U.S. patent application number 12/533421 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for method and system for tracking containers having metallic portions, cover for containers having metallic portions, tags for use with container having metallic portions and methods of calibrating such tags.
This patent application is currently assigned to CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to Lawrence Appalucci, David McGoldrick, Paul Roberts, George West.
Application Number | 20090289769 12/533421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35672449 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090289769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Appalucci; Lawrence ; et
al. |
November 26, 2009 |
Method and System for Tracking Containers Having Metallic Portions,
Cover for Containers Having Metallic Portions, Tags for Use With
Container Having Metallic Portions and Methods of Calibrating Such
Tags
Abstract
The present invention is directed towards a novel procedure and
system for making a security tag for an aluminum-pressed, cardboard
container. The method employs a system of distancing the tag from
the container and a method of calibrating the tag. The tag is then
inserted into a specially designed cap and spaced a given distance
from the container. The product is sealed and then sold to the
consumer.
Inventors: |
Appalucci; Lawrence;
(Villanova, PA) ; McGoldrick; David; (West
Chester, PA) ; Roberts; Paul; (Collingswood, NJ)
; West; George; (Aston, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CAESAR, RIVISE, BERNSTEIN,;COHEN & POKOTILOW, LTD.
11TH FLOOR, SEVEN PENN CENTER, 1635 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-2212
US
|
Assignee: |
CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
Thorofare
NJ
|
Family ID: |
35672449 |
Appl. No.: |
12/533421 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11119857 |
May 2, 2005 |
7583194 |
|
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12533421 |
|
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60614072 |
Sep 29, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/10.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/07771 20130101;
B65D 2203/10 20130101; B65D 25/205 20130101; G08B 13/2445
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/10.1 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 5/22 20060101
H04Q005/22 |
Claims
1.-96. (canceled)
97. A security device for attachment to a container having a
sidewall, a generally planar metallic portion located adjacent the
sidewall and a bead having regularly shaped periphery connecting
the generally planar metallic portion to the sidewall, said
security device comprising: a security tag that responds to a
magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or
frequencies by providing a discernable electromagnetic return
signal; and a non-conductive tag holder for mounting said security
tag adjacent, but spaced from, the generally planar metallic
portion of the container, said non-conductive tag holder
comprising: a portion to which said security tag is secured; and a
recess of corresponding shape to the regularly shaped periphery of
the bead of the container arranged for receipt of the bead of the
container to secure said security device to the container adjacent,
but spaced from, the generally planar metallic portion of the
container.
98. The security device of claim 97 wherein said tag holder
comprises: an open upper recess section; a lower recess section;
and a non-conductive lid, said lower recess section including said
recess arranged for receipt of the bead of the container and
wherein said lid comprises a first side and a second side, said
security tag being secured to said second side, said non-conductive
lid being securable with said open upper recess section.
99. The security device of claim 98 wherein said first side of said
lid comprises indicia pertaining to the container.
100. The security device of claim 97 wherein the generally planar
metallic portion is circular and said recess for receipt of the
bead of the container is circular.
101. The security device of claim 100 wherein said security device
comprises a circular coil.
102. The security device of claim 101 wherein said security tag
comprises a pair of capacitors coupled to each end of said
coil.
103. The security device of claim 97 wherein said tag holder
comprises: a member having an undersurface and a downwardly
depending flange contiguous with said undersurface defining a
recess, said downwardly depending flange comprising a threaded
inner wall, said security tag being secured to said undersurface; a
non-conductive insert having a threaded outer wall for engaging
said threaded inner wall, said non-conductive insert further
comprising an annular portion; and wherein said annular portion
forms said recess for receipt of the bead of the container.
104. The security device of claim 103 wherein the generally planar
metallic portion is circular and said recess for receipt of the
bead of the container is circular.
105. The security device of claim 104 wherein said security device
comprises a circular coil.
106. The security device of claim 105 wherein said security tag
comprises a pair of capacitors coupled to each end of said
coil.
107. The security device of claim 97 wherein said device is adapted
to be used with a security tag that is calibrated to return an
electromagnetic return signal of 8.2 MHz +/-0.5 MHz or 13.56 MHz
despite the existence of collective interference caused by the
generally planar metallic portion of the container.
108. The security device of claim 107 additionally comprising a
wrap arranged to encircle at least a portion of said holder and a
portion of the sidewall of the container contiguous with said
holder.
109. The security device of claim 108 wherein said wrap comprises a
heat-shrinkable tube.
110. A method of tagging a container with a security tag, the
container having a sidewall, a generally planar metallic portion
located adjacent the sidewall and a bead having regularly shaped
periphery connecting the generally planar metallic portion to the
sidewall, said method comprising: providing a security tag that
responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular
frequency or frequencies by providing a discernable electromagnetic
return signal; disposing said security tag between two members of
non-conductive material to form a tag holder; and coupling said tag
holder to the bead of the container to maintain said security tag a
predetermined distance away from the generally planar metallic
surface of the container.
111. The method of claim 110 wherein said step of coupling said tag
holder comprises disposing said security tag at least approximately
1 cm from the generally planar metallic surface of the
container.
112. The method of claim 110 wherein said step of disposing said
security tag between two members of non-conductive material
comprises positioning said security tag between an undersurface of
a non-conductive cap-like structure an a non-conductive insert.
