Patent Publication Number: US-11382439-B1

Title: Locking case system and method for cosmetic products

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/873,714 filed Jul. 12, 2019. The entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to anti-theft systems for store products, and, more particularly, to a locking case system and method for cosmetic products. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditional in-store shelving arrangements include products disposed on a tray disposed on a shelf, for example. These shelving arrangements enable customers to easily access and remove products from the shelf. In one example, a tray houses numerous cosmetic products, such as in a row-by-row format, allowing the tray to be easily placed in an in-store shelf. In this configuration, any of the cosmetic products in any row of the tray can be easily accessed and removed. 
     While such arrangements provide easy accessibility and removal of the product for the consumer, the products are generally not secured and/or locked within the trays. Said another way, there are typically no anti-theft mechanisms for such trays disposed on in-store shelves, allowing large quantities of products to be easily and quickly stolen. 
     In fact, little if any locking and/or anti-theft mechanisms for in-store cosmetic products exist at least because of the unique designs for various cosmetic products. For example, many cosmetic products have different heights, shapes, and packaging configurations, requiring more custom locking mechanisms for each type of cosmetic product when they are displayed. Thus, for at least this reason, it has been difficult to develop a more universal anti-theft and/or locking mechanism suitable for many types of cosmetic products. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a locking case system for cosmetic products comprises a fixture adapted to receive cosmetic products. The fixture includes a pair of side walls, at least one side wall having at least one receiving portion, a rear wall having a top edge and at least one receiving aperture disposed in the top edge, and a front wall having at least one receiving aperture. A locking case is adapted to be coupled to the fixture for securing the cosmetic products to the fixture. The locking case includes a housing having a pair of side walls, at least one side wall including at least one snap member, a rear wall having at least one snap member, and a top portion. A door is rotatably coupled to the top portion and disposed in a front area of the housing between the pair of side walls. The door has a lower front edge. A front member is disposed between and coupled to the pair of side walls and has at least one snap member, the lower front edge of the door adapted to contact the front member when the door is in a closed position. So configured, upon coupling the locking case to the fixture, the at least one snap member of the at least one side wall of the locking case is snapped into the at least one receiving portion of the at least one side wall of the fixture. In addition, the at least one snap member of the rear wall of the locking case is snapped into the at least one receiving aperture in the top edge of the rear wall of the fixture. Further, the at least one snap member of the front member of the locking case is snapped into the at least one receiving aperture of the front wall of the fixture to secure the cosmetic products to the fixture. 
     In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a locking case for cosmetic products is adapted to be coupled to a fixture to secure the cosmetic products to the fixture. The locking case comprises a pair of side walls, at least one side wall including at least one snap member, and a rear wall disposed between the side walls and having at least one snap member. The locking case also includes a top portion having a front area and a hinge disposed on the front area, and a door rotatably coupled to the front area of the top portion via the hinge and disposed between the pair of side walls, the door having a lower front edge. Further, a front member is disposed between and coupled to the pair of side walls and having at least one snap member. So configured, the lower front edge of the door is adapted to contact the front member when the door is in a closed position. In addition, each at least one snap member is adapted to contact one of a receiving aperture or receiving portion of the fixture to secure the cosmetic products to the fixture. 
     In accordance with yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a locking case system for cosmetic products is disclosed. The method includes inserting a projection on each end of a front member of a locking case into a hole on at least one side wall of the locking case. The method also includes simultaneously inserting at least one snap member of the at least one side wall of the locking case into a corresponding receiving portion of at least one side wall of a fixture, at least one snap member of a rear wall of the locking case into a receiving aperture of a top edge of a rear wall of the fixture, and at least one snap member of the front member of the locking case into a receiving aperture of the front wall of the fixture. The method still further includes installing a fastening member into an aperture of at least one of the at least one snap members, further coupling the locking case to the fixture and securing cosmetic products to the fixture. 
     In further accordance with any one or more of the foregoing aspects and methods, one or more of the locking case system, the locking case, and the method of assembling the locking case system may include any one or more of the following forms or method steps. 
     In one form, the rear wall of the fixture may include three receiving apertures disposed in the top edge. In addition, the rear wall of the locking case may include three snap members adapted to be snapped into the corresponding three receiving apertures in the top edge of the rear wall of the fixture to secure the locking case to the fixture. 
