CN101099016B - A safety device with a magnetically actuatable locking mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and apparatus for magnetically actuable locking mechanisms and security devices having magnetically actuable locking mechanisms are disclosed.

Description

A safety device with a magnetically actuatable locking mechanism

This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/633813, filed December 7, 2004, entitled "Improved EAS Security Tags," and filed May 23, 2005, entitled Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/683,657 for "Improved EAS Security Tags," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. the

technical field

The international application designating the United States is related to the following application designating the United States:

(1) "Optical DiscSecurity Device Having A Magnetically Actuable Locking Mechanism" ("Optical DiscSecurity Device Having A Magnetically Actuable Locking Mechanism");

(2) "Security Device For An Article Having A Constrained Elongate Element" ("Security Device For An Article Having A Constrained Elongate Element");

(3) "Security Device Having A Cable" ("Security Device Having A Cable"); and

(4) "Security Device For A Bottle" ("Security Device For A Bottle"). the

These related applications are filed jointly therewith and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. the

Background technique

The security tag system is designed to prevent unauthorized removal of items from controlled areas. For example, a typical electronic article surveillance (EAS) system may include a surveillance system and one or more security tags. The surveillance system may form a surveillance area at an access location of the controlled area. The security tag may be encapsulated in a security device secured to the monitored item, such as a hard cargo item such as sporting equipment, eyeglasses, jewelry, bottles, and the like. If a monitored item enters the monitored area, an alarm is triggered to indicate unauthorized removal. the

The security device can be attached to many different items. The security device preferably allows authorized removal of the item while making unauthorized removal relatively difficult. Accordingly, there is a need for improved technology in security devices in general, and in particular systems for securing security devices to items. the

Description of drawings

The subject matter which is regarded as the embodiments is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, these embodiments, both as to structure and method of operation, are best understood by reading the accompanying drawings with reference to the following detailed description, in which:

Figure 1 shows components of a safety device and system according to one embodiment;

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a separator according to one embodiment;

Figure 1B shows a top view of a separator according to one embodiment;

Figure 1C shows a front view of a separator according to one embodiment;

Figure 1D shows a side view of a separator according to one embodiment;

Figure 1E shows a perspective view forming part of a safety device for one-time use;

Figure 1F shows a top view forming part of a safety device for single use;

Figure 1G shows a perspective view forming part of a resettable safety device;

Figure 1H shows a perspective view forming part of a safety device for one-time use;

Figure 1I shows a top view forming part of a safety device for single use;

Figure 1J shows a front view forming part of a safety device for single use;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a circular disc (OD) security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a security label cover and bottom housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a partially circular OD security device including a locking mechanism according to one embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the bottom housing and security label of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the top cover of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the top cover of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 11A shows a perspective view of the housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 11B shows a top view of the housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 11C shows a left side view of the housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 1 ID shows a right side view of the housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 11E shows a front view of the housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 12A shows a perspective view of a security tag and bottom housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 12B shows an enlarged view of part A of Figure 12A;

Figure 13A shows a perspective view of the security tag cover and bottom housing of a circular OD security device according to one embodiment;

Figure 13B shows an enlarged view of part B of Figure 13A;

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a safety device with cables according to one embodiment;

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a portion of a security device with a tunnel according to one embodiment;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a bottle safety device according to one embodiment; and

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a portion of a security device with a tunnel, according to one embodiment. the

Detailed ways

Embodiments may relate to devices, systems, and methods for pairing with securely tagged items such as compact discs (CDs), sports equipment, eyewear, jewelry, bottles, and the like. For example, one embodiment may include a security device consisting of a locking mechanism, a security tag, and a housing. The locking mechanism may include a magnetically actuatable latch, a flexible element biasing the magnetically actuatable latch toward the locked position, and a latch cooperating with at least a portion of the magnetically actuatable latch in the locked position Mating elements. As used herein, "locked position" may refer to a position of a magnetically actuatable latch in which it is partially or fully located within, engaged with, connected to, or otherwise located within a mating element of the latch. Work with it in other ways. The housing may not be configured to partially or fully contain, surround or otherwise secure the locking mechanism, security tag, latch engagement element, and item to the housing. When secured, the magnetically actuatable element of the locking mechanism may cooperate with the latch cooperating element in the locked position to lock the housing and thereby secure the security tag secured with the housing to the article. The security device may prevent attempts to separate the housing from the item or provide a hindrance when the housing is locked. Another embodiment may include a safety system consisting of the safety device and the separator, which may be a device including a magnet. The decoupler may be used to unlock the housing by magnetically forcing the magnetically actuatable latch out of the locked position. the

It is worth noting that any reference in the description to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. the

