Reusable hard clear package for video games

A hard clear hangable package, locking cover and key for use in retail merchandising of video games and the like to further reduce the amount of business losses attributable to theft. The device includes a locking cover with an outer lip that prevents opening of the container without the precise key. It also includes a clamping member attached to a key base that automatically rotates into engaging position allowing the box to be removed from the locking cover, permitting the contents of the security box to be removed. The device firmly contains video games or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
I. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to a security package for video games or 
the like. More particularly, it relates to a reusable hangable hard clear 
package that firmly contains videos with a locking arrangement to 
completely enclose a video game which prevents removal of the video game 
from the package without the use of the disclosed precise key means. 
II. Discussion of the Prior Art 
Throughout the years, theft has contributed to merchants' large business 
losses. Various devices and methods have been used in an attempt to deter 
theft thereby reducing these losses. Merchants dealing in video games, 
cassettes and the like continue to encounter a need to secure small and 
relatively expensive products in novel secure packaging to prevent theft. 
In the past, anti-theft packages have had a hinged lid and a locking 
mechanism or a simple locking mechanism that is easily overcome by the 
thief. Magnetic strips of various forms have also been applied to the 
products' packaging. Although merchants presently have anti-theft 
packaging devices, there is a continued need for a more advanced locking 
means to prevent the creative opportunist from removing the product from 
the security device and exiting the retail store without purchasing the 
merchandise. 
Previous anti-theft locking devices have been overcome by using paper 
clips, credit cards, razor blades, teeth, magnets or various other small 
concealable objects. Magnetic strips are easily avoided as a theft 
preventative without detection by removing or damaging the strip, removing 
the product from its package, circumventing the sensing field, or 
deactivating the sensing strip. Further, magnetic strips are not cost 
effective because at the point of sale, magnetic strips are deactivated 
but are not removed for later use. Another disadvantage of the present 
anti-theft locking devices is that keys presently in use do not aid in the 
removal of the locking device from the container. The present invention 
overcomes these disadvantages by providing a relatively inexpensive 
reusable hard clear container with a locking device that can be used in 
conjunction with the merchandiser's present electronic anti-theft alarm 
activators. It also has a more advanced precise locking means which cannot 
be easily overcome without the precise key means. The locking device is 
also held in place by the key means while the container is removed from 
the locking device. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide an 
improved reusable anti-theft package. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a reusable lockable package 
that can be displayed or hung in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement 
without compromising the degree of theft prevention. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a lockable container that 
cannot be overcome without the use of a precise key. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a reusable relatively 
inexpensive lockable package that can be used in conjunction with 
retailers' present electronic anti-theft alarm activators. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a device that holds the 
locking cover as the box is removed. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device with a more 
advanced locking means that is simple, quick and convenient for authorized 
personnel to use. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a lockable package that can 
be adjusted to firmly contain video games of varying sizes. 
In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects and 
advantages are achieved by providing a hard clear plastic box with an open 
end, a locking cover, an adjusting brace, a hook, and a key mechanism. The 
opening of the box has a lip with guide channels which retain and index 
the locking cover in proper position when being pressed on. The bottom of 
the box has an aperture that allows a hook to be snapped into position, 
providing a means to aesthetically display the box on display racks. The 
box lip also has a plurality of slots which accept the locking cover's 
projections in a mating relationship. The locking cover has a plurality of 
keyholes, a plurality of projections, and a lip that encompasses the box 
lip, completely enclosing the slots in the box lip. The locking cover also 
has tabs that securely hold an insert that interacts with retailers' 
present electronic anti-theft alarm activators. The tab also securely 
holds an adjusting brace, used to firmly contain various sized video games 
within the box. The keying mechanism includes key pegs that disengage the 
lock cover's projections. The key base also has clamping members that 
automatically holds, the lock cover while the box is removed and rotate 
away from the lock cover to allow the lock cover and key base to be 
separated. 
When used, a video game or the like is placed inside the hard clear plastic 
box through the open end. The locking cover is then pressed onto the open 
end of the box. The locking cover projections engage into the box lip 
slots, locking the cover in place. On the inside of the locking cover is a 
tab for holding an insert that interacts with the retail store's 
electronic anti-theft alarm activators, further deterring removal of the 
security package from the store. The adjusting brace may be engaged with 
the tab to reduce movement of smaller video games within the box. 
Authorized personnel may remove the locking cover simply and efficiently by 
aligning the key base and the locking cover and pressing the two together. 
The key pegs disengage the locking projections, moving the locking 
projections out of mated relation with the box lip slots, allowing the box 
to be removed. When the key base is pressed against the locking cover, the 
key base clamping members automatically rotate into position, holding the 
lid in place while the box is removed. The clamping members are then 
rotated away from the locking cover to allow removal of the locking cover 
from the key base. A hook of various shapes may be snapped onto the bottom 
of the box, allowing the box to be hung on a display bar in an 
aesthetically pleasing fashion. 