     In another form, the at least one side wall of the fixture further may include an inside surface having two receiving portions, at least one receiving portion rounded in shape. In addition, the at least one side wall of the locking case may include two snap members having a corresponding rounded shape, such that the snap members of the at least one side wall of the locking case fit within the corresponding two receiving portions of the side wall of the fixture to secure the locking case to the fixture. 
     In yet another form, the front wall of the fixture may include two receiving apertures and a shelf portion, and the front member of the locking case may include two snap members and a front edge. Each snap member may include a tab extending from the front edge, such that each tab of the front member of the locking case fits into the corresponding two receiving apertures of the fixture. In addition, the front edge of the locking case may rest on the shelf portion of the front wall of the fixture when the locking case is coupled to the fixture. 
     In still another form, the at least one side wall of the fixture may include an outside surface having at least one receiving portion, and the at least one side wall of the locking case may have a projection extending from a bottom portion of the at least one side wall. The at least one receiving portion of the side wall of the fixture may be adapted to receive the projection of the at least one side wall of the locking case when the locking case is coupled to the fixture. 
     In still another form, the at least one snap member may include a hole adapted to receive a fastening member for securing the snap member to one of the at least one receiving aperture of the top edge of the rear wall of the fixture, the at least one receiving portion of the inside surface of the at least one side wall of the fixture, and the at least one receiving aperture of the front wall of the fixture. 
     In another form, the at least one side wall of the locking case may include a pair of ribs extending across a length of the at least one side wall, each rib having an end with a rounded shape. The end is adapted to fit within the corresponding receiving portion of the at least one side wall of the fixture. 
     In still another form, the top portion may include a hinge extending along a front edge of the top portion, and the hinge may be rotatably coupling the door to the top portion of the locking case. 
     Still further, the front member may further include a body with an upper portion, a lower portion, and two ends. A pair of snap members may extend from the lower portion on either end of the body, and a shoulder portion may be disposed on the upper portion of the body. The shoulder portion may have an upwardly and vertically extending arm on either end of the body, and each arm may include a projection to be inserted into a hole in the side wall of the locking case. 
     In still another form, the fixture may be a tray or a tray insert adapted to receive cosmetic products, and the tray insert may be adapted to be disposed within the tray, the tray having a shelf for displaying a cosmetic product representative of the cosmetic products disposed within the tray insert. 
     In addition, the shoulder portion of the front member may include a gap adapted to accommodate a lock disposed on a lower portion of the door when the door is in a closed position. 
     In still another form, inserting a projection on each end of a front member of a locking case into a hole on at least one side wall of the locking case may comprise inserting the projection on each end of the front member into a hole on a front edge of each side wall of the locking case. 
     In addition, simultaneously inserting at least one snap member of the at least one side wall of the locking case into a corresponding receiving portion of at least one side wall of a fixture, at least one snap member of a rear wall of the locking case into a receiving aperture of a top edge of a rear wall of the fixture, and at least one snap member of the front member of the locking case into a receiving aperture of the front wall of the fixture may comprise one or more of simultaneously inserting two snap members of the at least one side wall of the locking case into two receiving portions of at least one side wall of a fixture, three snap members of a rear wall of the locking case into three receiving apertures of a top edge of a rear wall of the fixture, and two snap members of the front member of the locking case into two receiving apertures of the front wall of the fixture. 
     In yet another exemplary method, installing a fastening member into an aperture of at least one of the at least one snap members, further coupling the locking case to the fixture and securing cosmetic products to the fixture may comprise installing one or more of: (1) a fastening member into an aperture of the at least one snap member of the rear wall of the locking case and through the corresponding receiving aperture of the rear wall of the fixture; (2) a fastening member into an aperture of the at least one snap member of the at least one side wall of the locking case and through the corresponding receiving portion of the at least one side wall of the fixture; and (3) a fastening member into an aperture of the at least one snap member of the front member of the locking case and through the corresponding receiving aperture of the front wall of the fixture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The Figures described below depict various aspects of the system and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each figure depicts an example of a particular aspect of the disclosed system and methods, and that each of the figures is intended to accord with a possible example thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following figures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designated with consistent reference numerals. 
