WO2005029432A1

WO2005029432A1 - Merchandise security device

Info

Publication number: WO2005029432A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/030646
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael A. Lyle; William R. Greene
Original assignee: Lyle Michael A; Greene William R
Priority date: 2003-09-18
Filing date: 2004-09-20
Publication date: 2005-03-31

Abstract

A merchandise security device in the form of a hard tag (11). In one embodiment, the hard tag (11) comprises an upper body member (13), a lower member (15), a plunger (17), a locking member (19) and an EAS sensor (21). The upper and lower body members (13, 15) are joined together to form a tag body (11), the tag body (11) having an attachment portion (14) and a sensor receiving portion (16). The attachment portion (14) comprises upper and lower jaws (18, 20) spaced apart to define a mouth (22) into which an article may be inserted. The plunger (17) extends through the upper jaw (18) and is adapted for movement between a retracted position in which the plunger (17) permits an article to be freely inserted into and removed from the mouth (22) and an extended position in which the bottom end of the plunger (17) traps the article against the lower jaw (20) without penetrating the article.

Description

MERCHANDISE SECURITY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to merchandise security devices and relates more particularly to a novel merchandise security device. The prevention and deterrence of merchandise theft has been the subject of numerous technical approaches. One type of approach has been to attach to an article of merchandise a security device in the form of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag or device, the EAS device being adapted to trigger an alarm or the like if the article is moved beyond a predetermined location and the EAS device has not been deactivated or removed from the article. In the aforementioned type of approach, a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus are typically situated on opposite sides of a passageway leading to an exit of the premises being protected, the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus together defining an interrogation zone. The transmitting apparatus is typically used to transmit over the interrogation zone an interrogation signal that is recognizable by the EAS device and that causes the EAS device, if not deactivated, to emit a response signal. The receiving apparatus is typically used to detect the presence of a response signal from an activated EAS device located within the interrogation zone. The detection by the receiving apparatus of a response signal indicates that the EAS device has not been removed or deactivated and that the article bearing the EAS device may not have been paid for or properly checked out. Typically, the detection of such a response signal by the receiving apparatus triggers an alarm. One common type of EAS device is referred to in the art as "a hard tag" and is typically used to protect articles of clothing and similar items. Typically, a hard tag comprises a tag body and a tack. The tag body is typically made of rigid plastic and houses an EAS sensor. The tack has a sharp end that is adapted to pierce the article being protected and then is adapted to be inserted into the interior of the tag body. A mechanism, which may include a magnetic or mechanical clamp, is typically housed within the tag body and is used to retain the sharp end of the tack within the tag body, thereby preventing the hard tag from being removed from the article. After the article has been purchased, a detaching device is typically used to release the tack from the clamping mechanism, thereby permitting the tack to be removed from the tag body and, in turn, the hard tag to be removed from the article. One example of a hard tag is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419, inventors Nguyen et al., which issued June 20, 1995, and which is incorporated herein by reference. The hard tag of the aforementioned patent comprises a tag body and a tack, the tack being completely physically separable from the tag body. The tag body comprises an upper housing member and a lower housing member, the upper and lower housing members being joined together by welding or the like and jointly defining a front cavity and a rear cavity. A front opening is provided in the tag body, and interior walls and the sides of the housing members define an arcuate channel leading from the front opening to the front cavity. An EAS sensor is disposed within the rear cavity of the tag body. The tack includes an enlarged tack head and an elongated tack body, the tack body extending from the tack head. The end of the tack body opposite the tack head is pointed for insertion through an article of clothing or the like. A small opening is provided in the upper housing member, the pointed end of the tack body being insertable through said small opening and into a receiving collar disposed within the front cavity of the tag body until the tack head is seated upon the upper housing member. In this manner, by inserting the pointed end of the tack body through an article and then through the small opening in the upper housing member and into the receiving collar, the article is trapped between the tack head and the upper housing member of the tag body. A spring clamp is disposed within the front cavity of the tag body for preventing the tack body from being withdrawn from the tag body, the spring clamp being shaped to include a clamp body and a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws are adapted to grip the tack body and prevent its release from the tag body. To release the tack body from the clamp, an arcuate probe is inserted through the front opening and the arcuate channel and is used to pivot the clamp body until the jaws are moved away from the tack body. The tack may then be removed from the tag body, thereby permitting the tag to be removed from the article. Although hard tags of the aforementioned type have achieved widespread use, such tags suffer from certain shortcomings. First, when such a tag is not secured to an article, the tack is completely uncoupled to its tag body. As a result, the pointed end of the tack, when handled, may result in the accidental pricking of a person or an article. In fact, it is customary for unused tacks to be stored en masse in a bin or like receptacle and to be removed by having a person reach into the bin to retrieve tacks as needed. As can readily be appreciated, because such a collection of tacks may be positioned in a multitude of different orientations, the chance of inadvertently being pricked while reaching for a tack is not trivial. Another shortcoming with tags of the type described above is that the pointed end of the tack must be inserted through the article in order for the tag to be secured to the article. As can readily be appreciated, the insertion of the pointed end of the tack through the article may damage certain types of articles, such as fine fabrics, with prolonged attachment of the tag to the article increasing the range of articles that may become damaged by the tag. Moreover, hard tags of the type described above are typically intended to be used more than once. After such use, however, and particularly after repeated use, it is not uncommon for the jaws of the clamp to inflict small nicks or cuts in the tack body. With subsequent use of such a nicked tack, the tack may tear an article through which it is inserted. In addition, because any given tack may be used with a multitude of clamps and vice versa, any damage inflicted upon one item by the other item is apt to result in an even greater number of damaged items following subsequent uses. Still another shortcoming with tags of the type described above is that certain unscrupulous individuals may be able to pivot the clamp away from the tack, thereby releasing the tack from the tag body, by inserting an unauthorized arcuate member (such as a bent paper clip or the like) through the front opening in the tag body and through the arcuate channel that leads directly to the clamp. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a new merchandise security device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a merchandise security device that overcomes at least some of the shortcomings discussed above in connection with existing merchandise security devices. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted; (b) a plunger, said plunger having a closed bottom end, said plunger being coupled to said upper jaw for movement between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said closed bottom end of said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article; and (c) a security sensor disposed within said tag body. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted; (b) a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article, said plunger having a first annular groove; (c) means for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position, said releasably locking means comprising an elongated member movable from a locking position to an unlocking position, said elongated member being shaped to include a transverse opening through which said plunger may extend, said transverse opening having a smaller portion and a larger portion, said smaller portion of said transverse opening being dimensioned to lockingly receive said first annular groove of said plunger when said plunger is positioned in said extended position, said larger portion of said transverse opening being dimensioned to permit said plunger to move freely; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body. According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body having an attachment portion and a sensor portion, said attachment portion comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted, said sensor portion being adapted to receive a sensor; (b) a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article; (c) means disposed within said tag body for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said sensor portion of said tag body; (e) wherein said sensor portion of said tag body is shaped to include a keyhole, said keyhole being adapted to receive a key to release said plunger from said releasably locking means. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tag body, said tag body having a keyhole for accessing the interior of said tag body; (b) means for attaching an article to said tag body; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said attaching means in an attaching state; (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body; (e) means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said releasably locking means for impeding the passage of an unauthorized picking element to said releaseably locking means. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a merchandise security device comprising (a) a tack; (b) a tag body, the tag body having a first opening and a second opening, said tack being insertable into said first opening in a snug but freely removable manner; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said tack to said tag body when said tack is inserted into said second opening but not said first opening; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body. The present invention is also directed at a novel hand tool adapted for applying certain types of merchandise security devices to articles. For purposes of the present specification and claims, various relational terms, such as "top," "bottom," "proximal," "distal," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear" and the like, are used to describe the present invention when said invention is positioned in or viewed from a given orientation. It is to be understood that, by altering the orientation of the invention, certain relational terms may need to be adjusted accordingly. Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the invention. The embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts: Figs. 1(a) through 1(h) are perspective, exploded top perspective, exploded bottom perspective, top, front, transverse section, right side and rear views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being shown in Figs. 1(a), 1(d), 1(e), 1(f), 1(g) and 1(h) with its plunger in its retracted position; Fig.2(a) through 2(d) are perspective, front, transverse section, and right side views, respectively, of the hard tag of Fig. 1(a), with the plunger being shown in its extended position; Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are enlarged top perspective and enlarged bottom perspective views, respectively, of the upper body member shown in Fig. 1(a); Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lower body member shown in Fig. 1(a); Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the plunger shown in Fig. 1(a); Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig. 1(b); Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are right side and perspective views, respectively, showing the plunger of Fig. 5 held in its retracted position within the locking member of Fig. 6; Figs. 7(c) and 7(d) are left side and perspective views, respectively, showing the plunger of Fig.5 snap-locked into its extended position within the locking member of Fig. 6; Fig. 7(e) is a right perspective view, showing the plunger of Fig. 5 released from the locking member of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a transverse section view, showing the tag of Fig. 1(a) attached to a garment; Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the tag of Fig. 1(a), showing how the key of a detaching apparatus is used to move the locking member so as to release the plunger from the locking member (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown to reveal certain internal components of the tag body); Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) are top perspective and left side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being shown with its plunger and pin in their respective retracted positions; Fig. 10(c) is a top perspective view of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a), the hard tag being shown with its plunger and pin in their respective extended positions; Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the plunger shown in Fig. 10(a); Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the pin shown in Fig. 10(a); Fig. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the pin of Fig. 12 fully inserted into the plunger of Fig. 11 ; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tool constructed according to the teachings of the present invention for use in moving the plunger and pin of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a) from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions; Figs. 15(a) and 15(b) are perspective views, showing how the tool of Fig. 14 is used to move the plunger and pin of the hard tag of Fig. 10(a) from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions; Figs. 16(a) through 16(e) are perspective, exploded perspective, top, front and left side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being shown in Figs. 16(a), 16(c), 16(d) and 16(e) with the piercing tip of the tack locked inside the tag body; Figs. 17(a) through 17(c) are perspective, top and left side views, respectively, of the hard tag of Fig. 16(a), with the piercing tip of the tack removably inserted into the tag body through a storage opening; Fig. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the hard tag of Fig. 16(a), with the lower body member not being shown to reveal how the piercing tip of the tack is locked inside the tag body; Figs. 19(a) through 19(c) are top perspective, bottom perspective, and bottom views, respectively, of the upper body member shown in Fig. 16(a); Figs. 20(a) through 20(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lower body member shown in Fig. 16(a); Figs. 21(a) and 21(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the tack shown in Fig. 16(a); Fig. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig.

