Patent Publication Number: US-11035151-B2

Title: Anti-theft device with adjustable locking arms for securing an article of merchandise

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Continuation-In-Part application claims priority to Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/458,967, filed on Jul. 1, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/050,696, entitled “ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE LOCKING ARMS FOR SECURING AN ARTICLE OF MERCHANDISE,” filed Jul. 31, 2018. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to merchandise anti-theft devices. More specifically, it relates to an anti-theft device having adjustable arms and a locking mechanism for securing an article of merchandise against unauthorized removal from a display counter. 
     2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
     Retailers often prefer to present their merchandise to consumers in a way that allows the consumers to touch, inspect, and otherwise interact with the products at a display counter. Many merchandise items, especially portable electronic devices, are relatively expensive and, therefore, are under a serious threat of theft. Retailers often face a dilemma pertaining to how to interactively display their merchandise to attract customers and increase sales, while, at the same time, safeguarding the merchandise against theft. 
     Several anti-theft devices are currently known in the art, but they have serious flaws. One example of an existing anti-theft device is disclosed in a published PCT application WO 2011/032147. The device includes a housing that attaches to the back cover of the gadget via an adhesive layer. Two arms extend laterally from the housing and grasp the opposite edges of the gadget, thereby securing it within the clamp. This anti-theft device, however, has a serious flaw: many electronic gadgets have removable back covers, which makes them vulnerable to theft because thieves can easily circumvent this anti-theft device by simply removing the back cover of the gadget and sliding the gadget out of the grasping arms. This flaw significantly undermines the efficacy of this device rendering it inadequate for many electronic gadgets. 
     Other currently available anti-theft solutions involve obtrusive and aesthetically unattractive devices such as steel cables, locks, and casings. Although these security measures may effectively protect against theft, they have a negative effect on the consumers by discouraging interaction with products and may ruin the overall ambiance of a retail store. Accordingly, there exists an unresolved need for a discrete and effective anti-theft device that adequately secures an electronic gadget while allowing the prospective purchasers to fully experience the gadget without obstructing access to any of the gadget&#39;s functional features, including the front screen. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to an anti-theft security device that involves a plurality of bracket arms having grips configured to receive edges (i.e., straight edges and/or corners) of an article of merchandise. At least one of the arms is independently adjustable by sliding in and out relative to the housing of the anti-theft device. The movable arms have a plurality of teeth disposed thereon. 
     A locking component is movably disposed within the housing. The locking component has a set of teeth configured to interlock with the teeth disposed on the movable arms. When the locking component is retracted away from the distal ends of the movable arms, the teeth of the locking component disengage the teeth of the arms—this is the unlocked configuration. In this unlocked configuration, the bracket arms are free to slide with respect to the housing. By sliding the arms relative to the housing, a user can adjust the distances between the grips to accommodate the geometry of the article of merchandise. 
     The security device includes an actuator slidingly disposed within the housing. The actuator is used to transition the security device between the locked and unlocked configurations. The actuator is configured to translate along the center axis thereof in an inward direction relative to the housing. As the actuator translates inwardly, it applies a normal force on the locking component. Thus, as the actuator is translated inwardly with respect to the housing, the locking component also translates inwardly, toward distal ends of the arms residing within the housing. As the locking component translates inwardly, the teeth of the locking component engage the teeth disposed on the distal ends of the arms, thereby immobilizing the arms with respect to the housing. 
     When the arms are immobilized, the anti-theft device is in its locked configuration. To transition the anti-theft device into the unlocked configuration, the actuator must be translated outwardly with respect to the housing. As the actuator is translated outwardly, the actuator releases the locking component, enabling it to retract away from the distal ends of the arms. In this manner, the teeth disposed on the locking component disengage the teeth of the arms. In this unlocked configuration, the arms can slide relative to the housing, thereby releasing the grips from edges of the article of merchandise. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the anti-theft device. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the anti-theft device securing an article of merchandise. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of an embodiment of the anti-theft device in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of an embodiment of the anti-theft device in a locked configuration. 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of an embodiment of the anti-theft device in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG. 2D  is a top view of an embodiment of the anti-theft device in a locked configuration. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective cut-away view of the anti-theft device in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective cut-away view of the anti-theft device in an unlocked configuration, wherein a semi-specialized tool is being used to operate the actuator. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective cut-away view of the anti-theft device in a locked configuration after the semi-specialized tool has been used to move the actuator. 
