A DEVICE INCLUDING A STICKER FOR MOUNTING AUXILIARY DEVICES TO PRODUCT PACKAGES AND METHOD THEREFOR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority on United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63/312,287 filed on February 21 , 2022, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the retail products displayed in outlets. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device including a sticker, assemblies and kits thereof and methods therefor, for mounting auxiliary devices (such as security devices, shopping enhancement devices, data devices, communications devices, advertising devices etc.) to product packages.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Retailers apply various auxiliary devices including security devices such as anti-theft devices, security tags, and/or shopping enhancement devices, advertisement devices, data devices, communications devices and the like on packages displayed in stores. Often, when such devices are removed the package is damaged which is undesirable as aesthetically pleasing packaging is required by many customers especially for gift items. In some cases, retailers may avoid using adhesives for such auxiliary devices which when removed may tear or damage the package resulting in the undesired effect. The adhesive needs to be sufficiently strong to bond the device onto the package thereby rendering the device difficult to remove from the package. Indeed, if the adhesive is too weak, the device will eventually fall off the package rendering the exercise of adding a device onto a package essentially useless. In order to avoid the foregoing, retailers sometimes mount these devices by way of wraps or wiring which is cumbersome, difficult to remove and aesthetically displeasing as a high-end packaging is covered with wires or wraps.

[0004] Wraps may damage the edge of packages since they are sometimes inadvertently over tightened by store personnel.

[0005] Some devices such as tags are applied with an adhesive which can often lead to significant surface damage to the package when the tag is removed at the point of sale thereby compromising the aesthetic appeal of the branding. Other tags use an adhesive that stretches out disintegrating the adhesive making it easy to cleanly release the tag. Yet, in practice personnel may sometimes inadvertently pry off the device without pulling on the stretch adhesive which may result in surface damage.

OBJECTS

[0006] An object of present disclosure is to provide a device including a sticker for mounting auxiliary devices to product packages.

[0007] An object of present disclosure is to provide a device for removably mounting an auxiliary device to a package containing an item for purchase.

[0008] An object of present disclosure is to provide an assembly comprising a plurality of the devices for removably mounting auxiliary devices to respective packages containing an item for purchase.

[0009] An object of present disclosure is to provide an assembly for mounting a device on an outer surface of a package containing an item for purchase.

[0010] An object of present disclosure is to provide a method for mounting an auxiliary device on an outer surface of a package containing an item for purchase

SUMMARY

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for removably mounting an auxiliary device to a package containing an item for purchase, the device comprising: a base liner sticker defining a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a bottom adhesive for being adhesively mounted to an outer surface of the package, the top surface providing a suitable surface for receiving the auxiliary device thereon; and a top adhesive interposed between the auxiliary device and the top surface of the base liner sticker for adhesively and removably mounting the auxiliary device to the top surface, wherein the bottom adhesive comprises a greater adhesivity than the top adhesive such that removal of the auxiliary device from the base liner sticker does not cause removal of the base liner sticker from the outer surface of the package or damage to the base liner sticker.

[0012] In an embodiment, the top surface of the base liner sticker comprises the top adhesive. In an embodiment, the top surface comprises a removable protective film covering the top adhesive prior to use.

[0013] In an embodiment, an undersurface of the auxiliary device comprises the top adhesive. In an embodiment, the undersurface of the auxiliary device comprises a removable protective film covering the top adhesive prior to use.

[0014] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the package comprises graphical indications indicating a predetermined position thereon for mounting the base liner sticker.

[0015] In an embodiment, the base liner is transparent.

[0016] In an embodiment, the base liner sticker comprises indications.

[0017] In an embodiment, the base liner comprises an identification element.

In an embodiment, the identification element is selected from the group consisting of: a serial number, a receiving and transmitting element, a tag, an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag, an Electronic Product Code (EPC) tag, an electronic tag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a chip, a code, a QR code, a smart label, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the identification element is mounted to the base liner sticker or and/or embedded therein. In an embodiment, the base liner sticker is coded. In an embodiment, the auxiliary device comprises an identification element thereof for operative communication with the identification element of the base liner sticker. In an embodiment, the identification element of the auxiliary device is positioned at an undersurface thereof for operatively interfacing with the identification element of the base liner sticker. In an embodiment, the identification element of the auxiliary device is selected from the group consisting of: a receiving and transmitting element, a tag, an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag, an Electronic Product Code (EPC) tag, an electronic tag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a chip, a sensor, a camera and combinations thereof.

