Patent Publication Number: US-2012043228-A1

Title: Security device for products on display packaging

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/372,724, filed Aug. 11, 2010 and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/421,112, filed Dec. 8, 2010. Both of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to security devices used to protect merchandise or other objects and, more particularly, to security devices that are used to deter and detect the theft of, or tampering with, articles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are often used to deter and detect shoplifting. Typically, an EAS security system includes an EAS element, a transmitter, a receiver, and an alarm. The EAS element is attached to an article of merchandise. The transmitter and the receiver are positioned at the exit of a retail establishment and configured to establish a detection zone through which a consumer must pass when exiting the retail establishment. The transmitter is configured to send signals through the detection zone. When an active EAS element enters the detection zone, it becomes detectable by the receiver and an alarm is triggered to notify store personnel that a tagged article is leaving the retail establishment. 
     Often, security devices are not used for costume jewelry items, cardstock supported articles, or other packaged items that are below a certain value and are displayed on racks or shelves (i.e., not kept in a locked display enclosure). Such items are conventionally deemed too small and cumbersome to effectively support a security device and deemed too inexpensive to warrant protection. Notwithstanding this conventional wisdom, Applicant has discovered that it would be desirable to provide devices and methods for reliably securing an EAS element to small articles of costume jewelry and other relatively inexpensive products (e.g., lipsticks, fishing lures, blister-pack items, etc.). As described in greater detail below, a variety of challenges were identified and overcome through Applicant&#39;s efforts to invent and develop such a device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Security devices according to the present invention may be configured to secure an article supported by display packaging. The display packaging may include display cards, blister packs, pouch packaging, thermoform packaging, and other types of packaging. The display packaging may define a display side on which the article is presented for viewing, and a back side that often faces a display rack. The display side of the display packaging may also include consumer messaging (e.g., graphics, text, product information, advertising, etc.) that is intended for viewing by a consumer. 
     The security device may include a device body structured for positioning proximate the display packaging without substantially obscuring the display side of the display packaging and a locking mechanism associated with the device body and positioned proximate the back side of the display packaging. The locking mechanism may be configurable between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking mechanism may receive and secure a securing member that penetrates the display packaging. 
     The device body may include a lid and a base, where the lid is configured to move between an open position, in which the display packaging is removable from the device body, and a closed position, in which at least a portion of the display packaging is captured between the lid and the base. The locking mechanism may be configured to maintain the lid in the closed position when the security device is in the locked state. The securing member may extend from the lid and the locking mechanism may be supported by the base. The securing member may be a portion (e.g., the post, stem, or stud of an earring, etc.) of the article that is to be secured. 
     In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be slidably attached to the device body. The locking mechanism may further include a ball-clutch locking mechanism configured to engage the securing member. In some embodiments, the article may include an article that is structured to receive an article backing where the article post is the securing member. The security device may further include a storage area defined by the device body, where the storage area is structured to receive at least one accessory component associated with the article. The storage area may define at least one auxiliary post, where the article includes an article post that is structured to receive an article backing, which is the accessory component, and where the at least one auxiliary post is configured to receive the article backing when removed from the post. 
     The device body and the locking mechanism may be supported proximate the back side of the display packaging such that the device body and the locking mechanism are not generally visible to a consumer viewing the display side of the display packaging. In various embodiments, at least one of the security device or the display packaging may include a security element. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention may include a security device configured to secure an article supported by display packaging, the article including an article post adapted to receive an article backing. The security device may include a device body structured for positioning proximate the display packaging and adapted to receive a portion of the article post, and a locking mechanism positioned proximate the device body and structured to receive at least part of the portion of the article post. The locking mechanism may be configurable between a locked state in which the article post is secured by the locking mechanism, and an unlocked state in which the article post is removable from the locking mechanism. The security device may be configured to secure a first article comprising a first article post and a first article backing, and a second article comprising a second article post and a second article backing, where the device body includes an adjustment assembly that is structured to receive at least a portion of the first article post and a portion of the second article post. 
