Patent Publication Number: US-10332372-B2

Title: Security system and security tag assembly

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is a “divisional” patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/233,020, filed on Aug. 10, 2016, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 10,096,217 on Oct. 9, 2018, which is based on and a claim of priority is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/334,666, filed on May 11, 2016, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention is directed to a security system and security tag assembly incorporating RFID technology, operative to restrict unauthorized removal of articles from an area. Article data is encoded and saved the RFID. A deactivator assembly includes a read component structured to read the encoded article data, wherein the read data is transmitted to a processor for display, storage and/or supplementary processing during or prior to removal of the security tag assembly. One or more portable readers are configured to access and display the article data for authorized personnel. A review application may be downloaded on communication devices having short range technology and is configured to access the article data to obtain information relating to article pricing, etc. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Security or anti-theft tags are extensively used in the retail merchandising industry as well as numerous other areas of commerce. In typical fashion, such devices are attached to various types of merchandise in such a manner that that they are clearly obvious by one examining the merchandise. Common knowledge of the use and operation of such devices is believed to prevent or at least restrict the theft or other unauthorized removal of merchandise from the retail outlet or other area being monitored. More specifically, it is believed that such security tag devices serve as a deterrent to unauthorized removal, in that a potential thief will recognize that the merchandise will be “stained” or otherwise marked, thereby rendering the merchandise useless, upon forced removal of the security tag. Alternatively the tag may be structured to activate an alarm system as the merchandise, incorporating the tag thereon, passes through a monitoring station typically located at the exits to the retail establishment. 
     Due to the popularity of security or anti-theft devices of the type described above, numerous attempts have been made to design and structure a device which not only serves as a deterrent against theft, but which includes structural features intended to overcome any attempt to defeat the device which may be applied by an experienced thief. In addition, the structure of such security devices should be such as to be easily secured to and removed from different types of articles such that a device of substantially standard structure can be used to monitor and protect various types of merchandise. 
     As set forth above known security or anti-theft tags are intended to provide some indication which either renders the merchandise useless or alternatively signals an attempted unauthorized removal. 
     While popular, it is recognized that a significant number of the anti-theft tags currently being utilized include problems or disadvantages which render them less than totally efficient. More specifically, widespread knowledge of the structural features of such security tags allows unauthorized personnel to develop techniques which are specifically designed to remove the tag from the merchandise in a manner which defeats the aforementioned indicator structures. Therefore it is not uncommon for a skilled or experienced thief to develop tools or techniques to remove the merchandise from the area being monitored without damage to the stolen article or activation of an alarm or monitoring system. 
     Accordingly there is a recognized need in the security industry for a security system incorporating an anti-theft device preferably in the form of a relatively small security tag assembly which efficiently connects to various types of merchandise and which is specifically structured to overcome known techniques to remove or otherwise defeat such devices. Moreover, such protective structural features should be compatible with an efficient tag construction and configuration. Therefore, a security tag manufacture or provider who can effectively “customize” a proposed indicator assembly to include various “theft indicating” devices, electronic signaling devices or a combination thereof, while not requiring a restructuring or redesign of the entire tag assembly or the remaining, basic operable components associated therewith. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a security system operative to restrict unauthorized removal of articles from an area. Further, at least one, but more practically a plurality of security tag assemblies are utilized to implement the security system. Also, it will be noted that the security system and attendant security tag assembly is readily adaptable or use in a “retail environment”. As such, the structural and operative features of the security system and security tag assembly may be described herein as being practiced in such a retail environment. However, it is noted that the security system and security tag assembly of the present invention in any of the preferred embodiments thereof is not limited to such a retail environment. 
     As practically applied and utilized, the security system of the present invention includes utilization of at least one, but more practically, a plurality of security tag assemblies. Each of the tag assemblies are removably secured to a different one of a plurality of articles within the secured area, such as the aforementioned retail store or the like. Moreover, each of the tag assemblies includes an RFID component, which as described in greater detail hereinafter, is preferably in the form of an RFID label. 