[0018] In an embodiment, the device further comprises an identification element interposed between the base liner sticker and outer surface of the package.

[0019] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a second base liner sticker for being adhesively mounted to the base liner sticker and for adhesively receiving the auxiliary device thereon. In an embodiment, the second base liner sticker comprises indications indicating what type of auxiliary device is to be mounted thereon.

[0020] In an embodiment, the base liner sticker comprises an indication for indicating the position at which a hole should be punctured therethrough and through the package to accommodate the auxiliary device.

[0021] In an embodiment, the base liner sticker comprises an outer contour section thereof and another section of the base liner sticker circumscribed by the contour section for receiving the auxiliary device thereon such that the contour section is not covered by the that is auxiliary device, the contour section comprising indications that circumscribe the auxiliary device when mounted on the base liner sticker.

[0022] In an embodiment, the device further comprises an additional sticker for being adhesively mounted to the base liner sticker when the auxiliary device is removed following a purchase. In an embodiment, the additional sticker comprises indications. In an embodiment, the additional sticker is coded. In an embodiment, the additional sticker is configured to deteriorate upon removal from the base liner sticker. In an embodiment, the additional sticker comprises die cuts thereby being removal from the base liner sticker in separate smaller pieces thereof. In an embodiment, the device further comprises a secondary additional sticker for being adhesively mounted to the additional sticker upon return of a purchased package.

[0023] In an embodiment, the the base liner sticker comprises a stretch adhesive sticker comprising a tab extending therefrom and not adhering to the outer surface of the packaging so as to be manually pulled in order to disintegrate the base line sticker.

[0024] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising a plurality of the devices of any one of the preceding paragraphs for mounting a plurality of the auxiliary devices to respective ones of the packages. In an embodiment of the assembly, the base liner stickers of each of the devices are removably mounted on a film substrate.

[0025] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for mounting a device on an outer surface of a package containing an item for purchase, the assembly comprising: an auxiliary device defining an undersurface thereof; a base liner sticker defining a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface comprising a bottom adhesive for being adhesively mounted to an outer surface of the package, the top surface providing a suitable surface for receiving the underside of the auxiliary device thereon; and a top adhesive interposed between the auxiliary device and the top surface of the base liner sticker for adhesively and removably mounting the undersurface of the auxiliary device to the top surface of the base liner sticker, wherein the bottom adhesive comprises a greater adhesivity than the top adhesive such that removal of the auxiliary device from the base liner sticker does not cause removal of the base liner sticker from the outer surface of the package or damage to the base liner sticker.

[0026] In an embodiment of the preceding assembly, the auxiliary device and the base liner sticker comprise respective identification elements for being in mutual operative communication when the auxiliary device is mounted to the base liner sticker. In an embodiment, the undersurface of the auxiliary device comprises the identification element thereof for operatively interfacing the identification element of the base liner sticker. In an embodiment, the auxiliary device comprises a controller thereof in operative communication with the identification element thereof for receiving information therefrom. In an embodiment, the identification element of the auxiliary device is selected from the group consisting of: a receiving and transmitting element, a tag, an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag, an Electronic Product Code (EPC) tag, an electronic tag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a chip, a sensor, a camera and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the identification element of the base liner is selected from the group consisting of: a receiving and transmitting element, a tag, an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag, an Electronic Product Code (EPC) tag, an electronic tag, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a chip, a sensor, a camera and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the auxiliary device is an anti-theft device and is in the active mode when the auxiliary device is mounted to the base liner sticker and the respective identification elements are in mutual operative communication, wherein the auxiliary device is in the inactive mode when the auxiliary device is mounted to the base liner sticker and the respective identification elements are not in mutual operative communication.

