MULTI-LOCK SECURITY DEVICE AND DETACHING DEVICE FOR USE THEREWITH

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to security devices and in particular security devices that use at least two locks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of security devices in retail establishments has become wide spread over the last decades. During the last forty years there have been three main methods to secure a tag on a garment with a pin. One major company Sensomatic, now owned by Tyco introduced the Tinnerman ™ lock in the 70s, and then followed by a later locking mechanism for their Supertag ™. Both these designs have proven to be very successful for the retailers mainly for apparal fashion goods. The third major lock in this field of security is a ball lock. Although, there are many variations in design, the general concept is that a magnet is used to pull the spring and the attached plunger to reduce pressure on the ball bearings thereby releasing the pin. The ball lock type lock has been applied to other products such as video cases and DVD cases for the security of media and software. US 6,449,991 B discloses a security device with a magnetic clutch assembly. There are a number of difficulties associated with these types of security systems. Specifically, 99% of all security devices used in the market can be released with three different styles of detachers. Therefore a typical shopping mall in the USA may have a wide variety of security devices but they can be simply removed with one of three detachers and most probably just one. Accordingly, for someone intent on stealing the use of one universal detacher makes the theft considerably easier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is a security device which includes at least multi-locks and at least one pin. Each lock is adapted to releasably receive one pin. At least one pin and the at least two locks are attached together.

[0004] A security device for use in association with a security pin includes a tag body, a spring lock and a magnetic lock. The tag body has a body aperture formed therein adapted to receive the security pin. The spring lock is situated within the tag body and has a spring lock aperture formed therein in registration with the body aperture. The spring lock is adapted to engage the security pin when in an engaged position and release the security pin when in a released position. The magnetic lock is within the tag body and has a magnetic lock aperture. The magnetic lock is adapted to engage the security pin when in an engaged position and to release the security pin when in a release position. The spring lock and the magnetic lock need to both be in the released position to successfully remove the security pin form the security device.

[0005] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a detacher assembly for use in association with security devices having having a spring lock having and engaged position and a released position and a magnetic lock having an engaged position and a released position and a pin adapted to engage the spring lock and the magnetic lock. The detaching device includes a spring lock detacher and a magnetic lock detacher. The spring lock detacher is adapted to move the spring lock from the engaged position to the released position. The magnetic lock detacher is adapted to move the magnetic lock from the engaged position to the released position whereby the spring lock and the magnetic lock are in the released position at the same time.

[0006] Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-lock security device attached to a product with one pin and a detaching device all constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the multi-lock security device and pin and detaching device as taken along line 2-2 of figure 1, wherein the magnetic lock is a ball bearing type lock and showing the security device in the lock position;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the multi-lock security device and pin and detaching device as shown in figure 2 but showing the security device in the released position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a spring lock with a release arm for use in the multi-lock security device of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a cross shaped spring lock for use in the multi-lock security device of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a generally elongate spring lock for use in the multi-lock security device of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of multi-lock security device and pin and detaching device similar to that shown in figure 2 but showing an asymmetric type lock and showing the security device in the locked position;

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of the multi-lock security device and pin and detaching device as shown in figure 7 but showing the security device in the released position;

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of multi-lock security device and pin and detaching device similar to that shown in figures 2 and 7 but showing a resilient spring plate magnetic type lock and showing the security device in the locked position;

Fig. 10 is a cross section view of multi-lock security device and pin and detaching device as sown in figure 9 but showing the security device in the released position;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the detaching device for use in association with a multi-lock security device and pin wherein the spring lock is that shown in figure 4; and

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the detaching device of figure 11 and showing a security device therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Referring to figure 1, the multi-lock security device 10 and pin 12 of the present invention is attached to a product 14. A detaching device 16 is shown engaging the security device 10.

[0009] Security device 10 includes a spring lock 18 and a magnetic lock 20. In addition, preferably the security device includes a sensor 94 or ink vile 96. The security device 10 may include different types of spring locks 18 and magnetic locks 20. Examples of different spring locks are shown in figures 4, 5 and 6. Examples of different magnetic locks are shown in figures 2 and 3, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10.