16(b); Fig. 23 is a side view, showing the tag of Fig. 16(a) being attached to an article; Fig. 24 is a bottom view of the tag of Fig. 16(a), showing how the key of a detaching apparatus is used to move the locking member so as to release the tack from the locking member (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown to reveal certain components contained in the tag body); Fig.25 is a top view of a third embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; Fig. 26 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; Fig. 27 is a top view of an fifth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; Figs.28(a) and 28(b) are exploded bottom perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a sixth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown in Fig. 28(b) to reveal certain components contained in the tag body); Figs.29(a) and 29(b) are exploded bottom perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a seventh embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown in Fig. 29(b) to reveal certain components contained in the tag body); Figs. 30(a) and 39(b) are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the upper body member shown in Fig. 29(a); Fig. 31 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking member shown in Fig.

29(a); and Figs.32(a) and 32(b) are exploded bottom perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an eighth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention (the lower body member of the hard tag not being shown in Fig. 32(b) to reveal certain components contained in the tag body).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to Figs. 1(a) through 1(h) and 2(a) through 2(d), there are shown various views of a first embodiment of a merchandise security device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the merchandise security device being in the form of a hard tag represented generally by reference numeral 11. Tag 11 includes an upper body member 13, a lower body member 15, a plunger 17, a locking member 19 and a sensor 21. Upper body member 13, which is also shown separately in Figs.3(a) and 3(b), is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. Member 13 is shaped to include a top wall 25, a front wall 27, a rear wall 29, a left side wall 31 and a right side wall 33. A transverse opening 35 is provided in top wall 25, opening 35 being dimensioned to receive the shaft of plunger 17 as will be discussed further below. An annular recess 37 surrounds opening 35, recess 37 being dimensioned to receive the head of plunger 17 as will be discussed further below. A portion of top wall 25 is shaped to bulge upwardly to form a registration element 39, element 39 being receivable in a complementary-shaped nesting element of a conventional detaching apparatus, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419. Front wall 27 includes an opening 41 , the purpose of which will be discussed below, and rear wall 29 includes an opening 43, the purpose of which will be discussed below. Left side wall 31 is generally straight, and right side wall 33 includes a straight front portion 33-1 and a curved rear portion 33-2. A plurality of inner walls 51 and 53 are formed on the bottom surface of top wall 25, walls 51 and 53, together with rear wall 29 and left side wall 31 , collectively defining a cavity 55 for receiving sensor 21. In addition, wall 53, together with a pair of walls 57 and 59 formed on the bottom surface of top wall 25, collectively define a slot 61 for slidably receiving locking member 19. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 62 are disposed on the sides of walls 57 and 59 facing away from slot 61. A wall 63 formed on the bottom surface of top wall 25 extends generally perpendicularly from wall 57 into slot 61 to serve as a stop for limiting rearward movement of locking member 19 with slot 61. A wall 65 extending rearwardly from front wall 27 about half the distance to wall 63 and extending laterally between walls 57 and 59 serves to keep locking member 19 from falling downwardly out of slot 61. An opening 67 is provided in wall 65, opening 67 being aligned with opening 35 to receive the shaft of plunger 17. Lower body member 15, which is also shown separately in Figs.4(a) and 4(b), is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. Member 15 is shaped to include a bottom wall 71 , a front wall 73, a rear wall 75, a left side wall 77 and a right side wall 79. Bottom wall 71 includes a generally flat front portion 81 , a generally flat rear portion 83 and a sloped intermediate portion 85. A bowl-shaped cavity 87 is formed on the upper surface of front portion 81 , cavity 87 being used to receive the bottom (i.e., free) end of plunger 17. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 88 surround cavity 87. An opening 89 is provided in rear wall 75. As will be further discussed below, opening 89 of lower body member 15 and opening 43 of upper body member 13 collectively define a keyhole that is used to provide access to the rear end of locking member 19 when it is desired to detach tag 11 from an article to which it has been attached. A slot 90 is formed on the upper surface of rear portion 83, slot 90 receiving the rear portion of locking member 19. A plurality of walls 91 , 93 and 95 are formed on the upper surface of rear portion 83. Wall 91 , which extends forwardly a short distance from a point proximate to rear wall 75, serves as a physical barrier to protect sensor 21 from being damaged by the insertion of certain unauthorized implements through the keyhole. Wall 93, which is positioned a short distance in front of opening 89, serves as an obstruction or diversion to block a direct pathway from the keyhole to locking member 19, thereby making more difficult the movement of locking member 19 without the use of an authorized detaching apparatus having an appropriately curved key. As can be seen, wall 93 has a curved shape and is angled relative to opening 89 so that an unauthorized member inserted straight through opening 89 will likely be diverted away from locking member 19 and towards wall 91. This is to be contrasted, for example, with the tag of U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419 in which a plurality of walls extending from the keyhole to the locking member collectively define a channel that has the unintended effect of guiding manytypes of unauthorized implements inserted through the keyhole directly to the locking member. Wall 95, which is positioned a short distance behind slot 90, includes a frangible portion 99 that acts as a seal or membrane to prevent certain unauthorized implements from passing through to locking member 19. More specifically, frangible portion 99 is constructed to have a size and strength such that certain unauthorized implements are prevented from passing therethrough while, at the same time, allowing the key of an authorized detaching apparatus to break therethrough to engage locking member 19. Upper body member 13 and lower body member 15 are joined together, preferably by welding, glue or the like, to define a tag body having an attachment portion 14 and a sensor portion 16. Attachment portion 14 includes an upper jaw 18 and a lower jaw 20, jaws 18 and 20 being spaced apart to define a mouth 22 into which a portion of an article may be inserted. Sensor portion 16 is a generally closed structure that houses sensor 21 , with openings 43 and 89 jointly defining a keyhole 24 leading to the interior of sensor portion 16. Plunger 17, which is also shown separately in Fig. 5, is a solid, unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. (Alternatively, plunger 17 may be made of metal.) Plunger 17 is shaped to include an elongated, generally cylindrical shaft 101 and an enlarged, generally dome-shaped head 103, head 103 being disposed at the upper end of shaft 101. A pair of annular grooves 105 and 107 are provided in shaft 101 , grooves 105 and 107 being used to retain shaft 101 at retracted and extended positions, respectively, within locking member 19, as will be discussed further below. Locking member 19, which is also shown separately in Fig. 6, is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. (Alternatively, locking member 19 may be made of metal.) Locking member 19 is appropriately sized for sliding movement within slot 61 and is shaped to include a front portion 111 and a rear portion 113, front portion 111 being comparatively wider and shorter than rear portion 113. The rear surface 112 of front portion 111 is engageable with wall 63 to limit rearward movement of member 19 within slot 61. A protrusion 114 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of member 19 is engageable with wall 65 and limits forward movement of member 19 within slot 61. Front portion 111 , which is generally rectangular in shape, includes a transverse opening 115 having a comparatively smaller diameter front section 117 and a comparatively larger diameter rear section 119. The walls defining section 117 are appropriately angled to facilitate the insertion of plunger 17 down through section 117 while, at the same time, inhibiting the withdrawal of plunger 17 up through section 117. As shown in Figs. 7(a) through 7(d), front section 117 is appropriately dimensioned relative to shaft 101 of plunger 17 so that, when shaft 101 is aligned within front section 117, plunger 17 is movable, with force, from a retracted position in which front section 117 stably resides in groove 105 to a snap-locked extended position in which front section 117 lockably engages groove 107. By contrast, as shown in Fig. 7(e), rear section 119 is appropriately dimensioned relative to shaft 101 of plunger 17 so that, when shaft 101 is aligned within rear section 119, shaft 101 is free to move transversely relative to locking member 19. Rear portion 113 of locking member 19 is shaped to include an outwardly- biasing arm 120. Arm 120 is appropriately positioned along the length of rear portion 113 so that, when locking member 19 is moved to its forward position by the key of a detaching apparatus, arm 120 swings outwardly so as to be engageable with wall 51 , thereby preventing locking member 19 from being returned to its rearward position. Consequently, tag 11 cannot be reused and, therefore, is intended to be disposed after a single use. Sensor 21 may be any type of EAS sensor but is preferably an acoustically resonant magnetic sensor of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,510,489 and 4,510,490, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other types of sensors suitable for use as sensor 21 include magnetic EAS sensors, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,686,516 and 4,797,658, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, and RF EAS sensors, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,429,302 and 4,356,477, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, sensor 21 may be in the form of an RFID device. To attach tag 11 to an article of merchandise, such as a garment G, plunger