         FIG. 4A  is a front cut-away view of the anti-theft device in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front cut-away view of the anti-theft device in a locked configuration. 
         FIG. 4C  is side cut-away view of an embodiment of the anti-theft device depicting the locking member in an unlocked configuration. 
         FIG. 4D  is a side cut-away view of an embodiment of the anti-theft device depicting the locking member in a locked configuration. 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of the frustoconically-shaped locking member. 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of the locking member depicting teeth disposed on the outside surface thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a 3-arm bracket embodiment securing an article of merchandise. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the 3-arm bracket embodiment depicting the interior view of the housing. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the 3-arm bracket embodiment depicting the housing with the removed cover and a top view of the locking component. 
         FIG. 9A  is a first perspective cutaway view depicting the security device in an unlocked configuration in which the locking component is retracted away from the distal ends of the arms residing within the housing. 
         FIG. 9B  is a first perspective cutaway view depicting the security device in a locked configuration in which the locking component is pressed against the distal ends of the arms residing within the housing. 
         FIG. 10A  is a second perspective cutaway view depicting the security device in the unlocked configuration in which the locking component is retracted away from the distal ends of the arms residing within the housing. 
         FIG. 10B  is a second perspective cutaway view depicting the security device in the locked configuration in which the locking component is pressed against the distal ends of the arms residing within the housing. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view depicting a semi-specialized tool inserted into an access port to operate the actuator transitioning the locking component between the locked and unlocked positions. 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective cutaway view of the unlocked configuration depicting the actuator in a position that enables the locking component to retract away from the distal ends of the arms. 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective cutaway view of the locked configuration depicting the actuator in a position that presses the locking component against the distal ends of the arms and retains the locking component in this configuration. 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view depicting the 3-arm bracket embodiment of the security device securing an article of merchandise in a portrait configuration. 
         FIG. 13B  is a perspective view depicting the 3-arm bracket embodiment of the security device securing an article of merchandise in a landscape configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which specific embodiments are shown by way of illustration by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1A-B  depict an anti-theft security device  10 . Security device  10  has two sets of adjustable bracket arms  12  disposed within a housing  14 . The distal end of each arm  12  has a C-shaped grip  16  configured to receive an edge of an article of merchandise. The two sets of adjustable arms  12  are in an orthogonal relationship with one another. The length of each arm  12  is independently adjustable by sliding arm  12  relative to housing  14 . This configuration enables arms  12  to adjust to the geometry of the article of merchandise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-B , the following is a description of the method of securing the article of merchandise within security device  10  and, subsequently, releasing the article of merchandise therefrom. When unlocked, arms  12  are configured to slide in a direction away from housing  14 , thereby increasing a distance between opposite grips  16 . When the distance between opposite grips  16  exceeds the dimensions of the article of merchandise, the article of merchandise can be positioned between grips  16 . At this point, arms  12  can be manipulated to slide toward one another, thereby decreasing the distance between opposite grips  16  until they engage the edges of the article of merchandise. In this configuration, the article of merchandise is secured to housing  14  by grips  16 . To release the article of merchandise from housing  14 , arms  12  are manipulated to slide outward from housing  14 , thereby increasing the distances between opposite grips  16 . Once the distance between opposite grips  16  exceeds the dimensions of the article of merchandise, the article of merchandise can be removed from security device  10 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1  A, in an embodiment the proximal end of each arm  12  has flange  48  that prevents arms  12  from completely sliding out of housing  14 . Arms  12  are slidingly disposed within corresponding channels inside housing  14 . The width of each channel is such that it exceeds the width of the arm but is less than the combined width of the arm and flange  48 . Thus, flanges  48  secure arms  12  against removal from housing  14 . Each arm  12  can slide a predetermined distance relative to housing  14 . This distance is controlled by the length of the channels: when flanges  48  engage the entryway of the channel arms  12  cannot slide outwardly any further because flanges  48  cannot enter into the channels. This feature secures arms  12  inside housing  14 , thus preventing arms  12  from becoming lost or misplaced and facilitating ease of operation by ensuring that arms  12  do not accidentally slide out of housing  14  during the process of securing the article of merchandise within security device  10 . 
