EP2417316B1

EP2417316B1 - Security package

Info

Publication number: EP2417316B1
Application number: EP10720685.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sean Maddox; Peter A. Farrar
Original assignee: Dubois Ltd
Current assignee: Dubois Ltd
Priority date: 2009-04-08
Filing date: 2010-04-08
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-08
Also published as: PL2417316T3; WO2010118189A1; AU2010234394A1; EP2417316A1

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a container and containers for holding and enclosing a product and to security devices for use therewith to prevent or deter theft. It also relates to release devices for releasing such security devices.
The invention is particularly concerned with a container and containers for products such as electronics items, for example cell phones, media players, PDAs, and memory devices, but may be applicable to other forms of product.
Various types of containers are known for holding product items. Many items are housed in so called "clamshells" comprising a plastic structure in which the product is secured. These are bulky and difficult to open, and environmentally are considered an excessive use of plastic.
A problem encountered with some containers is the removal and theft of the contents within a store selling such products.
For these reasons, many stores only display empty containers and when a customer has made a selection, the staff retrieve the relevant product from a secure cupboard or safe and places it in the container for the customer. However, this takes additional time and requires an additional secure storage place for the products. The stores would also prefer for the products to be held within the boxes on display as this is more appealing to a potential customer than an empty box. There is therefore a desire within the trade to be able to display product containers with the relevant product already held therein; such a practice being known as "live" storage within the trade.
Prior art devices for increasing the security of such containers tend to be bulky and expensive. One known form of device comprises a "keeper" in the form of a robust casing or frame which fits around, or partially around, the exterior of the container and is locked in a closed position so it is impossible to open the container without first unlocking and removing the keeper. Such keepers are difficult to handle, and substantially increase the size of the product (often increasing the size of the product by 30% or more and so occupying more shelf space). They also detract from the aesthetics of the product, may conceal some of the artwork on the exterior of the container and considerably reduce the attractiveness of the product to a potential customer.
One of the aims of the present invention is thus to enable the security of a live storage container housing a product such as an electronics item to be improved.
A first aspect of the invention provides a container for use in holding a product, the container comprising:

a base portion and a lid portion moveable relative to each other between open and closed positions;
a releasable security member comprising a first arm extending from a head portion in a first direction;
at least one of the base portion and the lid portion being adapted to receive the first arm along a path;
wherein, in the closed position, the first arm when received by the at least one of the base portion or lid portion prevents movement between the lid portion and the base portion;
wherein, in the closed position, when the first arm is received by the at least one of the base portion or lid portion, the head portion is located adjacent an external surface of the container; the first arm comprises a flat strip which, when the first arm is received by the at least one of the base portion or lid portion, is inserted through a recess in an external wall of the base portion or lid portion and extends at least part way across the container closely adjacent and substantially parallel to an outer surface of the container; and
said strip carrying a locking device arranged to releasably retain the security member in a locked position within the container once the strip has been inserted into the base portion or lid portion characterised in that the base and lid portions each have inter-engageable parts adjacent said path which engage each other when the security member is inserted in the container when the lid and base portions are in the closed position.

Preferably, the inter-engageable parts comprise a ridge and a groove shaped to receive the ridge.
Alternatively, the inter-engageable parts comprise at least one protrusion and at least one aperture to receive the protrusion.
Preferably, the base portion has a first locking aperture and the lid portion has a second locking aperture, and in the closed position, the security member passes through the first and second locking apertures and prevents relative movement between the base portion and lid portion.
Preferably, the container has a first end with a hinge defining a line of pivot, and the security member is installed at or along an opposite end from the hinge and parallel to the hinge.
Preferably, the container has a first end with a hinge defining a line of pivot, and the security member is installed at or along a side of the container adjacent the hinge end, and perpendicular to the hinge.
Preferably, the container has a first end with a hinge defining a line of pivot, wherein the hinge is selected from one of a living hinge, a continuous hinge, a discontinuous hinge, or a barrel hinge.
Preferably, said locking device comprises a metal component the position of which can be altered by application of a magnetic force.
Preferably, the container in which the locking device carried by the strip comprises a metal arm the position of which can be altered by application of a magnetic force.
Preferably, a security tag is carried by the releasable security member, removal of the security tag being inhibited while the releasable security member is inserted in container.
Preferably, the head portion of the security member fits within the recess in the exterior of the container when the first arm is received by the base portion or lid portion.