     The security device adjustment assembly may include a track defined by the device body and first and second sliders. The first slider may be adapted to receive a portion of the first article post and the second slider may be adapted to receive a portion of the second article post, where the first and second sliders move along the track. The locking mechanism may include a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, where the first locking mechanism is structured to receive and secure at least part of the portion of the first article post received by the first slider, and the second locking mechanism is structured to receive and secure at least part of the portion of the second article post received by the second slider. The adjustment assembly may include a track defined by the device body where the locking mechanism includes a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, where at least one of the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism is structure to move along the track. 
     In some embodiments, the device body of the security device may define a storage area structured to receive an accessory component associated with the article. The accessory component may be the article backing where the device body defines an auxiliary post proximate the storage area that is configured to receive the article backing. Additionally, the locking mechanism may include a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, each positioned proximate the device body. At least one of the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism may be slidably supported by the device body relative to the other of the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism. The security device may be configured to receive a first article including a first article post and a first article backing and a second article comprising a second article post and a second article backing, where the first locking mechanism is configured to receive at least a portion of the first article post and the second locking mechanism is configured to receive at least a portion of the second article post. The locking mechanism may include a ball-clutch lock mechanism. The ball-clutch lock mechanism may be biased in a locked state, and the ball-clutch lock mechanism may be moved to an unlocked state in response to an applied magnetic field. The device body and the locking mechanism may be supported proximate the back side of the display packaging such that the device body and the locking mechanism are not generally visible to a consumer viewing the display side of the display packaging. At least one of the security device or the display packaging may include a security element. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention may include a security device comprising a device body, where the device body includes a lid and a base. The base may be connected to the lid where at least one of the lid and the base are structured to define a display cavity for at least partially receiving the article and display packaging. The lid may be movable relative to the base between a closed position, in which the lid is positioned proximate the base, and an open position, in which the lid is at least partially separated from the base. The security device may further include a locking mechanism supported by the device body where the locking mechanism is configurable between a locked state in which the lid is secured in the closed position and an unlocked state in which the lid is free to move to the open position. The device body may be configured to capture at least a portion of the display packaging between the lid and the base when in the closed position. 
     At least one of the lid and the base may define a securing member and the other of the lid and the base may be configured to support the locking mechanism, which securely receives the securing member in the locked state. The securing member may be configured to pass through an aperture defined by the display packaging when the lid is disposed in the closed position. The securing member may define a locking pin and the locking mechanism may include a ball-clutch lock mechanism configured to receive the locking pin. The display packaging may define a display side and a back side, where the lid is at least partially transparent to encourage viewing of the article through the lid without substantially obscuring the display side of the display packaging. At least one of the device body and the display packaging may include a security element. The device body may further include a hang tab. The display packaging may define a hang tab and the device body may define a recessfor receiving a hang tab. The lid may define the display cavity which is sized such that the lid generally encloses the article when the lid is disposed in the closed position. 