17 is initially placed in its retracted position and garment G is inserted between jaws

18 and 20 and into mouth 22. Plunger 17 is then moved downwardly until snap- locked in its extended position, causing a portion of garment G to become securely held by the bottom end of plunger 17 within cavity 87, as shown in Fig. 8. (Alternatively, instead of pinching or trapping the garment between plunger 17 and cavity 87, plunger 17 may be inserted through a button hole, belt loop or other bounded opening in the garment.) As can be seen, with plunger 17 thus in its extended position, head 103 of plunger 17 sits within recess 37 and is virtually inaccessible for tampering. Moreover, as noted above, because sensor portion 16 does not include a channel leading from keyhole 24 to locking member 19, but rather, includes a diverting wall 93 and a sealing wall 95, many unauthorized implements are prevented from accessing locking member 19. To remove tag 11 from an attached article, such as after the purchase of the article, a key K of a detaching apparatus is inserted into tag 11 through keyhole 24 and advanced therein until locking member 19 is contacted therewith (see Fig. 9). Key K then moves locking member 19 forward until rear section 119 of opening 115 is moved into alignment with plunger 17. Plunger 17 may then be pulled upwardly from jaw 20 (or even removed entirely from the tag body), thereby releasing the article from the pinch between plunger 17 and cavity 87 of jaw 20. Tag 11 has an overall size and shape to be compatible with presently commercially available detachers of the type having a curved key. One notable advantage of tag 11 , as compared to conventional hard tags of the type comprising a piercing tack and a tag body, is that tag 11 does not involve the piercing of an article with a tack, but rather, involves the pinching or trapping of the article between plunger 17 and the tag body. Consequently, tag 11 will not tear or otherwise damage articles to which it is attached. Similarly, because tag 11 does not include a sharpened tack, there is no risk that an individual attaching tag 11 to an article may prick himself, others or inanimate objects. Moreover, because there is no visible or guided path from keyhole 24 to locking member 19, tag 11 should be difficult for most prospective thieves to pick. Furthermore, because keyhole 24 and mouth 22 are located at opposite ends of tag 11 , when inserting tag 11 into a conventional detaching apparatus, the garment may be kept safely away from the detaching apparatus. Additionally, because of its design, construction and materials cost, tag 11 may be fabricated at costs considerably less than many presently commercially available hard tags. Consequently, the disposal of tag 11 after a single use should not be a financial burden. Notwithstanding the above, if desired, one could modify tag 11 to be re-usable by eliminating arm 120 from locking member 19. Then, after tag 11 has been used, one could insert a tool into opening 41 to return locking member 19 to its rearward position within slot 61. With locking member 19 in said rearward position, plunger 17 could then be inserted downwardly through opening 35 until front section 117 of locking member 19 engages groove 105 to place plunger 17 in its retracted position. Additionally, a spring or other biasing means could be added to return locking member 19 to its rearward position, and a retainer or the like could be added to prevent plunger 17 from separating completely from the tag body after unlocking. Referring now to Figs. 10(a) through 10(c), there are shown bottom views of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 151. Tag 151 is similar in most respects to tag 11 , the principal differences between the two tags being (i) that tag 151 includes a plunger 153, instead of plunger 17, and (ii) that tag 151 additionally includes a pin 155. Plunger 153, which is also shown separately in Fig. 11 , is similar to plunger