Numerous specific details may be given herein to provide a thorough understanding of these embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. the

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like parts are indicated by like reference numerals, in FIG. 1 there is shown a front view of components that may be included in a security system 1 and a security device 2 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the security system 1 comprises a security device 2 and a separator 40 . The security device 2 may include a locking mechanism 10, a security tag 20 and a housing 30. the

The locking mechanism 10 may be a magnetically actuable locking mechanism and may include a magnetically actuatable latch 12 , a flexible element 16 and a latch cooperating element 18 . the

Magnetically actuatable latch 12 may include: base 13 , which may include base end 13A and sides 13B and 13C; and latch portion 14 , which may include latch portion end 14A; and central portion 15 . the

The magnetically actuatable latch 12 may have a substantially rectangular surface such that the bottom 13 has the same width as the latch portion 14 and the central portion. Thus, the width of the bottom 13 or the distance between the sides 13B and 13C may be the same as the corresponding widths of the latch portion 14 and the central portion 15 . In other embodiments, the width of the bottom 13, latch portion 14 and central portion 15 may vary. The magnetically actuatable latch 12 may have an elongated uniform cross-section. the

However, the magnetically actuatable latch 12 can be constructed as desired and can comprise one or more components and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical about any point, line or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically actuatable latch 12 can be configured with a "T", "I", curved or other shaped surface, and have a rectangular, round, thick, hollow or otherwise perforated and/or non-uniform cross-section, either as shown and/or as described herein for magnetically actuatable latches 112 , 512 , 912 , and 1512 . In another embodiment, the latch portion end 14A of the magnetically actuatable latch 12 may include one or more teeth, ribs, grooves, indentations, points, bends, apertures, or other shapes such as herein While those shown and described with reference to the embodiments of magnetically actuatable latches 112, 512, 912, and 1512, bottom end 13A may be flat or otherwise shaped. Additionally, bottom end 13A may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically actuatable latch 12 may be configured such that at least a portion thereof, such as the latch portion 14, may engage, receive, insert into, or otherwise cooperate with a latch mating element 18 as described herein. the

In one embodiment, the security device 2 includes a plurality of magnetically actuatable latches 12 , which may each be disposed in the same or different portions of the security device 2 together with another flexible member 16 and a latch cooperating member 18 . For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of magnetically actuatable latches 12 can each cooperate with another portion of the security device 2 to lock that portion, such as the portion that secures an item or the portion that secures a security tag 20. the

The magnetically actuatable latch 12 may comprise or be formed of a magnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt or an alloy of iron, nickel or cobalt. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuatable latch 12 includes one or more magnetic materials, and may include one or more non-magnetic materials. the

Flexible member 16 may be shaped as desired, such as cuboidal, oval, coiled, or any other shape as shown and/or described herein with reference to embodiments of flexible member 116, 516, 916, and 1516, and may One or more components are included, or may be incorporated or integrally formed with the magnetically actuatable latch 12 . In one embodiment, the flexible element 16 may be formed as a cantilever such as a leaf spring. The flexible element 16 may comprise or be formed of a flexible material such as lightweight, porous, semi-rigid, elastic, gaseous, and/or spongy material, which may provide resistance when compressed and may partially or fully restore its original shape when pressure is removed. compressed shape. For example, in various embodiments, flexible member 16 may be constructed or formed from foam rubber, polymeric foam, ceramic foam, or other foam; rubber; and/or another material or materials. The flexible element 16 may also or alternatively be configured to provide resistance when compressed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible element 16 may be constructed as a coil spring, leaf spring or other cantilever or other spring or other similar member constructed of metal, polymer, ceramic and/or another material or materials . The flexible element 16 can be of various masses. the

The latch engagement element 18 may be configured as desired, such as having one or more holes or other apertures, ribs, teeth, protrusions, or other shapes. The latch engagement element 18 may comprise one or more components and may be formed separately or integrally with the housing 30, such as described herein. The latch engagement element 18 may be configured to engage, receive, insert into, or otherwise cooperate with at least a portion of the magnetically actuatable latch 12 . For example, in embodiments where the magnetically actuatable latch 12 is an elongated member having a rectangular surface shape, the latch mating element 18 may be configured with an aperture in which the latch portion 14 or Part of it is inserted into the locked position, as described here. In embodiments where the magnetically actuatable latch 12 has teeth at its latch portion end 14A, the latch cooperating element 18 may be formed with ribs for engaging the teeth in the locked position. the

Security tag 20 may be any detectable device or system, such as any security tag or label. For example, in various embodiments, security tag 20 may be an EAS tag (such as a radio frequency (RF) tag, acoustomagnetic tag, and/or combinations thereof), a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a smart tag, or other detectable antitheft or other tag any of the. The security label 20 can be detected by a corresponding detection system or device such as an acoustomagnetic detector, an electromagnetic detector, a radio frequency detector or other detectors according to the type of the security sign or label.

