Patent Publication Number: US-11041327-B2

Title: Security system for container

Description:
This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 62/532,466 filed Jul. 14, 2017. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to containers having an access opening and, more particularly, to a security system that can be directed into or through the access opening into an operative state. 
     Background Art 
     Many different security systems have been devised to be placed into an operative state by being directed into or through an access opening on a container. The applicant herein has devised one such system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,605,448 (the &#39;448 patent). 
     The security system in the &#39;448 patent, while not so limited, is usable on jar-type candles, and particularly those with a necked construction. That is, the jar has a case with a larger diameter portion that contains a supply of wax and a concentric, smaller diameter neck, through which access can be gained to a wick embedded in the wax and through which the scents from an aromatic wax ascend to the surrounding atmosphere. 
     The security system in the &#39;448 patent works effectively in controlling theft of the above-described jar-type containers. Recently, however, a number of high end candles have been developed without a discrete neck. As a result, no shoulder is present at the transition between different diameter regions which might serve as an abutment to confine at least part of a security system within the container. 
     Accordingly, the security industry has been challenged to devise a security system for candles with at least this different container configuration, which security system might also be used with other types of products with a like configuration. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of: a) a container having a case bounding a storage space and an access opening bounded by a surface and in communication with the storage space; and b) a security system. The security system has a frame and a force applying structure on the frame. The frame and force applying structure are configured so that with the security system in operative relationship with the container, the security system can be placed selectively in: i) a secured state wherein the force applying structure exerts a compressive force against the access opening surface to thereby prevent at least a part of the security system from being withdrawn from the access opening; and ii) an assembly state wherein the at least part of the security system can be directed into the access opening and withdrawn from the access opening. 
     In one form, the force applying structure has at least one friction component that is pressed against the access opening surface with the security system in the operative relationship with the container and the security system in the secured state. 
     In one form, the at least one friction component has a peripheral shape extending continuously around an axis. 
     In one form, the access opening surface extends continuously around an axis. The at least one friction component has a peripheral shape that conforms to at least a part of the access opening surface. 
     In one form, the force applying structure has first and second pressing components that are moved relative to the frame in different directions as the security system is changed from the assembly state into the secured state. 
     In one form, the access opening surface extends around an axis and the different directions are different radial directions. 
     In one form, the at least one friction component is made from a compressible material. 
     In one form, the access opening surface extends around an axis. The storage space is bounded by a surface extending around the axis. The shape and size of the access opening surface and storage space surface are substantially the same as viewed along the axis. 
     In one form, the security system further includes a locking assembly that is configured to be selectively changed between: a) a locked state wherein the security system is maintained in the secured state: and b) an unlocked state wherein the security system can be changed from the secured state into the assembly state. 
     In one form, the container is made from glass. 
     In one form, the at least one friction component is adhered to the access opening surface. 
     In one form, an adhesive layer is applied between the at least one friction component and the access opening surface. 
     In one form, the at least one friction component is releasably adhered to the access opening surface. 
     In one form, the container has a wax material therein with a plurality of embedded wick lengths that project through the wax. The security system is configured so as not to press the plurality of embedded wick lengths against the wax material with the security system in the operative relationship with the container and the security system in the secured state. 
     In one form, the invention is provided in further combination with a releasable cap that blocks the access opening with the security system in the operative relationship with the container and the security system in the secured state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of the combination of a container and a security system, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of the security system in  FIG. 1  and showing additional details thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially schematic, fragmentary, perspective view showing one specific, exemplary form of each of the container and security system, as shown schematically in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of a locking assembly that makes up part of the security system and a security tool for operating the same; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of the inventive security system incorporating a tether; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of the inventive security system incorporating a sensed/sensing device; 
         FIG. 7  is a partially broken away, elevation view showing an alternative form of container with which the inventive security system can be used; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of another form of security system, according to the invention, in relationship to a portion of a container surface; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the security system taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a friction component, as shown schematically in  FIG. 3 , and modified to be adhered to a container surface; 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of a further modified form of security system in relationship to a container with a pair of wick lengths embedded in wax; and 
         FIG. 12  is a view as in  FIG. 7  and showing a further modified form of container with which the inventive security system can be utilized. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As depicted schematically in  FIG. 1 , the invention is directed to the combination of a container  10  and a security system  12 . The container  10  has a case  14  with a surface  16  surrounding a storage space  18 . The case  14  has a surface  20  bounding an access opening  22  that is in communication with the storage space  18 . 
     The container  10 , as depicted schematically, is intended to encompass virtually any container shape wherein the contents of the storage space  18  is introduced and/or accessible through the access opening  22 . As but one example, and as described in detail below, the container  10  may make up part of a candle product with wax in the storage space  18 . 
     The generic showing is intended to encompass virtually any container shape, including one wherein the surfaces  16 ,  20  have the same or different shapes and/or size. For example, the surfaces  16 ,  20  may define a continuous cylindrical shape surrounding an axis with the surface  20 , although appearing indistinguishable, being treated as a separate extent thereof at the access location. 
