Detacher for self-detaching tag
An apparatus and method for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article. The apparatus includes an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to a security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article. The apparatus further includes an unlocking surface disposed between the unlocking device and the security tag and an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force, wherein placing the tag in the detachment allows for the unlocking device to provide an unlock signal or force to the security device to allow the security tag to be removed from the article.
1. An apparatus for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article, the apparatus comprising:
an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to the security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article;
an unlocking surface disposed between the unlocking device and the security tag;
an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force, wherein placing the tag in the detachment zone allows for the unlocking device to provide the unlock signal or force to the security tag to allow the security tag to be removed from the article; and
an indicator to show a status of the security tag placed in proximity of the unlocking surface, wherein the indicator comprises a light that surrounds the unlocking surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the alignment feature forms a continuous surface with the unlocking surface.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the alignment feature forms a concave surface with respect to the unlocking surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the unlocking surface is flat.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the alignment feature includes a protrusion within the concave surface.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the unlocking device provides a magnetic force to the security tag which allows the security tag to be removed from the article.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to provide the unlock signal or force to the tag when the tag is placed on the alignment feature, wherein the alignment feature is configured to unlock the tag without impeding movement of the tag with respect to the unlocking feature or the unlocking surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a color of light emitted from the indicator varies from a first color to a second color to indicate a change in the status of the security tag.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a duration of light emitted from the indicator varies from a first duration to a second duration to indicate a change in the status of the security tag.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a pattern of light emitted varies from a first pattern to a second pattern to indicate a change in the status of the security tag.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light comprises a light ring around an outside of the apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light comprises a light ring around the detachment zone.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an audio device configured to generate an audio indication to indicate a change in the status of the security tag.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vibrating device configured to generate a vibration to indicate a change in the state of the security tag.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a first textural feature different from a second textural feature to indicate the location of the detachment zone.
16. A method for unlocking a security tag that is connected to an article, the method comprising:
using an unlocking device configured to provide an unlock signal or force to the security tag allowing for the security tag to be removed from the article, wherein an unlocking surface is disposed between the unlocking device and the security tag;
placing the security tag on an alignment feature configured to indicate a detachment zone that corresponds with a source of the unlock signal or force, wherein placing the tag in the detachment zone allows for the unlocking device to provide the unlock signal or force to the security tag to allow the security tag to be removed from the article; and
providing an indication to show a status of the security tag placed in proximity of the unlocking device, wherein the indication comprises illuminating a lighted portion that surrounds the unlocking surface.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the alignment feature forms a continuous surface with the unlocking surface.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the alignment feature is a concave surface in the unlocking device surface.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the unlocking surface is flat.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the alignment feature includes a protrusion within the concave surface.
21. The method of claim 16 , wherein the unlocking device provides a magnetic force to the security tag which allows the security tag to be removed from the article.
22. The method of claim 16 , wherein the unlocking device is configured to provide the unlock signal or force to the tag when the tag is placed on the alignment feature, wherein the alignment feature is configured to unlock the tag without impeding movement of the tag with respect to the unlocking feature or the unlocking surface.