     A further example embodiment of the present invention may include a security device configured to secure an article defining a securing member that penetrates display packaging from a display side to a back side thereof. The security device may include a device body, and a locking mechanism structured to receive the securing member of the article. The device body and the locking mechanism may be supported proximate the back side of the display packaging such that the device body and the locking mechanism are not generally visible to a consumer viewing the display side of the packaging. The locking mechanism may be configurable between a locked state in which the securing member is captured by the locking mechanism and an unlocked state in which the securing member may be removed from the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may receive a securing member that penetrates the display packaging in the locked state. The securing member may be an article post that is structured to receive an article backing. The device body may include at least one auxiliary post configured to receive the article backing when removed from the article post. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an article that may be secured by an example security device structured according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an article that is secured by a security device structured according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the security device of  FIG. 2 , wherein the display packaging of the article has been made transparent and indicated by broken lines; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the security device of  FIG. 2 , wherein the article and its display packaging have been removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view, taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 4 , of an example locking mechanism for the security device of  FIG. 4 , wherein the depicted locking mechanism is disposed in a locked state; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view, taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 4 , of an example locking mechanism for the security device of  FIG. 4 , wherein the depicted locking mechanism is disposed in an unlocked state; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a security device structured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention securing a studded earring type article; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a security device structured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention securing a fishing lure type article; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a security device structured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention securing a lipstick type article; 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a security device structured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention securing a studded earring type article; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the security device of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a security device according to another example embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a back perspective view of security device structured according to an example embodiment of the present invention securing a studded earring type article; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a security device structured in accordance with another embodiment of the invention securing a studded earring type article; 
         FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of a lid of the security device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a back perspective view of a base of the security device of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a back perspective view of security device of  FIG. 14  securing a studded earring type article; 
         FIG. 18  is a back perspective view of a security device including security element according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is a back perspective view of a security device including a security element according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The terms top, bottom, side, up, down, upwards, downwards, vertical, horizontal, and the like as used below do not imply a required limitation in all embodiments of the present invention but rather are used herein to help describe relative direction or orientation in exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a security device that is configured to secure an article that is supported by display packaging. The term “article” refers to costume or other jewelry (e.g., earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.), cosmetic goods (lipsticks, mascaras, nail polishes, etc.), or any other retail products (e.g., fishing lures, spark plugs, etc.) that are supported by display packaging. The term “display packaging” refers to display cards made of card stock, plastic, metal, or other materials, blister packaging, thermoform packaging, or other types of packaging that is configured to support and display an article to a retail customer. As such, the illustrated embodiments should not be limiting with regard to the type of display packaging which may be used in conjunction with example embodiments of the present invention. 
     Security devices as described herein may be attached to, or positioned proximate to, any type of display packaging that is compatible with the embodiments described herein. The display packaging may define a display side on which the article is presented for viewing, and a back side that often faces a display rack, which supports several packaged articles. The display side of the display packaging typically includes consumer messaging (e.g., graphics, text, product information, advertising, etc.) that is intended for viewing by a consumer. 
     In many retail settings, it is desirable for customers to handle articles and clearly view any consumer messaging provided on the display side of the display packaging. This allows customers to better understand the features and benefits of the article as they evaluate their purchase decision. Despite this desirability of providing unfettered article access to customers, retailers must still protect their merchandise and deter shoplifting. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention are structured to provide purchase encouraging customer access to secured articles and consumer messaging while also deterring and discouraging theft and tampering. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates example merchandise  100  that may be secured by security devices according to example embodiments of the present invention. The merchandise  100  includes an article  110  and its display packaging  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the article  210  includes stud-type earrings and the display packaging  120  comprises a display card that supports and displays the article  110 . The earrings are depicted on a display side  105  of the display packaging  120 . The display side  105  of the display packaging  220  conventionally includes consumer messaging  102  such as a brand name, a price, “a 10% off” discount notation, or other information intended for consumer viewing. 
     The merchandise  100  may be configured to be displayed on a display rack (not shown) with the hang tab  130  holding the merchandise  100  on the rack. For small items such as the depicted earrings, display racks may be located on display counters of retail stores so that customers may view the displayed article closely. Ideally, the merchandise  100  is readily accessible (i.e., not behind glass, etc.) to customers to encourage a purchase decision. Of course, the downside of such accessibility is that it makes the merchandise more accessible to thieves. 
     As will be discussed in greater detail below, various embodiments of the present invention provide security devices that are structured to secure a displayed article (i.e., hinder unauthorized removal from its display packaging), optionally detect retail theft by attaching a security element (e.g., an EAS element, RFID transponder, etc.) to the displayed article, and encourage purchasing of the article by providing customer inspection access while minimizing the display side structural footprint of the device such that any consumer messaging associated with the display side of the display packaging is readily viewable (i.e., not substantially obscured). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a security device  200  structured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The security device  200  is structured to secure two articles  210  (e.g., stud-type earrings) that are supported and displayed by display packaging  220  (e.g., a display card). The display packaging  220  defines a display side  202  and a back side  204 . The display side  202  includes consumer messaging  205  that is intended for viewing by would-be customers. 
