Abstract:
A security container for holding a product. The container includes a jacket having a cavity, a sleeve receivable in the cavity, and a chamber in the sleeve for holding the product. The sleeve moves within the cavity between a position where a user can access the chamber and a position where they cannot access the chamber. A locking mechanism secures the sleeve against movement when in the locked condition and permits movement thereof when unlocked. An alarm mechanism is provided that is simultaneously activated when the locking mechanism is locked and deactivated when the locking mechanism is unlocked. The locking mechanism includes a magnetic locking member movable by a dedicated magnetic key to unlock the mechanism. The security container is adjustable in length to accommodate products of different sizes. The container is of a diminutive size in that it is capable of fitting into a man&#39;s dress shirt pocket.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to packaging and containers. More particularly, the invention relates to lockable containers. Specifically, the invention relates to a lockable container that includes a sleeve that holds a product and slides into a jacket to prevent access to the product. An alarm mechanism is provided that is armed simultaneously when a locking mechanism is locked and is disarmed simultaneously as the locking mechanism is unlocked. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    Many stores sell articles of merchandise that are expensive. In such instances, it frequently is necessary to display these valuable articles in such a way that would-be thieves are deterred from stealing the article or are hindered in doing so. If the article of merchandise is fairly large, it is relatively easy for a store to detect if a thief is removing the same from a display or attempting to get the article past a security system such as security gates at the exit to the store. Additionally, larger articles provide ample opportunity for the store to attach security tags, such as RFID tags, to the article itself or to its packaging. Numerous other security measures have been invented to protect these larger articles including specialized securement systems which prevent tampering with packaging, alarmed tethers to secure articles to displays etc. 
         [0005]    Smaller articles of merchandise are far more problematic for retailers simply because of their size. Smaller articles are relatively easy for a would-be thief to slip into their clothing or into a pocket or purse. It is extremely difficult to attach security measures such as RFID tags to these smaller items and the articles can be unsuitable for tethering to displays. 
         [0006]    There is therefore a need in the art for a security device that can be used to deter would-be thieves from stealing smaller articles of merchandise. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The device of the present invention is a security container for holding a product. The container includes a jacket having a cavity, a sleeve receivable in the cavity, and a chamber in the sleeve for holding the product. The sleeve moves within the cavity between a position where a user can access the chamber and a position where they cannot access the chamber. A locking mechanism secures the sleeve against movement when in the locked condition and permits movement thereof when unlocked. An alarm mechanism is provided that is simultaneously activated when the locking mechanism is locked and deactivated when the locking mechanism is unlocked. The locking mechanism includes a magnetic locking member movable by a dedicated magnetic key to unlock the mechanism. The security container is adjustable in length to accommodate products of different sizes. The container preferably is of a diminutive size in that it is capable of fitting into a man&#39;s dress shirt pocket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a security container in accordance with the present invention shown in a locked condition and including a hanger member for suspending the container from a display rod; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  is an exploded perspective front view of the inner sleeve of the security container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  is an exploded perspective front view of the outer jacket of the security container of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective rear view of the inner sleeve of the security container of  FIG. 1  shown without the hanger member; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a catch used for latching the outer jacket and the inner sleeve together to prevent the sleeve from fully disengaged from the jacket; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the catch of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front cross-sectional view of the engaged sleeve and jacket taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1 , showing the hanger member engaged with the top wall of the sleeve; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top cross-sectional view of the engaged sleeve and jacket taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1 , showing the locator guide walls engaging the sleeve and keeping the same in the correct alignment with respect to the jacket&#39;s inner surface; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a left-side cross-sectional view of the engaged sleeve and jacket taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 1 , showing the catch and the compartment housing the alarm mechanism; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a left-side cross-sectional view of the engaged sleeve and jacket taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 1  and showing the locking mechanism in a locked condition; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a left-side cross-sectional view of the engaged sleeve and jacket taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 1  and showing a magnetic key engaged with the security container and the locking mechanism in an unlocked condition; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a perspective front view of the security container in a first or open position and showing a product being inserted into the chamber of the sleeve; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a left-side cross-sectional view of the security container taken through line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 , showing the catch engaged in the slot and preventing withdrawal of the sleeve from the cavity of the jacket; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective front view of a second embodiment of a security container in accordance with the present invention, show in a locked condition; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a left-side cross-sectional view of the security container taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  and showing the second embodiment of a locking mechanism which enables the overall length of the security container to be changed; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is an enlargement of the highlighted region of  FIG. 14  showing the hooked end of the arm of the spring clip locking member engaged with a rack disposed on the side wall of the sleeve; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a perspective front view of the security container shown adjusted to a longer overall length to accommodate a longer product. Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-12  there is shown a first embodiment of a security container in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at  10 . Security container  10  comprises an outer jacket  12  and an inner sleeve  14  that are engageable with each other to surround and protect a product and to provide security thereto to prevent theft of that product. Particularly, outer jacket  12  and inner sleeve  14  are slidably engageable with each other along a longitudinal axis “Y” ( FIG. 6 ). Both jacket  12  and sleeve  14  preferably are molded from a rigid plastic material although other suitable materials such as metals may also be utilized to manufacture the same. 
