WO2024241057A1

WO2024241057A1 - Security device

Info

Publication number: WO2024241057A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/051330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tamás LÓDI; Tim Pryce-Hall
Original assignee: Sekura Global Ip Llp
Priority date: 2023-05-23
Filing date: 2024-05-23
Publication date: 2024-11-28
Also published as: GB202307720D0; GB2630324A

Abstract

A security device for securing to an object in a retail environment comprises a main body comprising a casing and a releasable locking mechanism; an elongate securing member having a first end connected to the main body; and a flexible guard comprising a closed end and an opening, the flexible guard having a receiving region and the opening permitting access to the receiving region. The securing member is engaged with a part of the flexible guard such that the securing member can be drawn through the locking mechanism in a first direction to decrease the size of the opening to retain, in use, a part of said object in the receiving region. The locking mechanism has a locked configuration which prevents the securing member being drawn through the locking mechanism in an opposite second direction and an unlocked configuration in which the securing member can be drawn through the locking mechanism in the second direction to increase the size of the opening for removal of said object from the receiving region.

Description

SECURITY DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a security device for use in a retail environment. In particular, this invention relates to a security device including a flexible guard that prevents or deters access to a part of an article to which the security device is attached, in addition to an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag for preventing or deterring theft of the article from a retail environment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are several known systems for deterring or preventing theft of articles from a retail environment. Typically, these systems include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag that is attached to the article or object in a retail store. While the EAS tag is activated, the tag is arranged to trigger an alarm if the tag, and therefore the article, passes between a pair of detection gates, which are typically positioned at the entrance and exit of the retail store.

An acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS tag includes a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic amorphous metal strip, which has magnetostrictive properties. Typically, this amorphous metal strip will be a ferrite. The detection gates at the entrance and exit of the retail store emit periodic tonal bursts at around 58 kHz. This is the same as the resonant frequency of the amorphous metal strip or ferrite, which causes the amorphous strip to vibrate which leads to a change in its magnetisation. This change in magnetisation induces an AC voltage in a receiver antenna of the detection gate, which triggers an alarm.

When a customer purchases an article having one of these EAS tags attached to it, the tag is deactivated and/or removed so that the alarm is not triggered when that person leaves the retail store. Security tags that are deactivated and removed completely from the article are often referred to as hard tags and are re-usable. There are a number of different ways of attaching security devices to articles, and which one is used will typically depend on the type of article being tagged. Several types of EAS tag are designed to also prevent or deter access to a part of the article to which they are attached. One known type of tag includes a rigid sleeve or guard portion that extends around and over the neck and top of a bottle, for example containing alcoholic beverages. The rigid guard covers the opening of the bottle and is suitably secured around the neck of the bottle such that the contents of the bottle cannot be accessed without removal of the security device.

These rigid bottle guards are, however, only suitable for attachment to a limited range of sizes of bottle neck. Accordingly, if it is desired to attach such security devices to bottles having a large range of sizes it is necessary to stock a variety of different sizes of security tag. Furthermore, the tags are bulky and may interfere with the ability of a retailer to display bottles efficiently in a retail environment. The known tags are also intrusive such that they cover a significant portion of the neck of the bottle and impact the look of the bottle. This may be disadvantageous for expensive products.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved security device that overcomes disadvantages of known security devices whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are specified in the independent claims. Preferred features are specified in the dependent claims.

In a first aspect, the invention provides a security device for securing to an object in a retail environment, comprising: a main body comprising a casing and a releasable locking mechanism housed within the casing; an elongate securing member, a first end of the securing member being connected to the main body; and a flexible guard comprising a closed end and an opening, the flexible guard having a receiving region and the opening permitting access to the receiving region, wherein the securing member is engaged with a part of the flexible guard such that the securing member can be drawn through the locking mechanism in a first direction to decrease the size of the opening to retain, in use, a part of said object in the receiving region, wherein, the locking mechanism has a locked configuration which prevents the securing member being drawn through the locking mechanism in an opposite second direction and an unlocked configuration in which the securing member can be drawn through the locking mechanism in the second direction to increase the size of the opening for removal of said object from the receiving region.

With this arrangement, a security device is provided that can be secured to an object in a retail environment. The locking mechanism further allows a user to remove an object from the receiving region, for example, when the object has been sold in the retail environment and thus the security device is no longer needed to be secured to the object.

Preferably, the flexible guard may comprise a mesh. The mesh may be a wire mesh comprising a lower end edge engaged with the securing member. The mesh affords a level of flexibility such that a large range of sizes of object may be used with the security device.

Preferably, a part of the flexible guard may be directly connected to the main body, such that unintended removal of the flexible guard from the security device is limited.

The flexible guard may further comprise a rigid cap element at the closed end of the guard. The cap element may therefore contact a part of the object, for example, in the instance of a bottle, the securing member may be looped around a neck of the bottle and the guard may extend over and surrounds a top of the bottle, which can limit unintended access to the lid or contents of the bottle, acting as a theft deterrent.

The mesh may form a generally cylindrical tube extending between the cap element and the securing member. Accordingly, the areas of the object for which restricted access is intended can be contained within the cylindrical tube when the security device is in use, for example, a bottle neck.

Preferably, the elongate flexible securing member may comprise a locking strap for engaging with the locking mechanism and a retaining strap to which the flexible guard is connected. A second end of each of the locking strap and retaining strap may be connected together.

With this arrangement, when the locking strap and retaining straps are drawn to reduce the size of the opening, i.e. when an object is to be secured to the security device, the straps are relatively taut to the same extent, ensuring that the flexible guard suitably surrounds the secured object.

The lower end edge of the mesh may be engaged with the retaining strap, the lower end edge surrounding and defining the opening of the flexible guard. In some embodiments the mesh may include lower end loops that are engaged with the retaining strap. The lower end loops preferably surround and define the opening of the flexible guard. The lower end loops may be able to slide along the retaining strap.

A side wall of the casing may comprise a region having concave curvature, said concave region defining a part of a perimeter of the opening of the guard. The shape of the concave region helps to locate the security device correctly around object when the security device is being attached to the object, and assists in drawing the guard tightly around the object.

Additionally, by providing a concave region having a complementary shape to that of the object, the area of contact between the object and the main body of the security device is increased, which aids in limiting the undesired or accidental removal of the security device.

A passageway preferably extends through the casing of the main body for receiving the securing member. In some embodiment a passageway may extend through the casing and the retaining strap may be drawn unimpeded through the passageway. In some embodiments a second passageway may extend through the casing, the second passageway may be associated with the locking mechanism, and wherein the locking strap may extend through the second passageway.

The locking strap may comprise a toothed region and the locking mechanism may comprise a toothed block, the toothed block may be engageable in the locked configuration with the toothed region of the strap to prevent the locking strap being drawn through the locking mechanism in the second direction, such that when in the locked configuration, removal of the security device from the object is limited.

