Locks – Special application – For antitheft signaling device on protected article
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-28
2001-11-06
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For antitheft signaling device on protected article
C292S30700B, C024S0160PB
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311531
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to security devices for items such as clothing, watches, power tools, and other articles having an aperture through which a strap may be passed. The strap forms a loop through the item and is then locked in place by a mechanism passing through an aperture in the strap. More particularly, the present invention relates to a security device having an asymmetric locking mechanism, as well as an internally disposed electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag therewithin and a asymmetric key for unlocking the locking mechanism.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
In an effort to thwart or eliminate the theft of items offered for sale in stores, retailers have for years worked toward tagging such articles with devices having improved security characteristics. Some devices are rather large and have cumbersome attachment means for securing the device to the item. Some devices are not easily removed from the item at the checkout counter.
To further reduce the likelihood of thievery, some security devices include electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags disposed within the security device so that an alarm will sound within the retail store if a thief attempts to leave the premises without having the store clerk remove or disable the EAS tag.
The security devices must be easily removed from the items sold at the checkout counter prior to the customer leaving the store such that the EAS does not sound. Some thieves have found means to open or remove the devices such that items can be stolen easier. A security device with an EAS and a secure lock which can be easily opened with the proper key but hard to open by other means, is needed by the retail industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, provides a security device having a strap which can be looped through an aperture in an item and secured by an asymmetric locking mechanism integral with the strap which is difficult to open without an asymmetric key and which resists opening by other means.
The locking mechanism has a door portion and a security device locking mechanism portion attached by a hinge at one side for ease of alignment of the engagement member pod on the door portion with the tine member pod in the locking mechanism portion and for ease of locking and unlocking the security strap. The tine member pod has at least two opposing tines, one on each side of the engaging member. The engagement member is shaped such that the tines will slip over the engaging member when closing the locking mechanism. When the security device locking mechanism is closed the tines will be positioned under the engagement member locking the security device locking mechanism. A key is necessary to move the tines from under the engagement member to open the security device locking mechanism. The engagement members, tines and keys all have asymmetric shapes to deter unauthorized opening of the security devices. The asymmetric tines compliment the shape of the asymmetric engagement portion for ease of closing the security device locking mechanism, and for opening it with the asymmetric key.
The pods have walls, which restrict access to the tines to prevent opening of the security device with an implement other than a key.
The security device has an EAS secured inside of the security device body so that it can not be removed or tampered with.
The security devices can be easy removed at a checkout counter with the key and reused on other items placed on the shelves of the store for sale.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved security device for items placed on display for sale at stores.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive lockable security device that can be used in conjunction with retailers' present electronic anti-theft alarm activators.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lockable security device compatible with having an EAS tag therein.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an asymmetric locking mechanism in the security device.
It is an object of the invention to provide an asymmetric key for opening the asymmetric locking mechanism in the security device.
It is an object of the invention to provide a security device which can easily attach to items having an aperture for placing the security device strap through.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Barrett Suzanne Dino
Emplast, Inc.
Nikolai & Mersereau , P.A.
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