Security device

A theft deterrent device comprising:

• (a) first and second opposed generally U-shaped members, each member having first and second parallel arms, the parallel arms of one member being telescopically engaged with the parallel arms of the other member;
• (1) the first member comprising a rod, the first parallel arm of said first member containing a plurality of ratchet teeth spaced longitudinally therealong, said first arm extending beyond the end of the second arm a distance between about 1/2-inch and about 11/2 inches;
• (2) the second member including a first arm comprising a first tubular sleeve to telescopically receive said arm containing the ratchet teeth and a second arm comprising a second tubular sleeve, the open end of said second sleeve being notched to facilitate engagement of said second arm of said first member with said second tubular sleeve when telescoping the members together;
• (b) lock means associated with said first and second U-shaped members, said lock means including a pawl engaging the ratchet teeth to permit said members, when engaged, to be telescoped together while preventing them from being pulled apart when said lock means is locked and to permit movement in either direction when said lock means is unlocked;
• and
• (c) protective means for progressively covering and surrounding the ratchet teeth as the arm containing said teeth is withdrawn from the first tubular sleeve, said means comprising a flexible bellows, one end of said bellows being joined to said rod and the other end contracting or elongating as the arm is moved into or out of said sleeve.