Preferably, the toothed block of the locking mechanism may be biased into the locked configuration, such that when the locking strap is drawn through the locking mechanism in the first direction and the toothed region of the locking strap engages with the toothed block, the locking mechanism is immediately engaged in the locked configuration. As such, once the locking strap has been drawn through the locking mechanism in the first direction to achieve the desired tautness, no further user input is required with respect to the locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism may be releasable by application of a magnetic force to the toothed block, such that a user can remove the security device from an object, for example, once the object has been sold and the security device is no longer needed.

In some embodiments the first end of the securing member may be connected to the main body proximate a first end wall of the casing and the locking mechanism may be disposed proximate an opposite second end wall of the casing. In these embodiments the first passageway may be disposed closer to the second end wall of the casing than the second passageway.

In other embodiments the main body comprises a first part and a second part, the second part being in the form of an arm connected to the first part of the main body by a hinge. The first and second parts of the main body are preferably movable with respect to each other about the hinge between an open position and a closed position. The opening of the flexible guard is preferably larger when the first and second parts of the main body are in the open position, and the opening of the flexible guard is preferably smaller when the first and second parts of the main body are in the closed position. In preferred embodiments the hinge is disposed proximate a first end of the arm and the securing member extends from a second end of the arm.

In some embodiments the arm includes a concave inner surface. The concave inner surface of the arm preferably faces, or is disposed opposite, the concave region of the casing. In this way, the concave inner surface of the arm and the concave region of the casing may at least partially surround, and together define, an aperture coincident with the opening of the flexible guard.

Preferably, the security device may further comprise an EAS sensor, arranged to trigger an alarm if the security device, and therefore the secured object, passes between a pair of detection gates, which are typically positioned at the entrance and exit of the retail store. The EAS sensor therefore acts as a theft deterrent.

The EAS sensor may be housed within the casing of the main body, such that direct access to the EAS sensor is limited, to prevent unintended removal or tampering of the EAS sensor.

In embodiments in which the flexible guard comprises a rigid cap element, the security device may further comprise an EAS sensor disposed within the cap element which may afford better detection of the EAS sensors at retail detection gates. Having multiple EAS sensors provides added security in the instance that one of the EAS sensors is removed, damaged or loses functionality, as the other or remaining EAS sensors can still operate as intended.

The security device may further comprise an alarm and circuitry connected to the guard, the circuitry may be configured to generate an audible alarm if the guard is cut or otherwise broken, adding an additional layer of security. Thus, if the security device is tampered with, resulting in a cut or breakage of the guard, for example, during unintended removal of the security device, an audible alarm may sound, drawing attention to the security device and potentially deterring theft.

The flexible securing member may comprise a metal cord or cable, having a strength such that unintentional cutting or breakage of the flexible securing member is limited.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of securing a security device to an object, the security device being according to the first aspect of the invention, and the method comprising positioning the main body and the securing member around a first part of the object so that the main body and the securing member form a loop around the first part, and a second part of the object is disposed in the receiving region, and tightening the securing member around the first part of the object by drawing the securing member through the locking mechanism in the first direction.

The flexible guard may comprise a rigid cap element at the closed end of the guard and the method may comprise engaging the security device with the object so that the cap element may contact a part of the object.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of securing a security device to an object, the security device being according to the first aspect of the invention and having a main body comprising a first part and a second part, the second part being in the form of an arm connected to the first part of the main body by a hinge. In this aspect of the invention the method comprises: positioning the first and second parts of the main body and the securing member around a first part of the object so that a second part of the object is disposed in the receiving region; and decreasing the size of the opening of the flexible guard by drawing the securing member through the locking mechanism in the first direction.

The object may be a bottle, the main body may extend around a neck of the bottle and the flexible guard may extend over and surround a top of the bottle.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a security device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a main body, a flexible securing member, and a flexible guard, in which the security device is engaged with a bottle;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the flexible guard of Figure 1 including a cap element;

Figure 3 is a further perspective view of the cap element of Figure 2 with a top plate omitted such that an internal space of the cap element is visible;

Figure 4 shows a part of the flexible guard of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the flexible securing member of Figure 1 including first and second flexible straps engaged with a lower end of the flexible guard;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the main body of Figure 1 showing the securing member in an engaged configuration;

Figure 7 is a top view of the main body and securing member of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 1 engaged with a bottle, with an upper part of the flexible guard omitted for clarity;

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the main body of Figure 1 showing the securing member in an engaged configuration and showing internal components of the main body;

Figure 10 is a sectional view of a part of the main body of the security device of Figure 1 , showing in particular the engagement of the securing member with a locking mechanism housed in the main body;

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the security device of Figure 1 , showing in particular the engagement of the securing member with a locking mechanism housed in the main body;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the security device of Figure 1 engaged with a bottle, with an upper part of the flexible guard omitted for clarity;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a main body and securing member of a further embodiment of a security device;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a security device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a main body, a flexible securing member, and a flexible guard;

Figure 15 is a sectional view of the security device of Figure 14, showing the attachment of the flexible guard to the main body and the flexible securing member;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the main body and flexible securing member of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a plan view of the main body and flexible securing member of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a sectional view of the main body and flexible securing member of Figure 16, showing a the flexible member engaged with a locking mechanism of the main body; and

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the main body and flexible securing member of Figure 16, showing the locking mechanism of the main body, and a hinged connection between first and second parts of the main body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In its simplest configuration a security device according to the present invention comprises a main body, a locking mechanism housed in the main body, a flexible guard, and an elongate flexible securing member connecting the guard to the main body and being engageable with the locking mechanism. The security device is arranged to be secured to an object by the securing member so that the flexible guard deters or prevents access to a part of the object. The security device preferably also houses an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor configured to deter theft of the object from a retail environment.

The security device is arranged to be attached to the object such that the flexible guard surrounds or extends over an opening of an object or an area of an object in which it is intended for access to be limited. It will be appreciated that the opening or area may be covered or sealed by a lid or similar, and that the guard therefore extends over the lid to restrict access to the lid. In use, the securing member is drawn or tightened around a part of the object, which causes the flexible guard to be retained in position to cover the opening or lid of the object. In particular, at least a part of the flexible guard may be drawn tightly around a part of the object as the securing member is secured to the object. The securing member is then engaged with the locking mechanism so that the security device cannot be removed from the object without unlocking the locking mechanism and disengaging the securing member.

The flexible guard is preferably able to accommodate a variety of different sizes and shapes of object, while still retaining the ability to be secured over the opening or lid so that access to the lid is restricted or prevented.

In particular embodiments, the security device is arranged to be secured over a lid of a bottle, with the securing member being secured around the neck of the bottle. Preferably the flexible guard can accommodate a variety of different sizes and shapes of bottle neck and bottle lid, such as those associated with wine and spirits bottles, and the like. In the following description the security device will be described with reference to being attached to a bottle in a retail environment to deter theft of the bottle or prevent access to the contents of the bottle. It will be understood, however, that the security device may be attached to other types of object, and the shape and configuration of elements of the security device may be designed appropriately for such other uses.