17, the only differences between the two plungers being that plunger 153 does not have a closed bottom end, but rather, includes a longitudinal bore 156 extending its entire length and additionally includes an annular recess 157 surrounding bore 156 at its top end. Pin 155, which is also shown separately in Fig. 12, is mounted within bore 156 of plunger 153 by an interference fit and includes an elongated shaft 159, shaft 159 terminating at its bottom end in a sharp tip 161 and at its top end in an enlarged head 163. Pin 155 is sized to be longer than plunger 153. However, prior to use of tag

151 , pin 155 is positioned relative to plunger 153 so that head 163 of pin 155 is positioned above the head of plunger 153 and so that tip 161 of pin 155 does not extend beyond the bottom end of plunger 153. In this manner, tip 161 cannot cause injury to a user of tag 151 and cannot damage an article inserted into mouth 22. However, during attachment of tag 151 to an article, not only is plunger 153 moved from its retracted position to its extended position, but pin 155 is moved downwardly relative to shaft 159 until head 163 of pin 155 is seated within recess 157 of plunger 153 (see Fig. 13). Thus re-positioned relative to plunger 153, tip 161 extends beyond the bottom end of plunger 153, through the article in question, and into cavity 87. As can readily be appreciated, because pin 155 pierces the article to which tag

151 is attached, tag 151 is not as gentle to certain sensitive articles (e.g., fine fabrics) as tag 11. Although pin 155 and plunger 153 may be moved from their retracted positions to their extended positions by pushing down on pin 155 and plunger 153 with one's finger, it may be difficult for some users to do so. Referring now to Fig. 14, there is shown a hand tool that may be used to move pin 155 and plunger 153 from their retracted positions to their extended positions so that tag 151 may be applied to a desired article, said tool being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and being represented generally by reference numeral 201. As can be seen, tool 201 includes a body 203, body 203 being shaped to include a pair of slots 205-1 and 205-2 for receiving tag 151 and a pair of finger rests 207-1 and 207-2 for receiving a pair of fingers (preferably the index finger and the middle finger of a user's hand). A pair of L-shaped clips 209-1 and 209-2 are mounted on body 203 and serve as shelves to retain tag 151 within slots 207-1 and 207-2. Tool 201 also includes a plunger 211 , plunger 211 being slidably mounted in body 203. Plunger 211 is shaped to include a shaft 213, shaft 213 having an enlarged head 215 at its upper end and an enlarged head 217 at its lower end. Head 215 is adapted to be manually actuated by a user (preferably by the thumb of the same hand used to grip body 203). Head 217 is adapted to contact pin 155 and plunger 153 and to move pin 155 and plunger 153 downwardly in the tag body. A spring 219 is inserted over shaft 213 between head 217 and the top surface of body 203, spring 219 biasing plunger 211 upwardly. The operation of tool 201 in conjunction with tag 151 is shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b). As can be appreciated, one limitation of the various hard tags described above is that such hard tags may only be attached to articles at certain locations (such as at peripheral edges, at folded edges and through button holes, belt loops and similar openings) where such articles are insertable into the mouth of the hard tag. Referring now to Figs. 16(a) through 16(e), Figs. 17(a) through 17(c) and Fig. 18, there are shown various views of a second embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 301. Tag 301 includes an upper body member 313, a lower body member 315, a tack 317, a locking member 319 and a sensor 321. Upper body member 313, which is also shown separately in Figs. 19(a) through 19(c), is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. Member 313 is shaped to include a top wall 325, a front wall 327, a rear wall 329, a left side wall 331 and a right side wall 333. Top wall 325, in turn, includes a front portion 335, a rear portion 337 and an intermediate portion 339, front portion 335 being elevated relative to rear portion 337. The top surface of front portion 335 is shaped to include a pedestal 341 in the form of a truncated dome. The bottom surface of front portion 335 is shaped to include a bracket 343 having a pair of side walls 345-1 and 345-2 interconnected by a top wall 347. As will be explained further below, bracket 343 receives locking member 319. A pair of transverse openings 349 and 351 are provided in front portion 335 and extend through pedestal 341 and top wall 347 of bracket 343. As will be discussed in greater detail below, opening 349 is used to receive the piercing end of tack 317 when one wishes to lockingly attach tag 301 to an article of merchandise, and opening 351 is used to receive the piercing end of tack 317 when one wishes merely to couple tack 317 to the remainder of tag 301 , without locking the two together, such as when tag 301 is stored prior to or subsequent to being attached to an article. Opening 351 is preferably sized for an interference fit with the shaft of tack 317 to keep tack 317 from falling out of opening 351 during storage and, on the other hand, to permit tack 317 to be removed easily from opening 351 when one wishes to attach tag 301 to an article. A plurality of protrusions are formed on the lower surface of top wall 347 and extend downwardly therefrom. One such protrusion is a generally rectangular block 353, block 353 having a scalloped face 355 bounding approximately one-half the circumference of opening 349. As will be explained further below, when the