Security device for a can

Abstract

A security apparatus to secure to a container includes a body including a first body portion moveably coupled to a second body portion. The first body portion includes a first retainer and a lock engager. The second body portion includes a second retainer and one or more lock members. In an unlocked state, the first body portion and the second body portion are structured to move relative to each other in a first and second direction. In a locked state, the one or more lock members are structured to cooperate with the lock engager to inhibit movement in the second direction. The movement in the first direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer towards each other to retain a portion of the container. The movement in the second direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer away from each other to release the portion of the container.

Description

SECURITY DEVICE FOR A CANCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 707,841, filed on October 16, 2024, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 669,278, filed on July 10, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 574,443, filed on April 4, 2024. The entire contents of said applications are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of security devices for containers, and more specifically for containers that contain a product for sale, such as a can that contains a beverage.BACKGROUND

[0003] More often than ever before, consumers are treated to a wide variety of products being sold in specialized containers. For example, many beverages are sold in single serving containers, such as cans or bottles. In many circumstances, customers are able to buy a single can of their favorite beverage rather than being forced to purchase a multi-pack, such as a four-pack, six pack or case of the same beverage. However, selling individual cans of products, such as soda and beer, expose retailers to large amounts of shoplifting since these items are generally small, easy to conceal, and very difficult and expensive to arm with an inventory security device.

[0004] These are just some of the problems associated with the display and sale of individual, single serve products in cans, such as beverages.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Aspects of the following disclosure are directed to embodiments of a security apparatus configured to secure to a container. In some embodiments, the security apparatus includes a body with a first body portion moveably coupled to a second body portion. In some embodiments, the first body portion includes a first retainer, and a lock engager. In some embodiments, the second body portion includes a second retainer and one or more lock members. When the security apparatus is in an unlocked state, the first body portion and the second body portion are structured to move relative to each other in a first direction and in a second direction that is different from the first direction. When the security apparatus is in a locked state, the one or more lock members are structured to cooperate with the lock engager to inhibit movement in the second direction. In some embodiments, the movement in the first direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer towards each other to retain a portion of the container between the first retainer and the second retainer. In some embodiments, the movement in the second direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer away from each other to release the portion of the container.

[0006] In some embodiments, the the lock engager defines a plurality of cells including a first cell and a second cell, and wherein the first cell comprises a ramped surface. In some embodiments, when the security apparatus is in the locked state, the one or more lock members are configured to ride along the ramped surface of the first cell and drop into the second cell as the first body portion and second body portion are moved in the first direction. In some embodiments, of the security apparatus, the first body portion extends along a first body portion plane and the first retainer extends along a first retainer axis that intersects the first body portion plane. In some embodiments of the security apparatus, the second body portion extends along a second body portion plane and the second retainer extends along a second retainer axis that intersects the second body portion plane. In some embodiments, the first body portion includes a guide that is configured to cooperate with the second body portion to direct movement of the first body portion relative to the second body portion. In some embodiments of the security apparatus, at least one of the first and second retainers comprises a one or more protrusions configured to retain the portion of the container.

[0007] Aspects of the following disclosure are directed to embodiments of a security apparatus configured to secure a can. In some embodiments, the security apparatusincludes a body comprising a lock member and a retaining assembly pivotally coupled to the body. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly includes a retaining body comprising a lock engager, and a plurality of retainers pivotally coupled to the retaining body. In some embodiments, when the security apparatus is in the unlocked state, the retaining assembly is configured to pivot in a first direction relative to the body, and in a second direction relative to the body where the second direction is different than the first direction. In some embodiments, when the security apparatus is in the locked state, the lock member is configured to cooperate with the lock engager of the retaining body to inhibit pivoting in the second direction. In some embodiments, the pivoting in the first direction moves the plurality of retainers towards each other to retain a portion of the can between the plurality of retainers. In some embodiments, the pivoting in the second direction moves the plurality of retainers away from each other and from the retaining assembly to release the portion of the can.