       There are shown in the drawing arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present examples are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a locking case system according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded view of the locking case system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a fastener mechanism of the locking case system of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of a locking case of the locking case system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the portion of the locking case of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the portion of the locking case of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the locking case system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the locking case system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view the locking case system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of locking case system taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a front portion of the locking case of the locking case system of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a side view of the front portion of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 11B  is a close-up view of an area B of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up view of an area C of the portion of the locking case of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a close-up view of an area D of the portion of the locking case of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a locking case system according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a front, perspective view of the locking case system of  FIG. 14  disposed in a shelf and housing cosmetic products. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally, a locking case system for cosmetic products is disclosed. The locking case system includes a fixture, such as a tray insert, and a locking case coupled to the fixture to secure cosmetic products to the fixture and prevent large scale and/or rapid theft of the cosmetic products. The locking case includes a plurality of snap members, such that the locking case is able to snap into existing fixtures universally used in stores, such as trays or tray inserts for cosmetic products. Specifically, the locking case includes a housing having a pair of side walls, at least one side wall having at least one snap member, a rear wall having at least one snap member, a top portion, and a door rotatably coupled to the top portion and disposed in a front area of the housing between the pair of side walls. A front member is disposed between and coupled to the pair of side walls and include a snap member. 
     Upon coupling the locking case to the fixture, the at least one snap member of at least one side wall of the locking case is snapped into a receiving portion of at least one side wall of the fixture. In addition, another snap member of the rear wall of the locking case is snapped into at least one receiving aperture disposed on a top edge of a rear wall of the fixture, and another snap member of the front member of the locking case is snapped into a receiving aperture of a front wall of the fixture. Once each snap member is inserted into a corresponding receiving portion or receiving aperture of the fixture, a fastening member may be secured into and through a hole in each snap member to further secure the locking case to the fixture. Further, the door of the locking case may be moved to a closed position and a lock of the door moved to a locked state, completely securing the cosmetic products of the fixture in the locking case and preventing theft of the cosmetic products. So configured, the locking case is essentially tamper-resistant when assembled and secured to the fixture, as described above. In this way, the locking case is not able to be easily or quickly removable from the fixture, further preventing theft of cosmetic products stored within the fixture. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a locking case system  10  of the present disclosure is depicted. The locking case system  10  includes a fixture  12  adapted to receive cosmetic products (e.g.,  FIG. 15 ) and a locking case  14 . The locking case  14  is adapted to be coupled to the fixture  12  to secure cosmetic products to the fixture  12 . In one example, the fixture  12  is a tray insert that is commonly and universally used to display cosmetic products in many stores. In another example, the fixture  12  may be any other commonly used structure, such as a portion of commonly used in-store shelving arrangement, that houses and/or stores cosmetic products. The cosmetic products may include any known cosmetic product, including but not limited to any skincare products, such as No7 skincare products, lipsticks, foundation, creams, lotions, eyemake-up remover, blush, and/or any other cosmetic product typically merchandised in a similar manner, such as a vertical orientation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , an exploded view of the locking case system  10  is depicted. The fixture  12  includes a base  16  having a pair of side walls  18 , a rear wall  20 , and a front wall  22 . The rear and front walls  20 ,  22  are disposed between the pair of side walls  18 , forming an enclosure around the base  16 . The cosmetic products are typically disposed on the base  16 , such as in a vertical orientation and/or a row-by-row format. The pair of side walls  18  includes at least one side wall having an inside surface  24  with at least one receiving portion  26 . In one example, both side walls of the pair of side walls  18  includes the inside surface  24  having two receiving portions  26 . In addition, the rear wall  20  includes a top edge  28  having at least one receiving aperture  30 . In one example, and as depicted in  FIG. 2A , the top edge  28  includes three receiving apertures  30 . Further, the front wall  22  also includes at least one receiving aperture  30 , and in some examples may include two receiving apertures  30 , as also depicted in  FIG. 2A . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , the locking case  14  includes a housing  32  having a pair of side walls  34 , a rear wall  36 , a top portion  38 , and a door  40  rotatably secured to the top portion  38 . In this example, the door  40  is riveted to the top portion  38  of the housing  32  to prevent the door  40  from being quickly or easily removed from the locking case  14 , further minimizing theft of the cosmetic products. The door  40  is disposed in a front area  42  of the housing  32  between the pair of side walls  34  and includes a lower front edge  44 . The locking case  14  further includes a front member  46  disposed between and coupled to the pair of side walls  34 , and the lower front edge  44  of the door  40  contacts the front member  46  when the door  40  is in a closed position, as explained more below. 
