HK1144455A1 - Tamper-resistant article security device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and device for protecting an article, wherein the security device has belt having a latch mating element. A magnetically actuable locking mechanism has a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element. The magnetically actuable latch includes a lower surface having at least one protrusion extending there from and adapted to engage with the latch mating element of the belt, and a front surface adjacent the lower surface. The front surface has a lateral notch formed therein. The flexible element biases the magnetically actuable latch and the belt into a locked position. A housing has the magnetically actuable latch disposed therein and housing includes a passageway therein defining a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein.

Description

Tamper-resistant article security device and method

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to electronic article surveillance ("EAS") systems for protecting articles from unauthorized removal from a controlled area, and more particularly to an EAS security tag (tag) having a tamper-resistant notch to prevent attacks and configured for attachment to a bottle or other item having a cylindrical neck.

Background

A typical electronic article surveillance ("EAS") system in a retail establishment may include a monitoring system and one or more security markers or tags connected to items that are protected from unauthorized removal. The monitoring system typically establishes a monitoring area (also referred to as an interrogation zone) at the point of entry into the controlled area. Items authorized to be removed from the area may be deactivated or removed so as not to be detected by the monitoring system. If a monitored item with a valid security marker enters the monitored area, an alarm may be triggered to indicate that the item may be removed without authorization.

As is known in the art, security markers (also referred to as tags) for EAS systems may be constructed in a variety of configurations. The desired configuration of the tag or label is generally determined by the nature of the article to be protected. For example, an EAS tag may be enclosed in a rigid housing that may be secured to an item being monitored, such as a hard tag containing an EAS tag that is typically attached to clothing in a retail store. For prepackaged goods such as CDs, DVDs, small electronic devices, etc., which are susceptible to retail theft, the EAS tag may be disposed within the packaging in a form that is hidden from the consumer at least until purchase.

Some types of unpackaged consumer products sold in retail establishments have irregular shapes that are not readily adaptable to the one-size-fits-all EAS marking method. Examples of such articles are golf clubs and glass bottles having a tapered neck and a closed cap, such as those that can contain wine or liquids. These products contained in glass bottles can be expensive and they are often displayed unprotected on retail shelves where they can be manually retrieved by the consumer for purchase. In such installations, bottles are subject to shoplifting. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an inexpensive EAS security device that is suitable for attachment to glass bottles or other cylindrical objects.

However, thieves continue to develop various methods to attempt to circumvent these EAS security devices. For example, security devices designed to be round around the neck of a bottle or other cylindrical object may use straps (straps) and housings or other devices that are easily compromised by a thief to attack the security device. Previously, such tampering has been prevented by adding an additional part that acts as an obstacle to restrict the passage of unauthorized objects to the latch mechanism (latch mechanism). However, this additional further part increases the cost of the device and causes problems with reliability.

Various potential solutions to this vulnerability problem include reducing the gap/space between the strap and the housing (thereby reducing the available gap when someone inserts an object), increasing the amount of force required to raise the latch, and providing strategically placed cavities in the plastic housing to guide and act as traps (traps). However, each of these potential solutions presents additional concerns. For example, reducing the size of the strap path and/or increasing the size of the strap will increase friction and interfere with the efficient operation of the device. Increasing the amount of force required to raise the latch can also interfere with proper operation of the device, as this frequently prevents the use of authorized methods to open the device. In addition, providing a cavity trap within the housing is also effective only for certain insertion angles and can be easily attacked (e.g., after repeated attempts).

What is needed, therefore, is an EAS security device that is adapted to mate with bottles and other cylindrical objects having necks of varying diameters and that is provided with tamper-resistant notches to prevent attacks.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention advantageously provides a method and a safety device for securing a cylindrical object. Generally, the present invention provides a security device having an annular opening and a latching mechanism to fit securely around the outer diameter of a cylindrical object. The security device may include an electronic article surveillance ("EAS") marker.

One aspect of the present invention provides a security device having a strap with a latch mating element. The magnetically actuable locking mechanism has a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element. The magnetically actuable latch includes a lower surface having at least one protrusion extending therefrom and adapted to engage the latch mating element of the strap and a front surface adjacent the lower surface. The front surface has a transverse latch formed therein. The flexible element biases the magnetically actuable latch and the strap into the locking position. The housing has a magnetically actuable latch disposed therein and the housing includes a passage therein defining a belt path configured to slidingly receive a belt therein.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a security device wherein the strap has a latch mating element. The magnetically actuable locking mechanism includes a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element to bias the magnetically actuable latch and the strap into a locking position. The housing has a magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein. The housing includes a passageway therein defining a strap path configured to slidingly receive a strap therein.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting an object from theft. The method includes attaching a security device circumferentially to the perimeter of the article. The security device has a strap with a latch mating element. The magnetically actuable locking mechanism includes a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element to bias the magnetically actuable latch and the strap into a locking position. The housing has a magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein. The housing includes a passageway therein defining a strap path configured to slidingly receive a strap therein. When in the locked position, the strap securely surrounds the article.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates components of a security device and system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of a bottle cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a belt assembly in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a belt assembly in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a strap assembly including a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates an expanded view of a belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a security device for a bottle, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the latch mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 shows a partial close-up cross-sectional perspective view of the latch mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a partial view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 illustrating the accessible space in the housing;

FIG. 25 depicts an attempt to attack the device of FIG. 20 using a thin metal strip; and

fig. 26 is a perspective view of a notched latch member in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods for pairing with an item, such as a bottle, for example, using a security marker.

