Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SECURITY SHOWCASE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a showcase. More specifically, but
not exclusively, the present invention relates to a security showcase for
displaying and
protecting items including valuable goods such as jewelry and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Display cases, also known as showcases, are widely used for
displaying high-value articles such as jewelry, coins, electronics, cameras,
etc. It is
readily understood that the typical display case having one or more glass
windows is
particularly susceptible to theft wherein the criminal smashes the glass and
removes as
many valuable articles as possible before escaping. Due to the frequency of
such
"smash and grab" crimes, most retailers choose to remove high-value goods from
their
display cases at the close of business daily and relocate the merchandise into
more
secure storage. Unfortunately, the routine transfer of merchandise between the
display
case and storage causes many problems of its own, not the least of which is
the.
increased labor required to perform the work.
[0003] Other problems include increased wear and tear on the merchandise
and display fixtures, and increase problems with inventory and loss control.
[0004] Conventional display showcases having a theft preventing mechanism
use a heavy steel sheet that needs to be manually positioned on top of the
showcase to
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separate the glass portion of the showcase and the valuable goods. This
operation is
tedious, requires significant strength and may cause back injuries. The
protective steel
sheet, when moving between the stored position and the goods-protecting
position,
extends outside the perimeter of the display showcase, More floor space than
the actual
size of the showcase is required. This prevents the display showcase to be
easily
activated in a tight space.
[0005] Improvements in such showcases included providing a showcase with
a housing that includes an lower storage section having an exterior obscuring
wall and a
fully enclosable display section mounted above the lower section. A platform
is
mounted within the lower storage section in order to be selectively raised
into the
display section for displaying items disposed thereon. A closure was provided
to be
selectively interposed between the display and storage sections. Such closures
include
conventional heavy panels which are inconvenient as explained above.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a security showcase.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a storage enclosure
for
a security showcase.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects of the invention will now be disclosed hereunder.
[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a security showcase comprising a housing comprising adjacent storage
and
display portions for respectively storing and displaying items therein; a
support mounted
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to the housing for supporting items and being positionable between an item-
storing
position, wherein the support is positioned within the storage portion, and an
item-
displaying position, wherein items supported by the support are displayed via
the
display portion; and a closure comprising at least a pair of closure elements
moveably
mounted to the housing and being movable between a closed position, wherein
the
closure elements are interposed between the storage and display portions and
mutually
mated thereby enclosing the support within the storage portion when in the
item-storing
position, an open position when the support is in the item-displaying
position.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a security showcase comprising: a housing comprising adjacent storage
and
display portions for respectively storing and displaying items therein; a
support movably
mounted to the housing for supporting items and being moveable between an item-
storing position, wherein the support is positioned within the storage
portion, and an
item-displaying position, wherein items supported by the support are displayed
via the
display portion; and a closure moveably mounted to the housing and being
operationally
linked to the support, wherein movement of the support to the item-storing
position
causes the closure to move to a closed position being interposed between the
storage
and display portions thereby enclosing the support within the storage portion
and
wherein movement of the support to the item-displaying position causes the
closure to
move towards an open position.
[0011] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a security showcase comprising: a housing comprising adjacent storage
and
display portions for respectively storing and displaying items therein; a
support
mounted to the housing for supporting items and being positionable between an
item-
storing position, wherein the support is positioned within the storage
portion, and an
item-displaying position, wherein items supported by the support are displayed
via the
display portion; and an automated closure moveably mounted to the housing and
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moveable between a closed and an open position, wherein the automated closure
is
configured to move to a closed position being interposed between the storage
and
display portions when the support is in the item-storing position thereby
enclosing the
support within the storage portion and wherein the automated closure is
configured to
move to an open position when the support is in the item-displaying position.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a security showcase comprising: a housing comprising adjacent
storage and
display portions for respectively storing and displaying items therein; a
support mounted
to housing for supporting items and being positionable between an item-storing
position,
wherein the support is positioned within the storage portion, and an item-
displaying
position, wherein items supported by the support are displayed via the display
portion;
and a closure moveably mounted to the housing and being movable between a
closed
position, wherein the closure is interposed between the storage and display
portions
thereby enclosing the support within the storage portion when in the item-
storing
position, and an open position, wherein the closure is positioned within the
storage
portion when the support is in the item-displaying position.