     To ensure that arms  12  cannot be manipulated by an unauthorized individual, security device  10  includes a locking mechanism  20 , depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2D . Arms  12  are disposed within housing  14  in an orthogonal relationship with one another, such that each longitudinal arm  12  overlaps two latitudinal arms  12 . This configuration results in a rectangle being formed between overlapping arms  12 , wherein the rectangle is defined by inner edges of arms  12 . Each inner edge has a rack of gear teeth  24  disposed therealong. 
     In an embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , gear teeth  30  and gear teeth  24  have right-triangular shapes with sloping sides. During the locking process, gear teeth  24  of locking components  28  apply forces onto sloping sides of gear teeth  30  of arms  12 , thereby causing arms  12  to further slide inwardly relative housing  14 . The geometries of the sloping sides of gear teeth  24  and  30  ensure that, when transitioning from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, arms  12  always slide inwardly relative to housing  14 , thus causing grips  16  of arms  12  to securely grasp the edges of the article of merchandise. Gear teeth  30  and gear teeth  24  may be any geometric shape and/or different geometric shapes that one in the art would appreciate causing arms  12  to slide further toward housing  14  when gear teeth  30  engage gear teeth  24 , securing the article of manufacture within security device  10 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2D , locking mechanism  20  is disposed within housing  14  inside the rectangle formed by overlapping bracket arms  12 . Locking mechanism  26  comprises two locking components  28 . Each locking component  28  has a right-triangular shape with a plurality of gear teeth  30  disposed along the legs of the right triangle. Gear teeth  30  are configured to interlock with gear teeth  24 . 
     Locking components  28  are configured to transition between an unlocked configuration depicted in  FIG. 2A  into a locked configuration depicted in  FIG. 2B . In the unlocked configuration, hypotenuse sides of two locking components  28  are in a close proximity or in an abutting relation with respect to one another. In this configuration, gear teeth  30  are disengaged from gear teeth  24 , and, therefore, arms  12  are free to slide outwardly with respect to housing  14 . 
     In the locked configuration, depicted in  FIGS. 2B and 2D , locking components  28  are moved away from one another. In this configuration, gear teeth  30  of locking components  28  engage gear teeth  24  of arms  12 . Because arms  12  in an orthogonal orientation with respect to one another, and because gear teeth  30  are disposed in a right-angle arrangement along the edges of the locking components  26 , each locking component  28  is configured to simultaneously engage two arms  12 . Thus, in the locked configuration, gear teeth  30  of two locking components  28  engage gear teeth  24  of all four arms  12 . In this configuration, arms  12  are immobilized because interlocking of gear teeth  30  and gear teeth  24  restricts arms  12  against movement relative to housing  14 . Therefore, when the article of merchandise is secured within grips  16 , and security device  10  is in its locked configuration, the article of merchandise cannot be removed from grips  16  until locking components  28  are retracted, thereby releasing arms  12 . 
       FIGS. 3A-C  and  4 A-B illustrate the mechanism and method of transitioning locking mechanism  24  between the locked and unlocked configurations. Housing  14  includes a port  32  disposed directly above the line at which hypotenuse edges of locking components  28  meet. An actuator  34  is disposed within the port  32 . Actuator  34  is configured to translate along a vertical center axis of port  32 , whereby actuator  34  can move in a downward direction toward locking components  28 , and in an upward direction away from locking components  28 . In an embodiment, port  32  and actuator  34  have complementary threads, whereby actuator  34  can be translated along the center axis of port  32  by clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. In other embodiments, various means known in the art for achieving a connection between a female port and a male component, whereby the male component is movable along the center axis of the female port can be implemented. 
       FIGS. 3A-C  and  4 A-B depict locking components  28  having sloping inner edges. Actuator  34  has a pointed distal end configured to engage the sloping edges of locking components  28 . Locking components  28  are biased toward one another by a biasing element  36 . Thus, as depicted in  FIGS. 3A-B  and  4 A, when actuator  34  is in its retracted configuration, locking components  28  are biased toward one another. In this configuration, gear teeth  30  are retracted away from gear teeth  24 , and, therefore, arms  12  are free to slide with respect to housing  14 . 