     As further depicted in  FIG. 2A , the pair of side walls  34  includes at least one side wall  34  having at least one snap member  48 . In one example, each side wall  34  includes two snap members  48 , and more or fewer snap members  48  may be included on one or more side walls  34  of the pair of side walls  34  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the rear wall  36  may also include at least one snap member  48 , as further described below. Further, the front member  46  also includes at least one snap member  48 . In one example, the front member  46  includes two snap members  48 . 
     Upon coupling the locking case  14  to the fixture  12 , the at least one snap member  48  of the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14  is snapped into the at least one receiving portion  26  of the at least one side wall  18  of the fixture  12 . In addition, the at least one snap member  48  of the rear wall  36  of the locking case  14  is snapped into the at least one receiving aperture  30  disposed on the top edge  28  of the rear wall  20  of the fixture  12 . Further, the at least one snap member  48  of the front member  46  of the locking case  14  is snapped into the at least one receiving aperture  30  of the front wall  22  of the fixture  12 . 
     After coupling the locking case  14  to the fixture  12 , a fastening member  49  may be inserted into a hole of the at least one snap member  48  of the at least one side wall  34  of the rear wall  36  or the front member  46 . In  FIG. 2A , the fastening member  49  is depicted in an aligned position with the receiving portion  26  of the side wall  18  of the fixture  12 , such that when the at least one snap member  48  of the side wall  34  of the locking case  14  is snapped into the receiving portion  26  of the side wall  18  of the fixture  12 , the fastening member  49  may then be inserted into the corresponding holes in each of the at least one snap member  46  and the receiving portion  26  to further secure the locking case  14  to the fixture  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , a close-up view of the fastening member  49  of  FIG. 2A  is depicted. The fastening member  49  may include a rivet, such as a rivet having a domed head, that is easily inserted into the corresponding holes of the at least one snap member  46  and the receiving portion  26  of the side wall  18  of the fixture  12 , for example. However, and as will be appreciated, the fastening member  49  may alternatively be a clip (not shown) or any other mechanism capable of further coupling the locking case  14  to the fixture  12 . 
     In some examples, the front wall  22  of the fixture  12  may include two receiving apertures  30  disposed near either end of the front wall  22  and a shelf portion  50  to accommodate portions of the front member  46  of the locking case  14 , as described more below. In addition, the at least one side wall of the  18  of the fixture  12  may include at least one receiving portion  51  disposed on an outside surface of the side wall  18 . In addition, the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14  may include a projection  52  extending from a bottom portion of the at least one side wall  34 , as further depicted in  FIG. 2A . So configured, the at least one receiving portion  51  of the side wall  18  of the fixture  12  receives the projection  52  of the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14  when the locking case  14  is coupled to the fixture  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , a portion of the housing  32  of the locking case  14  is depicted. In this example, the rear wall  36  of the locking case  14  includes three snap members  48 . The three snap members  48  are snapped into the corresponding three receiving apertures  30  disposed in the top edge  28  of the rear wall  20  of the fixture  12  ( FIG. 2A ). As will be appreciated, the rear wall  36  of the locking case  14  may have more or a fewer number of snap members  48  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the snap members  48  of the rear wall  36  of the locking case  14  may include a rectangular projection  52  having a hole  54 . In addition, while not depicted in the figures, the rear wall  20  may further include ventilation slots to accommodate existing LED lighting in the fixture  12 , for example. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14  may include two snap members  48  having a rounded shape. In a similar manner, the corresponding receiving portions  26  of the side wall of the pair of side walls  18  of the fixture  12  may have the same rounded shape ( FIG. 2A ), enabling easy insertion of the snap members  48  into the fixture  12  when the locking case  14  is coupled to the fixture  12 . In addition, the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14 , and as depicted in  FIG. 3 , both side walls  34  include a front edge  35 , which may be a flange, having a hole  37 . Each hole  37  is adapted to receive a portion of a front member of the locking case  14 , as explained more below. The front edges  35  of the side walls  34  help minimize gaps between the side