U.S. patent application number 10/186165 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-19 for storage case.
Invention is credited to Lax, Michael, Libohova, Agjah I..
Application Number | 20030111367 10/186165 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26972297 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030111367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lax, Michael ; et
al. |
June 19, 2003 |
Storage case
Abstract
A lockable storage case includes a top cover pivotably coupled
to a bottom cover through a spine. The top cover includes loops or
an upper lock receiving member and a lower lock receiving member
defining a top cover lock insertion path. The bottom cover includes
loops or an upper lock receiving member and a lower lock receiving
member defining a bottom cover lock insertion path. The lower lock
receiving members of both the top and bottom covers include hooks
for receiving and maintaining a latch. When the top cover is closed
on the bottom cover, the top and bottom cover insertion paths
combine to form a combined lock insertion path. A lock for the
storage case includes first and second catch mechanisms with first
and second catches. To lock the storage case, the lock is inserted
into the combined lock insertion path so that the catches on the
lock mate with and are retained with the hooks in the top and
bottom covers.
Inventors: |
Lax, Michael; (Westbury,
NY) ; Libohova, Agjah I.; (Bronx, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK, FABER, GERB & SOFFEN
1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York
NY
10036-8403
US
|
Family ID: |
26972297 |
Appl. No.: |
10/186165 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10186165 |
Jun 27, 2002 |
|
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|
09696614 |
Oct 25, 2000 |
|
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|
60301318 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.2 ;
206/308.1; 206/310; G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.2 ;
206/310; 206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage case comprising: a first cover; a second cover hinged
to said first cover; a plurality of loops disposed at an edge of
said first cover; and a plurality of openings disposed on said
second cover; wherein each of said plurality of loops is partially
received in a respective one of said openings when said storage
case is closed whereby the thickness of said storage case is
reduced.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part application and
claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/696,614
filed on Oct. 25, 2000 and entitled CASE AND LOCK WITH IMPROVED
DISC PROTECTION the subject matter and disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent Ser. No.
09/858,457 filed on May 16, 2001 and entitled CASE WITH INTERNAL
LOCK the subject matter and disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference, and claims priority to Provisional Application
Serial No. 60/301,318 filed on Jun. 27, 2001 and entitled STORAGE
CASE, the subject matter and disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a case and lock for storing
and securing recorded media such as DVDs, CDs, memory cards, and
the like, and more particularly to a case and lock which can more
effectively protect recording media from theft.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Storage cases are frequently used for storing recording
media. A typical storage case comprises a top cover pivotably
coupled to a bottom cover through a spine. The recording medium is
placed in the bottom cover and the top cover is closed on the
bottom cover to retain the recording medium therein. These storage
cases can be displayed in a retail or rental environment where
potential customers pick up and examine the storage case to
determine whether they are interested in buying or renting the
media stored therein. As many potential customers handle these
storage cases, it is necessary to provide a locking mechanism to
deter potential thieves from stealing stored media.
[0006] A typical prior art lock is a rigid structure placed around
both the top and bottom covers at a portion of the storage case
which is distal from the spine. The rigid lock maintains the top
and bottom covers coupled together thereby inhibiting access to the
inside of the storage case.
[0007] By disposing the lock at a portion of the storage case
distal from the spine, however, and external to both the top and
bottom covers, the lock increases the area of the lock-case
combination. Many display shelves are designed to store cases of a
specified cross-sectional area and volume--e.g. VSDA (Video
Software Dealers Association) standards. By adding a lock to a case
which already has such a cross sectional area that conforms to
these standards, the lock-case combination may become too large to
fit on these shelves. If the case itself is reduced in size so that
the lock-case combination conforms to VSDA standards, it becomes
difficult to integrate the lock and case with existing automated
equipment. Moreover, storage cases typically have paper inserts
describing the contents of the case to a potential customer. If the
case is altered in size, the size of these paper inserts needs to
be altered which also affects manufacturing.
[0008] There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a storage
case and lock which can be assembled using standard automation
equipment, be displayed on shelves using a standardized format
(such as VSDA) and which still prevents a thief from gaining access
to the recoding medium stored therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A storage case includes a top cover pivotably coupled to a
bottom cover through a spine. The top cover includes loops or an
upper lock receiving member and a lower lock receiving member
defining a top cover lock insertion path. The bottom cover includes
loops or an upper lock receiving member and a lower lock receiving
member defining a bottom cover lock insertion path. The lower lock
receiving members of both the top and bottom covers include hooks
for receiving and maintaining a catch. When the top cover is closed
on the bottom cover, the top and bottom cover insertion paths
combine to form a combined lock insertion path. A lock includes
first and second catch mechanisms with first and second catches. To
lock the storage case, the lock is inserted into the combined lock
insertion path so that the catches on the lock mate with and are
retained with the hooks in the top and bottom covers.
[0010] These aspects and advantages of the present invention, as
well as others, will become apparent from the following description
of the preferred embodiments which refers to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred;
it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a recording medium which can be
used with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage case in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective magnified view of a hub used in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective magnified view of a foot disposed on
a bottom cover of the storage case of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective magnified view of a portion of the
bottom cover of the storage case of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view of the storage case of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front magnified view of a portion of the storage
case in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective magnified view of a portion of the
top cover of the storage case of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 2
partially closed.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the storage of FIG. 2
partially closed.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG.
2.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a lock to be used with the
storage case of FIG. 2 in accordance with the invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a magnified perspective cut-away view of the lock
of FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a magnified perspective view of the lock of FIG.
12.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a magnified perspective view of the lock of FIG.
12.
[0027] FIG. 16a is a side cut-away view drawing of a lock disposed
in a storage case.
[0028] FIG. 16b is a side cut-away view of a lock disposed in a
storage case as in FIG. 16a and illustrating resultant forces when
a force is applied in an attempt to remove the lock from the
storage case.
[0029] FIG. 16c is a side cut-away view of another lock disposed in
a storage case.
[0030] FIG. 16d is a side cut-away view of a lock disposed in a
storage case as in FIG. 16c and illustrating resultant forces when
a force is applied in an attempt to remove the lock from the
storage case.
[0031] FIG. 16e is a side cut-away view of the lock of FIG. 16a
disposed in a modified storage case.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 12 and the
storage case of FIG. 2 closed in accordance with the invention.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a magnified perspective partially cut-away view
of the storage case of FIG. 2 combined with the lock of FIG. 12 in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a magnified perspective partially cut-away view
of the storage case of FIG. 2 combined with the lock of FIG. 12 in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a side cut-away view of the storage case of FIG.
2 combined with the lock of FIG. 12 in accordance with the
invention.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 2
locked and illustrating how a lock may be removed from the storage
case.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a front magnified view of a portion of the
storage case of FIG. 2.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another storage case in
accordance with the invention.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of yet another storage case in
accordance with the invention.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective magnified view of a hub used in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG.
24.
[0042] FIG. 27 is a perspective magnified view of a portion of the
bottom cover of the storage case of FIG. 24.
[0043] FIG. 28 is a perspective magnified view of a portion of the
top cover of the storage case of FIG. 24.
[0044] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 24
partially closed.
[0045] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 24
partially closed.
[0046] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG.
24.
[0047] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG.
24.
[0048] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a lock to be used with the
storage case of FIG. 24 in accordance with the invention.
[0049] FIG. 34 is a magnified perspective cut-away view of the lock
of FIG. 33.
[0050] FIG. 35 is a magnified perspective view of the lock of FIG.
33 with corresponding doors.
[0051] FIG. 36 is a magnified perspective view of the lock of FIG.
33 with corresponding doors.
[0052] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another lock in accordance
with certain aspects of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 38 is a magnified perspective view of the lock in FIG.
37.
[0054] FIG. 39 is a magnified perspective view of the lock in FIG.
37.
[0055] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 33 being
inserted into the storage case of FIG. 24.
[0056] FIG. 41 is a magnified perspective partially cut-away view
of the storage case of FIG. 24 combined with the lock of FIG. 33 in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 42 is a magnified perspective partially cut-away view
of the storage case of FIG. 24 combined with the lock of FIG. 33 in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the storage case of FIG. 24
locked and illustrating how a lock may be removed from the storage
case.
[0059] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of yet another lock in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 45 is a magnified perspective view of the underside of
the lock in FIG. 44.
[0061] FIG. 46 is a magnified perspective view of the top of the
lock in FIG. 44.