Preferably, the container in combination with a release device is arranged to provide a first magnetic force in a first direction to release the locking device and a second magnetic force in a second direction to at least partially withdraw the security member from the container.
Preferably, to release the security member from the locked position it is necessary to push the security member further into the container to allow the locking device to be released.
Preferably, there further comprises an engagement member for engaging a locking device carried by the flat strip once the flat strip has been inserted into the container so as to retain the first arm within the container.
Preferably, the base or lid portions also comprise an engagement member for engaging a locking device carried by the flat strip once the flat strip has been inserted into the container so as to retain the first arm within the container, wherein the security member is insertable into the container against the resistance of a resilient arm provided in the container, the resilient arm being adapted to assist in at least partially ejecting the security member from the container when the locking device is released.
The container may be adapted to hold products such as, for example, electronic items. Example and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.
The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, face-forward view in a closed state of a container for holding a product together with a security device according to an embodiment not forming part of the claimed invention;
FIG. 2A is a perspective, face-upward view in a closed state of the container of FIG. 1;
FIGs. 2B - 2D are perspective views from below the container of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the security device being removed from the container shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4A is a perspective, face-upward view of the container of FIG. 1 in a stage of being opened;
FIGS. 4B-4F are variations on the lid end wall of the container of FIG. 1;
FIGs. 5A - 5B are cross section views of certain details from FIG. 2;
FIGs. 5C-5D are cross section views of certain details from FIG. 4;
FIGs. 5E - 5F are additional cross section views;
FIG. 6A is a perspective, face-upward view of the container of FIG. 1 in a further stage of being opened;
FIGs. 6B - 6C are perspective views from below the container of FIG. 1 showing the container being opened;
FIG. 7A is a perspective, face-forward view in a closed state of a container for holding a product together with a security device according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIGs. 7B - 7D are perspective, face-upward views in a closed state of the container of FIG. 7A;
FIGs. 8A- 8B are perspective, face-upward views in an open state of the container of FIG. 7 A;
FIG. 9A is a perspective, face-upward view in a closed state of the container of FIG. 7A, with the security device removed;
FIG. 9B is a perspective, face-upward view in a closed state of the container of FIG. 7A, with the security device inserted;
FIGs. 10A - 10B are cross section views of certain details from FIGs. 9A and 9B respectively;
FIGs. 10C - 10D are perspective views of certain alternative details from the container of FIG. 7A;
FIGs. 10E - 10F are cross section views of certain details from FIGs. 9A and 9B respectively;
FIG. 10G is a view of the closure end of the container of FIG.7A;
FIG. 11 is a perspective, face-forward view in a closed state of a container for holding a product together with a security device according to an embodiment not forming part of the claimed invention;
FIG. 12A is a perspective, face-upward view in an opened state of the container of FIG. 11;
FIG. 12B is a perspective, face-upward view in an partly closed state of the container of FIG. 11;
FIGs. 12C - 12D are perspective, face-upward views in a closed state of the container of FIG. 11;
FIG. 12E is a perspective, face-upward view in an opened state of the container of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13A is a cross section view of certain details from FIG. 12A in an opened stage;
FIGs. 13B - 13C are cross section views related to FIG. 13A, in a closed and a locked stage respectively;
FIGs. 13D - 13F are perspective views related to certain details of FIG. 12B; and
FIGs. 13G - 13H are cross section views related to FIG. 13A, in a closed and a locked stage respectively.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment, not forming part of the claimed invention, of a container 100 for holding a product 50 such as a cell phone. A cell phone is used as an example product in this description, but only as an example, since the container may hold a wide variety of products. Container 100 comprises a base portion 101 (only part of which is shown) and a lid portion 102. By way of example, the base portion 101 may comprise an opaque plastic tray formed by an injection molding process. Also by way of example, the lid portion 102 may comprise a transparent plastic panel, although portions such as the lid periphery 104 may be made opaque or translucent by means of texturing or painting. An extended portion 105 may be provided on one or both of the base portion 101 (as shown here) or the lid portion 102. The extended portion may comprise a hole 106 for hanging on a hook or display rack.
Product 50 may be held in a support structure 52 within the container 100, such as a formed or folded paperboard, vacuum-formed plastic structure, or other suitable support structure that may provide at least one of support, protection, instructions, or advertising for the product. Support structure 52 may also support or conceal additional items, such as batteries, cords, adapters, brochures, instruction manuals, warranty cards, and the like.