The foregoing features and advantages of the present invention will be 
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the 
following detailed description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction 
with the accompanying drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring first to FIG. 1, there is indicated generally the rectangular box 
10, and the locking cover 50. The rectangular box 10 has an open end 32 
where the video game or the like is placed inside. The open end is formed 
by box lip 12 and bottom engaging edge 18 which engages with the locking 
cover 50 (See FIGS. 1 and 2). Extending on either end of the box 10 are 
ribs 16 which extend along the length of the box providing support and 
rigidity (See FIGS. 1 & 4). Recessed in the box lips outside surface 21 on 
the end of box lip 12 perpendicular to bottom engaging edge 18 are first 
guide channels 30 which locate and guide the locking cover, ensuring that 
even force is applied to each locking projection 58 (See FIGS. 4 and 7). 
A plurality of slots 34 are formed through the side of the lip 12 parallel 
to the bottom engaging edge 18 (See FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). These slots serve 
to receive and engage with the projections 58 on the locking cover 50 (See 
FIG. 16). Recessed in the box lip 12's inner surface 20 is a plurality of 
second guide channels 36 which are centered above each slot 34 and extend 
perpendicularly upward to the outer edge of the lip's inner surface 20 
(See FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5). The second guide channels 36 serve to index and 
retain the key pegs 104. 
The bottom of box 38 has an aperture 22 which is centered in the box bottom 
38. The bottom of box 38 also has a plurality of elongated apertures 24 
symmetrically positioned an equal distance away from the center of the box 
(see FIGS. 1 & 2). A hook 160 (see FIG. 30-34) may be aligned and snapped 
into the aperture 22. The elongated aperture 24 provides a second means to 
remove objects placed within box 10, the first means being a gravitational 
force provided by tipping the box, and the second means being projecting 
an object through aperture 24 and applying a force with the object against 
the video game. 
In the preferred embodiment, the box is made of polycarbonate. Other 
suitable materials can, of course, be used without deviating from the 
invention. 
The hook 160 shown in FIGS. 30 & 31 has a concentric base 166 and a curved 
member 174 extending perpendicularly from the center of the base. A 
plurality of arcuate, resilient fingers 168 extend perpendicularly from 
the center of the base 166 in a direction opposite the curved member 174. 
In the preferred embodiment, two arcuate, resilient fingers 168 with a 
tapered back 176 form a semicircle and are aligned and offset opposite 
each other such that a tapered slot 172 is formed therebetween. The 
diameter formed by the two arcuate fingers 168 is slightly less than the 
box bottom aperture 22. The tapered slot 172 extends into the base 166 and 
curved member 174 providing further relief and resilience to the fingers 
168. Extending perpendicularly outward from the end of the outer arcuate 
surface of the fingers are arcuate barbs 170. When the fingers 168 are 
aligned and engaged with the box bottom aperture 22, the fingers 168 bend 
inward, allowing the barbs 170 to be pushed through the aperture 22. When 
the barbs 170 pass completely through the box bottom aperture 22, the 
fingers 168 bend back to their original position. The barbs 170 engage 
with the inside of box bottom 38, holding the hook 160 in place and 
preventing the hook 160's removal. The curved member 174 extending from 
the center of the base 166 may be of varying sizes and shapes. An 
alternative preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 32, 33, and 34. The 
alternate preferred embodiment has an alternate varying size and shape of 
the curved member 174. 
The locking cover mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 9 has a plurality of locking 
projections 58 having a fixed end extending perpendicularly away from the 
lock cover (See FIGS. 11, 12, and 13). A lip 86 extending perpendicularly 
around the perimeter of locking cover 50 has an inside surface 78 which 
slidably engages with the outside surface of the box lip 21 (See FIGS. 12 
and 16). A notch 52 is formed on each end of the cover's lip 86 to receive 
a clamping member 136 (See FIGS. 10, 14, 15, 27, and 28). A shoulder 54 
extends inward on each end of the cover's lip (See FIG. 15) to slide along 
the first guide channel 30 indexing and retaining the locking cover 50. A 
precise keyhole 56 extends through the locking cover 50 positioned above 
the vertical center line of the locking projection 58 (See FIGS. 9, 11, 
and 16). The locking cover 50 also has a plurality of ejector pin bosses 
80 that provide support to the locking cover during the molding process 
and further aligns the locking cover 50 with the box lip 12. (see FIG. 15, 
16, and 29) 
The inside locking cover surface 90 has two tab means 84 extending 
perpendicularly outward from it. The tab means 84 are arranged on the 
inside lock cover surface 90 to accept and hold an insert that interacts 
with store's electronic anti-theft alarm activators (See FIGS. 10 & 15). 
Each tab 84 has a slot 85 which is designed to accept and hold a brace 
150. The adjusting brace 150 has a thickness about equal to the slot 85's 
width, allowing the brace 150 to be firmly pressed into position (see 
FIGS. 35-37). The adjusting brace 150 may be made of varying heights so 
that when engaged with the tabs 84, the brace 150 firmly contains various 
sized video games or the like within the box. The locking cover lip bottom 
edge 92 engages against the box lip's bottom engaging edge 18 when the 
lock cover 50 is pressed onto the box lip 12 (See FIG. 16). 
In the preferred embodiment, the locking cover is made of polycarbonate. 
Other suitable materials can, of course, be used without deviating from 
the invention. 
The key mechanism 99 shown in FIG. 17 has a key base 100, a key insert 102 
and a clamping member 136. The key base 100 has a key insert 102 (see 
FIGS. 17 & 29) secured with a plurality of flat head screws 120 that 
self-tap through a plurality of key insert bores 108 and through a 
plurality of key base bores 110, aligning the key insert 102 with the key 
base 100. (see FIGS. 17, 20, and 21) The bottom of key base 124 has a rib 
112 angularly extending to the key bottom inner side 123 to provide 
rigidity and support. (see FIGS. 18 & 19) The key base 100 has sides 121 
extending perpendicular to the key base 100 whose inner side 122 are 
slightly greater than the locking cover lip 86. 
The key insert 102 has a plurality of key pegs 104 which mate with the 
locking cover keyholes 56 in the locking cover 50. In the preferred 
embodiment, the key pegs 104 have sloping angles that help reduce friction 
between the key pegs 104 and the locking cover projections 58 when the key 
pegs 104 are pressed into the locking cover keyholes 56. Also in the 
preferred embodiment, the key insert is made of aluminum. Other suitable 
materials can, of course, be used without deviating from the invention. 
(see FIGS. 21, 22, 23, and 29) 
The key base sides 121 have slots 114 on the inside surface of key base 122 
for clamping members 136 to rotate through the base side. Slots 118 on the 
outside of the key base sides 125 allow the clamping member release end 
138 to rotate through the key base side 121. A key base bore 116 extends 
through the key base sides perpendicular to the slots 118 and 114 that 
accepts a rotation pin 134 that creates a rotation access for the clamping 
member 136. (see FIGS. 17, 18, and 19) 
The clamping member 136 has a bore 128 that aligns with the key base bore 
116 allowing the rotation pin 134 to be positioned through both bores. The 
clamping member 136 also has a clamping member flange 126. The clamping 
member flange 126 extends from the clamping member and mates with the 
locking cover receiving notch 52 when the key base 100 is positioned 
properly against the lock cover 50. (see FIGS. 24, 27, and 28) On the side 
of the clamping member 136 opposite the clamping member flange 126 is a 
clamping member spring support pillar 132, extending perpendicularly from 
the clamping member side in the opposite direction from the clamping 
flange 126. (see FIGS. 24 and 25) A spring 130 with an inner diameter 
slightly greater than the outside diameter of the spring support pillar 
132 is positioned with the spring support pillar 132 extending partially 
through the spring 130, retaining the spring 130. (see FIGS. 17, 27, and 
28) 
With the key base 100 properly aligned and pressed onto the locking cover 
50, the clamping member spring 130 provides a force against the clamping 
member 136, automatically rotating the clamping member 136, and engaging 
the clamping member flange 126 with the locking cover receiving notch 52. 
The clamping member 136 also has a clamping member release end 138. A 
force against the clamping member release ends 138, in a direction 
opposite the locking cover, compresses the clamping member spring 130, 
causing the clamping members 136 to rotate away from the locking cover 50, 
releasing the clamping member flange 126 from the locking cover receiving 
notches 52. (see FIGS. 27 and 28) In the preferred embodiment, the 
clamping member is made of LexonR-glass filled. Other suitable materials 
can, of course, be used without deviating from the invention. 
operation of the present invention will now be discussed. The operator 
places a video game through the open end 32 of the box 10 until the game 
is completely through the open end of the box. The operator then aligns 
the locking cover shoulder 54 with the box's guide channel 30. When the 
locking cover shoulder and guide channel are aligned, the operator applies 
a force against the to locking cover perpendicular to the outside locking 
cover surface 88 engaging the bottom engaging edge 18 to the locking cover 
lip bottom edge 92. The locking cover projections 58 mate with the box 
slots 34, locking the cover to the box. (see FIG. 16) 
To remove the locking cover 50 from the box 10, the key base 100 is aligned 
with the locking cover so that the clamping member flanges 126 are aligned 
with the locking cover receiving notches 52. The operator then presses the 
key base 100 and the box 10 together. The plurality of pegs 104 enter 
through the plurality of keyholes 56 disengaging the locking cover 
projections 58 from the slots 34. (see FIG. 29) The clamping member flange 
126 automatically engages with the locking cover receiving notches 52 
allowing the operator to remove the box from the locking cover while the 
locking cover remains engaged with the key base 100. (see FIG. 28) 
To remove the locking cover from the key base, the operator applies a force 
to the clamping member release ends 138 in a direction opposite the 
locking cover 50. The force rotates the clamping member flanges 126 away 
from the locking cover receiving notch 52 allowing the locking cover 50 
and key base 100 to be pulled apart. 
This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to 
comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art 
with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct 
and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be 
understood that the invention can be carried out by specifically different 
equipment and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the 
equipment details and operating procedures, can be accomplished without 
departing from the scope of the invention itself.