GB2592232A

GB2592232A - Security tag assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2592232A
Application number: GB2002378.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Napthine Russell
Original assignee: Sekura Global LLP
Current assignee: Sekura Global IP LLP
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2020-02-20
Publication date: 2021-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-20
Also published as: GB2592232B; GB2592232A8; GB202002378D0; GB2592232B8

Abstract

The security tag assembly comprises a security tag 16 and a tether housing 12. The security tag has an elongate flexible member 26 for looping around an object, one end is connected to the tag and the other end is connected to a releasable locking mechanism in the tag. The security tag has an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor and an alarm. The tether housing is securable to a supporting structure and includes a retracting mechanism. A tether 14 has one end attached to the retracting mechanism and the other end releasably attached to the security tag. The alarm is triggered if the tether is severed. Also claimed is a kit with the components and a support structure with a hook or a peg onto which the security tag assembly is coupled to.

Description

Security Tag Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to security tag assemblies, and in particular to security tag assemblies for use in a retail environment. Embodiments of the invention relate to security tag assemblies that are associated with a hook rail or hanging rail, and to hook rails and hanging rails including such security tag assemblies. Embodiments of the invention also relate to security tag assemblies including retractable tethers.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In a retail store it is often desirable to display bags and similar items on a display rail including a plurality of hooks. As illustrated in Figure 1, often each bag will be hung by its handle(s) from one of the plurality of hooks. The rail will typically extend from a upright post or from a wall display.

A customer looking to purchase a bag will often wish to remove the bag from the hook to feel the bag, open the bag and examine the various features of the bag, 20 such as pockets and fastenings.

It is known to attach a security tag to a bag in a retail environment to deter theft of the bag. However, in some cases thieves detach the security tags in the retail store or, alternatively, simply remove the bag from the retail store with the security tag still attached.

One solution to this problem is to engage a tether or elongate length of cord with each of the bags on the display rail. The tether or cord may extend though and around the handles of each of the bags in the display. The tether or cord will typically be connected to an alarm system, such that if the tether or cord is cut or otherwise tampered with, an alarm will sound. This may prevent or deter a thief from removing the bag from the display. However, once the tether has been cut and the bag -2 -removed from the hook, it is known that while the alarm sounds at the location of the display, the thief may quickly remove the bag to another location in the store and ultimately remove the bag from the store.

Furthermore, such a tether arrangement may also prevent a customer removing a bag from a hook to examine the bag before purchase as mentioned above. As it is often inconvenient and time consuming to require the assistance of a shop assistant each time a customer wishes to view a bag on display, this may deter legitimate customers from purchasing one of the bags. If and when a customer does wish to purchase one of the bags it is necessary for a shop assistant to detach the alarmed tether or cord to disengage and separate the required bag.

Against that background it is desired to provide an improved security tag assembly suitable for use with items on display in a retail environment that overcomes problems with prior art systems, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided a security tag assembly for deterring theft of an object, the security tag assembly comprising: a security tag comprising: - a main body comprising a casing; - an elongate flexible member for securing around said object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to releasably retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop; - an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor; and - an alarm; a tether housing securable to a supporting structure, the tether housing containing a retracting mechanism; and

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a tether, a first end of the tether connected to the retracting mechanism and a second end of the tether releasably retained within the casing of the security tag, wherein the alarm is triggered if the tether is severed.

Preferably the alarm is triggered if the flexible member is severed. In preferred embodiments a tether alarm is provided in the tether housing, and the tether alarm is triggered if the tether is severed.

Preferably the retracting mechanism comprises a spool and a biasing mechanism.

The biasing mechanism is preferably arranged to urge the spool to rotate in a first direction to wind the tether around the spool.

In preferred embodiments the casing of the security tag comprises a first aperture through which a first end section of the flexible member extends and a second aperture with which the locking mechanism is associated, the first aperture being disposed proximate a first end wall of the casing and the second aperture being disposed proximate an opposite second end wall of the casing.

The locking mechanism is preferably releasable by application of a magnetic force.

Preferably the tether is releasable retained within the casing of the security tag by a retaining mechanism. Preferably the retaining mechanism is releasable by application of a magnetic force.

