Anti-theft fastening device and tool for releasing same

Claim 1

A composite tag assembly comprising: a. a tag including top and bottom tag cover sections rigidly secured together, one of said sections being formed with a tubular extension; b. antenna means and diode means mounted between said tag cover sections, said antenna means including a first antenna leg and a second antenna leg electrically connected to said first antenna leg through said diode means, said diode means being mounted on said antenna means in such a manner as to increase the frequency received by said first antenna leg at a predetermined rate whereby said second antenna leg transmits said increased frequency for actuating an alarm circuit, and c. a lock mounted in said tubular extension, said lock comprising a generally cylindrical non-metallic housing closed at one end; a ring mounted in said housing, said ring being formed with a downwardly and inwardly tapered inner surface; an insert formed of magnetic material loosely received within said housing, said retainer being formed with a conical lower end adapted to mate with said tapered surface of said ring, an axial bore, and at least one transverse opening formed in said conical end of said insert; a pin extending upwardly through said axial bore of said insert; a plurality of retaining balls disposed within said transverse opening of said insert, and resilient means for biasing said insert toward the open end of said housing thereby adapting said balls to tightly frictionally engage said pin and retain the same in said insert.