[0013] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a security showcase comprising: a storage portion for storing
items therein
and comprising an opening thereof; a display portion for housing items to be
displayed
therein and being moveably mounted to the storage portion so as to be movable
between an item-storing position, wherein the display portion is positioned
within the
storage portion, and an item-displaying position, wherein the display portion
is
positioned outwardly of the opening thereby displaying items; and a closure
for
selectively closing the opening thereby enclosing the display portion within
the storage
portion when in the item-storing position.
[0014] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there
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is provided a storage enclosure for a security showcase comprising a display
portion
thereof, the storage enclosure being configured to be adjacently positioned to
the
display portion and comprising: a main body for storing items therein and
having an
opening thereof for communicating with the display portion; a support mounted
within
5 the main body for supporting items and being positionable between an item-
storing
position within the main body and an item-displaying position, wherein items
supported
by the support are to be displayed via the display portion; and a pair of
closure elements
moveably mounted to the main body and being movable between a closed position
wherein the closure elements are mutually mated thereby closing the opening
and
enclosing the support within the main body, and an open position when the
support is in
the item-displaying position.
[0015] In accordance with still a further aspect of the present invention,
there
is provided a storage enclosure for a security showcase comprising a display
portion
thereof, the storage enclosure being configured to be adjacently positioned to
the
display portion and comprising: a main body for storing items therein and
having an
opening thereof for communicating with the display portion; a support movably
mounted
within the main body for supporting items and being moveable between an item-
storing
position within the main body and an item-displaying position, wherein items
supported
by the support are to be displayed via the display portion; and a closure
moveably
mounted to the main body and being operationally linked to the support,
wherein
movement of the support to the item-storing position causes the closure to
move to a
closed position closing the opening thereby enclosing the support within the
main body,
and wherein movement of the support to the item-displaying position causes the
closure
to move towards an open position.
[0016] In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a storage enclosure for a security showcase comprising a
display
portion thereof, the storage enclosure being configured to be adjacently
positioned to
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the display portion and comprising: a main body for storing items therein and
having an
opening thereof for communicating with the display portion; a support mounted
within
the main body for supporting items and being positionable between an item-
storing
position within the main body and an item-displaying position, wherein items
supported
by the support are to be displayed via the display portion; and an automated
closure
moveably mounted to the main body and moveable between a closed and an open
position; wherein the automated closure is configured to move to a closed
position
closing the opening when the support is in the item-storing position thereby
enclosing
the support within the main body, and wherein the automated closure is
configured to
move to an open position when the support is in the item-displaying position.
[0017] In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a storage enclosure for a security showcase comprising a
display
portion thereof, the storage enclosure being configured to be adjacently
positioned to
the display portion and, comprising: a main body for storing items therein and
having an
opening thereof for communicating with the display portion; a support mounted
within
the main body for supporting items and being positionable between an item-
storing
position within the main body and an item-displaying position, wherein items
supported
by the support are to be displayed via the display portion; and a closure
moveably
mounted to the main body and being movable between a closed position, wherein
the
closure closes the opening thereby enclosing the support within the main body
when in
the item-storing position, and an open position, wherein the closure is
positioned within
the storage enclosure when the support is in the item-displaying position.
[0018] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of non-
limiting illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with
reference to
the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the appended drawings, where like reference numerals denote like
elements throughout and in where:
[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a security showcase in an item-
storing position in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the security showcase of Figure 1 in
an item-displaying position;
[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the security showcase of
Figure 1;
[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a storage enclosure for the security
showcase of Figure 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0024] Figure 5 is a lateral sectional view of the storage enclosure along the
line 5-5 of Figure 4 with the support thereof in the item-storing position and
the closure
elements thereof in the closed position;
[0025] Figure 6 is a lateral sectional view of the storage enclosure of Figure
5
with the support thereof moving to the item-displaying position and the
closure elements
thereof moving to the open position;
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[0026] Figure 7 is a lateral sectional view of the storage enclosure of Figure
5
with the support thereof in the item-displaying position and the closure
elements thereof
in the open position;
[0027] Figure 8 is perspective view of a storage enclosure for a security
showcase in an item-storing position in accordance with another illustrative
embodiment
of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the storage enclosure of Figure 8 in
an item-displaying position;
[0029] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a security showcase in the item-
storing position in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0030] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the security showcase of Figure 10
in the item-displaying position;
[0031] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a security showcase in the item-
displaying position in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0032] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a security showcase in the item-
displaying position in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
present
invention; and
[0033] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a security showcase in the item-
storing position in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
present
invention.