Housing 30, as shown in part in the embodiment of FIG. is otherwise secured and secures the item when the locking mechanism 10 is in the locked position and thereby locks the housing. The housing 30 and locking mechanism 10 may thus cooperate to secure or lock items to the housing 30 and thus the security device 2 . Housing 30 can be constructed as desired and can be shaped according to locking mechanism 10, security tag 20 and the item it is designed to protect, such as described herein with reference to the housing 130, 530, 930 and 1730 embodiments. The housing 30 may include a latch engagement element 18 which may be integrally formed with the housing 30 . Housing 30 may optionally be configured to mate with latch mating element 18 . Housing 30 may be constructed of a polymer and/or another material or materials. the

The components included in the security device 2 can be constructed such that the security device 2 can be locked to an article, for example as described with reference to the security device embodiments below. The security tag 2 can be re-used or can be used for one-time use. the

1A-1D show perspective, top, front and side views of the separator 40 shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. Separator 40 may be a device that includes and houses magnet 42 . The magnet 42 may be any type of magnet, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. As with the security system 1, the security device 2 may employ a detacher 40 to detach the security device 2 from the item. The separator 40 may be suitably disposed adjacent the magnetically actuatable latch 12 of the security device 2 to magnetically urge the magnetically actuatable latch 12 out of the locked position, thereby allowing the housing 30 of the security device 2 to be accessed therefrom. Get out of the item that locks it. the

In various embodiments, the separator 40 may include different magnets 42 . For example, the magnet 42 of the decoupler 40 may be selected according to the magnetic force required to move the magnetically actuatable latch 12 out of the latched position, thus unlocking the security device 2 . This magnetic force needs to be greater than the force to overcome the resistance to this movement. These opposing forces may include, for example, the restraining force provided by the flexible element 16 when squeezed by the magnetically actuatable latch 12, the magnetically actuatable latch 12 that contacts the housing 30 and/or another element during movement. friction and other forces. In another embodiment, where the separator 40 is to be used on various security devices having different configurations, the magnet 42 may be selected to be sufficient to unlock the security device that requires the strongest magnet to unlock it. the

In one embodiment, the security device 2 may be configured for single use. For example, in one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1E-F , the magnetically actuatable latch 12 of the security device 2 may be disposed within the channel 3 that mates with the latch mating element 18 in the locked position. One or more leaf springs or other cantilevers such as cantilevers 4 and 5 are disposed in channel 3 in a spring loaded configuration. the

For example, the boom 4 may have an unloaded position as shown in Fig. 1E. The cantilever can be bent to a position where its side 4A is close to the channel wall 3A and is thus spring loaded. The magnetically actuatable latch 12 can then be disposed in the channel 3 in a locked position close to its other side 4B, thereby preventing the cantilever 4 from moving and maintaining its spring load. The cantilever 5 can be arranged similarly. With the magnetically actuatable latch 12 then moved out of the locked position by the separator 40, the cantilevers 4 and 5 are no longer constrained by the magnetically actuatable latch 12 and can spring back or otherwise return to the locked position. its uninstall location. In these positions the magnetically actuatable latch 12 cannot return to the locked position with the arms 4 and 5 extending into the channel 3 so that they can block the movement of the base 13 of the magnetically actuatable latch 12 past them. Consequently, any attached safety devices can no longer be locked. the

In another embodiment, only one of the cantilevers 4 and 5 is included. In various other embodiments, other resilient elements such as coil or other springs, rubber and foam may be employed within the channel 3 or other parts of the housing to prevent double use of the attached safety device. the

In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1G-1J, the locking mechanism portion and housing portion can be constructed such that after each movement of the magnetically actuatable latch 12 out of the locked position, the magnetically actuatable latch 12 needs to be released. The movable latch 12 is reset so that it can be reset in the locked position. For example, the magnetically actuatable latch 12 may be disposed in the channel 6 with its bottom end 13A adjacent to the groove 7. The recess 7 may be constructed such that upon biasing the magnetically actuatable latch 12 away from the locked position, at least one of the magnetically actuatable latches 12 falls or is otherwise pressed into the recess 7 middle. The groove 7 may be defined by a wall 8 which may limit the backward movement of the magnetically actuatable latch 12 towards the locked position. In this embodiment, the security device in which the magnetically actuatable latch 12 is provided can be "reset" for use by, for example, employing a magnet that moves the magnetically actuatable latch 12 out of the groove. the