For example, one embodiment may include a security device including a locking mechanism, a security marker, and a housing. The locking mechanism may include a magnetically actuable latch, a flexible element biasing the magnetically actuable latch toward a locking position, and a latch mating element mating with at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch in the locking position. As used herein, a "locking position" refers to a position of the magnetically actuable latch in which the magnetically actuable latch is partially or fully located within the cavity of the latch mating element, engaged or otherwise mated with the latch mating element. The housing may be a structure configured to partially or fully contain, enclose, or otherwise secure to the locking mechanism, security tag, latch mating element, and article. When secured, the magnetically actuable latch of the locking mechanism may mate with the latch mating element in the locking position to lock the housing, and thus the security tag to which the housing is connected, to the item. When the housing is locked, the security device may prevent or provide resistance to attempts to separate the housing from the item. Another embodiment may include a security system including a security device and a detacher, which may be a device including a magnet. The separator may be used to unlock the housing by magnetically urging the magnetically actuable latch away from the locking position.

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

Numerous specific details may be set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the 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 may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, there is shown in fig. 1 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 locking mechanism 10 may be a magnetically actuable locking mechanism and may include a magnetically actuable latch 12, a flexible element 16, and a latch mating element 18.

The magnetically actuable latch 12 may include: a base portion 13, the base portion 13 may include a base portion end 13A and side surfaces 13B and 13C; and a latch portion 14, the latch portion 14 may include a latch portion end 14A; and a central portion 15.

The magnetically actuable latch 12 may have a substantially rectangular shaped surface to make the width of the base portion 13 the same as the width of the latch portion 14 and the central portion 15. Thus, the width of the base portion 13 or the distance between the side surfaces 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 widths of the base portion 13, the latch portion 14, and the central portion 15 may be different. The magnetically actuable latch 12 may have an elongated, uniform cross-section.

However, the magnetically actuable latch 12 may be provided as desired, may comprise one or more parts, and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical about any point, line or plane. For example, in various embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 12 may be provided having a "T", "I", curved or other shaped surface, and having a rectangular, circular, thick, hollow or other form of void, and/or non-uniform cross-section, or as described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically actuable latch 12. In another embodiment, the latch portion end 14A of the magnetically actuable latch 12 may include one or more teeth, ribs, notches, indentations, points, curves, voids, or other shapes, such as those described herein with respect to embodiments of the magnetically actuable latch 12, while the base portion end 13A may be flat or another shape. In addition, base portion end 13A may be continuous or discontinuous. The magnetically actuable latch 12 may be provided such that at least a portion thereof, such as the latch portion 14, may engage, receive, insert, or otherwise mate with the latch mating element 18 as described herein.

In one embodiment, the security device 2 comprises a plurality of magnetically actuable latches 12, each of these latches 12 may be arranged, possibly in the same or different parts of the security device 2 as the further flexible element 16 and the latch mating element 18. For example, in one embodiment, the plurality of magnetically actuable latches 12 may each mate with another portion of the security device 2 to lock that portion, such as, for example, a portion that secures an item, or a portion that secures the security marker 20.

The magnetically actuable latch 12 may comprise or may be formed from a magnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, or an alloy of iron, nickel or cobalt. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 12 comprises one or more magnetic materials and possibly also one or more non-magnetic materials.

The flexible element 16 may be a desired shape, such as a cube, ellipsoid, coil, or any other shape, such as those described herein with respect to the embodiments of the flexible element 1516, and may include one or more parts, or may be combined with or integral with the magnetically actuable latch 12. In one embodiment, the flexible element 16 may be in the shape of a cantilever, such as, for example, a leaf spring (leaf spring). The flexible element 16 may comprise or be formed of a flexible material such as a light, porous, semi-rigid, resilient, gaseous, and/or sponge-like material that may provide resistance when compressed and may partially or fully return to its uncompressed shape when the compressive force is removed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible member 16 may include foam rubber, polymeric foam, ceramic foam, or other foam; rubber; and/or other materials, or formed from such materials. The flexible member 16 may also or alternatively be configured to provide resistance when compressed. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible element 16 may be provided as a coil, plate, or other cantilever or other spring or other similar member comprising metal, polymer, ceramic, and/or other materials. The flexible member 16 may have any of a variety of masses.

The latch mating element 18 may be provided, for example, with one or more holes or other voids, ribs, teeth, protrusions, or other shapes as desired. The latch mating element 18 may comprise one or more pieces and may be separate from the housing 30 as described herein or integral with the housing 30. The latch mating element 18 may be configured to engage, receive, insert, or otherwise mate with at least a portion of the magnetically actuable latch 12. For example, in one embodiment where the magnetically actuable latch 12 is an elongated member having a rectangular shaped surface, the latch mating element 18 may be provided with a void into which the latch portion 14 of the magnetically actuable latch 12, or a portion of the latch portion 14, may be inserted into a locking position, as described herein. In one embodiment where the magnetically actuable latch 12 is toothed at its latching portion end 14A, the latch mating element 18 may be provided with a rib that engages the tooth in the locked position.

The security marker 20 may be any detectable device or system, such as any security marker or tag. For example, in various embodiments, security marker 20 may be any type of EAS marker (e.g., Radio Frequency (RF) marker, acousto-magnetic marker, and/or combinations thereof), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) marker, smart marker, or other detectable anti-theft marker, or other marker. The security marker 20 may be detected by a corresponding detection system or device, such as an acousto-magnetic detector, an electromagnetic detector, a radio frequency detector or other detector depending on the type of security marker or tag.

