Lockable merchandise storage container

Abstract

A lockable merchandise storage container has a lock slide disposed within a lock housing that is connected to a portion of the container. The container includes a base and lid with the lid movable between open and closed positions. The lid has at least one hook. The lock housing is connected to the base with at least one snap fit connector. A lock slide is disposed entirely within the lock housing. The hook of the lid extends into the lock housing when the lid is in the closed position. In the locked position, the lock slide engages the hook of the lid to prevent the lid from moving from the closed position to the open position. An opener for the container is adjustable to receive containers of different thicknesses.

1 . A lockable merchandise storage container comprising:
 a base and lid; the lid movable between open and closed positions;   the base and lid defining a merchandise storage compartment adapted to receive an item of merchandise;   a lock housing connected to the base with at least one snap fit connector;   a lock slide disposed entirely within the lock housing; the lock slide movable between locked and unlocked positions;   the lid having at least one hook;   the hook of the lid extending into the lock housing when the lid is in the closed position; and   in the locked position, the lock slide engaging the hook of the lid to prevent the lid from moving from the closed position to the open position.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base and lid define a recess that receives the lock housing when the lid is in the closed position. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a disc hub. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lock housing includes at least one loop that extends through a portion of the base; the lid having a stop disposed in the loop when the lid is in the closed position. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the lock housing has first and second ends and a loop disposed adjacent each of the ends; each of the loops extending through a portion of the base; and the lid having a stop disposed in each of the loops when the lid is in the closed position. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising first and second locking fingers that are each movable between engaged and disengaged positions; the engaged position of the first locking finger locking the lock slide in the locked position; and the engaged position of the second locking finger holding the lock slide in the unlocked position. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein each locking finger is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position with magnetic force. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein each locking finger includes a block that is disposed between the lock housing and the lock slide when the locking finger is in the engaged position. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein each locking finger includes a thin biasing member that biases the block toward the engaged position. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the lock housing defines a recess that receives the block when the locking finger is in the engaged position. 
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein the lock slide includes a tab disposed over a portion of the block; the block slidably positioned under the tab. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising an indicator that shows the locked and unlocked positions of the lock slide. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a wall having a plurality of spaced leg openings; the lock housing having a leg having a locking surface disposed in each of the leg openings to secure the lock housing to the base. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein each of the legs is split into two portions; each of the portions having a locking surface. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the wall defines a plurality of hook openings; the lid having a hook aligned with each of hook openings. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the lock housing defines a hook opening aligned with each of the hook openings of the base wall; each of the hooks extending through the hook openings of the base wall and the lock housing when the lid is in the closed position. 
   
   
       17 . An opener for a lockable merchandise storage container; the opener comprising:
 a body having a first portion and a second portion that cooperate to define a channel adapted to slidably receive the lockable merchandise storage container; the body carrying at least one magnet;   the channel having a width; and   the first portion being selectively movable with respect to the second portion to change the width of the channel.   
   
   
       18 . The opener of  claim 17 , wherein one of the first and second portions defines a slot and the other of the first and second portion includes a guide slidably disposed in the slot. 
   
   
       19 . The opener of  claim 17 , further comprising a holder that releasably holds the position of the first portion with respect to the second portion.