2-9 show various perspective views of an optical disc (OD) security device 102 (or a portion thereof), which may include a locking mechanism 110, a security tag 120, and a housing 130, according to one embodiment. As used herein, the terms "circular disc" and "circular OD" refer to items such as compact discs (CDs), compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), mini CD-ROMs, Any of compact disc recording (CD-R), and compact disc rewritable (CD-RW); digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), including, for example, DVD, DVD read-only memory (DVD-ROM), recordable Any of DVD (DVD-R), High Definition DVD (HD-DVD); any other optical disc, which may be at least partially cylindrical in shape with a central hole, or optical disc, which is flat and has a circular periphery or Otherwise formed as a CD or DVD or as any of the aforementioned CD or DVD types including, for example, Blu-ray Disc (BD), BD-Writable (BD-BE), BD-Recordable (BD-RE) and BD Read-Only memory (BD-ROM). In various other embodiments, the security device 102 (or a portion thereof), the locking mechanism 110, and the security tag 120 may be used with other items such as non-circular compact discs, non-compact compact discs, and/or any other forms formed in various geometries and sizes. on the object. the

The housing 130 shown in the embodiment of Figures 2-4 has an at least partially cuboid-like outer shape, and may have an outer surface 131 that is at least partially rectangular, and may also be at least partially square. Housing 130 may in various embodiments have an outer shape that at least partially resembles any of a CD, DVD, BD, or other circular OD housing, or may have another shape. Housing 130 may be shaped and otherwise configured to house, enclose, bond or otherwise secure partially or fully each of locking mechanism 110 , security tag 120 , and the item as a circular OD to housing 130 . the

For example, FIGS. 11A-11E show perspective, top, left side, right side, and front views, respectively, of one embodiment of housing 130 . Housing 130 may have an elongated thickness T, as shown in FIGS. 11C-11E , compared to the dimensions of outer surface 131 as shown in FIG. 11B . In one embodiment, the thickness T may be approximately 10.27 mm, and the surface and its side dimensions S1 and S2 may be approximately 142.33 mm and 124.86 mm, respectively. The housing 130 in this embodiment may be at least partially formed as a CD case or other circular OD case. the

5-9 show perspective views of an embodiment of a portion of a circular OD security device 102 . 10-13 show additional views of embodiments of circular OD security devices and portions thereof. the

Referring first to FIG. 6 , there is shown a perspective view of a portion of a circular OD security device 102 including a locking mechanism 110 according to one embodiment. Locking mechanism 110 may include a magnetically actuatable latch 112 , a flexible element 116 and a latch engagement element 118 . the

The magnetically actuatable latch 112 may include a magnetic material, and may include, for example, one or more of the materials described with reference to the magnetically actuatable latch 12 of FIG. 1 . Magnetically actuatable latch 112 can include: bottom 113, which can include bottom end 113A and bottom sides 113B and 113C; together and therefore are not shown in FIG. 6 , but are shown in FIG. 10 ); and the central portion 115 . the

The magnetically actuatable latch 112 may be shaped in a "T" shape. Accordingly, bottom sides 113B and 113C may be parallel, and each may be at least substantially straight, and the width of bottom 13 , ie, the distance between bottom sides 113B and 113C, may be wider than the other widths of magnetically actuatable latch 112 . Bottom end 113A may be flat and may be substantially perpendicular to bottom sides 113B and 113C. The magnetically actuatable latch 112 may be constructed with a slim thickness. However, the magnetically actuatable latch 112 may be otherwise constructed in other embodiments, as described herein with reference to the magnetically actuatable latch shown in FIG. 1 . the

The flexible element 116 may be constructed or formed of a flexible material and may include a material or materials as described herein with reference to the flexible element 16 shown in FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the flexible member 116 may be configured to have a substantially cuboid shape such that its sides 116A are wider than its sides 116B, or may have another shape. In various other embodiments, the flexible element 116 may be constructed as, and include one or more materials thereof, a coil spring or other spring or similar member as described above with reference to the magnetically actuatable latch 12 of FIG. 1 . Additionally, in one embodiment, the flexible element 116 may be combined or integral with the magnetically actuatable latch 112 . In one embodiment, flexible member 116 may be formed as a cantilever, such as a leaf spring. the

The latch engagement element 118 may be integral with housing 130, or a portion thereof, as described below, or may be a separate component. the

7 and 12A show perspective views of the bottom housing 150 and the security tag 120 of the circular OD security device 102, as described below, according to one embodiment. FIG. 12B shows an enlarged view of a portion A of the bottom housing 150 of FIG. 12A. Referring to Figures 7, 12A and 12B, the security tag 120 may be an elongated EAS tag or sign. In various other embodiments, security tag 120 may be another type and/or shape of security emblem or label, such as described herein with reference to security tag 20 shown in FIG. 1 . The security tag 120 may be attached to the bottom housing 150 by epoxy, adhesive or other means. In various other embodiments, the security tag 120 may be located on, disposed within, or affixed to various other surfaces of a circular OD or other article. the

