US20070236111A1 - Security case - Google Patents

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 ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a locking arrangement for the security case ofFIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a top portion of the security case ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view of the security case elements ofFIG. 8 in the process of being assembled;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the security case elements ofFIG. 8 in an assembled configuration;
• FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the doors of the security case ofFIG. 5 in a first position;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the security case doors ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 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 afront panel10 and first and second side panels, provided on opposed -sides of the front panel. While side panels are located on both sides of thefront panel10, the side panels located on the second side of the front panel are not visible inFIG. 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 panel12 includes afront end20, arear end22 and suitable mountingfingers24 disposed on the rear end. A second, adjustable length,side panel14 includes afront section30, arear section32 and mountingfingers34 extending from the rear section. In this design, therear section32 is slidably mounted on thefront section30 viaslots36. Engaged in the slots of therear panel32 areprotrusions38 extending from thefront panel30.
• 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. Thefront panel10 comprises afirst door40 and asecond door42. As is evident, these doors are slidable in a suitable track provided in the front panel, thereby allowing access to one ormore shelves44 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 thedoors40,42 from being opened without permission from an employee of the merchant.
• With reference now toFIG. 2, in order to secure the security case in place,suitable brackets46 and47 can be provided. It should also be apparent fromFIG. 2 that the respective teeth of the side panels can be positioned in slots defined in vertically extendinggondolas48, as is known in the art. In the design illustrated inFIG. 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 thedoors40,42, 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 fromFIG. 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 undershelf mounting brackets46 and47 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 toFIG. 3, a security case B designed for a single shelf is there illustrated. Such a security case B comprises afront panel50 and first andsecond side panels52 and54. With reference toFIG. 4, the security case can be mounted between a pair ofshelves55. With reference again toFIG. 3, a plurality of spacedstuds56 can be provided along a bottom surface of thefront panel50. The studs are designed to fit into suitable apertures defined on alower shelf55. As shown inFIG. 4, thestuds56 can be threaded andsuitable nuts57 can be provided to secure the studs, and, hence, the front panel in place on thelower shelf55. Brackets58 can extend from a top surface of thefront panel50. These brackets can be secured withsuitable fasteners59 andnuts57 to both the front panel and to theshelf55 located above the security case B.
• With reference again toFIG. 3, the front panel includes a pair of slidingdoors60 and62. A grippingelement63 can be attached to a side edge of at least one of thedoors60,62 to aid in gripping the door for a sliding movement thereof. Eachside panel52 and54 can be provided with a mountingmember64. Extending from the mounting member aresuitable fingers66 which are meant to cooperate with agondola67 located at the rear end of eachshelf55, by being mounted thereto. In this design, the mountingmembers64 can be slidably engaged with theside panels52 and54, as in the embodiment described above with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2. Also, in this design, theside panels52 and54 can be transparent so as to allow a shopper to view the contents of the shelf, not only from the front, i.e., throughdoors60 and62, but also from the sides, through theside panels52 and54. Of course, if so desired, the side panels can be opaque instead.
• In this design, ahinge68 can be provided for connecting eachside panel52 and54 to thefront panel50. 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. Theside panels52 and54 lock into the gondola upright slots (via teeth, seeFIGS. 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 thedoors60 or62 is slid out of the way. Removal of the security case B is retarded due to the presence of theseveral fastening elements56,57,58 and59. It should be evident fromFIG. 4, that thestuds56 are invisible from the front of theshelf55, as they are hidden by afront overhang63 of the shelf. Similarly, the bracket58 is hidden from view by anoverhang63 of theoverlying shelf55. 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 toFIG. 5, a third type of security case C is there illustrated. In this design, the security case includes afront section70, afirst side panel72 and asecond side panel74.Suitable studs76 extend from a bottom face of thefront panel70. The studs extend throughapertures77 in ashelf78 on which the security case is mounted.Conventional nuts79 cooperate with the studs to secure the security case C to theshelf78.
• With reference now toFIG. 8, this embodiment of the security case also includes a top cover. The top cover comprises apivot track80 and atop panel82. With reference now toFIG. 9, thepivot track80 includes afirst arm86 and asecond arm88. Defined therebetween is aslot90. The slot accommodates afront flange94 of thetop panel82. The top cover also comprises atop wall102, afirst side wall104 and a similar second side wall (not visible). Suitable fasteners112 (FIG. 10) can be employed to secure the top panel side walls to theside panels72 and74. The fasteners extend throughapertures114 in theside panel104 and corresponding apertures116 (FIG. 6) in theside panels72 and74. In this way, the security case C can be employed for atop shelf116 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 thefront panel70. Nevertheless, the top panel is mounted to the security case C in a sturdy manner so as to resist removal thereof.
