Method and system for tracking containers having metallic portions, covers for containers having metallic portions, tags for use with container having metallic portions and methods of calibrating such tags
AssigneeCheckpoint Systems, Inc.
InventorsLawrence Appalucci, Dave McGoldrick, Paul Roberts, George West
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims29
A method of calibrating a security tag that is arranged for use with a container having a metallic portion, said method comprising:
- (A) 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;
- (B) securing said tag within a tag holder that conceals said tag from view when said tag holder is engaged with the container;
- (C) engaging said tag holder to the container so that said tag is disposed over or under, but spaced from, said metallic portion of said container;
- (D) transmitting an electromagnetic signal to said tag, whereupon said tag provides a discernable return signal as a function of its location with respect to said metallic portion of said container;
- (E) determining the frequency and magnitude of said return signal;
- and
- (F) modifying at least one electrical parameter of said tag so that said return signal provided by said tag is within a desired frequency range and of minimum amplitude.
A security device for attachment adjacent a circular metallic surface of a container, said security device comprising:
- a security tag that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies;
- and
- a tag holder for mounting said security tag adjacent the circular metallic surface of the container, said tag holder comprising:
- a circular-shaped non-conductive member having an open upper recess section and a lower recess section;
- a circular-shaped non-conductive lid comprising a first side and a second side, said second side including said security tag secured thereto, said circular-shaped non-conductive lid being securable with said open upper recess section;
- and
- wherein said lower recess section receives the periphery of the circular metallic surface of the container.
A security device for attachment adjacent a circular metallic surface of a container, said security device comprising:
- a security tag that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies;
- and
- a tag holder for mounting said security tag adjacent the circular metallic surface of the container, said tag holder comprising:
- a circular-shaped non-conductive 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 circular-shaped non-conductive insert having a threaded outer wall for engaging said threads in said threaded inner wall, said circular-shaped non-conductive insert further comprising an annular portion;
- and
- wherein said annular portion receives the periphery of the circular metallic surface of the container.
A security device for attachment adjacent a circular metallic surface of a container, said security device comprising:
- a security tag that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies;
- and
- a tag holder for mounting said security tag adjacent the circular metallic surface of the container, said tag holder comprising:
- a circular-shaped non-conductive member having an undersurface and a downwardly-depending flange contiguous with said undersurface defining a recess, said security tag being secured to said undersurface;
- and
- wherein said downwardly-depending flange comprises and outer edge that receives the periphery of the circular metallic surface of the container.
A method of tagging a container with a security tag, the container having a circular metallic surface, said method comprising:
- providing a circular-shaped security tag that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies;
- disposing said security tag between two members of non-conductive material to form a tag holder;
- and
- coupling said tag holder to the periphery of the circular metallic surface for maintaining said security tag at a predetermined distance away from the circular metallic surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.