Housing 130 of circular OD security device 102 shown at least in part in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2-13 may include bottom housing 150 , locking mechanism cover 180 , security tag cover 190 , bottom cover 200 and top cover 205 . In one embodiment, one or more of these component parts of housing 130 may be separate parts. In various other embodiments, one or more combinations of these components may each include one or more components that are inseparably affixed into one component. Each of these components of housing 130 may in various embodiments be made of plastic, another material, or a combination of materials. These components may comprise the same or different materials or combinations of materials in various embodiments. the

5 and 13A show perspective views of security tag cover 190 and bottom housing 150, described below, according to one embodiment. FIG. 13B shows an enlarged portion B of the bottom housing 150 of FIG. 13 . Referring to the embodiment of Figures 5 and 13A-13B, the bottom housing 150 may have a rectangular shape defined by housing perimeter walls 150A-150D. Bottom housing 150 may include a bottom 150 including a security tag seat 152 , a curved inner wall 154 , and a bottom of a circular OD seat 156 including a bottom of a circular OD mating element 157 and an aperture 159 . Security tag seat 152 may be defined by bottom housing perimeter walls 150A and 150D and curved inner wall 154, and may be sized to accommodate elongate security tag 120, and may also accommodate security tag cover 190, as described herein. In various embodiments, housing perimeter walls 190A and 150C and/or 150B and 150D can be extended to increase the area of security tag receptacle 152 so that larger and/or different sized security tags 120 can fit within security tag receptacle 152 . the

The circular OD seat 156 may be integrally formed with one or more of the bottom housing peripheral walls 150B- 150D and possibly the curved inner wall 154 , or may be otherwise secured with the bottom housing 150 . the

Referring again to FIG. 6 , this figure also shows an embodiment of a portion of the upper portion 161 of the bottom housing 150 . The upper portion 161 may be configured such that the magnetically actuatable latch 112 and the flexible member 116 may be adjacently disposed therein. Accordingly, the bottom end 113A of the magnetically actuatable latch 112 may be disposed adjacent to or adjacent to the flexible element 116 . With this configuration of upper portion 161, movement of magnetically actuatable latch 112 and flexible member 116 may be limited in one or more directions. the

For example, upper portion 161 of bottom housing 150 may include channel end wall 165 , channel walls 166 and 168 , and channel 164 defined by channel walls 166 and 168 and may be bounded by channel end wall 165 . Channel walls 166 and 168 may include portions that are substantially parallel to one another and may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with magnetically actuatable latch 112 at bottom sides 113B and 113C and at sides of central latch portions 115 and 114, respectively. , thereby constraining the movement of the magnetically actuatable latch 112 to movement along the channel 164, which may be movement in a substantially linear direction. In various other embodiments, the magnetically actuatable latch 112 can move in a rotational, a combined rotational/linear direction, or any other direction. In these various other embodiments, one or more of channel 164, flexible member 116, and latch engagement member 118 may be formed or shaped or otherwise configured to guide the magnetically actuatable Latch 112. the

The flexible element 116 may be positioned adjacent to the channel wall 165 such that in the event the magnetically actuatable latch 112 is forced out of the latched position and pressed against the flexible element 116, the flexible element 116 will withstand the force of the magnetically actuatable latch 112. and the resistance of the channel end wall 165 to compress. Flexible element 116 may provide resistance to such compression, thereby resisting such movement of magnetically actuatable latch 112 . the

As noted above, in each embodiment, the magnetically actuatable latch 112 may be configured to have another shape, in which case the channel 164 and thus the channel walls 166 and 168 may be configured to accommodate such a magnetically actuatable latch. The lock 112 may also restrict movement of the magnetically actuatable latch 112 in one or more directions. In each of these embodiments, the flexible member 116 can be configured to fit within the channel 164 . the

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a circular OD security device 102 according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10 and also to FIG. 5 , the upper portion 161 of the bottom housing 150 may include the upper portion of the circular OD seat 156 . The upper portion of the circular OD seat 156 may include an OD mating element 157 , a basin wall 170 , a basin floor 171 , and a basin 172 defined by the basin wall 170 and the basin floor 171 . The OD mating element 157 may include one or more cantilevered detents 158 which may be integrally formed with the bottom housing 150 and define a void 159 thereof. The cantilevered dogs 158 may be provided in a circular configuration as shown, and may be made of, for example, a plastic material so that the cantilevered dogs 158 spring back when bent inwardly or toward the aperture. The circular structure may define an outer boundary having a radius that is the same as or greater than the radius of the central hole 250 of the circular OD, such as the central hole 250 of the circular OD252. Thus, a circular OD can be disposed around the cantilevered dog 158 and thus the OD mating element 157 and secured by them by means of an interference fit. When the circular OD is removed, the cantilevered dog 158 can spring back to its unbent position. In one embodiment, the circular configuration of the cantilevered dog 158 may define an outer boundary whose radius is less than the radius of the central hole of the circular OD. the