As partially shown in the embodiment of fig. 1, housing 30 may be any shell or other structure that partially or completely contains and/or surrounds, encloses, secures to, interlocks with, or otherwise secures locking mechanism 10 and security marker 20, and, when locking mechanism 10 is in the locked position and the housing is thus locked, an item is also secured. The housing 30 and locking mechanism 10 may thus cooperate to secure or lock an item to the housing 30, and thus to the security device 2. Housing 30 may be provided as desired and may be shaped based on the shape of locking mechanism 10, security marker 20, and the item designed to be secured, such as described below with respect to the embodiment of housing 1530 (see fig. 10-20). The housing 30 may include a latch mating element 18, and the latch mating element 18 may be integral with the housing 30. The housing 30 may optionally be configured to mate with the latch mating element 18. The housing 30 may include a polymer and/or other material.

The components included in the security device 2 may be arranged such that the security device 2 may be locked to an article, such as described with respect to the security device embodiments below. The security marker 2 may be reusable or may be disposable.

Fig. 2 to 5 show perspective views of a bottle cap 1570 according to one embodiment and may refer to corresponding elements discussed. The bottle cap 1570 may be shaped and sized to fit over at least a portion of a bottle such as wine, liquid, beer, perfume, cosmetics or any other bottle or any other container having a raised neck-like structure and a mouth or other opening at an end thereof. The bottle cap 1570 may include a cup 1572. The cup 1572 may be bounded by a sidewall 1574 and a base 1576, and the sidewall 1574 and base 1576 may together outline the cup opening 1578. In one embodiment, the sidewall 1574 is cylindrical and the top wall 1576 is laterally positioned adjacent to the sidewall 1574, contouring a cup opening 1578 having a substantially cylindrical shape.

However, in other embodiments, the sidewall 1574 and base 1576 may have a variety of shapes and dimensions, or the cup 1572 may have any other size configuration to receive and accommodate at least one bottle mouth and any adjacent cup, cork, or other covering for the bottle mouth, or another element shaped similarly to the bottle mouth and any adjacent covering. For example, in one embodiment, the cup 1572 may not include the base 1576, such as, for example, when the cup is dome-shaped. The cup 1572 may also be configured to receive some or all of any adjacent neck of a bottle through which liquid contained by the bottle may be released.

The bottle cap 1570 may also include a receiving structure 1580, the receiving structure 1580 configured to receive the strap assembly 1550. The receiving structure 1580 may extend from a lid 1573 of a cup 1572, the cup 1572 being opposite the end on which the base 1576 is placed.

In one embodiment, the receiving structure 1580 includes one or more legs. In one embodiment, the receiving structure 1580 includes three legs 1581 and 1583, the three legs 1581 and 1583 extending from the cap 1573 and being sized and shaped to be disposed around at least a portion of the neck of the bottle. Legs 1581 and 1583 may have similar structures and similarly extend from cup 1572, and therefore only leg 1581 is discussed herein. However, in various embodiments, one or more of legs 1581 and 1583 may be of different configurations or be devoid of such legs. In another embodiment, a continuous structure or any other structure that can receive the strap assembly 1550 can be substituted for one or more of the legs 1581 and 1583.

The legs 1581 may form an extension of the sidewall such that they have an arcuate shape. In one embodiment where the sidewall 1574 is cylindrical, the legs 1581 may be curved about the central axis of the sidewall 1574 such that they have similar or substantially the same radius about the central axis of the sidewall 1574. The leg 1581 can include a strap-receiving passage 1586, the strap-receiving passage 1586 having strap-receiving passage walls 1586A and 1586B, which in one embodiment can extend annularly from a central axis of the side wall 1574.

The strap accepting channel 1586 can include a groove 1590 located in the strap accepting channel 1586, into which groove 1590 the strap assembly 1550 can extend at least partially as described below. The groove 1590 may extend along the tape-receiving passage 1586 and, in one embodiment, extends such that it is spaced an equal distance from the tape-receiving passage walls 1586A and 1586B. In one embodiment, the groove has a "V" shape. In various other embodiments, the channel 1590 can have a different shape and positioning, and as discussed below, the channel 1590 can be shaped and positioned to receive at least a portion of the strap assembly 1550.

The bottle cap 1570 may be made of plastic or any other material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, the bottle cap 1570 comprises durable plastic (rugged plastic). In another embodiment, the bottle cap may comprise a plastic material such as, for example, rubber, or another material that may conform to the shape of the bottle neck to fit around the bottle neck.

Fig. 6-9 show top, front, side, and bottom views of a bottle cap 1570 according to one embodiment. As shown, in one embodiment where the sidewall 1574 of the bottle cap 1570 is cylindrical, if legs 1581 and 1583 are included, they may have the same inner radius as the sidewall 1574.

Fig. 10-14 illustrate perspective views of a band assembly 1550 or a portion thereof according to one embodiment. The strap assembly 1550 may include a locking mechanism 1510, a security tag 1520, a housing 1530, and a security strap 1560. As discussed below, the locking mechanism 1510 may include magnetically actuable latches 1512, flexible elements 1516, and latch mating elements 1518.

Reference is first made to fig. 12 and 14. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the band assembly 1550 illustrating the magnetically actuable locking mechanism 1512 and the flexible element 1516 of the locking mechanism 1510 disposed in a locking mechanism pocket (pouch)1531 according to one embodiment. Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a housing including a magnetically actuable locking mechanism 1512 and a flexible element 1516, according to one embodiment.

Referring to fig. 12 and 14, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may include a magnetic material, and may include one or more materials, such as described with respect to the magnetically actuable latch 12 of fig. 1. The magnetically actuable latch 1512 may include: a base portion 1513, the base portion 1513 may include a base portion end 1513A and base portion side surfaces 1513B and 1513C; a latch portion 1514, which latch portion 1514 may include a latch portion end 1514A; and a central portion 1515.