     The security system  12  consists of a frame  24  and a force applying structure  26  on the frame  24 . 
     The frame  24  and force applying structure  26  are configured so that with the security system  12  in operative relationship with the container  10 , the security system  12  can be placed selectively in: a) a secured state wherein the force applying structure  26  exerts a compressive force against the access opening surface  20  to thereby prevent at least a part of the security system  12  from being withdrawn from the access opening  22 ; and b) and assembly state wherein the at least part of the security system  12  can be directed into the access opening and withdrawn therefrom. 
     The security system  12  may be as simple as having two components with one being urged away from the other so as to thereby cause a compressive force to be applied against the access opening surface  20  by one of the components. In that event, one of the two components is considered to be the frame  24 , with the other making up the force applying structure  26 . 
     As shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 1 , it is also contemplated that the force applying structure  26  may act against a part of the surface  16  bounding the storage space  18 . This could be the case whether or not the surfaces  18 ,  20  have the same shape and/or diameter. 
     In one exemplary form, as shown schematically in  FIG. 2 , the force applying structure  26  consists of at least one friction component  28  that is pressed against the access opening surface  20  with the security system  12  in operative relationship with the container  10  and the security system  12  in its secured state. 
     The force applying structure  26  further includes at least one pressing component  30  that is moved relative to the frame  24  as the security system is changed from the assembly state into the secured state. 
     In  FIG. 3 , one exemplary form of the container  10  is shown in the form of a jar candle. The security system  12  is shown in partially schematic form thereon. 
     As depicted, the container case  14  has a peripheral wall  32  with a constant cylindrical shape around a central vertical axis  34 . 
     Since there is no clear distinction between the surfaces  16 ,  20 , the surface  16  is considered to be that portion containing a supply of wax  36  with an embedded wick  38 . The surface  20  is considered to be that portion above the wax accumulation that can be engaged by the force applying structure  26  on the security system  12 . 
     As depicted, the surface  20  has a cylindrical shape. A single friction component  28  has a peripheral surface/shape  40  that conforms to, or can be conformed to, at least part of the access opening surface  20 . The surface  40  has a continuous shape around the axis  34  to conform at least nominally to the full annular extent of the access opening surface  20 . 
     The force applying structure  26  consists of the friction component  28  and, in this case, four pressing components  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d . As depicted, the pressing components  30  are threaded into a frame body  42 . By turning the pressing components  30  around their respective axes, pressing parts  44   a ,  44   b ,  44   c ,  44   d  thereon are moved selectively towards and away from the axis  34 , in the latter case to cause a compressive force to be exerted upon the friction component  28  against the surface  20 . The friction component  28  depicted is made from a compressible material, such as rubber, so that under this radial force application, it is positively, frictionally held against the access opening surface  20  thereby to be maintained in a fixed axial position. 
     In this embodiment, the pressing components  30   a ,  30   c  and  30   b ,  30   d  are extendable radially oppositely relative to the frame body  42  to thereby squeeze the friction component  28  against the access opening surface  20  at diametrically opposite locations. 
     With the four pressing components  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d  utilized, the part of the security system  12  within the access opening  22  can be held positively in place without compromising the glass material of the case  14 . Of course, glass is not required to be used for the container  10 . 
     The pressing components  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d  may be individually manipulated. Alternatively, an actuating system, as shown schematically at  46 , may be incorporated to simultaneously move multiple, or all, of the pressing components  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d . The actuating system  46  is shown incorporated into the schematic representation of the security system  12  in  FIG. 2 . 
     There is no specific requirement for the construction of the actuating system as virtually any mechanism that is capable of moving one or more pressing components  30 , individually or simultaneously, is contemplated. 
     For example, one or more ratchet components may be incorporated to maintain progressively advancing positions of the pressing components  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d . The pressing components  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d  might be advanced with or without a special tool, individually or in multiples. A security tool might be used to release the ratchets. Such tool may be controlled to apply a releasing force on a component. Force application may be effected magnetically, individually or in multiples, or through any other appropriate means/mechanism. 
     As shown schematically in  FIG. 3 , the security system  12  may further include a locking assembly  48  that cooperates either directly with the pressing components  30 , or indirectly therewith through the actuating system  46 . The aforementioned ratchet arrangement is part of both an actuating system and locking assembly. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the locking assembly  48  is shown schematically with a generic type of actuator or actuators  50 . The actuator(s)  50  may require a special security tool  52  to operate the same. The security tool  52  may have a special fitting, may incorporate a magnetic component, etc. to effect operation, such as locking and/or unlocking. 
     The basic function of the security system  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , may be such that the wick  38  is blocked and/or the candle is aesthetically compromised. A would-be thief would be less inclined to take the candle knowing that it is not normally operable or that likely the security system  12  would have to be separated through a difficult or time consuming operation that might result in a breakage of the glass. 
     In an alternative form, shown in  FIG. 5 , the security system  12  may incorporate a tether  54  which allows connection to a support to confine movement of the container  10  within a certain range. 