[0062] FIG. 47 is a magnified perspective view of the top of the
lock in FIG. 44 when pin holding members of the lock are in a
closed position.
[0063] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a single use lock in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0064] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
single use lock in accordance with certain aspects of the
invention.
[0065] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the bottom of the lock
shown in FIG. 49.
[0066] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the bottom of the lock
shown in FIG. 49.
[0067] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of yet another storage case in
accordance with the invention.
[0068] FIG. 53 is a partially exploded perspective view of yet
another lock in accordance with the invention.
[0069] FIG. 54 is a partially exploded view of the lock of FIG. 53
with an alternative security tag receiving portion.
[0070] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a bobbin used with the lock
of FIG. 54.
[0071] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 53 without
a security tag receiving portion.
[0072] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an alternative lock in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
[0073] FIG. 58 is a top perspective view of yet another storage
case in accordance with the invention.
[0074] FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the storage case of
FIG. 58.
[0075] FIG. 60 is a blown-up cutaway view of a portion of the case
of FIG. 58.
[0076] FIG. 61 shows a perspective view of the interior of a
storage case according to the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 62 shows a perspective view of the back of a storage
case according to the present invention when open.
[0078] FIG. 63 shows a perspective view of a storage case according
to the present invention when closed.
[0079] FIG. 64 shows another perspective view of a storage case
according to the present invention when closed.
[0080] FIG. 65 shows a perspective view of a locking member used in
a preferred embodiment of a storage case according to the present
invention.
[0081] FIG. 66 shows another perspective view of a locking member
used in a preferred embodiment of a storage case according to the
present invention.
[0082] FIG. 67 shows the locking member shown in FIGS. 65 and 66 as
it is being inserted in its proper position in a storage case
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 68 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of a storage case according to the present invention after it has
received the locking member shown in FIGS. 65 and 66.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0084] FIG. 1 shows a typical recording medium or disc 70 which can
be used with the storage case of the present invention. Exemplary
recording media are DVDs and CDs although it is within the scope of
the present invention that it may be used in connection with any
other type or size of media that stores and/or records data.
[0085] Recording medium 70 includes a circular opening 72 disposed
in a central portion thereof. Towards the center of recording
medium 70, and external to opening 72, is an unused portion 74
where data is purposefully not recorded on the recording
medium.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a plan view of an open
case 700 in accordance with the present invention. Case 700 can be
made by any method out of any known material. Preferably, case 700
is made of polypropylene.
[0087] Storage case 700 comprises a top cover or door side 152, a
bottom cover or disc side 154, and a spine 56 disposed
therebetween. Bottom cover 154 receives and retains recording
medium 70. Top cover 152 and bottom cover 154 are pivotably coupled
to spine 56 at respective pivot axes 55 to form what is referred to
as a "living hinge." The living hinge allows top and bottom covers
152, 154 to be rotated toward each other about pivot axes 55 so
that top and bottom cover 152, 154 can meet and mate with each
other to enclose and, therefore, store and protect recording medium
70. Storage case 700 is designed to have a height H and width W
that is typical of a standard VHS tape. This height and width
format complies with Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA)
standards. Storage case 700 includes indents 614 which enable a
user to grasp storage case 700 and insert or remove a lock if
desired--as is described below.
[0088] Top cover 152 includes two resilient document tabs or
document retaining members 160 which can be used to retain
documents, e.g., a booklet, related to storage medium 70. Bottom
cover 154 includes a hub 702 fixedly mounted thereon which is used
to receive and retain storage medium 70, although it should be
realized by those skilled in the art that any type of hub can be
used on bottom cover 154 just so long as it functions to receive
and/or retain storage medium 70 thereon.
[0089] Storage case 700 also includes an improved locking mechanism
for enhancing a locking arrangement between bottom cover 154 and
top cover 152 and for preventing a potential thief from obtaining
access to recording medium 70. Storage case 700 allows for receipt
of an internal lock (e.g., FIG. 12) which is closer to spine 56
than prior art storage cases. This locking arrangement works much
like a deadbolt.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 7, bottom cover 154 includes
a bottom lock portion 172. Bottom lock portion 172 includes a first
wall 736, second wall 738, and third wall 740 which define part of
an exterior of storage case 700 distal from spine 56. Second wall
738 is disposed closer to spine 56 thereby defining a recess which
allows a user to more easily grasp and open storage case 700.
[0091] Bottom lock portion 172 also includes lock receiving members
in the form of a first loop 716, a second loop 718, a third loop
720 and a fourth loop 722. Each loop is substantially rectangular
in cross-section and defines a parallelepiped shaped void therein.
Loops 716, 718, 720 and 722 are substantially collinear and define
a lock insertion path or channel 188 on bottom cover 154. Second
loop 718 includes a hook edge 724 which receives a latch discussed
below. Lock insertion path 188 begins with an open portion 188a at
the bottom of bottom cover 154 and terminates with a wall portion
188b at the top of bottom cover 154. Bottom cover 154 further
includes a shelf 618 which terminates in an arcuate side guard that
protects a recorded medium 70 disposed on shelf 618. When storage
medium 70 is disposed on hub 702, storage medium 70 is supported by
feet 614 and shelf 618. As shown in the figures, shelf 618 juts out
into lock insertion path 188.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 8, top cover 152 includes a top
lock portion 192 which is similar to bottom lock portion 172. Top
lock portion 192 includes a first wall 742, a second wall 744, and
third wall 746 which define part of an exterior of storage case 700
distal from spine 56. As with second wall 738, second wall 744 is
disposed closer to spine 56 than first wall 742 and third wall 746
thereby defining a recess (along with second wall 738) which allows
a user to more easily grasp and open storage case 700.
[0093] Top lock portion 192 also includes lock receiving members in
the form of a first loop 726, a second loop 728, a third loop 730,
and a fourth loop 732. Each loop is substantially rectangular in
cross-section and defines a parallelepiped shaped void therein.
Loops 726, 728, 730, 732 are substantially collinear and define a
lock insertion path or channel 208 on top cover 152. Second loop
728 includes a hook edge 734 which receives a latch discussed
below. Lock insertion path 208 begins with an open portion 208a at
the bottom of top cover 152 and terminates with a wall portion 208b
at the top of top cover 152. Top cover 152 further includes a
hold-down rib 636 which sits on recording medium 70 when top cover
152 is closed upon bottom cover 154. In this way, hold-down rib 636
assists in maintaining recording medium 70 on hub 156.
[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10 when storage case 700 is to
be used to protect storage medium 70, top cover 152 is pivoted
about pivot point 55 toward bottom cover 154 and bottom cover 154
is pivoted about pivot point 55 toward top cover 152. Loops 716,
718, 720, 722, 726, 728, 730 and 732 are disposed on bottom cover
154 and top cover 152, respectively, in an interleaving
relationship. For example, first loop 726 fits between first loop
716 and second loop 718 and fourth loop 722 fits between third loop
730 and fourth loop 732.
[0095] Referring now also to FIG. 11, when storage case 700 is
closed, lock insertion path 188 and lock insertion path 208
communicate with each other and combine to form a combined lock
insertion path or channel 212. Combined lock insertion path 212
begins with the combination of open portions 188a and 208a and
terminates with the combination of wall portions 188b and 208b.
Storage case 700 is now ready to receive a lock in accordance with
certain aspects of the invention. If storage case 700 is being
displayed in a sell-through or retail environment, a shrink wrap
could now be placed over storage case 700 in preparation of receipt
of a lock in accordance with the invention.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 12-15, there is shown a lock 400 in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention. Lock 400 can be
inserted into combined lock insertion path 212 to lock storage case
700 in a closed position, much like the way a deadbolt functions to
lock a door in the closed position. Lock 400 may be made of any of
the known materials, or by any of the known methods. Preferably,
lock 400 is made of an acetyl homopolymer such as Dupont Deltin
500T and includes an extended rib portion 402 terminating in a wall
404. Lock 400 also includes a first catch mechanism 406 and a
second catch mechanism 408. First catch mechanism 406 and second
catch mechanism 408 include a first and second pin holding portion
410, 412 respectively. As shown most clearly in FIG. 15, each pin
holding portion receives a pin 250, 252 so that a longitudinal axis
of the pin is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of lock 400. A
notch portion 414, 416 is disposed in each pin holding portion 410,
412 facing wall 404. Each pin holding portion 410, 412 includes a
curved front portion 411, 413 that facilitates insertion of lock
400 into a storage case of the invention. Pin holding portions 410,
412 further include latches or straight portions 407, 409 which
engage hook edges 734, 724 of top lock portion 192 and bottom lock
portion 172 respectively. In one embodiment, the walls which form
notch 414, 416 form an angle which is approximately 35.degree.. The
benefits of notches 414, 416 will be explained below.
