Patent ID: 7385507

Claim:
A theft deterring multi-compartment container comprising: a first compartment constructed and arranged to contain at least one article therein, said first compartment defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall, wherein said top wall and bottom wall are in spaced apart relation; a second compartment constructed and arranged to contain an alarm system therein, said second compartment defined by at least one of said walls of said first compartment, at least one side wall, and an opposing wall in spaced apart relation from said at least one of wall of said first compartment; an alarm system including at least one expandable air bladder which is placed in fluid communication with a compressed fluid source when said alarm system is energized; a power source in electrical communication with said alarm system for selectively energizing said alarm system; at least one electromechanical means having a throw switch positioned between said top wall and said bottom wall, and operable between an open position providing access into said first compartment and a closed position to prevent access into said first compartment, said electromechanical means providing electrical communication between said power source and said alarm system when said throw switch is in said closed position; and an actuator means in electrical communication with said power source, said alarm system, and said throw, wherein said actuator provides selective electrical communication between said power source and said alarm system to preclude energization of said alarm system when said actuator is in physical contact with at least one wall of said first container; whereby said air bladder expands to an internal volume greater than said second compartment upon energization of said alarm system to a size sufficient to deter theft of said container when said throw is closed and said actuator is not in physical contact with at least one of said walls of said first container.