     The depicted security device  200  is structured to engage and secure the articles without substantially obscuring the display side  202  of the display packaging  220 . For purposes of the foregoing specification and appended claims, the term “without substantially obscuring the display side of the display packaging” refers to reducing the non-transparent or non-translucent structural footprint of the security device proximate the display side of the display packaging such that any consumer messaging is readily viewable by a would-be customer. The term “transparent” as used herein may broadly encompass substantially transparent materials such as a polycarbonate plastic or Lexan®. While such materials may not be entirely transparent, the transparency of these materials is sufficient for purposes of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the security device  200  is supported entirely proximate the back side  204  of the display packaging  220 ; however, in some embodiments, the security device may extend over or proximate to at least part of the display side  202  of the display packaging  220  as discussed in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the security device  200  of  FIG. 2  with the display packaging  220  made transparent and shown in broken lines. The security device  220  includes a device body  230  having a storage area  232  for storing accessory components  215  associated with the secured articles  210 . Here, the storage area  232  includes two auxiliary posts  233  each configured to receive an earring backing; however, other embodiments may be configured to receive other accessory components such as, for example, batteries, instruction booklets, replacement components, and the like. 
     The depicted security device  200  defines an adjustment assembly  250  that allows the security device  200  to engage and secure articles  210  supported on their respective display packaging at varying relative positions (e.g., earrings with a narrow or wide spacing on a display card, for example about one-half inch to about 3 inches between the earring posts). The depicted adjustment assembly  250  is comprised of track  252  defined by the device body  230  and two sliders  254  that are locked into the track  252  so as to slidably move along the track  252  without being removable from the track  252 . The depicted sliders  254  define apertures  255  that are structured to receive at least a portion of the articles  210  and are further configured to slide along the track  252  in the direction of arrow  260 . 
     The security device  200  further includes locking mechanisms  240 . The locking mechanisms  240  are attachable to the sliders  254  (perhaps via the article as shown) such that they too are slidable or adjustably positionable along arrow  260 . In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanisms  240  receive and secure the portion of the articles  210  that passes through the sliders  254  as will be discussed in greater detail below. However, in alternative embodiments, the sliders  254  may be formed integral with the locking mechanisms  240  (i.e., the locking mechanisms  240  may be structured to directly receive the articles  210  and to lock into and slide themselves along track  252 ). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the security device  200  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  with the articles  210  removed. The sliding members  254  of the security device  200  and the locking mechanisms  240  include apertures  245  through which the securing member of the article is received. In the instant embodiment, the apertures  245  are configured to receive securing members such as posts from stud earrings. Auxiliary posts  233  disposed in the storage area  232  secured to the device body  230  may be configured to receive earring backings that would fit on the posts or securing members that engage apertures  245  such that the posts  233  and the apertures  245  are appropriately sized with respect to each other. The storage area  232  may be configured for storage of various other accessory components such as instruction manuals, batteries, a travel pouch, etc. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict example locking mechanisms  240  structured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The locking mechanism of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is shown generally as viewed along section line B-B of  FIG. 4  with the device body  230  omitted for ease of illustration. The locking mechanism  240  of  FIG. 5  is shown in a locked state while the locking mechanism  240  of  FIG. 6  is shown in an unlocked state. The locking mechanism illustrated and described in connection with  FIGS. 5 and 6  may generally be referred to as a ball-clutch lock mechanism and may generally have a cylindrical shape. The section line B-B being taken along an axis of the generally cylindrical shape. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , the depicted locking mechanism  240  includes a fixed portion  310  and a sliding member  320 . The depicted sliding member  320  is generally a conically shaped element received within a channel of the fixed portion  310 , at least part of which may include a complementary conical shape  312 . The sliding member  320  may define channels  370  that are configured to receive balls  340 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding member  320  is configured with three channels  370 , of which only portions of two are visible. The channels  370  may be radially spaced around the circumference of the conically shaped sliding member  320 . A spring  330  may bias the sliding member  320  in the direction of arrow  332 , into engagement with the conically shaped portion  312  of the channel of the fixed portion  310 . As the spring  330  biases the sliding member  320  along arrow  332 , the balls  340  are biased radially inwardly toward a center channel  325  defined by the sliding member  320 . When the balls  340  are sufficiently forced radially inwardly, the locking mechanism may be disposed in a locked state. 
