Abstract: A theft deterrent device includes a carrier having a pivotally mounted pin and an alarm tag for receiving the pin to secure the carrier and alarm tag together when secured on an item of merchandise by an adhesive pad on the carrier. Spaced electrical contacts within the alarm tag receive the pin therebetween to complete an electrical path to close an electrical circuit which turns the device on. The security device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the carrier from the alarm tag or cutting of the pin of the carrier, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. The carrier remains on the purchased merchandise for subsequent disposal after removal of the alarm tag from the carrier by the use of a magnetic key to unlock a locking mechanism which engages the pin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise protection device includes first and second portions. An EAS tag is contained in the first or second portion. The first and second portions are connected together to form a head at a first end of the merchandise protection device and a base at the other end of the merchandise protection device. An opening is formed between the head and the base. The head is placed in a first recess of a merchandise item to be protected and the base is placed in a second recess of the merchandise item to be protected. The opening is configured to receive a portion of the merchandise item between the first recess and second recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security container formed to receive a cassette which visually indicates to a user what type or style of good is contained therein. The cassette may be of a general solid block type in one color or having one visual characteristic, or the cassette may have multiple inserts or slides which may be moved within the cassette to change the outwardly facing color or visible characteristic.

Abstract: A security device is provided herein, the security device being structured for secure attachment to an object. The security device which comprises a housing, locking assembly, and cable, may also carry an alarm system for increased security. The locking assembly locks the cable at a desired length to secure an object. In one embodiment, a ratchet mechanism uses a spool that collects the cable when the ratchet is rotated, such that the cable tightens around the object to secure it. The ratchet mechanism, even when locked, still allows the cable to be tightened. In other embodiments of the security device a slide grip or pressing feature can be moved or pushed to engage a clamp feature, thereby pinching the cable in place. The cable may be comprised of two separate cables combined with sheathing for increased protection and insulation.

Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around an object. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A key is used to unlock the clip from the housing. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft device primarily for securing articles of goods. In the preferred embodiment, a main housing of the device is secured to an article by way of a cable having two ends, whereby each end is inserted into the housing to form a loop around the article. Each end of the cable is secured to the housing by internally disposed locking nuts which allow the insertion of the end into the main housing, but prevent its removal. The device does not include a key or unlocking mechanism. A user must unscrew or cut the security device off the article once it is applied.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler is described with a casing having an upper opening in which a label roll is rotary-mounted on a holder that can be moved up and down. A cap is hinged on the casing at the upper opening. When the cap is closed, it fully surrounds the label roll. The cap is coupled with the holder by a link guide in such a way that, by manually swinging the cap, the holder can be moved out of the opening and into the opening while the spacing between the cap and a label roll seated on the holder can be varied. When the cap is fully opened, the label roll is exposed and can easily be taken off the holder or attached to the holder.

Abstract: A resonant circuit for use with a radio-wave detection system for the prevention of shoplifting or the like, which is formed on a flexible substrate and has a coil and capacitor circuit whereby the capacitor has an indented area in the dielectric of the capacitor to promote disablement of the circuit when exposed to a strong electromagnetic field. Upon exposure to a strong electromagnetic field, an electrical short forms across the dielectric of capacitor in the indented area. Because the short is fragile and can be opened by flexure of the circuit, an island of reinforcing material is formed in the indented area, such that when the substrate is flexed, the indented area remains rigid to protect the short. The indented area can be further stress-relieved by introducing a gap in the conductors forming the capacitor plates.

Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl. A top wall of the housing has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system in the housing actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions. Insertion of the clip into the housing automatically actuates the ratchet mechanism preventing movement of the cable in the unwind direction and activates the alarm system.