[0008] In some embodiments of the security apparatus, the lock member comprises a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the second end comprises a plurality of engagement features. In some embodiments of the security apparatus, the lock engager comprises a plurality of surface features structured to cooperate with the engagement features of the lock member when the security apparatus is in the locked state. In some embodiments of the security apparatus, the retaining body further comprises one or more guides configured to direct a movement of one or more of the plurality of retainers. In some embodiments of the securing apparatus, the movement of the plurality of retainers occurs in unison. In some embodiments of the security apparatus, each of the plurality of retainers are pivotally coupled to the retaining body at a first end. In some embodiments of the security apparatus, each of the plurality of retainers defines a retaining pocket at a second end and the retaining pocket is dimensioned to retain the portion of the can.

[0009] Aspects of the following disclosure are directed to a method of manufacturing a security apparatus that is configured to secure to a can. Some embodiments of the method include structuring a body to comprise a first body portion and a second body portion moveably coupled to the first body portion. Some embodiments of the method further include structuring the first body portion to comprise a first retainer and a lock engager. Some embodiments of the method further include structuring a second body portion to comprise a second retainer and one or more lock members. Some embodiments of the method further includestructuring the first and second body portions such that, when the security apparatus is in an unlocked state, the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to move relative to each other in a first direction and in a second direction that is different from the first direction. Some embodiments of the method further include structuring the first and second body portions such that, when the security apparatus is in a locked state, the one or more lock members are configured to cooperate with the lock engager to inhibit movement in the second direction. In some embodiments, the movement in the first direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer towards each other to retain a portion of can between the first retainer and the second retainer, and wherein the movement in the second direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer away from each other to release the portion of the can.

[0010] Some embodiments of the method further comprise structuring the lock engager to defines a plurality of cells including a first cell and a second cell and structuring the first cell comprises a ramped surface. Some embodiments of the method further comprise structuring the one or more lock members, when the security apparatus in the locked state, to ride along the ramped surface of the first cell and drop into the second cell as the first body portion and second body portion are moved in the first direction. Some embodiments of the method further comprise structuring the first body portion to extend along a first body portion plane and structuring the first retainer to extend along a first retainer axis that intersects the first body portion plane. Some embodiments of the method further comprise structuring the second body portion to extend along a second body portion plane and structuring the second retainer to extend along a second retainer axis that intersects the second body portion plane. Some embodiments of the method further comprise structuring the first body portion to comprise a guide that is configured to cooperate with the second body portion to direct the movement of the first body portion relative to the second body portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] A more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Thus, for further understanding ofthe nature and objects of the invention, references can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a security device with the retaining assembly being rotated to move the retainers relative to the body of the security device such that the retaining members of the retainers can engage or grab onto the rim of the can.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the embodiment of the security device of FIG. 3 with the retainers extended.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the security device of FIG. 2 with the retainers retracted.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the security device with a portion of the body removed to show an alarm device.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the top portion of the body of the security device being transparent to show inner components of the security device with the retainers being extended.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up enlarged view of an embodiment of the security device with the retainers extended away from the can.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3 with the top portion of the body of the security device being transparent to show inner components of the security device with the retainers retracted.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up enlarged view of an embodiment of the security device with the retainers retracted to engage the rim of the can.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a security device for a can in a locked state and installed onto a can such that a plurality of retainers of the security device are engaged with or grab onto the rim of the can to secure the body of the security device over the top of the can.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the security device being unlocked by a magnetic tool such that the retaining assembly may be pivoted in a second direction to disengage the retainers from the rim of the can such that the body of the security device may be removed from the top of the can.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of the security device for a can in a locked state such that the top pf the can is retained by and substantiallycovered by the security device.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 11 with a portion of the security device being transparent to show inner components of the security device.

[0024] FIG. 13 schematically shows a sectional view of an embodiment of security device in a closed position where the one or more locking pins are positioned in the first cell.

[0025] FIG. 14 schematically shows a sectional view of an embodiment of security device in an open position where the one or more locking pins are positioned in the second cell.

[0026] FIG. 15A illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of the security device for a can in a locked state such that the top of the can is retained by and substantially covered by the security device.