[0027] In an embodiment of the preceding assembly, the undersurface of the auxiliary device comprises the top adhesive. In an embodiment, the undersurface comprises the top adhesive on a portion thereof providing a contour section circumscribing the portion with the top adhesive to be without any adhesive allowing a non-adhered are between the contour portion and the top surface of the base liner.

[0028] In an embodiment of the preceding assembly, the top surface of the base liner comprises the top adhesive.

[0029] In an embodiment of the preceding assembly, the undersurface of the auxiliary element further comprises a piercing element for piercing through the base liner and the package. In an embodiment, the piercing element comprises a spike. In an embodiment, the piercing element comprises a sensor and/or an image capturing device. In an embodiment, the image capturing device comprises a camera. In an embodiment, the sensor comprises a light measuring instrument.

[0030] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for mounting an auxiliary device on an outer surface of a package containing an item for purchase, the method comprising: adhesively mounting a base liner sticker on the outer surface of the package at a predetermined position thereof with a bottom adhesive; and adhesively mounting the auxiliary device on the base liner sticker with a top adhesive, wherein the bottom adhesive comprises a greater adhesivity than the top adhesive such that removal of the auxiliary device from the base liner sticker does not cause removal of the base liner sticker from the outer surface of the package or damage to the base liner sticker.

[0031] Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the appended drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an auxiliary device mounted to a package in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 is perspective view of a base liner sticker mounted to a package for receiving an auxiliary device thereon in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a kit for mounting an auxiliary device on a package in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 is a bottom view of a base liner sticker in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5 is a top view of a base liner sticker in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 is a bottom view of an auxuliary device for being mounted to the package in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; [0039] Figure 7 is a bottom view of an auxiliary device for being mounted to the package in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a pair of base liner stickers mounted to a package in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9 shows a top liner film from one of the base liner stickers of Figure 8 having been removed in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 10 is a perspective and bottom view of an auxiliary device for being mounted to the package and of the protective liner film thereof having been removed from the undersurface thereof;

[0043] Figure 11 shows an auxiliary device in the process of being mounted to one of the base liner stickers of Figure 8 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 12 shows the auxiliary device of Figure 11 in the process of being removed from the base liner sticker in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 13 shows the other one of the base liner stickers of Figure 8 with a punctured hole through bot the base liner sticker and the package for receiving an auxiliary device element therethrough in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 14 shows the base liner sticker of Figure 13 with additional contour markings in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 15A shows an auxiliary device in the process of being mounted to the base liner sticker of Figure 14 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; [0048] Figure 15B shows the auxiliarybdevice of Figure 15A fully mounted to the base liner sticker of Figure 14 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 16 shows additional stickers for being mounted to a base liner sticker following removal of an auxiliary device in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 17 shows an additional sticker comprising a barcode in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 18 shows a top side of an additional sticker comprising a code in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 19 shows examples of a rear side of the additional sticker of Figure 18 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 20 shows examples of an additional sticker with die cuts in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 21 shows before and after views of an additional sticker with material that either deteriorates/disintegrates or had die cuts in order to deteriorate/disintegrate when being removed in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 22 shows an auxiliary device mounted to a package via a base liner sticker being a stretch adhesive sticker in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0056] Figure 23 shows substrate in the form of roll comprising a plurality of base liner stickers with indications including a QR code in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] The drawings form an integral part of the specification and disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a device for removably mounting an auxiliary device to a package containing an item for purchase. The device comprises a base liner sticker defining a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface comprises a bottom adhesive for being adhesively mounted to an outer surface of the package. The top surface provides a suitable surface for receiving the auxiliary device thereon. A top adhesive interposed between the auxiliary device and the top surface of the base liner sticker for adhesively and removably mounting the auxiliary device to the top surface. The bottom adhesive comprises a greater adhesivity than the top adhesive such that removal of the auxiliary device from the base liner sticker does not cause removal of the base liner sticker from the outer surface of the package or damage to the base liner sticker.

[0059] Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided an assembly comprising a plurality of the devices of the preceding paragraph for mounting a plurality of the auxiliary devices to respective ones of the packages. In an embodiment of the assembly, the base liner stickers of each of the devices are removably mounted on a film substrate.