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[0034] The drawings appended hereto form part of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] With reference to the appended drawings, illustrative embodiments of
the present invention will be described herein so as to exemplify the
invention and in no
way limit the scope thereof.
[0036] Generally and non-exclusively stated, the present invention provides a
security showcase having adjacent display and storage portions. The display
portion
providing for displaying items, the storage portion providing for securely
hiding these
items. The showcase also includes a movable support such as a platform movable
between the display and storage portions for displaying or storing the items
respectively. A closure is selectively interposed between the display and
storage
portions so as to securely enclose the support and items within the storage
portion. In
one aspect of the invention, the closure provides a pair of mutually mating
closure
elements. In another aspect of the invention, the closure is operationally
linked to the
support so as to open and close in accordance with the movement of the support
between the display and support portions. In another aspect of the invention,
the
closure is automated. In another aspect of the invention, when the closure is
opened it
is positioned within the storage portion. Storage enclosures including a
movable
support and closure for such showcases are also provided. Also provided is a
showcase with a storage portion and movable display portion so as to be moved
within
the storage portion when storing the items and as to be moved towards an
opening of
the storage portion when displaying the items.
[0037] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, a security showcase 10 in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will now
be
described.
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[0038] Figures 1 and 2 show the security showcase 10 in the item-storing
and item-displaying positions respectively. The security showcase 10 includes
a
housing 12 having adjacent storage and display portions 14 and 16,
respectively.
Security showcase 10 is a generally horizontal showcase with the display
portion 16
5 being positioned on top of the storage portion 14. A closure 18 is movably
mounted to
the housing 12 and interposed between the storage and display portions 14 and
16
when in the closed position (Figure 1). The closure 18 may also be selectively
moved
to an open position (Figure 2) thereby exposing the support 20 movably mounted
to the
housing 12 for displaying items or goods I via the display portion 16. In a
non-illustrated
10 embodiment, wheels can be added to the underside 11 of the housing 12.
[0039] The display portion 16 includes transparent sections 22 made of glass
or other rigid see-through material allowing customers in a store to view the
items I
therethrough. In contrast, the storage portion 14 is obscured in order to hide
the items I
stored away therein.
[0040] In this non-limiting example, the closure 18 includes a pair of
oppositely disposed closure elements 18A and 18B in the form of protective
covers or
doors. The closed position in Figure 1 refers to the position where the
protective covers
18A and 18B are mutually mated hence, touching each other in order to prevent
any
access inside the storage portion 14 thereby hiding and protecting the
valuable items or
goods. Conversely, the open position in Figure 2 refers to the position where
the
protective covers 18A and 18B are moved away from one another exposing the
inside
of the storage portion 14 and providing communication between the adjacent
storage
and display portions 14 and 16 respectively. Of course, in other
configurations that may
be contemplated within the scope of the present invention, the closure 18
includes a
plurality of closure elements or a may comprise a single element and as such
the open
position refers to the position where the support 20 is exposed via the
display portion 16
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and the closed position refers to the position where the support 20 is
obscured by the
closure 18.
[0041] The support 20 is in the form of a generally horizontal movable
platform for disposing items I thereon.
[0042] The item-storing position in Figure 1 refers to the position where the
support 20 is stored away within the storage section 14 and obscured by the
closure 18
so as not to be visible through the display portion 16. Conversely, the item-
displaying
position in Figure 2 refers to then the support 20 is not obscured by the
closure 18 and
the items it supports are now visible via the display portion 16. In fact, it
can also be
contemplated that the support 20 is barely movable or is fixed and as such
positionable
to the item-storing position refers to the position when the closure 18 is
closed
obscuring the support 20 through the display portion 16 and positionable tot
the item-
displaying position refers to the position when the closure 18 is opened and
hence,
exposed the support 20 via the display portion 16. As such, in the item-
displaying
position, the support 20 may be exposed yet within the storage portion 14 and
hence,
visible along with its items I via the display portion 16; the support 20 may
be interposed
between the storage and display portions 14 and 16 respectively and hence,
visible via
the display portion 16; the support 20 may also be positioned within the
display portion
16 and hence, again visible via the display portion.