113. The method of claim 112 wherein said step of positioning said
security tag between the undersurface of a non-conductive cap-like
structure and a non-conductive insert comprises threadedly engaging
said insert within said cap-like structure.
114. The method of claim 112 wherein said step of disposing said
security tag between two members of non-conductive material
comprises adhesively securing said security tag to said
undersurface.
115. The method of claim 112 wherein said step of disposing said
security tag between two members of non-conductive material
comprises positioning said security tag within a recess defined by
a projection extending inwardly from a sidewall of said cap-like
structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 60/614,072, filed on Sep. 29, 2004
whose disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] "Not Applicable"
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISK
[0003] "Not Applicable"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to security systems and
devices for use with containers having some metallic portion to
hold a security tag, e.g., an EAS tag, an RFID tag, etc., and more
particularly, to devices for holding such a tag on the container
such that an RF receiver is able to readily discern a return signal
from the tag, to systems making use of such devices, and to methods
of using such systems and calibrating such tags.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] The prior art teaches various mechanisms of using security
tags to secure a multitude of different products. Some examples of
commonly known security tags are RF, AM and UHF tag, traditionally
known as electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags. Other security
tags, e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, make use of
electronic chips. EAS, RFID and other types of electronic security
tags can be and are used mounted or secured to many different
products, e.g., books, pallets, containers, and electronics.
Heretofore, products that are housed in containers or cans having
metallic portions, e.g., containers or cans for baby foods and
other foodstuffs, etc., have not been effectively tagged.
[0008] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many
containers for foods are made of plastic. However, plastic has
inherent limitations for housing such products. For example,
plastic may allow trace amounts of bacteria through it. Baby food
manufacturers are particularly sensitive to the limitations of
plastics as a container medium and consequentially, many such
manufacturers make their containers or cans out of cardboard
tubular midsection having a pressed, thin aluminum foil around the
outside of the midsection as a means for preventing liquid leakage
out of the container. Additionally, the lid and the base of the can
or container are generally made of a thin aluminum sheet. A
relatively thick, annular aluminum annular ring serves to join the
lid to the cardboard midsection, a similar ring serves to join the
base to the cardboard midsection. This arrangement provides an
inexpensive, easily manufactured, waterproof container that can
safely hold foodstuffs. However, such containers include so much
metal that they cannot be effectively tagged with an EAS, RFID or
other electromagnetic radiation based tag, since the metal of the
container will interfere with the electromagnetic properties of the
tag, e.g., the metal portion of the can will reduce the amplitude
of the return signal from the tag. Moreover, the metallic portion
of the container also tends acts as an antenna, thereby altering
the frequency response of the tag.
[0009] Thus, a need exists for a device which will enable the
effective tagging of containers that include substantial metallic
portions, e.g., baby food containers, soup containers, etc.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is
provided a device for attachment to a container having a metallic
portion onto which a security tag, e.g., an EAS tag, an RFID tag,
etc., is desired to be secured. The tag is capable of receiving a
transmitted electromagnetic signal over the air from a transmitter,
e.g., a transceiver, and for returning a desired discernable
electromagnetic signal to a receiver, e.g., the transceiver. The
device has a holding portion and is arranged to be secured to the
container, whereupon the holding portion is located over or under
the metallic portion of the container. The holding portion of the
device is arranged to hold the tag in place over or under, but
spaced from, the metallic portion of the container by a distance
sufficient to ensure that the metallic portion of the container
does not preclude proper operation of the tag with the
receiver.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is
provided a security device for attachment to a container. The
security device comprising a security tag, e.g., an EAS tag, an
RFID tag, etc., and a tag holder for mounting the tag on the
container. The container has a metallic portion onto which the
security tag is desired to be secured, said security tag being
capable of receiving a transmitted electromagnetic signal over the
air from. a transmitter, e.g., transceiver, and for returning a
desired discernable electromagnetic signal to a receiver, e.g., the
transceiver. The tag holder includes a holding portion for holding
the tag thereon. The tag holder is arranged to be secured to the
container over the metallic portion of the container so that the
holding portion holds the tag in place over, but spaced from, the
metallic portion of the container by a distance sufficient to
ensure that the metallic portion of the container does not preclude
proper operation of the tag with the receiver.
[0012] In accordance with still another aspect of this invention
there is provided the combination of a conventional container,
e.g., a baby food container, a security tag, e.g., an EAS tag, an
RFID tag, etc., and a tag holder. The container has a metallic
portion onto which the security tag is desired to be secured. The
security tag is capable of receiving a transmitted electromagnetic
signal over the air from a transmitter, e.g., a transceiver, and
for returning a desired discernable electromagnetic signal to a
receiver, e.g., the transceiver. The tag holder includes a holding
portion on which the tag is secured. The tag holder is arranged to
be secured to the container so that the holding portion holds the
tag in place over or under, but spaced from, the metallic portion
of the container by a distance sufficient to ensure that the
metallic portion of the container does not preclude proper
operation of said tag with the receiver.
[0013] In accordance with still another aspect of this invention
there is provided a system for monitoring the presence of a
container having a metallic portion. The system comprises a
security tag, e.g., an EAS tag, an RFID tag, etc., a tag holder and
a transmitter and a receiver, e.g., a transceiver. The tag is
capable of receiving a transmitted electromagnetic signal over the
air from the transmitter and for returning a desired discernable
electromagnetic signal to the receiver. The tag holder includes a
holding portion and is adapted to be secured to the container so
that the holding portion holds the security tag on the container
over or under, but spaced from, the metallic portion of the
container by a distance sufficient to ensure that the metallic
portion of the container does not interfere with the proper
operation of the tag with the receiver.
