Sensormatic Electronics Corporation

Edward J DiCarlo

Dennis L Hogan

Robert A Clucas

Sean F Ryan

John C Ford

John Hesch, Jr

An EAS tag is provided having improved anti-defeat devices and methods. A pin assembly is coupled to a lanyard and includes a reduced cross-sectional profile that may be passed through a monitored article to produce no damage or minimal damage to the monitored article. The pin assembly engages a spring clamp provided in the EAS tag and is electrically coupled to an intermediate spring contact that provides an electrical current to a PC board for arming the EAS tag. A force may be applied to the intermediate spring contact to generate a reset signal that disarms the EAS tag. An alarm signal is generated if current to the PC board is disrupted without a corresponding reset signal, such as if the pin assembly is removed without rotating the intermediate spring contact or if the lanyard is cut. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part.

System and method for detecting a breach of an electronic article surveillance tag

Electronically detectable tag with clamp and clutch locking mechanism

An improved attachment mechanism for a reusable theft deterrent tag of the type that includes a tack assembly as part of the attachment mechanism. The provided attachment mechanism includes a tack assembly having an elongated tack body connected to a tack head. A retaining member is attachable to the tack head and forms a loop to provide a variety of additional attachment positions for attachment to various articles to be protected and/or identified. The tack head includes at least one recessed area under the tack head on the side adjacent the tack body to receive at least one end of the retaining member. When the tack body is inserted into a theft deterrent tag, the tack head rests relatively flush against the tag body, capturing the retaining member end in the recessed area. The end of the retaining member includes a shoulder that engages a mating blocking member in the recessed area to prevent the end of the retaining member from being pried out of the tack head when the tack assembly is properly connected to a tag. A wire lanyard can be utilized with, or in place of the retaining member for attachment to certain articles. The retaining member can be made of a rigid or semi-flexible hardened material that is difficult to cut and/or break.

Versatile attachment mechanism for theft deterrent tags

Growing community of inventors

Boynton Beach, FL, United States of America

Edward J DiCarlo