In preferred embodiments the casing comprises a tether aperture through which the second end of the tether extends when the tether is engaged with the security tag. The tether aperture is preferably disposed proximate the first end wall of the casing. The first and second apertures may be disposed in a first side wall of the casing and the tether aperture may be disposed in an opposite second side wall of the casing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising:

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at least one tether assembly including a tether and a tether housing securable to a supporting structure, the tether housing containing a retracting mechanism and a first end of the tether connected to the retracting mechanism; at least one security tag comprising: a main body comprising a casing; - an elongate flexible member for securing around an object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; - a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to releasably retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop; an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor; an alarm; and a releasable retaining mechanism configured to releasably retain a second end of the tether within the casing, wherein the alarm is configured such that engagement of the second end of the tether in the retaining mechanism electrically connects the tether to the alarm so that if the tether is cut the alarm is triggered.

The casing preferably comprises a tether aperture through which the second end of the tether extends when the tether is engaged with the security tag.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a support structure comprising: a support member; a hook or peg connected to the support member; and a security tag assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the tether housing being attached to the support member.

In preferred embodiments the support structure comprises a plurality of hooks or pegs connected to the support member and a plurality of security tag assemblies, each one of the security tag assemblies being associated with a respective one of -5 -the hooks or pegs.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and 5 embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a prior art hook display for displaying handbags in a retail environment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a security tag assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a tether connection and a security tag of the security tag assembly of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a view of the main body of the security tag of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a view from below of a hook rail including a plurality of security tag assemblies, each of the security tag assemblies being as shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a side view of the hook rail and security tag assemblies of Figure 5; and Figure 7 is an end view of the hook rail and security tag assemblies of Figure 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1, a retail display 2 may comprise a rail 4 and a plurality of hooks 6 extending from the rail 4. An object or item may be hung or suspended from each of the hooks. The item may be a bag 8, such as a handbag, or similar. The rail 4 may be connected at one end to an upright post, a wall mounting or other suitable supporting structure. In other embodiments the display may comprise a plurality of pegs or other projections arranged to support items on display and from which items may be hung or suspended.

Figures 2 and 3 show a security tag assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The security tag assembly 10 comprises a tether housing 12, an elongate tether 14 and a security tag 16. The tether 14 extends between the tether housing 12 and the security tag 16.

In use the tether housing 12 is preferably secured to a part of the retail display 2, such as the rail 4 or the supporting structure. The security tag 16 is attached to the item being displayed. For example, the security tag 16 may be attached to a bag 8 which is hung from one of the hooks 6 of the display 2. The tether 14 therefore extends between and connects the item (for example the bag 8) and the display 2.

The tether 14 is preferably retractable and extendable such that when a customer wishes to lift an item off one of the hooks 6 to examine the item before purchase the tether 14 extends to allow them to do so. Preferably, when the customer replaces the item on the display 2, the tether 14 automatically retracts. This means that there are no unnecessary lengths of tether 14 hanging between the items on display in which the items may get tangled or caught.

In this embodiment the tether housing 12 is generally cuboidal and defines an interior volume. Alarm circuitry is preferably contained within the tether housing 12. The alarm circuitry may include an audible alarm in the form of a buzzer or sounder. The alarm circuitry may also comprise a light emitter, such as a light emitting diode (LED), which is arranged to emit light when the alarm is triggered.

The tether 14 is preferably elongate and flexible. The tether 14 may be in the form -7 -of a lanyard or cable. The tether 14 may be a metal cord or wire. The tether 14 preferably comprises a cable 18 including an elongate electrical conductor that extends along the length of the cable 18. The cable 18 may be a coaxial cable. A first end 20 of the tether 14 is electrically connected to the alarm circuit housed within the tether housing 12. A second end 22 of the tether 14 is attached to the security tag 16. The tether 14 and the alarm circuitry is configured such that, if the tether 14 is cut, the cable 18 of the tether 14 is otherwise damaged or a person attempts to remove the second end 22 of the tether 14 from the security tag 16, the alarm will sound an audible alarm.

