U.S. patent application number 10/403873 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for case and lock with improved disc protection.
This patent application is currently assigned to Autronic Plastics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lax, Michael.
Application Number | 20050098453 10/403873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26859427 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098453 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lax, Michael |
May 12, 2005 |
Case and lock with improved disc protection
Abstract
A storage case comprises a top cover, a bottom cover, and a
spine. The bottom cover includes a hub portion having a cylinder
and is disposed on a frustum shaped member. The diameter of the
cylinder is smaller than the upper diameter of the frustum shaped
member. A plurality of projections are arranged around the hub
portion on the bottom cover. The projections each include a first
projection having a first height and a second projection having a
second height higher than the first height. The first projections
define a first circle with a first diameter. The second projections
define a second circle with a diameter which is larger than a
diameter of the first circle. A hub coupling member having a
crescent extending therefrom is disposed on the top cover. The top
and bottom covers each have a side wall disposed near the spine
which are effective to create a second wall, parallel with the
spine, when the covers are closed. The top and bottom covers each
have locking portions disposed inwardly from the top and bottom
covers. These locking portions allow for a lock to be placed on the
storage case while remaining flush with the side of the storage
case.
Inventors: |
Lax, Michael; (Syosset,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOROTHY JENKINS
OSTROLENK, FABER, GERB & SOFFEN, LLP
1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York
NY
10036-8403
US
|
Assignee: |
Autronic Plastics, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26859427 |
Appl. No.: |
10/403873 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10403873 |
Mar 28, 2003 |
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09696614 |
Oct 25, 2000 |
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6561347 |
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60163192 |
Nov 2, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
206/310; G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427 20130101;
Y10T 70/5031 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 ;
206/310 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage case for storing a recording medium having an opening
with an opening width, the storage case comprising: a first cover,
the first cover including a seating area to seat the recording
medium; a second cover hingedly coupled to the first cover, the
first and second covers capable of moving to a closed position
whereby the second cover is placed over the first cover to restrict
access to the seating area; a hub disposed upon and extending
upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium
opening when the recording medium sits on the seating portion, the
hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to
the opening width; and wherein the hub is disposed upon a frustum
shaped support, the support having an external width greater than
the opening width.
2. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hub is
cylindrical in shape.
3. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hub has a
smooth external surface.
4. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the hub is
integral with the frustrum support thereby forming a hub-support
combination; the hub-support combination is comprised of a fixed
member fixed with respect to the first cover; and the hub-support
combination is further comprised of at least one resilient member,
the resilient member is movable with respect to the first cover and
is biased outwardly away from the fixed member.
5. The storage case as claimed in claim 4, where the resilient
member includes a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.
6. The storage case as claimed in claim 4, where the fixed member
is y-shaped.
7. The storage case as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fixed member
defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient
member.
8. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a
hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling
member including at least one projection extending from the second
cover.
9. The storage case as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hub coupling
member is sized so that when the first and second covers are in the
closed position, the at least one projection restricts the
recording medium's movement along the length of the hub.
10. The storage case as claimed in claim 9, further comprising at
least two projections extending on either side of the hub to
receive the hub therebetween when the first and second covers are
in the closed position.
11. The storage case as claimed in claim 10, wherein the two
projections extend from a frustum shaped support member.
12. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a
hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling
member including at least two projections extending from the second
cover to receive the hub therebetween when the first and second
covers are in the closed position, the at least two projection
being sized and arranged so that when the first and secured covers
are in the closed portion, the at least two projections contact an
recorded portion of the recording medium to restrict the recording
medium's movement along the length of the hub.
13. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at
least one projection extending from the first cover; wherein the at
least one projection includes a first projection extending to a
first projection height with respect to the first cover and a
second projection extending to a second projection height with
respect to the first cover; and wherein the first and second
projections are sized to support the recording medium.
14. The storage case as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: a
plurality of projections; and at least some of the projections are
spaced apart from each other by a recess disposed therebetween.
15. The storage case as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least
one projection comprises a plurality of projections disposed
symmetrical about the hub.
16. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: at
least a first and second projection extending from the first cover;
wherein the first and second projections each include a lower
projection extending to a first projection height with respect to
the first cover and a higher projection extending to a second
projection height with respect to the first cover, the first
projection height being lower than the second projection height;
and wherein a distance between lower projections of the first and
second projections is smaller than a distance between higher
projections of the first and second projections.
17. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first
cover includes a first lock portion; and the second cover includes
a second lock portion; wherein the first and second lock portions
are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers
respectively, whereby a width of a combination of the first and
second covers is wider than a width of a combination of the first
and second lock portions, and the combination of the first and
second covers includes a top portion and a bottom portion.
18. The storage case as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a
lock having two lock side walls and two lock end portions, the lock
side walls being disposed around the first and second lock
portions, and the lock end portions being disposed around the
respective top and bottom portions.
19. The storage case as claimed in claim 18, wherein the lock side
walls are flush with the first and second covers respectively.
20. The storage case as claimed in claim 18, wherein a width of the
lock is approximately equal to a width of a combination of the
first and second covers.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
09/696,614, filed Oct. 25, 2000, entitled Case and Lock With
Improved Disc Protection which claims priority to provisional
application No. 60/163,192 filed on Nov. 2, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a case and lock for storing
and securing recording media and more particularly to a case and
lock which protect recording media from theft and from being
damaged during placement in and extrication from the case.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recording media ("disc") such as compact discs ("CDs") and
digital video discs ("DVDs") typically have large amounts of
digitally stored information that is optically readable through a
transparent bottom layer of the disc by a movable head during
rotation of the disc. The information is arranged in one or more
tracks that are covered by a thin protective top layer of the disc
that can have labeling applied thereto such as by silkscreening.
Normal handling of the disc can result in scratching of the bottom
layer, resulting in loss of data by interference with the optical
path such as by loss of focus and/or lateral image displacement.
Also, in the case of a DVD which includes stored information in
dual layers, data can be lost if the disc is mishandled so as to
cause the layers to split.
[0006] Protective storage cases are necessary to store and protect
the recording media. Prior art storage cases typically comprise a
first cover or door side, and a second cover or disc side. Each
cover is pivotably coupled to a central spine portion to form what
is referred to as a "living hinge." The living hinge allows the
covers to pivot toward each other to close the case and encapsulate
the disc. The storage cases are typically made of polypropylene
which is known for its durability.
[0007] Protective storage cases in common use have a central
pedestal located on the disc side for supportively gripping the
disc by engaging the central opening without contacting either side
of the disc within data-containing regions thereof. The central
pedestal is typically a snap-in retention device which is made up
of one or more spaced apart resilient elements arranged in a
generally circular orientation. The resilient elements have one or
more retainer portions that cause the pedestal to have a diameter
greater than the diameter of the disc's central portion in the area
of the retainer portions. The storage cases also typically have a
ledge portion or portions for supporting the outer perimeter of the
disc for stabilizing the disc against tipping on the pedestal.
[0008] In use, the disc is loaded into the storage case by placing
it onto the pedestal through the central opening, while resting on
the perimeter portion. In the case of a snap-in retention device,
the disc is secured to the pedestal portion by snapping the disc's
central portion over the resilient elements of the pedestal,
including the retainer portions, to secure the disc thereon. When
the disc is placed over the resilient elements, and in particular
the retainer portions, the resilient members bend inwardly (toward
the center of the central opening). Once the disc passes over the
retainer portions, the resilient elements resume their original
position. The disc is now locked on the pedestal, particularly by
the retainer portions which partially extend over the outer edges
of the central opening of the disc and prevent horizontal and
vertical movement on the pedestal. Typically, the resilient
elements are biased against the disc's center portion to keep it
more securely fitted thereon.
[0009] The disc is removed from the pedestal by finger pressure
against the pedestal portion. The finger pressure retracts the
resilient elements towards the center of the central opening so
that they no longer extend over the outer edges of the central
opening, and they are no longer biased against the disc's center
portion. The removal process is completed by simultaneous lifting
of the disc at the perimeter portions. An example of one of these
types of cases is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,181. Another is
referred to as a "Warner" case, which typically stores DVD's
distributed by Warner Bro. Another is referred to as an
"Amaray-style" case, and yet another is referred to as an "Alpha"
case. The Alpha case is similar to the above prior art cases except
that disc removal is not effectuated by finger pressure. Instead,
the user's fingers are guided under an edge portion of the disc to
lift the disc off the pedestal.
