Abstract: The primary object of the present invention is related to a cylinder lockset with a focusing apparatus which is comprised of a rotary disc, an upper pins seat, a bottom pins seat and a lock pad. The rotary disc of the invention is transfixed with a certain number focusing holes. The upper pins seat is transfixed with a certain number real and dummy corresponding holes & pins. The real corresponding holes of the upper pins seat are corresponded to the focusing holes of rotary disc and be provided with the corresponding pins. The dummy corresponding holes of the upper pins seat have dummy pins, springs and spring pads, which can be or can not be corresponded to the focusing holes of rotary disc. The bottom pins seat is transfixed with a certain number corresponding holes which be provided with corresponding pins, springs that can be corresponded to the real corresponding holes of the upper pins seat and the focusing holes of rotary disc.

Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.

Abstract: A locking conduit lid and method of use that can lock or secure wires inside a conduit such that is would be almost impossible for a would be thief to pull the wires out of the conduit. The locking conduit lid contains a conduit sleeve that is designed to be fixedly attached to the inside of a polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe, rigid metal pipe, or any other existing pipe or conduit that contains electrical wires. The electrical wires are secured to the conduit sleeve such that they cannot be pulled out of the conduit sleeve. A locking conduit lid prevents access to the wires inside the conduit sleeve thereby preventing theft of the wires.

Abstract: A catalytic converter theft deterrent assembly (100) used with a motor vehicle includes a plurality of clamps (109) for attaching to a section of exhaust pipe (101) used with a catalytic converter (105). One or more wire ropes (113) may be fixedly attached to the plurality of clamps (109) for surrounding portions around the perimeter of the exhaust pipe (101). A plurality of collars (111) are fixedly attached to the plurality of clamps (109) for housing an end portion of the plurality of cables (113) such that the cables prevent removal of the exhaust pipe (101) connected to the catalytic converter (105) for deterring theft.

Abstract: A laptop holder for an exercise apparatus is provided which includes a base having a generally planar front surface for receiving a laptop computer and a rear surface configured for engaging a generally planar surface of the exercise apparatus. At least one strap extends from the base and is configured to wrap around a portion of the exercise apparatus to form a loop with the base. Disposed on the base is a pocket defining a pocket opening for receiving a laptop computer.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing and a strap which extends from the housing and loops around a bottle neck or other item to secure the device thereto. A locking mechanism lockably engages the strap when the strap is inserted into the housing to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device.

Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.

Abstract: A portable apparatus includes an electronic device; and a fastening device detachably attached to the electronic device. The fastening device includes a cover comprising a hook for inserting in the electronic device; a pressing member capable of being movable locked and unlocked from the cover; a locking member fastened on the cover and engaged with the pressing member, and an activating member disposed on the cover for activating the pressing portion to unlock from the cover. The locking member includes an inserting portion for inserting into the locking slot to lock the hook in the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of locking a container is shown, wherein the container is provided with a frame which has an access opening, a closure member which has two opposed long edges and two opposed short edges, and which is pivotally mounted in relation to the frame, and a latch member which is axially movable within the closure member between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch member and the frame are each provided with one or more interengageable detents whereby when the closure member is in a closed position and the latch member is in the latched position the detents are engaged and prevent pivoting of the closure member. Movement of the latch member to the unlatched position causes the detents to disengage and permit pivoting of the closure member. The closure member is provided with a locking member for engaging the latch member to retain it against axial movement.

Abstract: A security device is removably affixable to an article. The security device includes a housing having a securing pad, a locking element and a strap. The locking element is disposed within the housing. The strap includes a first end having a latching region that is insertable into the housing and a second end having a securing region. The strap is slidingly movable between an open position and a locked position. The locking element engages with the latching region of the strap. When in the locked position, the strap secures the article between the securing pad and the securing region of the strap.