     Further, the RFID component is configured to have data relating to an article to which is attached, encoded or programmed therein. Such “article data” may vary but, by way of example only, may include information relating to pricing, inventory control, material, place and date of origin, warranties, treatment instructions, storage location or other information which may be of benefit to the seller, manufacture, customer, etc. 
     The security system of the present invention also comprises the use of at least one deactivator assembly. As utilized, the at least one deactivator assembly is used in operative association with a processor. As indicated above, in a conventional retail environment, the aforementioned processor may be or have the ability to function as a “checkout” device, cash register and/or point-of-sale (POS) facility and includes a monitor or display screen. In operative combination, the processor and a correspondingly disposed and operatively associated deactivator assembly may, in different preferred embodiments, serve to deactivate each security tag assembly attached to an article during the authorized “checkout” procedure. 
     As such, the deactivator assembly includes an RFID reader capable of accessing the article data contained on a given security tag assembly which relates to a specific article to which it is attached. As also explained hereinafter, various embodiments of the deactivator assembly may include storage facilities for retaining the downloaded article data being read by the deactivator assembly. Thereafter one or more additional preferred embodiments of the deactivator assembly include transmitter or generator capabilities. The data read by the deactivator assembly is “memorized” and stored for subsequent transmission to the processor. The processor, which in at least one embodiment of the present invention may be in the form of a “POS” terminal, cooperatively functions with the deactivator assembly to complete the checkout procedure at least to the extent of displaying pertinent portions of the article data such as pricing, etc. Further, the processor or POS terminal is capable of performing supplementary processing in addition to performing the checkout procedure. Such supplementary processing may relate to storage and/or transmission of certain portions of the article data for, by way of example only but not limited to, inventory control. 
     Additionally, the deactivator assembly may include on-off modes of operation which may serve as an additional security feature to prevent the unauthorized use of the deactivator assembly and/or processor. More specifically, authorized personnel associated with the area, retail establishment, etc. may carry or otherwise have immediate access to portable RFID devices, carried on their person. Such portable RFID devices could be in the form of labels, plastic tags, or other RFID operative devices capable of accomplishing the “off-mode” and “on-mode” of the deactivator assembly serving to lock and unlock its use or operability. In use, the portable RFID device carried by authorized personnel will be passed over an RFID antenna associated with the deactivator assembly serving to unlock the deactivator assembly, at least for a preset or preprogrammed time period. Accordingly, when the deactivator assembly is not used within the preset or preprogrammed period of time, it will automatically turn off or be in a locked state of operation. As a result, the next authorized individual intending to complete a checkout procedure will again have to expose or access that individual&#39;s portable RFID device to the antenna of the deactivator in order to unlock the deactivator and render it operable. Therefore, the authorized portable RFID devices are structured to place the deactivator assembly and/or processor/POS terminal in an “on-mode” for the predetermined or preset period of time and subsequently upon expiration thereof the deactivator assembly will automatically be disposed in an “off-mode”. In the “on-mode”, the deactivator assembly and/or processor is capable of performing the checkout procedure and/or the deactivation of the RFID component associated with a given security tag assembly, in an intended manner. However, in the “off-mode”, operation of the deactivator assembly is restricted to the extent that a security tag assembly cannot be “deactivated” and/or removed. This will prevent customers or any unauthorized personnel from utilizing the deactivator assembly to deactivate and/or remove a security tag assembly, facilitate its detachment from the article and/or otherwise facilitate the unauthorized removal of the article from the secured area. It is also noted that the plurality of security tag assemblies associated with the security system of the present invention may also be equipped with electronic article surveillance (EAS) of conventional design and operation, to facilitate monitoring and prevention of articles passing through monitoring stations located at exit ways of the secured area. In addition to or instead of the EAS surveillance the security tag assembly may include ink cartridges. 
