SEAL FOR SECURING GOODS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seal for securing goods and to a method for securing an article of merchandise.

Claims

1. Seal for securing goods, wherein the seal has a first portion with a connecting element, a second portion with a receiving element for receiving at least one part of the connecting element and a data input unit and/or data receiving unit, wherein the first and second portions are connectable to one another by introducing at least one part of the connecting element into the receiving element, wherein the first and second portions are only separable from one another again in a non-destructive manner when the data input unit and/or data receiving unit receives a predetermined data signal, and wherein the connecting element has a needle.

2. Seal according to claim 1, wherein the needle has a pointed end and a blunt end and wherein the pointed end, on introduction into the receiving element, is irreversibly connected to the receiving element.

3. Seal according to claim 2, wherein the blunt end of the needle can be separated from the first portion when the data input unit and/or data receiving unit receives the predetermined data signal.

4. Seal according to claim 2, wherein the first portion has a security mechanism, which fixes the blunt end of the needle in the first portion and which is suitable for releasing the blunt end of the needle when the data input unit and/or data receiving unit receives the predetermined data signal.

5. Seal according to claim 4, wherein the blunt end of the needle has an opening and/or groove and wherein the security mechanism has a bolt and/or projection, which engages with the opening and/or groove.

6. Seal according to claim 2, wherein the pointed end of the needle has a groove, which, on introduction of the needle into the receiving element, irreversibly latches with a latching mechanism of the receiving element.

7. Seal according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has an EAS element.

8. Method for securing a goods item, having the following steps: (a) providing a seal with a first portion with a connecting element, a second portion with a receiving element for receiving at least one part of the connecting element and a data input unit and/or data receiving unit; (b) providing a goods item; (c) connecting the first and second portions of the seal by introducing at least one part of the connecting element into the receiving element in such a way that the seal is connected to the goods item, wherein the first and second portions are only separable from one another again in a non-destructive manner when the data input unit and/or data receiving unit receives a predetermined data signal; (d) forwarding or providing the goods item together with the seal to a customer; (e) transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit; and (f) separating the first and second portions from one another to release the goods item.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the step of transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit has the following steps: forwarding the predetermined data signal to the customer, and inputting the forwarded data signal into the data input unit, or transmitting the forwarded data signal to the data receiving unit.

10. Method according to claim 8, wherein the step of transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit takes place and/or is authorised by an external apparatus, as soon as a payment has been made, preferably by mobile or e-payment.

11. Method according to claim 8, wherein the step of transmitting the predetermined data signal to the data input unit and/or data receiving unit has a direct or indirect transmission of the predetermined data signal to the data receiving unit.

12. Method according to claim 8, wherein the first and second portions of the seal are additionally connected to one another via a cable, a wire or a bracket.

13. Method according to claim 8, wherein the connecting element has a needle and wherein step (c) comprises piercing a portion of the goods item, so that this portion of the goods item is fixed between the first and second portions of the seal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0064] FIG. 1a is a plan view of a first portion of a preferred embodiment of the seal according to the invention;

[0065] FIG. 1b is a side view of the first portion according to FIG. 1a;

[0066] FIG. 2 is a lateral sectional view of the first portion of FIG. 1a;

[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of electronic components of the seal according to the invention;

[0068] FIGS. 4a to 4g show preferred features of the connecting element according to the invention;

[0069] FIG. 5 is a lateral sectional view of the second portion of a preferred embodiment of the seal according to the invention;

[0070] FIG. 6 is a lateral part sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a seal according to the invention;

[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seal according to FIG. 6;

[0072] FIG. 8a shows a first portion of a seal according to a further preferred embodiment;

[0073] FIG. 8b is a side view of the first portion according to FIG. 8a;

[0074] FIG. 9a is a plan view of a first portion of a seal according to a further preferred embodiment;

[0075] FIG. 9b is a side view of the first portion according to FIG. 9a;

[0076] FIG. 10a is a plan view of a first portion of a seal according to a further preferred embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 10b is a side view of the first portion according to FIG. 10a; and

[0078] FIG. 11 shows a seal according to a further preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] FIGS. 6 and 7 are a lateral part sectional view and a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the seal 1 according to the invention for securing a goods item 19. The seal 1 has a first portion 2 with a connecting element 4 and a second portion 3 with a receiving element 5 for receiving at least one part of the connecting element 4. The first portion 2 and the second portion 3 can be connected to one another by introducing at least one part of the connecting element 4 into the receiving element 5 in such a way that the seal 1 is connected to the goods item 19. A portion of the goods item 19 is pierced here by the connecting element 4 so that said portion of the goods item 19 is fixed between the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 of the seal 1.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a detailed sectional view of the second portion 3 of the seal according to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the connecting element 4 has a needle with a pointed end 7, which can be received by the receiving element 5 of the second portion 3. In this case, a groove 12 in the pointed end of the needle 4 latches irreversibly with a latching mechanism 13 of the receiving element 5. The latching mechanism 13 may, for example, be formed by a clip or spring, which, on introduction of the needle 4 into the receiving element 5, slides over the pointed end 2 of the needle and then latches with the groove 12 of the needle. It is now no longer possible to pull back the needle 4 from the receiving element 5. The first portion of the seal 1 and the second portion 3 of the seal 1 are connected to one another in this manner via the needle or the connecting element 4 and can only be separated from one another again in a non-destructive manner when the data input unit or data receiving unit 6 receives a predetermined data signal. An embodiment of a corresponding release mechanism is shown in the sectional view according to FIG. 2. The first portion 2 of a seal 1 depicted there can also be seen in a plan view and side view in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