The shape of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may be at least partially similar to an "I" or "T" or any other shape. Thus, the base portion side surfaces 1513B and 1513C may be parallel and each may be substantially straight. The width of the base portion 1513 may be the distance between the base portion side surfaces 1513B and 1513C, which base portion 1513 may be wider than the corresponding width of the central portion 1515, but similar to the corresponding width of the latch portion 1514. Base portion end 1513A may be flat and may be substantially perpendicular to base portion side surfaces 1513B and 1513C. The magnetically actuable latches 1512 may be configured to have an elongated thickness.

The magnetically actuable latch 1512 may include one or more protrusions 1551. The one or more protrusions 1551 may be positioned at least partially within the latch portion 1514 of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 and may have an end that is located at the latch portion end 1514A.

In one embodiment, one or more protrusions 1551 may include one or more teeth. In one embodiment, for example, projection 1551 can include five teeth 1552 and 1556 in one embodiment. The one or more teeth can also be seen in the embodiment of fig. 19. In this embodiment, the teeth 1552 and 1556 may have similar structures and be similarly arranged in the magnetically actuable latch 1512. Accordingly, only the teeth 1552 are discussed below. However, in various embodiments, one or more of the teeth 1552 can have a different configuration or can be devoid of teeth 1552. Tooth 1552 may have sides 1552A and 1552B, which sides 1552A and 1552B may be angled relative to each other such that they meet at tooth end 1552C or terminate proximate to tooth end 1552C. Tooth end 1552C may thus be pointed.

Side 1552A may be at least substantially parallel to a corresponding side of teeth 1553 and 1556, such as corresponding sides of sides 1552B and 1553 and 1556. The sides 1552A may be angled with respect to one or both of the base portion side surfaces 1513B-1513C of the base portion 1513 and/or corresponding sides of the latch portion 1514 and the central portion 1515 of the magnetically actuable latch 1512. Side 1552B may be substantially perpendicular to base portion side surfaces 1513B-1513C of base portion 1513 and corresponding sides of latch portion 1514 and central portion 1515, or side 1552B may be angled less (as compared to side 1552A) than the base portion side surfaces 1513B-1513C of base portion 1513 and corresponding sides of latch portion 1514 and central portion 1515. The teeth 1552 and 1556 may be equally spaced or non-uniformly spaced. In one embodiment, the angles in the two sides 1552A and 1552B may vary in different teeth, or any combination of angles may be used.

However, the one or more protrusions 1551 may include other configurations. For example, the one or more protrusions 1551 may include, for example, one or more ribs, notches, indentations, points, curves, or voids. The one or more protrusions 1551 may be positioned at least partially on the latch portion 1514 of the latch and may include a latch portion end 1514A. As discussed below, the one or more protrusions 1551 may be configured to mate with the latch mating element 1518 in the locked position.

The magnetically actuable latch 1512 may also be configured to prevent an attempt to dislodge the magnetically actuable latch 1512 from the locking position by inserting an unauthorized object into the strap path 1536. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 includes a tamper-resistant notch 1512A (fig. 12 and 14) that prevents manipulation of an invasive tool within the device. The function of the tamper-resistant notch 1512A is described in more detail below.

In various embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may be otherwise configured, such as described with respect to the magnetically actuable latch 12 shown in fig. 1.

The flexible element 1516 may comprise or be formed of a flexible material and may comprise, for example, the materials described herein with respect to the flexible element 16 shown in fig. 1. In one embodiment, the flexible element 1516 may be configured with a substantially cubic shape such that its side 1516A is wider than its side 1516B, or may have another shape. In various other embodiments, the flexible element 1516 may be configured as and include one or more materials of a coil or other spring or similar member, as described above with respect to the magnetically actuable latch 12 of fig. 1.

The latch mating element 1518 may be included in the security strap 1560 and may be separate from the housing 1530 or integral with the housing 1530. As described herein, latch mating element 1518 may extend along safety strap 1560. In one embodiment, the latch mating element 1518 may include one or more voids 1590. In one embodiment, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may mate with the latch mating element 1518 in the locking position when one or more teeth or other protrusions 1551 extend into the one or more voids 1590.

The one or more voids 1590 may be contoured by one or more protrusions (jut)1592, which protrusions 1592 may be, for example, protrusions described herein with respect to protrusion 1551. The protruding portion 1592 can also be observed in the embodiment of fig. 15 and 17 to 19. The one or more projections 1592 may each include a projection side 1594 and 1596, and in one embodiment, the projection sides 1594 and 1596 may not be parallel. For example, in one embodiment, the projection side 1594 can be substantially perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to a tangential direction along the length of the latch mating element 1518, while the projection side 1596 can have an acute angle relative to the length, such as, for example, 45 degrees. As described below, this configuration can facilitate further urging of the latch mating element 1518 into the housing 1530 and along the belt pathway 1536 in one direction, but not the other, opposite direction.

However, the latch mating element 1518 may be configured in other ways, such as with one or more ribs, notches, indentations, points, curves, or voids, for example, to mate with the magnetically actuable latch 1512 in the locking position. For example, in one embodiment, the latch mating element 1518 may be configured with one or more voids 1590 having a shape similar or more or less similar to the shape of the one or more protrusions 1551 of the magnetically actuable latch 1512. Thus, as described below, the at least one void 1590 may receive the at least one protrusion 1551 or a portion of the protrusion 1551, which may prevent or inhibit movement of the latch mating element 1518 along the strap path 1536 away from the end 1540B of the strap path wall 1540, and thus prevent or inhibit movement of the latch mating element 1518 away from the strap path 1536.

In one embodiment, the latch mating element 1518 is deformable and may comprise, for example, plastic or rubber. Such deformable properties may facilitate moving the latch mating element 1518 against the magnetically actuable latch 1512, as described below.