In various other embodiments, the OD mating element 157 may comprise another structure, such as solid, hollow, bifurcated, or other structure, which may be fitted to the center of the circular OD by an interference fit, snap fit, or other means. hole fit. In another embodiment, the circular OD seat 156 does not include the OD mating element 157 . the

The basin wall 170 may be configured, for example, to be circular, or otherwise be formed to define the basin 172 sufficiently large that a circular OD may fit within the basin 172 with or without contact with the basin wall 170 . the

The upper portion of bottom housing 150 may also include channel walls 174-177 and arcuate channels 174A-177A (177A is opaque and therefore cannot be seen in FIG. 10) defined by channel walls 174-177, respectively. For example, trench walls 174 may include and define arcuate trenches 174A. The interior of the trench walls 174 may be formed in a "J" or "U" shape near the arcuate trench 174A. Arc grooves 174A-177A may be similarly shaped, or have substantially the same shape. Groove walls 174-177 may each be disposed above or integral with basin wall 170, and may be spaced apart so that optical disc OD can be moved across them for placement in and removal from basin 172. the

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 10 , the upper portion of the bottom housing 150 may also include a latch engagement element 118 . Latch engagement member 118 may be integrally formed with bottom housing 150 and may extend between and protrude from channel walls 166 and 168 . The latch engagement element 118 may include a latch engagement element wall 118 having a housing 118B defined by the latch engagement element wall 118A, an end wall 118C, and a recess 118D. The latch engagement element 118A may be configured such that the groove 118D is shaped like one or more of the arcuate grooves 174A-177A described above. the

The latch portion 114 and possibly more magnetically actuatable latches 112 may extend under the housing 118B and thus into the groove 118D when in the locked position. In one embodiment, the latch portion 114 and possibly more magnetically actuatable latches 112 may extend beyond the groove 118D and to the end wall 118C. the

Housing 130 may also include locking mechanism cover 180 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 and 10 . The locking mechanism cover 180 may include a structure configured to overlie the flexible member 116 and at least a portion, eg, an exposed portion, of the magnetically actuatable latch 112 . For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , locking mechanism cover 180 may include structure configured to be disposed over at least a portion, eg, an exposed portion, of flexible member 116 and magnetically actuatable latch 112 . For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , locking mechanism cover 180 may include housing 180A and side walls 180B and 180C that cooperate with channel 164 and/or channel walls 166 and 168 to enclose a magnetically actuatable latch disposed in channel 164 . Exposed portion of latch 112 . Locking mechanism cover 180 may be secured by welding, welding, gluing, snap fit (e.g., channel walls 166 and 168 and locking mechanism cover 180 are formed with matching protrusions and apertures), interference fit, and/or by other securing means. It is fixed together with the bottom shell 150 . When secured, the locking mechanism cover 180 may prevent or make it more difficult for the magnetically actuatable latch 112 to disengage from the bottom housing 150 . the

Referring again to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 13A-13B, the housing 150 may also include a security tag cover 190. The security tag cover 190 can be configured to fit over the security tag 120, and can be fixed in the security tag holder 152 and/or on the security tag 120, for example, by welding, welding, gluing, tape, mechanical fit, or by other means. . the

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a perspective view of the bottom cover 200 of the circular OD security device 102 according to one embodiment. The bottom cover 200 may be configured to be fixed on the bottom housing 150 . For example, the bottom cover 200 may have a rectangular shape defined by the bottom cover peripheral walls 200A and 200D and be dimensioned such that the bottom cover peripheral walls 200A and 200D may be fixed around the bottom case peripheral walls 150A to 150D of the bottom case 150 . This securing may be accomplished by snap fit, gluing, tape, and/or by other means. In embodiments where the bottom housing 150 is shaped differently, the bottom cover 200 can be configured with a complementary shape so that it can be secured to the bottom housing 150 . the

When the bottom cover 200 is secured to the bottom housing 150, the security tag 120 may be encapsulated and thus secured thereto so that it cannot be reached and removed. the

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the top cover 205 of the circular OD security device 102 according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 and 10 , the housing 130 may also include a top cover 205 . The roof 205 may be formed with a roof base 207 , which may be solid and bounded by roof walls 209 . The cap base 207 and cap wall 209 may be circular and dimensioned such that the inner diameter of the cap wall 209 is greater than the outer diameter of the circle OD. In this case, in the case where the circular OD is provided in the basin 172 of the bottom case 150, as described above, the top cover base 207 and the top cover wall 209 can be respectively fitted on and around the circular OD, thus The circular OD is enclosed within the housing 130 . the