     The housing  352  of the locking mechanism may be of any number of shapes and configurations; however, in accordance with the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-4 , the housing  352  includes channels  354 . The channels  354  may be configured to engage the tracks  252  of the adjustment assembly  250  such that the locking members  240  slide within the adjustment assembly  250  along the direction of arrow  260 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the locking member in the unlocked state wherein the sliding member  320  is disengaged from the conically shaped portion  312  of the channel of the fixed portion  310 . When the sliding member  320  is in the unlocked state, the balls  340  are no longer biased radially inwardly toward the center channel  325  of the sliding member  320 . Conversely, the balls  340  are no longer biased in any direction and are free to move within each of their respective channels  370 . 
     The sliding member  320  may be made of a magnetically attractive material or the sliding member may include a portion that is magnetically attractive, such that application of a magnetic field proximate surface  365  (e.g., using magnet  360 ) may be used to draw the sliding member  320  in a downward (i.e., unlocking) direction opposite to direction arrow  332  and against the bias force of spring  330 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , locking mechanisms structured according to various embodiments of the invention are adapted to receive and secure a securing member  150 . The securing member  150 , which, in some embodiments may include an earring post or locking pin, may be received within the center channel  325  of the sliding member  320 . In the depicted embodiment, an earring post from an article  210  of  FIG. 3  is shown in dashed lines as securing member  150 . When the balls  340  are biased toward the center channel  325 , they engage the securing member  150 . When the balls  340  are engaged with the securing member  150 , the securing member  150  may not be removed from the locking mechanism  240 . When the locking mechanism  240  is moved to the unlocked position as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the balls  340  are no longer biased into engagement with the securing member  150  and thus the securing member  150  may be removed from the locking member  240 . In example embodiments wherein the securing member  150  is the post of an earring, such as with articles  210  of  FIG. 3 , the frictional force generated by the balls  340  against the post may be sufficient to maintain the post in the engaged, locked position within the locking mechanism  240 . The securing member  150  may be received in the center channel  325  when the locking member  240  is in the locked position or in the unlocked position. When the locking member  240  is in the locked position, as the securing member  150  is pressed into the center channel  325  of the sliding member  320 , the tip of the securing member  150  engages the balls  340 . Pressing the locking pin  150  further into the center channel  325  presses the sliding member  320  against the spring  330  in a direction opposite arrow  332 . The movement of the sliding member  320  in the direction opposite arrow  332  releases the bias of circumferential channel  360  on the balls  340  and allows the tip of the securing member  150  to pass through the center channel. Once the tip is through, the force on the sliding member  320  opposite arrow  332  is released and the sliding member  320  returns to the locked position, thereby retaining the securing member  150  within the locking mechanism  240 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another example embodiment of a security device according to the present invention that is configured to be secured to merchandise  400  while providing a clear view of the article  410 , and any consumer messaging  405  secured therein, to a customer. Embodiments of the present invention may engage merchandise  400  without substantially obscuring the display side  415  of the display packaging  420  which presents the article  410  to a customer. In the depicted embodiment, the security device includes a device body  440  that includes a lid  442  and a base  446  hingedly attached to the lid  442  along hinge  430 . The lid  442  may be made from a substantially transparent material, such as a transparent plastic, such that the article  410  secured within the security device body  440  may be seen but not directly handled. Thus, the article  410  and the display side of the display packaging  420  are not substantially obscured (i.e., the display side of the card and the articles  410  on display are readily visible to a customer). The lid  442  material may be a durable plastic that is resistant to breakage. The base  446  may be made from the same material as the lid  442  or it may be made from an alternative material as the base  446  does not necessarily need to be transparent. The base  446  may be made of a translucent material or an opaque material which disguises an EAS element (or lack thereof) as will be discussed below, or the base  446  may be transparent such that any information, such as a price, contained on the back of the display packaging  420  may be visible to a customer. 
