CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a PCT application which claims the priority benefit of copending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/237,701, filed August 16, 2016, for "Security Display Case," which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent No. 9,512,663, filed December 11, 2015, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/091,976, filed December 15, 2014. The entire disclosures of which, including the drawings, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application is also related to co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

15/016,901, filed February 5, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent No. 9,512,663. This application is also related to co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/381,958, filed February 5, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent No. 9,512,663, filed December 16, 2016, for "Storage Case with Locking Mechanism," which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/267,978, filed December 16, 2015. The entire disclosures of which, including the drawings, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to display cases. More particularly, the present invention pertains to display cases having a self-contained storage. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such display cases having a self-contained locking system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Display cases are widely known for use in a variety of environments, including their use in displaying high-value articles such as jewelry, coins, watches, cameras, firearms, and the like. A typical display case has one or more glass windows and, thus, is particularly susceptible to theft when a criminal smashes the glass and removes as many valuable articles as possible before escaping.

[0005] Oftentimes, retailers will remove high-value items from their display cases at the close of business daily and relocate the merchandise into more secure storage such as a safe or a vault to prevent theft. This transfer of goods between a display case and a security storage vault results in increased labor by requiring the relocation of display items at the end and beginning of a business day. Other problems include increased problems with inventory and loss control by repeatedly moving the items between multiple locations.

[0006] Security display cases are known and typically include mechanisms for lowering a display shelf within a display case. These mechanisms vary from motorized linear lifts to scissor jack lift assemblies. However, these devices are difficult to use and are unreliable over long term use. Further, some of the existing systems tend to operate very slowly and may not be effective in preventing smash and grab daytime robberies.

[0007] Examples of apparatus related to security display cases are disclosed in Sands, EP

0521728A1 directed to a "Security Receptacle," McCabe, U.S. Pat. No. 636,449 for a "Portable Elevator," and Salter, U.S. Pat. Pub. 2007/0194674 for a "Lifting and Barrier Mechanism."

[0008] Another security display case is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,078,531 to Samuel

C. Medawar, the Applicant herein, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, including the drawing. The display case shown therein includes a safe portion, having a pair of panels pivotally connected thereto and adapted to be pivoted by a motorized mechanism between open and closed positions. The display case includes a display housing connected to the safe portion, and a scissor-like lift mechanism mounted within the safe portion for moving the display housing between security and display positions.

[0009] While each of the devices disclosed in the above prior art references are believed to have been suitable for the uses and problems then intended to solve, there is an ongoing need for improvements in the design of security display cases, such as simpler and more compact designs providing improved ease of operation. Further, it would be of significant advantage to provide a display case which would protect merchandise from possible theft by utilizing an improved locking mechanism to secure the display case within the enclosure.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention seeks to improve upon the display cases disclosed in the above prior art references by providing a simplified locking mechanism mounted within the safe portion and improved means for accessing the safe portion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a security display case, generally, comprising:

(a) an enclosure, the enclosure comprising a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls, an upper wall having a central opening formed therein, a lower wall, a front wall, and a back wall, the back wall having an opening formed therein, the upper wall, the lower wall, the front wall, and the back wall each extending between the pair of sidewalls to define a safe portion;

(b) at least a pair of panels hingedly attached to the back wall for covering the opening formed therein, the at least a pair of panels comprising a first panel and a second panel, the first and the second panels each having a front surface and a back surface, at least one first locking mechanism disposed on the back surface of the first panel, a second locking mechanism disposed on the back surface of the second panel, a lock cylinder disposed within the second panel for enabling operation of the second locking mechanism; (c) a display housing movably stored within the enclosure, the display housing moveable into and out of the safe portion of the enclosure through the central opening formed therein, the display housing having a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls, a top wall, a lower lift platform, a front wall, and a back wall, the top wall, the lift platform, the front wall, and the back wall each extending between the pair of sidewalls, at least one of the walls being at least partially transparent, and a closure member spaced above the top wall to provide a gap therebetween;

(d) means for raising and lowering the display housing out of and into the safe portion, the means for raising and lowering including a first drive motor, the means for raising and lowering operably connected to the display housing;

(e) means for locking and unlocking the display housing within the enclosure, the means for locking and unlocking including a second drive motor, the means for locking and unlocking operably connected to the enclosure; and

(f) a control system, the control system in communication with the first and the second drive motor to facilitate raising and lowering the display housing and locking and unlocking the display housing, respectively.

