US20070236111A1

US20070236111A1 - Security case

Info

Publication number: US20070236111A1
Application number: US11/732,269
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Gray
Original assignee: Fasteners for Retail Inc
Current assignee: Fasteners for Retail Inc
Priority date: 2006-04-07
Filing date: 2007-04-03
Publication date: 2007-10-11

Abstract

A security case for merchandise held on a shelf includes a first side wall positioned along a first side edge of an associated shelf. A first securing member is provided for securing the first side wall to a first associated support surface. A second side wall is positioned along a second side edge of the associated shelf. A second securing member is provided for securing the second side wall to a second associated support surface. At least one of the first and second securing members is movable in order to accommodate associated shelves of varying depths.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention pertains to security cases employed in point of sale merchandising.
In self-service retail establishments, such as drug stores, grocery stores and the like, articles are usually displayed for sale on racks consisting of vertically spaced shelves on which the articles are arranged in stacks. Alternatively, the articles are suspended from hooks which are mounted to peg boards. Although the merchandise in such retail environments is accessible substantially only from the front, the racks and peg board displays previously employed have permitted free access to the space above the merchandise held on each shelf, or to the entire hook. In this way, a person who wished to do so could very quickly and easily remove a large number of articles at one time. It is known for thieves to “sweep” a shelf with their arm, collecting the items into a purse, bag or coat very quickly and exit a store, without drawing attention to themselves. Similarly, it is known for thieves to empty all the items suspended from a hook into a suitable container and smuggle the removed articles out of a store. This is particularly a problem with high value goods, such as razor blades, pharmaceuticals, cigarettes and the like. A thief could steal as much as several hundred dollars worth of merchandise with very little effort and without great risk of being detected.
There have been some attempts at minimizing such shoplifting losses by the expedient of partially blocking access to display shelves to prevent a mass removal of articles from the shelves, but nevertheless, permitting removal of individual articles by a shopper.
This can be accomplished by installing a transparent panel in front of each stocked shelf, but blocking access to all but a few of the articles on the shelf. However, if the panel is securely fixed in place on the rack, the panel also prevents or impedes restocking of the shelves. Considering the value of a clerk's time, such a security system may cost more in terms of personnel time than the money it saves in reducing theft. On the other hand, if the panel is easily moved out of the way, or if the manipulations needed for moving the panel out of the way are readily apparent from inspection, then the panel has little value as a security device. Another important consideration is that the security device should be inexpensive and be capable of quick and easy installation.
One attempt to solve the theft problem has been the use of dispensing display cabinets which can be stocked through a lockable door at the rear of the cabinet. Such an arrangement, however, is unsuitable for the shelving commonly used in retail establishments, as well as for peg board displays similarly used in such establishments. Another attempt, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,779, employs a transparent front wall which leaves the bottom row of product exposed, together with a sliding door that has a pair of spaced access openings, each affording access to one row of product. While this is an adequate solution for the problem of theft, this design dictates that a separate size of display unit be manufactured for each size of goods meant to be displayed. For every type of unit having another shape or configuration, a different size of door and/or opening would be necessary.
Another design employs a hood or cover which can be mounted above a row of product, so as to impede a thief's ability to grab more than one product at a time from a row of products. However, with this design, a separate such member is necessary for each row of product on each shelf. Moreover, the member is only engageable with a particular type of display unit, in this case, one mounted on a rectangular bar. Such a design is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,304.
Still another design employs a pair of retaining walls, wherein a first retaining wall is shorter in height than is a second retaining wall. This design, illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0161420, is said to result in limiting access to product and inhibiting the removal of numerous products at one time. As with the previous design, however, this design necessitates the use of separate second barriers for each row of products.
A commercially known design of a sliding door kit includes a pair of side frames and a front closure that has one or two doors. However, this closure is only adapted for use on shelves of a given depth. Moreover, the prior art design does not include a door frame which can accommodate labels or a front fence, nor sliding doors which are stiffened in their closed position so as to resist forced entry. In addition, this known design does not have hinged side walls so as to allow a collapsed shipping condition of the sliding door kit. Nor is there a top cover that can be selectively mounted to the frame, so as to interengage therewith.
It would be desirable to have a security case which can be retrofitted to an existing shelf so as to inhibit access to the shelf in such a way as to retard the ability of a thief to “sweep” the shelf. At the same time, the shelf should be accessible to shoppers to allow the legitimate purchase of products. Also, the shelf needs to be accessible to store personnel to allow a restocking of merchandise in a prompt and efficient manner.
Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved security case which overcomes certain difficulties with prior art designs while providing better and more advantageous overall results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a security case for merchandise held on a shelf. The security case includes a first side wall positioned along a first side edge of an associated shelf and a first means for securing the first side wall to a first associated support surface. A second side wall is positioned along a second side edge of the associated shelf and a second means is provided for securing the second side wall to a second associated support surface. At least one of the first and second means for securing is movable to accommodate associated shelves of varying depths.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a security case for merchandise held on a support surface includes a front closure assembly, including a channel for selectively accommodating an associated front fence. A first side wall is located on a first side of the front closure member and connected thereto and a second side wall is located on a second side of the front closure member and connected thereto. Respective first and second fastening members are provided for securing the first and second side walls to respective first and second associated support surfaces.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a security case is provided for merchandise. The security case comprises a front closure member comprising a frame and at least one door movably mounted in relation to the frame. A first side wall is mounted to a first side edge of the frame and a second side wall is mounted to a second side edge of the frame. A first securing member is mounted to the first side wall for securing the first side wall to an associated first support surface. A second securing member is mounted to a second side wall for securing the second side wall to an associated second support surface. A third securing member is mounted to the frame for securing the frame to an associated shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security case according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as mounted to a set of shelves;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the security case of FIG. 1, as mounted to a shelving system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a security case according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the security case of FIG. 3, shown as being mounted between a pair of shelves;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a security case according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a front panel and a pair of side panels of the security case of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a locking arrangement for the security case of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a top portion of the security case of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the security case elements of FIG. 8 in the process of being assembled;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the security case elements of FIG. 8 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the doors of the security case of FIG. 5 in a first position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the security case doors of FIG. 5 in a second position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a security case according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a portion of a security case according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a mounting bracket used with the security case of FIG. 14A; and