       FIGS. 3B-C  and  4 B depict a semi-specialized tool  38  being used to manipulate actuator  34  in the embodiment in which port  32  and actuator  34  are in a screw-threaded engagement with one another. Clockwise rotation of tool  38  drives actuator downward. The pointed distal end of actuator  34  applies a force onto the sloping edges of locking members  28 . Because the edges of locking members  28  and the pointed distal end of actuator  34  have complementary slopes, the force applied onto locking members  28  by actuator  34  has a horizontal component. The horizontal component of the applied force exceeds the biasing force exerted by biasing element  36 , thereby causing locking members  28  to slide apart toward the position depicted in  FIGS. 3C and 4B . In this configuration, gear teeth  30  of locking components  28  engage gear teeth  30  disposed along inner edges of arms  12 , thereby immobilizing arms  12  within housing  14 . This is the locked configuration of security device  10 . 
     To transition security device  10  into the unlocked configuration, an authorized personnel member in possession of tool  38  uses tool  38  to rotate actuator  34  in a counterclockwise direction, thereby retracting actuator away from locking components  28 . Biasing element  36  pulls locking components  28  toward each other, thereby disengaging gear teeth  30  from gear teeth  24 . When the gear teeth  30  fully disengage gear teeth  24 , security device  10  is in the unlocked configuration and lengths of arms  12  can be adjusted, thereby releasing the article of merchandise from grips  16 . 
     In an embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4C and 4D , grips  16  are encased by sleeves  50 . Sleeves  50  may be made of an elastomeric material having an elastic limit that is greater than that of the of a maximum force exerted on the elastomeric material  50  by the article of merchandise when security device  10  is in the locked configuration. Elastomeric material  50  is nonconductive and allows for an article of manufacture to retain full functionality while secured within grips  16  (e.g., when grips  16  secure a cellular device within the security device  10  the elastomeric material does not interfere with the use of the touch screen of the cellular device). Some examples of acceptable elastomeric materials include ethylene propylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, and any other material that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate to protect an article of manufacture from damage while being secured in security device  10 . 
       FIGS. 4C and 4D  depict a semi-specialized tool  38  being used to manipulate actuator  34  in the embodiment in which port  32  and actuator  34  are in a screw-threaded engagement with one another. Clockwise rotation of tool  38  drives actuator downward. The pointed distal end of actuator  34  applies a force onto the sloping edges of locking member  28 . Because the edges of locking members  28  and the pointed distal end of actuator  34  have complementary slopes, the force applied onto locking members  28  by actuator  34  has a vertical component. The vertical component of the applied force exceeds the biasing force exerted by biasing element  36 , thereby causing locking members  28  to translate vertically toward the position depicted in  FIG. 2B . In this configuration, gear teeth  30  of locking components  28  engage gear teeth  30  disposed along inner edges of arms  12 , thereby immobilizing arms  12  within housing  14 . This is the locked configuration of security device  10 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict an alternative embodiment of locking member  28 . Locking member  28  has a frustoconical shape having gear teeth  24  disposed along an outside surface of locking member  28  extending along a longitudinal extent formed between first smaller circumference  52  and second larger circumference  54 . Gear teeth  24  have complementary shapes to gear teeth  30  and protrude radially relative locking member  28  such that when actuator  34  drives locking member  28  toward arms  12 , gear teeth  24  engage gear teeth  30 , thereby immobilizing arms  12  within housing  14 . 
     To transition security device  10  into the unlocked configuration, an authorized personnel member in possession of tool  38  uses tool  38  to rotate actuator  34  in a counterclockwise direction, thereby retracting locking component  28 . Biasing element  36  urges locking component  28  toward port  32 , thereby disengaging gear teeth  30  from gear teeth  24 . When the gear teeth  30  fully disengage gear teeth  24 , security device  10  is in the unlocked configuration and lengths of arms  12  can be adjusted, thereby releasing the article of merchandise from grips  16 . 
     3-Arm Adjustable Bracket 
       FIGS. 6-13  pertain to an embodiment of a security device  110  having a 3-arm adjustable bracket configured to secure an article of merchandise  112 . Security device  110  includes a housing  114 , wherein three arms  116  extend from housing  114 , each arm  116  terminating with a grip  118 .  FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary embodiment in which two grips  118  are configured to engage corners of article of merchandise  112 , while the third grip  118  is configured to engage a side of article of merchandise  112 . In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), security device  110  may comprise two, rather than three, arms  116 . One or more arms  116  can branch out and can have multiple grips  118 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the length of each arm  116  extending beyond housing  114  can be independently adjusted when security device  110  is in an unlocked configuration. In an alternative embodiment, one or more arms  116  may be fixed, but at least one arm  116  must be movable relative to housing  114 . 