[0010] Referring to figures 2 and 3, the security device includes a spring lock 18 and a magnetic lock 20. The spring lock 18 and the magnetic lock 20 are arranged such that they engage the same pin 12. The spring lock 18 and the magnetic lock 20 have an engaged position shown in figure 2 and a released position shown in figure 3. To successfully remove the pin 12 form the security device 10 both of the spring lock 18 and the magnetic lock 20 have to be in the released position at the same time. Accordingly, the detaching device 16 has to include a means to detach the spring lock 18 and the magnetic lock 20 such that each lock is in the released position at the same time. Accordingly, a detaching device that works for only one type of lock would not release the security device 10 from the product 14.

[0011] The security device 10 has a housing 22 that is shaped so that the spring lock 18 and the magnetic lock 20 are in registration with each other. The magnetic lock 20 shown in figures 2 and 3 includes a spring 24, a piston 26 and a plurality of ball bearings 28. There are a number of ball bearing locks found in the prior art and any of these locks would work in association with the present invention. An example of such a ball bearing lock is found in US patent 3,911,534 issued to Martens et al. on October 14, 1975 which is incorporated herein by reference. However, this is only one such example. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other ball berating locks may also be used.

[0012] The detaching device 16 includes a means 30 of releasing the spring lock 18 and a magnet 32 to release the magnetic lock 20. The means of releasing the spring lock 30 includes posts 34 that bear against the housing 22 and transfer a force to the spring lock 18. The magnet 32 is positioned such that the magnet lock 20 is moved to the released position shown in figure 3 when the spring lock 18 is in the released position.

[0013] Figures 4, 5 and 6 show examples of spring locks 18 that may be used in the multi-lock security device 10 of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these spring locks are by way of example only and that other spring locks may also be used. An example of a spring lock 18 is shown generally in figure 4 at 40. Spring lock 40 is disclosed in US patent 5,425,419 issued to Nguyen et al. on June 20, 1995 which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] Spring lock 40 includes a release arm 42 that when pressure is applied will move the spring lock 40 from an engaged position to a released position. An example of a detaching device 16 which will engage spring lock 40 is shown in figures 12 and 13 at 44. The detaching device 44 includes an arcuate arm 46 that engages release arm 42.

[0015] An alternate spring lock 18 is shown generally at 50 in figure 5. Spring lock 50 is a cross shaped spring lock. The specifics of this lock 50 can be found in US patent 3,942,829 issued March 9, 1976 to Humble et al. which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example of spring lock 18 is shown generally at 60 in figure 6. Spring lock 60 is a more elongate shaped spring lock. The specifics of this lock 60 can be found in US patent 4,299,870 issued November 1, 1981 to Humble et al. which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] Referring to figures 7 and 8, as described above security device 10 includes a spring lock 18 and a magnetic lock 20. Magnetic lock 20 is an asymmetric magnetic lock 70. Asymmetric lock 70 includes a spring 72, a washer 74 and an asymmetric seat 76. Washer 74 has an aperture 78 formed therein for receiving pin 12. Washer 74 engages pin 12 when it is in the engaged position as shown in figure 7 and releases pin 12 when in the released position shown in figure 8. As discussed above spring lock 18 and asymmetric lock 70 are in registration with each other such that they each engage pin 12 when in the engaged position.

[0017] The detaching device 16 is similar to that described above with regard to figure 3 but with the magnet 32 position such that it releases asymmetric lock 70.

[0018] Referring to figures 9 and 10, as described above security device 10 includes a spring lock 18 and a magnetic lock 20. Magnetic lock 20 is a resilient spring plate magnetic lock 80. The specifics of lock 80 are found in US patent 4,603,453 issued August 5, 1986 to Yokoyama which is incorporated herein by reference. Lock 80 includes a resilient spring plate 82 with a metal portion 84 and an aperture 86 formed therein. Plate 82 engages pin 12 when it is in the engaged position as shown in figure 9 and releases pin 12 when it is in the released position shown in figure 10. Metal portion 84 is attracted to magnet 32 when the detaching device 16 is brought into position as shown in figure 10 and it moves from the engaged position to the released position.