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view in cross section of a portion of a security case according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed, without departing from the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the various identified components of the security case designs discussed herein are merely terms of art, and that these may vary from one manufacturer to another. Such terms should not be deemed to limit the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a security case according to the disclosure. More particularly, a security case A includes a front panel 10 and first and second side panels, provided on opposed -sides of the front panel. While side panels are located on both sides of the front panel 10, the side panels located on the second side of the front panel are not visible in FIG. 1. Two different kinds of side panels can be provided. One is fixed in length and the other is adjustable. A first, fixed length, side panel 12 includes a front end 20, a rear end 22 and suitable mounting fingers 24 disposed on the rear end. A second, adjustable length, side panel 14 includes a front section 30, a rear section 32 and mounting fingers 34 extending from the rear section. In this design, the rear section 32 is slidably mounted on the front section 30 via slots 36. Engaged in the slots of the rear panel 32 are protrusions 38 extending from the front panel 30.
In this way, the length of the side panel can be adjusted to fit the depth of the shelf on which the security case A is positioned. The front panel 10 comprises a first door 40 and a second door 42. As is evident, these doors are slidable in a suitable track provided in the front panel, thereby allowing access to one or more shelves 44 once the doors are slid out of the way. In order to allow the contents to be visible, the doors can include a transparent panel, such as glass. One could, of course, also provide a lock (not shown) to prevent the doors 40, 42 from being opened without permission from an employee of the merchant.
With reference now to FIG. 2, in order to secure the security case in place, suitable brackets 46 and 47 can be provided. It should also be apparent from FIG. 2 that the respective teeth of the side panels can be positioned in slots defined in vertically extending gondolas 48, as is known in the art. In the design illustrated in FIG. 2, a bottom shelf is left open by the security case, as are shelves above the security case A. However, three shelves are protected by the security case so as to inhibit access to those shelves.
While access is available to these shelves simply by opening one of the doors 40, 42, the presence of the security case will impede theft. Moreover, if the security case is locked, then no access can be had to those shelves, without permission from the merchant. In one embodiment, the height of the security case, depending on how many shelves are meant to be protected, can be anywhere from 12 inches to 36 inches. In the same embodiment, the width of the security case can be on the order of 48 inches if so desired. Obviously, wider and taller or narrower and shorter security cases are also contemplated. The security case A is secured to a set of shelves and fits directly in front of the shelf edges, as is evident from FIG. 2. This design can have variable heights to match existing shelf spacing, while protecting multi-shelf areas which have a specific pilferage problem. Also, this design has a minimal installation time in that it only requires the fastening of the under shelf mounting brackets 46 and 47 to the respective shelves, as well as positioning the side panel teeth in the slots in the gondolas. The side panels are adjustable from, for example, 10 inches to 16 inches, depending on the depth of the shelf.
With reference now to FIG. 3, a security case B designed for a single shelf is there illustrated. Such a security case B comprises a front panel 50 and first and second side panels 52 and 54. With reference to FIG. 4, the security case can be mounted between a pair of shelves 55. With reference again to FIG. 3, a plurality of spaced studs 56 can be provided along a bottom surface of the front panel 50. The studs are designed to fit into suitable apertures defined on a lower shelf 55. As shown in FIG. 4, the studs 56 can be threaded and suitable nuts 57 can be provided to secure the studs, and, hence, the front panel in place on the lower shelf 55. Brackets 58 can extend from a top surface of the front panel 50. These brackets can be secured with suitable fasteners 59 and nuts 57 to both the front panel and to the shelf 55 located above the security case B.