[0014] In accordance with still another aspect of this invention
there is provided a method of tagging a container having a metallic
portion with a security tag, e.g., an EAS tag, an RFID tag, etc.
The method basically entails providing a security tag capable of
receiving a transmitted electromagnetic signal over the air from a
transmitter and returning a desired discernable electromagnetic
signal to a receiver. The tag is disposed and secured to the
container over or under, but spaced from, the metallic portion of
the container by a distance sufficient to ensure that the metallic
portion of the container does not preclude proper operation of the
tag with the receiver.
[0015] In accordance with still another aspect of this invention
there is provided a method of calibrating a security tag, e.g., an
EAS tag, a RFID tag, etc., that is arranged for use with a
container having a metallic portion. The method entails providing a
security tag capable of receiving a transmitted electromagnetic
signal over the air from a transmitter and for returning a
discernable electromagnetic signal to a receiver when operating in
free space. The tag is disposed over or under, but spaced from, the
metallic portion of said container. An electromagnetic signal is
transmitted to the, whereupon said tag provides a discernable
return signal as a function of its location with respect to the
metallic portion of the container. The frequency and magnitude of
the return sign is determined and, if necessary, at least one
electrical parameter of the tag is modified, so that the return
signal provided by the tag is within a desired frequency range,
e.g., 13.56 MHz, 8.2 MHz +/-0.5 MHz, etc., and of a minimum
amplitude.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be described in conjunction with the
following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like
elements and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary, prior art,
type of container for which the subject invention is of particular
utility;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a view, like that of FIG. 1, but showing the
bottom of the prior art container of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one exemplary EAS tag
constructed in accordance with one aspect of this invention and
which is arranged for securement to either the top or the bottom of
the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a side elevation view, partially in section, of
one exemplary embodiment of a holding device constructed in
accordance with one aspect of this invention shown holding a tag
like that of FIG. 3 on the top portion of the container of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 4B is an exploded view, partially in section, of the
embodiment of the holding device shown in FIG. 4A;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a side elevation view, partially in section, of
another exemplary embodiment of a holding device constructed in
accordance with one aspect of this invention shown holding a tag
like that of FIG. 3 on the top portion of the container of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 5B is an exploded view, partially in section, of the
embodiment of the holding device shown in FIG. 5A;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a side elevation view, partially in section, of
still another exemplary embodiment of a holding device constructed
in accordance with one aspect of this invention shown holding a tag
like that of FIG. 3 on the top portion of the container of FIG.
1;
[0025] FIG. 6B is an exploded view, partially in section, of the
embodiment of the holding device shown in FIG. 6A;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a side elevation view, partially in section, of
still another exemplary embodiment of a holding device constructed
in accordance with one aspect of this invention shown holding a tag
like that of FIG. 3 on the top portion of the container of FIG.
1;
[0027] FIG. 7B is an exploded view, partially in section, of the
embodiment of the holding device shown in FIG. 7A;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an exploded side elevation view, of still another
exemplary embodiment of a holding device constructed in accordance
with one aspect of this invention shown holding a tag like that of
FIG. 3 and which is adapted to be mounted on the top portion of the
container of FIG. 1; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, partially in section,
showing the embodiment of the holding device of FIG. 8 and the tag
of FIG. 3 ready to be mounted on the top portion of the container
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now in greater detail to the figures, there is
shown in FIG. 4A one exemplary embodiment of a holding device 20
constructed in accordance with one aspect of this invention for
holding a security, e.g., RF, RFID, etc., tag 200 (FIG. 3) on a
conventional container or can 10 having at least one metallic
portion. The device 20 of FIG. 4A, as well as the other exemplary
embodiments of other holding devices shown and described herein and
other holding devices constructed in accordance with the teachings
of this invention, enables a security tag to be mounted on the
container adjacent the metallic portion of the container to
operate, e.g., respond to an interrogation signal, in a manner
similar to a tag on a non-metallic container. Accordingly, a
metallic container making use of this invention can be protected
from theft, tracked and/or identified as has been accomplished with
tags on non-metallic containers.
[0031] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the container
or can 10 can be of any type of construction, such as a
conventional can shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or any other type of
hollow container having at least one wall portion formed of metal.
Depending upon the size of the container and the amount of metal
that makes it up, the tag can be of conventional construction,
e.g., a conventionally constructed EAS tag, or can be a larger
area, e.g., circular shaped, tag, constructed in accordance with
another aspect of this invention. One such tag is the exemplary tag
200 shown in FIG. 3.