• With reference again toFIG. 9, thepivot track80 is provided with afirst groove120 and asecond groove122. Each groove is designed to accommodate one of a pair of door panels. More particularly, as shown inFIG. 11, afirst door panel124 comprises acenter mullion126. The mullion comprises abase128, afirst flange130, asecond flange132 and athird flange134. The three flanges extend from the base, as is evident fromFIGS. 11 and 12. In this design, a side edge of awindow138 of the door panel is mounted between the first andsecond flanges130,132. Aside mullion140 is employed to mount the opposed side edge of thewindow138. The side mullion also includes a base142 from which protrude first, second andthird flanges144,146,148. As is evident, the second side of thewindow138 is located between the first andsecond flanges144 and146.
• The top edge of thewindow138 is meant to be accommodated in thefirst track120. Similarly, the bottom edge of thefirst window138 is meant to be accommodated in a similar bottom track of the front panel. In other words, themullions126 and140 do not extend the complete height of thewindow138. 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 orpivot track80.
• Also provided is asecond door panel158. The second door panel similarly comprises acenter mullion160, which includes abase162 and first, second andthird flanges164,166 and168. A first side edge of awindow170 is accommodated between the second andthird flanges166 and168 of thecenter mullion160 of the second door panel. Also provided is aside mullion178. The side mullion similarly comprises abase180 and first, second andthird flanges182,184 and186. As is evident fromFIG. 11, the second side edge of thewindow170 is accommodated between the second andthird flanges184 and186 of theside mullion178.
• With reference now toFIG. 12, in this design, when the doors ordoor panels124 and158 are slid away from each other, as far as allowed by thefront panel70, the doors interlock such that thethird flange134 of thefirst center mullion126 engages thefirst flange164 of thesecond center mullion160. 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 thesecond window170 is accommodated in thesecond groove122 of thepivot track80. In the same fashion, a bottom edge of thesecond window170 is accommodated by a bottom track defined in thefront panel70. It should also be apparent that movement of the first andsecond door panels124 and158 is facilitated by themullions126 and140 being so designed as to provide gripping surfaces to enable a gripping of the mullion and, hence, the door for movement thereof. As to thesecond door158, thefirst flange182 thereof can be gripped to allow a sliding of this door as well.
• With reference now toFIG. 6, theside panels72 and74 can be pivotally mounted to the front panel viahinges194, only one of which is visible. Slidably mounted to each of theside panels72 and74 is a respective mountingmember200. To this end, the mountingpanel200 can be provided with one ormore slots202. Extending through these slots is a respective protrusion204 mounted to therespective side panel72,74. 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 ofFIGS. 6 and 7.FIG. 6 also illustrates thatsuitable teeth210 are provided on the mounting members.
• As shown inFIG. 7, such teeth, can be accommodated inrespective openings212 of agondola214. To prevent unauthorized tampering or disengagement between the mountingmember200 and thegondola214, a locking device ortab220 can be employed. The locking device includes ahook portion224 which is accommodated in a vertically extendingslot226 in the mounting member. One ormore fasteners228 can extend through aslot230 in thelock member220 and through asuitable slot232 in the mountingmember200. This construction retards the ability of an unauthorized user to attempt to slide the mountingmember200 away from thegondola214 and towards thefront panel70 of the security case C. This is accomplished by securing thefastener228 in position in theslots230 and232 via asuitable nut240. 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, thefront panel70 can comprise a known C-channel in order to allow signage to be mounted above or below the pair of doors orpanels124 and158. If desired, the front panel tracks, such as thepivot track80 can comprise a suitable conventional aluminum material.
• With reference now toFIG. 13, yet another embodiment of the security case according to the present disclosure is there illustrated. In this embodiment, a security case D comprises afront panel300 and first andsecond side panels302 and304. The side panels can be hinged to the front panel viasuitable hinges306, only one of which is visible. The front panel can comprise afirst door310 and asecond door312. Suitable center mullions316 can be provided for each door. These can interlock in the manner illustrated above in connection withFIGS. 11 and 12. Also, alock318 can be provided. Optionally, adoor chime320 can be provided to announce when one of the doors is slid open.
• In this design, the front panel further comprises atop channel322. 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 inFIG. 13. In this design, the bracket includes abase portion324 and anarm326 extending away from the base portion. Adisplay item328 can be mounted to thearm326. 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 abottom channel330, 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 apeg board340. With this embodiment, the security case D can enclose a desired section of an otherwise readily accessible peg board display. Thepeg board340 can be positioned between a pair ofgondolas342 and344. The security case D is mounted to the gondolas via a plurality ofbrackets346. More specifically, each of the brackets contains a set ofteeth348 which engage in spacedslots350 in the gondolas. The security case D is also supported by ashelf352 which is mounted to the gondolas. As is evident fromFIG. 13, thebrackets346 are connected to theside walls302 and304 of the security case D. More particularly, threadedfasteners354 extend through aligned apertures in thebrackets346 and therespective side wall302 and304. The brackets are held in place bynuts356 engaging thefasteners354. As mentioned, the security case also includes a top wall or panel (not visible inFIG. 13). The top wall can be of the same type as discussed above in connection withFIGS. 8-10, if desired. Of course, other known top walls can also be employed.