Abstract: A locking device comprising a lock body having a through hole, a bolt member having a longitudinal bore therethrough and an insertion end which is inserted into the through hole of the lock body. The bolt member is further having a retaining pin disposed within the longitudinal bore and a resilient means for biasing the retaining pin axially out of the longitudinal bore. When the bolt member is inserted into the lock body, a means within the lock body prevents the removal of the inserted bolt member therefrom, and engages an actuating means to actuate an identifying means. The identifying means transmits a signal to indicate whether the locking device has been tampered with or defeated. If the bolt member is cut, the retaining pin is displaced out of the longitudinal bore and dislodges the actuating means resulting in the identifying means indicating that the locking device has been tampered with or defeated.

Abstract: A system for protecting high-value cargo enclosed in a container, while maintaining the container indistinguishable from similar low value shipments, includes an onboard identity module (OBIM) cooperative with an internal locking mechanism (ILM), both of which are externally undetectable. The OBIM can secure the ILM and prevent the container from being opened until a properly encoded unlocking signal from a Security Management System (SMS) is wirelessly received by the OBIM. The unlocking signal can be a composite including a plurality of species of wireless signals such as different frequencies of AM and FM encoded RF and acoustic signals, transmitted simultaneously and/or at specified intervals. In embodiments the OBIM enables remote tracking of the container, and in some embodiments the tracking is double-blind, whereby a Master Number (MN) recorded in shipping documents is associated with a “Random Number” (RN) used for tracking, the association being known only to the SMS.

Abstract: A shipping container includes internal computer-operated locks that cannot be accessed from outside the container. A satellite receiver inside the container can receive position signals and other commands from a satellite to unlock the locks.

Abstract: A securing system and method including an article holder portion having at least two separable portions; a mount portion adapted for carrying at least one of the separable portions of the holder portion; and optionally at least one sensor for monitoring the article and providing an output signal indicative of article tampering.

Abstract: A disc brake lock used principally with motorcycles has a body (10) with a U-shaped slot (13) to receive an edge of the disc. A locking pin can be moved to extend through a hole in the disc to fix the lock to the disc. A limb (11) of the U-shaped body (10) that is on the outside when the lock is clamped to the disc contains an alarm system (14) housed in a chamber (28) that cannot be accessed through that limb. The other limb (12), which is between the disc and the wheel, contains a removable cover (34) that, for extra security, can only be opened when the locking pin (16) is retracted. The alarm system (14) is inserted into the chamber (28) through the other limb (12).

Abstract: A counter increases a counted value at regular time intervals during a transmission time of a request signal Sr transmitted based on trigger signals input from a door unlocking sensor or the like. On the other hand, the counter decreases the counted value at regular time intervals during a non-transmission time of the request signal Sr. A determination unit either prohibits or permits transmission of the request signal Sr to a portable unit, based on comparison results of the counted value with a prohibition value and a lifting value.

Abstract: A combination non-programmable and programmable key for a security device of the type used to display items of merchandise includes a non-programmable portion for cooperating with a mechanical lock of the security device and a programmable portion for cooperating with a sensor of the security device that is operatively coupled to an alarm for indicating a security threat to the security device or to an item of merchandise displayed on the security device. The non-programmable portion includes a side assembly having a magnet that cooperates with a magnetically attractable locking pin to unlock the mechanical lock of the security device. The programmable portion emits an energy signal that cooperates with the sensor of the security device to disarm the alarm and thereby permit the security device to be removed or an item of merchandise to be removed without the alarm indicating a security threat.

Abstract: A theft-protection element intended to be attached to an item that is to be protected from theft and that is of textile or equivalent material, which theft-protection element is arranged to be attached to the item through a needle penetrating and passing through the item. The invention is characterized in that the point (5) of the needle is withdrawn in the resting condition (3a) of the needle into the disc (1) at a first side (7) of the recess (6), in that the point (5) of the needle is located in the said locked condition (3b) at a second, opposing, side (8) of the recess (6), and in that the said recess is sufficiently large that the material of the item can be introduced into it such that the needle (3) can pass through the material of the item, and in that the disc (1) is arranged such that the point (5) of the needle (3) is housed at the said second side (8) of the recess (6) in the locked condition (3b), or is placed in contact with, or is in the vicinity of, the said second side.