     In a further alternative form, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the security system  12  may incorporate an electronically sensed, or electronic sensing, device  56 . The device  56  may be configured to generate a sensory alert, as at a point-of-purchase location. A wide range of devices are currently available that operate electronically to detect or be detected within a certain proximity. 
     The disclosure to this point has been focused on the basic concepts without limitation as to specific form. Anticipated alternative forms and variations are numerous. For example, the depicted form of the security system  12  might be such that a single pressing component  30  moves to effect squeezing of a part of the security system  12  within the access opening  22  against the surface  20 . 
     While a continuous shape around the axis  34  is shown for the friction component  28 , one or more discrete friction components might be utilized as an alternative construction. Some level of conformance/conformability of the friction component  28  to the access opening surface  20  is desirable to produce an adequate frictional force. 
     The locking assembly  48 , as mentioned above, does not have to be of any particular form. What is desirable is that it is selectively changeable between: a) a locked state wherein the security system  12  is maintained in the secured state; and b) an unlocked state wherein the security system  12  can be changed from the secured state into the assembly state. 
     In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a modified form of security system  12 ′ is shown in operative relationship with a section of the container  10  and with the security system in the secured state in  FIG. 8 . 
     The security system  12 ′ consists of separate body parts  58 ,  60  having the same or different construction. As depicted, the body parts  58 ,  60  have the same construction whereby with the ends  62  on the body part  58  abutted to the ends  64  on the body part  60 , the body parts  58 ,  60  together define a generally circular shape with an outer perimeter that is nominally matched to the shape of the storage space surface  20 . The effective diameter D of the abutted body parts  58 ,  60  is slightly less than the effective diameter of the access opening surface  20 . 
     An elastic friction component  28 ′ is placed in surrounding relationship with the abutted body parts  58 ,  60  and maintains the same in a generally circular shape. The friction component  28 ′ is sized to fit in an annular, outwardly opening groove  66  defined cooperatively by the body parts  58 ,  60 . The continuous shape of the friction component  28 ′ maintains the body parts  58 ,  60  in the generally circular shape and projects slightly therebeyond to have an overall effective diameter D 1  that is slightly greater than the diameter D. The friction component  28  is also sized so that it must be stretched to surround the body parts  58 ,  60  which are thus biasably urged towards each other through a restoring force in the stretched friction component  28 . 
     The diameter D 1  is also selected so that the security system  12 ′ in the assembly state can be squeezed downwardly into the access opening  22  to align with the access opening surface  20 . The friction component  28 ′ is radially compressed as the security system  12 ′ is pressed into place. 
     Through a suitably constructed force applying structure  26 ′, the body parts  58 ,  60  can be moved away from each other to press the friction component  28 ′ against the access opening surface  20  to positively maintain the security system  12 ′ in its secured state. The force applying structure  26 ′ may take virtually an unlimited number of different forms and is preferably one that requires a special security tool  68  to be reconfigured to allow the security system  12 ′ to be changed from the secured state back into the assembly state. 
     With an alternative form of friction component, as shown at  28 ″ in  FIG. 10 , an outwardly facing surface  70  thereon is adhered to the particular container surface with the associated security system in its secured state. As shown, an adhesive layer  72  is applied between the surface  70  and the container surface. 
     Other configurations of adhering structure are contemplated. Typically, the adhered surface would have to be drawn radially away from the container surface to effect separation. A relatively minimal pressure application on the adhered surface  70  towards the container surface will prohibit slippage as might allow the security system to be separated from the container. 
     Whatever component is adhered to the access opening surface or another container surface is preferably releasably adhered so that it can be separated from the container after the remaining portions of the security system are withdrawn. 
     In one form, a double-sided, pressure-sensitive adhesive may be interposed between the surface  70  and the container surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , a further modified form of security system  12 ′ may incorporate one or more openings/cavities  74  to accept, in the depicted form, separate wick lengths  76 ,  78  projecting from a supply of wax  80  in a container, shown as the representative container  10 . The security system  12 ′ is configured so that the projecting portions of the wick lengths  76 ,  78  are not pressed against a wax material  80  with the security system  12 ′ in the operative relationship with the container  10  and the security system  12 ′ in the secured state. 
     A similar combination can be made for projecting wick lengths in excess of two. 
     In  FIG. 12 , another alternative container shape is shown at  10   4′  with a tapering perimeter wall  82 . The inventive concepts described above can be utilized to devise a security system that can be pressed controllably against an inside surface  84  of the wall  82  to maintain a security system  12  in the secured state. 
     Often, containers such as the container  10   4′  have an upper bead  86  that defines a ledge  88  that facilitates blocking of the particular friction component  28 . 
     With all embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a cap  90  might be included to block the access opening  22  with the security system  12  in the operative relationship with the container  10  and the security system  12  in the secured state. 
     As also noted above, the product with which the security system  12  is used is not limited to a candle product. Nor is the shape of the container  10  limited to those described hereinabove. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the security system  12   5′  might be utilized with a container  10   5′  with a storage space surface  16   5′  that has a diameter greater than a surface  20   5′  on an access opening. 
     The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.