[0027] FIG. 15B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 15A with a portion of the security device being transparent to show inner components of the security device.

[0028] FIG. 16A illustrates a top plan view of the embodiments of FIG. 15B in an expanded state or an unlocked state.

[0029] FIG. 16B illustrates a top plan view of the embodiments of FIG. 15B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following discussion relates to various embodiments of a security device for a can. It will be understood that the herein described versions are examples that embody certain inventive concepts as detailed herein. To that end, other variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of sufficient skill. In addition, certain terms are used throughout this discussion in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “forward”, “rearward”, “interior”, “exterior”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner”, “outer”, “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to limit these concepts, except where so specifically indicated. The terms “about” or “approximately” or substantially, as used herein may refer to a range of 80%-125% of the claimed or disclosed value. With regard to the drawings, their purpose is to depict salient features of the security device and are not specifically provided to scale.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, some embodiments of the security apparatus or security device 100 include a body 102 or housing that includes a first body portion 102a (FIG. 3) with an upper surface or first body surface 103 and a second body portion 102b (FIG. 5) with a second body surface 105 that opposes the first body surface 103 (FIG. 3). The first body portion102a and the second body portion 102b may bejoined together to define an inner body space 106 (FIG. 5). The joining together first body portion 102a and the second body portion 102b may be done through a snap-fit interaction or may be fixedly done via a soldering or other permanent fixation method of joining the first body portion 102a to the second body portion 102b. In some embodiments, first housing portion 102a is structured to house a lock member 130 (FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the first housing portion 102a may include a lock housing portion 108 that is coupled to the first housing portion 102a or formed as a single component with the first housing portion 102a. In some embodiments, the lock housing portion is positioned on the first body surface 103 and is structured to house embodiments of the lock member 130 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. In some embodiments, the lock member 130 includes a lock body 132 with a first end 134 that is structured to receive a biasing force F (FIG. 7) from a biasing member, such as a spring. In some embodiments, the lock member 130 defines a second end 136 that includes a plurality of surface features or engagement features 138, such as extensions or teeth. In some embodiments, a lock interface 109 (FIG. 4) is positioned on an opposing side of the biasing element from the first end 134 of the lock body 132. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lock interface 109 is accessible from an outside of the body 102.

[0032] In some embodiments, a retaining assembly 110 is pivotally coupled to the body 102 and includes a retaining body 112 configured to rotate or pivot relative to the body 102. In some embodiments, the retaining body 112 may include a housing portion 114 that is dimensioned to hold an alarm device 116, which is configured to generate an output in response to being triggered. In some embodiments, the alarm device 116 may be triggered by physical disruption of the alarm device 116 itself and / or receipt or detection of a signal from a remote alarm sensor as may be present near an exit of a retail space. Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 7, the retaining body 112 defines a plurality of guides 113 that extend between a perimeter region 115 of the retaining body 112 and a center or central portion of the retaining body 112. In some embodiments, the guides 113 are curved or at least partially arcuate. In some embodiments, the retaining body 112 further includes a lock engager or a lock portion 117 that defines a plurality of surface features 119 that are configured to interact with the surface features 138 of the lock member 130.

[0033] In some embodiments, a plurality of retainers 120 are pivotally secured to the retaining body 112. In some embodiments, the plurality of retainers includes 3-6 retainers120. In some embodiments, the plurality of retainers may be greater than six (6), or may be only two (2). In some embodiments, each of the retainers 120 includes a retainer body 122 that extends along a retainer axis R (FIG. 5) and includes a first end 121 that is pivotally secured to the retaining body 112 by a guide pin 125 that extends through the first end 121 of the retainer 120 and at least part of the guide 113 of the retaining body 112. Each retainer 120 further includes a second end 123 with a retaining member 124. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, each retaining member 124 includes a retainer extension 126 that extends from the second end 123 of the retainer body 122 along an extension axis E (FIG. 6) that intersects the retainer axis R (FIG. 6). A lip 128 extends from the retainer extension 126 at an end of the retainer extension 126 distal from the retainer body 122 and along a lip axis L that intersects the extension axis E to delimit a retainer pocket 129. In some embodiments, the retaining member 124 and corresponding retainer 120 may be formed as separate components and then joined together using any known method. In some embodiments, the retaining member 124 and corresponding retainer 120 are formed as a single unitary, monolithic component.