     While the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7  depicts a hinge connection  430  between the lid  442  and the base  446 , the lid and the base may be configured to be joined through sliding engagement, interlocking tabs, a clip mechanism, or even an additional locking mechanism among other methods of fastening the lid to the base.  FIGS. 8 and 9  depict an example embodiment of the present invention wherein the hinge  430  of  FIG. 7  is replaced by interlocking tabs  431 . For example, tabs  431  of the lid  442  may pass through apertures (not shown) in the base  446  to interlock the lid  442  and the base  446  opposite the locking mechanisms  450 . As further illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the article  410  may include objects other than earrings.  FIG. 8  depicts a fishing lure, and in particular, a fly as the article. Flies used for fly-fishing can often be expensive and typically the flies are relatively small, such that an unsecured fly may be an easy target for a thief. Similarly,  FIG. 9  depicts the article  410  as a tube of lipstick secured by the security device. 
       FIG. 7  depicts the security device body  440  with the lid  442  closed relative to the base  446 .  FIG. 10  depicts the security device body  440  of  FIG. 7  with the lid  442  open relative to the base  446 . As illustrated, the lid  442  rotates about the hinge  430  to the open position. Example embodiments including interlocking tabs as depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9  may pivot relative to one another in a similar manner. When the security device is in the open position, the merchandise  400  may be inserted or removed from the security device body  440 . When merchandise  400  is inserted into the security device body  440 , the lid  442  may be closed to secure the merchandise therein. The lid  442  may be locked in the closed position by a locking mechanism  450 . Although two locking mechanisms  450  are illustrated, a single locking mechanism may also be used or possibly more than two locking mechanisms. The depicted locking mechanisms  450  may secure the lid  442  to the base  446  such that the merchandise  400  cannot be removed from the security device body  440  without first transitioning the locking mechanisms  450  to an unlocked state and then opening the lid  442 . The depicted lock mechanisms  450  are each engaged by a securing member  452  that passes through the display packaging  420 . The securing member  452  of the instant embodiment is a locking pin. 
     The display packaging  420  may include openings  425  therethrough that permit the securing members  452  to pass through the display packaging  420  and engage the locking mechanisms  450 . Optionally, the securing members  452  may penetrate the display packaging  420  precluding the need for pre-formed openings  425 . In example embodiments, the securing member  452  may pass through apertures formed in the display packaging  420  whether the apertures are pre-formed in the packaging or created by penetration of the securing member through the packaging. A collar  454  surrounding the securing members  452  may provide additional strength to the location on the lid  442  from which the securing members  452  extend; however, the collars  454  may also be opaque or translucent to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance when a securing members  452  penetrates the display packaging  420  by disguising the tear through the display packaging  420 . 