         [0027]    As will be described in detail hereinafter, sleeve  14  is configured to carry small articles of merchandise, such as product “P” ( FIG. 11 ) and it should be understood that security container  10  preferably is of a size that is small enough to fit into a man&#39;s dress shirt pocket. Particularly, product “P′ is a small product that is relatively expensive and is difficult to display without putting it at risk for theft. An example of the type of product “P” that could be secured inside security container  10  is a small perfume bottle or a small box containing a perfume bottle. Sleeve  4  is slidably movable into a cavity  22  ( FIG. 2B ) defined by jacket  12 . When product “P” is engaged in a chamber  36  ( FIG. 2A ) in sleeve  14 , sleeve  14  is moved further inwardly into cavity  22  ( FIG. 2B ) defined by jacket  12  to block access to the chamber  36 . When sleeve reaches a certain position in cavity  22 , a locking mechanism  16  within container  10  is moved from an unlocked condition to a locked condition. This substantially prevents further longitudinal movement of sleeve  14  relative to jacket  12  and simultaneously causes an alarm mechanism  18  within security container  10  to move from an unarmed condition to an armed condition. Alarm mechanism  18  may be of any type but preferably is a three-way alarm that is triggered if a would-be-thief attempts to break into security container  10  or if they try to pass through a secured exit to a store with security container  10 . Once security container  10  is locked by locking mechanism  16  and alarm mechanism  18  is activated, security container  10  is then able to be displayed for sale of the product “P” therein. Security container  10  may be placed on a shelf of a display or may be hung from a hang tag, as will be described further herein. When the consumer takes the security container  10  through the checkout at a store, the store employee will disarm alarm mechanism  18  utilizing a specially configured key “K” ( FIG. 10 ). The disarming of alarm mechanism  18  will simultaneously unlock locking mechanism  16 . Inner sleeve  14  is then able to slide outwardly from cavity  22  of jacket  12  and product “P” may then be removed from chamber  36  ( FIG. 2A ) of sleeve  14 . Security container  10  is then able to be utilized to secure another product for display and sale. 
         [0028]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1-12  and especially  FIG. 2B , all of the components which are incorporated into security container  10  and the manner in which they interact will now be described in greater detail. 
         [0029]    Outer jacket  12  includes a front wall  20   a , a back wall  20   b , a left side wall  20   c , a right side wall  20   d  and a bottom or end wall  20   e  ( FIG. 3 ). It should be understood that the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “top”, “upper”, and “bottom” are used only to refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the drawings. The actual security container  10  may be used in any orientation. Walls  20   a - 20   e  bound and define a cavity  22 . Front wall  20   a , back wall  20   b , and left and right side walls  20   c ,  20   d  terminate in an upper edge  24  that bounds and defines an opening (unnumbered) to cavity  22 . A shoulder  24   a  is slightly recessed a distance inwardly from the edge  24 . Security container  10  has a longitudinal axis “Y” which extends from upper edge  24  of jacket  12  through to bottom wall  20   e  thereof. Each wall  20   a - 20   d  extends substantially parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” and bottom wall  20   e  and edge  24  are disposed at right angles thereto.  FIG. 2B  also shows that edge  24  of jacket  12  defines two opposed notches  25 , one in the front wall  20   a  and one in the rear wall  20   b . The purpose of notches  25  will be described further herein. 
         [0030]    It will be understood that at least some or all of back wall  20   b  preferably is made from a transparent material so that a portion of the interior chamber  36  ( FIG. 2A ) of sleeve  14  of security container  10  may be seen through an aligned window  38  ( FIG. 3 ) of sleeve  14 . Back wall  20   b  may, alternatively, be made from a non-transparent or opaque material along with the rest of the security container  10  so that the interior of the security container  10  is not visible to the consumer. Still further, all of the walls other than those that cover the locking mechanism  16  and alarm mechanism  18  may be made from transparent materials. It is desirable that at least the regions of the security container which include the locking mechanism  16  and alarm mechanism  18  are not transparent to that the exact nature of those components cannot be examined by would-be thieves. 