[0081] The first portion 2 of the seal has a cavity or an opening 22, into which the blunt end 8 of a needle 4 (cf. also FIG. 4a) can be received. As shown in detail in FIG. 4a, the needle 4 may have an opening or a slot 9 at its blunt end 8. The security mechanism 17 of the first portion 2 of the seal has a bolt or pin 11, which can be moved to the left and right by means of a motor of the security mechanism 17 in such a way that the bolt 11 engages with the opening 9 in the needle 4. If the bolt 11 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 2 with the aid of the motor to the left through the opening 9 in the needle 4 until the left-hand end of the bolt 11 is received in the groove 23, the needle 4 is secured against being pulled out of the opening 22. In other words, the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 is fixed in the first portion 2 of the seal 1. As at the same time, as described above, the pointed end 7 of the needle 4 irreversibly latches with the latching mechanism 13 of the receiving element 5 of the second portion 3 of the seal 1; the seal cannot be removed from the goods item 19 without damaging either the seal or the goods item. Moreover, a detectable EAS element may be located in the seal if this seal is to be used in stationary trading. This is preferably an acousto-magnetic element with a plurality of magnetically hard metal strips.

[0082] When the data input unit or data receiving unit 6 now receives a predetermined data signal, with the aid of the motor of the security mechanism 17, the bolt 11 is pulled out of the groove 23 and the opening 9 in the needle and is moved into the position shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the needle can be indirectly released, for example in that a clip, clamp or spring, which is latched to the needle, is released by a mechanical movement, for example by the bolt, a motor or magnet. The blunt end 8 of the needle 4 is now released and the needle 4 can be pulled out of the opening 22 in the first portion 2 of the seal substantially without resistance. In this case, the pointed end 7 of the needle 4 remains in the receiving element 5 of the second portion 3, so the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 has to be pulled through the goods item 19 to release it.

[0083] The security mechanism 17 or the motor thereof for moving the pin or bolt 11 is controlled by a microprocessor 18 and supplied with power by a current supply 15, for example a battery. The electronic components are shown schematically in FIG. 3. In order to spare the battery 15, an on/off switch 14 may be provided, which has to be actuated by the customer before the predetermined data signal is input into the data input unit 6 or transmitted to the data receiving unit 6. In the preferred embodiment shown, the data receiving unit 6 has a plurality of phototransistors or photodiodes 16, which are suitable for receiving an optical signal. One such may, for example, be provided, as in online banking, on a monitor or display, shown by means of a plurality of flickering black/white areas. With the aid of the flickering, data, such as, for example, the code for moving the bolt 11, can be transmitted to the photodiodes or phototransistors 16 of the data receiving unit 6 and are then processed further and/or deciphered in the microprocessor 18 to then optionally set the bolt 11 in motion. Instead of this technology, data transmission by means of NFC or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) may also be used, for example.

[0084] Obviously, the present invention is neither limited to the data receiving unit 6 shown in FIG. 2 nor to the special security mechanism 17. In particular, instead of the motor, which moves the bolt 11, a magnetic mechanism or the like may also be used. In a particularly simple embodiment, the bolt is metallic and is moved with the aid of a coil by applying current. An indirect movement is also conceivable, for example in that a latched-in clip, clamp or spring is released and the latter then releases the needle 4. Instead of a data receiving unit 6 with phototransistors 16, a data receiving unit 6 with a serial data interface can also be used, such as, for example, a USB connection, as shown schematically in FIGS. 9a and 9b. Instead of a data receiving unit, a data input unit can also be provided, into which the customer has to actively input a number code, for example. This data input unit 6 may, for example, have a keyboard (cf. FIGS. 10a and 10b) or a mechanical combination lock (cf. FIGS. 8a and 8b). In addition, a display 20 (cf. FIGS. 10a and 10b) may be present to display information.

[0085] The needle 4 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2 is depicted again in detail in FIG. 4a. The opening 9 in the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 can, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4c, be an elongate slot. A correspondingly shaped bolt or pin 11 can be introduced therein, as sketched in a perspective side view and plan view in FIGS. 4e and 4g. Obviously, the opening 9 may also have a different shape and, in particular, be square, round, elliptical or triangular. The cross section of the bolt or pin 11 is preferably adapted in this case to the cross section of the opening 9. Instead of an opening 9, the blunt end 8 of the needle 4 may also, for example, have a groove 10, as shown in FIG. 4b. The bolt or pin 11 then preferably has a notching or opening 11a, which can engage with the groove 10, as shown schematically in a side view and plan view in FIGS. 4d and 4f.