With reference again to FIG. 3, the front panel includes a pair of sliding doors 60 and 62. A gripping element 63 can be attached to a side edge of at least one of the doors 60, 62 to aid in gripping the door for a sliding movement thereof. Each side panel 52 and 54 can be provided with a mounting member 64. Extending from the mounting member are suitable fingers 66 which are meant to cooperate with a gondola 67 located at the rear end of each shelf 55, by being mounted thereto. In this design, the mounting members 64 can be slidably engaged with the side panels 52 and 54, as in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, in this design, the side panels 52 and 54 can be transparent so as to allow a shopper to view the contents of the shelf, not only from the front, i.e., through doors 60 and 62, but also from the sides, through the side panels 52 and 54. Of course, if so desired, the side panels can be opaque instead.
In this design, a hinge 68 can be provided for connecting each side panel 52 and 54 to the front panel 50. Such a hinge is advantageous because it allows the security case to be collapsed for shipping and extended for mounting in place between a pair of shelves. The side panels 52 and 54 lock into the gondola upright slots (via teeth, see FIGS. 5 and 6) to prevent access to the shelf from the sides thereof. Access is only allowed from the front of the shelf, once one of the doors 60 or 62 is slid out of the way. Removal of the security case B is retarded due to the presence of the several fastening elements 56, 57, 58 and 59. It should be evident from FIG. 4, that the studs 56 are invisible from the front of the shelf 55, as they are hidden by a front overhang 63 of the shelf. Similarly, the bracket 58 is hidden from view by an overhang 63 of the overlying shelf 55. Thus, a thief will have difficulty in attempting to pry the security case B away from between the shelves. Since a thief needs to operate quickly in order to hinder detection, the security case will serve to dissuade thieves from removing objects held on shelving protected by the security case.
With reference now to FIG. 5, a third type of security case C is there illustrated. In this design, the security case includes a front section 70, a first side panel 72 and a second side panel 74. Suitable studs 76 extend from a bottom face of the front panel 70. The studs extend through apertures 77 in a shelf 78 on which the security case is mounted. Conventional nuts 79 cooperate with the studs to secure the security case C to the shelf 78.
With reference now to FIG. 8, this embodiment of the security case also includes a top cover. The top cover comprises a pivot track 80 and a top panel 82. With reference now to FIG. 9, the pivot track 80 includes a first arm 86 and a second arm 88. Defined therebetween is a slot 90. The slot accommodates a front flange 94 of the top panel 82. The top cover also comprises a top wall 102, a first side wall 104 and a similar second side wall (not visible). Suitable fasteners 112 (FIG. 10) can be employed to secure the top panel side walls to the side panels 72 and 74. The fasteners extend through apertures 114 in the side panel 104 and corresponding apertures 116 (FIG. 6) in the side panels 72 and 74. In this way, the security case C can be employed for a top shelf 116 in a merchandising display. One benefit of this design is that the top cover engages the pivot track and rotates into place without the need for any additional fasteners. In other words, no front edge fasteners need mar the appearance of the front panel 70. Nevertheless, the top panel is mounted to the security case C in a sturdy manner so as to resist removal thereof.
With reference again to FIG. 9, the pivot track 80 is provided with a first groove 120 and a second groove 122. Each groove is designed to accommodate one of a pair of door panels. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 11, a first door panel 124 comprises a center mullion 126. The mullion comprises a base 128, a first flange 130, a second flange 132 and a third flange 134. The three flanges extend from the base, as is evident from FIGS. 11 and 12. In this design, a side edge of a window 138 of the door panel is mounted between the first and second flanges 130, 132. A side mullion 140 is employed to mount the opposed side edge of the window 138. The side mullion also includes a base 142 from which protrude first, second and third flanges 144, 146, 148. As is evident, the second side of the window 138 is located between the first and second flanges 144 and 146.