The container 100 may be locked shut using a security device 108 such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,484 ("the '484 patent").
The security device 108 shown is FIG. 1 may comprise a first long arm 109 and a second, short arm 110, the two arms being connected to a head 111. In some embodiments the short arm 110 may be omitted. The two arms 109, 110 and the head will each may comprise a flat strip of a relatively tough plastic material, for example glass reinforced nylon or ABS each being approximately 8-12 mm wide and 1.0 to 1.5 mm thick. The security device 108 may be formed as a single piece, for example by injection molding.
The long arm 109 in the embodiments described here may be used, in the locked configurations, to prevent opening of the container as will be described. Generally, the long arm 109 may, in a locked configuration, be located close to an edge of the container. The long arm 109 may move along or occupy a path through the container, such as a path partially or completely enclosed by portions of the container. A security tag 120 may be placed upon the long arm 109 or elsewhere on the security device 108.
In some embodiments, the security device may differ in some respects from the security device described in the '484 patent. For example security device 108A may be used which lacks a short arm, or has a smaller head 111A, or has a feature such as an aperture or hole 111B that may be used to assist in removal. However, the security device may be similar in some respects to security device 108. A long arm 109 may be provided, and the head 111A may have an element that may be acted upon by a magnetic force as described below, to pull the security device 108A from the container. A security tag 120 may be placed upon the long arm 109 or elsewhere on the security device 108A.
FIG. 2A shows container 100 in a face-upward view in a closed and locked configuration with security device 108 inserted in the container through lock housing 114A. Once the lid 102 of container 100 is in the closed position, the security device 108 is pushed into the container so that the head 111 lies within a recess 115 in the lock housing 114A, which may be located near the edge of the container. Long arm 109 engages lid end portion 102A and prevents lid portion 102 from sliding with respect to the base portion 101. The interaction of long arm 109 and lid end portion 102A in the locked configuration may be seen in cross section as denoted by arrows 5B and shown in FIG. 2A. An optional lock housing 114B may receive the far end of long arm 109. While lock housing 114A is shown as a generally block or rectangular shape, any shape may be utilized which securely receives security device 108.
One or more base sliding hooks 131 may engage one or more lid sliding hooks 132 and prevent lid portion 102 from moving apart from base portion 101. The interaction of base sliding hooks 131 and lid sliding hooks 132 in the locked configuration may be seen in cross section as denoted by arrows 5A and shown in FIG. 2A.
The security device 108 may be locked in place in a variety of ways depending upon the level of security required. In a simple form, requiring only a low level of security, the security device 108 may be inserted into the container to hold the container closed and the container then provided with a wrapping (not shown), e.g. a clear plastic sleeve or shrink wrapping, passing over the head 111 so the security device 108 can only be removed following breakage or removal of this wrapping.
In addition, a conventional security tag (not shown) can be mounted on the long arm 109 (or short arm 110 if present and if large enough) so that it cannot be removed without withdrawing the security device 108 from the container. Alternatively, the security tag can be mounted on the inner face of the head 111 or positioned such that it is sandwiched between the head 111 and the inside of lock housing 114A when the security device 108 is fully inserted within the container so again, it cannot be removed without withdrawing the security device 108 from the container.
Details of the construction of security device 108 may be found in the '484 patent. A security tag 120 such as a Sensormatic™ Ultra-max label may be mounted on the long arm 109 or within a recess provided in the long arm 109 and may be secured therein by adhesive.
As described in the '484 patent, security device 108 may be inserted into the container with the long arm 109 of the device slid through the container until the distal end of a spring arm (not shown) provided on the security device passes a spring-retaining projection (not shown) provided in the container. The resilience of the spring arm may then cause the distal end thereof to engage a side of the spring-retaining projection. The security device 108 may thus be locked within the container so that it cannot be slid back out without disengaging the spring arm from the spring-retaining projection. The spring arm is inaccessible from the exterior of the container, making it difficult, if not impossible, for a potential thief to open the container, to remove the security tag 120.
FIGs. 2B - 2D show alternative views of container 100, including features already described such as base portion 101, base end wall 101A, lid end portion 102A, lock housings 114A and 114B, recess 115, base sliding hooks 131 and lid sliding hooks 132, and security device 108 comprising long arm 109 and head 111. FIG. 2B shows the container in a locked configuration, FIG. 2C shows the security tag partly removed, and FIG. 2D shows the security tag completely removed.