[0019] Figures 11 and 12 show an example 90 of detaching device 16 configured to be used with spring lock 40. Detaching device 90 includes a magnet 32 shown in phantom in figure 11. Detaching device 16 includes an arcuate arm 46 that deploys responsive to squeezing trigger 92. As described above arcuate arm 46 engages release arm 42 (shown in figure 4). Magnet 32 releases magnetic lock 20.

[0020] Typically one of the security device 10 and the pin 12 will also include a sensor 94. As well or in the alternative one of the security device 10 and the pin 12 will include an ink vile 96. Sensor 94 may be an RFID tag, an RF coil, an AM sensor, an electromagnetic sensor or a combination thereof.

[0021] Generally speaking, the systems described herein are directed to multi-lock security devices and detaching devices for use therewith. As required, embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many various and alternative forms. The Figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, the illustrated embodiments are directed to multi-lock security devices and detaching devices for use therewith.

[0022] As used herein, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are to construed as being inclusive and opened rather than exclusive. Specifically, when used in this specification including the claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or components are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

1. A security device (10) for use in association with a security pin (12) and a detacher (16) having at least two different releasing means, the device comprising:

a tag body (22) having a body aperture formed therein adapted to receive the security pin;

a spring lock (18) within the tag body configured for release by a first releasing means having a pusher, the spring lock having a spring lock aperture formed therein in registration with the body aperture and the spring lock being adapted to engage the security pin when in an engaged position and release the security pin when in a released position by the pusher of the first releasing means; and

a magnetic lock (20) within the tag body configured for release by a second releasing means having a magnet (32), the magnetic lock having a magnetic lock aperture and the magnetic lock being adapted to engage the security pin when in an engaged position and to release the security pin when in a release position by the magnet of the second releasing means, and

the spring lock and the magnetic lock need to both be in the released position to successfully remove the security pin from the security device.

2. A security device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the security device further includes at least one sensor (94).

3. A security device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sensor (94) is chosen from the group consisting of an RFID tag, an RF sensor, an AM sensor, an electromagnetic sensor and a combination thereof.

4. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 1-3 wherein the security device further includes an ink vial (96).

5. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 1-4 wherein the magnetic lock (20) is one of a ball clutch type lock, an asymmetric lock and a resilient spring plate magnetic lock.

6. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 1- 5 wherein the tag body (22) includes an arcuate channel leading from the exterior of the tag body to the spring lock, the arcuate channel being adapted to receive and guide an arcuate probe to the spring lock and to move the spring lock from the released position to the engaged position.

7. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 1- 6 wherein the spring lock (18) includes a generally rectangular shaped spring.

8. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 1- 6 wherein the spring lock (18) includes a generally cross shaped spring.

9. A detaching device (16) for use with a security tag having a spring lock (18) having an engaged position and a released position and a magnetic lock (20) having an engaged position and a released position and a pin adapted to engage the spring lock and the magnetic lock, the detaching device comprising:

a spring lock detacher having a pusher (30) for exerting forces on, and moving the spring lock from the engaged position to the released position; and

a magnetic lock detacher having a magnet (32) for pulling and moving the magnetic lock from the engaged position to the released position whereby the spring lock and the magnetic lock are in the released position at the same time.

10. A detaching device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the magnetic lock (20) is one of a ball clutch type lock, an asymmetric lock, a resilient spring plate magnetic lock and the magnetic lock detacher includes a magnet adapted to move the magnetic lock to the released position.

11. A detaching device as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein security tag includes an arcuate channel for releasing the spring lock (18) and wherein the spring lock detacher includes an arcuate probe adapted to be inserted into the arcuate channel in the security tag and to engage the spring lock to move it from the engaged position to the released position.