In another embodiment, the latch mating element 1518 comprises a penetrable material, such as rubber or soft plastic, and the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may comprise protrusions 1551, such as pointed teeth. These protrusions may hook into the latch mating element 1518 where the magnetically actuable latch 1512 is in the locked position and the latch mating element 1518 may thus provide resistance to the force pushing off the end 1540B of the strap path 1536.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, fig. 10 and 11 show perspective views of a strap assembly 1550 of a housing 1530 that can include one or more of a locking mechanism pocket 1531, a security marker chamber 1532, a locking mechanism cover 1534, and a strap path 1536, respectively, configured to receive a locking mechanism 1510 portion, cover the locking mechanism pocket 1531, receive a security marker 1520, cover the locking mechanism pocket 1531, and receive a security strap 1560.

The locking mechanism pocket 1531 may be shaped to receive the magnetically actuable latches 1512 and the flexible element 1516 of the locking mechanism 1510. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism pocket 1531 is secured to the band assembly 1550 and extends from the band assembly 1550. The locking mechanism pocket 1531 may be integral with the tape pathway 1536 or other portion of the housing 1530 or otherwise secured to the tape pathway 1536 or other portion of the housing 1530, such as by welding, fusing, gluing, snap-fit, interference fit, and/or other securing methods.

The locking mechanism pocket 1531 of the band assembly 1550 may be configured such that the magnetically actuable latches 1512 and the flexible elements 1516 of the locking mechanism 1510 may be adjacently disposed therein. Thus, the base portion end 1513A of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may be positioned proximate or adjacent to the flexible element 1516. With this configuration, the movement of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 and the flexible element 1516 may be limited in one or more directions.

For example, the locking mechanism pocket 1531 may include channel end walls 1565, channel walls 1566 and 1568, and a channel 1564 contoured by the channel walls 1566 and 1568 and bounded by the channel end walls 1565. Channel walls 1566 and 1568 may include portions that are substantially parallel to one another and may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with magnetically actuable latches 1512 on base portion side surfaces 1513B and 1513C and on the sides of central portion 1515 and latch portion 1514, respectively, so as to limit the movement of magnetically actuable latches 1512 to movement along channel 1564, which may be, for example, a substantially linear direction of movement.

In various other embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may be moved in a rotational, a combined rotational/linear direction, or any other direction. In these various other embodiments, one or more of the channel 1564, the flexible element 1516, and the latch mating element 1518 may be contoured, shaped, or otherwise configured to guide the magnetically actuable latch 1512 in this direction.

The flexible element 1516 may be positioned adjacent to the channel end wall 1565 such that when the magnetically actuable latch 1512 is urged away from the locking position and against the flexible element 1516, the flexible element 1516 may be compressed by the force of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 and the resistance of the channel end wall 1565. The flexible element 1516 may provide resistance to such compression against such movement of the magnetically actuable latch 1512.

As described above, in each of the various embodiments, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 may be configured in another shape, in which case the channel 1564, and thus the channel walls 1566 and 1568, may be configured to receive such magnetically actuable latch 1512 and to restrict movement of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 in one or more directions. In each of these embodiments, the flexible element 1516 may be configured to fit within the channel 1564.

Thus, the flexible element 1516 of the locking mechanism 1510 can bias the magnetically actuable latch 1512 into a locking position where the teeth 1552 and 1556 or other one or more protrusions 1551 of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 can engage with the protruding portion 1592 of the latch mating element 1518 portion disposed in the tape path 1536 of the tape subassembly 1550. Such a configuration may prevent movement of the latch mating element 1518 out of the strap path 1536 and thus out of the security device 1502, or provide resistance to movement of the latch mating element 1518 out of the strap path 1536 and thus out of the security device 1502.

For example, in one embodiment, when the tooth 1552 of the magnetically actuable latch 1512 is disposed in a locked position between two projections 1592, the adjacent projection side 1594 may be substantially parallel to the tooth side 1552B or have a small angle relative to the tooth side 1552B. The projection side 1594 and tooth side 1552B may be substantially perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the direction of movement of the latch mating element 1518 through the tape path 1536 when constrained by the tape path wall 1540. Thus, when a force is applied to latch mating element 1518 to pull it out of strap path 1536, latch mating element 1518 may move until ledge side 1594 and tooth side 1552B contact and exert a substantially opposing or near normal force on each other. In this case, the latch mating element 1518 may be prevented or inhibited from being pulled out of the strap path 1536.

However, in one embodiment, such a configuration may not prevent or may provide less resistance to movement of the latch mating element 1518 into and along the belt path 1536 of the belt assembly 1550. Accordingly, the tooth side 1552A and the adjacent projection side 1596 may be angled relative to the direction of movement of the latch mating element 1518 along the strap path 1536. When a force is applied to latch mating element 1518 to push it further into and along strap path 1536, latch mating element 1518 may move until ledge side 1596 and tooth side 1552A contact. In such a case, the ledge side 1596 may push the tooth side 1552A, and thus the incidental tooth 1552 and magnetically actuable latch 1512, away from the locking position, facilitating movement of the latch mating element 1518 along the belt path.

Additionally, these elements may exert opposing normal forces that are much smaller than those of protrusion side 1594 and tooth side 1552B when protrusion side 1596 and tooth side 1552A are in contact, and latch mating element 1518 may be more easily moved if the exterior material of latch mating element 1518 discussed herein is deformable. The movement may be caused by a force greater than any normal force, plus other forces discussed above.

This force to move latch mating element 1518 of security strap 1560 more into strap path 1536 and along strap path 1536 may be less, and may be much less, than the force to move latch mating element 1518 out of strap path 1536. Thus, for example, in one embodiment, this small force may be easily applied by a person so that the person may tighten the latch mating element 1518 and thus the strap path wall 1540 of the tie down strap subassembly 1550 around the bottle neck. In embodiments where the magnetically actuable latch 1512 has a plurality of protrusions 1551 and the latch mating element 1518 has a plurality of projections 1592 or other projection or projections, the opposing force caused by all of the protrusions 1551 and projections 1592 coming into contact needs to be overcome. This force may still allow a person to easily push the latch mating element 1518 further into the tape path 1536 and along the tape path 1536.

Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a band assembly 1550 illustrating a security tag 1520. Referring to fig. 13 and 10-12, the security marker chamber 1532 of the housing may be shaped to enclose a security marker, such as security marker 1520. In one embodiment, the security marker 1520 is an elongated member and the surrounding walls of the security marker chamber 1532 outline an internal cavity shaped to closely receive the security marker 1520. However, in various other embodiments, the security marker chamber 1532 may be configured variously to enclose or otherwise secure the security marker 1520 or any other shaped security marker.

The security marker chamber 1532 may be secured to the tape path wall 1540 or otherwise secured with the rest of the housing 1530, such as by any of the means described above with respect to the locking mechanism pocket 1531. In one embodiment, the security marker chamber 1532 is slidably attached to the tape path wall 1540. When secured, the security marker chamber 1532 may prevent or increase the difficulty of removing the security marker 1520 from the enclosure 1530, and thus may prevent or increase the difficulty of removing the security marker 1520 from any bottle that may be secured to the bottle security device 1502.

The locking mechanism cover 1534, such as the locking mechanism cover shown in fig. 10-11, may include a structure configured to be positioned over the locking mechanism pocket 1531 and over the flexible element 1516 and over at least a portion, such as an exposed portion, of the magnetically actuable latch 1512. The locking mechanism cover 1534 may be secured to the band assembly 1550 by any of the means described above with respect to the locking mechanism pouch 1531 or other forms herein. When secured, the locking mechanism cover 1534 may prevent or increase the difficulty of removing the magnetically actuable latch 1512 from the housing 1530.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism pocket 1531 and the locking mechanism cover 1534 may be referred to as a locking mechanism chamber when secured. The locking mechanism chamber may at least partially enclose the magnetically actuable latches 1512 and the flexible element 1516 of the locking mechanism 1510, and thus secure the magnetically actuable latches 1512 and the flexible element 1516 of the locking mechanism 1510 to the bottle security device 1502.

Referring to fig. 10-14, the tape path 1536 may include a bag path wall 1540 and a tape path 1536 outlined by the tape path wall 1540. The strap subpath wall 1540 may be configured with a shape and material that allows the strap subpath wall 1540 to cinch around the bottle neck or other item, thereby securing the bottle to the housing 1530, and thus to the bottle security device 1502. In one embodiment, the strap path wall 1540 may comprise a portion of a security strap 1560.

In one embodiment, the portion of the strap path wall 1540 that may contact a bottle secured by the bottle security device 1502 is a bottle securing surface 1542. In one embodiment, the bottle securing surface 1542 may have at least a portion of a ring or another curved shape to conform to the bottle strap channel 1568 and tighten the bottle cap 1570 around the circular or other form of curved shape of the bottle neck when tightened. In one embodiment, the bottle securing surface 1542 may be cinched directly around the bottle neck, and the bottle cap 1570 may not be used.

In one embodiment, the strap path wall 1540 may comprise a plastic or other material that is bendable, stretchable, deformable, or otherwise capable of being so tightened. In one embodiment, the strap path wall 1540 comprises a material capable of such constrictions and which material is at least somewhat elastic. Such a configuration may allow the strap path wall 1540 to return to its unbundled shape or a similar shape so that the bottle fixture may be reused.

The strap path wall 1540 is shaped so that it may also receive a security strap 1560 as described herein. In one embodiment, the tape path wall 1540 constitutes a contour of a circular or other curved tape path 1536 of substantially uniform thickness. In one embodiment, this tape path 1536 may have substantially the same curve as the exterior of the tape path wall 1540. However, in other embodiments, the tape path wall 1540 can have a variety of thicknesses and alignments (alignments). By altering the configuration of one or more other surfaces of the strap path wall 1540, such varying thickness and alignment can be accomplished without altering the shape of the bottle securing surface 1542.

In one embodiment, the strap path wall 1540 may be configured to cinch around the bottle cap 1570, which may surround at least a portion of the bottle and thus cinch around the bottle. This configuration may thus secure the bottle to the bottle cap 1570 and the strap path wall 1540, and thus to the bottle security device 1502. The bottle securing surface 1542 can be shaped so that it can be partially disposed in the strap receiving passage of one or more of the legs 1581 and 1583 (e.g., 1586 of leg 1581). In one embodiment, bottle securing surface 1542 includes one or more ridges (ridges) 1544 disposed as one or more grooves (e.g., 1590 of leg 1581) extending into legs 1581 and 1583, which may align with bottle securing surface 1542 with bottle cap 1570 when disposed about bottle cap 1570.

The belt path wall 1540 may include two ends 1540A and 1540B. In one embodiment, handles 1546 and 1547 extend from both ends 1540A and 1540B and can facilitate tightening of the strap.

Security strap 1560 may be shaped such that it may be fed into and along the strap path. In one embodiment, at least a portion of safety strap 1560 is an elongated member that is curved in shape. In one embodiment, security strap 1560 may be shaped with a curve that is the same or similar to strap path 1536, which may facilitate its movement along strap path 1536. However, the security strap 1560 may be other shapes.

In various embodiments, security strap 1560 may comprise one or more materials in any configuration. For example, in one embodiment, security strap 1560 includes a plastic exterior layer and a metal interior layer. The metal and plastic parts may be separable or non-separable. For example, metal and plastic parts may be bonded, press-fit, co-molded, insert, and/or coated. The metal portions may strengthen security strap 1560 and prevent or inhibit breaking of security strap 1560 or otherwise separating portions of security strap 1560 and thus prevent or inhibit unlocking of bottle security device 1502 from any bottle to which it may be secured. The metal may be beaded, string, ribbon, partially cylindrical, or may be formed in any suitable manner to strengthen security strap 1560 and also to possibly allow or provide flexibility in security strap 1560.