     The display packaging  420  as depicted in the illustrated embodiment is substantially the same overall width as the security device body  440 ; however, embodiments of the present invention may be configured to secure a display packaging  420  that is either larger or smaller than the security device. Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the display packaging may extend beyond the sides  415  of the lid and below a flange  417  of the lid  446 . In such embodiments, the sides  415  of the lid  442  may not extend below where the surface of the display packaging  420  would be located. In alternative embodiments where the display packaging  420  secured by the security device is narrower than the security device, the sides  415  of the lid  442  may extend beyond the plane of the surface of the display packaging  420  to provide additional protection by further hindering the display packaging  420  or article  410  from being slid out from a closed security device. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the security device depicted in  FIGS. 7-10  in the closed position. As illustrated, the locking mechanism  450  is engaged by the securing member  452 . The lid  442  is closed over the article  410  such that the article is not accessible to a customer; however, the customer may clearly view the article. The display packaging  420  is enclosed within the security device body  440  with a portion of the display packaging  420  secured between the flange  417  of the lid  442  and the base  446 . The illustrated embodiment further includes a hang tab  435  attached to the base member  446  of the security device body  440  such that the merchandise  400  may be displayed on existing display racks as the original unsecured merchandise would be. Such a hang tab  435  may improve the seamless transparency with which a retailer may implement security devices according to the present invention without altering merchandise displays. Further, such a hang tab  435  may allow secured and unsecured merchandise to be displayed on the same rack. 
       FIG. 12 . illustrates a side view of the embodiment of the security device depicted in  FIGS. 7-10  however, the base  446  further includes a retaining ridge  462 . The retaining ridge  462  may be configured to provide a channel  439  into which the hang tab  437  of the display packaging  420  is received. The retaining ridge  462  may further secure and locate the display packaging  420  within the security device body  440 . Further illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 12  are the display side  421  of the display packaging  420  and the back side  422  of the display packaging  420 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the article  410  includes a pair of stud-type earrings which may include a stem  464  that extends beyond the base  446  of the security device body  440 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the base  446  may include an aperture  427  through which the stems of earrings may pass. As earrings may include different sizes of stems and different styles (e.g., French hook earrings or clip-on earrings, etc.), an aperture  427  through the base  446  of the security device  440  may accommodate such different configurations. The aperture may be sized such that it would be difficult to attempt to remove the article  410  through the aperture  427 . The aperture  427 , for example, may be two separate apertures arranged such that one earring back passes through each. As the display packaging  420  is retained between the lid  442  and the base  446  by the locking mechanism  450 , removal of the article  410  through the aperture  427  would be difficult without destroying the display packaging  420 , the security device body  440 , and possibly the article  410  itself. 
     The locking mechanisms  450  of  FIGS. 7-19  may include a ball-clutch-lock mechanism similar to that described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6  above; however, the housing  352  may be of a shape depicted in  FIGS. 7-19 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 7-19 , the securing member may not be an earring post as described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , but rather a locking pin arranged on the device body as shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . Example embodiments of a locking pin may be configured with a recess or channel disposed along the securing member for reception of the balls  340  of the ball-clutch lock mechanism. The channel may further enhance the locking capabilities of such a lock by reducing the spring strength required to maintain the securing member in the locked position, and/or to better resist withdrawal of the securing member from the locking member when in the locked position. 
     An advantage to using the two locking mechanisms  450  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13  is that each of the locking mechanisms must be unlocked simultaneously for the security device body  440  to be opened. As each of the locking mechanisms  450  requires a relatively strong magnet to be applied to the bottom surface of the locking mechanism (see  365  of  FIG. 6 ), and given the instability of relatively strong magnets when they are loose and in proximity to one another, the unlocking process is made substantially more difficult. 