As shown in FIG. 3, and as described in the '484 patent, in order to release the security device 108 from the container, the container is brought up to a magnetic release device 125 which Is shaped so as to align a first part 125A adjacent the container in alignment with the spring arm contained in the long arm 109 so as to draw the spring arm out of engagement within the spring-retaining projection, and to align a second part 125B with the head 111 of the device so the magnetic pull on a metal insert (not shown) in head 111 withdraws the security device 108 from the container at least far enough to prevent re-engagement of the spring arm with the spring-retaining projection. The security device 108 can then be withdrawn from the container. The container 100 and other containers herein may have different shapes than the containers described in the '484 patent.
The magnetic release device 125 can be provided adjacent a sales till in a store for use only by sales staff. Once the security device 108 has been withdrawn, the container and the disk held therein can be taken from the store by a customer without triggering an alarm. The security device 108 can then be re -used in another container.
As mentioned above, the security device may be inserted into the container and a wrapper then provided around the container. However, when a locking mechanism such as that described above (in relation to FIG. 3) is used, the security device 108 may be inserted through the wrapper. To this end, the distal ends of the long arm 109 and short arm 110 may be pointed so they can pierce the wrapper. When the security device is fully inserted into the container, the head 111 may cover the pierced areas of the wrapper. Also, the head 111 is positioned within the recess 115 and may locally distort the wrapper so that it is pressed into the recess 115.
Containers holding a product and which have a wrapper can thus be delivered to the store in the usual manner. The store may then insert a security device within each container (or they can be pre-installed by the manufacturer or packager).
It will be appreciated that the head 111 lies adjacent and substantially parallel to an edge of the container and, preferably, is positioned within the recess 115 so the security device 108 does not substantially alter the external dimensions of the product. This also reduces the accessibility of the head 111 so making it more difficult to grasp if an attempt is made to try to pull it out. Once the security device 108 is removed, depending on the container design, the finger recess 115 may be utilized to help pull open certain containers. Furthermore, the security device 108 does not detract from the aesthetics of the product or the handling of the product by the consumer or automated packing machines.
The spring and spring-retaining projection provide a snap-fit mechanism which is activated as the security device 108 is fitted to container 100. Other forms of mechanism may be used to provide a similar function, i.e. allowing insertion of the security device but inhibiting removal thereof, once it reaches a given position. Insertion of the security device 108 thus inhibits removal of the product from the container, the security device automatically being locked in place when fitted to the container. Such mechanisms typically comprise first and second parts arranged such that the second part can pass the first part when the member is inserted but engagement between the first and second parts prevents the second part moving past the first part in the opposite direction.
As indicated above, the spring arm and spring-retaining projection form a locking mechanism for the security device 108 so the latter can only be removed from the container following release of the locking mechanism. Other forms of locking mechanism providing a similar function may be provided. Such locking devices may be released by application of a magnetic force but arrangements may also be used which require application of a special tool or key to release the device. For higher security applications the release tool may be provided with a code which has to match a code within the locking device in order to release the device.
The container described provides the following security functions: it holds the container closed, and it prevents access to the security tag 120.
The security device may be modified, e.g. by omission of the short arm 110 and/or omission of the security tag 120 and/or by shortening of the long arm 109, to provide one or more security features as required.
The use of the lockable security device to inhibit access to the security tag 120 provides significant advantages. By making the tag inaccessible until the security device is released, a potential thief is prevented from removing or tampering with the device. Furthermore, if the tag is mounted on the security device or becomes free on removal of the security device, it can be retained by the store for re -use. This helps reduce a problem due to tags being left off products or carried into another store by reducing the number of tags in circulation outside the store. Furthermore, if the tags are re-usable rather than being disposable, the store can invest in higher specification tags providing higher levels of security and/or more sophisticated functions.
The locking security device 108 described above comprises two arms 109, 110 each insertable into the container. However, as mentioned, the short arm 110 may be omitted in some instances. The arms 109, 110 extend from the head 111 which comprises a substantially flat component. The head 111 is arranged to lie adjacent and substantially parallel to an external face of the container when arms are positioned within the container. The device thus has no significant impact on the overall external dimensions of the product- The head 111 may, in some devices, lie against an external face of the container and so add to the width of the container by the thickness of the head 111 but, preferably, the head 111 is positioned within a recess so that it is co-planar with an external face of the container or recessed beneath said face.