In the following description, references to upwardly and downwardly are in relation to a security device attached to a neck of the bottle and with the bottle in an upright position, i.e. standing on a base of the bottle, as shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated that, in use, the security device may be in any orientation, and the description is to be interpreted accordingly.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 12, a first preferred embodiment of a security device 10 is illustrated. This embodiment of the security device 10 is particularly configured and designed to be secured to the neck of a bottle to deter access to the contents of the bottle via a lid and opening at an upper end of the neck.

In this embodiment, the flexible guard 12 comprises a cap element 14 and a mesh 16, extending from a perimeter of the cap element 14 and defining a retaining volume of the guard. In use, the top of the neck of the bottle and a cap or other closure element of the bottle will be received within this retaining volume. The flexible guard 12 is connected to a securing member 18 comprising a pair of flexible straps 20, 22. A first end 24 of the securing member 18 is fixedly connected to a main body 26 of the security device. A locking portion 28 of the securing member 18 is engageable with a locking mechanism 30 housed in the main body 26. The locking portion 28 may be proximate a second end 32 of the securing member 18. When the locking portion 28 of the securing member 18 is engaged with the main body 26, a part of the securing member 18 and a part of the main body 26 form a loop that, in use, surrounds the neck of the bottle. As the locking portion 28 of the securing member 18 is drawn through the locking mechanism 30 in the main body in a first, closure direction, the loop is tightened. In a locked state the locking mechanism 30 is configured to prevent the locking portion 28 of the securing member 18 being drawn through the locking mechanism 30 in a second, opposite, release direction. To allow movement of the securing member 18 in the second direction, the locking mechanism 30 must be released, for example by application of a magnetic force to the locking mechanism 30.

In this embodiment, part of the mesh 16 is attached to or engaged with the securing member 18 and a part of the mesh 16 is attached to the main body 26. Preferably, the mesh 16 is engaged with a region of the securing member 18 between the first end 24 and the locking portion 28. Engagement of the mesh 16 with the securing member 18 is preferably such that the mesh 16 is moveable with respect to the securing member 18. In this way, as the securing member 18 is drawn into a tight loop, the mesh 16 is gathered or drawn more tightly around the upper part of the neck of the bottle.

When the security device 10 is fully engaged with a bottle, the cap element 14 is preferably brought into contact with the cap or other closure element of the bottle. When the securing member 18 and mesh 16 are tightened around the object the cap element 14 is retained in contact with or in close proximity to the cap or other closure element. In this way, the cap element 14 restricts or prevents access to the cap and prevents or restricts access to the contents of the bottle.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 4, the flexible guard 12 of this embodiment comprises a disc-shaped cap element 14. The cap element 14 comprises a generally circular base plate 34 and a circumferential wall 36 that extends around and projects upwardly from an outer edge of the base plate 34. The circumferential wall 36 surrounds and defines an internal space 38 of the cap element 14. The cap element 14 also includes a top plate (not shown) that covers the internal space 38 and is joined at its circumferential edge to an upper edge of the circumferential wall 36. The top plate has been removed from Figure 3 to allow visibility of the contents of the internal space 38 of the cap element 14. The cap element 14 is rigid and largely resistant to deformation. The cap element 14 may be made from a suitable polymeric material.

The circumferential wall 36 includes a plurality of openings 40 spaced apart along the length of the wall 36 in a circumferential direction. In this example, the openings 40 are in the form of slots 40 or elongate gaps in the wall. The slots 40 extend between the base plate 34 and the top plate in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane of the base plate 34. The segments of the circumferential wall 36 between adjacent slots 40 thereby form a plurality of retaining members 42 for engagement with an upper edge of the mesh 16, as described further below. Each of the openings 40 is bounded on opposite sides by side edges of neighbouring retaining members 42.

In this embodiment, the internal space 38 of the cap element 14 houses two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensors 44. In other embodiments, only one EAS sensor 44 may be housed in the cap element 14, and in yet further embodiments, one or more EAS sensors 44 may be housed in the main body 26 of the security device 10 in addition to or instead of the cap element 14.

As shown most clearly in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the mesh 16 is formed from a length of flexible wire folded and joined at intervals along its length by mesh clips 46, as is known in the art. In other embodiments, the mesh 16 may be a woven or knitted wire mesh. The wire is preferably metallic, and may be coated with an insulating material, for example a polymeric material. The mesh 16 and the clips 46 have sufficient strength that they cannot easily be broken or damaged. The clips 46 are arranged so that the mesh spacings are generally uniform across the mesh 16. Furthermore, the mesh spacings are preferably small, relative to the size of the bottle neck and the bottle cap such that the top of the neck of the bottle cannot be pulled through any of the mesh spacings when the security device 10 is attached to a bottle.

Figure 4 shows the mesh 16 in a planar configuration, having upper and lower end edges and opposite side edges. When forming part of the security device, further mesh clips 46 are used to join the side edges together to form a cylindrical mesh 16, as illustrated in part in Figures 2 and 3.

The upper end edge of the mesh comprises a plurality of upper end loops 48. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, these upper end loops 48 are engaged with the retaining members 42 and openings 40 of the circumferential wall 36 of the cap element 14 to attach the mesh 16 to the cap element 14. Each of the upper end loops 48 extends around one of the retaining members 42 such that parts of the loop 48 pass through neighbouring or adjacent openings 40. Preferably the cap element 14 includes the same number of retaining members 42 as upper end loops 48 so that a single upper end loop 48 is engaged with each one of the retaining members 42. In this way, parts of two neighbouring loops 48 are disposed in each of the openings 40.

During assembly of the security device 10, the upper end loops 48 are preferably inserted into the openings 40 with the top plate of the cap element 14 removed, as illustrated in Figure 3. Once all of the loops 48 are located in the openings 40, the top plate is secured to the circumferential wall 36 to retain the loops 48 in engagement with the cap element 14. To assist in retaining the loops 48 in the openings 40 during assembly, each of the retaining members 42 includes a projection 50 that extends from one of the side edges into the respective opening 40. In this example, each projection 50 is in the form of a nub 50 that projects approximately halfway across the width of the opening 40. The nub 50 forms a restriction in the opening 40. A lower portion of the opening 40 is defined below the nub, i.e. between the nub 50 and the base plate 34 of the cap element 14, and an upper portion of the opening 40 is defined between the nub 50 and the top plate of the cap element 14.

Preferably a diameter of the wire from which the mesh is formed is approximately equal to the width of the restriction formed by the nub 50. Accordingly, additional force is required to push the wire of the upper loop 48 past the nub 50 into the lower portion of the opening 40. Once in the lower portion, the nub 50 aids in retaining the upper loops 48 of the mesh 16 proximate the base plate 34 of the cap element 14, limiting the unintended movement of the loops 48 towards the top of the cap element 14. In some embodiments, the nub 50 may be omitted.