         [0031]    Front wall  20   a  of jacket  12  meets left side wall  20   c  thereof along a longitudinally extending corner  26 . Front wall  20   a  defines a slot  28  ( FIG. 2B ) and an aperture  30  therein. Slot  28  preferably is oriented generally at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”, although it may be oriented differently without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, slot  28  is generally rectangular in shape and is located a short distance inwardly from edge  24 . Aperture  30  is generally D-shaped, is longitudinally aligned and situated adjacent corner  26 . Preferably, one or more notches  31  are defined in corner  26  adjacent aperture  30  and spaced a distance from each other. Front wall  20   a  further defines a shoulder  21  which is also generally D-shaped and projects for a distance inwardly into aperture  30 . Preferably, aperture  30  is bounded by a ridge  32  on front wall  20   a  that originates in corner  26  proximate left side wall  20   c , extends horizontally for a distance toward right side wall, turns downwardly and extends for a distance toward bottom wall  20   e  and then turns again toward left side wall  20   c  and extends to corner  26 . Ridge  32  assists in correctly positioning the specially designed magnetic key “K” on a locator  92  that is engaged in aperture  30 , as will be hereinafter described. The correct positioning of the key K″ ensures locking mechanism  16  is able to be disengaged when necessary. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A &amp; 3 , inner sleeve  14  comprises a top or end wall  34   a , a bottom or end wall  34   b , a left side wall  34   c , a right side wall  34   d , and a back wall  34   e . An intermediate wall  34   f  is disposed between top wall  34   a  and bottom wall  34   b . Intermediate wall  34   f  is substantially parallel to top and bottom walls  34   a ,  34   b  and is positioned a short distance above bottom wall  34   b . Top wall  34   a , intermediate wall  34   f , left side wall  34   c , right side wall  34   d  and back wall  34   e  bound and define a chamber  36  for retaining product “P” therein. Top wall  34   a  further includes a peripheral lip  33  ( FIG. 6 ) which is configured to abut shoulder  24   a  when sleeve  14  is fully inserted into cavity  22  of jacket  12 . Top wall  34   a  further includes front and back edges  35   a ,  35   b  and a pair of opposed flanges  37   a ,  37   b  project outwardly from edges  35   a ,  35   b . Flanges  37   a ,  37   b  are configured to be complementary in position, size and shape to notches  25  in upper edge  24  of jacket  12 . When sleeve  14  is locked into jacket  12 , flanges  37   a ,  37   b  interlockingly engage in notches  25  to effectively prevent lateral motion between jacket  12  and sleeve  14 . 
         [0033]    As indicated previously, back wall  34   e  of sleeve preferably defines window  38  therein that is elongate and extends longitudinally along back wall  34   e . Window  38  is configured to align with the transparent region of back wall  20   b  of jacket  12 , if provided. When security container  10  contains product “P” therein, the product “P” will be visible through the aligned transparent region of back wall  20   a  and window  38 . It will be understood that window  38  may be omitted from sleeve  14  and/or back wall  20   b  may be non-transparent. In this instance, a product information sheet could be applied to the exterior surface of jacket  12  to indicate the type of product “P” retained within security container  10 . 
         [0034]    In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, a compartment  40  is defined between intermediate wall  34   f , bottom wall  34   b  and a front wall portion  42  of sleeve  14 . Compartment  40  is designed to hold the components of the three-way alarm mechanism  18  and all components related to the operation thereof. So, for example, compartment  40  includes components such as a printed circuit board, capacitors, batteries, transistors, and any suitable EAS tag or RFID tag or any other alarm activating or indicating device. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that security container  10  may be provided with a sound generating device that forms part of the alarm mechanism  18 . If that is the case, then a speaker grille (not shown) will be provided in an appropriate location on one or more of the walls of jacket  12 . Security container  10  may also be provided with a LED light to indicate the status of alarm mechanism  18 . As such, a light pipe may be provided on one of the walls of jacket  12  and a LED will be operationally engaged therewith. Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that alarm mechanism  18  is operationally engaged to locking mechanism  16  by appropriate circuitry. Alarm mechanism  18  will be triggered if an attempt is made to open security container  10  or take security container  10  through a store exit, without deactivating alarm mechanism using the specially designed magnetic key “K”. With respect to sleeve  14 , a rear wall portion (not shown) may also be sonically welled to intermediate and bottom walls  34   f ,  34   b  of sleeve  14  to seal off access to compartment  40  after the alarm mechanism components have been inserted into the same. The positioning of compartment  40  ensures that a would-be thief cannot access the alarm mechanism components in any way after sleeve  14  is engaged with jacket  12 . 
         [0035]    In accordance with another specific feature of the present invention, front wall portion  42  of sleeve  14  is configured to define a depression  44  therein that is shaped to receive a complementary catch  46 . Depression  44  is positioned so that when sleeve  14  is moved within cavity from a first closed position ( FIG. 1 ) to a second open position ( FIG. 11 ), at least a portion of depression  44  will align with slot  28 . 
         [0036]    Catch  46  is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS. 2A ,  4 ,  5 , and  8 . Catch  46  is seated in depression  44  and includes a front surface  46   a  which is configured to abut an interior surface of front wall  20   a  of jacket  12  and a back surface  46   b  which is configured to abut those regions of front wall portion  42  which define depression  44 . Front wall portion  42  of sleeve  14  further defines a generally circular recessed region  48  as part of depression  44 . A coil spring  50  is seated in recessed region  48  and extends therefrom and into an upper recess  56  in back wall  46   b  of catch. Spring  50  is biased to urge catch  46  outwardly from depression  44  and toward the interior surface of front wall  20   a  of jacket  12 , as will be hereinafter described. A protrusion  52  extends outwardly from a bottom region front wall portion  42  and into depression. Protrusion is complementary to a lower slot  54  ( FIG. 4 ) defined in back surface  46   b  of catch  46 . A channel  57  is defined between protrusion  52  and a longitudinally extending region of front wall portion  42  which defines depression  44 . Channel  57  is configured to receive a rounded bottom edge  46   c  of catch  46  therein. Channel  57  and bottom edge  46   c  are complementary in curvature and bottom edge  46   c  is retained within channel  57  in such a manner that bottom edge  46   c  pivots within channel  57  about an axis that is disposed at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y”. When catch  46  is positioned in depression  44 , protrusion  52  enters slot  54  and retains catch  46  in depression  44 . 