Ansprüche

1. Sicherheitsvorrichtung (10) zur Anwendung in Verbindung mit einem Sicherheitsstift (12) und Trennvorrichtung (16) mit mindestens zwei verschiedenen Freigabemitteln, wobei die Vorrichtung umfasst:

einen Etikettenkörper (22) mit einer darin gebildeten Körperöffnung, die zur Aufnahme des Sicherheitsstifts eingerichtet ist;

ein Federschloss (18) in dem Etikettenkörper, das zur Freigabe durch ein erstes Freigabemittel, das einen Stößel aufweist, eingerichtet ist, wobei das Federschloss eine in Register mit der Körperöffnung darin gebildete Federschlossöffnung aufweist und das Federschloss dazu eingerichtet ist, den Sicherheitsstift in Eingriff zu nehmen, wenn es in einer Eingriffsposition ist, und den Sicherheitsstift freizugeben, wenn es durch den Stößel des ersten Freigabemittels in einer Freigabeposition ist; und

ein Magnetschloss (20) in dem Etikettenkörper, das zur Freigabe durch ein zweites Freigabemittel, das einen Magneten (32) aufweist, eingerichtet ist, wobei das Magnetschloss eine Magnetschlossöffnung aufweist und das Magnetschloss dazu eingerichtet ist, den Sicherheitsstift in Eingriff zu nehmen, wenn es in einer Eingriffsposition ist, und den Sicherheitsstift freizugeben, wenn es durch den Magneten des zweiten Freigabemittels in einer Freigabeposition ist, und

das Federschloss und das Magnetschloss beide in der Freigabeposition sein müssen, um den Sicherheitsstift erfolgreich aus der Sicherheitsvorrichtung entfernen zu können.

2. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Sicherheitsvorrichtung weiter mindestens einen Sensor (94) beinhaltet.

3. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Sensor (94) aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, bestehend aus einem RFID-Etikett, einem RF-Sensor, einem AM-Sensor, einem elektromagnetischen Sensor und einer Kombination davon.

4. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, wobei die Sicherheitsvorrichtung weiter einen Tintenbehälter (96) beinhaltet.

5. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, wobei das Magnetschloss (20) eines von einem Schloss vom Kugelkupplungstyp, einem asymmetrischen Schloss und einem Magnetschloss mit elastischer Federplatte ist.

6. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-5, wobei der Etikettenkörper (22) einen bogenförmigen Kanal beinhaltet, der von der Außenseite des Etikettenkörpers zu dem Federschloss führt, wobei der bogenförmige Kanal dazu eingerichtet ist, einen bogenförmigen Finger aufzunehmen und zu dem Federschloss zu führen, und das Federschloss von der Freigabeposition in die Eingriffsposition zu bewegen.

7. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-6, wobei das Federschloss (18) eine generell rechteckförmige Feder beinhaltet.

8. Sicherheitsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1-6, wobei das Federschloss (18) eine generell kreuzförmige Feder beinhaltet.

9. Trennvorrichtung (16) zu Anwendung bei einem Sicherheitsetikett (18), das ein Federschloss mit einer Eingriffsposition und einer Freigabeposition und ein Magnetschloss (20) mit einer Eingriffsposition und einer Freigabeposition und einen Stift, der zum Eingriff mit dem Federschloss und dem Magnetschloss eingerichtet ist, aufweist, wobei die Trennvorrichtung umfasst:

ein Federschloss-Trennmittel mit einem Stößel (30) zur Ausübung von Kräften auf das Federschloss und Bewegen dieses Federschlosses von der Eingriffsposition in die Freigabeposition; und

ein Magnetschloss-Trennmittel mit einem Magneten (32) zum Ziehen und Bewegen des Magnetschlosses von der Eingriffsposition in die Freigabeposition, wobei das Federschloss und das Magnetschloss sich gleichzeitig in der Freigabeposition befinden.

10. Trennvorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Magnetschloss (20) eines von einem Schloss vom Kugelkupplungstyp, einem asymmetrischen Schloss, einem Magnetschloss mit elastischer Federplatte ist und das Magnetschloss-Trennmittel einen Magneten beinhaltet, der zum Bewegen des Magnetschlosses in die Freigabeposition eingerichtet ist.