[0012] As noted above, at least a pair of panels are hingedly attached to the back wall about the opening and include at least one locking assembly which lock the display housing within the safe portion. The first and the second locking mechanisms facilitate locking and unlocking the panels together against the opening formed in a back wall of the enclosure and provide access to the safe portion of the enclosure when unlocked. [0013] Furthermore, the means for raising and lowering the display housing is, preferably, a lift mechanism mounted in the safe portion and connected to the lift platform for moving the display housing between a security position for safekeeping and a display position.

[0014] The first drive motor operates the lift mechanism to cause the lift platform to move axially vertically between respective security and display positions.

[0015] The means for locking and unlocking the display housing within the enclosure is, preferably, a locking assembly which includes at least one disc adapted to be rotated from an unlocked position into a locking position with the display housing when in the security position. The second drive motor is provided for rotating the at least one disc into and from locking and unlocked positions with the display housing. Preferably, a pair of locking assemblies is utilized. Each one of the locking assemblies are mounted opposite one another on opposing sides of the safe portion. Each of the pair of locking assemblies includes a plurality of discs which are simultaneously rotated into the gap between the closure member and the top wall of the display housing in order to lock the display housing within the enclosure.

[0016] Preferably, the second drive motor is disposed proximate the lower lift platform of the safe portion. This allows the components of the locking assembly to be more easily accessed.

[0017] The control system controls the lift mechanism and the locking assembly. The control system includes a lower limit switch and an upper limit switch that de-energizes the first drive motor, a lock and unlock trip switch that de-energizes the second drive motor, and an actuator switch connected to the first and the second drive motors and positionable in either an "up" or a "down" position to selectively cause the display housing to move between the security and display positions, respectively. [0018] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawing and detailed description. In the drawing, like reference numerals refer to like parts through the several views, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security display case according to the present invention with a vertically movable display housing lowered into a safe portion of an enclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the display case of FIG. 1 showing the display housing raised above the enclosure and in a display position;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the enclosure showing a pair of panels mounted thereon;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the panels in a closed and locked position as viewed from within the enclosure of the display case;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the panels similar to that as shown in FIG. 4, but in an unlocked position;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a partial view, in perspective, of a motor lift mechanism for raising and lowering the display housing;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, with components eliminated showing the display housing partially raised;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a partial cross- sectional end view of the display case illustrating the display case when the display housing is lowered into the safe portion and at least one disc in an extended position;

[0027] FIG 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing the at least one disc in a retracted position and the display housing partially raised; [0028] FIG. 10 is a top view of the display case without an attached closure member showing a plurality of discs in the extended position and the display housing locked in the safe portion of the enclosure;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the plurality of discs in the extended position within a gap provided between a top wall of the display housing and the closure member;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a top view of the display case without the closure member showing the plurality of discs in the retracted position and the display housing unlocked in the safe portion; and [0031] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the plurality of discs in the retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] As noted hereinabove, the present invention provides a security display case, generally, comprising:

(a) an enclosure, the enclosure comprising a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls, an upper wall having a central opening formed therein, a lower wall, a front wall, and a back wall, the back wall having an opening formed therein, the upper wall, the lower wall, the front wall, and the back wall each extending between the pair of sidewalls to define a safe portion;

(b) at least a pair of panels hingedly attached to the back wall for covering the opening formed therein, the at least a pair of panels comprising a first panel and a second panel, the first and the second panels each having a front surface and a back surface, at least one first locking mechanism disposed on the back surface of the first panel, a second locking mechanism disposed on the back surface of the second panel, a lock cylinder disposed within the second panel for enabling operation of the second locking mechanism; (c) a display housing movably stored within the enclosure, the display housing moveable into and out of the safe portion of the enclosure through the central opening formed therein, the display housing having a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls, a top wall, a lower lift platform, a front wall, and a back wall, the top wall, the lift platform, the front wall, and the back wall each extending between the pair of sidewalls, at least one of the walls being at least partially transparent, and a closure member spaced above the top wall providing a gap therebetween;

(d) means for raising and lowering the display housing out of and into the safe portion, the means for raising and lowering including a first drive motor, the means for raising and lowering operably connected to the display housing;

(e) means for locking and unlocking the display housing within the enclosure, the means for locking and unlocking including a second drive motor, the means for locking and unlocking operably connected to the enclosure; and

(f) a control system, the control system in communication with the first and the second drive motor to facilitate raising and lowering the display housing and locking and unlocking the display housing, respectively.