     Another example embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 14  which depicts a security device  600  secured to merchandise  605  which includes article  610  attached to display packaging  620 . As shown with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13 , the article  610  depicted includes two stud-type earrings attached through the display packaging  620  which includes a hang tab  637  for hanging the display packaging  620  on a display rack. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates the lid  640  of the example embodiment of the security device  600  of  FIG. 14 . The lid  640 , as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13 , may be of any durable, substantially transparent material such that the article  610  and the display packaging  620  are not generally obscured. The lid  640  includes a shell  645  and a stem  650 , where the shell  645  creates a cavity in which the article  610  may be displayed. The stem  650  is configured to include a securing member of a locking mechanism, and in this case the securing member  660  is a locking pin for use in a locking mechanism similar to that described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The stem  650  and the shell  645  may combine to form a lid  640  that is durable and resilient to breakage to protect the merchandise protected therein. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the base  670  of the example embodiment of the security device  600  of  FIG. 14 . The base  670  is configured with a flange  675  which includes apertures  677 . The flange  675  is configured to be received against the back of the display packaging  620  when the base  670  is secured to the lid  640 . The base  670  further includes a locking mechanism  685  with a central channel  680  into which is received the securing member  660 . When the securing member  660  is inserted through the display packaging  620  and received by the locking mechanism  685  of the base  670 , the display packaging  620  is secured between the base  670  and the lid  640 . The display packaging  620  may be configured with an aperture through which the securing member  660  is inserted, or optionally, the securing member  660  may penetrate the display packaging  620  before being received in the locking mechanism  685  of the base  670 . Either the base  670  or the lid  640 , or both may include a feature that prevents or minimizes potential rotation between the lid  640  and the base  670 . The feature may include a tab, a pin, or other protrusion that may minimize the potential rotation between the base  670  and the lid  640 . Another rotation minimizing element may include a relatively high-friction surface of the lid  640  or the base  670  where the lid and base contact the display packaging. Such a relatively high friction surface may not prevent rotation between the top portion  640  and bases  670  entirely, but it may hold the security device in position when the display packaging is on display. 
       FIG. 17  depicts the security device  600  as secured to the article  610  as viewed from the back side  622  of the display packaging  620 . As illustrated, the article  610  comprises stud-type earrings with stems  615  that penetrate through the display packaging  620 . The apertures  677  of the security device  600  are configured to receive the stems  615  therethrough. The base  670  of the security device  600  may further include flanges  688  that enhance the rigidity and strength of the security device  600  thereby further protecting the article  610 . 
     Example embodiments of security devices according to the present invention may further include EAS elements.  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate the embodiments of  FIGS. 7-17  including EAS elements  700 . The EAS elements may be incorporated in any number of positions and locations within or on security devices according to the present invention and the examples depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 19  are for illustration of possible locations and positions for such an EAS element. In this regard, the security device may include an EAS element  700  that is configured to be detectable when the EAS element is present in a predetermined detection zone, such as a zone set up at or near the door or other entrance point of the retail establishment. The EAS element  700  may be configured to work within an EAS security system. For example, the EAS element  700  may include a magnetic tag, such as in an electromagnetic (EM) system or in an acousto-magnetic (AM) system, or the EAS element may include an electronic circuit and antenna, such as in a radio frequency (RF) system. As another example, the EAS element  700  may be configured work within a microwave system. 
     In addition to or instead of the EAS element  700 , the security device may include other wireless devices. For example, the security device may include an active or passive RFID tag. The RFID tag may be used to store and/or communicate information about the object for security or inventory control purposes. Optionally, the display packaging itself may include a security element (e.g., and EAS element) embedded in the display packaging, such as laminated between layers of the material that makes up the display packaging. Such an embodiment may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, a security element within the security device. 
     Although the depicted embodiment shows a security device that may be configured for one-alarm functionality (i.e., an alarm is triggered when the security device approaches or passes by a security gate), in other embodiments not shown further components may be included for providing two- or three-alarm functionality. Such components may include a printed circuit board that includes electrical circuitry for supporting various functions of the security device. For example, the electrical circuitry may be connected to a sensor that detects any discontinuity (such as opening of the security device without a key) is recognized as a fault condition, which triggers alarm functionality, such as the sounding of a piezoelectric speaker or the lighting of an LED. Therefore, in some embodiments, the security device may have three alarm features: (1) the gates themselves alarming when the EAS element  700  is detected; (2) the audible alarm (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) of the security device itself triggering when the security device is forced open or otherwise tampered with; and (3) the audible alarm (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) of the security device triggering when the EAS element is at, near, or beyond the security gates. 
     One skilled in the art would appreciate the other improvements and enhancements that the security device, according to embodiments of the present invention, provides over some of the conventional security devices. Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. 
     Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.