Abstract: A security tag assembly structured to discourage unauthorized removal of merchandise comprising a base including at least one magnetomechanical member normally operatively oriented in an armed mode. The armed mode is at least partially defined by the magnetomechanical member demonstrating a vibration or mechanical resonance when exposed to a predetermined resonant frequency, such as when passing through or otherwise disposed in proximity to a monitoring alarm assembly. A stabilizing assembly comprising at least one stabilizing magnet is disposed and structured to expose said magnetomechanical member to a stabilizing magnet field sufficient operative characteristics to facilitate restoration or maintenance of the armed mode of the magnetomechanical member even when exposed to a disruptive magnetic field, such as when the magnetomechanical member is attempting to be disarmed by an unauthorized source.

Abstract: An anti-theft device (1) composes of an adjusting and blocking body (3) and of an abutment plate (5), that are being mutually connected through at least two protecting cables (2) and mutually approaching and going away by unwinding or winding such cables (2) from or on at least one winding coil (6) rotating inside the adjusting and blocking body (3), each cable (2) having both its ends fastened to the winding coil (6) and a central portion thereof passing inside the abutment plate (5), the adjusting and blocking body (3) being equipped with locking and unlocking means of the rotation of such coil (6), and comprising an automatic recovering system for a slack of the protecting cables (2).

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are described for an electronic article surveillance security tag having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and a magnetic detaching device for use with the electronic article surveillance tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A securable system for displaying items of merchandise on a display board. The display system includes a lockable end assembly that engages the free end of at least one rod of a merchandise display therein. The end assembly is slidable along the rod between an unlocked position where items of merchandise may be removed therefrom and a locked position where items of merchandise cannot be removed therefrom. The end assembly is lockingly engaged with the rod by a locking mechanism that is linearly moveable within an interior chamber of the end assembly. The end assembly is provided with a specially shaped recess in its outer wall which is positioned perpendicular to the linear motion of the locking mechanism. A complementary dipole magnet key is inserted into the recess to unlock the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field circular microstrip antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: A security device includes a housing and a strap which extends from the housing and loops around a bottle neck or other item to secure the device thereto. A locking mechanism lockably engages the strap when the strap is inserted into the housing to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: An adjustable security device is configured for engaging and securing items of merchandise having various widths and thicknesses. The security device includes an adjustment mechanism that manipulates in a lateral direction a pair of opposed arms having retaining members for engaging the opposed sides and top of the item. The retaining members are operable to simultaneously engage and secure the item against removal from the security device in the lateral direction as well as a vertical direction, while at the same time permitting a potential purchaser to examine and operate a demonstration model of the item. Each of the retaining members may be pivotally mounted or slidably mounted to one of the opposed arms and at least one of the opposed arms is configured for extending and retracting movement relative to the base in the lateral direction. The security device may further include a lock for locking the opposed arms in a desired lateral position.

Abstract: A locking device for a trunk in a vehicle. The locking device includes a latch configured to change a state of the trunk between locked and unlocked, and a lever configured to drive the latch to an open position. The locking device further includes a lock knob configured to be disposed outward of a vehicle body to visually determine from an outside of the vehicle whether the trunk is in the locked state or the unlocked state. The lock knob is further configured to be selectively placed in a locked position. In the locked position, the trunk is configured to be brought into the locked state by prohibiting the latch from being driven to an open position. The lock knob is further configured to be selectively placed in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the trunk is configured to be brought into the unlocked state by enabling the latch to be driven to the open position.