[0034] Operation of the security device 100 will now be discussed with particular reference to FIGS. 5-10. Starting with the security device 100 with the plurality of retainers 120 in an extended position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the body 102 of the security device 100 is placed so that the second body portion 102b faces and / or contacts the top of a closed container, such as a can 50. In this position, and as shown in FIG. 6, the retaining member 124 is positioned away from the rim 54 of the can 50 such that at least part of the second body portion 102b may contact a portion of the top of the can 50, such as an outer circumference and / or part of the rim 54.

[0035] The retaining assembly 110 is then secured to the can 50 by rotating or pivoting the retaining body 112 relative to the body 102 of the security device 100 as is shown from FIG. 5 to FIG. 7. The rotation or pivot may be clockwise in some embodiments and counterclockwise in other embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the security device 100 is in a default state (or locked state) where the lock member is biased into contact with the lock portion 117 of the retaining assembly 110. Due to interaction between the surface features 138 of the lock member 130 and the surface features 119 of the lock portion 117 of the retaining assembly 110, the retaining assembly 110 is enabled to pivot in a first direction but is inhibited from pivoting in a second direction. Pivoting the retaining assembly 110 in the first direction causes each of the plurality of retainers 120 to ride along a corresponding guide 113 such that the first end 121 ofeach of each retainer 120 is directed towards the center section C (FIG. 5) of the retaining body 112. Accordingly, pivoting the retaining assembly 110 in the first direction acts to retract the retaining members 124 of each of the retainers 120 in unison towards the body 102 of the security device 100 (as shown in FIGS. 7-9) in order to secure the can 50 within the security device 100. In some embodiments, the retainers 120 are retracted so that that the lip 128 is positioned under the rim 54 of the can 50, thereby trapping the rim 54 in the retainer pocket 129. When the rim 54 of the can 50 is trapped in the retaining pocket 129, the security device 100 is inhibited from being removed from the can 50 and the body 102 substantially covers the top of the can 50. In this manner, the can 50 is inhibited from being opened in the typical way and is inhibited from being removed from the retail space due to the alarm device 116.

[0036] In order to remove the security apparatus 100 from the can 50 (i.e., to extend the retainers 120 in order to disengage the rim 54 of the can 50) a key 150 must be used at the lock interface 109. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 7 and 10, the key 150 is a magnetic key that, when in contact with the lock interface 109, exerts a magnetic force on the lock member 130, which overcomes the biasing force F (Fig. 7) to disengage the lock member 130 from the lock portion 117. When the surface features 138 of the lock member 130 are disengaged from or otherwise not cooperating with the surface features 119 of the lock portion 117, the retaining assembly 110 may be pivoted in the first and second directions. As was previously discussed, pivoting the retaining assembly 110 in the first direction acts to retract the retainers 120 into the body 102 of the security device 100 to secure the can 50 to the security apparatus 100. Pivoting the retaining assembly 110 in the second direction acts to extend the retainers 120 in unison from the body 102, which disengages the rim 54 of the can 50 from the retainers 120. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly may automatically pivot in the second direction when unlocked. Pivoting the retaining assembly in the second direction acts to extend the retainers 120 so that the retaining members 124 move from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 6 so that the security device 100 may be removed from the can 50. Removing the key 150 from the lock interface 109 results in the lock member 130 being biased against the lock portion 117 again, thereby inhibiting the retaining assembly 110 from being pivoted in the second direction.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of the security device 200 is shown. In this embodiment, the security device 200 includes a body 210 comprising a firstbody portion 212 that is moveably coupled to a second body portion 222. In some embodiments, the first body portion 212 is positioned under the second body portion 222. In some embodiments, the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 222 are slidably coupled to each other. In some embodiments, the first body portion 212 includes a guide 214 structured to interact with second body portion 222 and guide the movement of the second body portion 222 relative to the first body portion 212. In some embodiments, the first body portion 212 further includes a lock engager 216 that is structured to engage one or more locking pins 232 of the second body portion 222. In some embodiments, the lock engager 216 includes a plurality of pockets or cells 217a, 217b, . .. , 217n that each comprised a ramped surface 219 that slopes in a upward or uphill manner as one moves from, for example, a first cell 217a to a second cell 217b. In some embodiments, the first body portion 212 further includes a first retainer or a first lip 218 that is structured to extend from the first body portion 212 along a first retainer axis or a first lip axis LI (FIG. 12) that is generally normal to, or otherwise intersects a first body portion plane FP and structured to engage a portion of the can 50. As shown, the first lip 218 comprises an arcuate shape that may generally follow the curvature of the sides and / or rim 54 of the can 50.