With the upper end loops 48 engaged with the cap element 14, the cylindrical mesh 16 extends from a perimeter region of the cap element 14. The cap element 14 and mesh 16 together partially surround and define a receiving region of the guard 12. In use, a part of an object, for example a neck and top of a bottle, is disposed in the receiving region of the guard 12 so that the guard 12 prevents or restricts access to that part of the object.

The lower end edge of the mesh comprises a plurality of lower end loops 52. In this embodiment, these lower end loops 52 are engaged with the flexible securing member 18 and the main body 26. A part of the flexible securing member 18 is threaded through or extends through the lower end loops 52. A dimension of each loop 52 is greater than a dimension of the securing member 18 so that the lower end loops 52 are able to slide along a part of the securing member 18.

With the lower end loops 52 engaged with the securing member 18, the lower end loops 52 surround and define an opening 54 of the guard 12 that provides access to the receiving region of the guard 12.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 11 , in this embodiment, the securing member 18 comprises two straps 20, 22. A first, locking strap 20 is elongate and extends between first and second ends 24, 32. A second, retaining strap 22 is elongate and extends between first and second ends 24, 32. The lower end loops 52 of the mesh 16 are engaged with the retaining strap 22.

The main body 26 comprises a rigid and generally cuboidal housing or casing 26.

The casing 26 surrounds and defines an internal volume 56 of the main body 26. The main body 26 further comprises a locking mechanism 30 and, in this embodiment, an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor 44. The locking mechanism 30 and EAS sensor 44 are disposed within the internal volume 56 and are thus surrounded by the casing 26.

The casing 26 comprises first and second end walls 58, 60, first and second side walls 62, 64, and third and fourth side walls 66, 68. In use, the device will typically be orientated such that the third side wall 66 is a top wall of the casing 26, and the fourth side wall 68 is a bottom wall of the casing 26. In this embodiment, the distance between the third and fourth side walls 66, 68 is less than the distance between the first and second end walls 58, 60.

In use, the first side wall 62 preferably bears upon or is in contact with a part of the object to which the security device 10 is attached, as shown in Figure 8. Accordingly, in this embodiment in which the security device 10 is designed to be attached to a bottle, the first side wall 62 includes a central portion 70 having a concave curvature. This curved central portion 70 of the first side wall 62 therefore provides a recess 70 for receiving a part of a neck of a bottle. The shape of the recess 70 helps to locate the security device 10 correctly around the neck of the bottle when the security device 10 is being attached to the bottle, and assists in drawing the guard 12 tightly around the neck of the bottle as described further below.

Additionally, by providing a recess having a complementary shape to that of the neck of the bottle, the area of contact between the bottle neck and the main body 26 of the security device 10 is increased, which aids in limiting the undesired or accidental removal of the security device 10.

A first end region 72 of the first side wall 62 is defined between the central portion 70 and the first end wall 58. A second end region 74 of the first side wall 62 is defined between the central portion 70 and the second end wall 60.

The first end 24 of each of the first and second straps 20, 22 is anchored and held within the main body 26 of the security device 10. The first ends 24 of the straps 20, 22 are disposed adjacent each other and are preferably arranged so that the first ends 24 of the straps 20, 22 are aligned. In this embodiment the first ends 24 of the straps 20, 22 are disposed proximate the first end wall 58 of the casing 26, and the straps 20, 22 extend through the first end region of the first side wall 62. In this way, the straps 20, 22 extend from the casing 26 proximate the recess 70 of the main body 26.

In this embodiment, the first end 24 of the retaining strap 22 is disposed closer to the first end wall 58 than the first end 24 of the locking strap 20. In this way, the locking strap 20 is disposed closer to the recess 70.

A first, inner passageway 76 extends through the casing 26 between the second end region 74 of the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 64. The inner passageway 76 extends between an entrance aperture 78 in the first side wall 62 and an exit aperture 80 in the second side wall 64. An internal wall 82, within the internal volume 56 of the main body 26, is disposed adjacent to the curved region 70 of the casing 26 and extends across the casing 26 between the first and second side walls 62, 64. The internal wall 82 forms a side wall of the inner passageway. In this embodiment, the internal wall 82 is parallel to the second end wall 60 of the casing 26.

A second, outer passageway 84 also extends through the casing 26 between the second end region 74 of the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 64. The outer passageway 84 extends between an entrance aperture 86 in the first side wall 62 and an exit aperture 88 in the second side wall 64. The inner and outer passageways 76, 84 are preferably straight. The inner and outer passageways 76, 84 are spaced apart but preferably extend parallel to each other. Further, the inner and outer passageways 76, 84 preferably extend across the main body 26 in planes generally parallel to the second end wall 60 of the casing 26. The outer passageway 84 is disposed between the inner passageway 76 and the second end wall 60. The inner passageway 76 is, therefore, disposed closer to the recess 70 than the outer passageway 84. The inner and outer passageways 76, 84 provide paths for the flexible straps 20, 22 to pass through the main body 26 of the security device 10. In this embodiment, the inner passageway 76 is sized to receive the locking strap 20 therethrough and the outer passageway 84 is sized to receive the retaining strap 22 therethrough.

With the locking and retaining straps 20, 22 extending through their respective passageways 76, 84, a first part of each of the straps 20, 22 forms a loop extending from the first side wall 62 of the casing 26. In this embodiment, the loop formed by the locking strap 20 is disposed within the loop formed by the retaining strap 22. In other words, the loop formed by the retaining strap 22 extends around the loop formed by the locking strap 20. A second part of each of the locking and retaining straps 20, 22 extends from the second side wall 64 of the casing 26.

A surface of the locking strap 20 includes a toothed region 28. The toothed region 28 may extend fully between the first and second ends 24, 32 of the locking strap 20, but in preferred embodiments, the toothed region 28 extends over a central portion of the locking strap 20 so that the locking strap 20 includes a first end portion without teeth and a second end portion without teeth. The toothed region 28 includes a set of angled teeth or ratchet teeth.

The locking mechanism 30 is disposed within the casing 26 proximate the second end wall 60. The locking mechanism 30 comprises a biased pawl 90 associated with the first passageway 76. Referring in particular to Figures 10 and 11 , in this embodiment, the pawl 90 comprises a generally cuboidal block 90 with a central channel extending fully through the block 90 between first and second ends of the block. A first face of the block includes a toothed or serrated region 92 for engaging with the teeth 28 of the locking strap 20. Accordingly, the serrated region 92 includes a set of angled teeth or ratchet teeth, the teeth of the serrated region being angled in an opposite direction to the teeth 28 of the locking strap 20. A magnetic material 94 or ferromagnetic material is attached to a second face of the block 90, opposite the first face.

The pawl 90 is disposed in the casing 26 such that the first face faces towards the internal wall 80 and the second face faces towards the second end wall 60. A biasing member in the form of a spring 96 extends between the second face of the pawl 90 and the second end wall 60 of the casing 26. The spring 96 is preferably a compression spring. The spring 96 is arranged to urge the pawl 90 in a direction away from the second end wall 60 and towards the internal wall 82. The spring 96 urges the pawl 90 into a locked position.

