Special receptacle or package – With structural locking modification
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-28
2001-11-27
Foster, Jim (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
With structural locking modification
C206S308200, C206S387110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321905
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to security devices for items such as DVD's CDs, Audio Cassettes, Video Cassettes, and other articles having rectangular shapes, which can be surrounded by and secured by the security package. The perimeter walls surround the item and have a top and bottom flange for securing an item. The front wall has a locking mechanism and an overlapping front wall strap to lock the security package. More particularly, the present invention relates to a security device having an asymmetric locking mechanism, as well as an internally disposed electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag therewithin and a asymmetric key for unlocking the locking mechanism.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
In an effort to thwart or eliminate the theft of items offered for sale in stores, retailers have for years worked toward tagging such articles with devices having improved security characteristics. Some devices are rather large and have cumbersome attachment means for securing the device to the item. Some devices are not easily removed from the item at the checkout counter.
To further reduce the likelihood of thievery, some security devices include electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags disposed within the security device so that an alarm will sound within the retail store if a thief attempts to leave the premises without having the store clerk remove or disable the EAS tag.
The security devices must be either easily removed from the items sold at the checkout counter prior to the customer leaving the store such that the EAS does not sound and the security package can be reused at the store or the EAS must be disarmed at the checkout counter and he security package opened by the customer at home.
Some thieves have found means to open or remove the devices such that items can be stolen easier. A security device with an EAS and a secure lock which can be easily opened with the proper key but hard to open by other means, is needed by the retail industry.
The security devices used should allow the item for sale to be displayed such that it is easily viewable by the customer yet secured inside a security package to prevent theft. The security package should be easily secured to the item.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, provides a security device having four walls having hinges which can be placed around the perimeter of an item to hold it and secured by an asymmetric locking mechanism integral with the device which is difficult to open without an asymmetric key and which resists opening by other means. The fours walls are hinged for ease of placing them around the item to be secured. The front wall has a locking mechanism and a front strap with apertures therethrough for lockingly securing the front strap to the locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism has a door portion and a security device locking mechanism portion attached by a hinge at one side for ease of alignment of the engagement member pod on the door portion with the tine member pod in the locking mechanism portion and for ease of locking and unlocking the security package. The tine member pod has at least two opposing tines, one on each side of the engaging member. The engagement member is shaped such that the tines will slip over the engaging member when closing the locking mechanism. When the security device locking mechanism is closed the tines will be positioned under the engagement member locking the security device locking mechanism. A key is necessary to move the tines from under the engagement member to open the security device locking mechanism. The engagement members, tines and keys all have asymmetric shapes to deter unauthorized opening of the security devices. The asymmetric tines compliment the shape of the asymmetric engagement portion for ease of closing the security device locking mechanism, and for opening it with the asymmetric key.
The pods have walls, which restrict access to the tines to prevent opening of the security device with an implement other than a key.
The security device has an EAS secured inside of the security device body so that it can not be removed or tampered with.
The security devices can be easy removed at a checkout counter with the key and reused on other items placed on the shelves of the store for sale.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved security device for items placed on display for sale at stores.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive lockable security device that can be used in conjunction with retailers' present electronic anti-theft alarm activators.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lockable security device compatible with having an EAS tag therein.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an asymmetric locking mechanism in the security device.
It is an object of the invention to provide an asymmetric key for opening the asymmetric locking mechanism in the security device.
It is an object of the invention to provide a security device, which can easily encase items to be secured.
It is an object of the invention to secure an item by its perimeter allowing the item offered for purchase to be viewed.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Emplast, Inc.
Foster Jim
Nikolai & Mersereau , P.A.
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