device <NUM>.

A method of unarming the security device <NUM> is as follows: (<NUM>) utilize a corresponding magnetic key <NUM> to disengage the spring-biased pawl <NUM> of the locking mechanism <NUM> from the ratchet track <NUM>, (<NUM>) freely move the slider <NUM> along the track <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> backwards towards an open position, which releases the article secured between the arm <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and the pressure plate <NUM> of the spring-biased engagement member <NUM> and which releases the engagement member <NUM> from the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM> and unarms the micro-switch <NUM>. As the slider <NUM> is moved back to an open position, the spring-biased power mechanism <NUM> may rotate back to its original position, disengaging the power switch <NUM> and releasing the paddle <NUM> from the housing <NUM> of the stop piece <NUM>. Once the power switch <NUM> is released, the micro-switch <NUM> may be prevented from alarming even though the arm <NUM> is no longer compressing the micro-switch <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A security tag (<NUM>) comprising:
a slider (<NUM>) coupled to a stop piece (<NUM>), wherein the slider is operatively slidable along the stop piece between an armed and an unarmed position;
an engagement member (<NUM>) that is operatively engageable with an article; and
a first alarming mechanism that activates when the stop piece (<NUM>) and the slider (<NUM>) are in the armed position;
wherein the engagement member (<NUM>) (i) is spring-biased,
characterised in that the engagement member includes a pressure plate and is operatively moveable into the stop piece upon pressure from the slider or article, and (ii) is configured to engage the article by a frictional clamping force between the slider and the engagement member, which provides a pressure sufficient to attach and secure to the article and activate the first alarming mechanism.