[0043] Turning now to Figure 3, the housing 12 includes opposite lateral
panels 24 and 26, with panel 26 including a see-through portion 22, as well as
front and
rear panels 28 and 30 respectively. Panels 24 and 26 are interconnected via
front and
rear bottom longitudinal members 32 and 34 respectively, a floor panel 36,
front and
rear median longitudinal members 38 and 40 respectively, and front and rear
top
longitudinal members 42 and 44, respectively.
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[0044] A pair of sliding lock doors 46 and 48 are mounted between top
longitudinal members 42 and 44 which are guide members allowing the lock doors
46
and 48 to slide along their longitudinal length thereby providing access to
the inside of
the display portion 16 so as to access the items I housed therein. Indeed, the
lock
doors 46 and 48 can also be provided with transparent sections so as to
provide visual
access to the inside of the display portion 16. Transparent material 22 such
as glass is
mounted between members top 42 and 44, and between top member 44 and median
member 40.
[0045] The floor panel 36 and the longitudinal members 32 and 24 provide a
space therebetween for an auxiliary drawer 50. The front panel 28 is mounted
to the
lateral panels and to the median member 38 and floor member 36 and includes a
longitudinal notch 52 to provide a clearance for the drawer 50.
[0046] The back panel 30 is mounted to the panels 24 and 26, to the
longitudinal member 40 and to the floor member 36. The foregoing provides a
space 54
for receiving a storage enclosure 56 therein. As such, the storage portion 14
comprises
the space 56 and the storage enclosure 56.
[0047] The storage enclosure 56 comprises a floor panel 58, front and rear
panels 60 and 62 respectively and lateral frames 64 and 66. The support 20 is
mounted
onto a movement imparting device 68, positioned within the storage enclosure,
for
moving the support 20 between the item-displaying and item-storing positions.
In this
example, the movement imparting device 68 is a scissor jack powered by an
actuator as
a skilled will readily understand. The protective covers 18A and 18B include
respective
first panels 70A and 70B, respectively and second panels 72B and 72B,
respectively. A
pair of first and second panels 70A, 72A and 70B, 72B are respectively hinged
together
at a common pivotal edge 74A and 74B via respective hinges 76A and 76B. A pair
of
guides 77 are mounted on each frame 64 and 66 for guiding the protective
covers 18A
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and 18B between the closed and open positions. Links such as pulley assemblies
78
are used to operationally link the support 20 to the protective covers 18A and
18B as
will be further detailed herein.
[0048] Turning now, to Figure 4, the storage enclosure 56 is shown in an
assembled and closed position thereby defining a main body 57. Lateral panels
80 and
82 are mounted to the frames 64 and 66 via fasteners 84. Top panels 86 are
mounted
above panels 60 and 62. In this way, the enclosure 56 is a closed rectangular
box
structure.
[0049] With reference to Figures 5 to 7, the storage enclosure 56 of the
security showcase 10, will be further described.
[0050] Figure 5 shows the storage enclosure 56 in the item-storing position.
Hence, the support 20 is in the item-storing position, having been lowered
within the
storage enclosure 56. Consequently, the protective covers 18A and 18B are in
the
closed position being mutually mated at their free ends 19A and 19B. Turning
briefly to
Figure 6, the free ends 19A and 19B may include mutual engaging elements, such
as a
hook member 88 on the free end 19A of the protective cover 18A which is
configured to
engage a corresponding recess (not shown) near the free end 19B of protective
cover
18B. When the protective covers 18A and 18B are in the closed position, their
respective first panels 70A and 70B are in a generally horizontal position,
along the
horizontal portion H of their respective guides 77, while their respective
second panels
72A and 72B are in a generally vertical position, along vertical portion V of
their
respective guides 77. The common edges 74A and 74B are positioned in the
curved
portion C of their respective guides 77. The common edge 74A is defined by the
adjacent diagonally cut edges 73A and 75A of the first and second panels 70A
and 72A
respectively and are pivotally attached by hinge 76A. Likewise, the common
edge 74B
is defined by the adjacent diagonally cut edges 73B and 75B of the first and
second
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panels 70B and 72B respectively and are pivotally attached by hinge 76B. The
protective covers 18A and 18B include locating elements 90 that slidably
engage the
guides 77 during movement thereof as will be explained herein.