Abstract: Security devices according to the present invention may be configured to secure an article supported by display packaging. The display packaging may include display cards, blister packs, pouch packaging, thermoform packaging, and other types of packaging. The display packaging may define a display side on which the article is presented for viewing, and a back side that often faces a display rack. The display side of the display packaging may also include consumer messaging (e.g., graphics, text, product information, advertising, etc.) that is intended for viewing by a consumer. The security device may include a device body structured for positioning proximate the display packaging without substantially obscuring the display side of the display packaging and a locking mechanism associated with the device body and positioned proximate the back side of the display packaging. In the locked state, the locking mechanism may receive and secure a securing member that penetrates the display packaging.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a security device are provided for attaching to and securing small articles, such as jewelry or other accessories that are either loose or attached to a display card. The security device may engage various sizes of card stock and/or secure articles that include a ring component in a practical and unobtrusive manner. The security device may detect unauthorized removal of the item from the retail premises. In some cases, the security device may also be configured to detect tampering of the security device and may include one-alarm, two-alarm, or three-alarm functionality. Moreover, the security device may also provide other features or functionalities that a retail operator may prefer or consider prior to the use or selection of a particular security device over others. The device may provide easy securing to and/or removal from an object by an authorized operator, such as an employee, and may be reusable.

Abstract: A device to protect an article from theft is disclosed. The device includes a pointed pin member to enable attachment of the device to the article to be protected from theft. A housing disposed within the device includes a floor and a wall tapering towards a confining end. The housing includes coaxial openings for insertably receiving the pin member. A ball clutch mechanism is located within the housing and includes a plurality of balls. As the balls are urged towards the confining end of the housing, they wedge between the tapering wall and the pin member to apply increasing radial pressure against the pin member to prevent it from being withdrawn from the device. The floor includes a member which deflects downwardly upon insertion of the pin member into the housing to apply a radial force against the pin member to frictionally engage it within the device.

Abstract: A multi-attach reusable security tag (MARST) that is attached to an article in two stages. In a first stage, an attachment clip is coupled to an article, such as but not limited to clothing, to be protected by a manufacturer or assembler. This attachment clip is durable to withstand harsh manufacturing environments. Once the article with the attachment clip is ready for presentation, for example, at a retail establishment, during a second stage, the attachment clip is then secured in a releasable locking mechanism of a housing containing a security element therein. The security element may comprise EAS (including AM, RF, EM and microwave), RFID (including LF, HF and UHF) elements or any combination thereof. Alternatively, a fluke element can be used to secure the attachment clip to the releasable locking mechanism and wherein this fluke element permits the attachment clip to swivel outside of the housing.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A first powers supply charges a portion of the display that does not include the merchandise items and a second power supply charges the merchandise items. The merchandise items are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis. An alarm is generated if the first power supply or the second power supply looses power but not if the first and second power supply loose power.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with protecting merchandise items are presented. A method of protecting merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. A detection is made if one merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance from the consumer display. The method determines if an authorized key is detected within a predetermined key distance from the consumer display. An alarm is then generated when one of merchandise items has been moved beyond a predetermined authorized distance and an authorized key is not detected within a predetermined key distance.

Abstract: A multi-attach disposable security tag that is attached to an article in two stages. In a first stage, an attachment clip is coupled to an article, such as but not limited to clothing, to be protected by a manufacturer or assembler. This attachment clip is durable to withstand harsh manufacturing environments. Once the article with the attachment clip is ready for presentation, for example, at a retail establishment, during a second stage, the attachment clip is then permanently secured in a locking mechanism of a housing containing a deactivatable security element therein. The security element may comprise EAS (including AM, RF, EM and microwave), RFID (including LF, HF and UHF) elements or any combination thereof. A preferred embodiment of the security tag uses all non-ferrous components including its locking mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with charging merchandise items are presented. A method of charging merchandise items includes displaying merchandise items at a consumer display so that the merchandise items can be handled by a consumer. The merchandise items are charged at the display on a multiplexed basis.

Abstract: A method for determining billing information for a tag application process for billing a customer using the tag application process, includes the steps of determining a cost component of said tag fabrication process and determining billing information in accordance with said cost component. The customer is billed in accordance with said determined billing information.

Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button can not be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically advertising items put on display, as well as protecting those items against theft. The system and method include an event sensor associated with the item and connected to a monitoring and alarm transmitter for initiating an advertising experience on an associated and local graphic display whenever the item is manipulated or approached by a patron. Should the item be removed or taken from its display stand, a wireless alarm is automatically transmitted to a receiver of an authorized person. The system and method also perform a logging function when a patron approaches the item or removes it without taking it away. The system and method also include the ability to provide power to electronic items that are on display.