[0060] Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided an assembly for mounting a device on an outer surface of a package containing an item for purchase. The assembly comprises an auxiliary device defines an undersurface thereof. A base liner sticker defines a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface comprises a bottom adhesive for being adhesively mounted to an outer surface of the package. The top surface providing a suitable surface for receiving the underside of the auxiliary device thereon. A top adhesive is interposed between the auxiliary device and the top surface of the base liner sticker for adhesively and removably mounting the undersurface of the auxiliary device to the top surface of the base liner sticker. The bottom adhesive comprises a greater adhesivity than the top adhesive such that removal of the auxiliary device from the base liner sticker does not cause removal of the base liner sticker from the outer surface of the package or damage to the base liner sticker. [0061] Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a method for mounting an auxiliary device on an outer surface of a package containing an item for purchase. The method comprises adhesively mounting a base liner sticker on the outer surface of the package at a predetermined position thereof with a bottom adhesive and adhesively mounting the auxiliary device on the base liner sticker with a top adhesive. The bottom adhesive comprises a greater adhesivity than the top adhesive such that removal of the auxiliary device from the base liner sticker does not cause removal of the base liner sticker from the outer surface of the package or damage to the base liner sticker.

[0062] With reference, to the appended Figures, non-restrictive illustrative embodiments will be herein described so as to further exemplify the disclosure only and by no limit the scope thereof.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a device 10 mounted to a package 12. The device 10 is an auxiliary device (such as and without limitation to a security device, a shopping enhancement device, a data device, a communications device, an advertising device etc.). As shown in Figure 2, the auxiliary device 10 includes an undersurface 14 that comprises an adhesive substance 16 for being adhesively mounted to a base liner or a base sticker 18 which is adhesively mounted on an outer surface 20 of the package 12. Unlike the varying outer surface types of various packages such as for example and without limitation to cardboard, ridged, glossy, paperboard, corrugated, blister package surfaces, cellophane, wrapped surfaces, plastic boxes, chipboard boxes and the like as will be well understood by the skilled artisan, the base liner 18 provides a consistent surface for the device 10 to be mounted on.

[0064] In an embodiment, a consistent surface includes without limitation a substantially flat surface. In an embodiment, the base line 18 corrects or ameliorates or enhances receptivity inadequacies by providing a straight, flat, contiguous, non-glossy, consistent surface when such as is lacking or when the surface is inconvenient like in ridged, corrugated, wavy, glossy surfaces for example.

[0065] Moreover, in an embodiment, the base liner 18 is positioned on the package 12 at the source rather than by a retail clerk in-store and as such, the merchant and/or brand owner will advantageously position the base liner 18 at an area of the package 18 which will not come into conflict with the packaging graphics and packaging aesthetics. Thus, the base liner 18 acts as a positioner for where to place the device 10 on the package and this positioning is decided at packaging or at the source by the merchant and/or brand owner rather than the retailer. Thus, the base line 18 provides for making the package “device ready”. In this way, the cost of the sticker is transferred from the retailer to the merchant and/or brand owner, there is a consistency to device placement which makes shelves appear more organized, proper placement on top of graphics is ensured since personnel have a targeted spot for placement of the device. Some auxiliary devices may include puncturing elements and having a targeted spot provided at the source for device placement which can further ensure that no object inside the package will be punctured or that such an object would impede puncturing.

[0066] In an embodiment, the base liner 18 is transparent. In an embodiment, the base liner 18 is provided with messaging, instructions, indications, indicia, colors, graphics and the like. In an embodiment, a plurality of base liners 18 are provided on a common substrate and are removed therefrom for usage. The base liners 18 may be adhesively but removably (by way of pulling off or peeling off) positioned on the common substrate (which can be a sheet or film as will be understood by the skilled artisan).

[0067] As will be further discussed herein, when the auxiliary device 10 is removed at the point-of-sale during checkout, the auxiliary device 10 is not in contact with the packaging surface 20 thus removal is much less likely to cause damage to the packaging surface 20. In an embodiment, the device 10 is removed via force that is superior to the adhesive strength with which it is mounted to the base liner 18, yet the base liner 18 is not pulled with the device 10 as it is adhesively mounted (or bonded) to the packaging surface 20 with an adhesive strength that is superior to the adhesive strength between the device 10 and the base liner 18.