Safety strap 1560 may be integral with strap assembly 1550 or otherwise connected to strap assembly 1550. For example, in one embodiment, at one end of security strap 1560, security strap 1560 is integral with or otherwise connected to strap assembly 1550 within strap path 1536 leading to strap path wall 1540. In this embodiment, the security strap 1560 may extend out of end 1540A of strap path 1536 from the end to which it is attached, and then return to strap path 1536 at end 1540A. Thus, the security strap 1560 may branch into two ends 1540A and 1540B such that the strap path wall 1540 and the security strap 1560 may continuously surround a portion of the bottle, such as the neck. However, in one embodiment, the two ends 1540A and 1540B may be positioned at any point along the circumference of the band assembly 1550. For example, end 1540A may include or be adjacent to a side of the locking mechanism pocket 1531, and 1540A may be positioned at or near or on the opposite side.

In one embodiment, the handles 1546 and 1547 may be engaged and pushed toward each other to move the attached security strap 1560 farther into and along the strap path 1536 to tighten the strap path walls 1540 about the bottle neck or other portion. As described below, when moving in this direction, portions of the latch mating element 1518, which may include a security strap 1560, may contact, but move past the magnetically actuable latch 1512 without significant resistance. However, movement in the opposite direction may be prevented or encounter greater resistance so that the belt path wall 1540 may remain in a cinched position after the handles 1546 and 1547 have been released. Thus, the security strap 1560 and the strap path wall 1540 may cooperate to fixedly secure portions of the bottle mouth and neck to the bottle security device 1502. In one embodiment, such as when the bottle is formed of glass, forcibly removing the bottle security device 1502 of such a configuration may break the bottle, as the force to remove the bottle mounting device 1502 may be greater than the force to break the bottle.

Fig. 15-19 show perspective, top, side, and expanded views of a bottle security device 1602 according to one embodiment. The security device 1602 may be of similar construction to the housing 1530, but may include a security marker chamber 1632, which security marker chamber 1632 may be disposed on one side of the tape assembly 1650, relative to the positioning of the security marker chamber 1532 in the tape assembly 1550 described above. The strap assembly 1650 may include a bottom housing 1650A and a top housing 1650B that may be welded, fused, snap-fit, or otherwise secured together to provide resistance to or prevent attempts to open them. As can be seen in fig. 19, the magnetically actuable latch 1512 includes a tamper-resistant notch 1512A that prevents insertion of a tool into the strap path 1536 to attack the device.

Fig. 20-24 illustrate one embodiment of a security device 2002 in which a housing 1530 is configured with a locking mechanism cover 1534 adjacent to a security marker chamber 1532. Security marker chamber 1532 contains a detectable element, such as an EAS tag. Fig. 21 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism 1510 and a security marker chamber 1532. As in the previously described embodiments, the locking mechanism 1510 may include magnetically actuable latches 1512, flexible elements 1516, and latch mating elements 1518. The flexible element 1516 may be provided as a coil or other spring or similar member. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible member 1516 is a coil spring. The housing includes a passageway therein that provides a strap path to slidably receive a security strap 1560. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes an aperture 2072 adjacent the strap path, and the safety strap 1560 may be inserted through the aperture 2072 into the strap path.

The housing includes a locking member 2070 that is movable between an open or expanded position (fig. 21) and a closed position (fig. 20). In the closed position, the locking member 2070 provides an annular opening 2071 adapted to engage the neck of a bottle. In one embodiment, locking member 2070 includes a proximal end 2070A fixedly connected to (or integral with) the casing, and a free distal end 2070B having at least a portion of a safety strap 1560 extending therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 2070A is pivotally connected to the housing, allowing the locking member 2070 to be rotated outward to open the device. The locking member 2070 shown in fig. 20-21 has a semi-annular configuration and is formed of a rigid material. In other embodiments, the locking member 20 may be formed of other materials and have different configurations depending on the nature of the article to be protected.

The security strap 1560 may be selectively inserted into the strap path through an aperture 2072 to form an annular opening 2071. In the illustrated embodiment, open locking member 2070 is rotated inward until safety strap 1560 is inserted into aperture 2072 and may engage latch 1512 via latch mating element 1518. The magnetically actuable latch 1512 includes a front surface 13 having a laterally positioned tamper-resistant notch 1512A formed therein. The tamper-resistant notches 1512A are configured to conform to a strap path and are accessible through the apertures 2072.

The function of the tamper-resistant notch 1512A will now be described with respect to the embodiment of fig. 20-24 and the embodiment previously shown in fig. 10-14 that includes the tamper-resistant notch 1512A. Although embodiments of the present invention are described herein with respect to bottle marker implementations, the principles of the present invention are not limited thereto. The present invention may also be applied to any irregularly shaped object having a shaft or other shape/configuration in which a tape-based security marker will function.

As can best be seen in fig. 24, a slight gap 19 in the hole 2072 may exist between the security strap 1560 and the strap path 1536. The gap 19 extends to the latch 1512 and may provide a vulnerability that enables the device to be attacked by inserting an unauthorized object through the hole 2072 and into the gap 19 when a person who is intended to be a shoplifter attempts to lift or pry the latch out of place.

In operation, in the absence of the tamper-resistant notch 1512A, it is possible to insert a thin metal strip between the tie and the plastic housing and push the metal strip forward into the gap 19 until it is received between the latch 1512 and the security strap 1560. Once the metal strip is positioned under the teeth of the latch 12, the device can be easily opened by pushing the latch 1512 upward to disengage the teeth.