[0032] Before describing the details of the various holding devices
of this invention, a brief description of the can 10 and of the tag
200 is in order. To that end, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 the
container or can 10 basically comprises cylindrical mid-section or
side wall 10A, a top wall 10B, a bottom wall 10C (FIG. 2), a top
bead 10D extending about the periphery of the side wall 10A at the
interface of the side wall and the top wall and a bottom bead 10E
extending about the periphery of the side wall at the interface of
the side wall and the bottom wall. The side wall is a tubular
member that may be formed of cardboard with a metallic, e.g.,
aluminum, inner lining (not shown) or may be made up entirely of
metal, e.g., aluminum. The top wall or lid 10B is a generally
planar member of circular profile and can be made up of any
suitable material, e.g., aluminum. The bottom wall or base 10C is
of similar construction to the top wall 10B, except that the top
wall may be constructed, e.g., have a weaken or frangible line 10F
extending about its periphery, to be readily removed by pulling it
off of the container to provide access to the contents of the
container. To that end, the top wall or lid 10B may include a
conventional pull tab 12. The beads 10D and 10E are of identical
construction, e.g., each is formed of aluminum. The bead 10D serves
to fixedly secure the lid 10B to the side wall 10A. Similarly, the
bead 10E serves to fixedly secure the base 10C to the side wall
10A. It should be pointed out at this juncture that the metal
portions of the container 10 can be formed of other metals than
aluminum, if desired.
[0033] The exemplary tag 200 of this invention, will be described
later. Suffice for now to state that it is similar in construction
to activatable/deactivatable swept frequency EAS tags sold by
Checkpoint Systems, Inc., of Thorofare, N.J., the assignee of this
invention, except that it is somewhat larger in size and of
circular profile to enable it to cover most of the area of either
the lid 10B or base 10C of the container 10 when it is mounted
thereon by a mounting device constructed in accordance with this
invention, e.g., a device like device 20 of FIG. 4A. In particular,
in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the security tag 200
has the same basic structure as that disclosed in FIG. 2 of U.S.
Pat. No. 5,081,445 (the "'445 patent"), which is assigned to
Checkpoint Systems, Inc. and whose disclosure is incorporated by
reference herein, with the following exceptions. The diameter of
tag 200 is 3 inches to 4.5 inches, whereas the tag of the '445
patent has a surface area of about 2.5 sq. in. Moreover, the tag
200 is circular in shape, whereas the tag of '445 patent is square
in shape. The circular shape of tag 200 has renders the tag more
efficient per unit area than tags of square or rectangular profile.
Thus, when the energy demands of the tag are high, and the space
one can fit the tag into is small, a circular tag is preferable.
Otherwise, a square or rectangular profile tag can be used in place
of the circular tag. However, the surface area of the square or
rectangular tag will need to be greater than the circular tag, for
a given application. If the container is a different shape, e.g.,
the portion on which the tag is to be located, the largest circular
tag that can be fitted into that shape is preferred.
[0034] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by using
the largest tag possible, one can reduce the effects that the
metallic portion of the container has on signal returned to the
receiver. However, in experimentation, using a 11.4 sq. in. tag
provides useful signal power, though larger tags would be more
powerful, but more expensive to manufacture. Additionally, the
inductance and capacitance of circular tags are different as
compared to square tags.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 3 the details of the exemplary tag 200
will now be considered. As can be seen, tag 200 basically comprises
a pair of electrically conductive patterns or traces, to be
described hereinafter, to form the electrical circuitry of the tag.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the tag 200 is an EAS
resonant tag in the form of a coil L and a pair of capacitors C1
and C2, with the electrically conductive traces making up those
electrical components. In particular, the tag 200 includes a first
electrically conductive trace 202 and a second electrically
conductive trace 204. The traces are formed of any suitable
electrically conductive material, e.g., aluminum. The first
electrically conductive trace 202 is in the form of a spiral coil
that is of constant width along its length except for its end
portions 202A and 202B. The coil forms the inductor L. The end
portion 202A at the inner end of the coil 202 is of an enlarged,
e.g., bulbous, area to form a first plate of a first capacitor,
namely, capacitor C1. The end portion 202B at the outer end of the
coil 202 is also enlarged to form a first plate of a second
capacitor, namely, capacitor C2. The second trace 204 is disposed
over the first trace and is an elongated, generally linear, strip
that is of constant width along its length except for its end
portions 204A, and 204B. The end portion 204A at the inner end of
the strip 204 is of an enlarged, e.g., bulbous, area to form the
second plate of the first capacitor C1. The end portion 204B at the
outer end of the strip 204 is also of an enlarged area to form the
second plate of the second capacitor C2. A dielectric layer 206,
such as a film of polyethylene, only a portion of which is shown,
is interposed between the two electrically conductive traces 202
and 204. The dielectric layer 206 serves as the dielectric between
the plates of the first and second capacitors C1 and C2,
respectively.
[0036] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
electrical properties of the resonant circuit created by the traces
202 and 204 can be adjusted by changing the geometry and/or the
materials making up the traces and/or by changing the thickness
and/or material(s) making up the dielectric film 206. The
adjustment of the electrical properties of the tag is important to
enable the tag to be appropriately calibrated for use with a
particular container construction and holding device constructions,
as will be described in detail later.
[0037] The tag 200 may be mounted on a paper layer or some other
substrate, such as substrate 208, to facilitate its securement to a
holding device constructed in accordance with this invention, or to
the article to be tagged (if no holding device is necessary, e.g.,
if the container doesn't include any metallic portion over which
the tag is to be placed). In order to facilitate the securement of
the tag to the holding device or to the article itself the
substrate 206 may include an adhesive (not shown) on it.