Abstract: A security device comprising a retaining member forming an adjustable loop, including a cable; a ratchet member connected to the cable, operable to narrow the loop and to prevent widening of the loop, including a first main part comprising a gear ring extending in a first plane with a saw tooth profile raised from the plane, a second main part, rotatable relative to the first main part, including a latch member biased towards the first plane to engage the gear ring, and a drum for winding up of the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locking and unlocking a lockable container that has an internal locking mechanism are disclosed. The apparatus may include a main body including a channel for receiving the container. A magnetic field source coupled to the main body may emit a magnetic field for actuating a container lock catch mechanism disposed at least partially inside the container. The apparatus may include a channel blocker that may be positioned by actuating a channel lock to selectively prevent the magnetic field source from actuating the catch mechanism of a container lock. The channel lock may be coupled to a cam configured to position at least a portion of the channel blocker in the channel. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a ramp retractor coupled to the channel blocker wherein the ramp retractor urges the channel blocker down through the channel by action of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A device to protect an article from theft is disclosed. The device includes a pointed pin member to enable attachment of the device to the article to be protected from theft. A housing disposed within the device includes a floor and a wall tapering towards a confining end. The housing includes coaxial openings for insertably receiving the pin member. A ball clutch mechanism is located within the housing and includes a plurality of balls. As the balls are urged towards the confining end of the housing, they wedge between the tapering wall and the pin member to apply increasing radial pressure against the pin member to prevent it from being withdrawn from the device. The floor includes a member which deflects downwardly upon insertion of the pin member into the housing to apply a radial force against the pin member to frictionally engage it within the device.

Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm speaker. The alarm system includes a conductor located within the housing which forms a loop that extends at least partially about the alarm speaker or about the periphery of the housing. The conductor which can be an electrical conductor, fiber optic conductor, light pipe, etc., when severed by a thief will actuate the audible alarm. In another embodiment, the conductor forms a loop about a simulated speaker grille formed in the housing to prevent tampering, wherein the audible alarm is located in the housing remote from the simulated speaker grille.

Abstract: A bottle security device includes a housing with an electronic surveillance article tag therein and a ratchet strap which extends from the housing and loops around the bottle neck to secure the device thereto. The strap has one-way locking teeth which are lockably engaged by a locking mechanism in the housing when the strap is inserted therein to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper radially outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device. An arcuate channel of the housing receives and aligns the strap for improved locking capability.

Abstract: An anti-theft device comprising an electrically conducting flexible cable which is connected, at one end, to elements for detachable engagement with an item to be retained and is provided with elements for detecting the engagement of said detachable engagement elements for detachable engagement with the item to be retained, and a supporting base which can be associated with a control unit which is designed to act in response to the detection, by the detection elements, of the engagement/disengagement of the detachable engagement elements for detachable engagement with the item to be retained, the device further comprising elements for detachable connection between the flexible cable and the supporting base.

Abstract: An EAS/EXPULSION DETRIMENTAL SUBSTANCE tag in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly, a part of which may be releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body may be provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp may provide the releasable preventing function and may include jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional and/or other forces provided by the arcuate probe, which may be moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. An abutment may be placed within the arcuate channel to prevent a relatively rigid wire formed into an arcuate shape from being used to release the attaching assembly part. The Benefit Denial (Ink portion) of this tag may feature an ink vial that may be disposed inside of a rubber bladder, which may then be placed in a completely sealed, ultrasonically welded compartment.

Abstract: Benefit denial systems may include a benefit denial device that secures an asset within a container. The benefit denial device may include a base member and at least one locking member. In some embodiments, portions of the asset and the container may be secured between the base and locking members. By securing the asset between the base member and the locking member, the asset may be damaged or rendered unusable if a thief attempts to remove the asset from the container.

Abstract: An alarm module is provided that includes a first and second switch, a power source and a signal module for generating an alarm signal. When the first and second switch are both in the closed position, the signal module is activated by power from the power source. The first switch opens when an item associated with the alarm module is placed on or connected to the alarm module, and closes when the item is tampered with or removed. The second switch opens when a key is inserted into the alarm module, and closes when the key is removed from the alarm module. The alarm module may also include a third switch that closes when power flows from the power source to the device, and can only be opened upon insertion of the key into the alarm module.

Abstract: A lockable storage container includes a lock that is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position while the lock is carried by the container. An indicator is used to indicate the status of the lock to the user. The lock is held in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidentally move back into the locked position. A magnetic key is used to unlock the lock and move the lock slide to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A seal bolt includes: an elongate and electrically conductive part with a portion extending between first and second locations lengthwise of the bolt; an electrically conductive layer that, between the first and second locations, is spaced from the elongate part; an electrically insulating layer that, between the first and second locations, is disposed between the conductive layer and the elongate part; and structure that electrically couples the elongate part and the conductive layer at a third location, the second location being between the first and third locations. In one configuration, the insulating layer includes aluminum oxide. In another configuration, the conductive layer is one of an amorphous metal and stainless steel. In still another configuration, the conductive layer includes a strip that, from the first location to the second location, has a width less than a circumference of the elongate part.