In preferred embodiments a spool is rotatably mounted in the tether housing 12. The tether 14 is wound around the spool such that rotation of the spool in a first direction causes the tether 14 to wind around the spool and rotation of the spool in a second opposite direction causes the tether 14 to unwind from the spool. The spool is preferably biased to rotate in the first direction. A biasing mechanism, for example a torsion or coil spring, may be connected to a part of the spool and configured to urge the spool to rotate in the first direction. The biasing mechanism may comprise a flat section torsion or coil spring comprising a flat coil of metal.

In other embodiments the biasing mechanism may be of any suitable type that applies a biasing force to the spool to cause the spool to rotate in a direction that causes the tether 14 to wind around the spool. The biasing mechanism may be, for example, a different type of torsional spring or another spring mechanism.

Rotating the spool in the second direction unwinds the tether 14 from around the spool, enabling the security tag 16 to be drawn in a direction away from the tether housing 12, thereby increasing the length of the part of the tether 14 extending between the security tag 16 and the tether housing 12. Rotating the spool in the first direction causes the tether 14 to be wound around the spool, thereby drawing the security tag 16 towards the tether housing 12, and shortening the length of the part of the tether 14 extending between the security tag 16 and the tether housing 12. -8 -

The tether may comprise a stop 15 disposed on the tether 14 at a fixed distance from the second end 22 of the tether 14. The stop 15 is configured to limit retraction of the tether 14 into the tether housing 12 and therefore defines a minimum length of tether 14 that extends from the tether housing 12 when the tether is fully retracted.

In use the position of the stop 15 will determine a minimum length of tether 14 that extends between the tether housing 12 and the security tag 16.

The security tag 16 is designed to be releasably attached to an item on display.

The security tag 16 comprises a main body 24 and an attachment member 26. The attachment member 26 preferably comprises an elongate flexible member 26. The flexible member 26 is configured to form a loop through or around part of the item, for example around the handles of a bag 8.

The flexible member 26 extends between first and second ends 28, 30. The flexible member 26 is sufficiently flexible that the flexible member 26 may be bent or curved or formed into a loop. The flexible member 26 may be in the form of a lanyard or cable. The flexible member 26 may be a metal cord or wire, and the flexible member 26 may be braided.

In this embodiment the first end 28 of the flexible member 26 is fixedly or permanently attached to the main body 24 such that the first end 28 does not move with respect to the main body 24.

The main body 24 preferably comprises a substantially cuboidal housing or casing 32. The casing 32 comprises first and second end walls 33, 34, first and second side walls 35, 36, and third and fourth side walls 37, 38. In this embodiment a distance between the first and second end walls 33, 34 is greater than a distance between the first and second side walls 35, 36. A line extending between the first and second end walls 33, 34 defines a longitudinal axis of the main body 24 of the tag 16. A line extending between the first and second side walls 35, 36 defines a transverse axis of the main body 24 of the tag 16, the transverse axis extending -9 -perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The casing 32 surrounds and defines an internal volume of the main body 24 of the tag 16. Within the internal volume, and surrounded by the casing 32, is a locking mechanism for receiving the second end 30 of the flexible member 26, circuitry including an alarm, and at least one electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor.

The first end 28 of the flexible member 26 is secured to the main body 24 within the internal volume of the main body 24 proximate the first end wall 33. The flexible member 26 extends through a first aperture 40 in the first side wall 35 of the casing 32, proximate the first end wall 33.

The first side wall 35 includes a second aperture 42 disposed proximate the second end wall 34. The second aperture 42 is sized to receive the second end 30 of the flexible member 26. The second aperture 42 may have a larger diameter than the first aperture 40. The locking mechanism within the internal volume of the main body 24 is associated with the second aperture 42 and is arranged to receive the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 when the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 is inserted through the second aperture 42.

The locking mechanism is disposed within the internal volume of the casing 32 proximate the second side wall 36 of the casing 32. A passage or bore extends from the second aperture 42 to the locking mechanism so that the locking mechanism is disposed at an end of the passage furthest from the second aperture 42. As such, an axis of the passage is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the main body 24 of the tag 16. The passage is sized to receive the flexible member 26, and in particular a second end section of the flexible member 26. As such, a diameter of the passage is slightly larger than an external diameter of the flexible member 26. The locking mechanism is configured to automatically grip and retain the second end section of the flexible member such that the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 cannot be withdrawn from the main body 24 of the tag 16 until the locking mechanism is released.