[0010] The above prior art storage cases have a number of
disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the pedestal portions
resilient fingers put a stress on the disc. This could damage the
disc. Another disadvantage is that the user will frequently try to
remove the disc without exerting finger pressure against the
pedestal portion. Instead, the user will grasp an edge of the disc
(as in the Alpha case) and use the pedestal as a pivot to rotate
the disc off the pedestal hub. Such a rotation may cause the disc
to bend or even break. Such bending is unacceptable because the
bending could damage the data stored on the disc. In the case of a
DVD, the bending could cause the layers to split.
[0011] Another disadvantage of prior art storage cases is that
there is no effective means of securing the disc inside the storage
case against theft. This is a particular disadvantage in the live
rental and retail industry where the respective renter or purchaser
has access to a storage case containing a disc. For example, if a
security tag is placed on a shrink-wrapped storage case for retail
sale, a thief could simply open the package and remove the disc.
And, even if the storage case is locked so that the case cannot be
opened, a thief can still gain access to the disc by simply cutting
the living hinge.
[0012] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a storage case
to solve the aforementioned problems. Particularly, there exists a
need for a storage case which allows for easy storage and safe,
stress-free removal of a disc. There also exists a need for a
storage case which can provide increased security (on a retail or
live rental level) for a disc stored therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It has been found that the above disadvantages have been
overcome in a storage case for storing a recording medium having an
opening with an opening width. The storage case comprises a first
cover, the first cover including a seating area to seat the
recording medium. A second cover is hingedly coupled to the first
cover, the first and second covers capable of moving from a open
position to a closed position whereby the second cover is placed
over the first cover to restrict access to the seating area. A hub
is disposed upon and extends upwardly from the first cover to
receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits
on the seating portion. The hub has a maximum external width which
is less than or equal to the opening width.
[0014] One important feature of this aspect is to further comprise
a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub
coupling member including at least one projection extending from
the second cover.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a storage case comprising
a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. At
least one projection extends from the first cover. The at least one
projection includes a first projection extending to a first
projection height with respect to the first cover and a second
projection extending to a second projection height with respect to
the first cover. A circle drawn connecting all of the first
projections has a first diameter. A circle drawn connecting all of
the second projections has a second diameter. The second diameter
is larger than the first diameter.
[0016] Yet another aspect of the invention is a storage case
comprising a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first
cover. At least a first and second projection extend from said
first cover. The first and second projections each include a lower
projection extending to a first projection height with respect to
the first cover and a higher projection extending to a second
projection height with respect to the first cover. The first
projection height is lower than the second projection height. A
distance between lower projections of the first and second
projections is smaller than a distance between higher projections
of the first and second projections.
[0017] Still yet another aspect of the invention is a storage case
for storing a storage medium. The storage case comprises a first
cover and a second cover. A hub is disposed on the first cover, the
hub being effective to receive the storage medium. The first cover
includes a first lock portion. The second cover includes a second
lock portion. The first and second lock portions are disposed
inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a
width of a combination of the first and second covers is wider than
a width of a combination of the first and second lock portions.
[0018] Yet still another aspect of the invention is a storage case
for storing a recording medium. The storage case comprises a first
cover, a second cover, and a spine coupling the first and second
cover together. The spine has a length and a width. A hub is
disposed on the first cover, the hub is effective to receive the
storage medium. The first cover includes a first side wall
extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height. The second
cover includes a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and
having a second height. A sum of the first and second height is
approximately equal to the width of the spine.
[0019] 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
[0020] 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.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a recording medium which can be
used with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2a is a plan view of an open storage case of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2b is a plan view of another embodiment of an open
storage case of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2c is an enlarged view of a bottom closing section of
the bottom cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2a;
[0025] FIG. 2d is an enlarged view of a top closing section of the
top cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2a;
[0026] FIG. 2e is an enlarged view of a bottom closing section of
the bottom cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2b;
[0027] FIG. 2f is an enlarged view of a top closing section of the
top cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2b;
[0028] FIG. 2g is a cross-sectional view of the storage case of
FIG. 2b taken along the lines 2g-2g;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a foot disposed on a bottom
cover of the storage case of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is side view of a hub of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view of a hub coupling member of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a spine and side
walls of the storage case of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side view of the open storage case of FIG.