[0086] It is obvious that the seal according to the invention can also differ with respect to further features from the preferred embodiments shown here. In particular, the first and second portions of the seal may have a different shape and size. Furthermore, the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 of the seal 1 may additionally be connected to one another via, for example, a cable 21, as indicated in FIG. 11. Instead of the cable, a wire or a bracket may also be used. This embodiment is particularly suitable for protecting goods other than items of clothing, such as, for example, handbags, sunglasses or other accessories from wardrobing. For this, the second portion 3 is guided together with the cable 21, for example through the handle of a handbag and is connected to the first portion 2 of the seal 1 with the aid of the needle 4. As a result, the seal 1 is fixed to the handbag and can, as was described above, only be released again therefrom after receipt of the predetermined data signal.

[0087] With the invention, it is possible to provide a security tag or a seal, which allows the customer independently to free the goods item previously bought or paid for therefrom and to thus prevent an exchange fraud or to accelerate the checkout process in stationary trading.

[0088] The housing of the security tag, i.e. the first and second portions, is preferably manufactured from stable plastics material. The first portion preferably has a two-part structure and contains a closure, which, with a mechanical or magnetic lock, firmly holds the needle head or the blunt end of the needle in the second portion or housing upper part and is preferably manufactured from metal. The closure has the task of temporarily holding the needle, for example by means of a bolt, which engages in a needle eye or a notch in the needle and thus securely locks it in the upper part. The closure is preferably moved by an (electro)mechanical drive. After unlocking, the needle can be removed and the starting position cannot be reproduced by the customer. The tag or the seal can only be returned by the retailer to the delivery state with a new needle.

[0089] This lock is opened by an individual data input, for example a code. The technology for data input or for data reception (release technology) is located for this purpose in the first portion. This may be electronic, digital, for example by means of RFID, Bluetooth or NFC chip or a SIM card. The code is received here by means of corresponding transmission technology. Likewise, it may take place by means of an optical component, such as a laser, a camera, a photodiode or infrared diode. The optical component reads the code here by means of data acquisition. Or, it may be an external plug connection such as USB. The code is transmitted here by means of special software. Alternatively, the data input may take place magnetically or mechanically, for example via a combination lock, a key or a rotary combination. The code is input mechanically here. Direct data input of the code by means of an integrated keyboard with a display is likewise possible.

[0090] The central idea of every form of data input is the clear identification of the security tag or seal and the goods item connected thereto for subsequent release of the closure. This is to prevent a plurality of similar goods articles from being able to be unlocked with the same code. It is also thus possible using corresponding software to read out product-specific information and to provide this to the customer.

[0091] With the exception of the magnetic or mechanical data input and the external plug connection to software, the technology furthermore preferably has its own current supply. This may, for example, be ensured by a replaceable battery. In order to spare the battery voltage when not in use, it is advisable to equip the security tag with a power switch. Furthermore, the internal data processing and control of the closure mechanism is preferably ensured by a microprocessor.

[0092] Each security tag has a serial number allocated to it. A code is advantageously produced from the article number of the goods item to be protected and the serial number of the security tag. Only this code opens the closure. The code can be permanently stored in the microprocessor or be stored on the apparatus at each new goods attachment by means of the release technology.

[0093] The needle, the needle head of which is temporarily fastened by the eyelet in the closure, can be introduced by the needle tip into the housing lower part, where it is irreversibly mechanically or magnetically clamped in or alternatively is permanently glued. For this purpose, the needle preferably has a smooth, notched or corrugated surface, which, in interaction with a clip or rupture disc fastened in the lower part undergoes a permanent connection. Instead of a needle, a (wire) rope or a (wire) loop with the same fastening, which does not perforate the goods item but runs through potential openings in the item, is also conceivable. This rope could additionally also be rigidly connected to the upper and lower part (or first and second portion). A further alternative is two magnets, one in each case in the upper and the lower part, wherein the magnet in the upper part or first portion can be deactivated or have the polarity reversed by the code and thus cancel the connection. In this case, the goods item in the closed state is clamped in between the magnets of the housing and protected until the closure is opened.

[0094] The lower part or the second portion preferably has a two-part structure and has the task of permanently gripping the needle to thus protect the end customer from injuries from the needle tip and also, in connection with the upper part, to be fastened to the goods item, securely and permanently until it is opened. The needle can also be held within the lower part by a clip, a rupture disc or a magnet. Alternatively, an adhesive connection can ensure the desired fastening.

[0095] In the state attached to the goods item, in the ideal application, the lower part is concealed and the upper part is visibly fastened to the goods item.

[0096] Furthermore, the upper part can be equipped with a new needle and thus repeatedly reused, while the needle connected to the lower part can only be removed by destruction and thus the lower part cannot be reused. Alternatively, the lower part can be constructed in such a way that the needle can be removed and thus reused.