A size-adjustable apparatus for a securing a product in order to prevent theft of that product. The apparatus includes an adjustable housing, the housing having a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. The first arm is adapted to move in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the third arm and the second arm is adapted to move in a third direction and a fourth direction with respect to the third arm, where the first direction is opposite the second direction and the third direction is opposite the fourth direction. The apparatus also includes a lock to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position. The result is a housing that can dynamically change its dimensions by movement of the first arm in a first and second direction and by movement of the second arm in a third and fourth direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to security devices and more specifically to an apparatus and method for preventing the theft of products of different sizes using a secure, adjustable product protection device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoplifting continues to be a major concern of retail stores. Particularly with regard to electronic and other high-priced items, retailers continue to try and find effective product theft deterrents. However, wrongdoers are constantly coming up with methods of circumventing the latest theft-prevention devices offered by retailers. For example, some retailers have introduced theft deterrent devices such as cables, also known as “spider wraps” that are wrapped around a product and coupled to an electronic sensor that sounds an alarm when there is an attempt to remove the product from the wrap before the product has been purchased and the sensor deactivated. These devices are cumbersome to use and may not be able to be secured to packaging having an odd shape. Other “safer” or “keeper” devices house the product but require additional labor for their application and removal. Retailers are seeking an easier solution that can effectively display their items for sale, prevent the unauthorized removal of items within the package, and decreases in-store labor for the application and removal of these protective devices.

Retailers have turned toward wrapping their products with material containing an audible and/or visual alarm. The wrap is designed to initiate an alarm when an unauthorized removal is attempted. However, wraps often detract from the appeal of the product thus resulting in possible loss of sales. Additionally, wraps are cumbersome to use, hard to physically manage, difficult to attach to items, and difficult to remove at the point-of-sale.

“Safer” or “keeper” products are devices that house items in order to provide a visual deterrent to would-be shoplifters. The concept of a safer is to allow a customer to view the product therein, but to provide enough protection so that a thief cannot access the product. Safers are typically designed for small, packaged goods. There are two types of safers, fixed safers and adjustable safers. Although adjustable safers allow for size adjustments in order to accommodate different-sized products, they do so in only a single direction. In other words, a typical safer can be height adjusted but cannot be adjusted in width. Others can be adjusted in width but cannot be adjusted in height. Thus, many safers that might accommodate small, rectangular products, cannot be used for larger or square-shaped products. Therefore, retailers end up with many different-sized and different-shaped safers in their inventory. Further, since safers only adjust in single direction, if the item is not held tightly within the safer e.g., the store employee selects the wrong size safer, the item can be removed and stolen.

Currently, safers may require a special detaching device at the Point of Sale (“POS”). Retailers are seeking a single detacher at the POS to decrease confusion by employees and to speed up customer check-out.

In addition to wraps and safers that are adjustable in only one direction, other retailers use the old-fashioned method of preventing theft of their expensive products, namely, locking these products in a protective case behind a checkout counter. Unfortunately, this method requires a sales associate to access the items that are protected by a lock and because of their location behind the counter or locked in a cabinet, render the item inaccessible to a prospective customer. Placing items behind lock and key in this fashion requires store personnel to access the item for the customer. If there is no store employee available to access the items, the item typically does not get sold, thus resulting in high inventory levels for the retailer, decreased revenue, and unsatisfied customers.

It is therefore desirable to provide an adjustable product protection device that can be adapted for different sized and shaped products, that does not obscure the manufacturer's logo and product description, provides a sufficient deterrent for would-be shoplifters, can be adjusted in many directions and is easy for store employees to remove at the POS when a product is being legitimately purchased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously provides a method and apparatus for securing a product in order to prevent theft of that product, where the housing is adjustable in order to secure products of different heights and lengths.

In one aspect of the invention, a product protection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an adjustable housing, the housing being adjustable in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction and a fourth direction, the first direction opposite the second direction, and the third direction opposite the fourth direction. The apparatus also includes a lock to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position.

In another aspect, the invention provides a product protection apparatus that includes an adjustable housing, the housing comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. The first arm is adapted to move in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the third arm and the second arm is adapted to move in a third direction and a fourth direction with respect to the third arm, the first direction being opposite the second direction, and the third direction being opposite the fourth direction. The apparatus also includes a lock to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of securing a product within an adjustable housing is provided. The method includes inserting a product within an adjustable housing, the housing adjustable in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction and a fourth direction, the first direction being opposite the second direction, and the third direction being opposite the fourth direction, adjusting the housing in one or more of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction and the fourth direction in order to secure the product, and using a lock to maintain the housing in the adjusted position. The lock includes a latch having a first plane and a second plane in which the second plane is different from the first plane and each of the first plane and the second plane having a plurality of teeth. The first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to implementing an apparatus and method for protecting products of different sizes and shapes by providing an adjustable housing, the housing being adjustable in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction and a fourth direction, the first direction opposite the second direction, and the third direction opposite the fourth direction. The apparatus also includes a lock to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position. Accordingly, the system and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

One embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides an apparatus and method for providing a size-adjustable housing for a product in order to prevent theft of that product while still allowing indicia on the product to be viewed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a receptacle to house the product, where the receptacle can vary in size in multiple directions in order to accommodate differently products having differing height as well as differing lengths. The receptacle includes three arms, two of the arms movable with respect to the third, stationary arm. A first arm moves vertically with respect to the stationary arm while a second arm moves horizontally with respect to the stationary arm. The result is a receptacle that can dynamically change its dimensions by movement of the first and second arms. The receptacle can house products of varying height by moving the first arm and can also accommodate products that are wider or narrower by moving the second arm. Advantageously, the three arms of the receptacle are arranged such that the front of the product remains uncovered in order to show the substantial front of the product, its name or identifying logo, or other indicia.

The present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of particular embodiments of the invention which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to a specific embodiment but are for explanatory purposes.

Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown inFIG. 1an exemplary configuration of a product protection safer/keeper apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus10includes a receptacle that receives a product12. Product12may be any type of product that a store owner wants to protect from theft. While the invention is not limited to the type of product12that apparatus10can be used to protect, many store owners are particularly concerned with the theft of higher priced, electronic items such as, for example, compact discs, DVDs, portable audio players such as iPODS and MP3 players, cellular phones and the like. Apparatus10can also be used to protect smaller, but easy to steal items like beauty supply or office supply items. In addition, product12can be a larger electronic product such as portable radios, alarm clocks, and DVD players. Of course, the invention is not limited to such and the above are merely examples to illustrate the potential uses for the subject invention. Advantageously, apparatus10can be adjusted in multiple directions and in two planes of direction in order to accommodate products of different sizes and shapes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple protection products of different dimensions.

Further, apparatus10does not mask the front packaging of product12as shown inFIG. 1. Indicia14can be clearly viewed when product12is within the housing of apparatus10. This pleases not only the store owners and the customers, but also the product's manufacturer. In one embodiment, the housing of apparatus10includes a first arm16, a second arm18, and a third arm20. First arm16is movable a first and second direction, where the second direction is opposite the first direction. Thus, in one embodiment, the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward in the opposite direction. Thus, first arm16can be raised in order to accommodate a taller product12. Once product12is inserted, first arm16can then be lowered to retain and secure product12.

Second arm18is movable in a third direction and fourth direction where the fourth direction is opposite the third direction. Thus, in one embodiment, the third direction is horizontally to one side thus opening the receptacle in order to receive product12. Once product12has been inserted, second arm18can be closed in a fourth direction that is opposite the third direction. Second arm18can be opened to accommodate a longer product and then closed once product12has been inserted. Therefore, it is within the scope of the invention for the first, second, third and fourth directions to be in any direction provided the second direction is opposite the first direction (e.g., raising and lowering first arm16) and the fourth direction is opposite the third direction (e.g., opening and closing second arm18).

In one embodiment, first arm16includes a flap22and second arm18includes left flap24and right flap26. Third arm20includes lower edge28. Left flap24, right flap26and lower edge28help to more securely retain product12. While third arm20does not move, first arm16and second arm18are movable with respect to third arm20. First arm16, second arm18and third arm20form a housing for retaining product12. Once product12has been inserted within the housing created by first arm16, second arm18and third arm20as described above, first arm16can be adjusted, e.g., raised and/or lowered, and second arm18can be adjusted, e.g., opened and/or closed, in order to secure product12snugly within the housing formed by the three arms. The invention is not limited to what order the arms are opened and closed. For example, first arm16can be raised and/or lowered to adjust for the product's height and then second arm18can be opened and/or closed to adjust for the product's length, or vice versa. First arm16and second arm18can also be adjusted simultaneously.

FIG. 2is a rear view of apparatus10without product12and with first arm16and second arm18raised and open, respectively. Partially seen inFIG. 2is a bidirectional track (more clearly shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 8) having a vertical component30aand slot31situated on first arm16and a horizontal component30bsituated on second arm18. Both vertical component30aand horizontal component30b(collectively referred to as “bidirectional track30”) interacts with a lock36situated on third arm20. As will be described in greater detail below, bidirectional track30allows for the movement of first arm16in a first and a second direction (e.g., a substantially vertical direction) to accommodate products12of different heights, and for the movement of second arm18in a third and fourth direction (e.g., a substantially horizontal direction) to accommodate products of different lengths. Lock36is also used to lock the arms in a desired position and prevent further movement of first arm16and second arm18once product12has been inserted within apparatus10, or when, for example, apparatus10is in storage to prevent unwanted movement of the arms.