• Suitable shelves360 can be mounted to the peg board to contain some items. As can be appreciated, theshelf360 can be mounted to the peg board via conventional mountingstructures362. In addition, hooks370 can be employed with the peg board to display yet other items372 for sale by the merchant.
• In this design, suitable conventional dividers380, tracks382 andpushers384 can be located on thebottom shelf352. The dividers and tracks can be mounted to afront rail386. As is evident, the dividers and tracks can organizemerchandise388 into rows and push them forward on thebottom shelf352 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 theshelf360, if so desired. Thefront rail386 can be mounted to its support surface, such as thebottom shelf352 or theshelf360 via conventional means.
• With reference now toFIGS. 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 afront panel400 and a pair of side panels, only one of which402 is illustrated. Thefront panel400 can be similar to thefront panel300 illustrated inFIG. 13. Theside panel402 comprises a pair of top andbottom end channels404 and406. Positioned therebetween is atransparent side wall408, 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 theside wall408 is a mountingflange410. The mounting flange allows the security case E to be mounted to apeg board412.
• With reference particularly toFIG. 14B, a plurality of mountingbrackets420 are employed. Each mountingbracket420 comprises a pair of spaced mountingteeth422 which can be mounted in the plurality of evenly spacedapertures424 in the peg board. The mountingbracket420 also comprises a forwardly extending threadedstem426. Each such stem extends through a suitable one of a set of apertures defined in the mountingflange410.Respective nuts428 are then used to secure the mountingbrackets420 to the mountingflanges410 of the security case E.
• Also provided for the security case is abottom wall430 which is supported by the respectivelower channels406 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 thebottom wall430 can be a display assembly comprising dividers380′, tracks382′ andpushers384′. The dividers and tracks can be mounted to afront rail386′. If desired,suitable shelves360′ can be mounted to the peg board to contain some items. Also, hooks370′ can be employed to display yet other items of merchandise.
• With reference now toFIG. 15, a still further embodiment of the instant disclosure is there illustrated. In this embodiment, afront closure member500 is selectively secured on ashelf502. The front closure member comprises aframe510 which can be in the form of an aluminum extrusion or the like. The frame defines afirst track512 and, spaced therefrom, asecond track514. It should be apparent that the tracks extend longitudinally along the frame. Afirst door panel516 can be slidably mounted in the first track and a similarsecond panel518 can be slidably mounted in the second track. Astem520 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 theframe510.
• Also defined on theframe510 in this embodiment is achannel530 which is upwardly open so as to selectively accommodate an associatedfront fence532 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., inFIGS. 13 and 14a,from tipping forward. As is evident fromFIG. 15, thechannel530 is located rearwardly of the first andsecond tracks512 and514. Also, defined on the frame is a C-channel540 into which suitable signage or displays can be mounted, such as discussed previously in connection withFIG. 13. In contrast to thefence channel530, the C-channel540 is located forwardly of the first and second tracks.
• Moreover, theframe510 also comprises afastener channel550. This is located below the first and second tracks. Extending longitudinally along a bottom face of thefastener channel550 is aslot552. Ahead560 of a fastener562 is accommodated in thefastener channel550, while a stem564 of the fastener extends through theslot552. The fastener stem564 may be threaded and may cooperate with an associated fastener element, such as awing nut568. In this way, thefront closure member500 can be selectively secured to theshelf502. 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., inFIGS. 3 and 4. For example, a similar fastener channel can be provided at the upper edge of the front closure member, as is illustrated inFIG. 4.
• In addition, a merchandisedisplay system track570 can be defined in theframe510. For example, the display system track can be located beneath thechannel530 for the front fence and rearwardly of thesecond track514. In this way, suitably shaped tracks and dividers (such as dividers380 and tracks382 illustrated inFIG. 13) can be mounted to theframe510. For example, they can be slidably mounted thereto or fixedly mounted thereto in any conventional way, as may be desired. In fact, thetrack570 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 (22)

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 ofclaim 1 further comprising a front closure member connected to said first and second side walls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. The security case ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 16 further comprising first and second hinges for hingedly connecting said first and second side walls to said frame.

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

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

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

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

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

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