[0033] With more particularity and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, there is shown a security display case 10 for easily moving items from a lowered security position (FIG. 1) into a display position (FIG. 2), and vice versa, when desired. In doing so, a display housing 18 is raised and lowered for display and safekeeping purposes to avoid having to transfer the items into a remote safe before and after business hours.

[0034] The security display case 10 of the present invention includes a generally rectangular- shaped enclosure 12 defining a safe portion 14. The enclosure 12 is formed by a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls 26, 28, lower and upper walls 30, 32, and front and back walls 34, 36, respectively. The upper wall 32, the lower wall 30, the front wall 34, and the back wall 36 extend between the sidewalls 26, 28 to define the safe portion 14 for receiving or stowing the display housing 18.

[0035] The upper wall 32 has a central opening 25 formed therein through which the display housing 18 extends and retracts, as described in more detail below.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, means 201 for accessing the safe portion 14 of the enclosure

12 includes at least a pair of opposed panels 200, 202. The panels 200, 202 are hingedly movable about a substantially rectangular opening 37 formed in the back wall 36 of the enclosure 12 such that the panels 200, 202 hingedly rotate outwardly to both provide access to the safe portion 14 and close to conceal the opening 37. The dimensions of the opening 37 formed in the back wall 36 are slightly smaller than that of the combined panels 200, 202 such that the closing of the panels 200, 202 is limited so as to not enter the safe portion 14. While only a single first panel 200, having a front surface 200a and a back surface 200b, and a single second panel 202, having a front surface 202a and a back surface 202b, are illustrated, it is to be understood that any number of panels may be disposed on any number of walls of the enclosure 12 to provide various access points into the safe portion 14.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, both the first panel 200 and the second panel 202 are hingedly attached to the back wall 36 of the enclosure 12 by a pair of hinges 204. Any number of hinges 204 may be utilized in order to allow the panels 200, 202 to sufficiently swivel open when unlocked. Preferably, the hinges 204 are disposed within the safe portion 14 of the enclosure 12 so that the hinges 204 are not accessible exteriorly of the enclosure 12, thus preventing them from being tampered with. [0038] The first panel 200 includes a flange 205 extending laterally outward from a side of the first panel 200 opposite that of the hinge 204. The flange 205 provides a flat surface for the second panel 202 to abut against when closed. This creates a flush seal between the panels 200, 202 when closed against the opening 37 of the back wall 36. The flange 205 also provides an extended surface for the second panel 202 to lock against, as discussed below.

[0039] The panels 200, 202 each include at least one first locking mechanism 206a and a second locking mechanism 206c. The first locking mechanism 206a is mounted on the back surface 200b of the first panel 200. Preferably, a pair of first locking mechanisms 206a, 206b are utilized, one first locking mechanism 206a being disposed proximate an upper edge of the first panel 200 and the other first locking mechanism 206b being disposed proximate a lower edge of the first panel 200, both proximate the edge of the opening 37 of the back wall 36. Each first locking mechanism 206a, 206b comprises the same structure and, therefore, only one first locking mechanism 206a will be discussed in detail hereinbelow.

[0040] The first locking mechanism 206a comprises an elongated horizontally extending shaft 208 and at least one disc 210 pivotally connected to the shaft 208. A shaft pivot 212 rotatably connects the at least one disc 210 to the shaft 208. Preferably, the first locking mechanism 206a comprises a plurality of spaced apart discs 210, each pivotally connected to the shaft 208 at an associated shaft pivot 212.

[0041] A plurality of disc pivots 214 are provided, one for each disc 310, for rotatably connecting associated discs 210 to the back surface 200b of the first panel 200. Therefore, as the shaft 208 is manually shifted from side to side and the discs 210 rotate, the discs 210 maintain a central axis of rotation about an associated disc pivot 214. The shaft pivot 212 and the disc pivot 214 of each associated disc 210, preferably, comprise means for fastening such as a rivet, bolt, screw, and the like.

[0042] As the shaft 208 is translated or shifted horizontally and the discs 210 rotate, each of the discs 210 simultaneously extend and retract over a portion of the back wall 36 of the enclosure 12. FIG. 4 shows the discs 210 in their extended and locked position overlapping a portion of the back wall 36. FIG. 5 shows the discs 210 retracted and in an unlocked position. In order to facilitate horizontal translation of the shaft 208 from side to side, the shaft 208 includes a thumb tab 216 disposed on an end of the shaft 208 proximate the flange 205.