[0068] Turning to Figures 3 and 4, the base liner 18 comprises a top surface 22 for receiving the device undersurface 14 thereon and an opposite bottom surface 24 with an adhesive substance 26 for being adhesively mounted to the packaging surface 20 of the package 12.

[0069] The top surface 22 is the release liner or release liner surface and provides the convenient receptivity as discussed herein for the auxiliary device 10.

[0070] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 3, the base liner 18 is adhesively mounted at a predetermined position 28 on the packaging outer surface 20. In an embodiment, the predetermined position 28 on the packaging outer surface is graphically indicated such as by the dotted line circle shown in Figure 3 or by any other type of suitable graphical indication. This is convenient as the brand owner can indicate where the sticker devices and auxiliary devices are to be mounted on the packaging in order not to negatively affect the branding as discussed herein.

[0071] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 2, the top surface 22 of the base liner 18 does not comprise an adhesive substance thereon and provides a substrate or surface for receiving the device undersurface 14 thereon.

[0072] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 5, the top surface 22 of the base liner 18 comprises a weak adhesive substance 30 for being in adhesive contact with the adhesive 16 of the device undersurface 14.

[0073] In an embodiment and with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 5, whether the top surface 22 of the base liner 18 is devoid of any adhesive substance or comprises a weak adhesive substance 30, the top surface 22 can be covered by a protective film 34 defining a top surface 36 and an opposite bottom surface 38. In an embodiment, the bottom surface 38 contains a weak adhesive for adhering on to the top surface 22 or for being in adhesive contact with the adhesive 30 of the top surface 22. The film 34 is releasably removed from the base liner 18 in order to expose the top surface 22. In an embodiment, the film 34 is transparent. In an embodiment, the release liner film 34 comprises indications such as instructions to be removed from the base liner 18.

[0074] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 3, a protective liner 40 is positioned on the underside 14 of the device 10 to cover the adhesive substance 16 and is removed prior to use as provided herein.

[0075] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 7, the base liner 18 is provided with an identification element 42 such as and without limitation thereto, a serial number, a receiving and transmitting element (such as and without limitation to an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) TAG, an Electronic Product Code (EPC), an electronic tag, an RFID, a chip and the like) , a code, a tag, a QR code, a smart label, and the like. Element 42 can be positioned on the top surface 22, at the undersurface or bottom surface 24 or embedded within the base line 18. Indeed, the base line 18 may be provided with an appropriate thickness for embedding an identification element therein.

[0076] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 6, the device 10 includes an identification element in the form of a receiving and transmitting element 44 such as and without limitation thereto, an Electronic Product Code (EPC), a QR code, an electronic tag, an RFID, a BLE tag, a chip and the like. In an embodiment, the receiving and transmitting element 42 operatively interfaces with the receiving and transmitting element 42 of the base liner 7. In an embodiment, the element 44 of the device 10 reads the data provided (via a receiving element which could be a camera for example) by element 42 of the base liner 18. This data can include product information such as production code, price and the like making it difficult for unauthorized manipulation of the package and product such as price switching and other acts. In an embodiment, for device 10 to be put in an active mode it must be operatively interfacing with a receiving and transmitting element 42 of the base liner 18 and as such in one example when the retailer attempts to activate device 10 it will signal an indication such as a sound, a vibration, a light etc. indicating that it has not been placed on the predetermined position on the package 12 (i.e. on the base liner 18). In an embodiment, the auxiliary device 10 comprises a controller (such as a microprocessor) in operative communication with the receiving and transmitting element 44 for receiving information therefrom.

[0077] In an embodiment, element 42 comprises a bar-code or other similar tag, positioned under the base liner 18 so as to prevent price switching. Therefore, if someone successfully removes the device 10 from the base liner 18 (without an alarm signaling if device 10 is a security device), they would need to position another bar-code (of a lesser price) on the base liner 18 and this positioning would be indicative to the cashier during checkout of unauthorized bar-code tampering. Of course, even if there was no device 10 on the base liner 18 the unauthorized barcode tampering would be conspicuous as the real bar-codes should be positioned under the base liner 18 not over the base liner 18.

[0078] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 6, the undersurface 14 of the device 10 contains the adhesive substance 16 on a portion thereof providing for a contour or ring section 46 without any adhesive substance allowing a user to place a device beneath section 46 and the base liner 18 during removal.

[0079] In an embodiment, unauthorized removal of the device 10 will trigger a security signal in order to prevent theft or damage. In an embodiment, the device 10 has an underside spike that has pierced the package 12 and the removal of the device will show a punctured hole through the base line 18 and the package surface 20.

[0080] Turning to Figure 8, there is shown a base liner 18 mounted to a package 12 as provided herein. The base liner 18 is transparent. The base liner 18 includes a removable top liner film 34 removed by a user as shown in Figure 9 and thereby exposing the top surface 22 of the base liner 18. The top liner film 34 is transparent.

[0081] Figure 10 shows a device 10 having an underside 14 with a removable protective liner 40 that is removed by the user to expose the adhesive 16. [0082] As shown in Figure 11 , the user mounts the device 10 with an exposed underside 14 to the top surface 22 of the base liner 18 providing the result of Figure 1.

[0083] Turning to Figure 12, in order to remove the device 10 from the base liner 18, the user places a removal device 48 between the device 10 and the base liner 18 beneath the ring section 46 and pushes inwardly as the removal device 48 is at an angle it raises the device 10 away from the base liner 18. In an embodiment, the removal device can be provided with a handle providing for the user to grip and facilitating pushing and lifting.

[0084] As shown in Figures 1 , 8, 9, 11 and 12, a second base liner 18’ is mounted to the package 12. This second base liner 18’ includes a logo. In an embodiment, the logo indicates that the base liner 18’ is to be or can be used with a specific device 10.

[0085] In an embodiment and with reference to Figures 13, 15A and 15B, a hole 50 is punctured though the base liner 18 and the package 12 for creating a space for receiving a spike element 11 from device 10’.

[0086] Providing a hole provides for “peaking” inside the package (e.g. box) and this can be done via piercing a hole and using a camera to detect pilfer activity or a light measuring instrument that can pierce through and box and analyze if light enters the box which would be indicative of a box opening again to detect possible illicit (pilfer) or unwanted activity. Indeed, retailers do not want customers to open boxes since boxes get damaged and/or lose their “newness” and other customers do not want to buy boxes with damages or that seem used. It is frustrating for a customer to purchase an item and then discover missing parts in a box or that the item is damaged. Thus, retailers try to prevent customers from opening boxes. Indeed, other sensors could also take advantage of a pierced “spike” hole. Furthermore, the hole may be beneficial in a mechanical way. For example, a Styrofoam inside the box can be pierced and this prevents the product from being removed and if the device is removed the alarm is signaled.

[0087] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 14, the base liner 18’ includes an outer contour section 52 with markings 54 such that when the device 10’ is mounted thereto as in Figure 15, the markings 54 are not covered thereby and visually circumscribe the device 10’. In an embodiment, the markings 54 are warning indications for warning a potential thief that the removal of the device 10 will trigger an alarm thereby pre-emptively deterring such attempts. Thus, the markings 54 can be deterrence markings. Of course, other messages can be provided.

[0088] In an embodiment and with reference to Figure 16, once the device 10 or 10’ is removed at the POS, the retailer places an additional stickers 56A, 56B, 56C on the base liner 18 or 18’. In an embodiment, the additional stickers comprise post-sale stickers. In an embodiment, the additional sticker 56A, 56B, 56B may indicate that the product has been purchased. In an embodiment, the additional sticker 56A, 56B, 56B covers damage such as the hole 50 in base line 18’ or accidental damage during removal of the device 10 thus serving aesthetic purposes. One example shows, namely additional sticker 56A has a heart shape 57 on the area where the hole was.

[0089] Turning to Figure 17, an additional sticker or post-sale sticker 56D, in accordance with an embodiment, is coded and provides proper tracing when packages are returned. The sticker 56D can be coded with a QR code or a barcode 60. In an embodiment, a QR code can provide a web link (such as a video) which provides instructions (on how to use the product), other information related to the purchase or like products, or rebates on other products and the like as can be determined by stores, band owners or other merchants selling the products.

[0090] Figure 18 shows another example of an additional sticker 56E, which is coded at the top surface 62 thereof. Figure 19 shows, three examples of the of the underside 64’, 64”, 64’” of the sticker 56E’, 56E”, 56E’” respectively. [0091] In embodiment and as illustrated in Figure 20, additional stickers 56F, 56H comprise die cuts 66 so that when the sicker is peeled off it deteriorates or disintegrates rendering it impossible for reuse and avoiding scam returns. In another embodiment, the additional stickers provided herein are made of material that when peeled off deteriorates or disintegrates.

[0092] Turning to Figures 21 , there is shown an additional sticker 56H (see BEFORE image), that can either have die cuts as explained above or be made of material that when peeled off deteriorates or disintegrates as shown (see AFTER image). These stickers help curtail return fraud, namely merchandise that is stolen and returned for a fraudulent refund. In an embodiment, a suitable number of die cuts 66 are provided making suitable for removal by store personnel when an item is returned for a proper refund.

[0093] With reference to Figure 22, there is shown a base liner sticker 18i in the form of a stretch adhesive sticker. Indeed, the base liner sicker 18i is adhesively mounted directly on the underside of the device 10i and then adhesively mounted on the package 12i. The sticker 18i comprises a tab 68 that when pulled disintegrates. In another embodiment, an additional or primary base liner sticker is provided (not shown) that is adhesively mounted to the package 12i with the base liner sticker 18i (referred to as a secondary base liner in this example) adhesively mounted thereon (and having been already mounted to the device 10i as in the previous example directly above).

[0094] In an embodiment, an auxiliary device is pried-off by hand without additional tools.

[0095] The stickers herein enable auxiliary devices to be applied to packages in a way which reduces, mitigates and/or eliminate surface damage to the packaging and/or that the damage is not noticeable and/or rendered immaterial past the POS (point of sale). Thus, the present disclosure provides for facilitating and expediting applying an auxiliary device to a package, preventing or mitigating damage to packages, preserving aesthetics and brand appeal, creating effective security and other functionalities for the benefit of retailers by making it possible to easily apply and remove an auxiliary device without apparent damage or consequence that will result in a loss of sale.

[0096] In an embodiment, using multiple layers of ultra-thin adhesive stickers provides for indicating the status of the item, such as sold, or to indicating tampering (as provided herein) or to indicate that an item has been returned. When a returned item is re-sold, if elements are missing from a package at any point after the return, the store can investigate the situation to see if a proper accounting of the package contents were assessed when the package was returned. Moreover, a returned sticker on a package that is being re-sold can indicate to the customer that the item was previously purchased and is sold “as is” or that this is the “final sale” at a discounted price. The sticker could read: “Quality Control. Item Returned and Inspected” or the like for example.

[0097] Turning to Figure 23, there is shown a substrate 70 in the form of roll comprising a plurality of base liner stickers 18ii with indications 72 including a QR code 74 as previously described herein.

[0098] The disclosed elements herein can be provided separately or sold in a kit of various components thereof. The disclosure also provides a method based on the steps disclosed herein without limitation to the structural elements herein but rather in the results obtained thereby.

[0099] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a more intuitive and simple solution for removing devices and thus avoiding prying-off devices which cause damage to the package in such a way to make the purchase undesirable.

[00100] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a more aesthetically pleasing security tag positioning that does not interfere with the brand image. Applying a security device may have a better "spot" than another and indicator of tag placement would go a long way to making tagging more consistent and compliant. [00101] The present disclosure provides for covering security useful holes in boxes or accidental damage thereby not interfering with brand image.

[00102] The various features described herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present disclosure so as to provide still other embodiments. As such, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, the embodiments discussed herein need not include all of the features and elements illustrated and/or described and thus partial combinations of features can also be contemplated. Furthermore, embodiments with less features than those described can also be contemplated. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present disclosure has been provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature thereof and of the appended claims.