FIG. 3depicts apparatus10after first arm16and second arm18have been adjusted to receive product12. In this closed configuration, apparatus10houses product12in a secure fashion without masking the front of the packaging of product12thus revealing any indicia14appearing on the front of product12. As will be discussed in greater detail below, a product identification device such as an electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) tag or radio frequency identification (“RFID”) device may be affixed to apparatus10. By affixing an EAS tag to apparatus10, removal of product12within apparatus10without deactivation will sound an alarm. Further, inclusion of an RFID sensor within apparatus10can provide information to a store owner about the identity of product12contained within apparatus10. Other alarming devices can be included within apparatus10including a sensor that will activate if product12is removed from apparatus10.

Referring toFIG. 4, apparatus10is shown without product12. The arrows show the direction of movement of first arm16and second arm18. In one embodiment, to facilitate the sliding motion of second arm18with respect to third arm20, a lower track38receives a back section40of second arm18. Back section40remains within track38as second arm18slides. Two upper tabs42may also be provided. Upper tabs42extend from third arm20to grasp the upper edge of back section40of second arm18. Thus, an upper and lower channel is created to allow for the smooth and level movement of second arm18with respect to third arm20.

Referring again toFIG. 4, in one embodiment, added elements29such as EAS tags and/or RFID elements may be affixed to apparatus10. The elements29can be detected when apparatus10is brought within an interrogation zone or can transmit signals to a corresponding reader. The invention is not limited to the inclusion of only EAS and/or RFID elements29but may also include other technologies such as, P-mag, and J-mag, or the like, as well as combinations of any of these technologies.

FIG. 5is a cut away view of apparatus10. In one embodiment, bidirectional track30includes a vertical component30aand slot31on first arm16and horizontal component30bon second arm18. When lock36is in an unlocked position, first arm16and second arm18can slide along their respective tracks in order to accommodate product12that is to be protected. In one embodiment, lock36includes a spring44that is biased against a latch46. Latch46is projected into slot31and the path of vertical component30aand horizontal component30bin order to prevent their movement, i.e., latch46of lock36removably engages second arm18through slot31and first arm16to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position. Vertical component30aand horizontal component30beach include a series of interlocking teeth that receive latch46. When latch46is in an extended position due to the force upon it by spring44, latch46, which has a series of corresponding teeth, projects into the teeth of each track thus preventing the movement of first arm16along vertical component30aand also prevents movement of second arm18along horizontal component30b.

In another embodiment, the teeth on vertical component30aand horizontal component30bare angled. Thus, when spring44biases lock36toward the arms of apparatus10and latch46is projected within the path of first arm16and second arm18, each arm is locked into position such that first arm16can only be moved downward and second arm18can only move inward to more securely retain product12. In this embodiment, once the teeth of first arm16are engaged with latch46, first arm16cannot be raised upward but can only be lowered due to the angle of the teeth in vertical component30a. Similarly, once latch46engages the angled teeth of horizontal component30b, second arm18can no longer be extended outward but can only be moved inward to more securely retain product12. Thus, the teeth can be oriented to allow movement of the arms in one direction, e.g., to tighten apparatus10, even when latch46is engaged with components30aand30b.

In one embodiment, latch46is made of a metallic material and a magnetic detacher applies a magnetic field upon latch46. The magnetic field attracts latch46, which forces the compression of spring44. Latch46is then retracted from vertical component30aand horizontal component30b. This allows first arm16and second arm18to be adjusted and moved along their respective tracks. Latch46can be made to fully retract such that both vertical component30aand horizontal component30bare free to move. Windows48in first arm16receive tabs42(shown inFIG. 4) once the desired position of first arm16and second arm18is achieved. As shown inFIG. 4, tabs42rest upon horizontal section40of second arm18.

Thus, in operation, when it is desired to adjust apparatus10, lock36is released, which retracts latch46. Spring44is initially biased in a forward or extended position, thus “locking” lock36. Lock36is released by use of a magnetic detacher which attracts the metallic material of latch46, compressing spring44, and retracting latch46from within the path of vertical component30aand horizontal component30b. Other methods of unlocking lock36can also be used. First arm16is raised in order to accommodate the height of product12that is to be placed within apparatus10. Second arm18is moved outward in order to receive product12. Product12can then be placed within the open receptacle formed by first arm16, second arm18and third arm20. First arm16is then moved down (if necessary) and second arm18is moved inward (if necessary) until a desired position is attained, with product12secured within apparatus10. Once the desired position of first arm16and second arm18is attained, lock36is moved to a locked position, which extends spring44and projects latch46into vertical component30aand horizontal component30bof bidirectional track30. This locks in the first arm16and second arm18and secures the product12within apparatus10. Once product12is sold, apparatus10can be reused and resized to accommodate a differently sized and shaped product12using the method described above.