[0038] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 11, the second body portion 222 is moveably coupled to the first body portion 212 and includes a second retainer or a second lip 228 that is positioned away from the first lip 218. The second lip 228 may be structured similar to the first lip 218 and extend from the second body portion 222 along a second retainer axis or a second lip axis L2 that is generally normal to, or otherwise intersects a second body portion plane SP and is further structured to engage a portion of the can 50. In some embodiments, the first and second body portion planes FP, SP are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first retainer axis and the second retainer axis are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the second lip 228 comprises an arcuate shape that may generally follow the curvature of the sides and / or rim 54 of the can 50. In some embodiments, the second body portion 222 further includes a housing 224 that is dimensioned to house an alarm device 226, which is configured to generate an output in response to being triggered. The alarm device 226 may be triggered by physical disruption of the alarm device 226 itself and / or receipt or detection of a signal from a remote alarm sensor as may be present near an exit of a retail space. As shown in FIG. 12, a lock 230 is at least partially positioned on the second body portion 222 and includes one or more lock members or locking pins 232 that are biased into engagement with the lock engager 216 of the first body portion 212 by abiasing member. In some embodiments the biasing member comprises a spring member. In some embodiments, the one or more locking pins 232 engage one or more of the pockets or cells 217a, 217b, . .., 217n of the lock engager 216. In some embodiments, the one or more locking pins 232 are operatively coupled to a lock member block or pin block 234 that is positioned proximate to a lock interface 238. In some embodiments, the pin block is comprised of a material having magnetic properties. The lock 230 is structured to define a locked position or locked state and an unlocked position or unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the first body portion 212 is able to move relative to the second body portion 222 such that the first and second lips 218, 228 may be move towards or away from each other. When in the locked state, the first and second body portions 212, 222 are inhibited from moving relative to each other in a direction that moves the first and second lips 218, 228 away from each other.

[0039] Operation of the security device 200 will now be explained with general reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In order to unlock the security device 200, a key, such as the magnetic key 150 (FIG. 10) previously discussed, is brought close to or is brought into contact with the lock interface 238. The magnetic key 150 (FIG. 10) exerts a force F (FIG. 12) against the pin block 234 to overcome the biasing force exerted by the biasing member to pull the pin block 234 towards the magnetic key 150 (FIG. 10), which retracts the one or more locking pins 232 from the lock engager 216. The security device 200 may then be fully expanded by pulling the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 222 in opposite directions to move the first and second lips 218, 228 away from each other as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14A. The magnetic key 150 (FIG. 10) is then removed, which causes the at least one locking pin 232 to be biased into engagement with the lock engager 216, for example with a first cell 217a of the lock engager 216. The security device 200 is then placed on top of a can 50 such that the lock interface 238 is facing away from the top of the can 50 as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 11.