[0043] With regards to the second panel 202, the second locking mechanism 206c, which is similar to that of the first locking mechanisms 206a, 206b, is mounted on the rear surface 202b of the second panel 202.

[0044] The second locking mechanism 206c includes a vertically extending shaft 218 and at least one disc 220 pivotally connected to the shaft 218. A shaft pivot 222 rotatably connects the at least one disc 220 to the shaft 218. Preferably, a plurality of discs 220 are provided, each being rotatably connected to the rear surface 202b of the second panel 202. A plurality of disc pivots 224 are provided proximate the flange 205 for rotatably connecting an associated disc 220 to the second panel 202.

[0045] The second panel 202 further includes a lock cylinder 226 which locks and unlocks the second locking mechanism 206c from the outside of the enclosure 12. The lock cylinder 226 comprises any suitable mechanism for actuating the second locking mechanism 206c such as a key-operated lock, mechanical switch, and the like. A linkage member 228 interconnects the lock cylinder 226 and the shaft 218. Preferably, the lock cylinder 226 is key-operated, whereby operation of the lock cylinder 226 translates the shaft 218 vertically, thereby rotating the discs 220 with respect to the flange 205.

[0046] In order to lock the first and the second panels 200, 202 against the opening 37 in the back wall 36 of the enclosure 12, a user initially closes the first panel 200 and reaches within the safe portion 14 of the enclosure 12 to move the shaft 208 by pushing the thumb tab 216 inwardly. Where an additional locking mechanism 206b is employed, the user similarly pushes the thumb tab of that shaft inwardly as well. This movement rotates the discs 210 upwardly and overlaps a portion of the back wall 36, thereby locking the first panel 200 in place and preventing it from swinging open.

[0047] Once the first panel 200 is locked in place, the user then closes the second panel

202. A key is inserted into the lock cylinder 226 and turned in a first direction, thereby rotating the lock cylinder 226 in a corresponding direction. This translates the shaft 218 downwardly and rotates the discs 220 behind the flange 205 in order to lock the second panel 202 in place.

[0048] In order to unlock the panels 200, 202 and access the safe portion 14 of the enclosure 12, the above steps are followed in the reverse order. The second panel 202 is first unlocked by rotating the lock cylinder 226 in an opposite, second direction. This causes the shaft 218 to move vertically, which rotates the discs 220 away from the flange 205, thereby unlocking the second panel 202 from the first panel 200. Thereafter, the user may reach into the enclosure 12, through the open second panel 202, and pull the thumb tab 216 of the shaft 208 in the opposite direction in order to rotate the discs 210 away from the back wall 36 of the enclosure 12. The first panel 200 is then free to swing open.

[0049] Referring, now, to FIGS. 1, 2, and 8-13, as shown, the display housing 18 includes a lower lift platform 20, a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls 22a, 22c, a front wall 22b, and a back wall 22d. Each of the walls 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d extend upwardly from the lower lift platform 20. A top wall 19 is disposed opposite the lower lift platform 20 atop the walls 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. A closure member 24 is mounted to the enclosure 12 above the top wall 19 to defines a gap or space 21 therebetween. The gap 21 provides a cavity to facilitate locking the display housing 18 in the safe portion 14, as discussed below. At least one of the walls 22a 22b, 22c, 22d is at least partially transparent to allow for items stored therein to be viewed when in the display position.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the means 39 for raising and lowering the display housing 18, preferably, comprises a lift mechanism 40 which facilitates vertical movement of the display housing 18 between the security position and the display position. The lift mechanism 40 is shown disposed in the safe portion 14 and drivingly connected to the lift platform 20. The lift mechanism 40 comprises: (a) a pair of axially elongated, substantially parallel threaded drive rods 42; (b) means 41 for mounting opposite ends of the drive rods 42 to the upper and lower ends of the safe portion 14; (c) means 43 for driving each of the drive rods 42; and (d) means 45 for connecting the drive rods 42 to the lift platform 20. As a result, the means 45 for connecting the rods 42 and the lift platform 20 causes the lift platform 20 to move axially relative to the drive rods 42 and to move vertically between a respective security and display positions.

[0051] The means 41 for mounting includes a pair of circular drive plates 44 for rotatably mounting each associated drive rod 42 to the enclosure 12. A plurality of gear teeth 46 is provided about the circumference of each of the drive plates 44. Each drive plate 44 is mounted for rotation on the lower wall 30 of the enclosure 12.