[0038] The tag 20 when mounted on the container 10 by means of a
mounting device constructed in accordance with this invention is
particularly suitable for use in a conventional EAS security
system. For example conventional EAS equipment, e.g., an RF
pedestal including a transceiver, can be used to generate a
so-called swept RF signal within a desired bandwidth. The
inductor/capacitor circuit of the tag 200 is resonant within that
transmitted frequency band, e.g., at approximately 8.2 MHz +/-0.5
MHz. The presence of a non-deactivated tag within the field of that
transmitted RF signal distorts the signal and that distortion is
detected by the receiver portion of the transceiver, which then
produces an alarm. If however, the tag has been deactived, an alarm
signal will not be produced when the tag is within the field.
[0039] Turning now again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the details of the
construction and operation of one exemplary embodiment of a tag
holding device 20 constructed in accordance with this invention
will now be discussed. To that end it can be seen that the holding
device 20 basically comprises a cap which is arranged to be secured
to the container 10 over its lid or top wall 10B. This is merely
exemplary, since the cap could just as easily be secured over the
base or bottom wall 10C.
[0040] The cap basically comprises a disk-like member 22 and an
ring-like insert 24, each of which is preferably made of plastic or
some other non-metal. The member 22 is in the form of a generally
planar wall 26 of circular profile having a downwardly depending
annular flange 28. The inner surface of the flange 28 includes an
internal helical thread 30. The insert 24 is in the form of a ring
having an upper annular portion 32 and a lower annular portion 34
The upper annular portion 32 has an outside diameter that is
approximately equal to the inside diameter of the annular flange 28
and includes an external helical thread 36 for engagement with the
internal helical thread 30. The engagement of the threads 30 and 36
releasably secures the disk-like member 22 to the ring-like insert
24. The lower annular portion 34 depends downward from the upper
portion 32 and is of larger outside diameter than the outside
diameter of the upper portion 32. The inner surface of the lower
annular portion 34 includes an annular recess 38 whose inside
diameter is just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the
upper or lower beads 10D and 10E, respectively, of the can 10. The
recess 38 is provided to enable the upper or lower bead of the can
to be snap-fit therein to mount the assembled cap 22 on the can 10.
In order to facilitate that action, the bottom end of the lower
annular portion 34 of the ring-like insert includes a projection or
lip having a cam surface 40 extending inward radially. This
projection is arranged to flex slightly to enable the bead of the
can to slide over the cam surface 40 and into the contiguous recess
38, thereby releasably locking the holding device (cap) 20 in place
on the can.
[0041] When so mounted the undersurface 26A of the holding device
20 will be spaced from the metallic lid of the can 10. The
undersurface 26A thus can serve as the location for mounting the
security tag, e.g., tag 200, to space the tag from the metal of the
lid 10B (or the base 10C, if the cap 20 is mounted over the base).
By spacing the tag 200 away from the metal of the lid, the signal
compromising effect of that metal is overcome. In particular, the
spacing of the tag from the metal lid overcomes the signal
amplitude attenuating effect of the metal of the lid. The amount of
spacing between the tag and the metal lid or base can be determined
empirically or otherwise to enable the tag when mounted on the can
to provide a discernable return signal of a desired amplitude and
within a desired frequency range to be readily read by the receiver
of the security system. The manner of calibrating the tag for such
operation will be described later.
[0042] The tag 20 can be held onto the undersurface 26A of the
holding device or cap 20 in various manners. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B an adhesive is used. That adhesive may be
in the form of a coating 210 on the substrate 208 of the tag
200.
[0043] Since the holding device (cap) 20 is snap-fit on the
container 10, it may be readily removed by the user (purchaser) of
the product to provide the user with access to the lid (or base, as
the case may be) of the container. In particular, all that is
required to provide such access is for the user to pull the cap 20
upward with respect to the can 10, whereupon the bead 10D will exit
from the annular recess 38, thereby freeing the cap from the can.
The user can then open the can's lid 10B by merely pulling on the
pull tab 12.
[0044] In order to deter the surreptitious removal of the holding
device or cap 20 with the tag 200 therein from the container 10
while it is in the retail establishment and before it passes
through the exit security system, a seal or wrap can be provided
about the holding device and the container to hold the two
together. To that end, as shown in FIG. 4A a wrap 42, in the form
of a heat shrinkable band, may be provided about the entire holding
device/can combination or only about the holding device and a
contiguous portion of the can. Moreover, the wrap need not be heat
shrinkable. Other mechanisms for sealing the cap 20 onto the
container are envisioned, such as using an adhesive seal, a paper
seal, or using a cap integrally formed on the container. The last
option is similar to the way milk containers are sealed.
[0045] In FIGS. 7A and 7B there is shown an alternative embodiment
of a holding device or cap 120 constructed in accordance with this
invention. The cap 120 is similar in most respects to the holding
device 20, except that it is a unitary structure that is not made
up of a disk-like member and ring-like insert. Moreover, the
holding device 120 makes use of a spacer, to be described later,
that is located between the metal portion of the can 10 and the
portion of the holding device 120 at which the security tag 200 is
located. In the interest of brevity the common components of the
holding devices 20 and 120 will be given the same reference
numbers. Thus, as can be seen the holding device 120 basically
comprises a integral member, preferably formed of plastic or some
other suitable non-metal, and having a generally planar wall 126 of
circular profile and a downwardly depending annular flange 128. The
inner surface of the annular flange 128 includes an annular recess
38 whose inside diameter is just slightly larger than the outside
diameter of the upper or lower beads 10D and 10E, respectively, of
the can 10. The recess 38 is provided to enable the upper or lower
bead of the can to be snap-fit therein to mount the assembled cap
120 on the can 10. In order to facilitate that action, the bottom
end of the lower annular portion 34 of the ring-like insert
includes a projection having a cam surface 40 extending inward
radially. This projection is arranged to flex slightly to enable
the bead of the can to slide over its outer surface and into the
contiguous recess, thereby releasably locking the holding device
120 in place on the can 10.