[0097] Each pin holding portion 410, 412 further includes a hook
418, 420 which is effective to mate with a corresponding hook 422,
424 of a base 426 of lock 400. Each pin holding portion 410, 412 is
connected to base 426 through respective spring arms 428, 430. As
can be discerned from FIG. 11, spring arms 428, 430 are not as tall
as the rest of base 426 nor as tall as the spring arms shown in
some of the previous embodiments. These thinner spring arms are
relatively easier to move and rotate when assembling lock 400.
Referring also to FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, there is shown a
more detailed view of spring arm 428. It should be understood that
the structure of spring arms 428 and 430 is virtually identical and
so a discussion of only spring arm 428 is presented for the sake of
brevity.
[0098] Spring arm 428 is connected to base 426 through a spring arm
notch 432. Notch 432 serves as a hinge about which pin holding
portion 410 can be rotated. Spring arm 428 includes an arcuate
portion 434 and a recessed portion 436. Arcuate portion 434,
recessed portion 436, and spring arm notch 432 serve to bias spring
arm 428 outwardly away from base 426. Focusing also on FIGS. 14 and
15, when lock 400 is manufactured, first and second catch
mechanisms 406, 408 are bent outwardly away from base 426 due to
the biasing produced by spring arm notch 432, recessed portion 436
and arcuate portion 434. A manufacturer then simply inserts pins
250, 252 into pin holding portions 406, 408 and then moves pin
holding portions 406, 408 against this biasing force toward base
426 and mates hooks 418, 420 with hooks 422, 424.
[0099] Referring again to FIG. 12, lock 400 further includes a
security tag recess 748 which may optionally receive and retain a
security tag (not shown). A disc and shelf receiving recess 750
defined by walls 752 and 754 extends from a portion of lock 400
proximate to second catch mechanism 408 to an end of lock 400
distal from wall 404. Also distal from wall 404 is a sharpened edge
756 which could be used to piece a shrink wrap disposed around
storage case 700.
[0100] In use, after storage case 700 is closed, lock 400 is
inserted into combined lock insertion path 212 as is shown in FIG.
17. Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, 12, 13, and 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e
and 17, lock 400 is oriented so that edge 756 is inserted into
combined lock insertion path 212, first catch mechanism 406 is
inserted with pin holding portion 410 facing toward bottom cover
154, and second catch mechanism 408 is inserted with pin holding
portion 412 facing top cover 152.
[0101] Referring also to FIGS. 18 and 19, as lock 400 is inserted
into combined lock insertion path 212, the walls of first loops
716, 726 and second loops 718, 728 engage curved fronts 411, 413 of
pin holding portions 410 and 412. These walls compress spring arms
428, 430 and cause pin holding portions 410, 412 to move into voids
438, 440. To accommodate for this movement, walls 442, 444
proximate to pin hold portions 410, 412 are thinner than adjacent
walls 446, 448. Walls 442, 444 may also include an arcuate recess
(not shown) to facilitate movement of pin holding portions 410, 412
by effectively increasing the size of voids 438, 440. Additionally,
when lock 400 is inserted into storage case 700, walls 752 and 754
slide around recording medium 70 and shelf 618, support recording
medium 70 on shelf 618, and inhibit access to recording medium 70
as is shown best in FIG. 20.
[0102] When lock 400 is inserted far enough into combined lock
insertion path 212, straight portion 407 of pin holding portion 410
engages hook edge 734 of top cover 152. Similarly, straight portion
409 of pin holding portion 412 engages hook edge 724 of bottom
cover 154. At this point, first loop 726 no longer provides a force
on spring arm 428 and second loop no longer provides a force upon
spring arm 430. The natural biasing force of spring arms 428, 430
now causes pin holding portions 410, 412 to move outwardly thereby
causing notches 414, 416 to engage with hook edges 734, 724
respectively as is seen most clearly in FIGS. 18 and 19. Lock 400
is now securely held within combined lock insertion path 212 and
inside of storage case 700, e.g., FIGS. 18, 19, 21, and can not
easily be pulled out by a user. As a result, top cover 152 is
securely held together with bottom cover 154. Moreover, lock 400 is
substantially within an outer periphery 401 of case 700 to give the
case a smooth and non-bulky appearance.
[0103] Referring again to FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, some of the
benefits of notch 414, 416 will now be explained. As shown in FIGS.
16c and 16d, when lock 400 is disposed in storage case 700, pin
holding portion 410 engages hook edge 734 of top cover 152.
Focusing on FIG. 16d, if a potential thief were to pull lock 400
without notch 414 in the direction shown by arrow 452, hook edge
734 may provide a force upon pin holding portion 410 (shown by
arrow 454) which may lift pin holding portion 410 out of engagement
with hook edge 734 and allow the thief to remove lock 400. To
prevent against this possibility, notches 414, 416 are provided. As
shown in FIG. 16b, should a thief attempt to pull lock 400 with
notch 414 out of storage case 700, hook edge 734 will engage notch
414 thereby further entrenching lock 400 within storage case 700
(as shown by arrow 456) and preventing removal by the potential
thief. Lock 400 thus acts like a deadbolt for storage case 700.
[0104] Preferably, hook edges 734, 724 are chamfered by any of the
known methods to allow edges 734, 724 to more securely engage
notches 414, 416. For example, referring now to FIG. 16e, hook edge
734 is chamfered, preferably at a 45 degree angle with respect to
the top of the first lock loop 726. In this way, if a user pulls
lock 400 in the direction of arrow 452, pin holding portion 410
will be further entrenched within storage case 700 (as shown by
arrow 456) by the interaction of chamfered hook edge 734 with notch
414. Hook edge 724 can be chamfered in a similar manner with like
effect, not shown.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 21, to remove lock 400, a magnet 258 is
placed near pin holding portion 412 and emits a magnetic field
which attracts pin 252 disposed therein against the biasing force
of spring arm 430 thereby causing notch 416 to recede from hook
edge 724. At the same time, a magnet 262 is placed near pin holding
portion 410 and emits a magnetic field which attracts pin 250
disposed therein against the biasing force of spring arm 428
thereby causing notch 414 to recede from hook edge 734. Once
magnets 258, 260 are so oriented, lock 400 is safely removed from
combined lock insertion path 212 by safely sliding lock 400 out of
combined lock insertion path 212.
[0106] Alternatively, a magnet 264 (shown in phantom) can be placed
near pin holding portion 412 which emits a magnetic field that
repels a pin disposed therein against the biasing force of spring
arm 430 thereby causing latch notch 416 to recede from hook edge
724. At the same time, a magnet 260 (also shown in phantom) is
placed near pin holding portion 410 and emits a magnetic field
which repels a pin disposed therein against the biasing force of
spring arm 428 thereby causing notch 414 to recede from hook edge
734.
[0107] Other options for removing lock 400 from storage case 700
include using a combination of magnets 262 and 264 or magnets 258
and 260. Upon application of the magnets, lock 400 is now free to
be extricated from storage case 700 and storage case 700 can
thereafter be opened. Pins 250, 252 thus provide a mass available
to be acted upon by the magnetic field generated by magnets 258-264
thereby facilitating removal of lock 220 through the movement of
pin holding portions 234, 236 holding pins 250 and 252. Pins 250,
252 should be sized to provide this additional mass.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 2 an 3, hub 702 is centered on bottom
cover 154 both horizontally and vertically to assist in
manufacturing using existing automated equipment. Hub 702 includes
an outer ring 704 and an inner ring 706. Disposed proximate to and
radially about inner ring 706, are a plurality of tabs 708. Six
tabs 708 are shown but clearly any number could be used. Each tab
708 includes a base portion 710 and a head portion 712. Head
portion 712 extends radially outward from base portion 710 so that
the circumference of a circle drawn around head portions 712 is
larger than a circumference of opening 72 of recording medium 70
(FIG. 1). The positioning of tabs 708 with respect to inner ring
706 defines a void 714 therebetween. Bases 710 of tabs 708 are
pliant so that tabs 708 can be moved into void 714 upon the
application of sufficient force. Bases 710 are also resilient in
that they will return to a generally upright position (i.e.
substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by bottom cover 154)
when such a force is removed.