In this embodiment, two projections 98 extend from the first face of the block 90. A height of the projections 98 is greater than a depth of the teeth of the serrated region 92. When the pawl 90 is in the locked position, and without a locking strap 20 extending through the inner passageway 76, the projections 98 abut the internal wall 82. In this position, the serrated surface 92 is spaced from the internal wall 82 such that a gap is defined between the internal wall 82 and the serrated region 92 for receiving the locking strap 20.

When the locking strap 20 extends through the first passageway 76 and the pawl 90 is in the locked position, the teeth of the serrated region 92 of the pawl 90 engage with the teeth of the toothed region 28 of the locking strap 20 to form a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism allows the locking strap 20 to be drawn through the first passageway 76 in a first direction, making the size of the loop smaller, but prevents the locking strap 20 being drawn through the passageway in a second, opposite direction. In the locked position, therefore, the locking strap 20 can still be pulled through the locking mechanism 30 to tighten the loop around an object such as a bottle neck.

To allow the locking strap 20 to be moved in the second direction to increase the size of the loop and allow the security device 10 to be removed from an object, it is necessary to move the pawl 90 into a released position. This is achieved by applying a magnetic field to the locking mechanism 30 to pull the magnetic material 94, and therefore the block 90, in a direction towards the second end wall 60 against the force of the spring 96. In the released position, the gap between the internal wall 82 and the serrated region 92 of the pawl 90 is increased so that the teeth of the serrated region 92 of the pawl 90 disengage from the teeth of the toothed region 28 of the locking strap 20.

In this example, the second end wall 60 of the casing 26 includes a protruding region 100, and an end of the spring 96 is disposed in an internal space of the protruding region 100. The protruding region 100 aids in correctly positioning a magnet against the locking mechanism 30 to release the locking mechanism 30.

The dimensions of the channel of the pawl 90 are preferably such that the channel remains aligned with the second passageway 84 when the pawl 90 is in both the locked and released positions. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the pawl 90 does not impede movement of the retaining strap 22 through the second passageway 84.

The second ends 32 of each of the straps 20, 22 are connected together 102. This allows both straps 20, 22 to be easily drawn through the passageways in the casing 26 at the same time, either in the first or second directions. Connecting the second ends 32 of the straps 20, 22 also prevents the straps 20, 22 from being pulled completely out of the inner and outer passageways 76, 84 during use of the security device 10.

As described above, the first end 24 of the locking strap 20 and the entrance aperture 76 of the inner passageway are disposed closer together than the first end 24 of the retaining strap 22 and entrance aperture 86 of the outer passageway 84, such that the loop formed by the locking strap 20 follows a similar but shorter trajectory than the loop formed by the retaining strap 22. When the straps 20, 22 are drawn through the main body 26, therefore, this difference in path lengths means that the second end 32 of the retaining strap 22 moves relative to the second end of the locking strap when the loops formed by both straps 20, 22 are tightened to the same degree. The connection 102 between the second ends 32 of the straps 20, 22 is therefore configured to accommodate this relative movement. In this embodiment, one of the straps 20, 22 includes a projection that extends through an elongate slot 104 in the other one of the straps 20, 22. The shape of the projection retains the projection in the slot 104, but the dimensions of the slot 104 permits relative longitudinal movement of the straps, i.e. in a length direction. It will be appreciated that when the locking and retaining straps 20, 22 are tightened around an object such as the neck of a bottle, a significant length of each of the straps 20, 22 extends from the second side wall 64 of the casing 26. In this embodiment, a catch 106 is disposed on the first end wall 58 of the casing 26. The catch 106 comprises two hook-shaped projections 106 extending from the first end wall 58. The projections 106 are spaced apart across the first end wall 58, such that a first one of the projections 106 is disposed proximate the third side wall 66 and a second one of the projections 106 is disposed proximate the fourth side wall 68. The projections 106 are separated by a distance which corresponds to the width of the flexible straps 20, 22. Distal ends of the projections 106 extend inwardly towards each other. Both flexible straps 20, 22 can be placed and held within the catch 106, i.e. between the projections 106, when the security device 10 is in use, so that the length of the flexible straps 20, 22 extending from the second side wall 64 can be held close to the main body 26 to afford better organisation and presentation of the device in use.

As described above, the lower end edge of the mesh 16 comprises a plurality of lower end loops 52 that are engaged with the flexible securing member 18. In this embodiment, two of the loops 52 are connected to the main body 26. In particular, two of the loops 52 are secured to the main body 26 so that they extend from the third face 66 of the casing 26 proximate the recess 70. This directly connects the guard 12 to the main body 26.

In use, the neck and top of a bottle is inserted into the receiving region of the guard 12 with the securing member 18 in an initial or open position in which the opening 54 of the guard 12 is relatively large. This enables a lid or closure of the bottle to be easily passed through the opening 54 of the guard 12 and into the receiving region. In this example, the security device 10 is placed over the top and neck of the bottle so that the top of the bottle contacts the base plate 38 of the cap element 14.

A user then tightens the securing member 18 around the neck of the bottle. To achieve this, the user pulls the straps 20, 22 through their respective passageways 76, 84 in the first direction to decrease the sizes of the loops and therefore decrease the size of the opening 54 of the guard 12.

As described above, the lower end loops 52 of the mesh 16 are free to slide along the retaining strap 22. As such, as the retaining strap 22 is tightened and the size of the loop of the retaining strap 22 decreases, the lower end loops 52 are able to move closer together.

Once the securing member 18 has been sufficiently tightened so that the securing member 18 is in a tightened position, the second ends 32 of the locking and retaining straps 20, 22 are then engaged with the catch 106, as illustrated in Figure 12.

To release the security device 10 from the bottle, a magnetic force is applied to or near the protrusion 100 disposed on the second end wall 60 of the casing 26. In this embodiment, the magnetic force is applied by means of an external magnet (not shown), such that the magnetic material 94 is attracted to the external magnet, thereby moving the pawl 90 towards the second end wall 60 of the casing 26 against the force of the spring 96. This disengages the locking mechanism 30 thus allowing the locking strap 20, together with the retaining strap 22, to be drawn through the casing 26 in the second direction and into the open position.

In preferred embodiments of the security device, the device includes circuitry connected to the metallic mesh. The circuitry is configured to generate an alarm if the mesh is cut. The circuitry may include an audible alarm. In further embodiments, the securing member may include a conductive track or wire connected to the circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to generate an alarm if the securing member is cut. The conductive track or wire may be provided in one or both of the locking strap and the retaining strap.

Although in the above embodiment, an EAS sensor was disposed in both the cap element and the main body, in other embodiments an EAS sensor may be housed in only one of the cap element or main body. The EAS sensor may be an acousto- magnetic (AM) sensor. The EAS sensor may comprise a ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic amorphous metal strip having magnetostrictive properties. Preferably, the amorphous metal strip is a ferrite. The amorphous metal strip may have a resonant frequency of about 58 kHz.