-10 -In a released configuration the locking mechanism does not apply a gripping force to the flexible member 26 allowing the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 to be withdrawn from the passage.

The locking mechanism may be of any suitable configuration known in the prior art. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a plurality of balls or spheres retained in a cup element. When the flexible member 26 is inserted into the passage, the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 extends between the balls so that the balls surround the second end section of the flexible member 26.

The locking mechanism is biased into a first, gripping position or locked configuration in which the balls are urged towards the flexible member 26 by suitable biasing means. In this embodiment the biasing means comprises a biasing member in the form of a spring. The spring urges the balls into a tapered section of the cup element.

The locking mechanism is released by application of a magnetic force to the locking mechanism. The magnetic force causes the balls to move in a direction out of the tapered section of the cup element against the biasing force of the spring. In this position, the balls no longer grip the end section of the flexible member 26, allowing the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 to be withdrawn. In this embodiment, therefore, the locking mechanism is released by application of a magnetic force in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the passage.

In use, therefore, the flexible member 26 is passed around or threaded through a part of an item and the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 is inserted into the second aperture 42 and into the passage, such that a bend or loop is formed in the flexible member 26 between the first end 28 of the flexible member 26 and the second aperture 42. The security tag 16 is then in an engaged configuration.

When it is desired to remove the tag 16 from the item, the locking mechanism is released by applying a magnetic force to the locking mechanism. The second end of the flexible member 26 can then be withdrawn from the passage. The security tag 16 is then in a disengaged or open configuration.

The security tag 16 includes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor that generates detectable signals. A suitable EAS detector (not shown) is typically located at the exit (and entrance) of the retail store. If an item with a security tag 16 attached is removed from the store and, therefore, passes the detector, the detector detects signals emitted by the EAS sensor and triggers an alarm.

To allow an item to leave the store without triggering the alarm, for example after purchase of the item, the security tag 16 is detached from the item. Typically the security tag 16 is detached at the point of sale of the item by a suitable detacher system (not shown). The EAS sensor and associated circuitry is therefore preferably arranged such that the EAS sensor is activated when the security tag 16 is in the engaged configuration and is deactivated when the security tag 16 is in the disengaged configuration.

The EAS sensor may be an acousto-magnetic (AM) sensor. In particular, the sensor may comprise a ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic amorphous metal strip having magnetostrictive properties. Preferably the amorphous metal strip is a ferrite. The amorphous metal strip may have a resonant frequency of about 58 kHz. The EAS sensor may be a radio frequency (RF) sensor operating at about 8.2 MHz.

In preferred embodiments a first EAS sensor is disposed within the casing 32 proximate the first end wall 33 of the casing 32 and a second EAS sensor is disposed within the casing 32 proximate the second end wall 34 of the casing 32. The two EAS sensors may be the same, i.e. operate at the same frequency, or may be different, i.e. operate at different frequencies.

In addition to the EAS sensor, the security tag 16 may include an alarm which is triggered if a person attempts to cut or remove the tag 16 from an item. The alarm is preferably an audible alarm. The alarm may also comprise a light emitter. In -12 -preferred embodiments the alarm is activated when the second end 30 of the flexible member 26 is inserted into the passage and held by the locking mechanism. The alarm is then triggered if the flexible member 26 is cut or otherwise severed, for example if a person attempts to cut the flexible member 26 to remove the tag 16 from the item.

In these embodiments the security tag 16 preferably comprises a control member or button. The control member is connected to the circuitry within the tag 16 which, in turn, is connected to the alarm. The control member is disposed in the internal volume of the casing 32 and is associated with the passage such that, when the flexible member 26 is disposed through the passage, a part of the flexible member 26 within the passage contacts the control member.

The control member is moveable between a first position in which a part of the control member extends a first distance into the passage and a second position in which a part of the control member extends a second distance into the passage, the second distance being less than the first distance. The control member is biased into the first position. The control member is moved into and retained in the second position by means of contact with the flexible member 26 in the passage.