[0052] The means 43 for driving comprises a first drive motor 50 operably connected to each of the drive rods 42. The first drive motor 50 is disposed in the safe portion 14 below the display housing 18 and includes a pair of drive shafts 52 extending from opposing ends of the first drive motor 50 and connected to an associated one of the drive rods 42. The opposite ends of the drive rods 42 are journaled in the upper wall 32 of the enclosure 12 and free to rotate therein.

[0053] Each drive shaft 52 terminates at a gear member 51 that is drivingly connected to the plurality of gear teeth 46 formed on the circumference of an associated one of the drive plates 44. Energization of the first drive motor 50 via a power source (not shown), such as a battery supply or external power source, causes the drive shafts 52 thereof to substantially simultaneously rotate the gear members 51 and transmit rotational torque to rotate both of the drive plates 44 and the associated drive rods 42. Rotation of the drive rods 42 causes the lift platform 20 to raise or lower, depending on the sense of rotation of the drive rods 42.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the means 45 for connecting includes a pair of drive blocks 48

(only one is shown) mounted on opposite respective sides of the lift platform 20. Each drive block 48 has a threaded through bore formed therein for receiving an associated one of the threaded drive rods 42. The drive rods 42 are axially elongated and threadably mate with the through bore of an associated one of the drive blocks 48. Rotation of the drive rods 42 in one or the other direction causes the drive blocks 48 to move the lift platform 20 vertically either up or down depending on the sense of the rotation.

[0055] The security display case 10 further comprises means 47 for stabilizing the lift platform 20 in a substantially horizontal position relative to the enclosure 12 during movement of the of the lift platform 20 between the lower security and the raised display positions. The means 47 for stabilizing, preferably, comprises a first and a second guide member 54, each engaging an associated one of the guide rod 56. The guide members 54 are mounted on opposite sides of the drive block 48 with each guide member 54 receiving an associated one of the guide rods 56. The guide rods 56 extend between the upper and lower ends of the safe portion 14 and constrain the lift platform 20 to a substantially horizontal position.

[0056] Referring, again, to FIGS. 8-13, the display case 10 further includes means 57 for locking and unlocking the display housing 18 within the enclosure 12 when the display housing 18 is in the lowered security position. Preferably, the means 57 for locking and unlocking the display housing 18 is a locking assembly 58. The locking assembly 58 is similar in structure to the locking mechanisms 206a, 206b, 206c, described above.

[0057] Preferably, the locking assembly 58 is mounted within the safe portion 14 on the upper wall 32 of the enclosure 12. As shown, a pair of locking assemblies 58, 58' is used. Each locking assembly 58, 58' is mounted on opposite sides of the opening 25 formed within the top wall 32 of the enclosure 12. Each locking assembly 58, 58' has a plurality of discs 64, the plurality of discs 64 being adapted to rotate about a vertical axis between an unlocked and a locked position. A plurality of enclosure pivots 67 are provided for rotatably connecting associated discs 64 to the enclosure.

[0058] Each locking assembly 58, 58' further includes a rod 66, each disc 64 being rotatably connected to the rod 66 and rotatably extend and retract. A plurality of rod pivots 65 are provided for rotatably connecting associated discs 64 to the rod 66.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, in the extended position, each disc 64 is rotated and positioned within the gap 21 provided between the top wall 19 of the display housing 18 and the closure member 24 mounted above the top wall 19, thereby locking the display housing 18 within the safe portion 14 of the enclosure 12. [0060] As shown in FIGS. 9, 12, and 13, in the retracted position, each disc 64 is rotated and positioned outside of the gap 21, thereby unlocking the display housing 18 from the safe portion 14.

[0061] Each locking assembly 58, 58' further includes a locking member 60 mounted within the enclosure 12 and an upwardly extending, elongated lever 62 disposed within the safe portion 14 and pivotally attached to the locking member 60. The lever 62 is rotatably connected to the rod 66. The locking member 60 further includes an unlock trip switch 70a and a lock trip switch 70b disposed on the locking member 60. A second drive motor 68 drives the locking member 60.

[0062] The locking member 60, along with the second drive motor 68 and trip switches

70a, 70b, are disposed proximate the lower wall 30 of the enclosure 12 to provide ease of access when the panels 200, 202 of the enclosure 12 are opened. To facilitate rotation of the discs 64 via the locking member 60, the lever 62 interconnects the locking member 60 and the rod 66. Due to the elongated structure of the lever 62, a lever pivot 63 rotatably connects the lever 62 to either the front or back wall 22b, 22d of the enclosure 12 in order to facilitate pivoting of the lever 62 with respect to the locking member 60.