     Additional operative and structural features associated with the security system of the present invention is the ability of authorized personnel to periodically or on a predetermined basis check the status of articles and/or article data by wirelessly monitoring any of the security tag assemblies. More specifically, authorized personnel may include portable RFID readers which may or may not be directly associated with the reading devices operative to determine the aforementioned on-off modes of the deactivator assembly. More specifically, utilizing the portable, wireless RFID readers authorized personnel may access the article data of any given security tag assembly. Such article data is read and displayed on the portable RFID reader to facilitate an update of the article data such as pricing review or changing or as a method of reviewing the accuracy of such article data. 
     Yet additional features of the security system of the present invention include a review application configured to access article data encoded on the RFID component associated with the different security tag assemblies. As such, the review application is configured to be downloaded on and operative with a communication device carried by customers or other non-employees visiting the secured area. Such a communication device may be a smart phone or the like having short range communication facilities such as, but not limited to Bluetooth, NFC, etc. In use, a customer may thereby position his or her smart phone, or other device, in relatively close proximity to a given security tag. This will result in at least some of the article data being accessed and displayed on the display function of the smart phone. The customer may thereby be informed of pricing and/or other information relating to the purchase or features associated with the article intended to be purchased. 
     Each of the possibly large number of security tag assembly used to implement the security system of the present invention may vary in construction, function and purpose dependent, at least in part, on the embodiment utilized. Accordingly one or more preferred embodiments of the tag assembly include a tag member including a housing, in which the RFID component is mounted. More specifically, the RFID component may include an RFID label which is secured to the inner surface of the housing in a manner which conforms the RFID label to the configuration or shape of the inner surface. An attachment structure in the form of an elongated connector pin is secured to the housing by passing there through and through interior portions of the integrated circuit, which may at least partially define the structure of the RFID label. Conformance of the RFID label to the inner surface of the housing may be accomplished by producing the IC on a sheet of flexible material. 
     A cover member is disposed in overlying relation to the RFID label and in covering relation to at least a portion and/or majority of the inner surface of the housing. The cover member serves to retain and accurately position the RFID label in its intended orientation within the housing. Further, structural features associated with the cover member may facilitate its securement to the interior of the housing and/or to the RFID label itself. 
     Each of at least one embodiment of the plurality of security tag assemblies includes a base removably attached to the tag member by virtue of removable interconnection with the aforementioned connector pin. As such, the base includes a locking mechanism which may differ in structure and operation but which serves to securely engage the connector pin so as to maintain the tag member and the base connected to one another and in retaining or capturing relation to the article to which the tag assembly is secured. Therefore, in use the tag member and the base are initially separated. Securement to a given article is accomplished by passing the connector pin through the article and into secured engagement with the locking assembly associated with the base. The structure of the base, specifically including the locking assembly may also be adapted for deactivation or release of the connector pin by operative engagement or proximity scanning of the security tag assembly relative to the aforementioned deactivator assembly. 
     Accordingly, variations of the security system and security tag assembly of the various embodiments of the present invention provide a unique and effective protection of an area to be secured, in terms of preventing unauthorized removal of articles from the secured area. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view in exploded form of one embodiment of a security tag assembly used in the security system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective interior view of a tag component in at least partially assembled form of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a transverse interior sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in assembled form. 
         FIG. 4  is an interior perspective view of a housing of the tag component of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of an RFID component in the form of an RFID label as incorporated in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         FIG. 6  is an interior perspective view of the structural components of  FIGS. 4 and 5  in at least partially assembled form. 
         FIG. 7  is an interior perspective view of a cover member of the embodiment of the security tag assembly as represented in  FIGS. 2-3 . 