         [0037]    As best seen in  FIGS. 2A &amp; 4 , catch  46  includes a tapered projection  58  that extends outwardly from front surface  46   a  thereof. Projection  58  is complementary to slot  28  in front wall  20   a  of jacket  12 . Since spring  50  is biased to urge the upper region of catch  46  forwardly toward the interior surface of front wall  20   a , when slot  28  aligns with projection  58  when sleeve  14  slides upwardly within cavity  22  of jacket  12 , curved bottom edge  46   c  of catch  46  will rotate in channel  57  in the direction “D” and projection  58  will be urged into slot  28 . When this occurs, all longitudinal motion between sleeve  14  and jacket  12  will be substantially prevented and sleeve  14  will be substantially prevented from being completely withdrawn from cavity  22  and disengaging from jacket  12 . Furthermore, until projection  58  is pushed back into cavity  22  to a sufficient degree to cause an outermost tip  58   a  of projection  58  to clear the interior surface of front wall  20   a , sleeve  14  and jacket  12  remain in the position shown in  FIG. 11 . When projection  58  is pushed inwardly to clear slot  28 , sleeve  14  may be slid in a first direction to disengage it from jacket  12 , or in a second direction to close off access to chamber  36 . 
         [0038]    In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, a hanger member  64  is detachably engageable with an attachment means on one of the sleeve  14  and jacket  12  to enable security container  10  to be hung from a display rod (not shown) in much the same way as a hang tag. In the attached figures, hanger member  64  is shown being detachably securable to an attachment means provided in top wall  34   a  of sleeve  14 . It should be understood, however, that the same type of attachment means for hanger member could be provided in bottom wall  20   e  of jacket  12  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    Top wall  34   a  of sleeve  14  extends between left side wall  34   c , right side wall  34   d  and back wall  34   e , and extends for substantially the entire width of left and right side walls  34   c . The attachment means includes a depression  60  ( FIG. 2A ) defined in the exterior surface of top wall  34   a  and a recessed wall  61 , which forms the bottom of depression  60 . Recessed wall  61  is spaced a distance inwardly from and parallel to top wall  34   a . A pair of spaced apart, parallel and aligned channels  62  is defined in top wall  34   a  and each channel  62  is disposed between one of the side edges of recessed wall  61  and the associated adjacent edge  63  of top wall  34   a . The orientation of channels  62  is at right angles to longitudinal axis “Y” and in a direction extending from front edge  35   a  to back edge  35   b  of top wall  34   a . (It will be understood that any other orientation of depression  60  and channels  62  may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.) 
         [0040]    Hanger member  64  is configured to be selectively engageable with channels  62 . Hanger member  64  includes a generally U-shaped region  66  and a pair of legs  68  that extend downwardly and outwardly from a lower end of the U-shaped region  66 . Hanger member  64  may, instead, comprise a region  66  that is of a different shape, such as a square or a rectangular region, without departing from the scope of the invention. An aperture  70  is defined in region  66  and this aperture  70  is provided so that hanger member  64  may receive a display rod (not shown) therethrough. Each leg  68  of hanger member  64  is generally J-shaped and includes a hooked end having an angled face  68   a  and a flat region  68   b . Angled face  68   a  enables the hooked end to slide more readily into one of channels  62 . Flat region  68   b  is oriented so as to contact the interior surface of top wall  34   a  proximate edge  63  when hooked end is received through channel  62 . Hanger  64  further includes a flange member  69  which extends horizontally outwardly from the base of the U-shaped region  66  and is configured to contact an exterior surface of edge region  63 . A gap (unnumbered) is thus defined between flat region  68   b  of J-shaped hook and flange member  69 . One or more arcuate grooves  72  are provided in hanger  64  in the region where flange members  69  originate in U-shaped region  66 . Grooves  72  make it possible for legs  68  to be flexed during insertion thereof into channels  62 , and to be flexed when legs  68  are removed therefrom. When hanger  64  is snap-fitted into channels  62 , each edge  63  of top wall  24   a  is received in one of the unnumbered gaps between flat region  68   b  and flange member  69 . 