The top edge of the window 138 is meant to be accommodated in the first track 120. Similarly, the bottom edge of the first window 138 is meant to be accommodated in a similar bottom track of the front panel. In other words, the mullions 126 and 140 do not extend the complete height of the window 138. Rather, the top and bottom edges of the window are free and can be accommodated in the tracks of the front panel. While the bottom track has not been separately discussed, it should be apparent that it can have the same structure as discussed above in connection with the top track or pivot track 80.
Also provided is a second door panel 158. The second door panel similarly comprises a center mullion 160, which includes a base 162 and first, second and third flanges 164,166 and 168. A first side edge of a window 170 is accommodated between the second and third flanges 166 and 168 of the center mullion 160 of the second door panel. Also provided is a side mullion 178. The side mullion similarly comprises a base 180 and first, second and third flanges 182, 184 and 186. As is evident from FIG. 11, the second side edge of the window 170 is accommodated between the second and third flanges 184 and 186 of the side mullion 178.
With reference now to FIG. 12, in this design, when the doors or door panels 124 and 158 are slid away from each other, as far as allowed by the front panel 70, the doors interlock such that the third flange 134 of the first center mullion 126 engages the first flange 164 of the second center mullion 160. When the doors are in a locked position, the door edges interlock. This provides stiffness for the door and retards any horizontal pushing or entry force, thus, keeping the security case intact by resisting any attempt to break through the security case when the doors are in a locked position with a suitable key lock (not illustrated). However, when the door is unlocked, the doors can slide left and right to allow product access.
It should be apparent that the top edge of the second window 170 is accommodated in the second groove 122 of the pivot track 80. In the same fashion, a bottom edge of the second window 170 is accommodated by a bottom track defined in the front panel 70. It should also be apparent that movement of the first and second door panels 124 and 158 is facilitated by the mullions 126 and 140 being so designed as to provide gripping surfaces to enable a gripping of the mullion and, hence, the door for movement thereof. As to the second door 158, the first flange 182 thereof can be gripped to allow a sliding of this door as well.
With reference now to FIG. 6, the side panels 72 and 74 can be pivotally mounted to the front panel via hinges 194, only one of which is visible. Slidably mounted to each of the side panels 72 and 74 is a respective mounting member 200. To this end, the mounting panel 200 can be provided with one or more slots 202. Extending through these slots is a respective protrusion 204 mounted to the respective side panel 72, 74. In this way, the mounting panel can slide in relation to the side panel, to allow an adjustment of the length of the side panel to accommodate to the depth of the shelf. This is illustrated by a comparison of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 also illustrates that suitable teeth 210 are provided on the mounting members.
As shown in FIG. 7, such teeth, can be accommodated in respective openings 212 of a gondola 214. To prevent unauthorized tampering or disengagement between the mounting member 200 and the gondola 214, a locking device or tab 220 can be employed. The locking device includes a hook portion 224 which is accommodated in a vertically extending slot 226 in the mounting member. One or more fasteners 228 can extend through a slot 230 in the lock member 220 and through a suitable slot 232 in the mounting member 200. This construction retards the ability of an unauthorized user to attempt to slide the mounting member 200 away from the gondola 214 and towards the front panel 70 of the security case C. This is accomplished by securing the fastener 228 in position in the slots 230 and 232 via a suitable nut 240. In this embodiment, the fasteners can be anti-theft screws of the type which require a key for turning or rotation. Of course, other types of conventional fasteners can also be employed. Although it is not illustrated in this embodiment, the front panel 70 can comprise a known C-channel in order to allow signage to be mounted above or below the pair of doors or panels 124 and 158. If desired, the front panel tracks, such as the pivot track 80 can comprise a suitable conventional aluminum material.
