Versatile attachment mechanism for theft deterrent tags

Abstract

An improved attachment mechanism for a reusable theft deterrent tag of the type that includes a tack assembly as part of the attachment mechanism. The provided attachment mechanism includes a tack assembly having an elongated tack body connected to a tack head. A retaining member is attachable to the tack head and forms a loop to provide a variety of additional attachment positions for attachment to various articles to be protected and/or identified. The tack head includes at least one recessed area under the tack head on the side adjacent the tack body to receive at least one end of the retaining member. When the tack body is inserted into a theft deterrent tag, the tack head rests relatively flush against the tag body, capturing the retaining member end in the recessed area. The end of the retaining member includes a shoulder that engages a mating blocking member in the recessed area to prevent the end of the retaining member from being pried out of the tack head when the tack assembly is properly connected to a tag. A wire lanyard can be utilized with, or in place of the retaining member for attachment to certain articles. The retaining member can be made of a rigid or semi-flexible hardened material that is difficult to cut and/or break.