The top cover 205 may also include guide walls 211-213. These guide walls 211 - 213 may extend from the roof wall 209 and may be shaped to cooperate with the channel walls 174 - 177 and the latch engaging elements 118 including the latch engaging element walls 118A. For example, in one embodiment, the guide walls 211-213 may extend from the top cover wall 209 in an "L" shape with curved lips 211A-213A, respectively, that are substantially parallel to the top cover wall 209 . Therefore, when the top cover 205 is fitted on and around the OD to enclose the circular OD in the case 130, as described above, the arc-shaped lips 211A-213A of the guide walls 211-213 are respectively rotated when the top cover 205 rotates. Can slide in the arc-shaped grooves 174A- 177A and the groove 118D of the bottom housing 150 . the

Top cover 205 may be positioned over circular OD and onto bottom housing 150 such that latch engagement element 118 is positioned between guide walls 212 and 213 . In this position, the arcuate lips 212A and 213A of the guide walls 212 and 213 , respectively, may be at least partially disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A and 175A of the bottom housing 150 . Because the magnetically actuatable latch 112 can be biased by the flexible member 116 into a locked position within the groove 118D of the latch mating member 118, the magnetically actuatable latch can block the sliding of the arcuate lips 212A and 213A. through groove 118D. This structure allows only limited rotation of the top cover 206, so that within this limited range of rotation, at least one of the arcuate lips 211A-213A can be at least partially disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A-177A, thereby placing the top cover 205 is fixed on the bottom housing 150 . In another embodiment, the curved lips 211A-213A can be configured such that within that limited range of rotation, at least two of the curved lips 211A-213A are each at least partially disposed within the curved groove 174A. -177A, so that the top cover 205 is further fixed on the bottom shell 150. the

In various other embodiments, the mechanism for securing the top cover 205 to the bottom housing 150 can be varied, for example, in one or more of the following ways: The bottom housing 150 can include various sizes and/or be smaller than all of the channel walls 174-177 and thus arcuate grooves 174A-177A, or may include other groove walls and arcuate grooves; bottom housing top cover 205 may include various sizes and/or be smaller than all three guide walls 211-213 and therefore curved lips 211A-213A; and/or the shape of the groove walls, grooves, guide walls, and lip of the bottom housing 150 can be changed. Thus, for example, the number and size of the groove walls, arcuate grooves, guide walls, and arcuate lips may be configured in the bottom housing 150 and top cover 205 such that when the magnetically actuatable latch 112 is in the The top cover 205 may be secured to the bottom housing 150 of the circular OD security device 102 when in the locked position. the

In another embodiment, a circular optical OD security device system includes a circular optical OD security device 102 and a splitter, such as splitter 40 . Where the separator 40 is positioned adjacent the magnetically actuatable latch 112 of the security device 102 such that the flexible member 116 is positioned between the separator 40 and the magnetically actuatable latch 112, the separator 40 may be magnetically forced to The magnetically actuated latch 112 is out of the locked position and presses against the flexible element 116 . If the magnetic force is greater than the compressive force of the flexible element and any other force that resists such movement of the magnetically actuatable latch 112, the magnetically actuatable latch 112 can move away from the locked position. In this case, the top cover 205 is no longer prevented from fully rotating, and the top cover 205 is free to rotate. Thus, the top cover 205 can be rotated until no part of any of its arcuate lips 211A-213A is disposed within the arcuate grooves 174A-177A of the bottom housing 150, in which case the top cover 205 can be removed, Any circular OD provided in the basin 172 of the bottom housing 150 is thereby exposed. In other embodiments, the top cover 205 may be rotatably mounted on the bottom housing 150 in a hinge or other suitable arrangement. In other embodiments, the top cover 205 may be fixed to the bottom housing 150 in other ways, rotatably fixed or mounted. Because no part of the circular security device 102 will break during the unlocking process in this embodiment, the circular OD security device 102 can be reused. the