walls  34  and the door  40  that would allow for easy prying of the door  40  from the top portion  38  of the housing  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the top portion  38  of the locking case  14  includes a front edge  60  having a hinge  62  extending along the front edge  60 . The hinge  62  rotatably couples the door  40  to the top portion  38  of the locking case  14 , enabling the door  40  to be moved between a fully open position, as depicted in  FIG. 2A , and a fully closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the door  40  further includes a center portion  64  and a lock  66  disposed in the center portion  64 . So configured, after the door  40  is rotated to the closed position, the lock  66  may be moved to a locked position to lock the cosmetic products disposed in the fixture  12  within the locking case  14 . When is it desired to remove cosmetic products from the fixture  12 , the lock  66  may be moved to an unlocked position and the door  40  rotated to an open position, providing access to the cosmetic products within the locking case  14 . While the lock  66  of  FIG. 7  is disposed in the center portion  64  of the door  40 , the lock  66  may alternatively be disposed in any other portion of the door  40  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the lock  66  may take the form of any known locking mechanism capable of providing a locked position and an unlocked position of the door  40  of the locking case  14 , for example. Still further, in another example, the door  40  may include any other door configuration and/or mounting mechanism, such as a sliding door, and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As further depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the door  40  further includes a lower front edge  67 . The lower front edge  67  is adapted to contact the front member  46  of the locking case  14  when the door  40  is in the closed position of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In this example, the lower front edge  67  contacts the front member  46   
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the at least one snap member  48  of the side wall  34  of the locking case  14  may include a rib of a pair of ribs  68  extending across a length of the at least one side wall  34 . Each rib  69  of the pair of ribs  68  has an end  70  with a rounded shape. More specifically, in this example, the snap members  48  include the ends  70  that are adapted to fit within the corresponding receiving portions  26  of the side walls  18  of the fixture  12  when the locking case  14  is coupled to the fixture  12 . In one example, each side wall  34  of the locking case  14  includes the pair of ribs  68 , and each side wall  18  of the fixture  12  includes two corresponding receiving portions  26 . So configured, the snap members  48  of the side walls  34  of the locking case  14  include a total of four ribs  69  with rounded ends  70  that fit within the corresponding four receiving portions  26  of the side walls  18  of the fixture  12 . 
     So configured, when the locking case  14  is coupled to the fixture, the ends  70  are not easily deformed or misaligned with the receiving portions  26  of the fixture  12 . This further enables the snap members  48  of the side walls  34  of the locking case  14  to be easily snapped into the receiving portions  26  of the fixture  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the front member  46  of the locking case  14  is depicted. As noted, the front member  46  includes two snap members  48 . The front member  46  also includes a front edge  72 , such that each snap member  48  downwardly extends from the front edge  72 . More specifically, in this example, the front member  46  includes a first end  74  and a second end  76  disposed opposite the first end  74 ; one snap member  48  downwardly extends from the front edge  72  near the first end  74 , while the other snap member  48  downwardly extends from the front edge  72  near the second end  76 . In addition, each snap member  48  of the front member  46  includes a tab  78 . The tabs  78  fit within the corresponding two receiving apertures  30  disposed on the front wall  22  of the fixture  12  ( FIG. 2A ) when the locking case  14  is coupled to the fixture  12 . 
     The front member  46  further includes a body  80  having an upper portion  82  and a lower portion  84 , such that the snap members  48  downwardly extend from the lower portion  84  on each of the first and second ends  74 ,  76 . A shoulder portion  86  is disposed on the upper portion  82  of the body  80  and includes an arm  88  near each of the first and second ends  74 ,  76 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 12 , each arm  88  upwardly extends from the shoulder portion  86  and includes a projection  90 . The projection  90  extends outwardly from each arm  88 , such that the projection  90  is perpendicular relative to the arm  88 . More specifically, the arm  88  includes a longitudinal axis A, and the projection  90  includes a lateral axis P that is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, as depicted in  FIG. 12 . 