[0051] With reference to Figures 3 and 5, the support 20 is mounted on the
top frame 92 of the scissor jack 68. The top frame 92 is lifted by the scissor
or x-link
actuator 94 mounted to the bottom frame 96 and powered by a hydraulic cylinder
for
example or other actuator. Scissor jacks 68 are we!l known in the art and need
not be
described any further.
[0052] The pulley assemblies 78 include top and bottom pulley wheels 98
and 100 pivotally mounted to their respective frames 64 and 66 and a conveyor
in the
form of a cable 102 slidably mounted thereto. The conveyor cable 102 is
discontinuous
so as to operationally link the movement of the platform 20 to the protective
covers 18A
and 18B. More specifically, each cable 102 is mounted to the top frame 92 via
top and
bottom links 104 and 106, respectively. The cables 102 are also mounted to the
second
panels 72A and 72B of the protective covers 18A and 18B, respectively, via a
linkage
108.
[0053] Therefore, in operation when the movement imparting device 68 is
actuated (by a variety of ways known in the art, for example a remote control
button or
by any other secure control device), the scissor links 94 causes the support
20 to raise
as is shown in Figure 6. As the support 20 moves upwardly, the conveying
cables 102
act on the protective covers 18A and 18B via linkages 108, pulling the second
panels
72A and 72B downwards along the guide 77, the first panels 70A and 70B are
dragged
along by panels 72A and 72B. More specifically, the panels 70A and 70B are
pivoted
upwardly as shown in Figure 6, about their respective hinges 76A and 76B, this
upward
movement shown in Figure 6 is provided by the configuration of the guides 77,
namely
the curved portion C thereof, as the locating elements 90 slide from the
horizontal
CA 02593262 2007-07-10
section H to the curved section C of the guides 77. This opening movement of
the
protective covers 18A and 18B, provides for exposing the opening 110 of the
storage
enclosure 56 (which is also the opening of the storage portion 14). The
support 20 will
be moved upwardly to a position provided by the movement imparting device 68
as
5 shown in Figure 7, wherein the support 20 can be at the opening 110,
adjacent to the
opening 110 or outwardly protruding from the opening 110 depending on the
configuration of the support 20 and/or the movement imparting device 68. In
this way,
the first panels 70A and 70B are dragged downwardly by the second panels 72A
and
72B respectively by the cables 102 acting thereon, positioning panels 70A and
70B in
10 the vertical section V of the guides 77 within the storage enclosure 56.
The opening
110 is fully exposed, thereby allowing the inside of the storage enclosure 56
to
communicate with the display portion 16. The items I on the support 20 care
therefore
exposed and can be viewed through the display portion and the opening 110.
[0054] Hence, when the support 20 is moved from an item-storing position
15 (Figure 5) to the item-displaying position (Figure 7), the closure 18 is
moved from the
closed position (Figure 5), obscuring and protecting items I, to the open
position (Figure
7) exposing items I. Conversely, when the support 20 is moved downwardly
towards
the item-storing position (Figure 5) from the item-displaying position (Figure
7), the
closure elements 18A and 18B are consequentially moved in the opposite
direction (the
reverse of Figure 6), thereby moving the closure 18 from an open (Figure 7) to
a closed
position (Figure 5).
[0055] The protective covers 18A and 18B, therefore protect the contents
within the storage portion 14. Furthermore, the fact that the protective
covers 18A and
18B are operationally linked (in this example via pulley assemblies) to the
movable
support 20 make it even harder to open these protective covers 18A and 18B
without
activating the movement imparting device 68. Moreover, the movement imparting
device 68 may include a locking mechanism which avoids actuation thereof
without prior
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release of the locking mechanism. As illustrated the protective covers 18A and
18B do
no have any external handles and are closely mated together or even include
mutually
engaging elements all of which substantially avoids them from being pried open
by
force.
[0056] The skilled artisan would also appreciate that a variety of auxiliary
security measures can be taken, such as various sensors may be positioned on
the
protective covers 18A and 18B or the storage portion 14 or the display portion
in order
to send a signal to the alarm when there is involuntary intrusion.