FIG. 4A shows how container 100 may be opened once the security device 108 has been unlocked (if necessary) by the magnetic release device 125 as shown in FIG, 3. Security device 108 may be slid from the container as shown by arrow X1. This frees lid end wall portion 102B to slide relative to base 101 in the direction shown by arrow Y1, which disengages base sliding hooks 131 from lid sliding hooks 132. FIG. 4A shows the lid 102 having been slid far enough so that the hooks are disengaged.
FIGS. 4B - 4E show variations on the lid end wall portion. As shown in FIG. 4B, the lid end wall portion rather than being one or two plates may at least partly be a channel as denoted by arrow 102D. Either or both of lid end wall portions 102B, 102C may vary in shape as shown in FIGS. 4C - 4E.
Cross section 5C (shown in FIG. 5C) shows the disengagement of the base hooks and lid hooks, and cross section 5D (shown in FIG. 5D) shows the disengagement of the lid end wall portion.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show cross sections of the locking features in the locked configuration. FIG. 5A illustrates how, in the locked configuration, base sliding hooks 131 engage lid sliding hooks 132. This prevents the lid from being lifted off the base, although it allows sliding motion of the lid relative to the base. It will be understood that various modifications of the hook design could be made while still accomplishing the same effect. For example, instead of lid sliding hooks 132 "wrapping" around base sliding hooks 131, base sliding hooks (not shown) could be designed which wrap or otherwise engage the lid sliding hooks. The locking features could comprise structures other than hooks, for example discontinuous ribs, ridges, bars or other features that engage in the locked configuration but are not engaged in the unlocked configuration.
FIG. 5B illustrates how, in the locked position, with the security device 108 being held in lock housing 114A, the long arm 109 of the security device prevents lid end wall portion 102B from sliding relative to base end wall 101A. Thus the combined action of the lid and base hooks along with the security device prevent the lid from being lifted off or slid away from the base in the locked configuration.
FIGS. 5C and 5D show cross sections of the locking features in the unlocked configuration. FIG. 5C illustrates how, in the unlocked configuration, lid sliding hooks 132 may be slid (along with the entire lid) in the direction Y1 so as to disengage from base sliding hooks 131. This allows the lid to be lifted off the base thereby opening the container. The sliding motion of the lid relative to the base is possible because, as shown in FIG. 5D, once the security device 108 has been removed, its long arm 109 no longer prevents lid end wall portion 102B from sliding in direction Y1 relative to the base end wall 101A. One or more additional lid end wall portions may be provided, for example lid end wall portion 102C which may cover security device long arm 109 when it is present (in the locked configuration). The lid end wall portions do not necessarily need to extend across the entire end of the container.
FIG. 5E is another cross section showing the base sliding hooks 131 and lid sliding hooks 132. FIG. 5F is a partial cutaway view looking upward (from under the container) and showing base sliding hook 131 and lid sliding hook 132. Also shown is the head 111 of the security device which is installed in the container.
FIG. 6A shows how, in the unlocked configuration, lid 102 may be lifted in direction Z1 off the base 101, thereby allowing access to the product inside. FIG. 6B is a view from below showing lid 102 sliding relative to base 101, while FIG. 6C is a view from below showing the lid 102 being lifted away from base 101. Also shown in FIGs. 6B and 6C are elements previously described, including base end wall 101A, lid end portion 102A, and lock housing 114A.
FIG. 7A shows a face-forward view of a container 200 according to an embodiment of the invention for holding a product 50 such as a cell phone. A cell phone is used as an example product in this description, but only as an example, since the container may hold a wide variety of products. Container 200 comprises a base portion 201 and a lid portion 202. By way of example, the base portion 201 may comprise an opaque plastic tray formed by an injection molding process. Also by way of example, the lid portion 202 may comprise a transparent plastic panel behind which the product is displayed, although portions such as the lid periphery 204 may be made opaque or translucent by means of texturing or painting.
As described previously, product 50 may be held in a support structure (not shown) within the container, such as a formed or folded paperboard, vacuum-formed plastic structure, or other suitable support structure that may provide at least one of support, protection, instructions, or advertising for the product.