     To secure the article of merchandise  112 , a user slides at least one arm  116  into a position in which distances between grips  118  are greater than the length and/or width of the article of merchandise  112 . Next, the article of merchandise  112  is placed into security device  110  such that a back surface of the article of merchandise  112  abuts housing  114 . Then, the user slides one or more arms  116  into a position in which each grip  118  securely engages an edge (i.e., a corner or a lateral side) of the article of merchandise  112 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 7-8 , distal ends of arms  116  reside within housing  114 . The section of each arm  116  residing within housing  114  has a first set of teeth  120  disposed thereon. Security device  110  further includes a locking component  122  residing within housing  114 . Locking component  122  has a second set of teeth  124  disposed thereon. Second set of teeth  124  disposed on locking component  122  is configured to interlock with the first set of teeth  120  disposed on arms  116 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 9A-B  and  10 A-B, locking component  122  is transitionable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 10A , locking component  122  is retracted away from arms  116 , such that second set of teeth  124  does not engage first set of teeth  120 . In this unlocked configuration, arms  116  can slide freely relative to housing  114 . 
     In the locked configuration, depicted in  FIGS. 9B and 10B , locking component  122  is pressed against the distal ends of arms  116  residing within housing  114 . When locking component  122  is depressed relative to housing  114 , second set of teeth  124  engages first set of teeth  120 . When the two sets of teeth are interlocked, arms  116  cannot slide relative to housing  114  and, therefore, become immobilized. In this manner, when article of merchandise  112  is received within grips  118  of arms  116 , and locking component  122  has been transitioned into the locked configuration, arms  116  become immovable. Accordingly, in the locked configuration of security device  110 , article of merchandise  112  cannot be removed from grips  118  until locking component  122  is retracted away from arms  116 , and second set of teeth  124  disengages first set of teeth  120 , thereby releasing arms  116 . 
       FIGS. 9A-B  depict a cutaway view of security device  110 , illustrating the process of transitioning locking component  122  from an unlocked configuration into a locked configuration.  FIG. 9A  depicts locking component  122  in the unlocked configuration. In this configuration, locking component  122  is retracted away from the distal ends of arms  116  residing within housing  114 . In this retracted position, second set of teeth  124  of locking component  122  does not engage first set of teeth  120  of arms  116 . Accordingly, in the unlocked configuration depicted in  FIG. 9A , a user can slide arms  116  with respect to housing  114 , without interference from locking component  122 . In an embodiment, arms  116  may have flanges to prevent arms  116  from being completely removed from housing  114 . 
       FIG. 9B  depicts the locked configuration of security device  110 . In this configuration, locking component  122  is pressed against arms  116 , such that second set of teeth  124  engages first set of teeth  120 . As depicted in  FIG. 9B , when first and second sets of teeth  120 / 124  interlock, arms  116  become immobilized against movement relative to housing  114 . Accordingly, in the locked configuration depicted in  FIG. 9B , arms  116  cannot be moved apart and, therefore, the article of merchandise  112  cannot be removed from security device  110 . 
     Analogously,  FIGS. 10A-B  provide cutaway views depicting locked and unlocked configurations relative to the third arm  116 . In the unlocked configuration depicted in  FIG. 10A , locking component  122  is retracted away from arm  116 , thus enabling arm  116  to slide relative to housing  114 . In  FIG. 10B , locking component  122  is pressed against the distal end against arm  116 , such that second set of teeth  124  engages first set of teeth  120 , thereby immobilizing arm  116  relative to housing  114 . 
     In the manner described above, in the locked configuration, locking component  122  is pressed against distal ends of arms  116 . In this configuration, second set of teeth  124  of locking component  122  interlocks with first set of teeth  120  of arms  116 , preventing arms  116  from sliding apart. Thus, when locking component  122  is pressed against distal ends of arms  116 , the engagement of first and second sets of teeth  120  and  124  immobilizes arms  116  relative to housing  114 . Thus, arms  116  cannot be manipulated to release article of merchandise  112 . 
     In an embodiment, first set of teeth  120  of arms  116 , second set of teeth  124  of locking component  122 , or both have sloping mating surfaces. The direction of the slopes is such that when second set of teeth  124  is pressed against first set of teeth  120 , the downward force applied onto sloping surfaces of teeth  120  translates into an inward horizontal force which causes arms  116  to slide inwardly relative to housing  114 . In this manner, security device  110  ensures that article of merchandise  112  does not become loose within grips  118  due to accidental outward movement of arms  116  during the locking procedure. Thus, the sloping surfaces of teeth  120  and  124  drive arms  116  inwardly, ensuring a tight grip on article of merchandise  112 . 