While the flexible member 26 is disposed in the passage, the control member is held in the second position by the flexible member 26 and the alarm is activated. A section of the flexible member 26, extending between the control member and the first end 28 of the flexible member 26, completes a circuit that includes the alarm. If the flexible member 26 is severed in this section, which includes the loop around or through the item, the alarm is triggered. Upon removal or withdrawal of the flexible member from the passage, the flexible member no longer contacts the control member 26 and the control member automatically returns to the first position. With the control member in the first position the alarm is not activated.

The circuitry may further comprise a wire or other conductive track or path that extends from or is connected to the first end 28 of the flexible member 26. This wire -13 -is part of the circuit including the control member and the alarm described above. The wire follows a circuitous path through a central region of the internal volume of the main body 24 of the tag 16. In particular, a first section of the wire extends from the first end 30 of the flexible member 26 proximate the first side wall 35 of the casing 32 towards the second side wall 36 of the casing 32. A second section of the wire extends substantially parallel to and proximate the second side wall 36 of the casing 32. This second section extends towards the locking mechanism and the passage. A third section of the wire extends from a region proximate the second side wall 36 of the casing 32 towards the first side wall 35 of the casing 32. The third section of the wire is disposed adjacent the passage and locking mechanism. A fourth section of the wire extends substantially parallel to and proximate the first side wall 35 of the casing 32. This fourth section extends back towards the first end 28 of the flexible member 26.

Configuring the wire in this way has the advantage that if someone tries to cut through the main body 24 of the tag 16 to remove the tag 16 from an item there is a high likelihood that they will cut through a section of the wire. If a section of the wire is cut, or otherwise broken, the alarm is triggered.

The second end 22 of the tether 14 is preferably retained in connection with the security tag 16 by a retaining mechanism housed in the security tag 16. In preferred embodiments the second end 22 of the tether 14 is inserted into a part of the security tag 16 and engages with the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is configured to maintain the connection between the tether 14 and the security tag 16 until the retaining mechanism is released by a suitable detacher. When the retaining mechanism is released the second end 22 of the tether 14 may be detached from the security tag 16. Preferably the retaining mechanism is automatically engaged when the second end 22 of the tether 14 is inserted into the security tag 16. The retaining mechanism is preferably released by application of a suitable magnetic force.

In this embodiment the second end 22 of the tether 14 is inserted into the casing 32 -14 -of the security tag 16 through an aperture 44 in the second side wall 36. The retaining mechanism is associated with the aperture 44, and is disposed adjacent the aperture 44 within the internal volume of the main body 24 of the tag 16. In this embodiment the aperture 44 and associated retaining mechanism are disposed proximate the first end wall 33. As such, the retaining mechanism arranged to receive the second end 22 of the tether 14 is disposed at an opposite end of the security tag 16 to the locking mechanism arranged to receive the second end 30 of the flexible member 26. This has the advantage that a detacher placed proximate the first end wall 33 of the casing 32 to release the retaining mechanism will not simultaneously release the locking mechanism. This allows the security tag 16 to be detached or separated from the tether 14 while the security tag 16 remains engaged with the item (e.g. the bag 8).

Furthermore, it is desirable if the second end 22 of the tether 14 is releasable from the security tag 16 with the security tag 16 remaining in its engaged configuration with the [AS sensor activated. This means that the security tag 16 remains attached to the item and the EAS sensor will trigger an alarm if it passes through a suitable detector, for example at the exit of the retail store. The security tag 16 is then preferably detached from the item in a separate operation using a suitable detacher at a point of sale, for example.

With the second end 22 of the tether 14 fully inserted into the casing 32 and engaged with the retaining mechanism, the tether 14 is electrically connected to the alarm of the security tag 16. Suitable alarm circuitry within the security tag 16 is configured to trigger the alarm if the tether 14 is cut or otherwise damaged, or if an attempt is made to remove the second end 22 of the tether 14 from the security tag 16 without the necessary detacher.

This arrangement has the advantage that, if an unauthorised person separates and removes an item from the display by cutting the tether 14, the security tag 16 remains attached to the item and the alarm of the security tag 16 alerts security personnel to the location of the item.