[0109] In use, when recording medium 70 is to placed upon hub 702,
opening 72 is placed around heads 712. A downward force is applied
upon recording medium 70 and causes heads 712 to bend inwardly into
void 714 due to the engagement of unused portion 74 with
protrusions heads 712. Upon the application of sufficient downward
force upon recording medium 70, tabs 708 will bend inwardly far
enough so that the circumference around heads 712 will be less than
the circumference of opening 72 thereby allowing recording medium
70 to be placed upon outer ring 704 with opening 72 being
coextensive with inner ring 706. At this point, unused portion 74
no longer applies a force upon heads 712 and tabs 708 resume their
original position due to their natural resiliency. Heads 712 now
retain recording medium 70 on outer ring 704 and feet 64 with
minimal stress on medium 70. In order to remove recording medium
70, a user will place his fingers in finger access holes or
recesses 66, and lift off recording medium 70 therefrom with
minimal effort. In this way, recording medium 70 can be safely
placed upon and removed from hub 702 without being damaged.
[0110] Referring again to FIG. 2, in order to support the outer
edges of recording medium 70 to prevent the medium from tipping off
of hub 702, bottom cover 154 includes upper holding portions 58 and
lower holding portions 60. These portions support outer edge
portions of recording medium 70 when disposed on hub 156. Upper
holding portions 58 are arranged in a semi-circle about hub 156 and
lower holding portions 60 are disposed symmetric to upper holding
portions.
[0111] Referring now also to FIG. 4, both upper and lower holding
portions 58, 60, are comprised of a plurality (three are shown in
the figures) of arcuate shaped feet 64 separated by recesses 66.
Each foot 64 is comprised of a protrusion having an L-shaped
cross-section including a first protrusion 64a which extends
upwardly from bottom cover 154 to a height which is lower than a
height of a second protrusion 64b which also extends upwardly from
bottom cover 154.
[0112] Feet 64 are arranged on bottom cover 154 to follow the
general contour of recording medium 70. In this way, the outer
edges of recording medium 70 are caused to rest on feet 64. In FIG.
4, for example, feet 64 are arranged to follow the circular contour
of a round recording medium such as a DVD. A first circle having a
first diameter can be formed by connecting the tops of first
protrusions 64a and a second circle having a second diameter larger
than the first diameter can be formed by connecting the tops of
second protrusions 64b. The diameter of the first circle (with
first protrusions 64a) is further smaller than the diameter of
recording medium 70. In contrast, the diameter of the second circle
(with second protrusions 64b) is larger than the diameter of
recording medium 70. In this way, outer edges of recording medium
70 can be placed on protrusions 64a (and hub 156) and kept in place
by protrusions 64b. Clearly, feet 64 do not have to be arcuate in
shape. They can, for example, extend in a straight line as long as
the distance between second protrusions 64b disposed on opposite
sides of hub 62 is greater than the diameter of recording medium
70; and the distance between first projections 64a disposed on
opposite sides of hub 62 is less than the diameter of recording
medium 70.
[0113] Feet 64 are spaced and arranged so that a user wishing to
store or remove recording medium 70 from storage case 50 can grasp
the circumferential edge of recording medium 70 using a plurality
of his or her fingers without interference from feet 64. Recesses
66 are provided in between feet 64 to provide space for the user's
fingers so that a user's fingers can engage the circumferential
edge of recording medium 70 throughout the placement and removal of
recording medium 70 from storage case 50.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 22, top and bottom covers 152, 154
include security features which prevent thieves from gaining access
to medium 70 through spine 56 when storage case 700 is closed (and
locked). The first security feature includes side walls 88a and 88b
which extend along the length of spine 56 and have a height which
is approximately equal to half the width of spine 56.
[0115] The second security feature includes "pi" shaped reinforcing
members 90 located on opposite ends of spine 56 and extending
upwardly therefrom. Reinforcing members 90 are comprised of a first
portion extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis L of spine
56 and two portions extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis
L of spine 56.
[0116] A third security feature of storage case 700 is the
provision of semi-circular shaped spinal projections 91. Spinal
projections 91 are disposed at opposing ends of spine 56 and extend
upwardly from spine 56 in a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to longitudinal axis L.
[0117] When storage case 700 is closed, side walls 88a, 88b,
reinforcing member 90, and spinal projections 91 prevent thieves
from gaining access to recording medium 70 by simply cutting spine
56 along its edges (i.e. pivot points 55). When top and bottom
covers 152, 154 are closed together, side walls 88a and 88b meet
and form a second wall disposed parallel to and internal of spine
56. If a thief, therefore, cuts spine 56, the second wall prevents
access to storage medium 70. Reinforcing members 90 and spinal
projections 91 provide further protection. If a thief were to try
to cut spine 56 either horizontally or vertically in the area of
either reinforcement members 90 or spinal projections 91, he or she
would meet resistance due to the thickness of spine 56 being
effectively increased due to the presence of reinforcing members 90
and spinal projections 91.
[0118] For additional security, top cover 152 further includes top
side walls 89a disposed on either ends of top cover 152. Bottom
cover 154 includes bottom side walls 89b disposed on either ends of
bottom cover 154. All of top and bottom side walls 89a, 89b, extend
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of spine 56.
Top side walls 89a are disposed closer to the center of top cover
152 when compared to the distance between bottom side walls 89b and
the center of bottom cover 154. In this way, when top cover 152 is
closed upon bottom cover 154, top side walls 89a sit behind bottom
side walls 89b. This yields a double wall between the exterior of
storage case 150 and a recording medium disposed on hub 156. Bottom
side walls 89b may include a recess 136. Similarly, top side walls
89a may include a protrusion 138. In this way, when top cover 152
is closed upon bottom cover 154, protrusions 138, mate with
recesses 136 to help maintain storage case 150 in a closed
position. Storage case 700 can include further security features
like those described in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/696,614
entitled "CASE AND LOCK WITH IMPROVED DISC PROTECTION" filed on
Oct. 25, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown another storage case
which could be used in accordance with the invention. Storage case
780 includes many of the same elements as storage case 700 and a
detailed discussion of these elements is omitted for the sake of
brevity. Storage case 780 can be used to store a recording medium
which has a smaller circumference than that stored in storage case
700. As the stored recording medium is smaller, bottom cover 154
includes feet 64' (including first protrusions 64a' and second
protrusions 64b') which are longer than feet 64, thereby,
effectively combining upper holding portion 58 and lower holding
portion 60 of storage case 700. Reinforcing walls 782, 784 are
disposed on top and bottom covers 152, 154 respectively.
Reinforcing walls 782, 784 provide additional security in
preventing a potential thief from accessing a recording medium
stored inside storage case 780. These walls also facilitate
insertion and removal of one of the locks of the invention. Bottom
cover 154 may also optionally include a memory recess 786 which can
receive and retain a memory card associated with the contents of
data stored on a recording medium disposed within storage case 780.
Storage case 780 may be closed and locked in a manner similar to
that described above with respect to storage case 700.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a plan view of an open
case 150 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Like case 700, case 150 can be made by any method out of
any known material. Preferably, case 150 is made of
polypropylene.
[0121] Storage case 150 comprises a top cover or door side 152, a
bottom cover or disc side 154, and a spine 56 disposed
therebetween. Bottom cover 154 receives and retains recording
medium 70. Top cover 152 and bottom cover 154 are pivotably coupled
to spine 56 at respective pivot axes 55 to form a "living hinge."
The living hinge allows top and bottom covers 152, 154 to be
rotated toward each other about pivot axes 55 so that top and
bottom cover 152, 154 can meet and mate with each other to enclose
and, therefore, store and protect recording medium 70. Storage case
150 is designed to have a height H and width W that is typical of a
standard VHS tape. This height and width format complies with Video
Software Dealers Association (VSDA) standards.