     Furthermore, to protect the article of merchandise  112  against excessive force applied by grips  118  of arms  116 , grips  118  can be encased by sleeves. These sleeves may be made of an elastomeric material. Elastomeric material is preferably nonconductive, so that article of merchandise  112  can retain full functionality when secured within grips  118 . Specifically, nonconductive sleeves ensure that grips  118  do not interfere with the touchscreen of the electronic device being secured therein. 
       FIG. 11  depicts an exemplary implementation of a mechanism for transitioning locking component  122  between the locked and unlocked configurations. In this implementation, housing  114  has an access port  130 . An actuator  128 , which is depicted in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , resides within housing  114  and can be engaged via access port  130 . Semi-specialized tool  126  can be rotated about its axis to drive actuator  128  inwardly or outwardly with respect to housing  114 . 
     Next,  FIG. 12A  depicts security device  110  in an initial unlocked configuration, in which actuator  128  permits locking component  122  to be retracted away from arms  116 . Next, semi-specialized tool  126  can be rotated to drive actuator  128  inwardly relative to housing  114 . As actuator  128  translates downwardly, it exerts a force onto locking component  122 , pressing it into distal ends of arms  116  as security device  110  transitions into its locked configuration. 
       FIG. 12B  depicts the locked configuration of security device  110 , in which second set of teeth  124  interlocks first set of teeth  120 , thereby immobilizing arms  116 .  FIG. 12B  further depicts that actuator  128  retains locking component  122  in its locked configuration. It shall be understood that driving actuator  128  in an opposite direction would release locking component  122 , enabling it to retract away from distal ends of arms  116 , thereby returning security device  110  to the unlocked configuration depicted in  FIG. 12A . 
     In an embodiment, locking component  122  may be biased toward the locked configuration. In this embodiment, a biasing element, such as a spring, exerts a biasing force onto locking component  122 , pressing it into distal ends of arms  116 . In an alternative embodiment, locking component  122  may be biased toward the unlocked configuration. In this embodiment, when actuator  128  releases locking component  122 , the biasing element exerts a force onto locking component  122  to retract it away from distal ends of arms  116 . In this manner, when the user drives actuator  128  outwardly, locking component  122  is automatically retracted into the unlocked configuration, releasing arms  116 . To transition locking component  122  back into the locked configuration, a user drives actuator  128  inwardly relative to housing  114 , which causes actuator  128  to press locking component  122  into distal ends of arms  116 , against the biasing force. 
     In another embodiment, the biasing element may be eliminated altogether. In this embodiment, after moving actuator  128  into the unlocked position, the user can manipulate arms  116  by applying a moment to proximal ends thereof, thereby causing the distal ends of arms  116  to rise within housing  114 . When distal ends of arms  116  rise, they apply an upward force onto locking component  122 , causing locking component  122  to retract away from arms  116 , thereby releasing them. 
     When security device  110  is deployed in a retail environment, housing  114  can be configured either to couple directly to a pedestal mounted onto a display counter or to couple to a cover anchored to the display counter via a tether.  FIG. 11  depicts latching hooks disposed on the underside of housing  114  which are used for this purpose, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,323,440. When housing  114  is coupled to a pedestal or a cover, access port  130  is concealed, thereby preventing unauthorized access to actuator  128 . Thus, to release the article of merchandise  112  from security device  110 , a user must first use the required key to decouple housing  114  from the pedestal/cover to reveal access port  130 . Then, the user must use semi-specialized tool  126  to drive actuator  128  into an unlocked position to release locking component  122  from its locked configuration. Only then will the user be able to slide apart arms  116  to remove the article of merchandise  112  from security device  110 . In this manner, when deployed in a retail environment, security device  110  provides multiple layers of anti-theft protection for the article of merchandise  112 . 
     Finally,  FIGS. 13A and 13B  depict that security device  110  can secure article of merchandise  112  in multiple ways. For example, portrait configuration is depicted in  FIG. 13A , while a landscape configuration is depicted in  FIG. 13B . This versatility provides an advantage of enabling the retail stores to display the merchandise  112  in a variety of orientations. 
     The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.