In the above embodiment, the guard comprised a rigid cap element and a flexible mesh. In other embodiments, the guard may comprise only a flexible mesh closed at its upper end. In further embodiments, the flexible guard may comprise a flexible sheath or cover made of any suitable material or having any suitable form such that the guard restricts access to the intended areas of the object being secured. The guard may be made from any suitable material such as a polymeric material or metal. The guard may comprise a woven material.

The first side wall of the main body may be shaped in any way which complements the shape of the object to which the security device is intended to secured. For example, for usage on a wine bottle with a cylindrical bottle neck, the first side wall may be curved with the same or similar curvature of the bottle neck, such that when the bottle neck is placed against the curved region of the first side wall, the curved region is largely in contact with the bottle neck, as described above. In other embodiments, the first side wall may not exhibit any curvature. In some embodiments the first side wall may include a recess in the form of a deep slot or a generally triangular recess for receiving the corner of an object.

In some embodiments, the catch of the main body may be omitted or be of any suitable form to maintain the straps near to the main body. For example, the catch may comprise a magnet which may be attracted to a magnetic element within the strap, or may alternatively comprise a conduit fixed to the main body through which the straps can be drawn.

In the above embodiment, the securing member comprised a locking strap for engagement with the locking mechanism and a retaining strap to which the flexible guard is connected. Furthermore, the locking strap was disposed inwardly of the retaining strap. The benefit of this dual strap arrangement is that the locking strap is able to come into contact with and grip the object to which it is secured without interference with the flexible guard. In other embodiments, the securing member may comprise a single strap fulfilling both functions of connecting the guard and engaging with the locking mechanism.

In further embodiments, the securing member may comprise a single cable or cord, as illustrated in Figure 13. The cable may be a steel co-axial cable, which may be connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the casing of the main body. If the circuit is broken, which for example could occur if the co-axial cable is cut during an attempted removal of the device from a secured object, the circuitry may be configured to sound an audible alarm. In some embodiments, the alarm may also comprise a light emitter. Alternatively, the securing member may comprise a steel loop that is over-moulded in nylon, similarly providing a circuit which may sound an audible alarm when cut. In another embodiment, the first flexible strap may be a nylon strap without a metallic component, thus not connected to a circuit.

In the above embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a ratchet mechanism including inter-engaging or interlocking teeth. In other embodiments the ratchet mechanism may comprise a different arrangement, such as a biased pin or peg that engages with slots or grooves in the securing member. In further embodiments the locking mechanism may comprise a mechanism arranged to apply a gripping force to the securing member.

In some embodiments, the protrusion on the second end wall of the casing may not be present. An alternative locating marker for the positioning of the external magnet may be present, such as a depression in the casing, or a simple visual marker in the form of a symbol or alphanumeric character. In further embodiments the locking mechanism may be released by a force other than a magnetic force. In some embodiments the locking mechanism may be released by a key that is insertable into the main body.

In the above embodiment, the opening of the guard, defined by the area bounded by the loop of the securing member and the recess of the main body, was at a lower end of the flexible guard. In other embodiments the securing member may be connected to the guard at a distance from its lower end, such that the opening of the guard is also at a distance from the lower end. In these embodiments the receiving region of the guard is defined between the opening and a closed end of the guard (which may include a cap element). A further portion of the guard extends from the securing member in a direction away from the closed end of the guard.

Another preferred embodiment of a security device 210 is illustrated in Figures 14 to 19. Similar to the first embodiment, this embodiment of the security device 210 is particularly configured and designed to be secured to the neck of a bottle to deter access to the contents of the bottle via a lid and opening at an upper end of the neck.

In this embodiment, the security device 210 comprises a main body 226 including a first part 310 and a second part 312, and a flexible guard 212. The first and second parts 310, 312 of the main body 226 are connected to each other by a hinge 314.

The first part 310 of the main body 226 comprises a casing 226a surrounding an internal volume 256a of the first part 310 of the main body 226. The second part 312 of the main body 226 comprises a casing 226b surrounding an internal volume 256b of the second part 312 of the main body 226.

The casing 226a of the first part 310 of the main body 226 includes first and second end walls 258, 260, first and second side walls 262, 264, and third and fourth side walls 266, 268. In use, the device will typically be orientated such that the third side wall 266 is a top wall of the casing 226a, and the fourth side wall 268 is a bottom wall of the casing 226a.

In use, the first side wall 262 preferably bears upon or is in contact with a part of the object to which the security device 210 is attached. Accordingly, in this embodiment in which the security device 210 is designed to be attached to a bottle, the first side wall 262 includes a central portion 270 having a concave curvature. This curved central portion 270 of the first side wall 262 therefore provides a recess 270 for receiving a part of a neck of a bottle. The shape of the recess 270 helps to locate the security device 210 correctly around the neck of the bottle when the security device 210 is being attached to the bottle.

A first end region 272 of the first side wall 262 is defined between the central portion 270 and the first end wall 258. A second end region 274 of the first side wall 262 is defined between the central portion 270 and the second end wall 260.

The second part 312 of the main body 226 is in the form of an arm that is hingedly connected to the first part 310 of the main body 226. In this embodiment the second part 312 of the main body 226 is curved between first and second end walls 316, 318. In this way, the casing 226b of the second part 312 of the main body 226 includes an outer side wall 320 having convex curvature and an inner side wall 322 having concave curvature. The casing 226b of the second part 312 of the main body 226 further includes an upper wall or cover 324 and a lower wall or base 326.

In this embodiment the arm 312 is hindgedly connected to the first part 310 of the main body 226 so that the arm 312 extends from the first end region 272 of the first side wall 262. The hinge 314 comprises a hinge member 330 that extends from the first end wall 316 of the arm 312 and a post or axle pin 332 provided by the first part 310 of the main body 226. The engagement of the hinge member 330 with the post 332 is such that a pivot axis of the hinge 314 is perpendicular to a radius of curvature of the central portion 270 of the first side wall 262.

The arm 312 is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the first part 310 of the main body 226.

The convex curvature of the inner side wall 322 is preferably identical or similar to the curvature of the central portion 270 of the first side wall 262. In this way, when the security device 210 is attached to an object, the inner side wall 322 of the second part or arm 312 of the main body 226 preferably also bears upon or is in contact with a part of the object to which the security device 210 is attached. In this embodiment the inner side wall 322 has the same curvature as the central portion 270 of the first side wall 262. When the arm 312 is in the closed position the inner side wall 322 and the central portion 270 of the first side wall 262 together define a generally circular aperture 336 of the main body 226. In use, the security device 210 is preferred attached to a bottle so that the neck of the bottle extends through the aperture 336 and the main body 226 surrounds and grips or contacts the neck of the bottle. By providing an aperture 336 having a complementary shape to that of the neck of the bottle, the area of contact between the bottle neck and the main body 226 of the security device 210 is increased, which aids in limiting the undesired or accidental removal of the security device 210.