[0122] Like storage case 700, storage case 150 allows for receipt
of an internal lock which is closer to spine 56 than prior art
storage cases. Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26, to allow for the
provision of a lock discussed more completely below, and to keep
within VSDA size parameters, a hub 156 is disposed on bottom cover
154 closer to top cover 152 compared to the position of hubs of the
prior art. To accommodate this shift, a portion 157 of wall 88a is
cut out or removed that is approximately equal to the thickness of
recording medium 70. As a result, when recording medium 70 is
stored on hub 156, a portion of recording medium 70 enters into
removed portion 157. It has been found that this construction has a
beneficial result. When top cover 152 is closed upon bottom cover
154, wall 88b sits on top of recording medium 70 and more securely
retains recording medium 70 on hub 156. This prevents recording
medium 70 from moving within storage case 150, e.g., when case 150
is excessively jarred in shipping or handling.
[0123] The embodiment of FIG. 24, as with the previous embodiments,
includes an improved locking mechanism for enhancing a locking
arrangement between bottom cover 154 and top cover 152 and for
preventing a potential thief from obtaining access to recording
medium 70. Referring to FIGS. 24 and 27, bottom cover 154 includes
a bottom lock portion 172. Bottom lock portion 172 includes outside
wall 174 and inside walls 176 defining a lock receiving recess 178
therein. Bottom lock portion 172 further includes a hollow upper
lock receiving member 180 and a hollow lower lock receiving member
182 extending upwardly from bottom lock portion 172. Upper lock
receiving member 180 is substantially rectangular in cross-section
and defines a parallelepiped shaped void 184 therein. Lower lock
receiving member 182 is also substantially rectangular in
cross-section, though longer than upper lock receiving member 180,
and defines a parallelepiped shaped void 186 therein. Lower lock
receiving member 182 further includes a hook 190 which receives a
latch discussed below. Voids 184 and 186 and lock receiving recess
178 are substantially collinear so that lock receiving recess 178,
void 184 and void 186 in combination define lock insertion path 188
on bottom cover 154. Lock insertion path 188 begins with an open
portion 188a at the bottom of bottom cover 154 and terminates with
a wall portion 188b at the top of bottom cover 154.
[0124] Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 28, top cover 152 includes a
top lock portion 192 which is similar to bottom lock portion 172.
Top lock portion 192 includes an outside wall 194 and inside walls
196 defining a lock receiving recess 198 therein. Top lock portion
192 further includes a hollow upper lock receiving member 200 and a
hollow lower lock receiving member 202 extending upwardly from top
lock portion 192. Upper lock receiving member 200 is substantially
rectangular in cross-section and defines a parallelepiped shaped
void 204 therein. Lower lock receiving member 202 is also
substantially rectangular in cross-section, though shorter than
upper lock receiving member 200, and defines a parallelepiped
shaped void 206 therein. Lower lock receiving member 202 further
includes hook 210 which receives a latch discussed below. Voids 204
and 206 and lock receiving recess 198 are substantially collinear
so that lock receiving recess 198, void 202 and void 204 in
combination, define lock insertion path 208 on top cover 152. Lock
insertion path 208 begins with an open portion 208a at the bottom
of top cover 152 and terminates with a wall portion 208b at the top
of top cover 152.
[0125] Referring now to FIGS. 27-30 when storage case 150 is to be
used to protect storage medium 70, top cover 152 is pivoted about
pivot point 55 toward bottom cover 154 and bottom cover 154 is
pivoted about pivot point 55 toward top cover 152. Upper lock
receiving members 180 and 200 and lower lock receiving members 182
and 202 are disposed on bottom cover 154 and top cover 152,
respectively, in an interleaving relationship. In this way, when
top cover 152 and bottom cover 154 are closed upon one another,
lower lock receiving member 182 fits in between lower lock
receiving member 202 and upper lock receiving member 200.
Similarly, when top cover 152 and bottom cover 154 are closed upon
one another, upper lock receiving member 200 fits between upper
lock receiving member 180 and lower lock receiving member 182.
[0126] Referring now also to FIG. 31 and 32 when storage case 150
is closed, lock insertion path 188 and lock insertion path 208
communicate with each other and combine to form a combined lock
insertion path 212. Combined lock insertion path 212 begins with
the combination of open portions 188a and 208a and terminates with
the combination of wall portions 188b and 208b. Storage case 150 is
now ready to receive a lock in accordance with certain aspects of
the invention. If storage case 150 is being displayed in a
sell-through or retail environment, a shrink wrap could now be
placed over storage case 150 in preparation of receipt of a lock in
accordance with the invention.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 33, there is shown a lock 220 in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention to be received in
combined lock insertion path 212. Lock 220 is substantially a
parallelepiped and includes a wall portion 222 at one end and a
torpedo-shaped nose portion 224 at another end. Torpedo-shaped nose
portion 224 facilitates the insertion of lock 220 into combined
lock insertion path 212. Torpedo-shaped nose portion 224 can
further be used to pierce a shrink wrap disposed around storage
case 150.
[0128] Lock 220 may be made by any known method of any known
material. Preferably, lock 220 is made of an acetyl or acetyl
copolymer which has a natural lubricity (i.e. a low coefficient of
friction or self-lubricating) and has a high stiffness to weight
ratio. This lubricity allows lock 220 to slide more easily into and
out of combined lock insertion path 212.
[0129] Referring now also to FIG. 34, lock 220 includes a first
catch mechanism 226 and a second catch mechanism 228 disposed on
opposite sides of lock 220. First and second catch mechanisms 226,
228 are comprised of a leaf spring portion 230, 232 integral with
pin holding portions 234, 236. Pin holding portions 234, 236 are
designed to be received by hooks 190, 210 (FIG. 24) to secure lock
220 in combined lock insertion path 212 and reliably secure storage
case 150 in a closed position.
[0130] Leaf spring portions 230, 232 are resilient and biased
outwardly so that pin holding portions 234, 236 extend beyond an
outer periphery 237 of a base 239 of lock 220. First and second
catch mechanisms 226, 228 further include voids 227, 229 which can
receive pin holding portions 234, 236 if a force is applied on pin
holding portions 234, 236 against the biasing of leaf springs 230,
232.
[0131] Pin holding portion 234 includes a chamfered portion 238
disposed toward torpedo-shaped nose 224 and a straight portion 240
terminating in and defining a catch 242. Similarly, pin holding
portion 236 includes a chamfered portion 244 disposed toward
torpedo-shaped nose 224 and a straight portion 246 terminating in
and defining a catch 248. Pin holding portions 234 and 236 are
effective to receive and retain metal pins 250 and 252
respectively. Each pin holding portion 234, 236 includes shelf
extensions 233 which retain pins 250 and 252 within a respective
pin holding portion 234, 236. Each pin 250, 252 further includes
chamfered ends 253 which are received and retained by shelf
extensions 233 and thereby facilitate insertion and removal of pins
250, 252 within pin holding portions 234, 236.
[0132] Referring now to FIG. 15, when lock 220 is manufactured, a
first door 254 is pivotably coupled to lock 220 opposite first
catch mechanism 226 and a second door 256 is placed pivotably
coupled to lock 220 opposite second catch mechanism 228. After pins
250, 252 are placed within pin holding portions 234 and 236
respectively, first door 254 and second door 256 are pivoted about
pivot points 257 and 259 respectively and closed upon first catch
mechanism 226 and second catch mechanism 228 respectively as is
shown in FIG. 36 by any known method. In this way, first and second
doors 254, 256 improve the aesthetic appearance of lock 220 and
mask the position of pins 250 and 252 within pin holding portions
234 and 236. This masking makes it more difficult for a thief to
ascertain the positions of pins 250, 252 and disengage lock 220
from storage case 150.
[0133] An alternative lock 270 is shown in FIGS. 37-39. Lock 270
includes many of the same elements as lock 220 and, therefore, a
description of these elements is omitted for the sake of brevity.
At one end, lock 270 includes an extended rib 274 supporting a wall
272. A comparison of FIG. 18 with FIG. 15 reveals that wall 272
extends upwardly significantly farther than wall 222. This extra
extension of wall 272 allows a user to more easily grasp and remove
lock 270 from storage case 220. At another end, lock 270 terminates
in a springed hook portion 276. Springed hook portion 276
facilitates removal of lock 270 by providing a spring force on lock
270 in an outward direction when pin holding portions 226, 228 are
disengaged from hooks 190, 210. Springed hook portion 276 is thus
effective to auto-eject lock 270 from case 150.
[0134] In use, after storage case 150 is closed, lock 220 is
inserted into combined lock insertion path 212 as is shown in FIG.