     Before the locking case  14  is coupled to the fixture  12 , the front member  46  is assembled to the housing  32  of the locking case  14 , as explained more below. Specifically, the front member  46  is first moved between the side walls  34  of the housing  32  of the locking case  14  near the front area  42  of the locking case  14  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2A ). So configured, the projections  90  extending from the arms  88  of the shoulder portion  86  are aligned with holes  37  on the side walls  34  of the locking case  14 . The projections  90  extending from the arms  88  of the shoulder portion  86  near the first and second ends  74 ,  76  of the front member  46  are then inserted into the holes  37  on the side walls  34  of the locking case  14  to secure the front member  46  to the housing  32 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11B , the projection  90  includes a circular portion  92  that helps the projection  90  more easily fit into the holes  37  of the side walls  34  of the locking case  14  during assembly of the locking case  14 . In addition, a first flange portion  94  extends upwardly from the circular portion  92  and a second flange portion  96  extends downwardly from the circular portion  92 . So configured, once the projections  90  are inserted into the holes  37  of the side walls  34  of the locking case  14 , the first and second flange portions  94 ,  96  prevent the projections from moving out of the holes  37 , providing a securing mechanism for the front member  46  to remain coupled to the housing  32  of the locking case  14 . While the first and second flange portions  94 ,  96  extending upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from the circular portion  92 , the first and second flange portions  94 ,  96  may alternatively extend from the circular portion  92  in any other direction and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 10 , the shoulder portion  86  further includes a gap  98  disposed approximately in a center area of the shoulder portion  86 . In the example of  FIG. 10 , the gap  98  is disposed slightly right of center of the shoulder portion  86 , and may alternatively be disposed left of center or directly at the center of the shoulder portion  86  and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The gap  98  in the shoulder portion  86  is adapted to accommodate the lock  66  ( FIG. 7 ) disposed on the door  40  of the locking case  14  when the door  40  is in the closed position. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the snap members  48  of the front portion  46  may include a hole  97  adapted to receive the fastening member  49  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) after the snap members  48  of the front portion of the locking case  14  are snapped into, e.g., inserted into, the receiving apertures  30  of the front wall  22  of the fixture  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the locking case system  10  of  FIGS. 1-13  is depicted disposed on another in-store fixture, such as a tray for an in-store display shelf. More specifically, the locking case system  10  is disposed on a fixture  120  adapted to be coupled to an in-store shelf. The fixture  120  includes a base  122  having a receiving area  124  adapted to receive the locking case system  10 . Said another way, the locking case system  10  easily fits into the receiving area  124  of the fixture  120 , allowing the locking case system  10  to be coupled to the fixture  120  and ultimately a shelf, for example, as explained more below. 
     Specifically, the base  122  of the fixture  120  includes a rear portion  128  and a front portion  130 . A coupling member  132  extends from each end of the rear portion  128 , allowing the fixture  120  having the locking case system  10  disposed therein to be coupled to an in-store shelf  136 , for example, as depicted in  FIG. 15 . The fixture  120  also includes a shelf  138  extending from the front portion  130  of the fixture  120  and a ticket holder area  140  extending from the shelf  138 . The shelf  138  displays one or more cosmetic products for a customer to sample, such as a lotion  142  and/or a powder compact  144 . In this way, the customer is able to evaluate for purchase the cosmetic product disposed on the shelf  138 , which is representative of the cosmetic product(s) locked within the locking case system  10  coupled to the fixture  120 , for example. By having only one or two representative cosmetic products displayed on the shelf  138  and the majority of cosmetic products for sale locked within the locking case system  10 , the theft risk of a high number of cosmetic products typically disposed in the fixture  12  is significantly reduced, if not entirely eliminated, saving stores millions of dollars annually. 
     While the shelf  138  of  FIG. 15  displays both the lotion  142  and the powder compact  144 , any other cosmetic product (e.g., representative of the cosmetic products disposed within the locking case system  10 ) may alternatively be displayed and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, and as further depicted in  FIG. 15 , the ticket holder area  140  accommodates a price tag and/or a graphic label including a description of the cosmetic product, for example. In some examples, the ticket holder area  140  includes a slot  142  for receiving a price tag insert  144  and/or a graphic label  146  that is shown just below the sample products displayed on the shelf  138 . The ticket holder area  140  includes a transparent front area  148 , allowing any price tag insert  144  and/or graphic label  146  to be easily seen once inserted into the slot  142  of the ticket holder area  140 , for example. In another example, a label and/or price tag may be directly adhered to the transparent front area  148  of the fixture  120 , as will be appreciated. 
