Merchandise storage and display container with security insert

Abstract

An anti-shoplifting security insert is configured to fit within aligned openings of a merchandise storage container to prevent ready access to the container. The security insert includes a one-way thread that assists in the installation of the insert without damaging the material of the container that defines the aligned openings. An exemplary merchandise storage container configuration includes a container body that defines a merchandise storage chamber. The container has at least first and second panels that at least partially overlap and define aligned security openings which receive the security insert.

1 . A merchandise storage container with a security insert comprising:
 a foldable container body defining a merchandise storage chamber; the container having at least first and second panels that have panel portions that overlap when the first and second panels are in a closed configuration;   the overlapping panel portions defining security openings that are aligned when the panels are in the closed configuration; and   a polymer security insert disposed in the security openings; the security insert defining a one-way thread that allows the security insert to be twisted into the security openings.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the foldable container body is made from a paperboard. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the foldable container body is made from a polymer-based material. 
     
     
         4 . A merchandise storage container with a security insert comprising:
 a foldable container body defining a merchandise storage chamber; the container having at least first and second panels that have panel portions that overlap when the first and second panels are in a closed configuration;   the overlapping panel portions defining security openings that are aligned when the panels are in the closed configuration; and   a polymer security insert disposed in the security openings; the security insert defining a structure that prevents the security insert from being readily removed from the security openings.   
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the foldable container body is made from a paperboard. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the foldable container body is made from a polymer-based material. 
     
     
         7 . A merchandise storage container with a security insert comprising:
 a container body defining a merchandise storage chamber; the container having at least first and second portions that overlap when the first and second portions are in a closed configuration;   the overlapping portions defining security openings that are aligned when the portions are in the closed configuration; the security openings having maximum widths;   a security insert disposed in the security openings; the security insert including a shaft extending from a head and a one-way thread disposed around the shaft; the one-way thread having a top end that is spaced from the head by a gap;   the head having a width larger than the maximum width of the security openings; and   the shaft having a maximum width smaller than the maximum width of the security openings.   
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the container body is made from a paperboard. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the container body is made from a polymer-based material. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the one-way thread is tapered from a large diameter at its top end to a smaller diameter at its bottom end. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the shaft is tapered from a large diameter at the top end of the one-way thread to a smaller diameter at its bottom end. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the one-way thread has an upper surface that is perpendicular to the shaft.