The container 200 may be locked shut using a security device 108 such as that previously described herein. FIG. 7B shows a face-upward view of container 200 enclosed in a wraparound sleeve 205 such as a paperboard sleeve that may carry printed information and graphics. Sleeve 205 may be held on container 200 by friction-fit, by adhesive, or by features such as raised or depressed areas (not shown) on container 200. Sleeve 205 may thus provide some security insofar as container 200 cannot be opened with the sleeve in place. A tear strip 205A may be provided to facilitate removing sleeve 205 from the container.
FIGs. 7C and 7D show additional views of container 200, including features already described such as base portion 201, lid portion 202, hinge portion 203, and security device 108.
FIGs. 8A and 8B show container 200 in an opened configuration. Product 50 within the container may be held in support 52 such as a thermo formed tray. Base portion 201 and lid portion 202 may be connected by hinge portion 203, which may comprise one or more hinge lines 203A such as a living hinge.
FIGs. 9A and 9B show the closure end of container 200, opposite from the hinge portion 203. Base end portion 201A and lid end portion 202A may overlap, and a lock housing 214A may be provided. A security device as described previously may be inserted through the lock housing 214A so that the security device long arm 109 (shown in dotted line) may be used to hold together the base end portion 201A and lid end portion 202A, thus holding the container closed. The head 111 of the security device may be received in lock housing 214A. The other end of the security device may be received in optional lock housing 214B.
Areas denoted (on FIGs. 9A and 9B) by arrows 10A and 10B respectively are shown in cross section in FIGs. 10A and 10B, illustrating how container 200 may be locked in a closed configuration. FIG. 10A shows a closed, unlocked configuration, where base end portion 201A and lid end portion 202A are in closed contact (or at least proximate) to one another. At least one base latch feature 231 is provided, and at least one complementary lid latch feature 232 is provided. Multiple latch features may be provided. The latch features may be one or more short features such as holes and protrusions, or one or more longer features such as slots and ribs or bars. The latch features may be provided on one or more structures such as plate- or finger- shaped structures. If multiple latch features are provided, they may be along a common line or may be positioned along multiple lines or other patterns including linear or curved paths. Adjacent at least one of the base latch feature or lid latch features is provided a pass-through path such as slot 230 (seen in FIG. 10A) which may receive long arm 109 (seen in FIG. 10B) of the security device. The latch features may take various forms, for example as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D. As shown in FIG. 10C, base latch feature 231 may comprise at least one base latch hole 231A, while lid latch feature 232 may comprise at least lid latch pin 232A. As shown in FIG. 10D, base latch feature 231 may comprise at least one base latch slot 231B, and lid latch feature 232 may comprise at least one lid latch bar 232B. Many other variations of latching features may be used that interengage to prevent opening of the container when it is locked using the security device.
In the unlocked configuration shown in FIG. 10A, the base latch feature 231 and lid latch feature 232 either do not engage one another, or else engage one another somewhat loosely so as to allow the lid and base to be separated. In the latter instance, the latch features may hold the container closed without it being locked. In the locked configuration shown in FIG. 10B, the long arm 109 of the security device causes the latching features to engage such that they cannot be separated, thus holding the container closed. Withdrawing the security device (for example as shown in FIG. 3) and thereby removing the long arm 109 allows the container to be opened.
FIGs. 10E and 10F show alternative cross-section views that are similar to FIGs. 10A and 10B, again illustrating certain features including base end portion 201A, lid end portion 202A, slot 230, base latch feature 231 comprising base latch slot 231B, lid latch feature 232, as well as (in FIG. 10F), the long arm 109 of the security device occupying slot 230. FIG. 10G shows a view of the closure end of the container including base end portion 201A, lid end portion 202A, and (in hidden lines) lid latch features 232 for example in the form of fingers that may have pins, ribs, bars, holes, or slot to interengage with the base latch features.
Container 200 has been illustrated with the security device inserted along the opening edge, that is, opposite from the hinge and substantially parallel to the hinge. However, although not shown here, similar locking structures may also be possible with the security device inserted along a side edge, that is, an edge perpendicular to the hinge.
FIG. 11 shows a face-forward view of an embodiment, not forming part of the claimed invention, of a container 300 for holding a product 50 such as a cell phone. A cell phone is used as an example product in this description, but only as an example, since the container may hold a wide variety of products. Container 300 comprises a base portion 301 and a lid portion 302, which may be connected by one or more pivoting or hinge-pin hinges 303, for example at two adjacent corners of the container. By way of example, the base portion 301 may comprise an opaque plastic tray formed by an injection molding process. Also by way of example, the lid portion 302 may comprise a transparent plastic panel behind which the product is displayed, although portions such as the lid periphery 304 may be made opaque or translucent by means of texturing or painting.