[0057] With respect to Figures 8 to 9, a storage enclosure 200 for a generally
vertical security showcase will now be described. In essence, storage
enclosure 200 is
similar to storage enclosure 56 with the main difference being that storage
enclosure
200 is generally vertically configured as opposed to the generally
horizontally configured
storage enclosure 56. As such, the storage enclosure 200 defines the storage
portion
of a generally vertical security showcase. The skilled artisan will readily
appreciate that
such a generally vertical security showcase is similarly constructed to
showcase 10,
with the main difference being that showcase 10 be positioned in a generally
vertical
configuration .
[0058] The storage enclosure 200 includes a generally vertical longitudinal
main body 202 having a closure 204 at a front face 206 thereof. The closure
206
includes a pair of closure elements 206A and 206B shown In the closed position
in
Figure 8 and in the open position in Figure 9. When the closure elements 206A
and
206B are in the open position as in Figure 9, the support 208 is in the item-
displaying
position at the opening 210. The support 208, is a generally vertical
supporting structure
and as such includes supporting elements 210, which can be hooks and the like,
for
supporting the items I.
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[0059] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, a security showcase 300 in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention will now be
described.
[0060] The security showcase 300 includes a housing 302 having a storage
portion 304 and a display portion 306 (see Figure 11). The display portion 306
includes
an at least partially transparent housing 308 for housing items I on a support
310 such
as a platform. The housing also includes a closure 312 movably mounted thereto
and
including closure elements 312A and 312B. As will be easily ascertained by the
skilled
artisan, security showcase 300 is similar to security showcase 10, with a main
difference being that the display portion 306 is integral with the support
310. As such
when the closure elements 312A and 312B move from a closed position (Figure
10) to
an open position (Figure 11), thereby exposing the opening 314, and allowing
the
display portion 306 to move outwardly thereof, to expose the items I housed
therein.
[0061] With reference to Figure 12, a security showcase 400 in accordance
with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention will now be
described.
[0062] Security showcase 400 is a corner showcase (i.e. a showcase which
can be positioned within a corner formed between two adjacent showcases which
are
positioned at an angle relative to one another). Security showcase 400
includes a
generally rectangular housing 402 having a storage portion 404 and a display
portion
406. The display portion 406 includes an at least partially transparent
housing 408
having a base support 410 as well as auxiliary shelves 412 and 414. Support
410 and
shelves 412 and 414 may carry items I thereon. A movement imparting device 416
is
contained within the storage portion 404, in the form of a hydraulic
telescoping cylinder.
The hydraulic cylinder 416 is mounted to support 410 and is configured to
vertically
move the display portion 406 within the storage portion 404 during the item-
storage
position and out of the storage portion 404 via opening thereof 418 during the
item-
displaying position. The opening 418, may be selectively closed by a closure
(not
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shown) such as a rigid panel, as is known in the art. Of course, closures as
described
above may also be provided.
[0063] The base support 410 includes a pair of panels 420 and 422, which
are interconnected via circular row of bearings 424, providing a "lazy
Suzanne" structure
allowing the display portion 406 to be spun along its vertical axis.
[0064] With reference to Figure 13, a security showcase 500 in accordance
with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention will now be
described.
[0065] Security showcase 500 is similar to showcase 400 and includes a
generally cylindrical housing 502 having a storage portion 504 and a display
portion
506. The display portion 506 includes a plurality of supports 508 and at least
partially
transparent housings 510 forming display compartments 512 for housing items I
therein.
A movement imparting device 514 is contained within the storage portion 504,
in the
form of a hydraulic telescoping cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder 514 is
mounted to a
pole 516 which is mounted to each display compartment 512 and is configured to
vertically move the display compartments 512 within the storage portion 504
during the
item-storage position and out of the storage portion 504 via an opening 518
thereof
during the item-displaying position. The opening 518, may be selectively
closed by a
closure (not shown) such as a rigid panel, as is known in the art. Of course,
closures as
described above may also be provided. The pole 516 is rotatable providing to
rotate the
display compartments 512 about its axis.
[0066] Turning now to Figure 14, a storage enclosure 600 for a security
showcase in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present
invention
will now be described.