-15 -Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, it is envisaged that a retail display or a support structure 102 in a retail environment may comprise a rail or beam 104 and a plurality of hooks 106 or similar projections. A security tag assembly 10 according to the invention is attached to the display 102 and associated with each of the hooks 106.

In the illustrated embodiment a plurality of security tag assemblies 10 are secured to the support structure 102 by attachment of each of the tether housings 12 to the rail 104. In particular, each tether housing 12 is secured to the rail 104 in the vicinity of one of the hooks 106. In preferred embodiments each tether housing 12 is permanently attached to the retail display 102.

In use, when an object or item is hung from one of the hooks 106, the security tag 16 of the associated security tag assembly 10 is secured to the item. It will be appreciated that the security tag 16 may initially be engaged with and secured to the second end 22 of the tether 14, and then subsequently the flexible member 26 of the security tag 16 may be secured to the item hanging from the hook 106.

Alternatively, the security tag 16 may initially be attached or secured to the item, and then when the item is hung from the hook 106, the second end 22 of the tether 14 may subsequently be engaged with the security tag 16. In these embodiments, therefore, the tether housing 12 and associated tether 14 are attached to the support structure or display 102 with the second end 22 of the tether 14 hanging freely until a security tag 16 is connected.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-16 -CLAIMS1. A security tag assembly for deterring theft of an object, the security tag assembly comprising: a security tag comprising: a main body comprising a casing; - an elongate flexible member for securing around said object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; - a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to releasably retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop; - an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor; and - an alarm; a tether housing securable to a supporting structure, the tether housing containing a retracting mechanism; and a tether, a first end of the tether connected to the retracting mechanism and a second end of the tether releasably retained within the casing of the security tag, wherein the alarm is triggered if the tether is severed.
2. A security tag assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the alarm is triggered if the flexible member is severed.
3. A security tag assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising a tether alarm in the tether housing, and wherein the tether alarm is triggered if the tether is severed.
4. A security tag assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the retracting mechanism comprises a spool and a biasing mechanism, the biasing mechanism being arranged to urge the spool to rotate in a first direction to wind the tether around the spool.
5. A security tag assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the casing of the security tag comprises a first aperture through which a first end section of the flexible member extends and a second aperture with which the locking mechanism is associated, the first aperture being disposed proximate a first end wall of the casing and the second aperture being disposed proximate an opposite second end wall of the casing.
6. A security tag assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism is releasable by application of a magnetic force.
7. A security tag assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tether is releasable retained within the casing of the security tag by a retaining mechanism, and the retaining mechanism is releasable by application of a magnetic force.
8. A security tag assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises a tether aperture through which the second end of the tether extends when the tether is engaged with the security tag.
9. A security tag assembly as claimed in Claim 8 when dependent on Claim 5, wherein the tether aperture is disposed proximate the first end wall of the casing.
10. A security tag as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, when dependent on Claim 5, wherein the first and second apertures are disposed in a first side wall of the casing and the tether aperture is disposed in an opposite second side wall of the casing. 25
11. A kit comprising: at least one tether assembly including a tether and a tether housing securable to a supporting structure, the tether housing containing a retracting mechanism and a first end of the tether connected to the retracting mechanism; at least one security tag comprising: - a main body comprising a casing; - an elongate flexible member for securing around an object, a first end -18 -of the flexible member being connected to the main body - a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to releasably retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop; an electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensor; - an alarm; and - a releasable retaining mechanism configured to releasably retain a second end of the tether within the casing, wherein the alarm is configured such that engagement of the second end of the tether in the retaining mechanism electrically connects the tether to the alarm so that if the tether is cut the alarm is triggered.
12. A kit as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the casing comprises a tether aperture through which the second end of the tether extends when the tether is engaged with the security tag.
13. A support structure comprising: a support member; a hook or peg connected to the support member; and a security tag assembly as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10, the tether housing being attached to the support member.
14. A support structure as claimed in Claim 13 comprising a plurality of hooks or pegs connected to the support member and a plurality of security tag assemblies, each one of the security tag assemblies being associated with a respective one of the hooks or pegs.