The addition of the tamper-resistant notches 1512A to the latches 1512 advantageously provides a cost-effective and simple solution to this problem. Tamper-resistant slot 1512A is positioned and configured inside latch 1512 to coincide with the space between strap path 1536 and strap teeth 1553 so that any object inserted into strap path 1535 is guided into tamper-resistant slot 1512A. In the illustrated embodiment, the tamper-resistant notches 1512A are shown as having a symmetrical V-shaped configuration, however the invention is not limited in this regard. The tamper-resistant notches 1512A may have any variety of concave configurations, such as U-shaped or square notches.

Fig. 25 shows an example of an attempt to attack the device 2002 by inserting a thin metal strip 5 into the tape path 1536. To unlock the device 2002, the metal strip 5 needs to be positioned so that the latch 1512 is pushed upward so as to disengage it from the teeth 1553. Tamper-resistant notch 1512A advantageously changes the contact angle of unauthorized object 5 and latch 1512 and causes metal strip 5 to exert a vertically downward force component on the latch mechanism. This vertically downward force component merely serves to more strongly engage the latch to additionally engage the strap, thereby retaining the securing assembly.

FIG. 26 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the latch 1512 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 26 shows a notch 1512A on the latch 1512 in one embodiment of the invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Additionally, unless the above is mentioned relatively, it should be noted that the drawings are not all to scale. In view of the above teachings, it is possible to make various modifications and changes without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (17)

1. A security device, comprising:

a strap having a latch mating element;

a magnetically actuable locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising:

a magnetically actuable latch including a lower surface and a front surface adjacent the lower surface, the lower surface having at least one protrusion extending therefrom and adapted to engage the latch mating element of the strap, the front surface having a transverse slot formed therein; and

a flexible element biasing the magnetically actuable latch and the strap into a locking position; and

a housing having the magnetically actuable latch disposed therein, the housing including a passage therein defining a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein.

2. The security device of claim 1, wherein the notch has a V-shaped configuration.

3. The security device defined in claim 1 wherein the slot has a U-shaped configuration.

4. The security device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a chamber for housing a detectable security element.

5. The security device of claim 4, wherein the detectable security element comprises a component comprising an electronic article surveillance marker.

6. The security device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a locking member movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the locking member is configured to provide an annular opening in the closed position, the annular opening being adapted to engage with a substantially cylindrical portion of an object to be secured.

7. The security device of claim 6, wherein the housing comprises an aperture, and wherein the strap is insertable into the strap path through the aperture in the housing, and wherein the locking member comprises a proximal end fixedly connected to the housing and a free distal end having at least a portion of the strap extending therefrom, wherein the strap is selectively insertable through the aperture and into the strap path.

8. The security device of claim 7, wherein the notch is configured to conform to the strap path and is accessible through the aperture.

9. The security device of claim 8, wherein the slot is configured such that an object inserted into the strap path is directed into the slot, thereby preventing the object from unlocking the security device.

10. The security device of claim 9, wherein insertion of an object into the belt path engages the slot and exerts a vertically downward force component on the locking mechanism, further engaging the magnetically actuable latch to the belt.

11. A security device, comprising:

a strap having a latch mating element;

a magnetically actuable locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising:

a magnetically actuable latch including a front surface having a transverse slot formed therein; and

a flexible element biasing the magnetically actuable latch and the strap into a locking position; and

a housing having the magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein, the housing including a passageway therein defining a strap path configured to slidingly receive the strap therein,

wherein the housing comprises an aperture and a locking member movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the locking member is configured to provide, in the closed position, an annular opening adapted to engage a substantially cylindrical portion of an object to be secured, and

wherein the strap is insertable into the strap path through the aperture in the housing and the locking member comprises a proximal end fixedly connected to the housing and a free distal end having at least a portion of the strap extending therefrom, wherein the strap is selectively insertable through the aperture and into the strap path,

wherein the transverse slot is configured to conform to the tape path and is accessible through the aperture,

the transverse slot is configured such that an object inserted into the strap path is directed into the transverse slot, thereby preventing the object from unlocking the security device.

12. The security device of claim 11, wherein insertion of an object into the belt path engages the slot and exerts a vertically downward force component on the locking mechanism, further engaging the magnetically actuable latch to the belt.

13. A method for protecting an item from theft, the method comprising:

attaching a security device circumferentially to the periphery of an article, the security device comprising:

a strap having a latch mating element;

a magnetically actuable locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising:

a magnetically actuable latch including a lower surface and a front surface adjacent the lower surface, the lower surface having at least one protrusion extending therefrom and adapted to engage the latch mating element of the strap, the front surface having a transverse slot formed therein; and

a flexible element biasing the magnetically actuable latch and the strap into a locking position; and

a housing having the magnetically actuable locking mechanism disposed therein, the housing including a passageway therein defining a strap path configured to slidingly receive the strap therein,

when in the locked position, the strap securely surrounds the article.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the housing includes a locking member movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the locking member is configured to provide an annular opening in the closed position, the annular opening adapted to engage a periphery of an article being secured.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the housing includes an aperture, wherein a strap may be inserted into the strap path through the aperture in the housing, wherein the locking member includes a proximal end fixedly connected to the housing and a free distal end having at least a portion of the strap extending therefrom, wherein the strap may be selectively inserted through the aperture and into the strap path, and wherein the slot is configured to conform to the strap path and is accessible through the aperture.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the slot is configured such that an object inserted into the strap path is directed into the slot, thereby preventing the object from unlocking the security device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein inserting an object into the belt path engages the slot and exerts a vertically downward force component on the locking mechanism further engaging the magnetically actuable latch to the belt.