     In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the locking system  10  is assembled according to the following exemplary method. In particular, and in one example, a method of assembling the locking case system  10  described above and depicted in  FIGS. 1-13  comprises inserting the projection  90  on each end  74 ,  76  of the front member  46  of the locking case  14  into the hole  37  on the at least one side wall of the locking case  14 . In one example, inserting the projection  90  on each end  74 ,  76  of the front member  46  of the locking case  14  into the hole  37  on the at least one side wall of the locking case  14  includes inserting the projection  90  on each end  74 ,  76  of the front member  46  into the hole  37  on each front edge  35  of each side wall  34  of the locking case  14 . 
     In addition, the method further includes simultaneously inserting the at least one snap member  48  of the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14  into a corresponding receiving portion  26  of the at least one side wall  18  of the fixture  12 , and at least one snap member  48  of a rear wall  36  of the locking case  14  into a receiving aperture  30  of the top edge  28  of the rear wall  20  of the fixture  12 . Also at the same time, the at least one snap member  48  of the front member  46  of the locking case  14  is inserted into the receiving aperture  30  of the front wall  22  of the fixture  12 . In one example, simultaneously inserting the at least one snap member  48  of the at least one side wall  34  of the locking case  14  into a corresponding receiving portion  26  of the at least one side wall  18  of the fixture  12 , at least one snap member  48  of a rear wall  36  of the locking case  14  into a receiving aperture  30  of the top edge  28  of the rear wall  20  of the fixture  12 , and at least one snap member  48  of the front member  46  of the locking case  14  into the receiving aperture  30  of the front wall  22  of the fixture  12  comprises one or more of simultaneously inserting two snap members  48  of the at least one side wall  34  into two receiving portions  26  of at least one side wall  18  of the fixture  12 , three snap members  48  of the rear wall  36  of the locking case  34  into three receiving apertures  30  of the top edge  28  of the rear wall  20  of the fixture  12 , and two snap members  48  of the front member  46  of the locking case  34  into two receiving apertures  30  of the front wall  22  of the fixture  12 . In this way, and in this example, seven snap members  48  of the locking case  14  are disposed into one of a receiving aperture  30  or receiving portion  26  of the fixture  12 . In another example, nine snap members  48  of the locking case  14 , e.g., two snap members  48  for each side wall  34 , are disposed into one of a receiving aperture  30  or the receiving portion  26  of the fixture  12 . 
     Further, the method also includes installing a fastening member  49  into a hole  97  of at least one of the at least one snap member  48 , such as the snap member  48  of the front member  46  of the locking case  14 . This further couples the locking case  14  to the fixture  12  and secures cosmetic products to the fixture  12 . 
     In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the locking case system  10  and method of assembly include several advantages. For example, the locking case  34  includes a structure and corresponding snap members  48  that easily fit within existing fixtures, such as trays or tray inserts, of cosmetic products, keeping within the fixed width of the existing fixtures and requiring no tools for installation. This allows for efficient coupling of the locking case  34  to the cosmetic products fixture  12 . Upon coupling the locking case  34  to the existing fixtures for cosmetic products, the locking case  34  may be further locked to the fixture  12  via the lock  66  to further secure the cosmetic products to the fixture  12 . In any case, rapid and/or large amounts of cosmetic products are no longer able to be quickly removed, if at all removed, from the cosmetic products fixtures, significantly reducing the risk of large-scale theft of the cosmetic products. As a result, millions of dollars in annual lost sales due to such thefts are prevented, if not significantly reduced. In addition, the transparent door  40  and/or housing  32  of the locking case  34  provide a clear view of the cosmetic products inside the fixture  12 . This allows both consumers to view the cosmetic products within the locking case system  40  and for store personnel to track inventory at the same time, while maintaining cosmetic products in the locked state. 
     The following additional considerations apply to the foregoing discussion. Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein. 
     As used herein any reference to “one implementation,” “one embodiment,” “one example,” “an implementation,” “an embodiment,” or “an example” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation. The appearances of the phrase “in one implementation” or “in one embodiment” or “in one example” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. 
     Some implementations may be described using the expression “coupled” along with its derivatives. For example, some implementations may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The implementations are not limited in this context. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the implementations herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a system and a process for inspecting a structure to estimate the condition of a structure through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular implementations and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed implementations are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.