Security tag with magnetic gate

Abstract

Systems () and methods () for selectively preventing an unauthorized detachment of a security tag () from an article (). The methods involve: coupling the security tag to the article by locking a tack assembly () to a securement member () disposed within a housing () of the security tag; guiding an external tool () into a channel () formed within the security tag for releasing the tack assembly from the securement member; and obstructing the external tool's access to the securement member by biasing a post () into a first position in which the post at least partially extends into the channel. A magnetic field may be applied to the security tag so as to transition the post from the first position to a second position in which the external tool's access to the securement member is no longer obstructed by the post.