         [0041]    As indicated previously, security container  10  also contains a locking mechanism  16 . Locking mechanism  16  is of a type similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,453,370 to Marsilio, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 9 , locking mechanism  16  comprises an engagement area  73  provided on left side wall  34   c  of sleeve  14 , a spring clip  90  provided on jacket  12 , and a locator  92  provided on an exterior surface of jacket  12 . The engagement area  73  includes two shallow contoured regions  74 ,  76  formed into left side wall  34   c , approximately midway between top wall  34   a  and intermediate wall  34   f . The shape of the contours is shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  7  &amp;  9 . A first horizontal ridge  78  is disposed between the first contoured region  74  and the second contoured region  76 . A second horizontal ridge  80  is disposed at the lower end of second contoured region  76 . The interior surface of left side wall  20   c  of jacket  12  is provided with a first horizontal slit  82  ( FIG. 10 ) and a second horizontal slit  84  spaced a distance downwardly therefrom. When security container  10  is fully locked (as will be described hereinafter) first slit  82  is generally disposed adjacent an uppermost end of first contoured region  74  and second slit  84  is generally disposed adjacent a lowermost end of second contoured region  76  and proximate second ridge  80 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . A first pocket  86  is formed between first contoured region  74  and inner surface of left side wall  20   c  and a second pocket  88  is formed between second contoured region  76  and inner surface of left side wall  20   c.    
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 2B  and in accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, spring clip  90  is a substantially planar member  90   c  manufactured from a magnetic material and includes first and second arms  90   a ,  90   b  which are spring-biased outwardly out of alignment with the planar member  90   c . Both of jacket  12  and sleeve  14  are manufactured from a nonmetallic material, or may be manufactured from a metallic material that is nonmagnetic. Contoured region  74  includes an inclined face  74   a , a flat face  74   b , and terminates in a horizontal face  78   a . Contoured region  76  includes an inclined face  76   a , a flat face  76   b , and terminates in a horizontal face  80   a . First and second pockets  86 ,  88  are complementary sized and shaped to receive first and second arms  90   a ,  90   b  of spring clip  90  therein when locking mechanism  16  is activated and is moved to a locked position. First and second ridges  78 ,  80  are provided to engage the ends first and second arms  90   a ,  90   b  to arrest the longitudinal movement of sleeve  14 . 
         [0043]    Locator  92  is provided to serve two functions. Firstly, locator  92  indicates the location on security container  10  for positioning the magnetic key “K” to move locking mechanism  16  from a locked condition to an unlocked condition. Secondly, locator  92  acts as a guide to keep the sleeve  14  correctly aligned with jacket  12  during sliding motions of the sleeve  14 . This enables sleeve  14  to readily and easily move between a first position where sleeve  14  extends outwardly from cavity  22  and a user is able to access the chamber  36 , and a second position where sleeve  14  is retained within cavity  22  to a sufficient degree that a user is unable to access chamber  36 . It should be noted that when locking mechanism  16  is in the locked condition, alarm mechanism  18  is in an armed condition, and when locking mechanism  16  is in the unlocked condition, alarm mechanism in a non-armed condition. Moving the locking mechanism from the unlocked condition to the locked condition simultaneously moves alarm mechanism  18  from the non-alarmed condition to the alarmed condition. Furthermore, moving the locking mechanism  16  from the locked condition to the unlocked condition simultaneously moves alarm mechanism from the armed condition to the unarmed condition. 
         [0044]    Locator  92  comprises an insert that is configured to be received in aperture  30  and to be sonic welded or otherwise secured to front wall  20   a  of jacket  12 . Locator  92  includes a generally D-shaped base  98  that is sized to be received in aperture  30  and to abut shoulder  21  of front wall  20   a . A region  98   a  of base  98  extends beyond shoulder  21  and terminates substantially flush with an interior surface of front wall  20   a , as is best seen in  FIG. 7 . A first guide wall  100  extends outwardly from region  98   a  and is disposed generally at right angles thereto. First guide wall  100  is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape. A second guide wall  102  extends outwardly from region  98   a  of base  98  a spaced distance from first guide wall  100  Second guide wall  102  has a truncated triangular shape when viewed in cross-section and, in particular includes an angled surface  102   a  so that second guide wall  102  tapers away from base  98 . Both of first and second guide walls  100 ,  102  run substantially the entire length of base  98 . A channel  104  is defined between first and second guide walls  100 ,  102  and runs substantially the entire length of base  98 . Channel  104  is of a sufficient width to receive a portion of left side wall  34   c  of sleeve  14  therein when sleeve and jacket  12  are engaged with each other. Angled surface  102   a  on second guide wall  102  is angled in such a manner that channel  104  is wider proximate the outer ends of first and second guide walls  100 ,  102  and is narrower proximate base  98 . Angled surface  102   a  acts to capture and guide the portion of the left side wall  34   c  of sleeve  14  into channel  104  when sleeve  14  and jacket  12  are engaged with each other. 
         [0045]    Locator  92  includes two spaced apart indents  94  defined in the outer surface of base  98  and disposed adjacent one side edge thereof. When locator  92  is engaged in aperture  30 , the side edge with the indents  94  is disposed adjacent corner  26  of jacket  12 . When locator  92  is so engaged in aperture  30 , indents  94  align with notches  31  on corner  26  of jacket  12 . Indents  94  are provided to show a store employee where to position the specially designed magnetic key “K” ( FIG. 10 ) in order to disengage the locking mechanism  16 . Indents  94  preferably are D-shaped as they are configured to be complementary to special projections on the key “K”. It will, of course, be understood that any other type or shape of indicator other than indents  94  may be provided on locator  92  of jacket  12 . Additionally, any differently configured locator may be used on jacket  12  instead of the locator  92 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-13 , security container  10  is used in the following manner. Sleeve  14  is inserted into jacket  12  by placing bottom end  14   b  thereof into the opening of cavity  22  defined by edge  24  of jacket  12 . Sleeve  14  is oriented so that catch  46  will contact the inner surface of front wall  20   a  and will be forced inwardly into depression  44  so that sliding motion is possible between sleeve  14  and jacket  12 . A product “P” is placed into chamber  36  within sleeve  14 . Product “P” is placed on an uppermost surface of intermediate wall  34   f  and is oriented thereon so that its display side  106  (such as a side with a logo thereon) faces toward window  38 . 