[0067] The storage enclosure 600 includes a main body, having a base 602
CA 02593262 2007-07-10
19
including a top opening 604. A closure 606 is mounted about the top opening
604 and
having a dome like configuration. The closure 606 comprises a pair of closure
elements
606A and 606B having respective convexly arcuate configurations. The closure
elements 606A and 606B include a plurality of articulating cover panels 608
pivotally
fastened together, via rivets 610, between two adjacent panels 608. The series
of
articulated panels 608 can lie flat against the walls of the base 602 when
moving into
the open or item-displaying position. The cover panels 608 disposed along the
wall of
the base 602 minimize the space used inside the storage enclosure 600. The
openings
next to the main levers 612 on both sides of the closure elements 606A and
606B of the
illustrated embodiment allow to see the interior mechanism of the storage
enclosure 600
but are normally closed to prevent any undesired access therein. As such, an
at least
partially transparent display portion (not shown) can be positioned on top of
the to the
storage enclosure. A support is mounted within the storage enclosure so as to
support
displayed items supported thereby. The main levers 612 can be actuated by a
variety
known movement imparting devices so as to move the closure elements 606A and
606B between open and closed positions.
[0068] Having now described various illustrated embodiments other embodiments
and alternative features will now be described so as to further exemplify the
present
invention.
[0069] The security showcases of the invention may be provided in a variety of
vertical, horizontal and diagonal configurations and sizes as well as various
geometric
shapes that would be esthetically appealing to consumers depending if these
showcases are used in jewelry stores, art galleries or museums and the like.
They may
be made of various rigid and secure materials such as metal for example. High
security
showcases may also be accordingly armored. The security showcases of the
invention
may also be assemblies providing a plurality of storage and display portions.
CA 02593262 2007-07-10
[0070] The display portions of the invention may be provided in a variety of
configurations and may be fully or partially transparent. In some instance,
the display
portions may include a single or a plurality of display compartments
optionally having
one or more shelves.
5 [0071] The storage portions may include internal storage enclosures in the
form
of box-like structures as described herein; the storage enclosures of the
storage
portions may also be integral to the housing of the showcases described
herein. A
storage portion may include more than one storage enclosure. The storage
portions
may also include transparent walls with their internal storage enclosures
having
10 obscuring walls. Conversely, the storage portions may include obscuring
walls with
their internal storage enclosures having transparent walls. It is again noted
that the
expression "storage portion" should be construed to comprise "storage
enclosure". In
one non-illustrated embodiment, the storage portion can be positioned above
the
display portion. In another non-illustrated embodiment, the storage portion
may be
15 positioned between two display portions and hence, this closures may be
provided
between the storage portion and each display portion.
[0072] The closures of the present invention may be provided in variety of
suitable configurations. For example, they may include more than a pair of
mutually
mating closure elements or a single closure with portions thereof providing
movement of
20 such a closure within the context of the present invention. Hence, the
skilled artisan
would contemplate a closure having a articulating panels and being movable
from a
closed to an open position. The closures of the present invention need not be
operationally linked to the supports described herein and as such may be
automated by
an independent movement imparting device.
[0073] The movement imparting devices for the supports and/or closures can
comprise a variety of suitable actuators depending on the cost of a particular
showcase,
CA 02593262 2007-07-10
21
its size and configuration and other considerations. Of course other movement
imparting devices such as manual levers, crankshafts and the like can also be
contemplated within the scope of the invention.
[0074] The supports of the invention can include platforms, walls, a variety
of
trays, holders, and like elements. The supports may be fixed or movable by a
variety of
methods and devices. The supports may be generally vertical, generally
horizontal or
generally diagonal structures to give but a few possible examples.
[0075] Various links such as conveyors or electronic means can also be
contemplated to operationally link the supports with the closures for
simultaneous
movement thereof.
[0076] In general, various artistic and stylistic considerations may be
contemplated when designing such showcases within the context of the present
invention depending on the intended use and consumer demands.
[0077] It should be noted that the various components and features of the
non-limiting illustrative and non-illustrated embodiments of security
showcases, storage
enclosures and portions thereof or therefor described above can be combined in
a variety
of ways, as would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art so
as to
provide other non-illustrated embodiments within the scope of the present
invention.
[0078] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to
the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings
and
described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being
practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or
terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence,
although the
present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments
thereof, it can
CA 02593262 2007-07-10
22
be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the
subject invention
as defined in the appended claims.
