Anti-theft product tag with ball clutch
US6631629B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/14
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An article surveillance includes a pair of components that are detachably connected together having a releasably grasping device engaging with an article intended to be protected. The device is coupled between the two components with a selected one of the components having an elongated prong insertably received within the other component and is held thereto by a ball clutch mechanism. The mechanism includes a tapered housing with an internal tapered wall surface enclosing a plug member having at least two balls carried in opposing grooves. The tapered housing and the plug member include a coaxial passageway for insertably receiving the elongated prong from the first component. The plug member is resiliently biased to a first position by an expansion spring causing the balls to bear against the tapered inner wall of the housing, restricting the passageway. When the prong of the first component is occupying the passageway, the sides of the prong force the balls outwardly as the plug member moves to compress the spring. The widened mouth of the housing permits the balls to expand or separate and does not place any restriction on the pin. Should the first component with the pin be with…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.