         FIG. 8  is an interior perspective view of the structural components, as represented in  FIGS. 4-7 , of the security tag assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front plan view of a deactivator assembly incorporated in at least one preferred embodiment of the security system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in operative relation to a security tag assembly during a checkout procedure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front plan view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  in operative relation to a security tag assembly for purposes of deactivation and removal from an article. 
         FIG. 9C  is an interior/rear view of the deactivator assembly of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-9B  and electronics associated with the operation thereof. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of at least one preferred embodiment the deactivator assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic representation of one embodiment and/or implementation of the security system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment and/or implementation of the security system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portable reader assembly operative to review article data associated with each of a possible plurality of security tag assemblies. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention is directed to a security system, generally indicated as  100  in  FIGS. 10-11 , operative to restrict unauthorized removal of articles  101  from an area. Further, at least one, but more practically a plurality of security tag assemblies  10 , represented in detail in  FIGS. 1-8 , are utilized to implement the security system  100 . 
     For purposes of clarity, the structural and operational features of the security tag assembly  10  will be described herein and subsequently its use in the system  100 . With primary reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the security  10  comprises a tag member  12  including a tag housing  14  and a cover member  16 .  FIG. 2  represents the housing  14 , connector pin  18  and cover member  16  in an assembled orientation, but not connected to a base  20  of the security tag assembly  10 . More specifically, the tag member  12  includes an RFID component generally indicated as  24  and represented in detail and in at least partially assembled form in  FIGS. 5-6 . The RFID component  24  is preferably in the form of an RFID label which may include an integrated circuit (IC) mounted on a flexible material film or the like  26 . Further, the RFID component/label  24  includes a substantially “open configuration” to facilitate its attachment to the interior surface  14 ′ of the housing  14  in cooperation with the placement of the connecting pin  18 . 
     When so disposed within the housing  14 , the RFID component or label  24  is disposed in overlying relation to the inner surface  14 ′ and due to the flexibility of the film  26  on which it is disposed, the RFID component/label  24  substantially conforms to at least a portion of the shape of the interior surface  14 ′. The connector pin  18  has a sufficiently elongated configuration to extend outwardly from the interior of the housing  14  and be connected to the locking assembly  27  associated with the base  20 . 
     The locking assembly  27  may be structurally and operationally similar and/or equivalent to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,034, to the inventor herein. As such, the locking assembly  27  may include a plurality of balls or like locking members, as described in the above noted U.S. Patent, disposed in a secured, retained orientation by biasing spring  29 . Authorized release of the security tag assembly  10  can be accomplished by utilization of an externally applied detachment assembly of the type described in above referenced patent. More specifically, the external detachment assembly includes at least one or more detachment members (not shown herein) which pass through appropriately disposed and aligned apertures  20 ′ in the base  20  and into a detaching engagement with portions of the locking assembly  27 . As a result the tag member  12  and the connecting pin  18  are separable from the base  20  and the locking assembly  27 . 
     With primary reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the pin is attached to the housing  14  by passing there through from an exterior and as represented in both  FIGS. 1 and 3 . More specifically, a protective cap or plug  19  may be disposed in covering relation to the pinhead  18 ′ and be secured to the exterior portion of the housing  14  as clearly represented in  FIG. 3 . The pin  18  passes through the housing  14  generally at a center portion thereof. Also, as represented in  FIG. 6  the pin  18  will also pass through an open portion  24 ′ of the RFID label  24 . This will allow placement of the metallic material pin  18  in sufficiently spaced relation to an antenna or other portions of the RFID label  24  to reduce electrical and/or operational interference there between. 
