The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 15, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 03, 1999
Larry G Dressen, Waconia, MN (US);
Stanley P Buisman, Brooklyn Park, MN (US);
Roger H Ricketts, Apple Valley, MN (US);
Emplast, Inc., Waconia, MN (US);
Abstract
A security package for use in retail establishments to lock in articles which are for sale in a clear plastic case which is larger than the article displayed for sale and which optionally has enclosed an electronic article surveillance tag to prevent shoplifting. The security package has a locking mechanism built into the case which can not be opened without a key. The locking mechanism comprises a pair of asymmetric tines which are on opposite sides of an asymmetric engagement member. To lock the security package the asymmetric engagement member spreads apart the asymmetric tines until the asymmetric engagement member gets passed the asymmetric tines. The asymmetric tines close behind the asymmetric engagement member and lock the asymmetric engagement member in place. The asymmetric tines must be separated by an asymmetric key to allow the asymmetric engagement member to pass by the asymmetric tines to unlock the security package. The asymmetric tines and the asymmetric engagement member are shaped to prevent tampering with the locking mechanism and making the security package harder to open without a complimentary asymmetrically shaped key. The security package also has an inside wall and an outside wall on the top portion and a middle wall in the bottom portion for placement between the inside and outside walls when the security package is closed, which prevents sideways motion of the top and bottom portions of the security package to further thwart tampering with the security package.