With reference now to FIG. 13, yet another embodiment of the security case according to the present disclosure is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a security case D comprises a front panel 300 and first and second side panels 302 and 304. The side panels can be hinged to the front panel via suitable hinges 306, only one of which is visible. The front panel can comprise a first door 310 and a second door 312. Suitable center mullions 316 can be provided for each door. These can interlock in the manner illustrated above in connection with FIGS. 11 and 12. Also, a lock 318 can be provided. Optionally, a door chime 320 can be provided to announce when one of the doors is slid open.
In this design, the front panel further comprises a top channel 322. The top channel can be a conventional C-channel or the like which can accommodate either signs or suitable brackets. One such bracket is illustrated in FIG. 13. In this design, the bracket includes a base portion 324 and an arm 326 extending away from the base portion. A display item 328 can be mounted to the arm 326. For example, the display item can be, e.g., a cell phone, a camera, an electric shaver or the like. The display item would normally pertain to the items which are held in the security case. The front panel can also comprise a bottom channel 330, similarly designed for holding signs or product as desired.
The security case can further comprise a bottom panel (not shown) and a top panel (not visible). As is evident, in this design, the security case is meant to be mounted over a peg board 340. With this embodiment, the security case D can enclose a desired section of an otherwise readily accessible peg board display. The peg board 340 can be positioned between a pair of gondolas 342 and 344. The security case D is mounted to the gondolas via a plurality of brackets 346. More specifically, each of the brackets contains a set of teeth 348 which engage in spaced slots 350 in the gondolas. The security case D is also supported by a shelf 352 which is mounted to the gondolas. As is evident from FIG. 13, the brackets 346 are connected to the side walls 302 and 304 of the security case D. More particularly, threaded fasteners 354 extend through aligned apertures in the brackets 346 and the respective side wall 302 and 304. The brackets are held in place by nuts 356 engaging the fasteners 354. As mentioned, the security case also includes a top wall or panel (not visible in FIG. 13). The top wall can be of the same type as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8-10, if desired. Of course, other known top walls can also be employed.
Suitable shelves 360 can be mounted to the peg board to contain some items. As can be appreciated, the shelf 360 can be mounted to the peg board via conventional mounting structures 362. In addition, hooks 370 can be employed with the peg board to display yet other items 372 for sale by the merchant.
In this design, suitable conventional dividers 380, tracks 382 and pushers 384 can be located on the bottom shelf 352. The dividers and tracks can be mounted to a front rail 386. As is evident, the dividers and tracks can organize merchandise 388 into rows and push them forward on the bottom shelf 352 in order to provide a pleasing display for potential purchasers. It should be apparent that the merchandising display system discussed above can be provided on the shelf 360, if so desired. The front rail 386 can be mounted to its support surface, such as the bottom shelf 352 or the shelf 360 via conventional means.
With reference now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a yet further embodiment of the present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment, like components are identified by like numerals with a primed (′) suffix and new components are identified by new numerals. In this embodiment, a security case E comprises a front panel 400 and a pair of side panels, only one of which 402 is illustrated. The front panel 400 can be similar to the front panel 300 illustrated in FIG. 13. The side panel 402 comprises a pair of top and bottom end channels 404 and 406. Positioned therebetween is a transparent side wall 408, which can be made from a suitable thermoplastic or tempered glass material. The doors of the front panel can be made of similar materials. Extending at approximately a right angle from the side wall 408 is a mounting flange 410. The mounting flange allows the security case E to be mounted to a peg board 412.