[0046] The planar wall 126 includes an undersurface 126A, which
like the embodiment 20 serves as the location for mounting the
security tag 200, whereupon the tag of the holding device will be
spaced from the metallic lid of the can 10. Unlike the holding
device, where air serves to fill the space between the tag and the
metal portion of the can, a physical spacer element 102 is provided
in the holding device 120 to sandwich the tag 200 between it and
the undersurface 126A of the cap 120. The spacer 102 basically
comprises a disk-like member formed of plastic or some other
suitable non-metal. The outside diameter of the spacer is
approximately equal to the inside diameter of the annular flange
128, and the thickness of the spacer is such that its lower surface
is flush with the upper edge of the annular recess 28 when the tag
is sandwiched therebetween, as clearly shown in FIG. 7A. The tag
200 can be held in place by an adhesive layer 210 as described
earlier. Since the tag will be sandwiched between the spacer 102
and the undersurface 126 of the cap member the adhesive 210 may be
omitted.
[0047] If desired, the holding device 120 may make use of a wrap 42
to hold it in place on the container to deter its removal from the
container.
[0048] In FIGS. 5A and 5B there is shown another exemplary
embodiment of a holding device 220 of this invention. The holding
device 220 is perhaps the most preferred of the various embodiments
since it is constructed to have a portion serving as a label for
the container 10 to which the device 220 is secured. The device 220
includes various features common to the holding devices 20 and 120.
In the interest of brevity the common components of those devices
will be given the same reference numbers. As can be seen the
holding device or cap 220 basically comprises an integral member,
preferably formed of plastic or some other suitable non-metal, and
having a generally planar central wall 226 of circular profile, a
downwardly depending annular flange 228 and an upwardly depending
annular flange 230. The inner surface of the downwardly depending
annular flange 128 includes an annular recess 38 whose inside
diameter is just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the
upper or lower beads 10D and 10E, respectively, of the can 10. The
recess 38 is provided to enable the upper or lower bead of the can
to be snap-fit therein to mount the assembled cap 220 on the can
10. In order to facilitate that action, the bottom end of the lower
annular portion 34 of the ring-like insert includes a projection
having a cam surface 40 extending inward radially. This projection
is arranged to flex slightly to enable the bead of the can to slide
over its outer surface and into the contiguous recess, thereby
releasably locking the holding device 220 in place on the can
10.
[0049] The planar wall 226 includes a stepped circular shaped
recess 232 in its top surface. The recess 232 includes a lower
section 232A and an upper section 232B, The inside diameter of the
upper section is larger than the inside diameter of the lower
section to form an annular ledge 232C. This surface serves to
receive an annular disk-like member 234, which can be used to form
a label for the device/article to be tagged. The label 234
basically comprises a sheet of plastic, cardboard, paper or some
other material which can bear indicia, e.g, text, graphics, etc.,
thereon. The outside diameter of the label 234 is slightly less
than the inside diameter of the recess section 232A so that its
peripheral edge can rest on and be secured by means, e.g., an
adhesive (not shown) to the top surface of the ledge 232C. The
undersurface of the label 234 serves as the location on which the
tag 200 is mounted. To that end, the tag is secured to the
undersurface of the label 234 by the adhesive 210. The height of
the recess section 232B is selected to be at least equal to the
thickness of the label 232. Moreover, the height of the recess
section 232A is selected to be at least equal to the combined
thickness of the tag 200 and the adhesive layer 210. Accordingly,
when the tag is secured onto the undersurface of the label 234 and
the label is secured in the recess 232 of the cap member 220 the
label fits flush within the cap as shown in FIG. 5A, with the
thickness of the planar wall 226 spacing the tag from the metal lid
10B of the container. The adhesive securement of the label to the
cap device 220 prevents the surreptitious removal of the tag.
[0050] If desired the holding device 220 may make use of a wrap 42
to hold the device in place on the container to deter removal of
the device.
[0051] In FIGS. 6A and 6B there is shown another exemplary
embodiment of a holding device or cap 320 constructed in accordance
with this invention. The holding device 320 is similar in many
respects to the holding device 220 in that it makes use of a label
to serve as the means for holding the tag in place. Thus, in the
interest of brevity the common components of the holding devices
220 and 320 will be give the same reference numbers. The holding
device 320 basically comprises an integral member, preferably
formed of plastic or some other suitable non-metal, and having a
generally planar central wall 326 of circular profile, a downwardly
depending annular flange 328 and an upwardly depending annular
flange 330. The inner surface of the downwardly depending annular
flange 128 includes an annular recess 38 whose inside diameter is
just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the upper or
lower beads 10D and 10E, respectively, of the can 10. The recess 38
is provided to enable the upper or lower bead of the can to be
snap-fit therein to mount the assembled cap 320 on the can 10. In
order to facilitate that action, the bottom end of the lower
annular portion 328 includes a projection having a cam surface 40
extending inward radially. This projection is arranged to flex
slightly to enable the bead of the can to slide over its outer
surface and into the contiguous recess, thereby releasably locking
the holding device 220 in place on the can 10.
