Abstract: Method for operating a magnetically controlled lock in an EAS tag (100) involves the application of a magnetic field to a plunger (322) within a housing (102) of the EAS tag. The applied magnetic field is used to cause a translational movement of the plunger in a first direction. The method can further involve causing a latch (320) to pivot about a pivot axis (807) by using the translational motion (1002) of the plunger to apply a torque (1004) to the latch. Rotation of the latch in this way causes it to move to an unlocked position which releases a locking pin (106).

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1300) for operating a security tag (132). The methods involve: slidingly coupling a first engagement member (212) of the security tag to a first sidewall (208) forming a first right angle with a base (220) of an article; and extending a securement member (218) of the security tag across an exterior surface of the base of the article. A second engagement member (210) of the security tag is slidingly coupled to a second sidewall (206) opposed from the first sidewall and forming a second right angle with the base of the article. A length of the securement member is then decreased so as to place the securement member in a tensioned position whereby the security tag is secured to the article. The securement member can be locked in the tensioned position using a mechanical locking mechanism (222) of the security tag.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1300) for selectively preventing an unauthorized detachment of a security tag (100) from an article (114). The methods involve: coupling the security tag to the article by locking a tack assembly (110) to a securement member (206) disposed within a housing (104) of the security tag; guiding an external tool (102) into a channel (500) formed within the security tag for releasing the tack assembly from the securement member; and obstructing the external tool's access to the securement member by biasing a post (602) into a first position in which the post at least partially extends into the channel. A magnetic field may be applied to the security tag so as to transition the post from the first position to a second position in which the external tool's access to the securement member is no longer obstructed by the post.

Abstract: Method for operating a magnetically controlled lock in an EAS tag (100) involves the application of a magnetic field to a plunger (322) within a housing (102) of the EAS tag. The applied magnetic field is used to cause a translational movement of the plunger in a first direction. The method can further involve causing a latch (320) to pivot about a pivot axis (807) by using the translational motion (1002) of the plunger to apply a torque (1004) to the latch. Rotation of the latch in this way causes it to move to an unlocked position which releases a locking pin (106).

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1300) for selectively preventing an unauthorized detachment of a security tag (100) from an article (114). The methods involve: coupling the security tag to the article by locking a tack assembly (110) to a securement member (206) disposed within a housing (104) of the security tag; guiding an external tool (102) into a channel (500) formed within the security tag for releasing the tack assembly from the securement member; and obstructing the external tool's access to the securement member by biasing a post (602) into a first position in which the post at least partially extends into the channel. A magnetic field may be applied to the security tag so as to transition the post from the first position to a second position in which the external tool's access to the securement member is no longer obstructed by the post.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1300) for operating a security tag (132). The methods involve: slidingly coupling a first engagement member (212) of the security tag to a first sidewall (208) forming a first right angle with a base (220) of an article; and extending a securement member (218) of the security tag across an exterior surface of the base of the article. A second engagement member (210) of the security tag is slidingly coupled to a second sidewall (206) opposed from the first sidewall and forming a second right angle with the base of the article. A length of the securement member is then decreased so as to place the securement member in a tensioned position whereby the security tag is secured to the article. The securement member can be locked in the tensioned position using a mechanical locking mechanism (222) of the security tag.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are described for an electronic article surveillance security tag having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and a magnetic detaching device for use with the electronic article surveillance tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Techniques for linear release for a security tag are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for detaching an electronic surveillance tag from an article to which it is attached, the tag having a locking member therein and defining an exteriorly accessible passage to the locking member, comprises a motor, a probe rotatable by the motor for movement in the passage into and from unlocking relation with the locking member and drive controller for the motor. The drive controller includes circuitry for (1) establishing a time period for energization of the motor, (2) effecting first sense movement of the probe during a first portion of the time period, (3) discontinuing movement of the probe during a second portion of the time period, and (4) effecting second sense movement of the probe following expiration of the second portion during a third portion of the time period.

Abstract: A combination comprises an EAS tag having an exteriorly accessible channel and a releasable lock for securing the tag to an article, the lock being disposed at a given distance along the channel, and a detacher for detaching the tag from the article, the detacher including a probe adapted for movement in the passage, a drive unit energizable for moving the probe in the channel, and timing circuitry for controlling energization of the drive unit such that the drive unit moves the probe through distance corresponding to the given distance. The timing circuitry controls energization of the drive unit to move the probe through a distance corresponding to the given distance in a first sense for disposing the probe in releasing engagement with the lock. The timing circuitry controls energization of the drive unit to move the probe through a distance corresponding to the given distance in a second sense for moving the probe from engagement with the lock means to the exterior of the tag.

Abstract: A theft deterrent tag for protecting an article is disclosed wherein the tag comprises a tag body, a tack-like assembly for securing the tag body to an article and a cutting blade for cutting the article upon a preselected force being applied to the tag body or the tack-like assembly.

Abstract: An EAS tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly a part of which is releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp provides the releasable preventing function and includes jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional forces provided by the arcuate probe which is moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. Hand and power actuated detacher assemblies incorporating the arcuate probe are also provided.

Abstract: A keeper for a package containing an article in which a frame is provided with an opening for receiving the package and a slender, rod-like piercing means is supported on the frame to move between a first position wherein the piercing means is outside the frame volume and a second position wherein the piercing means is within the frame volume and able to pierce and engage the package when previously introduced in the frame.