FIG. 6is a cut away view of the back of apparatus10showing the interaction of all three arms. Advantageously, the present invention requires only a single connection point, e.g., where lock36contacts apparatus10, to allow for multidirectional movement of the arms of apparatus10. When in a locked position, lock36engages both the vertical component30aand the horizontal component30bof bidirectional track30, i.e., lock36removably engages second arm18through slot31and first arm16to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position. By utilizing lock36, latch46(shown inFIG. 5) can be manipulated to retract, thus allowing movement of first arm16and second arm18with respect to third arm20, and to project into the path of each of the components of track30thus preventing further movement of first arm16and second arm18. This “locks in” the position of first arm16and second arm18once product12has been inserted within apparatus10. Bidirectional track30allows for apparatus10to be adjusted both to accommodate the height of product12(via movement of first arm16) as well as the length of product12(via movement of second arm18).

FIG. 7is a section view of apparatus10, taken from section A-A inFIG. 6. Lock36is shown in a locked position, with latch46preventing the movement of first arm16and second arm18. In one embodiment, spring44is biased in an extended position, projecting latch46into the path of vertical component30a(not shown inFIG. 7) and horizontal component30bof bidirectional track30. When lock36is released, latch46is released from its engagement with bidirectional track30and spring44is compressed. This allows for first arm16and second arm18to be adjusted. In another embodiment, spring44can be biased such that lock36must be pushed to engage one or both of first arm16and second arm18. Thus, one connection point is used to permit or to prohibit the movement of apparatus10in two directions, a vertical direction (first arm16) and a horizontal direction (second arm18).

FIG. 8shows bidirectional track30including vertical component30aand horizontal component30b. In one embodiment, vertical component30ais disposed on the back of first arm16and horizontal component30bis disposed on the back of second arm18. In one embodiment, vertical component30aand horizontal component30beach include a series of teeth that are engaged with latch46(shown inFIG. 7) when latch46is projected forwarded into the path of first arm16and second arm18. In particular, latch46removably engages second arm18through slot31and first arm16to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position. The teeth “catch” latch46thus locking into position first arm16or second arm18. By applying a magnetic field from the magnet of a magnetic detacher upon lock36, latch46is retracted in order to release both first arm16and second arm18(as also seen inFIG. 7). Once the magnetic detacher is removed, spring44urges latch46back into its original position which retains the positions of first arm16and second arm18.

FIG. 9is a close-up view of lock36fromFIG. 7and illustrates the engagement of lock36with second arm18.FIG. 9depicts lock36in both a locked position and an open position. Lock36includes a recess47that retains spring44and latch46. In one embodiment, recess47is formed as a part of third arm20. In another embodiment, recess47is a separate component that interlocks with and protrudes from third arm20. When lock36is in a locked position, spring44is biased such that it is compressed and spring44exerts a force against latch46urging latch46forward thus impeding the movement of first arm16and/or second arm18. Latch46may include a plurality of teeth37on its upper portion such that when lock36is in a locked position, teeth37of latch46engage with the teeth34of second arm18. This orientation is used when, for example, product12resides within apparatus10or when apparatus10is in storage in order to prevent unwanted movement of first arm16and second arm18. When lock36is in an open position, spring44is compressed and latch46retracts thus allowing first arm16and second arm18to move in their respective direction. If latch46is a made of a ferrous material, lock36can be opened by a magnet applying a magnetic field upon latch46. Thus, when a product12is brought to a POS, apparatus10is placed in a magnetic detacher which applies a magnetic field upon the ferrous material of latch46, which attracts latch46thus compressing spring44. This allows first arm16to be lifted and second arm18to be opened and product12removed from apparatus10.

FIG. 10illustrates the interaction of lock36with first arm16. The view inFIG. 10is rotated 90 degrees from the view inFIG. 9such that the engagement of latch46with first arm16can more easily be seen. In other words, the view inFIG. 9is an enlarged view of lock36taken through section B-B inFIG. 6. Latch36includes a plurality of teeth39on its lower portion where the teeth engage a plurality of teeth41on first arm16when latch46is in a locked position. Thus, latch46includes a first plurality of teeth37on its upper portion that engage the teeth34on second arm18and a second plurality of teeth39on its lower section that engage the teeth41on first arm16. Advantageously, the first plurality of teeth37on latch46are on a first plane and the second plurality of teeth39on latch46are on a second plane that is different from, but parallel to, the first plane. This allows the first plurality of teeth37to engage teeth34on second arm18preventing movement of second arm18, and the second plurality of teeth39to simultaneously engage teeth41on first arm16preventing movement of first arm16, when latch46is in the forward or “locked” position. In one embodiment, the first plurality of teeth37are situated in a first direction and the second plurality of teeth39are situated in a second direction, substantially 90 degrees in relation to the first direction.