40. Referring to FIGS. 27, 28, 33, 34 and 40, lock 220 is oriented
so that torpedo-shaped nose 224 is inserted into combined lock
insertion path 212, first catch mechanism 226 is inserted with pin
holding portion 234 facing toward bottom cover 154, and second
catch mechanism 228 is inserted with pin holding portion 236 facing
top cover 152.
[0135] Referring also to FIGS. 41 and 42, as lock 220 is inserted
into combined lock insertion path 212, the walls of bottom cover
154 and top cover 152 and the walls of lower lock receiving member
182 and lower lock receiving member 202 engage chamfered portions
244 and 238 of pin holding portions 236 and 234. These walls
compress leaf springs 232 and 230 and cause pin holding portions
236 and 234 to move into voids 229, 227. When lock 220 is inserted
far enough into combined lock insertion path 212, straight portion
240 of pin holding portion 234 mates with hook 210 and straight
portion 246 of pin holding portion 236 mates with hook 190. A user
may need to apply an additional inserting force upon lock 270 to
overcome the resistance produced by walls 188b and 208b (FIGS. 24,
27 and 28) acting upon spring hook 276 when lock 270 is inserted
into lock insertion path 212.
[0136] At this point, hooks 190 and 210 no longer provide the force
on leaf springs 230, 232 that the walls of lower lock receiving
member 182 and lower lock receiving member 202 had provided. The
natural biasing force of leaf springs 230, 232 now causes pin
holding portions 234 and 236 to move outwardly thereby causing
latches 242 and 248 to engage with the walls defining hook 210 and
hook 190 as is seen most clearly in FIGS. 41 and 42. Lock 220 is
now securely held within storage case 150 and top cover 152 is
securely held together with bottom cover 154.
[0137] Once lock 220 is in place, if a thief were to attempt to
remove lock 220 forcefully by pulling lock 220 in a direction
opposite to the direction in which it was inserted, latches 242 and
248 would become further entrenched within the walls which define
hooks 210 and 190 thereby further preventing removal of the lock
220. Lock 220 thus acts like a deadbolt for storage case 150.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 43, as with previously described
embodiments, to remove lock 220, a magnet 258 is placed near pin
252 and emits a magnetic field which attracts pin 252 against the
biasing force of leaf spring 232 thereby causing latch 248 to
recede from hook 190. At the same time, a magnet 262 is placed near
pin 250 and emits a magnetic field which attracts pin 250 against
the biasing force of leaf spring 230 thereby causing latch 242 to
recede from hook 210. Once magnets 258, 260 are so oriented, lock
220 is safely removed from combined lock insertion path 212 by
safely sliding lock 220 out of combined lock insertion path
212.
[0139] Alternatively, a magnet 264 (shown in phantom) can be placed
near pin 252 which emits a magnetic field that repels pin 252
against the biasing force of leaf spring 232 thereby causing latch
248 to recede from hook 190. At the same time, a magnet 260 (also
shown in phantom) is placed near pin 250 and emits a magnetic field
which repels pin 250 against the biasing force of leaf spring 230
thereby causing latch 242 to recede from hook 210.
[0140] Other options for removing lock 220 from storage case 150
include using a combination of magnets 262 and 264 or magnets 258
and 260. Upon application of the magnets, lock 220 is now free to
be extricated from storage case 150 and storage case 150 can
thereafter be opened. Pins 250, 252 thus provide a mass available
to be acted upon by the magnetic field generated by magnets 258-264
thereby facilitating removal of lock 220 through the movement of
pin holding portions 234, 236 holding pins 250 and 252. Pins 250,
252 should be sized to provide this additional mass.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 44, there is shown yet another lock 280
which could be used in accordance with the invention. Lock 280
comprises a first end 288 and a second end 290 distal from first
end 288. As with lock 270, first end 288 includes an extended rib
portion 284 extending up to and supporting a wall portion 282.
Second end 290 includes a springed hook portion 286 which, like
springed hook portion 276, facilitates removal of lock 280 from
lock insertion path 212 and case 150. As can be discerned from the
figure, the width of lock 280 tapers near second end 290 thereby
facilitating insertion of lock 280 into lock insertion path 212 in
storage case 150. In between first end 288 and second end 290, lock
280 includes a recess 292 which may be used to receive and retain a
source tag or an EAS electronic surveilance tag used to trigger an
alarm system (not shown) if a thief attempted to steal storage case
150 including lock 280.
[0142] Referring to FIGS. 44-47, lock 280 is molded so that catch
mechanisms comprising a first pin holding portion 294 and a second
pin holding portion 296 extend outwardly from a base 298 of lock
280 through respective leaf spring portions 312, 314. Leaf spring
portions 312, 314 bias pin holding portions 294, 296 outwardly away
from base 298. As with pin holding portions 234, 236, first and
second pin holding portions 294, 296 include chambers 304, 306
which are effective to receive and retain steel pins (not shown).
First and second pin holding portions 294, 296 further include
chamfered portions 320, 326, straight portions 322, 328, and latch
portions 324, 330 as with pin holding portions 234, 236.
[0143] First and second pin holding portions 294, 296 further
include flanges 300, 302 extending therefrom. Referring now also to
FIG. 47, after pins (described above) are inserted into chambers
304, 306, first and second holding portions 294, 296 are pivoted
through arms 312, 314 and inserted into base 298 of lock 280 so
that flanges 300, 302 sit behind corresponding flanges 308, 310 in
base 280. In this position, pin holding portions 294, 296 and base
298 define voids 316, 318 which can receive first and second pin
holding portions 304, 306 if a force is applied to pin holding
portions 304, 306 against the biasing force of leaf springs 312,
314. Additionally, the bias produced by leaf spring portions 312,
314 causes first and second pin holding portions 294, 296 to extend
beyond a periphery 317 of base 298. Lock 280 is inserted and
removed from case 150 in a similar way as lock 220.
[0144] When lock 280 is produced, lock 280 is molded with pin
holding portions 294, 296 extending outwardly from base 298. Pins
are inserted into pin hold portions 294, 296 and pin holding
portions 294, 296 are pivoted against the resiliency of leaf spring
portions 312, 314 so that flanges 300, 320 snap behind flanges 308,
310. In this way, lock 280 can be simply and inexpensively
manufactured.
[0145] Instead of locks 220, 270 and 280, case 150 can be used in
connection with a single use lock used to lock case 150 a single
time, although it should realized that any of the embodiments
disclosed herein can be adapted to be used in connection with such
a lock. Lock embodiments 220, 270 and 280 can clearly be used
repeatedly as a user can easily remove the locks without damaging
either the lock or the case--assuming the user uses magnets
258-264. Referring to FIG. 48, there is shown a single use lock 340
in accordance with the invention. Lock 340 includes an extended rib
portion 342 extending up to and supporting a wall portion 344.
Instead of the pin holding portions in the previous embodiments,
lock 340 includes catch mechanisms in the form of first and second
locking members 346, 348. Locking members 346, 348 are
substantially arcuate, flexible and biased outwardly as is shown in
the figure.
[0146] When lock 340 is inserted into case 150, the walls of bottom
cover 154 and top cover 152 and the walls of lower lock receiving
member 182 and lower lock receiving member 202 engage first and
second locking members 346, 348. These locking members 346, 348 are
bent inwardly into voids 350, 348 to allow lock 340 to be fully
inserted into lock insertion path 212. When lock 340 is inserted
far enough into combined lock insertion path 212, the resiliency of
locking members 346, 348 causes these members to unbend and mate
with hooks 190, 210. However, to remove lock 340, a user would have
to grasp wall 344 and pull lock 340 against the force produced by
the resiliency of locking members 346, 352 within hooks 190, 210.
This is a difficult task as wall 344 will generally be flush
against storage case 150 thereby inhibiting a user from grasping
wall 344. Moreover, as there are no pins disposed within locking
members 346, 348, a user cannot apply magnets to cause removal of
locking members 346, 348 from hooks 190, 210.
[0147] An alternative embodiment of a single use lock is shown in
FIG. 49. A lock 354 also includes rib 356 and wall 358 as with lock
340. Lock 354 includes catching mechanisms in the form of first and
second locking members 360 and 362. Locking members 360, 362
include forward inclined portions 364, 370, flat portions 366, 372
and rearward inclined portions 368, 374. Rearward inclined portions
368, 374 have a slope which is greater than the slope of forward
inclined portions 364, 370. Locking members 360, 362 are flexibly
mounted with respect to the rest of lock 354 so that locking
members 360, 362 may move inwardly into voids 376, 378 upon the
application of a sufficient force thereon.