     Additional features of the tag member  12  includes the aforementioned cover member  16  being disposed in overlying, covering relation to the RFID component and label  24  and in covering relation to a portion and/or majority of the inner surface  14 ′ of the housing  14 , as represented in greater detail in  FIGS. 6-8 . In addition, structural features associated with the cover member  16  include at least one but preferably a plurality of elongated channels or slots  17 . The one or more slots  17  are used to provide an efficient and effective “snap-fit” or like attachment to the RFID component/label  24 , as represented in  FIG. 6 . Accordingly, when assembled, as represented in  FIG. 8 , the cover member  16  will be disposed in overlying relation to the RFID label/component  24  and in covering and overlying relation to at least a portion of the inner surface  14 ′ of the housing  14 . Further, a central opening  16 ′ is disposed in the cover member  16  and is in general alignment with the connecting pin  18  thereby allowing passage of the connecting pin  18  there through into secure relation with the base  20  and locking assembly  27 . 
     Yet additional features associated with the security tag assembly  10  may include a freely rotational connection between the housing  20  of the tag member  12  and the base  20 . This will restrict the ability to “unscrew” and/or otherwise detach the housing  14  from the base  14 , such as by unauthorized personnel. Also, additional strength may be added to the security tag assembly  10  by forming at least portions thereof from a zinc material in order to enhance the strength thereof while concurrently reducing the possibility of electrical and/or magnetic interference between operative portions thereof and a deactivator assembly generally indicated as  30  in  FIGS. 9-10 . 
     For purposes of clarity,  FIGS. 9-9C  represent the deactivator assembly  30  independently of its typically intended use with a point of sale (POS) and/or processor  44 , as described in greater detail hereinafter in  FIG. 10 . As such, the deactivator assembly  30  includes a deactivating portion  32 , operative to effectively deactivate the security assembly  10 , as represented in  FIG. 9A  during a relatively close proximity scan and/or placement of the security tag assembly  10  by the deactivator assembly  30 . As such, the deactivator assembly  30  includes the aforementioned deactivating portion/reader  32  as well as an assembly  33  disposed and structured to facilitate disconnection of the security assembly  10  from the article  101  to which it was originally attached.  FIG. 9C  is a rear or interior side  30 ′ of the deactivator assembly  30  including electronics generally indicated as  31 , associated with the operation thereof. 
     As used and as represented in  FIG. 9A , the security tag assembly  10  is disposed in direct reading access or proximity to the reading and deactivating portion  32 . After the article data has been read and the security tag assembly  10  is ready for disconnection or separation from the article  101 , it is disposed into the alignment with the disconnection assembly portion  33 . At this location, portions of the security tag assembly  10  are separated from one another to facilitate removal of the article  101  therefrom. Such disconnection and/or separation may be accomplished in the manner described in the above noted reference to the inventor herein. 
     It is further noted that once deactivated and disconnected from the article  101 , the activation assembly  30  may be reprogrammed for reuse with different article data. As such the RFID label  34  remains active/powered to facilitate such reprogramming and reuse. 
     With primary reference to  FIG. 10 , the deactivator assembly  30 , dependent on the preferred embodiment implemented into the system  100 , includes a plurality of operative features. Such operative features include a reader function  34 , a delete function  36 , a storage function  37  a transmit function  38  and an on-off modes function  40 . The various functions  34 - 40  of the deactivator assembly  30  may be operable independently or collectively dependent, at least in part, upon the embodiment of the deactivator assembly  30  utilized and the intended and/or desired implementation of various aspects of the security system  100 . 
     More specifically, and as collectively represented in  FIGS. 10-12 , the deactivator assembly  30  is operative and may be physically associated with a processor/POS terminal  44 . As indicated above, the processor  44  may be, but is not limited to, a POS terminal of the type utilized in a retail environment and includes “checkout” procedures facilitating the purchase or otherwise authorized removal of an article  101  from the secured area. Further, the processor/POS terminal  44  includes a monitor or display screen  46  and also includes memory and or transmission capabilities capable of storing “article data” downloaded from each of the plurality of security tag assemblies  10 . However, integration of the processor and POS terminal  44  results in processing of the “article data” directly therein and/or thereby. As set forth above, the RFID label/component  24  is configured to have data relating to an article, to which it is attached, encoded or programmed therein. Such “article data” may vary but, by way of example only, may include information relating to pricing, inventory control, material, place and date of origin, warranties, treatment instructions, storage location or other information which may be of benefit to the seller, manufacture, customer, etc. 