FIG. 12A shows container 300 in an opened configuration. As described previously, product 50 may be held in a support structure 52 within the container, such as a formed or folded paperboard, vacuum- formed plastic structure, or other suitable support structure that may provide at least one of support, protection, instructions, or advertising for the product. At the closure end, opposite from the hinge 303, base end portion 301A and lid end portion 302A may be provided, and also a lock housing 314 may be provided.
FIG. 12B shows container 300 in a nearly closed configuration. The lid side walls 302S may overlap the base side walls 301S, for additional security. Lid latch feature 332 is shown which will be further described below. Once the container is in a fully closed configuration, a security device 108 as described previously may be inserted through the lock housing 314 so that the security device long arm 109 may be used to hold together the base end portion 301A and lid end portion 302A, thus holding the container closed. The security device's head 111 may be received in lock housing 214A. The other end of the security device may be received in an optional lock housing (not shown) at the other side of the container.
FIG. 12C shows container 300 in a closed configuration with the security device installed. FIG. 12D shows container 300 in a closed configuration with the security device removed. FIG. 12E is another view of the container in an opened configuration. FIGs. 12C -12E show elements previously described, including security device 108 comprising long arm 109, and head 111, base portion 301, base end portion 301A, base side walls 301S, lid portion 302, lid end portion 302A, lid side walls 3025, hinge 303, and lock housing 314.
The area denoted by arrows 13A (on FIG. 12B) is shown in cross section in FIGs. 13A - 13C, illustrating how container 300 may be locked in a closed configuration. FIG. 13A shows a nearly closed configuration as in FIG. 12A, where base end portion 301A and lid end portion 302A are proximate but not yet completely closed contact. At least one lid latch feature 332 is provided, which may be received into a path comprising at least one pass through slot 330 on the base portion. Multiple lid latch features may be provided. The lid latch features may be a single continuous plate as shown in FIG. 12B, or several such plates or similar structures. One or more lid latch hooks 333 may be provided as features such as protrusions, ribs or bars that may be captured by the security device.
FIG. 13B shows the same cross section once the container is completely closed, but before the security device is inserted through the pass through slot 330. The lid latch feature 332 is seen to be contained now at least partly contained within pass through slot 330. FIG. 13C shows the same cross section once security device 108 has been inserted, so that the long arm now captures lid latch hook 333 and prevents the lid from being separated away from the base, thus holding the container shut. It will be understood that the positions of the latch feature and pass through slot could be interchanged between the lid and base, while still effecting a locking mechanism through use of the security device. The lid latch feature may take various forms. For example, as shown in FIG. 13D, the lid latch feature 332 may be a continuous plate and lid latch hook 333 may be a continuous protrusion, rib, or bar. As shown in FIG. 13E, the lid latch hook 333A may be a series of protrusions, ribs, or bars. As shown in FIG. 13F, the lid latch feature 332A may be a discontinuous plate.
FIGs. 13G and 13H show alternative cross-section views similar to FIGs. 13B and 13C respectively. Once again certain elements are shown including slot 330, lid latch feature 332, and lid latch hook 333, as well as long arm 109 of the security device.
Container 300 has been illustrated with the security device inserted along the opening edge, that is, opposite from the hinge and substantially parallel to the hinge. However, although not shown here, similar locking structures may also be possible with the security device inserted along a side edge, that is, an edge perpendicular to the hinge.
While exemplary embodiments described herein may illustrate certain features positioned on the base portion and other features positioned on the lid portion, it should be understood that alternative structures, always in accordance with the appended claims, may be used where positions of some or all of the features are interchanged. In any of the embodiments, more than one releasable security member may be provided, e.g. inserted through various locations about the edges of a container. A container may be designed so that a security member may be inserted from one side (as generally shown in the examples here) or the container may be designed so that the security member may be inserted from the other side, or from either side (for example by proper design of lock housings 114A, 114B, etc.)
The embodiments described above provide a locking mechanism which is switchable between two states, a first state in which it is locked so the security device cannot be removed from the container and a second state in which it is unlocked or de-activated so the security device can be removed from the container. In the locked state, it is necessary to apply a force to the locking mechanism to enable it to switch to the unlocked state and in the unlocked state the-locking mechanism is stable, i.e. it tends to remain in the unlocked position, even if the security member remains in place.