[0040] In order to secure the can 50 in the security device 200, the first and second body portions 212, 222 are moved towards each other along the guide 214, or along the guide axis G (FIG. 13 A), until the first lip 218 and the second lip 228 engage the rim 54 of the can 50. In some embodiments, the first lip 218 and the second lip 228 each include one or more protrusions 229 that are structured to retain the rim 54 of the can 50 to inhibit or reduce shrinkage of the can 50. As the first lip 218 and the second lip 228 are moved towards each other to retain the can 50, the at least one locking pin 232 rides along the ramped surface 219 of a first cell 217a (FIG. 13)until the one or more locking pins 232 disengage from the first cell 217a and drops or is biased into the second cell 217b as shown schematically in FIG. 14. In some embodiments, the plurality of cells 217a, 217b..., 217n are dimensioned to correspond to common diameters of cans 50. As shown in FIG. 12, when the can 50 is retained by the first and second lips 218, 228, the at least one locking pin 232 is positioned in the second cell 217b and is inhibited from being moved back into the first cell 217a as can more clearly be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, thereby locking the can 50 in the security device 200. In some embodiments, the lock engager 216 includes a plurality of cells 217a, 217b .. . , 217n in order to accommodate cans having many different diameters. In order to remove the can 50, the magnetic key 150 (FIG. 10) is positioned at the lock interface 238 and exerts an unlocking force or a magnetic force F (FIG. 12) on the pin block 234 that is opposite that of the biasing force and greater than the biasing force exerted by the biasing member 233, which causes the at least one locking pin 232 to retract from the second cell 217b as was previously described. When the at least one locking pin 232 is retracted from the second cell 217b, the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 222 may be moved relative to each other to move the first lip 218 away from the second lip 228, which disengages the security device 200 from the can 50.

[0041] Turning to FIGS. 15A-16B, an alternate embodiment of the security device 200 is shown including a lock engager or a pin block 240 in the form of a push button, which may be depressed to move the security device 200 from the unlocked state into the locked state. In some embodiments, the pin block 240 may engage the one or more locking pins 232. When the pin block 240 is in the locked position (e.g., the button is depressed) the one or more locking pins 232 engage at least one of the plurality of notches or cells 217a, 217b..., 217n of the lock engager 216 of the first body portion 212. In the locked position, the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 222 may only be moved in the first direction to bring the first and second lips 218, 228 towards each other. When the pin block 240 is moved to the unlocked position as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16B, the pin block 240 is moved to the unlocked position, which in turn disengages the one or more locking pins 232 from the at least one of the plurality of notches or cells 217a, 217b..., 217n of the lock engager 216 of the first body portion 212. In the unlocked state, the first body portion 212 and the second body portion 222 are enabled to move in the first direction and in the second direction to move the first and second lips 218, 228 away from each other.

[0042] In some embodiments, a magnetic key is positioned to contact the lock interface 238 and the pin block 240 is then pressed, which causes the pin block 240 to move to the unlocked state. In some embodiments, a biasing member, such as a spring is positioned such that contact of the key 150 with the lock interface 238 automatically biases the pin block 240 into the unlocked state. When moved to the unlocked state, the pin block 240 causes the one or more locking pins 232 to be retracted from the at least one of the plurality of notches or cells 217a, 217b..., 217n of the lock engager 216 of the first body portion 212. In some embodiments, the first and second body portions 212, 222 spring apart when the pin block 240 is moved from the locked state to the unlocked state. In some embodiments, the first and second body portions 212, 222 are held in position relative to each other with a press in pin 247 from the top. In some embodiments, the press in pin 247 also retains the spring retaining pin that slides through the primary slide which prevents the primary spring 245 from being removed.

[0043] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.

[0044] The parts, components, and structural elements of each of the embodiments of the secure product dispenser can be combined into an integral or unitary, one-piece object through welding, soldering, plastic molding other methods, or such parts, components, and structural elements can be distinct, removable items that are attachable to each other through screws, bolts, pins and other suitable fasteners.

[0045] In the foregoing description, certain components or elements may have been described as being configured to mate with each other. For example, an embodiment may be described as a first element (functioning as a male) configured to be inserted into a second element (functioning as a female). It should be appreciated that an alternate embodiment includes the first element (functioning as a female) configured to receive the second element (functioning as a male). In either such embodiment, the first and second elements are configured to mate with, fit with or otherwise interlock with each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A security apparatus configured to secure to a container, comprising: a body comprising, a first body portion comprising, a first retainer, and a lock engager, a second body portion moveably coupled to the first body portion and comprising, a second retainer, and one or more lock members configured to define a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the unlocked state, the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to move relative to each other in a first direction and in a second direction that is different from the first direction, wherein in the locked state, the one or more lock members are configured to cooperate with the lock engager to inhibit movement in the second direction, and wherein the movement in the first direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer towards each other to retain a portion of the container between the first retainer and the second retainer, and wherein the movement in the second direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer away from each other to release the portion of the container.

2. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock engager defines a plurality of cells including a first cell and a second cell, and wherein the first cell comprises a ramped surface.

3. The security apparatus of claim 2, wherein in the locked state, the one or more lock members are configured to ride along the ramped surface of the first cell and drop into the second cell as the first body portion and the second body portion are moved in the first direction.

4. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first body portion extends along a first body portion plane and the first retainer extends along a first retainer axis that intersects the first body portion plane.

5. The security apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second body portion extends along a second body portion plane and the second retainer extends along a second retainer axis that intersects the second body portion plane.

6. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first body portion comprises a guide that is configured to cooperate with the second body portion to direct movement of the first body portion relative to the second body portion.

7. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second retainers comprises a one or more protrusions configured to retain the portion of the container.

8. A security apparatus configured to secure a can, comprising: a body comprising a lock member configured to move between an unlocked state and a locked state; and retaining assembly pivotally coupled to the body and comprising, a retaining body comprising a lock engager, and a plurality of retainers pivotally coupled to the retaining body, wherein in the unlocked state, the retaining assembly is configured to pivot in a first direction relative to the body, and a second direction relative to the body, where the second direction is different than the first direction, wherein in the locked state, the lock member is configured to cooperate with the lock engager of the retaining body to inhibit pivoting in the second direction, and wherein the pivoting in the first direction moves the plurality of retainers towards each other to retain a portion of the can between the plurality of retainers, and wherein the pivoting in the second direction moves the plurality of retainers away from each other and from the retaining assembly to release the portion of the can.

9. The security apparatus of claim 8, wherein the lock member comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the second end comprises a plurality of engagement features.

10. The security apparatus of 9, wherein the lock engager comprises a plurality of surface features structured to cooperate with the engagement features of the lock member when in the locked state.

11. The security apparatus of claim 8, wherein the retaining body further comprises one or more guides configured to direct a movement of one or more of the plurality of retainers.

12. The securing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the movement of the plurality of retainers occurs in unison.

13. The security apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of retainers are pivotally coupled to the retaining body at a first end.

14. The security apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of retainers defines a retaining pocket at a second end, wherein the retaining pocket is dimensioned to retain the portion of the can.

15. A method of manufacturing a security apparatus that is configured to secure to a can, comprising: structuring a body to comprise a first body portion and a second body portion moveably coupled to the first body portion; structuring the first body portion to comprise a first retainer and a lock engager; structuring the second body portion to comprise a second retainer and one or more lock members; structuring the first and second body portions such that, when in an unlocked state, the first body portion and the second body portion are configured to move relative to each other in a first direction and in a second direction that is different from the first direction; and structuring the first and second body portions such that, when in a locked state, the one or more lock members are configured to cooperate with the lock engager to inhibit movement in the second direction,wherein the movement in the first direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer towards each other to retain a portion of can between the first retainer and the second retainer, and wherein the movement in the second direction moves the first retainer and the second retainer away from each other to release the portion of the can.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: structuring the lock engager to defines a plurality of cells including a first cell and a second cell; and structuring the first cell comprises a ramped surface.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising structuring the one or more lock members, when in the locked state, to ride along the ramped surface of the first cell and drop into the second cell as the first body portion and the second body portion are moved in the first direction.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising structuring the first body portion to extend along a first body portion plane and structuring the first retainer to extend along a first retainer axis that intersects the first body portion plane.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising structuring the second body portion to extend along a second body portion plane and structuring the second retainer to extend along a second retainer axis that intersects the second body portion plane.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising structuring the first body portion to comprise a guide that is configured to cooperate with the second body portion to direct the movement of the first body portion relative to the second body portion.

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