Patent attributes
An electronic article surveillance apparatus for monitoring boxes, crates, and other items having lids is comprised of a base, an electronics housing, and a sealing tape for sealing the lid. The sealing tape is fixed to the base. Adhesive on the base and sealing tape allow them to be fixed to a box. The sealing tape is placed over the edge of the lid. The sealing tape has a conductive loop within it and the ends of the conductive loop terminate on the base. The electronics housing mounts to the base and contacts on the electronics housing contact the ends of the loop to complete a circuit. The electronics within the housing monitor the integrity of the sealing tape. If the sealing tape is torn, the electronics interpret that as an attempt to open the box and remove its contents. The electronics then generate an alarm.