[0148] When lock 354 is inserted into case 150, the walls of bottom
cover 154 and top cover 152 and the walls of lower lock receiving
member 182 and lower lock receiving member 202 engage forward
inclined portions 364, 370 of first and second locking members 360,
362. These locking members 360, 362 are bent inwardly into voids
376, 378 to allow lock 354 to be fully inserted into lock insertion
path 212. When lock 354 is inserted far enough into combined lock
insertion path 212, the resiliency of locking members 360, 362
causes these members to unbend and mate with hooks 190, 210.
However, to remove lock 340, a user would have to grasp wall 344
and pull lock 340 against the force produced by rearward inclined
portions 368, 374, abutting against hooks 190, 210. As stated
above, the slope of rearward inclined portions 368, 374 is greater
than the slope of forward inclined portion 364, 370. It is
therefore, much easier for a user to insert lock 354 into case 150
than remove lock 354 from case 150. Further, wall 344 will
generally be flush against storage case 150 thereby inhibiting a
user from grasping wall 344. Finally, as there are no pins disposed
within locking members 346, 348, a user cannot apply magnets to
cause removal of locking members 346, 348 from hooks 190, 210.
[0149] Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, there is shown a bottom
perspective view of lock 354 or lock 340 with an optional added
safety feature. As shown, a noise maker 380 is comprised of a
plurality of projections which further define a plurality of
indentations therebetween. If a thief attempted to remove lock 354
from storage case 150, noise maker 380 would rub against the inside
of storage case 150 thereby creating a large noise and alerting
security. Although noise maker 380 is shown on lock 354, it should
be clear that noise maker 380 could be combined with any of the
locks described above.
[0150] Referring again to FIG. 24, bottom cover 154 of case 150
includes a hub 156 fixedly mounted thereon and which receives and
retains storage 150 medium 70 thereon. Bottom cover 154 further may
optionally include a memory recess 158 which can be used to store a
memory card or similarly sized device (not shown) related to
storage medium 70. Top cover 152 includes two resilient tabs 160
which can be used to retain documents related to storage medium
70.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 25, hub 156 is substantially cylindrical
in shape and is disposed upon and integral with a frustrum portion
161. Hub 156 is designed so that it puts minimal stress on storage
medium 70 when it is stored on hub 156, and when recording medium
70 is lifted or removed therefrom.
[0152] Hub 156 and frustrum portion 161 are comprised of a Y-shaped
member 162 fixed to bottom cover 154 (not explicitly shown in FIG.
14). Y-shaped member 162 defines three arcuate voids 165. Three
resilient members 163 are disposed radially about Y-shaped member
162 within voids 165. Each resilient member 163 includes a base
portion 166 that extends substantially perpendicular to a body
portion 168. A head portion 167 has a substantially arcuate shape
and extends substantially perpendicular to body portion 168 and
parallel to base portion 166. Head portion 167 further includes a
protrusion 164 extending radially therefrom. Referring also to FIG.
1, resilient members 163 are biased radially outwardly so that the
circumference of a circle drawn around protrusions 164 is larger
than the circumference of opening 72 of recording medium 70. It
should be realized that other hubs could be used in accordance with
the features of the invention. For example, the hub disclosed in
copending application Ser. No. 09/696,614, entitled "A CASE AND
LOCK WITH IMPROVED DISC PROTECTION" filed on Oct. 25, 2000, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference,
could be used as well.
[0153] In use, when recording medium 70 is to placed upon hub 156,
opening 72 is placed around protrusions 164. A downward force is
applied upon recording medium 70 and causes head portions 167 of
resilient members 163 to bend further inwardly into voids 165 due
to the engagement of unused portion 74 with protrusions 164. Upon
the application of sufficient downward force upon recording medium
70, resilient members 163 will bend inwardly far enough so that the
circumference around protrusions 164 will be less than the
circumference of opening 72 thereby allowing recording medium 70 to
be placed upon frustrum 161. At this point, unused portion 74 no
longer applies a force upon protrusions 164 and resilient members
163 resume their original position due to their natural resiliency.
Protrusions 164 now retain recording medium 70 on frustrum 161 and
feet 64 with minimal stress on medium 70. In order to remove
recording medium 70, a user will place his fingers in recesses 66,
apply a force upon hub 156, and lift off recording medium 70
therefrom with minimal effort. In this way, recording medium 70 can
be safely placed upon and removed from hub 156 without being
damaged. It should be noted that although three resilient members
and voids are shown, the invention can still be realized with the
use of any number of resilient members and only one resilient
member and voids, including only one resilient member and
corresponding void.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 52, there is shown another embodiment of a
storage case in accordance with certain aspects of the invention.
Storage case 600 includes many of the features of the previous
embodiments and so a detailed description of these elements is
omitted for the sake of brevity. Bottom lock portion 172 is divided
into an upper lock receiving member 602, middle lock receiving
member 604, and lower lock receiving member 606 which are used to
receive and retain a lock as with storage case 150. Similarly, top
lock portion 192 includes an upper lock receiving member 608, a
middle lock receiving member 610 and a lower lock receiving member
612. The receiving members 602-612 are designed so that they are
interlaced and mesh with one another when top cover 152 is closed
upon bottom cover 154.
[0155] Resilient tabs 160 are disposed closer to top lock portion
192 and hub 156 is substantially centered both vertically and
horizontally on bottom cover 154. These modifications facilitate
insertion of the contents of storage case 600 using existing
automated high speed packing equipment. To allow for this different
position of hub 156 while still ensuring that storage case 600
conforms to standard dimensions for DVD cases, middle lock
receiving member 604 includes a cut away portion 616 so that
recording medium 70 may be placed directly on hub 156 through
middle lock receiving member 604. Bottom cover 154 further includes
shelf 618 disposed beneath cut-away 616. In this way, when storage
medium 70 sits on frustrum support 161 of hub 156, storage medium
70 is supported by feet 64 and shelf 618. A hold-down rib 636 sits
on recording medium 70 when recording medium 70 is placed on hub
156 and top cover 152 is closed upon bottom cover 154. Hold-down
rib 636 thereby assists in maintaining recording medium 70 on hub
156.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 53, there is shown another embodiment of
lock 400, referred to herein as lock 1400, which can be used with
storage case 600 or any of the other storage cases disclosed
herein. As shown in the figure, lock 1400 may optionally include a
security tag receiving portion 460. Security tag receiving portion
460 is defined by walls 462, 464 having key portions 466 (only the
key portion for wall 462 is shown in the figure) extending
inwardly. Posts 468, 470 are disposed at distal ends of security
tag receiving portion 460 and are effective to receive and maintain
openings 476, 478 of a bobbin 472. Bobbin 472 further includes
keyholes 480, 482 (only one is shown in the figure) disposed on
distal ends of bobbin 472 which mate with key portions 467, 466
respectively. Bobbin 472 may be used to hold a coil 474 which
actuates an alarm if lock 1400 is moved beyond the security check
point (not shown). Lock 1400 may also include a cut-away portion
461 disposed on one side of lock 1400 between first and second
catch mechanisms 406, 408 and a hook portion 458. Cut-away portion
461 permits lock 1400 to be used with storage case embodiments
which employ the feature of shelf 618.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 54, a lock 2400 with an alternative
security tag receiving portion 484 is shown. Lock 2400 can be used
with storage case 600 or any of the other storage cases disclosed
herein. With alternative security tag receiving portion 484, a
modified springed hook portion 486 may be used at an end of lock
2400. As with security tag receiving portion 460, alternative
security tag receiving portion 484 is defined by walls 488, 490 and
includes key portions 492, 494 (only key portion 492 is shown)
which receive and mate with key holes 496, 498 (only key hole 496
is shown) of bobbin 500. Referring to FIG. 55, bobbin 500 includes
posts 502, 504 which strengthen the attachment between key portions
492, 494 and key holes 496, 498 when bobbin 500 is coupled to
alternative security tag receiving portion 484. Bobbin 500 further
includes a recess 506 with a substantially elliptical
cross-section. Recess 506 mates with a support protrusion 562 when
bobbin 500 is combined with alternative security tag receiving
portion 484. Lock 2400 also includes a cut-away portion 568
disposed on one side of lock 2400 between first and second catch
mechanisms 406, 408 and hook portion 486. Cut-away portion 461
permits lock 2400 to be used with storage case embodiments
utilizing the feature of shelf 618.