In one embodiment, the circular OD safe 102 may be configured to enclose or house a CD, and may be referred to as the CD safe 102 . In this embodiment, the CD security device 102 may also or may be configured to surround or contain another circular OD. The CD security device 102 is capable of holding EAS tags, magnetic mechanisms, and any kind of CD. The security device carries the EAS component in one embodiment and may be used to provide resistance or prevent unauthorized removal and then leave the storage device with the CD security device and any CDs that may be enclosed or otherwise secured thereto. In one embodiment, the security device can include a bottom housing, an EAS tag, an EAS tag cover, a bottom cover, a latch mechanism cover, a magnetically actuatable latch mechanism, and a top cover. In one embodiment, the circular OD security device 102 can include the security device, whereby the locking mechanism 110 can include a magnetically actuatable latch mechanism, the security tag 120 can include an EAS logo or label, and the housing 130 can include these parts , they include a bottom housing, an EAS label cover, a bottom cover, a latch mechanism cover, and a top cover, and these parts may correspond to the bottom housing 150, the security label cover 190, the bottom cover 200, the latch mechanism cover 180, and the top cover 205, respectively. the

14-19 show perspective views of examples of housing, locking mechanism, and other element embodiments that may be included in a security device such as security device 2 . the

14-15 show perspective views of an embodiment and portions thereof of a security device 502 that may be used to secure certain items having elongated members, such as eyeglasses. Security device 502 may include a housing 530 having a partially rectangular shape with outwardly curved sides 534 . The safety device 502 can secure the temples in the tunnel 560. Security device 502 may include an at least partially “T”-shaped magnetically actuatable latch 512 , an at least partially cuboid-shaped flexible element 516 , and a security tag 520 . the

16-17 show perspective views of an embodiment and portions thereof of a wired security device 902 that may be used to secure an item with a cable 922 . The security device 902 can have a housing 930 that is shaped like a short "I" or a lowercase "l" and can be configured to house at least a portion of the cable 922 . Security device 902 may protect various items such as clothing, wallets, and other items. Security device 902 may include a magnetically actuatable latch 912 having teeth 981-983 or other protrusions. The cable 922 may include a latch engagement element 918 . the

18-19 show perspective views of an embodiment of a bottle security device 1702 and portions thereof. The bottle security device may have a housing 1730 shaped to fit around the mouth and at least a portion of the neck of a bottle, such as a wine or spirits bottle. Security device 1702 may include a magnetically actuatable latch 1512 having one or more protrusions 1551, which may be teeth, for example. Flexible element 1516 may have an outer surface that is at least partially rectangular. The safety device 1702 may include a safety strap 1760 capable of being restrained around at least a portion of the neck of the bottle to secure the safety device thereto. the

While certain features of these embodiments have been described as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of these embodiments. the

Claims (19)

1. safety device (2) that is used for article, it comprises:

Shell (30); Be included in the eas tag (20) in the described shell (30); And be used for described safety device (20) is fixed on retaining mechanism (10) on the article, this retaining mechanism comprises:

Magnetically actuable breech lock (12), it is arranged in the passage (6) of described shell;

With the flexible member (16) of magnetically actuable breech lock (12) towards the locked position bias voltage; And

The breech lock co-operating member (18) that when magnetically actuable breech lock (12) is in the locked position, cooperates with magnetically actuable breech lock (12);

It is characterized in that: described safety device (2) can be reset, described passage (6) comprises groove (7), wherein, when described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) when being biased away from described locked position, the position of this magnetically actuable breech lock (12) enters into described groove (7).

2. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, make magnetically actuable breech lock (12) motion leave the magnet (42) of groove (7) by employing, the described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) that is arranged in the described groove (7) can be reset, to use.

3. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described flexible member (16) comprises foam.

4. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described flexible member (16) comprises spring.

5. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described flexible member (16) comprises rubber.

6. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described flexible member (16) and described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) form as one.

7. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) can move under the effect of magnetic force and leave locked position.

8. safety device as claimed in claim 7 (2), wherein, described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) can move along the substantial linear direction.

9. safety device as claimed in claim 7 (2), wherein, described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) can move along rotation direction basically.

10. safety device as claimed in claim 7 (2), wherein, described magnetically actuable breech lock (12) can be with the aggregate motion of rotation and linear direction.

11. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described eas tag (20) is the RF label.

12. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described eas tag (20) is an audio magnetic label.

13. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described eas tag (20) is the RFID label.

14. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described shell (30) is used for when magnetically actuable breech lock (12) is in the locked position article being fixed on the shell (30).

15. safety device as claimed in claim 14 (2), wherein, described shell (30) is used for by surrounding at least a portion article article being fixed on the shell (30).

16. safety device as claimed in claim 14 (2), wherein, described shell (30) is used for by surrounding described article article being fixed on the shell.

17. safety device as claimed in claim 14 (2), wherein, described shell (30) is used for by with described article interlocking article being fixed on the shell (30).

18. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described shell (30) is used for by surrounding described eas tag (20) this eas tag (20) being fixed on the shell (30).

19. safety device as claimed in claim 1 (2), wherein, described shell (30) is used for by surrounding described retaining mechanism (10) this retaining mechanism (10) being fixed on the shell (30).

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