Multi-attach disposable tag

Abstract

A multi-attach disposable security tag that is attached to an article in two stages. In a first stage, an attachment clip is coupled to an article, such as but not limited to clothing, to be protected by a manufacturer or assembler. This attachment clip is durable to withstand harsh manufacturing environments. Once the article with the attachment clip is ready for presentation, for example, at a retail establishment, during a second stage, the attachment clip is then permanently secured in a locking mechanism of a housing containing a deactivatable security element therein. The security element may comprise EAS (including AM, RF, EM and microwave), RFID (including LF, HF and UHF) elements or any combination thereof. A preferred embodiment of the security tag uses all non-ferrous components including its locking mechanism. Thus, the security tags combine the qualities of being non-ferrous, light-weight, low cost, deactivatable, secure, visually-deterring, and installable in two stages to the article it is meant to protect.