With reference particularly to FIG. 14B, a plurality of mounting brackets 420 are employed. Each mounting bracket 420 comprises a pair of spaced mounting teeth 422 which can be mounted in the plurality of evenly spaced apertures 424 in the peg board. The mounting bracket 420 also comprises a forwardly extending threaded stem 426. Each such stem extends through a suitable one of a set of apertures defined in the mounting flange 410. Respective nuts 428 are then used to secure the mounting brackets 420 to the mounting flanges 410 of the security case E.
Also provided for the security case is a bottom wall 430 which is supported by the respective lower channels 406 of the two side walls. The top wall (not visible) and the bottom wall can also be made of similar known transparent materials, if so desired. Alternatively, one or both can be opaque and made of a suitable known metal material, such as an aluminum or steel sheet material. Positioned on the bottom wall 430 can be a display assembly comprising dividers 380′, tracks 382′ and pushers 384′. The dividers and tracks can be mounted to a front rail 386′. If desired, suitable shelves 360′ can be mounted to the peg board to contain some items. Also, hooks 370′ can be employed to display yet other items of merchandise.
With reference now to FIG. 15, a still further embodiment of the instant disclosure is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a front closure member 500 is selectively secured on a shelf 502. The front closure member comprises a frame 510 which can be in the form of an aluminum extrusion or the like. The frame defines a first track 512 and, spaced therefrom, a second track 514. It should be apparent that the tracks extend longitudinally along the frame. A first door panel 516 can be slidably mounted in the first track and a similar second panel 518 can be slidably mounted in the second track. A stem 520 protrudes between the tracks so as to separate the paths of movement of the two panels. It should be appreciated that the stem can be integral with the frame 510.
Also defined on the frame 510 in this embodiment is a channel 530 which is upwardly open so as to selectively accommodate an associated front fence 532 of a suitable known merchandise display system. The purpose for the front fence, which can be of any desired height, is to retard product being displayed on the shelf, and being merchandised on tracks separated by dividers, such as is shown, e.g., in FIGS. 13 and 14 a, from tipping forward. As is evident from FIG. 15, the channel 530 is located rearwardly of the first and second tracks 512 and 514. Also, defined on the frame is a C-channel 540 into which suitable signage or displays can be mounted, such as discussed previously in connection with FIG. 13. In contrast to the fence channel 530, the C-channel 540 is located forwardly of the first and second tracks.
Moreover, the frame 510 also comprises a fastener channel 550. This is located below the first and second tracks. Extending longitudinally along a bottom face of the fastener channel 550 is a slot 552. A head 560 of a fastener 562 is accommodated in the fastener channel 550, while a stem 564 of the fastener extends through the slot 552. The fastener stem 564 may be threaded and may cooperate with an associated fastener element, such as a wing nut 568. In this way, the front closure member 500 can be selectively secured to the shelf 502. It should be appreciated that the upper end of the front closure member is similarly secured to a shelf located above the closure member via suitable conventional means, such as the structure illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, a similar fastener channel can be provided at the upper edge of the front closure member, as is illustrated in FIG. 4.
In addition, a merchandise display system track 570 can be defined in the frame 510. For example, the display system track can be located beneath the channel 530 for the front fence and rearwardly of the second track 514. In this way, suitably shaped tracks and dividers (such as dividers 380 and tracks 382 illustrated in FIG. 13) can be mounted to the frame 510. For example, they can be slidably mounted thereto or fixedly mounted thereto in any conventional way, as may be desired. In fact, the track 570 can cooperate with an adaptor that, in turn, accommodates the tracks and dividers of the merchandising system.
The present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A security case for merchandise held on a shelf comprising:

a first side wall positioned along a first side edge of an associated shelf;

a first means for securing said first side wall to a first associated support surface;

a second side wall positioned along a second side edge of the associated shelf;

a second means for securing said second side wall to a second associated support surface;

wherein at least one of said first and second means for securing is movable to accommodate associated shelves of varying depths.

2. The security case of claim 1 further comprising a front closure member connected to said first and second side walls.

3. The security case of claim 2 wherein said front closure member comprises a pair of sliding doors.

4. The security case of claim 3 wherein each of said pair of sliding doors includes a side edge comprising a reinforcing member.

5. The security case of claim 4 wherein said respective reinforcing members cooperate to stiffen said front closure member, when said pair of sliding doors is in a closed position.

6. The security case of claim 3 wherein said front closure member comprises a frame in which said pair of sliding doors is mounted.

7. The security case of claim 6 wherein front closure member comprises at least one fastening element mounted to said frame for connecting said frame to the associated shelf.

8. A security case for merchandise held on a support surface comprising:

a front closure assembly including a channel for selectively accommodating an associated front fence;

a first side wall located on a first side of said front closure member and connected thereto;

a second side wall located on a second side of said front closure member and connected thereto; and,

respective first and second fastening members for securing said first and second side walls to respective first and second associated support surfaces.

9. The security case of claim 8 wherein at least one of said first and second side walls is hingedly mounted to said front closure member.

10. The security case of claim 8 wherein said front closure assembly comprises a frame and at least one door movably mounted to said frame.

11. The security case of claim 8 further comprising a top cover selectively mounted to said front closure member.

12. The security case of claim 8 wherein said front closure member comprises a pair of sliding doors.

13. The security case of claim 12 wherein each of said pair of sliding doors includes a side edge comprising a reinforcing member.

14. The security case of claim 13 wherein said respective reinforcing members cooperate to stiffen said front closure member, when said pair of sliding doors is in a closed position.

15. The security case of claim 12 wherein said front closure member comprises a frame in which said pair of sliding doors is mounted.

16. A security case for merchandise comprising:

a front closure member, comprising:

a frame, and

at least one door movably mounted in relation to said frame;

a first side wall mounted to a first side edge of said frame;

a second side wall mounted to a second side edge of said frame;

a first securing member mounted to said first side wall for securing said first side wall to an associated first support surface;

a second securing member mounted to said second side wall for securing said second side wall to an associated second support surface; and,

a third securing member mounted to said frame for securing said frame to an associated shelf.

17. The security case of claim 16 further comprising first and second hinges for hingedly connecting said first and second side walls to said frame.

18. The security case of claim 16 further comprising a top cover selectively mounted to said front closure member.

19. The security case of claim 18 wherein said top cover comprises a flange which interengages with said frame of said front closure member.

20. The security case of claim 16 wherein said frame comprises a groove into which an associated front fence can be selectively inserted.

21. The security case of claim 16 wherein said frame comprises a C-channel.

22. The security case of claim 16 wherein said frame comprises a fastener track for accommodating a portion of an associated fastener.