Where a hinge is used in the container, it is preferably strong enough to resist easily breaking into the container. It may be of several forms, such as a living hinge (FIG. 8) which typically may be formed as a thin flexible web of material as a portion of a plastic structure, or a pivoting or hinge-pin type (for example as in FIG. 11), one or more butt hinges, a continuous hinge such as a piano hinge, or any other suitable type of hinge.
Furthermore, as indicated in the introduction, aspects of the invention are also applicable to containers for holding other types of product.

Claims

A container (200) for use in holding a product (50), the container (200) comprising:
a base portion (201) and a lid portion (202) moveable relative to each other between open and closed positions;

a releasable security member (108; 108a) comprising a first arm (109) extending from a head portion (111) in a first direction;

at least one of the base portion (201) and the lid portion (202) being adapted to receive the first arm (109) along a path;

wherein, in the closed position, the first arm (109) when received by the at least one of the base portion (201) or lid portion (202) prevents movement between the lid portion (202) and the base portion (201);

wherein, in the closed position, when the first arm (109) is received by the at least one of the base portion (201) or lid portion (202), the head portion (111) is located adjacent an external surface of the container (200);

the first arm (109) comprises a flat strip which, when the first arm (109) is received by the at least one of the base portion (201) or lid portion (202), is inserted through a recess (115) in an external wall of the base portion (201) or lid portion (202) and extends at least part way across the container (200) closely adjacent and substantially parallel to an outer surface of the container (200); and

said strip carrying a locking device arranged to releasably retain the security member (108; 108a) in a locked position within the container (200) once the strip has been inserted into the base portion (201) or lid portion (202) characterised in that the base (201) and lid (202) portions each have inter-engageable parts (231, 232) adjacent said path which engage each other when the security member (108, 108a) is inserted in the container (200) when the lid (202) and base (201) portions are in the closed position.
The container (200) as recited in claim 1, wherein the inter-engageable parts (231, 232) comprise a ridge and a groove shaped to receive the ridge.
The container (200) as recited in claim 1, wherein the inter-engageable parts (231, 232) comprise at least one protrusion and at least one aperture to receive the protrusion.
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base portion (201) has a first locking aperture and the lid portion (202) has a second locking aperture, and in the closed position, the security member (108; 108a) passes through the first and second locking apertures and prevents relative movement between the base portion (201) and lid portion (202).
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container (200) has a first end with a hinge defining a line of pivot, and the security member (108; 108a) is installed at or along an opposite end from the hinge and parallel to the hinge.
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (200) has a first end with a hinge defining a line of pivot, and the security member (108; 108a) is installed at or along a side of the container adjacent the hinge end, and perpendicular to the hinge.
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container (200) has a first end with a hinge defining a line of pivot, wherein the hinge is selected from one of a living hinge, a continuous hinge, a discontinuous hinge, or a barrel hinge.
The container (200) of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said locking device comprises a metal component the position of which can be altered by application of a magnetic force.
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 8, in which the locking device carried by the strip comprises a metal arm the position of which can be altered by application of a magnetic force.
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 9, in which a security tag (120) is carried by the releasable security member (108; 108a), removal of the security tag (120) being inhibited while the releasable security member (108; 108a) is inserted in container (200).
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 10, in which the head portion (111) of the security member (108; 108a) fits within the recess (115) in the exterior of the container (200) when the first arm (109) is received by the base portion (201) or lid portion (202).
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 11, is provided in combination with a release device (125) arranged to provide a first magnetic force in a first direction to release the locking device and a second magnetic force in a second direction to at least partially withdraw the security member (108; 108a) from the container (200).
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 12, wherein to release the security member (108; 108a) from the locked position it is necessary to push the security member (108; 108a) further into the container (200) to allow the locking device to be released.
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an engagement member for engaging a locking device carried by the flat strip once the flat strip has been inserted into the container (200) so as to retain the first arm within the container (200).
The container (200) as recited in any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base (201) or lid (202) portions also comprise an engagement member for engaging a locking device carried by the flat strip once the flat strip has been inserted into the container (200) so as to retain the first arm (109) within the container (200), wherein the security member (108; 108a) is insertable into the container (200) against the resistance of a resilient arm provided in the container (200), the resilient arm being adapted to assist in at least partially ejecting the security member (108; 108a) from the container (200) when the locking device is released.