Method and System for Tracking Containers Having Metallic Portions, Cover for Containers Having Metallic Portions, Tags for Use With Container Having Metallic Portions and Methods of Calibrating Such Tags

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.

1 .- 96 . (canceled) 
   
   
       97 . A security device for attachment to a container having a sidewall, a generally planar metallic portion located adjacent the sidewall and a bead having regularly shaped periphery connecting the generally planar metallic portion to the sidewall, said security device comprising:
 a security tag that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies by providing a discernable electromagnetic return signal; and   a non-conductive tag holder for mounting said security tag adjacent, but spaced from, the generally planar metallic portion of the container, said non-conductive tag holder comprising:   a portion to which said security tag is secured; and   a recess of corresponding shape to the regularly shaped periphery of the bead of the container arranged for receipt of the bead of the container to secure said security device to the container adjacent, but spaced from, the generally planar metallic portion of the container.   
   
   
       98 . The security device of  claim 97  wherein said tag holder comprises:
 an open upper recess section;   a lower recess section; and   a non-conductive lid, said lower recess section including said recess arranged for receipt of the bead of the container and wherein said lid comprises a first side and a second side, said security tag being secured to said second side, said non-conductive lid being securable with said open upper recess section.   
   
   
       99 . The security device of  claim 98  wherein said first side of said lid comprises indicia pertaining to the container. 
   
   
       100 . The security device of  claim 97  wherein the generally planar metallic portion is circular and said recess for receipt of the bead of the container is circular. 
   
   
       101 . The security device of  claim 100  wherein said security device comprises a circular coil. 
   
   
       102 . The security device of  claim 101  wherein said security tag comprises a pair of capacitors coupled to each end of said coil. 
   
   
       103 . The security device of  claim 97  wherein said tag holder comprises:
 a 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 non-conductive insert having a threaded outer wall for engaging said threaded inner wall, said non-conductive insert further comprising an annular portion;   and wherein said annular portion forms said recess for receipt of the bead of the container.   
   
   
       104 . The security device of  claim 103  wherein the generally planar metallic portion is circular and said recess for receipt of the bead of the container is circular. 
   
   
       105 . The security device of  claim 104  wherein said security device comprises a circular coil. 
   
   
       106 . The security device of  claim 105  wherein said security tag comprises a pair of capacitors coupled to each end of said coil. 
   
   
       107 . The security device of  claim 97  wherein said device is adapted to be used with a security tag that is calibrated to return an electromagnetic return signal of 8.2 MHz +/−0.5 MHz or 13.56 MHz despite the existence of collective interference caused by the generally planar metallic portion of the container. 
   
   
       108 . The security device of  claim 107  additionally comprising a wrap arranged to encircle at least a portion of said holder and a portion of the sidewall of the container contiguous with said holder. 
   
   
       109 . The security device of  claim 108  wherein said wrap comprises a heat-shrinkable tube. 
   
   
       110 . A method of tagging a container with a security tag, the container having a sidewall, a generally planar metallic portion located adjacent the sidewall and a bead having regularly shaped periphery connecting the generally planar metallic portion to the sidewall, said method comprising:
 providing a security tag that responds to a magnetic or an electromagnetic field of a particular frequency or frequencies by providing a discernable electromagnetic return signal;   disposing said security tag between two members of non-conductive material to form a tag holder; and   coupling said tag holder to the bead of the container to maintain said security tag a predetermined distance away from the generally planar metallic surface of the container.   
   
   
       111 . The method of  claim 110  wherein said step of coupling said tag holder comprises disposing said security tag at least approximately 1 cm from the generally planar metallic surface of the container. 
   
   
       112 . The method of  claim 110  wherein said step of disposing said security tag between two members of non-conductive material comprises positioning said security tag between an undersurface of a non-conductive cap-like structure an a non-conductive insert. 
   
   
       113 . The method of  claim 112  wherein said step of positioning said security tag between the undersurface of a non-conductive cap-like structure and a non-conductive insert comprises threadedly engaging said insert within said cap-like structure. 
   
   
       114 . The method of  claim 112  wherein said step of disposing said security tag between two members of non-conductive material comprises adhesively securing said security tag to said undersurface. 
   
   
       115 . The method of  claim 112  wherein said step of disposing said security tag between two members of non-conductive material comprises positioning said security tag within a recess defined by a projection extending inwardly from a sidewall of said cap-like structure.