11. Trennvorrichtung nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei das Sicherheitsetikett einen bogenförmigen Kanal zur Freigabe des Federschlosses (18) beinhaltet und wobei das Federschloss-Trennmittel einen bogenförmigen Finger beinhaltet, der zum Einbringen in den bogenförmigen Kanal in dem Sicherheitsetikett und zum Eingriff an dem Federschloss, um es von der Eingriffsposition in die Freigabeposition zu bewegen, eingerichtet ist.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de sécurité (10) pour son utilisation en association avec une broche de sécurité (12) et un détacheur (16), possédant au moins deux moyens de libération différents, le dispositif comprenant :

un corps d'étiquette (22) dans lequel est pratiqué un orifice de corps conçu pour recevoir la broche de sécurité ;

un dispositif de verrouillage à ressort (18) au sein du corps d'étiquette configuré à des fins de libération via un premier moyen de libération possédant un pousseur, un orifice de dispositif de verrouillage à ressort étant pratiqué dans le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort en correspondance avec l'orifice de corps et le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort étant conçu pour entrer en contact avec la broche de sécurité dans une position enclenchée et pour libérer la broche de sécurité dans une position libérée par le pousseur du premier moyen de libération ; et

un dispositif de verrouillage magnétique (20) au sein du corps d'étiquette configuré à des fins de libération via un second moyen de libération possédant un aimant (32), un orifice de verrouillage magnétique étant pratiqué dans le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique et le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique étant conçu pour entrer en contact avec la broche de sécurité dans une position enclenchée et pour libérer la broche de sécurité dans une position libérée par l'aimant du second moyen de libération ; et

le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort et le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique devant être tous deux dans la position libérée pour libérer de manière couronnée de succès la broche de sécurité par rapport au dispositif de sécurité.

2. Dispositif de sécurité selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif de sécurité englobe en outre au moins un capteur (94).

3. Dispositif de sécurité selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le capteur est choisi parmi le groupe constitué par une étiquette RFID, un capteur R.F., un capteur AM, un capteur électromagnétique et une de leurs combinaisons.

4. Dispositif de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel le dispositif de sécurité englobe en outre une ampoule contenant de l'encre (96).

5. Dispositif de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique (20) représente un dispositif de verrouillage choisi parmi un dispositif de verrouillage du type à enclenchement à bille, un dispositif de verrouillage asymétrique et un dispositif de verrouillage magnétique élastique à coupelle de ressort.

6. Dispositif de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel le corps d'étiquette (22) englobe un canal arqué menant depuis l'extérieur du corps d'étiquette jusqu'au dispositif de verrouillage à ressort, le canal arqué étant conçu pour recevoir et guider un palpeur arqué en direction du dispositif de verrouillage à ressort et pour faire passer le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort de la position libérée à la position enclenchée.

7. Dispositif de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort (18) englobe un ressort possédant une configuration généralement de forme rectangulaire.

8. Dispositif de sécurité selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort (18) englobe un ressort possédant une configuration généralement cruciforme.

9. Dispositif de détachement (16) pour son utilisation avec une étiquette de sécurité possédant un dispositif de verrouillage à ressort (18) possédant une position enclenchée et une position libérée et un ressort magnétique (20) possédant une position enclenchée et une position libérée et une broche conçue pour entrer en contact avec le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort et avec le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique, le dispositif de détachement comprenant :

un détacheur de dispositif de verrouillage à ressort possédant un pousseur (30) pour exercer des forces sur le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort et faire passer ce dernier de la position enclenchée à la position libérée ; et

un détacheur de dispositif de verrouillage magnétique possédant un aimant (32) pour tirer le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique et le faire passer de la position enclenchée à la position libérée, le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort et le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique se trouvant dans la position libérée en même temps.

10. Dispositif de détachement selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique (20) représente un dispositif de verrouillage choisi parmi un dispositif de verrouillage du type à enclenchement à bille, un dispositif de verrouillage asymétrique et un dispositif de verrouillage magnétique élastique à coupelle de ressort et le détacheur du dispositif de verrouillage magnétique englobe un aimant conçu pour amener le dispositif de verrouillage magnétique à la position libérée.

11. Dispositif de détachement selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel l'étiquette de sécurité englobe un canal arqué pour libérer le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort (18) et dans lequel le détacheur du dispositif de verrouillage à ressort englobe un palpeur arqué conçu pour venir s'insérer dans le canal arqué dans l'étiquette de sécurité et pour entrer en contact avec le dispositif de verrouillage à ressort dans le but de le faire passer de la position enclenchée à la position libérée.

Drawing