A securing member 218 extends from the second end wall 318 of the arm 312. The securing member 218 is elongate and extends from the arm 312 to a distal end 232. The securing member 218 comprises a locking portion 228 that is engageable with a locking mechanism 230 housed in the first part 310 of the main body 226, as described below.

In this embodiment the locking portion 228 is spaced from the distal end 232, and an insertion portion 338 of the securing member 218 extends between the locking portion 228 and the distal end 232. The locking portion 228 comprises a first, locking strap 220 and a second, retaining strap 222. The locking strap 220 and retaining strap 222 are preferably connected along their length such that there is little or no relative movement of the locking and retaining straps 220, 222. In this embodiment a cross-member 340 extends between the locking and retaining straps 220, 222 along their length, such that the locking portion 228 of the securing member 218 has an ‘H’ shaped cross-section.

In this embodiment, the retaining strap 222 is disposed closer to the inner side wall 322 of the arm 312 and the locking strap 220 is disposed closer to the outer side wall 320. The flexible guard 212 is attached to the retaining strap 222, as described further below, and the locking strap 220 engages with the locking mechanism 230.

A surface of the locking strap 220 includes a toothed region 228. In this embodiment the toothed region 228 is on an outer surface of the locking strap 220 facing away from the inner side wall 322 of the arm 312. The toothed region 228 includes a set of angled teeth or ratchet teeth.

The first part 310 of the main body 226 includes a passageway 276 for receiving the securing member 218. The passageway 276 extends from an entrance aperture 278 in the second end region 274 of the first side wall 262 of the casing 226a.

The locking mechanism 230 comprises a biased pawl 290 associated with the passageway 276. Referring in particular to Figures 18 and 19, in this embodiment, the pawl 290 comprises a block 290 mounted in an internal recess 342 of the casing 226a. A first face of the block 290 includes a toothed or serrated region 292 for engaging with the teeth 228 of the locking strap 220. Accordingly, the serrated region 292 includes a set of angled teeth or ratchet teeth, the teeth of the serrated region being angled in an opposite direction to the teeth 228 of the locking strap 220. The block 290 is made from or comprises a magnetic material or ferromagnetic material.

The pawl 290 is disposed in the casing 226a such that the serrated region 292 protrudes into the passageway 276. A biasing member in the form of a spring (not shown) extends between a second face of the pawl 290 and an internal surface of the casing 226a. The spring is preferably a compression spring. The spring is arranged to urge the pawl 290 in a direction away from the casing 226a so that the serrated region 292 extends further into the passageway 276. The spring urges the pawl 290 into a locked position.

When the securing member 218 extends through the passageway 276 and the pawl 290 is in the locked position, the teeth of the serrated region 292 of the pawl 290 engage with the teeth of the toothed region 228 of the locking strap 220 to form a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism allows the locking strap 220 to be inserted into the passageway 276 in a first direction, but prevents the securing member 218 being withdrawn from the passageway 276 in a second, opposite direction.

When the locking strap 220 of the securing member 218 is engaged with the locking mechanism 230 in the first part 310 of the main body 226, a part of the securing member 218, and the first and second parts 310, 312 of the main body 226 form a loop that, in use, surrounds the neck of the bottle. In particular, a part of the securing member 218 extends around a part of the circumference of the generally circular aperture 336 of the main body 226.

As the securing member 218 is inserted further into the first part 310 of the main body 226, and the locking strap 220 is drawn through the locking mechanism 230 in a first, closure direction, the loop is tightened and the size of the aperture 336 decreases. In the locked position, therefore, the locking strap 220 can still be inserted through the locking mechanism 230 to tighten the loop around an object such as a bottle neck. In a locked state the locking mechanism 230 is configured to prevent the locking strap 220 of the securing member 218 being drawn through the locking mechanism 230 in a second, opposite, release direction. In this way, in the locked state, the securing member 218 cannot be withdrawn from the passageway 276.

To allow movement of the securing member 218 in the second direction to increase the size of the loop and the aperture 336, and to allow the security device 210 to be removed from an object, the locking mechanism 230 must be released, for example by application of a magnetic force to the locking mechanism 230.

In this embodiment the pawl 290 is moved into a released position by applying a magnetic field to the locking mechanism 230 to pull the block 290 in a direction towards the side wall of the casing 226a against the force of the spring. In the released position, the teeth of the serrated region 292 of the pawl 290 disengage from the teeth of the toothed region 228 of the locking strap 220.

In this example, the second end wall 260 of the casing 226a includes a protruding region 300, and an internal space of the protruding region 300 forms the internal recess 342. The protruding region 300 aids in correctly positioning a magnet against the locking mechanism 230 to release the locking mechanism 230. The flexible guard 212, in this embodiment, is formed by a mesh 216. The mesh 216 defines a retaining volume of the guard 212. In this embodiment, part of the mesh 216 is attached to or engaged with the retaining strap 222 of the securing member 218, part of the mesh 216 is attached to the first part 310 of the main body 226, and part of the mesh 216 is attached to the arm 312 of the main body 226.

In this embodiment, the mesh 216 is formed from a length of flexible wire folded and joined at intervals along its length by mesh clips 246, as is known in the art. In other embodiments, the mesh 216 may be a woven or knitted wire mesh. The wire is preferably metallic, and may be coated with an insulating material, for example a polymeric material. The mesh 216 and the clips 246 have sufficient strength that they cannot easily be broken or damaged. The clips 246 are arranged so that the mesh spacings are generally uniform across the mesh 216. Furthermore, the mesh spacings are preferably small, relative to the size of the bottle neck and the bottle cap such that the top of the neck of the bottle cannot be pulled through any of the mesh spacings when the security device 210 is attached to a bottle. In this embodiment a top end of the mesh 216 is connected to a closure ring 346 so that the flexible mesh 216 is effectively closed at its upper end.

A first part of a lower end edge of the mesh 216 is secured through holes in the third side wall 266 or top wall of the casing 226a of the first part 310 of the main body 226. A second part of the lower end edge of the mesh 216 is secured through holes in the upper wall or cover 324 of the casing 226b of the second part 312 of the main body 226. A third part of the lower end edge of the mesh 216 is secured to the retaining strap 222 proximate the second end wall 318 of the arm 312.

With the lower end edge of the mesh 216 engaged with the securing member 218, and the main body 226, the lower end edge of the mesh 216 surrounds and defines an opening 254 of the guard 212 that provides access to the receiving region of the guard 212. The opening 254 of the guard 212 is coincident with the generally circular aperture 336 of the main body 226.

The security device 210 of this embodiment includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor 244. A first EAS sensor 244a is disposed within the internal volume 256a of the first part 310 of the main body 226 and is thus surrounded by the casing 226a. An additional EAS sensor 224b may be disposed within the arm 312 of the main body 226.