     Moreover, the memory and transmission facilities associated with the processor/POS terminal  44  may facilitate the transmission, as at  47 , of memorized or retained article data received from each of the one or more security tag assemblies  10  to supplementary processing facilities such as, but not limited to, inventory control or the like. In the alternative, such “supplementary processing” may take place in the processing facilities associated with the processor/POS terminal  44 . In addition, when a security tag assembly  10 , attached to an article  101  is ready for checkout or authorized removal, a proximity scan thereof is accomplished by the deactivator assembly  30  as also represented in  FIG. 9A . Dependent upon the different operational and structural embodiments of the deactivator assembly  30  being utilized, there may be only a reading of the article data by the reader function  32 ,  34  of the deactivator assembly  30 , from the security tag assembly  10  wherein such read data is visually available and accessed on the display  46 . In such an embodiment, the security tag assembly  10  may not necessarily be removed from the article  101  and is read and/or scanned for purposes of review of the article data for purposes of pricing, inventory, etc. 
     In yet another embodiment the deactivator assembly  30  utilizes additional ones of the operative features to the extent that the encoded data within the security tag assembly  10  is read, by reader function  32 ,  34  and is stored by reader function  37  and is substantially concurrently deleted from the security tag assembly  10  by the delete function  36 . Thereafter, locking assembly  27  of the security tag assembly  10  acted upon as set forth above and as represented in  FIG. 9B  thereby permitting a detachment of the tag member  12  from the base  20  and a removal of the security tag assembly  10  from the article  101  to which it was originally attached. Thereafter or concurrently there with the read article data from these security tag assembly  10 , being stored, as at  37  may be transmitted by transmission function  38  to the memory/database of the processor/POS terminal  44  wherein such stored data is visually accessible on display  46 . As set forth above, the stored and retained article data may be transmitted for additional or supplementary processing or such supplementary processing may occur utilizing the processor facilities integrated in the processor/POS terminal  44 . Such supplementary processing may include, but is not limited to, inventory control, etc. As also noted herein, once read and stored by the deactivator assembly  30  and/or processor  44 , the article data is deleted from the security tag assembly  10 . As also set forth above, the security tag assembly  10  and more specifically the RFID label  24  remains active/powered and is thereby capable for reuse by being reprogrammed or encoded again with different article data when attached to a different article. 
     Additionally, the deactivator assembly  30  may include on-off modes as schematically represented by the on/off mode function  40  in  FIG. 10 . In operation, the on-off mode of the deactivator assembly  30  may serve as an additional security feature to prevent the unauthorized use of the deactivator assembly  30  and/or processor  44 . More specifically, authorized personnel associated with the area, retail establishment, etc. may carry and/or have access to portable RFID reading devices  50  as schematically represented in  FIG. 11 . 
     Such portable RFID devices  50  could be in the form of labels, plastic tags, or other RFID operative devices capable of accomplishing the “off-mode” and “on-mode” of the deactivator assembly by serving to lock and unlock its use or operability. More specifically the portable RFID device  50 , carried by authorized personnel, will be passed over and/or brought into a predetermined, operative proximity to an RFID antenna associated with the deactivator assembly  30 . As a result, assuming that the deactivator assembly  30  has not been used for a predetermined or preset period of time, it will automatically assume its “off-mode” by being locked. In order to proceed with a checkout procedure, authorized personnel, in the possession of or having access to the portable reading device  50 , access the antenna of the deactivator assembly  30  with the portable reading device  50  as set forth above. This will unlock or place the deactivator assembly  30  in the “on-mode” at least for a preset or preprogrammed time period, as set forth above. Therefore, when the deactivator assembly is not used for the preset or preprogrammed period of time, it will automatically turn off or be disposed in a locked state of operation, in the “off-mode”. As a result, the next authorized individual intending to complete a checkout procedure will again have to expose or access that individual&#39;s portable RFID device  50  to the antenna of the deactivator assembly  30  in order to unlock the deactivator assembly  30  and render it operable in the “on-mode”. 