         [0047]    Once product “P” is correctly positioned, sleeve  14  is pushed downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” ( FIG. 11 ) toward bottom wall  20   b  of jacket  14 . This downwardly movement causes catch  46  to be moved inwardly toward depression  44  as the angled wall  58   b  ( FIG. 4 ) thereon engages the portion of front wall  20   a  that defines the bottom end of slot  28 . As catch  46  moves into depression  44 , spring  50  is depressed. As sleeve  14  continues to move downwardly through cavity  22  in the direction of arrow “A”, a portion of left side wall  34   c  slides into the upper end of channel  104  in locator  92 . This engagement ensures that locking mechanism  16  will be correctly positioned for unlocking with the key “K” at a future time. Sleeve  14  continues to move downwardly through cavity until bottom wall  36   b  of sleeve  14  is disposed adjacent the interior surface of bottom wall  20   c  of jacket  12 . At this point, the top  14   a  of sleeve  34   a  is substantially coplanar with upper edge  24  of jacket  12 , i.e., the exterior surface of top wall  34   a  of sleeve  14  is disposed substantially coplanar with upper edge  24 . Flanges  37  on sleeve  14  are received in notches  25  of jacket  12 . 
         [0048]    As sleeve  14  and jacket  12  move into this orientation relative to each other, spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  of spring clip are disposed adjacent to first and second pockets  86 ,  88 . Because spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  are spring biased, when they are adjacent first and second pockets  86 ,  88  the spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  move out of alignment with planar member  90   c  and into pockets  86 ,  88  and become seated therein. If an attempt is made to move sleeve  14  relative to jacket  12  in a direction opposite to arrow “A”, then the free ends of spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  will engage the faces of  78   a ,  80   a  of horizontal members  78 ,  80  and thereby substantially prevent further longitudinal movement of sleeve  14 . At this point, locking mechanism  16  is in a locked condition ( FIG. 9 ) 
         [0049]    Movement of sleeve  14  from a first position ( FIG. 11 ) to a second position ( FIG. 13 ) and movement of locking mechanism  16  from an unlocked condition to a locked condition also simultaneously closes an electric circuit (not shown) within security container  10  which in turn causes the alarm mechanism  18  to move from an unarmed condition to an armed condition. The wiring of security container  10  has not been shown in the attached drawings to simplify the same, but the wiring of such a device would be within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0050]    Locking mechanism  16  and alarm mechanism  18  can only be deactivated using the specially designed separate magnetic key “K”. The key “K” in question could be substantially identical to the magnetic key described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,453,370 to Marsilio. The key “K” will need to include component parts that are configured to be seated in indents  94  on locator  92  and to thereby bring the magnet(s) “M” in the key “K” into the correct position to influence the magnetic spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  on spring clip  90 . The magnetic field of the key “K” will cause spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  to move out of first and second pockets  86 ,  88  in the directions of arrow “B” ( FIG. 10 ) and back into alignment with the planar member  90   c  of spring clip. When this occurs, the user is able to slide sleeve  14  upwardly in the direction of arrow “C” ( FIG. 12 ), thus sliding sleeve  14  at least partially out of cavity  22  of jacket  12 . The key “K” can be disengaged from locator  92  as soon as spring arms  90   a ,  90   b  have cleared pockets  86 ,  88 . The unlocking of locking mechanism  16  also simultaneously breaks a circuit to alarm mechanism  18 , thus disarming the alarm and moving the alarm mechanism back to an unarmed condition. 
         [0051]    Sleeve  14  is able to be moved upwardly until projection  58  on catch reaches slot  28  in front wall  20   a  of jacket  12 . When this occurs, the spring  50  moves from the condition shown in  FIG. 8  to its original, uncompressed state ( FIG. 12 ) causing catch  46  to rotate on its curved end  46   c  within channel  57 . This causes projection  58  to be pushed forwardly and into slot  28  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The engagement of projection  58  in slot  28  substantially prevents any further movement in the direction of arrow “C”. Thus, sleeve  14  and jacket  12  remain engaged with each other at all times. 
         [0052]    Once the user is able to access chamber  36  within sleeve  14 , the product “P” may be removed therefrom and security container  10  is able to be recycled. Another product (not shown) can be inserted into chamber  36  so that its front surface faces window  38 . The user depresses projection  58  on catch  46  inwardly to remove it from slot  28  and simultaneously pushes sleeve  14  downwardly in the direction of arrow “A” and back into cavity  22 . The movement is continued until locking mechanism  16  moves back into a locked condition and alarm mechanism  18  is re-armed. As indicated previously, if an authorized person attempts to tamper with security container  10  when in this alarmed state or attempts to remove the same from a store without application of the special magnetic key “K”, the alarm mechanism  18  will be activated and will alert store personnel to the tampering or attempted theft incident. 