[0052] The upper annular flange 330 includes a top surface 332 in
which an annular recess 334 is located. A pair of opposed annular
lips 336 extend towards each other on opposite sides of the recess
334 contiguous with the top surface 332. The lips 336 are angled
slightly downward to create a tapering entryway to the recess 334.
This entryway and recess serves as the means for securing a label
to the cap device 320, as will be described hereinafter.
[0053] The label basically comprises a disk-like member 338 of
circular profile and which can bear indicia, e.g, text, graphics,
etc., thereon. The undersurface of the label serves as the location
for mounting the security tag 200 in the same manner as described
earlier, e.g., via the use of the adhesive 210. As also mentioned
above the label is arranged to be secured to the cap device 320 via
the recess 334. To that end, an annular ridge 340 projects downward
from the undersurface of the label member 338 closely adjacent the
periphery thereof. The ridge in cross-section resembles an
arrowhead. Accordingly, when the label 338 with the tag secured to
its bottom surface as described above is placed over the cap device
320 it can be pressed downward to secure it to the cap device. In
particular, the downward push causes the arrowhead portion of the
label's ridge 338 to pass through the tapering entryway to the
recess 334, thereby causing the lips 336 to flex to enable the
arrowhead portion of the ridge to pass therethrough into the
recess. Once this has occurred the lips flex back to lock the
arrowhead portion of the ridge within the recess. This action
effectively secures the label 338 onto the cap device 320, thereby
preventing surreptitious removal of the tag 200.
[0054] If desired the holding device 320 may make use of a wrap 42
to hold the device in place on the container to deter removal of
the device.
[0055] In FIG. 8 there is shown another exemplary embodiment of a
holding device 420 constructed in accordance with this invention.
The holding device 420 is similar in many respects to the holding
device 120 in that it makes use of a unitary construction, but does
not include a spacer element and includes alternative means for
securing the tag 200 in place. Thus, in the interest of brevity the
common components of the holding devices 120 and 420 will be give
the same reference numbers. The holding device or cap 420 basically
comprises an integral member, preferably formed of plastic or some
other suitable non-metal, and having a generally planar central
wall 426 of circular profile, a downwardly depending annular flange
428, and an intermediate annular flange 430. The intermediate
flange extends radially inward from the inner surface of the
downwardly depending annular flange 428. The inner surface of the
downwardly depending annular flange 428 includes an annular recess
38 located immediately below the intermediate flange 430. The
annular recess 28 has an inside diameter just slightly larger than
the outside diameter of the upper or lower beads 10D and 10E,
respectively, of the container 10 to enable it to receive either
the top or bottom beads of the container to secure the holding
device 420 on the container in the same manner as described
earlier.
[0056] The tag 200 is arranged to be secured to the undersurface of
the generally planar central wall 426 without the use of any
adhesive. To that end an annular wall or ridge 432 projects
downward from the undersurface of the central wall 426. An annular
recess 434 is located in the ridge 432 to enable the circular tag
200 to be snap-fit therein. In order to facilitate that action, the
bottom end of the annular ridge 432 includes a projection having a
cam surface 40 extending inward radially. This projection is
arranged to flex slightly to enable the periphery of the circular
tag 200 to slide over its cam surface and into the contiguous
recess 434, thereby locking the tag 200 in place in that recess
under the central wall 426 of the cap 420.
[0057] When the tag is so mounted and the holding device or cap 420
is mounted on the container 10 the tag 200 will be spaced from the
metallic lid of the can 10.
[0058] If desired the holding device 420 may make use of a wrap 42
to hold the device in place on the container to deter removal of
the device.
[0059] In FIG. 9 there is shown another exemplary embodiment of a
holding device 520 constructed in accordance with this invention.
The holding device 520 is similar in many respects to the holding
device 420 except that it makes use of the adhesive securement of
the tag to the device. Thus, in the interest of brevity the common
components of the holding devices 420 and 520 will be given the
same reference numbers. The holding device or cap 520 basically
comprises an integral member, preferably formed of plastic or some
other suitable non-metal, and having a generally planar central
wall 426 of circular profile, a downwardly depending annular flange
428, and an intermediate annular flange 430. The intermediate
flange extends radially inward from the inner surface of the
downwardly depending annular flange 428. The inner surface of the
downwardly depending annular flange 428 includes an annular recess
38 located immediately below the intermediate flange 430. The
annular recess 28 has an inside diameter just slightly larger than
the outside diameter of the upper or lower beads 10D and 10E,
respectively, of the container 10 to enable it to receive either
the top or bottom beads to secure the holding device 420 on the
container in the same manner as described earlier.
[0060] As mentioned above, the tag 200 is arranged to be secured to
the undersurface of the generally planar central wall 426 of the
holding device 520 by use of an adhesive. To that end, the adhesive
is preferably in the form of a coating 210 on the substrate 208 of
the tag 200.
[0061] If desired the holding device 520 may make use of a wrap 42
to hold the device in place on the container to deter removal of
the holding device.
[0062] It should be pointed out at this juncture that a holding
device or cap of this invention may not include the annular recess
for securing it to a container. Thus, it is contemplated that other
securing mechanisms could be used, such as grooves, adhesives,
fasteners, or other devices. Moreover, while some embodiments
merely space the tag from the metal portion of the container by
air, other embodiments make use of a physical spacer element,
essentially sandwiching the tag between the top of the cap and the
spacer element. The spacer, like the cap itself, is preferably made
of plastic for economic & magnetic purposes as it is readily
available and a dielectric. However, other materials may be
substituted for plastic, as known in the art.