In use, the neck and top of a bottle may be inserted into the receiving region of the guard 212 with the securing member 218 in an initial or open position. In the open position the arm 312 is moved about the hinge 314 to increase the size of the aperture 336. This in turn increases the size of the opening 254 of the guard 212 to enable a lid or closure of the bottle to be easily passed through the opening 254 of the guard 212 and into the receiving region. In the open position the distal end 232 and the insertion portion 338 of the securing member 218 may be fully removed from the passageway 276 and entrance aperture 278 in the casing 226a. Alternatively the distal end 232 of the securing member 218 may remain disposed in the passageway 276 proximate the entrance aperture 278 due to a limited on the maximum size of the opening 254 of the guard 212.

A user then fastens the main body 226 around the neck of the bottle. To achieve this, the user inserts the securing member 218 further into the passageway 276 so that the locking strap 220 is drawn through the locking mechanism 230 in a first, closure direction, and the size of the aperture 336 decreases. The arm 312 is pivoted into the closed position in which the inner side wall 322 of the arm 312 and the central portion 270 of the first side wall 262 preferably both contact the neck of the bottle.

The security device 210 preferably includes circuitry mounted within the casing 226a of the first part 310 of the main body 226. The circuitry is preferably configured to sound an alarm if the mesh 216 is cut, the securing member 218 is cut, or the first and second parts 310, 312 of the main body 226 are separated by breaking the hinge 314. The circuitry may include an audible alarm. In this embodiment a switch 350 is electrically connected to the circuitry. The switch 350 is positioned such that when the locking strap 220 engages with the locking mechanism 230 the distal end 232 of the securing member 218 contacts the switch 350. The switch 350 may, therefore, be configured to activate the circuitry so that the alarm is only triggerable when the securing member 218 is engaged with the locking mechanism 230, indicating that the security device 210 is secured to an object.

To release the security device 210 from the bottle, a magnetic force is applied to or near the protrusion 300 disposed on the second end wall 260 of the casing 226. In this embodiment, the magnetic force is applied by means of an external magnet (not shown), such that the block 290 is attracted to the external magnet, thereby moving the pawl 290 towards the second end wall 260 of the casing 226 against the force of the spring. This disengages the locking mechanism 230 thus allowing the locking strap 220, together with the retaining strap 222, to be drawn through the casing 226 in the second direction and into the open position. It will be appreciated that once the securing member 218 has been withdrawn sufficiently that the locking strap 220 is no longer engaged with the locking mechanism 230, the distal end 232 of the securing member 218 no longer contacts the switch 350 and the alarm circuitry is disabled.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A security device for securing to an object in a retail environment, comprising: a main body comprising a casing and a releasable locking mechanism housed within the casing; an elongate securing member, a first end of the securing member being connected to the main body; and a flexible guard comprising a closed end and an opening, the flexible guard having a receiving region and the opening permitting access to the receiving region, wherein the securing member is engaged with a part of the flexible guard such that the securing member can be drawn through the locking mechanism in a first direction to decrease the size of the opening to retain, in use, a part of said object in the receiving region, wherein, the locking mechanism has a locked configuration which prevents the securing member being drawn through the locking mechanism in an opposite second direction and an unlocked configuration in which the securing member can be drawn through the locking mechanism in the second direction to increase the size of the opening for removal of said object from the receiving region.

2. The security device of Claim 1 , wherein the flexible guard comprises a mesh.

3. The security device of Claim 2, wherein the mesh is a wire mesh comprising a lower end edge engaged with the securing member.

4. The security device of any preceding claim, wherein a part of the flexible guard is directly connected to the main body.

5. The security device of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible guard further comprises a rigid cap element at the closed end of the guard.

6. The security device of Claim 5 when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the mesh forms a generally cylindrical tube extending between the cap element and the securing member.

7. The security device of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate securing member comprises a locking strap for engaging with the locking mechanism and a retaining strap to which the flexible guard is connected.

8. The security device of Claim 7, wherein a second end of each of the locking strap and retaining strap are connected together.

9. The security device of Claim 7 or Claim 8, when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the lower end edge of the mesh is engaged with the retaining strap, the lower end edge surrounding and defining the opening of the flexible guard.

10. The security device of any preceding claim, wherein a side wall of the casing comprises a region having concave curvature, said concave region defining a part of a perimeter of the opening of the flexible guard.

11 . The security device of Claim 7, wherein a passageway extends through the casing and the retaining strap can be drawn unimpeded through the passageway.

12. The security device of Claim 11 , wherein a second passageway extends through the casing, the second passageway being associated with the locking mechanism, and wherein the locking strap extends through the second passageway.

13. The security device of Claim 7, wherein the locking strap comprises a toothed region and the locking mechanism comprises a toothed block, the toothed block being engageable in the locked configuration with the toothed region of the locking strap to prevent the locking strap being drawn through the locking mechanism in the second direction.

14. The security device of Claim 13, wherein the toothed block of the locking mechanism is biased into the locked configuration.

15. The security device of Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism is releasable by application of a magnetic force to the toothed block.

16. The security device of any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the securing member is connected to the main body proximate a first end wall of the casing and the locking mechanism is disposed proximate an opposite second end wall of the casing.

17. The security device of Claim 16 when dependent on Claim 12, wherein the first passageway is disposed closer to the second end wall of the casing than the second passageway.

18. The security device of any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the main body comprises a first part and a second part, the second part being in the form of an arm connected to the first part of the main body by a hinge.

19. The security device of Claim 18, in which the hinge is disposed proximate a first end of the arm and the securing member extends from a second end of the arm.

20. The security device of Claim 18 or Claim 19, in which the arm includes a concave inner surface.

21. The security device of any preceding claim, further comprising an EAS sensor.

22. The security device of Claim 21 , wherein the EAS sensor is housed within the casing of the main body.

23. The security device of Claim 5, further comprising an EAS sensor disposed within the cap element.

24. The security device of any preceding claim, further comprising an alarm and circuitry connected to the flexible guard, the circuitry being configured to generate an audible alarm if the flexible guard is cut or otherwise broken.

25. The security device of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the securing member comprises a metal cord or cable.

26. A method of securing a security device to an object, the security device being as claimed in Claim 1 and the method comprising: positioning the main body and the securing member around a first part of the object so that the main body and the securing member form a loop around the first part, and a second part of the object is disposed in the receiving region; and tightening the securing member around the first part of the object by drawing the securing member through the locking mechanism in the first direction.

27. The method of Claim 26, in which the flexible guard of the security device comprises a rigid cap element at the closed end of the flexible guard and the method comprises engaging the security device with the object so that the cap element contacts a part of the object.

28. A method of securing a security device to an object, the security device being as claimed in any one of Claims 18 to 20 and the method comprising: positioning the first and second parts of the main body and the securing member around a first part of the object so that a second part of the object is disposed in the receiving region; and decreasing the size of the opening of the flexible guard by drawing the securing member through the locking mechanism in the first direction.

29. The method of any one of Claims 26 to 28, in which the object is a bottle, the main body extends around a neck of the bottle and the flexible guard extends over and surrounds a top of the bottle.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)