         [0053]    Security container  10  may be suspended from a display rod (not shown) when hanger  64  is snap-fitted into top wall  34   a  of sleeve  14 . This is accomplished by inserting hook ends of legs  68  into channels  62  in top wall  34   a  of sleeve and pushing downwardly thereon. Inclined surfaces  68   a  allow the hook ends of legs  68  to slide readily into one of channels  62 . As inclined surface  68   a  engages the side edge of recessed wall  61 , leg  68  is caused to flex inwardly away from wall  61 , allowing the hook end to slide into channel  62 . Once flat region  68   b  on leg  68  clears the innermost surface of edge  63  of top wall  34   a , leg  68  returns to its original position and snaps into abutting contact with side edges of recessed wall  61 , locking hanger member  64  into engagement therewith. The display rod may then be inserted through aperture  70 . 
         [0054]    It will be understood that hanger member  64  may be omitted from security container  10  or may be detached therefrom. In order to detach hanger member  64  from its engagement with security container  10 , a store employee engages outer side edges of flanges  69  and then pinches them toward each other. This movement causes hanger member  64  to flex at grooves  72 , moving legs  68  to a position where the hooked ends will disengage from edges  63  of top wall  20   a . Legs  68  may then be withdrawn from channels  62 , thus disengaging hanger member  64  from sleeve  14 . Security container  10  is then able to be positioned on a display shelf (not shown) and may do so resting on any of the jacket&#39;s exterior walls or even on top wall  20   a  of sleeve  14 . The two channels  62  pose no risk for entry into chamber  36  to access product “P” as they are simply too small. A would-be thief also cannot disarm the alarm mechanism  18  through channels  62  as this mechanism  18  is situated on the opposite end of sleeve  14  from channels  62 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 13-16  there is shown a second embodiment of the security container in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated at  110 . One feature that is different about security container  110  with respect to container  10  is that this second embodiment is adjustable in overall length. Security container  10  is of a length “L” ( FIG. 1 ) that is substantially equal to the length of jacket  12 . Security container  110 , on the other hand, is of a minimum length “L” and may be adjusted to a maximum length equal to the length “L”+“L1” shown in  FIG. 16 . Neither of the lengths “L” nor “L1” include the height of the hanger member  64 ,  164 . 
         [0056]    Security container  110  is comprised of an outer jacket  112  and an inner sleeve  114 . Jacket  112  includes a front wall  120   a , a back wall  120   b , a left side wall  120   c , a right side wall  120   c , and a bottom wall  120   e . The front, back, left side, right side and bottom walls bound and define a cavity  122  ( FIG. 14 ) into which sleeve  114  is longitudinally, slidably received in much the same manner as jacket  12  and sleeve  14 . Jacket  112  is substantially identical to jacket  112  except for a few features. Firstly, the structure of locking mechanism  116  and the location of the same on security container  110  differs from locking mechanism  16  and its location on security container  10 . In jacket  12 , shown in  FIG. 1 , the locking mechanism  16  is positioned beneath a plate  17  located adjacent corner  26  of jacket  12 . In jacket  112 , shown in  FIG. 13 , the locking mechanism  116  is positioned beneath a plate  117  located roughly midway between corners  126  and  127  on left side wall  120   c  of jacket  112 . During manufacture an aperture may be formed in left side wall  134   c  of jacket  112  and spring clip  190  be secured to plate  117  which is then sonic welded into the aperture so that spring arms  190   a ,  190   b  project into cavity  122 . Spring clip  190  ( FIG. 14 ) forms part of locking mechanism  116  and is secured to the interior surface of left side wall  120   c  of jacket  114 . Spring clip  190  is substantially identical to spring clip  90  except that each of its first arm  190   a  and second arm  190  (which are movable relative to the planar member thereof) terminates in a hook  191   a ,  191   b  instead of simply being straight. The purpose of the hooks  191   a ,  191   b  will be described hereafter. 
         [0057]    Sleeve  114  differs from sleeve  14  in a number of ways. Firstly, as shown in  FIG. 16 , sleeve  114  has a top wall  134   a , a back wall  134   b , a left side wall  134   c , and a right side wall  134   d . Sleeve  114  also has a front wall  134   e  and, even though it is not shown in the attached figures, sleeve  114  does not have a bottom wall. Furthermore, sleeve  114  does not have an intermediate wall and a compartment which houses all of the security components. Preferably, the intermediate wall and the compartment which houses all of the security components are identical to wall  34   f  and compartment  40  of sleeve  14  but are located in the interior bottom end of jacket  112  above the interior surface of bottom wall  20   b . Still further, a recessed region (not shown) is defined in front wall  134   e  of sleeve  114  proximate a bottom end thereof. The recessed region defines a depression in which catch  146  is engaged. Each of the recessed region, the depression and the catch  146  are substantially identical in structure and function to recessed region  44 ,  52 ,  48  and catch  46  on security container  10 . Catch  146  is engageable in slot  128  in front wall  134   a  of jacket  112  to keep sleeve  114  from being disengaged from jacket  112  unless and until it is desirable to do so. 