[0063] The second drive motor 68 is in operable driving relationship to the lever 62 and in electrical communication with the trip switches 70a, 70b. Energization of the second drive motor 68 via a power source (not shown), such as a battery supply or external power source, operates to pivot the lever 62 about the locking member 60 such that the rod 66 may extend or retract based on the operation of the second drive motor 68.

[0064] The extension and retraction of the rod 66 causes each disc 64 to rotate outwardly and inwardly, respectively. It is to be understood that the configuration of the lever 62, the rod 66, and each disc 64 may be modified such that each disc 64 rotates in opposite directions based on movement of the lever 62 and the rod 66.

[0065] A control system controls each locking assembly 58, 58' and the lift mechanism

40. The control system includes an actuator switch 72 and the cooperating relationship of the first and the second drive motors 50, 68, the trip switches 70a, 70b, and the limit switches 74, 76.

[0066] Referring, again, to FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuator switch 72 is exteriorly operated by a key or other suitable means such as a manual switch. The actuator switch 72 is initially in a "neutral position," but selectively positionable to either an "up" or a "down" position. The second drive motor 68 is energized when the actuator switch 72 is positioned to the "up" position. Alternatively, the first drive motor 50 is energized when the actuator switch 72 is positioned to the "down" position.

[0067] The lower and upper limit switches 74, 76 are engaged by movement of the display housing 18. Engagement of either the lower or upper limit switch 74, 76 by the display housing 18 will cause the first drive motor 50 to de-energize and position the display housing 18 in either the security or display positions. Similarly, the lock and unlock trip switches 70a, 70b are engaged by movement of the lever 62. Engagement of either the lock or unlock trip switches 70a, 70b by the lever 62 will cause the second drive motor 68 to de-energize and position each disc 64 in either the lock or unlock positions.

[0068] Preferably, the unlock trip switch 70b is in electrical communication with the first drive motor 50 such that when the unlock trip switch 70b is engaged by the lever 62, and each disc 64 in the unlocked position, the second drive motor 68 is de-energized. Thereafter, the first drive motor 50 is energized and the display housing 18 is raised. Similarly, it is preferred that the lower limit switch 74 be, also, in electrical communication with the second drive motor 68 such that when the lower limit switch 74 is engaged by the display housing 18, the first drive motor 50 is de-energized, Subsequently, the second drive motor 68 is energized, thereby rotating each disc 64 and locking the display housing 18 within the enclosure 12. Configuring the trip switches 70a, 70b and limit switches 74, 76 in this manner ensures that the first and the second drive motors 50, 68 do not burn out from operating past the threshold and, additionally, that the first and the second drive motors 50, 68 do not operate simultaneously. If so, this would cause the lift mechanism 40 and each locking assembly 58, 58' to operate at the same time while the display housing 18 is not in an appropriate position.

[0069] In use, the display housing 18 is locked in the safe portion 14, movement of the actuator switch 72 to the "up" position energizes the second drive motor 68 and causes each disc 64 to retract from its position within the gap 21 between the top wall 19 of the display housing 18 and the closure member 24. This unlocks the display housing 18 from the enclosure 12. Once each disc 64 is fully retracted via the rod pivot 65 and the enclosure pivot 67, the lever 62 engages the unlock trip switch 70b, the second drive motor 68 is de-energized, and the first drive motor 50 is energized. The first drive motor 50 effectuates movement of the display housing 18 upward and away from the lower limit switch 74. Ultimately, the display housing 18 engages the upper limit switch 76 whereupon a signal is sent to de-energize the first drive motor 50 and position the display housing 18 fully within the display position.

[0070] The above process is reversed when the user wishes to lower the display housing

18 into the safe portion 14 of the enclosure 12. The actuator switch 72 is turned to the "down" position whereupon electrical signals are sent to the first drive motor 50. The display housing 14 is lowered into the enclosure 16 and, upon the display housing 18 engaging the lower limit switch 74, the first drive motor 50 is de-energized and the second drive motor 68 is energized. Upon the second drive motor 68 being energized, the lever 62 pivots in order to retract the rod 66 and rotate each disc 64 into locking engagement within the gap 21 between the top wall 19 of the display housing 18 and the closure member 24. Once each disc 64 is fully rotated outwardly via the rod pivot 65 and the enclosure pivot 67, the lever 62 engages the lock trip switch 70a and the second drive motor 68 is de-energized.

[0071] Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is: