Device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment
US5717382A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B13/2442
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for use in detecting the unauthorized removal of an article of commerce from a store or other business establishment. In one embodiment, the device comprises a fastener of the type constructed for use in attaching a tag to the article of commerce. The fastener includes a first end, a second end and a filament interconnecting the first end and the second end. The first end is shaped to define a cross-bar which can be inserted through the tag and then through the article of commerce. The second end is sized and shaped to prevent the tag from being pulled off the filament. The fastener is made of plastic and includes one or more magnetizable particles embedded therewithin. The particles are initially placed in a magnetized state. Consequently, when an article, including the fastener, passes through a magnetic field detector, a signal will be emitted unless the particles have been demagnetized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.