         [0058]    In accordance with a specific feature of the present invention, locking mechanism  116  further includes a rack  115  which is provided on an exterior surface of left side wall  134   c  of sleeve  114 . Rack  115  is configured to be engageable with spring clip  190 . Preferably, rack  115  extends longitudinally generally along a midline of left side wall  134   c . This location makes the operation of locking mechanism  116  more stable than if the rack  115  is situated adjacent one or the other corners  126 ,  127 . Rack  115  and spring clip  190  are positioned in complementary locations on jacket  112  and sleeve  114 . As best seen in  FIG. 15 , rack  115  includes a plurality of horizontally oriented teeth  118  thereon. Adjacent teeth  118  are separated from each other by a trough  119 . As is evident from  FIG. 15 , hooked ends  191   a ,  191   b  of spring clip  190  are selectively engageable in any one of the plurality of troughs  119  on rack  115 . Each tooth  118  has an angled face  119   a  and a straight face  119   b . The orientation of the straight faces  119   b  and the angled faces  119   a  is such that movement of the sleeve  114  in the direction downward direction to reduce the size of security container  110  is relatively easy. Teeth  118  substantially prevent upward movement to increase the length of security container without first moving hooked ends  191   a ,  191   b  of spring clip  190  out of troughs  119 . The teeth  118  thereby lock sleeve  114  to jacket  112  to prevent sleeve  114  from being withdrawn from cavity  112  to access the product. When it is desired to detach sleeve  114  from jacket  12 , teeth  118  must be withdrawn from the troughs  119 . This is accomplished by engaging the specially configured magnetic key “K” (shown in  FIG. 10 ) in the indents  194  on locator  192 . Locator  192  functions in the same manner as locator  92  in security container  10 . Once the tips of hooked ends  191   a ,  191   b  of spring clip  190  clear the outermost ends of teeth  118 , sleeve  114  may be slid longitudinally relative to jacket  112  in either direction, as is indicated by arrow “E” ( FIG. 16 ). It will be understood that locator  192  may be positioned in any other location on security container  110  that will enable the specially designed magnetic key “K” to attract the magnetic spring arms  190   a ,  190   b  of spring clip  190  out of the troughs  119  of rack  115 , without departing from the scope of the present invention. Locator  192  may be configured to be substantially identical to locator  92  where it acts both to guide the travel of sleeve  14  relative to jacket  12 . Alternatively, locator  192  may simply be a planar component that is secured to the exterior surface of jacket  114  in an appropriate location such that the indents  194  thereon are correctly positioned to align the magnets “M” in key “K” with spring arms  190   a ,  190   b  of spring clip  190 . 
         [0059]    Security container  110  is used in the following manner. Initially, it is necessary to access to the chamber  136  ( FIG. 14 ) in order to insert a product into the same. Since sleeve  114  includes top, back, front, left and right side walls  134   a - 134   e  it is necessary to completely detach sleeve  114  from jacket  112 . In order to do this, the projection (not numbered but the equivalent of projection  58  on catch  46 ) is pushed inwardly through slot  128  so that it moves back toward the interior of security container  110 . Once the projection is clear of slot  128 , sleeve  11  is pulled upwardly to separate sleeve  114  from jacket  112 . A product (not shown) is then inserted into cavity  122  of jacket  112  and sleeve is engaged with jacket  112  to enclose the product within the interior formed by cavity  122  and chamber  136 . Sleeve  114  is slid longitudinally into cavity  122  to a sufficient degree that at least the catch  146  engages in slot  128 . Catch  146  is then disengaged once again from slot  128  and sleeve  114  is moved inwardly until the interior surface of recessed wall  161  ( FIG. 14 ) is disposed adjacent a top end of the product. Hanger member  164  may be engaged with sleeve  114  or may be omitted from security container  110  as was described with reference to hanger member  64  and security container  10 . As with security container  10 , security container  110  may include a number of transparent walls in jacket  112  and sleeve  114  so the product may be seen by the consumer. 
         [0060]    A third embodiment of the present invention is contemplated but not illustrated herein. In this third embodiment, the security container is substantially identical to security container  10  but includes the placement of the locking mechanism in a location substantially identical to that of security container  110 . The sleeve and jacket of this third embodiment are substantially identical to the sleeve  14  and jacket  12 , with the exception that the window in the sleeve of the third embodiment is substantially smaller than the window  38 . In particular, the window in the third embodiment originates a greater distance away from the top wall of the sleeve. This increased distance is specifically selected so that it is impossible to gain access into the interior chamber of the sleeve of this third embodiment security container when the locking mechanism is utilized to increase the overall length of the combined sleeve and jacket. All other components are substantially identical in structure and function to those particular components in one or both of security containers  10 ,  110 . 
         [0061]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
         [0062]    Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.