[0063] Calibration of the tag/holding device for use on a
particular container is accomplished in the following general
manner. In particular, the following utlines the general method
steps for determining the necessary frequency that the tag needs to
be designed at so that transceivers can receive the desired signal.
For example, as is know, transceivers of EAS tags listen for a
return signal at 8.2 MHz. Though the frequency of the tag will be
different for each type of container, most of the tags have a
return frequency set to 7.0 MHz. The inductance is 0.9:H and the
capacitance is 521 pF. These ranges are exemplary and other values
can be used to achieve the desired frequency. Also, other
frequencies can be used such 13.56 MHz. All frequencies that are
commonly received by receivers are envisioned as possible
modifications to the tags return frequency. While other
transceivers can easily be designed to receive drastically
different frequencies, it is desirable to design this tag to work
at this specific frequency so that it will be compatible with
existing transceivers. While it is contemplated to have the
transceiver emit a signal so that tag returns a signal at 8.2 MHz,
or simply have the transceiver listen at a different frequency, it
is desirable to enable the tag to be compatible with other tags and
security systems.
[0064] Checkpoint Systems Inc, the assignee of the subject
invention, commercially offers an EAS security tag under model
designation of "410" EAS tag. That tag has the following basic
properties. [0065] Front area etched=0.5807 sq. in. [0066] Back
area etched=1.6814 sq. in. [0067] Design Frequency=8.4 MHZ. [0068]
Final Frequency=8.2 MHz [0069] Q Range=70-75 [0070] Capacitance
141.2 pf [0071] Inductance=2.495 uh [0072] Number of turns=8 [0073]
Coil line width=0.034 in. [0074] Spacing between coils=0.01 in.
[0075] Width of margins=0.1 in. [0076] Circuit Dimensions=1.55
in..times.1.65 in.
[0077] If the signal strength that the 410 tag returns in free air
when exposed to a rf interrogation signal from an rf antenna of a
conventional EAS pedestal, such as that sold by Checkpoint Systems,
Inc., under the trademark Liberty PX, is said to establish a
reference of 1.0 units, then the tag of the current invention
returns a signal with a strength of 2.5-6.0 units. Higher strengths
are envisioned as technological limitations allow. The signal
strength needs to be greater, because the metallic container has a
shielding effect on the return signal. Thus the tag's return signal
is made stronger so the receiver can receive an intelligible signal
from the tag.
[0078] Every canister, jar, can, or container has a different
disruptive capacity on the magnet field generated by the tag.
Generally, the container disturbs the frequency the tag resonates
at, and reduces the magnitude of the signal. The container can be
modified by varying the capacitance or inductance of the tag to
raise or lower the signal at which the tag resonates. In order to
minimize the detriment of the tag's signal loss resulting from the
metal of the container, the tag is spaced away from the container.
While the unique properties of the container will determine how far
the tag will need to be spaced, the tag will generally be spaced at
least 1 cm from the top of the container. The further away the
container is, the greater the signal strength. Combining the two
steps yields the distance the tag should be spaced and the
limitations of the structure of the tag. This new tag is designed
so that when it is placed onto a metallic container a standard
transceiver for security tags can detect the signal.
[0079] The tag is structured to be able to return a signal when
attached to a metallic container means that it is required that the
signal is strong enough so that a standard pedestal-style
transceiver, the standard distance away (4-6 feet), can detect the
signal. An example of a standard transceiver is the Checkpoint
Liberty PX pedestal.
[0080] As alluded to earlier, the finished product, i.e., the
container with the holding device supporting a security tag thereon
spaced from the container, is made by placing the tag into the cap,
placing the spacer under the tag (if the holding device makes use
of a spacer element), placing the cap on the container's lid, and
optionally placing a safety seal or wrap over the cap and
container. Alternatively, one could place the cap on the bottom of
the container and place a standard cap on the top of the device. Or
one could place a tagged cap on the top and bottom of the
device.
[0081] As should be appreciated from the foregoing one aspect of
the subject invention entails use of a special cap or tag holder
that has a spacer inside of it which effectively brings the tag a
given distance away from the metal top, lid, or cap of a container
to be tagged. This drastically reduces the effect the metal
structure of the container has on shielding the resonance signal of
the tag. Without the spacer, the container blocks or at least
substantially degrades the tag's return signal.
[0082] As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art from
the above, the subject invention includes several aspects, e.g., a
holding device that optionally has a spacer inside of it to allow a
security tag to be spaced far enough away from a metallic portion
of a container to provide an intelligible signal to be received by
the receiver, a security tag that is powerful enough and is
calibrated correctly to send a discernable signal back to the
transceiver amidst the distortion and shielding caused by the
metallic portion of the container, and a method of designing and
calibrating security tags for appropriate operation on containers
having at least one metallic portion using the holding devices of
this invention. It should also be pointed out at this juncture,
that while use of the tag shown in FIG. 3 is a preferred way to
effectively tag a container having a metallic portion,
conventionally constructed and shaped security tags may, in some
cases, be used, depending upon the construction of the
container/can and the size of the tag.
[0083] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof.
* * * * *