piercing end of tack 317 is inserted through opening 349, locking member 319 is used to hold the shaft of tack 317 within the recess of scalloped face 355 and against block 353. The other protrusions on the lower surface of top wall 347 are stops 357 and 359, stop 357 serving to prevent rearward movement of locking member 319 within bracket 343 and stop 359 serving to prevent forward movement of locking member 319 within bracket 343 until locking member 319 is moved forwardly by the key of a detaching apparatus. A plurality of walls 361 , 363 and 365 are formed on the bottom surface of rear portion 337, walls 361 , 363 and 365 being identical in structure and function to walls 91 , 93 and 95, respectively, of tag 11. Rear wall 329 of upper body member 313 is shaped to include an opening 367, opening 367 serving the same function as opening 43 of tag 11. Lower body member 315, which is also shown separately in Figs. 20(a) and 20(b), is a unitary member, preferably made of a rigid molded plastic, such as ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate or the like. Member 315, which may be joined to upper body member 313 by welding, glueing or the like to form a substantially closed tag body, is shaped to include a bottom wall 371 , a front wall 373, a rear wall 375, a left side wall 377 and a right side wall 379. A portion of bottom wall 371 is shaped to bulge downwardly to form a registration element 380, element 380 being receivable in a complementary-shaped nesting element of a conventional detaching apparatus, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,426,419. A sleeve 381 extends upwardly from the top surface of bottom wall 371 , sleeve 381 being aligned with opening 349 of upper body member 313 to receive the piercing tip of tack 317. An opening 385 is provided in rear wall 375 of lower body member 315, opening 385, together with opening 367 of upper body member 313, defining a keyhole 387 into which a key may be inserted to unlock tack 317 from the remainder of tag 301. Tack 317, which is also shown separately in Figs. 21 (a) and 21 (b), comprises a tack shaft 391 and a tack head 393, tack head 393 being disposed at the upper end of tack shaft 391. The bottom end of tack shaft 391 is in the shape of a sharp tip 395 adapted to pierce through clothing and similar articles of merchandise. Although, in the embodiment shown, tack 317 is formed by inserting a pin, preferably made of metal, through a dome-shaped head, preferably made of molded plastic, tack 317 may be fashioned as a unitary structure made of a suitable metal or plastic. Locking member 319, which is also shown separately in Fig. 22, is a unitary structure, preferably made of a stamped metal or a rigid molded plastic. Locking member 319 is shaped to include a front portion 401 , an intermediate portion 403, and a rear portion 405. Front portion 401 and rear portion 405 are generally parallel to one another, but lying in different planes, with intermediate portion 403 perpendicular to each of front portion 401 and rear portion 405. As will be explained further below, front portion 401 , which is seated within bracket 343 against top wall 347, is adapted for sliding movement along top wall 347. Front portion 401 , which is a generally rectangular member, is provided with a generally U-shaped transverse opening 407 that is bounded by a front wall 409, a rear wall 410, a left wall 411 , a right wall 412, and a tab 413 extending a short distance rearwardly from front wall 409. The free or rear end of tab 413 is shaped to include a curved recess 415 for receiving shaft 391 of tack 317. In this manner, as seen best in Fig. 18, shaft 391 is tightly retained between tab 413 and block 353, with stop 357 positioned within the front end of opening 407 to prevent rearward movement of member 319 and stop 359 positioned within the rear end of opening 407 to prevent forward movement of member 319 until urged therepast by the key of a detaching apparatus. Sensor 321 , which is disposed within the tag body, is identical to sensor 21 of tag 11. Referring now to Fig. 23, to attach tag 301 to an article of merchandise, such as a garment G, tack 317, which has preferably been stored by inserting tip 395 through storage opening 351 , is first withdrawn from storage opening 351. (Because tack 317 is not locked in storage opening 351 , no unlocking step is required to remove tack 317.) Tip 395 of tack 317 is then inserted first through garment G and then through opening 349 and into sleeve 381 , with shaft 391 of tack 317 being gripped tightly by an interference fit between tab 413 and block 353. Referring now to Fig. 24, to remove tag 301 from a garment or other attached article, such as after the purchase of the article, a key K of a detaching apparatus is inserted into the tag body through keyhole 387 until key K breaks through wall 365 and contacts locking member 319. Locking member 319 is then urged forwardly by key K until the resistance provided by stop 359 is overcome, thereby causing locking member 319 to be moved forwardly relative to bracket 343 and, consequently, causing tab 413 to be moved away from shaft 391 of tack 317. Tack 317 may then be removed from the tag body and the attached article. Tag 301 is sized and shaped to be compatible with presently commercially available detachers of the type having a curved key. It should be noted that, although storage opening 351 of tag 301 is positioned on pedestal 341 of upper body member 313, storage opening 351 may be positioned at a variety of different locations on the tag body. Examples of alternative locations for storage openings are shown by tags 431 , 441 and 451 of Figs. 25 through 27, respectively. One advantage of tags 301 , 431 , 441 and 451 , as compared to tags 11 and