Abstract: A lockable container for securing assets that has an integral and internal locking mechanism and methods of use are provided. An illustrative lockable container may include first and second covers configured to move between an open position, which allows access to the asset, and a closed position, which encloses the asset. The locking mechanism of the lockable container may include a locking mate arrangement operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second covers, and a locking member that is configured to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The entirety of the locking member may be internal to the container when the locking member is in the unlocked position. A magnetic key arrangement may interact with the locking member to move the locking member between the unlocked and locked positions.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap, have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button can not be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.

Abstract: A method for using a lockable storage container includes the steps of moving the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position while the lock is carried by the container. An indicator is used to indicate the status of the lock to the user. The lock is held in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently move back into the locked position. A magnetic key is used to unlock the lock and move the lock slide to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A security storage container has a primary security feature that is adapted to be locked and unlocked with an appropriate key. A secondary security feature is activated when the security storage container is opened without first unlocking the lock with the key. In one embodiment, the secondary security feature includes prongs that are moved to an extended position when the primary security feature of the container is defeated. In the extended position, the prongs will at least damage the item of merchandise protected by the security storage container. The extended position of the prongs may also further lock the item of merchandise within the security storage container.

Abstract: An identification/surveillance device including a tag portion and a tack. The tack includes a button and a pin having a dull end and a sharp end. The identification/surveillance device is secured to an article to be identified/surveilled by inserting the pin through the article and engaging the pin with the tag portion. The dull end of the pin is releasably engaged with either the button or the tag portion such that when the identification/surveillance device is removed from the article the sharp end of the pin remains engaged with either the tag portion or the button and only the dull end of the pin is exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for deterring theft of an electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for a magnetically actuable locking mechanism and a security device having a magnetically actuable locking mechanism are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable locking device having a wireless transmitter that transmits the condition of the locking device to the receiver of a security system. The locking device comprises non-rigid cable so that it can be easily connected to various objects. Cutting the cable triggers prevents power from reaching the wireless transmitter, and the lack of signal triggers the security system to issue an alarm. The portable locking device comprises parallel armed and disarmed circuits to supply electricity to the wireless transmitter, but the armed circuit is broken if the lock is tampered with or compromised when locked.

Abstract: A security device for use in association with a security pin includes a tag body, a spring lock and a magnetic lock. The tag body has a body aperture formed therein adapted to receive the security pin. The spring lock is situated within the tag body and has a spring lock aperture formed therein in registration with the body aperture. The spring lock is adapted to engage the security pin when in an engaged position and release the security pin when in a released position. The magnetic lock is within the tag body and has a magnetic lock aperture. The magnetic lock is adapted to engage the security pin when in an engaged position and to release the security pin when in a release position. The spring lock and the magnetic lock need to both be in the released position to successfully remove the security pin form the security device. A detaching device to move the spring lock and the magnetic lock into the released such that they are both in the release position at the same time is also shown.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring portable tools at a particular work cell remotely by R-F communication to provide error proofing of various parameters including that the correct tool is to be used at a work cell, the tool is properly calibrated for the operation to be performed, that it is being used a proper number of times per part being assembled or inspected, and that the tool has been calibrated within a selected service interval. The tools will be made actuable only by R-F communication with specific factory apparatus whereby theft of such portable tools will be inhibited.

Abstract: A disposable theft deterrent tag includes first and second elements that lock together through a portion of an item of merchandise to secure the tag to the item of merchandise. The first portion of the tag includes a first locking member having opposed teeth that are adapted to lockingly engage a second locking member that is carried by the second element of the tag. The second locking member is in the form of a stepped post that snaps between the opposed teeth to lock the post to the teeth. The tag may be unlocked by moving the teeth with respect to the post. In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the body of the first element may be destroyed while moving the teeth from the locked position to the unlocked position.