     Therefore, the authorized portable RFID devices  50  are structured to place the deactivator assembly and/or processor/POS terminal in an “on-mode” for the predetermined or preset period of time and subsequently upon expiration thereof the deactivator assembly  30  will automatically be disposed in an “off-mode”. In the “on-mode”, the deactivator assembly  30  and/or processor/POS terminal  44  is capable of performing the checkout procedure and/or the deactivation of the RFID component associated with a given security tag assembly  10 , in an intended manner. However, in the “off-mode”, operation of the deactivator assembly  30  is restricted to the extent that a security tag assembly  10  cannot be “deactivated” and/or removed until the deactivator assembly  30  is again placed in the “on-mode” such as through utilization by authorized personnel of the portable RFID device  50 . This will prevent customers or any unauthorized personnel from utilizing the deactivator assembly  30  to deactivate and/or remove a security tag assembly, facilitate its detachment from the article  101  and/or otherwise facilitate the unauthorized removal of the article  101  from the secured area. 
     In a practical application, the portable RFID reading devices  50  may be in the form of labels, plastic tags, or variety of other structures having RFID capabilities and which may be carried on the person of authorized personnel. In use, an authorized individual may wirelessly access the deactivator assembly  30  and/or processor to complete a checkout procedure or article data review. This will prevent customers or any unauthorized personnel from utilizing the deactivator assembly  30  to deactivate a security tag assembly, facilitate its detachment from the article  101  and/or otherwise facilitate the unauthorized removal of the article from the secured area. It is also noted that the plurality of security tag assemblies  10  associated with the security system  100  of the present invention may also be equipped with electronic article surveillance (EAS) of conventional design and operation, to facilitate monitoring and prevention of articles passing through monitoring stations located at exit ways of the secured area, without removal and/or deactivation of the security tag assembly  10 . As an alternative and or in addition to EAS surveillance the security tag assembly  10  may include ink cartridges as at  15  in  FIG. 3   
     Additional operative and structural features associated with the security system of the present invention is the ability of authorized personnel to periodically or on a predetermined basis check the status of articles  101  and/or article data by wirelessly monitoring any of the security tag assemblies  10 . More specifically, authorized personnel may include portable RFID readers  60 , as represented in  FIG. 13  and schematically in  FIG. 12 . It is emphasized that the RFID reader  60  are to be distinguishable from the portable RFID devices  50  carried by authorized personnel which, set forth above are operative to determine the “on-off mode’ of the deactivator assembly  30 . More specifically, RFID readers  60  are preferably operative on a wireless basis and are portable. As represented in  FIG. 13 , the RFID readers  60  may include display facilities  62  authorized personnel may access the article data of any given security tag assembly  10 . Such article data is read and displayed, as at  62  on the portable RFID reader  60  to facilitate an update of the article data, such as pricing review or changing or as a method of reviewing the accuracy of such article data. 
     Yet additional features of the security system  100  of the present invention includes a review application configured to access article data encoded on the RFID component  24  associated with the different security tag assemblies  10 . As such, the review application  70  is configured to be downloaded on and operative with a communication device  72  carried by customers or other non-employees visiting the secured area. Such a communication device  72  may be a smart phone or the like having short range communication facilities such as, but not limited to Bluetooth, NFC, etc. In use, a customer may thereby position his or her smart phone  72 , or other device, in relatively close proximity to a given security tag. This will result in at least some of the article data being accessed and displayed on the display function of the smart phone  72 . The customer may thereby be informed of pricing and/or other information relating to the purchase or features associated with the article intended to be purchased. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,