[0158] Referring to FIG. 56, there is shown yet another embodiment
of a lock in accordance with certain aspects of the invention. Lock
3400 can be used with storage case 600 or any of the other storage
cases disclosed herein. Lock 3400 includes spring hook portion 564.
Unlike locks 1400 and 2400, lock 3400 does not include a security
tag receiving portion but merely a structural support portion 566
that does not include a bobbin or coil. Structural support portion
566 includes three voids 566.sub.1, 566.sub.2, 566.sub.3. These
three voids may be combined to form a single large void which can
then be used to receive and retain a bobbin and coil as with the
previous embodiments. Lock 3400 also includes a cut-away portion
568 disposed on one side of lock 3400 between first and second
catch mechanisms 406, 408 and hook portion 564. Cut-away portion
461 permits lock 3400 to be used with case utilizing shelf 618.
[0159] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 57, there is shown another
lock which could be used with storage case 600, or with any of the
other storage cases disclosed herein. Lock 440 includes many of the
features of the previous locks and a detailed description of these
features is omitted for the sake of brevity. In fact, lock 4400 is
virtually identical to lock 400 except the lock 4400 includes
springed hook portion 626 at a distal end thereof. A security tag
recess 628 is disposed between second catch mechanism 408 and
springed hook portion 626. Security tag recess 628 may optionally
receive and retain a security tag (not shown). A disc and shelf
receiving recess 630, defined by walls 632, 634 extends from a
portion of lock 4400 proximate to springed hook portion 626 to a
position proximate to second catch mechanism 408. Disc and shelf
receiving recess 630 is used to receive and retain storage medium
70 in combination with shelf 618. In use, when lock 4400 is
inserted into storage case 600, walls 632, 634 slide around
recording medium 70 and shelf618, support recording medium 70 on
shelf 618, and inhibit access to recording medium 70.
[0160] Although storage cases 700, 780, 150 and 600 are shown with
open portions 188a and 208a, it should be clear that these openings
could be closed off by walls thereby blocking lock insertion paths
188 and 208. Further, if desired, portions of loops 716, 718, 720,
722, 726, 728, 730, and 732 and lock receiving members 180, 182,
200, 202, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, and 612 could also be blocked
off with walls so as to inhibit insertion of any lock.
[0161] Referring to FIGS. 58-60, there is shown another storage
case 800 which could be used in accordance with the invention.
Storage case 800 is very similar to, and includes many of the same
elements, as storage case 700. A detailed discussion of these
elements is omitted for the sake of brevity. The differences lie in
document tabs 860, a holding portion 862 and locking tab portions
836, 838. Otherwise, cases 800, 700 are basically the same and are
used in basically the same way.
[0162] Document tabs 860 include ribs 862 disposed on the underside
of tabs 860, FIG. 59, to more securely retain a booklet or other
documents in case 800. Ribs 862 function to more securely grip a
booklet or other documents relating to recording medium 70 when a
portion of such documents is inserted under tabs 860, between the
tabs and top cover 152. Ribs 862 can be formed in any other shape
or configuration, e.g., dots, just so long as the ribs more
securely grip the booklet or other documents.
[0163] Holding portion 862 differs from upper and lower portions
58, 60 in that holding portion 862 does not consist of a plurality
of arcuate shaped feet 64. Instead, holding portion 862 consists of
an lower shelf 868 to support the outer edges of recording medium
70, and a somewhat annular upper shelf 870 interrupted by bottom
lock portion 172 and side wall 88a. Upper shelf 870 is also
interrupted by a plurality of finger access holes or recesses 866
to allow a user to places his or her fingers under recording medium
70 so it can be lifted off hub 702 and lower shelf 868. Preferably,
upper shelf 870 has a hollow rounded upper portion 872 that extends
up from bottom cover 154, FIG. 59.
[0164] Locking tab portions 836, 838 are formed in bottom cover 154
and top cover 152, respectively, to maintain case 800 in the closed
position. Locking tab portions 836, 838 are constructed in
accordance with any of the known methods. Preferably, each tab
portion 836 is formed of a pair of wall members 837 that define a
space therebetween to receive a tab portion 838 in a snap-fit
relationship. Thus, tab portion 838 snap-fits with wall members 837
when case 800 is closed. The snap-fit between tab portion 836 and
wall members 837 keeps case 800 in the closed position until a user
lifts top cover 152 away from bottom cover 154 with a modest amount
of force. This causes locking tab portions 836, 838 to
disengage.
[0165] Thus, by providing a combined lock insertion path that is
produced by the combination of an insertion path in a top cover and
an insertion path in a bottom cover of a storage case, and
inserting a lock within that insertion path, a stronger, more
secure storage case is available than storage cases of the prior
art. The lock in combination with the storage case provides a very
stiff and strong structure in comparison with prior art storage
cases. The combination is slimmer than prior art lock and storage
case combinations thereby conserving the shelf space necessary for
the case and lock. The lock itself provides structural integrity to
the entire storage case combination. The lock-case combination
produces an internal locking mechanism which still satisfies VSDA
sizing parameters.
[0166] Referring to FIGS. 61 and 62, there is shown another
embodiment of a storage case in accordance with the invention.
Storage case 1000 includes many of the features of storage case 700
and storage case 800 and so a detailed explanation of these
features is omitted for the sake of brevity. Preferably, storage
case 1000 is used in connection with a music CD, but can be used in
connection with any other type of media.
[0167] Storage case 1000 includes top cover 1052 and bottom cover
1054 which are similar to top and bottom covers 152, 154. Top cover
1052 and bottom cover 1054 are designed to be closer to a square in
cross-section than top cover 152 and bottom cover 154. Top cover
1052 includes top side walls 89a' which are shorter than top side
walls 89a of storage cases 700 and 800. Similarly, bottom cover
1054 includes bottom side walls 89b' which are shorter than bottom
side walls 89b of storage cases 700 and 800. Preferably, storage
case 1000 has the same or similar dimensions as a standard jewel
box.
[0168] Top cover 1052 includes loops 1002, 1004, 1006 and 1008
extending inwardly from the inside of top cover 1052. Top cover
1052 also includes openings 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016 each having
a substantially rectangular cross-section. Similarly, bottom cover
1054, includes loops 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028
extending inwardly from the inside of bottom cover 1054. Bottom
cover 1054 also includes openings 1030, 1032, 1034 and 1036 each
having a substantially rectangular cross-section.
[0169] As with storage cases 700 and 800, when top cover 1052 is
closed upon bottom cover 1054, the loops interlace with one
another. For example, loop 1002 meshes between loops 1018 and 1020.
However, due to the provision of the openings and the decreased
height, top cover 1052 can be rotated further and disposed closer
to bottom cover 1054 which allows for a thin case. This is because
the loops can be placed within respective openings of the opposite
cover and the shorter walls allows the covers to be placed closer
to one another. For example, loop 1002 will be inserted into
opening 1036 and loop 1004 will be inserted into opening 1034.
Similarly, loops 1018 and 1020 will be inserted into opening 1016
and loop 1022 will be inserted into opening 1014. Consequently,
when storage case 1000 is closed, it will look as shown in FIGS. 63
and 64 which is the same or similar size as a standard jewel
box.
[0170] Moreover, when case 1000 is closed and loops 1018, 1020,
1022, 1024, 1026 and 1028 are disposed in openings 1010, 1012, 1014
and 1016, respectively, loops 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026 and 1028
serve as part of the exterior wall of top cover 1052. Similarly,
when loops 1002, 1004, 1006 and 1008 are disposed in openings 1036,
1034, 1032 and 1030, respectively, loops 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008
serve as part of the exterior wall of bottom cover 1054. This
increases the structural integrity of case 1000.
[0171] At this point, a lock may be inserted through the loops. Any
one of locks 400, 220, 270, 280, 340, 354, 1400, 2400, 3400, etc.
could be used. Lock 400 could be modified so that it has a flat end
1038 as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66. The lock is inserted into storage
case 1000 as shown in FIGS. 67 and 68. As stated above, due to the
provision of openings 1010-1016 and 1030-1036, and the decreased
height of top side walls 89a' and bottom side walls 89b', storage
case 1000, when closed, is preferably as thin as a standard jewel
box.
[0172] Although the present invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art.
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