151 , is that tags 301 , 431 , 441 and 451 are not constrained to being attached to articles capable of being inserted into a mouth-like opening. Tags 301 , 431 , 441 and 451 are designed to be disposable or single-use items. Referring now to Figs. 28(a) and 28(b), there are shown various views of a sixth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 501. Tag 501 , which is a re-usable tag, is similar in most respects to tag 301 , one difference between the two tags being that tag 501 additionally includes a resilient member 503. Resilient member 503, which may be a block of a resilient polymeric material, such as a suitable urethane, is appropriately positioned in the tag body in front of locking member 319 so as to bias locking member 319 rearwardly. In this manner, after locking member 319 has been moved forwardly by a detaching apparatus and tack 317 has been removed from the tag body, member 319 is returned to its original rearward position so that tack 317 may be reinserted into the tag body to be locked therewithin. Another difference between tags 501 and tag 301 is that, in tag 501 , storage opening 505 is moved slightly forwardly so that the shaft 391 of tack 317 may be removably retained in the tag body by the rear edge of front wall 409 of locking member 319. Referring now to Figs. 29(a) and 29(b), there are shown various views of a seventh embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 601. Tag 601 is similar in many respects to tag 301 , the principal differences between the two tags being that tag 601 includes (i) an upper body member 603, instead of upper body member 313; and (ii) includes a locking member 605, instead of locking member 319. Upper body member 603, which is also shown separately in Figs. 30(a) and 30(b), differs principally from upper body member 313 in that upper body member 603 includes a bracket 607, instead of bracket 343. Bracket 607 is shaped to include a pair of side walls 609-1 and 609-2 interconnected by a top wall 611. A storage opening 613, similar in function to opening 351 of tag 301 , extends from the top surface of member 313 through wall 611. A locking opening 615, similar in function to opening 349 of tag 301 , extends downwardly from the top surface of member 313, residing partially in wall 611 and partially in wall 609-1 , thereby forming a semicircular groove 616 in wall 609-1 for receiving shaft 391 of tack 317. Locking member 605, which is shown separately in Fig. 31 , is shaped to include a tab 617. The free end of tab 617 has a recessed area 619 adapted to receive and to hold shaft 391 securely within groove 616, thereby locking tack 317 within the tag body. A stop 621 , which is received in an opening 623 provided in locking member 605, is formed on wall 611 to prevent movement of locking member 605 within bracket 607 until locking member 605 is moved forwardly by the key of a detaching apparatus. When locking member 605 is moved forwardly, tab 617 is moved away from shaft 391 of tack 317, thereby permitting tack 317 to be withdrawn from the tag body. Tag 601 is designed to be a disposable or single-use item. Referring now to Figs. 32(a) and 32(b), there are shown various views of an eighth embodiment of a hard tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, said hard tag being represented generally by reference numeral 701. Tag 701 , which is a re-usable tag, is similar in most respects to tag 601 , the principal difference between the two tags being that tag 701 additionally includes a resilient member 703. Resilient member 703, which may be a block of a resilient polymeric material, such as a suitable urethane, is appropriately positioned in the tag body in front of locking member 605 so as to bias locking member 605 rearwardly. In this manner, after locking member 605 has been moved forwardly by a detaching apparatus and tack 317 has been removed from the tag body, member 605 is returned to its original rearward position so that tack 317 may be reinserted into the tag body to be locked therewithin. The embodiments of the present invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A merchandise security device adapted for attachment to an article, said merchandise security device comprising: (a) a tag body, said tag body comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted; (b) a plunger, said plunger having a closed bottom end, said plunger being coupled to said upper jaw for movement between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said closed bottom end of said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article; and (c) a security sensor disposed within said tag body.

2. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means, mounted in said tag body, for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position.

3. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said tag body is shaped to include a keyhole, said keyhole being adapted to receive a detaching apparatus key to release said releasably locking means.

4. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 3 further comprising means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said releasably locking means for impeding the passage of unauthorized picking elements to said releaseably locking means.

5. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said impeding means comprises a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

6. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said impeding means comprises a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means.

7. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said impeding means comprises the combination of a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means and a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

8. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 3 further comprising means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said security sensor for protecting said security sensor.

9. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said security sensor is one of an EAS sensor and an RFID device.

10. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said security sensor is an EAS sensor.

11. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said security sensor is an RFID device.

12. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tag body is made of a rigid material.

13. A merchandise security device adapted for attachment to an article, said merchandise security device comprising: (a) a tag body, said tag body comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted; (b) a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article, said plunger having a first recess; (c) means for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position, said releasably locking means comprising an elongated member movable from a locking position to an unlocking position, said elongated member being shaped to include a transverse opening through which said plunger may extend, said transverse opening having a smaller portion and a larger portion, said smaller portion of said transverse opening being dimensioned to lockingly receive said first recess of said plunger when said plunger is positioned in said extended position, said larger portion of said transverse opening being dimensioned to permit said plunger to move freely; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body.

14. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said plunger further has a second recess, said second recess being positioned on said plunger and receivable in said smaller portion of said transverse opening to retain said plunger in said retracted position.

15. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 14 wherein said first recess is a first annular groove provided on said plunger and wherein said second recess is a second annular groove provided on said plunger.

16. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said elongated member of said releasably locking means is shaped to include a spring arm, said spring arm being engageable with said tag body to prevent said elongated member from being moved from said unlocking position to said locking position.

17. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said plunger is a solid member having a closed bottom end.

18. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said plunger has a top end, a bottom end and a longitudinal bore, said merchandise security device further comprising a pin mounted in said longitudinal bore, said pin having a piercing bottom end.

19. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 18 wherein said pin is sized to extend beyond the bottom end of the plunger.

20. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 18 wherein said pin is mounted within said plunger by an interference fit.

21. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said tag body is shaped to include a keyhole, said keyhole being adapted to receive a detaching apparatus key to move said releasably locking means from said locking position to said unlocking position.

22. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 21 further comprising means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said releasably locking means for impeding the passage of unauthorized picking elements to said releaseably locking means.

23. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said impeding means comprises a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

24. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said impeding means comprises a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means.

25. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said impeding means comprises the combination of a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means and a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

26. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 21 further comprising means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said security sensor for protecting said security sensor.

27. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said security sensor is one of an EAS sensor and an RFID device.

28. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said security sensor is an EAS sensor.

29. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said security sensor is an RFID device.

30. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said tag body is made of a rigid material.

31. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 13 further comprising means for biasing said releasably locking means towards said locking position.

32. A merchandise security device adapted for attachment to an article, said merchandise security device comprising: (a) a tag body, said tag body having an attachment portion and a sensor portion, said attachment portion comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted, said sensor portion being adapted to receive a sensor; (b) a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article; (c) means disposed within said tag body for releasably locking said plunger in said extended position; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said sensor portion of said tag body; (e) wherein said sensor portion of said tag body is shaped to include a keyhole, said keyhole being adapted to receive a key to release said plunger from said releasably locking means.

33. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 32 further comprising means disposed within said sensor portion of said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said releasably locking means for impeding the passage of unauthorized picking elements to said releaseably locking means.

34. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said impeding means comprises a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

35. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said impeding means comprises a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means.

36. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said impeding means comprises the combination of a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means and a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

37. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 32 further comprising means for biasing said releasably locking means towards said locking position.

38. A merchandise security device adapted for attachment to an article, said merchandise security device comprising: (a) a tag body having an interior, said tag body having a keyhole for accessing the interior of said tag body; (b) means for attaching an article to said tag body; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said attaching means in an attaching state; (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body; (e) means disposed within said tag body along a direct path between said keyhole and said releasably locking means for impeding the passage of an unauthorized picking element to said releaseably locking means.

39. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said impeding means comprises a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

40. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said impeding means comprises a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert an unauthorized picking element away from said releasably locking means.

41. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said impeding means comprises the combination of a diverting wall positioned across the direct path to divert unauthorized picking elements away from said releasably locking means and a frangible wall positioned across the direct path, said frangible wall being breakable by a detaching apparatus key.

42. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said attaching means comprises a tack removably insertable into said tag body.

43. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said releasably locking means comprises a bracket in the interior of said tag body and a clip slidably mounted on said bracket, said clip including a tab adapted to hold securely the attaching means against the bracket when said clip is in a forward position but not in a rearward position.

44. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said tag body has an upper jaw and a lower jaw, said upper jaw and said lower jaw being spaced apart to define a mouth into which an article may be inserted and wherein said attaching means comprises a plunger, said plunger being movable through said upper jaw between a retracted position in which said plunger permits an article to be inserted into and removed from said mouth freely and an extended position in which said plunger traps the article against said lower jaw without penetrating the article.

45. The merchandise security device as claimed in claim 38 further comprising means for biasing said releasably locking means towards said attaching state.

46. A merchandise security device adapted for attachment to an article, said merchandise security device comprising: (a) a tack; (b) a tag body, the tag body having a first opening and a second opening, said tack being insertable into said first opening in a snug but freely removable manner; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said tack to said tag body when said tack is inserted into said second opening but not said first opening; and (d) a security sensor disposed within said tag body.

47. A merchandise security device adapted for attachment to an article, said merchandise security device comprising: (a) a tack, said tack having a shaft terminating at one end in a sharp tip; (b) a tag body, the tag body having a first opening and a second opening; (c) means, disposed within said tag body, for retaining said sharp tip of said tack within said tag body, but permitting its free removal, after said sharp tip has been inserted into said tag body through said first opening; (d) means, disposed within said tag body, for releasably locking said sharp tip within said tag body after said sharp tip has been inserted into said tag body through said second opening; and (e) a security sensor disposed within said tag body.