2a;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the open storage case of FIG.
2a;
[0035] FIG. 9a is a side view of a lock which can be used with the
storage case of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9b is a top view of the lock shown in FIG. 9a;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 9a about
to be secured to a closed storage case of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 9a secured
to a closed storage case of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mostly closed storage
case in accordance with the invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective cut-away view of a mostly closed
storage case in accordance with the invention; and
[0041] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hub
used in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0042] 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 to be used in connection with any other type
of recording media. 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.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2a, there is shown a plan view of an open
case 50 in accordance with the present invention. Case 50 can be
made by any methods out of any of the known materials. Preferably,
case 50 is made of polypropylene.
[0044] Storage case 50 comprises a top cover or door side 52, a
bottom cover or disc side 54, and a spine 56 disposed therebetween.
Bottom cover 54 receives and retains recording medium 70. Top cover
52 and bottom cover 54 are pivotably coupled to spine 56 at
respective pivot points 55 to form what is referred to as "living
hinge." The living hinge allows top and bottom covers 52, 54 to be
rotated toward each other about pivot points 55 so that top and
bottom cover 52, 54 can meet and mate with each other to enclose
and, therefore, store and protect recording medium 70.
[0045] Bottom cover 54 includes a hub 62 to receive recording
medium 70 through opening 72 and seat and secure recording medium
70 thereon. Hub 62 allows for storage and removal of recording
medium 70 in storage case 50 in a safe, easy way, without putting
any stress on recording medium 70.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 4, hub 62 has a smooth
external surface and is comprised of a cylinder or stump 76 which
prevents lateral movement of recording medium 70 while it is
disposed thereon. Cylinder 76 is disposed upon a support in the
form of a frustum shaped member 78. Frustum shaped member 78 has a
diameter 80 on a flat upper portion thereof which is larger than
the diameter of opening 72 on recording medium 70, but smaller than
the diameter of unused portion 74. Clearly, other shapes (e.g. a
cylinder, cone, rectangular solid, etc.) could be used as frustum
shaped member 78 as long as the maximum external width of the
support is greater than the diameter of opening 72. When a user
places recording medium 70 on hub 62, cylinder 76 passes through
opening 72 and unused portion 74 rests on frustum shaped member
78.
[0047] Cylinder 76 should be sized so that it imparts little or no
stress on recording medium 70, and allows recording medium 70 to be
easily and safely removed from cylinder 72 with little or no stress
on the medium. In this way, a user can place and remove recording
medium 70 on hub 62 without bending and/or damaging recording
medium 70. This is particularly important for the storage of a DVD
which includes layers of recorded information. If the DVD is bent,
such bending could cause damage to the DVD by inadvertent
separation of the DVDs layers.
[0048] Preferably, cylinder 76 has an outer diameter (or maximum
external width) which is less than or equal to the diameter of
opening 72 of medium 70 to allow cylinder 76 to receive medium 70
through opening 72. Preferably, the outer surface of cylinder 76
should be smooth. Clearly, other shapes instead of a cylinder could
be used as cylinder 76 as long as the maximum external width is
less than or equal to the diameter of inner opening 72.
[0049] In order to prevent recording medium 70 from tipping off of
hub 62, bottom cover 54 includes upper holding portions 58 and
lower holding portions 60. These portions support outer edge
portions of recording medium 70 when disposed on hub 62. Bottom
cover 54 includes upper holding portion 58 arranged in a
semi-circle about hub 62 and lower holding portion 60 disposed
symmetric to upper holding portion 58 with respect to hub 62.
[0050] Referring now also to FIG. 3, 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 54 to a height which is lower than a
height of a second protrusion 64b which also extends upwardly from
bottom over 54.
[0051] Feet 64 are arranged on bottom cover 54 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.
2a, 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 frustum 78) 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 2a, 2b and now also to FIG. 5, in
order to prevent recording medium 70 from moving along cylinder 76
when storage case 50 is closed, a hub coupling member 68 is
disposed on a portion of top cover 52. Hub coupling member 68 mates
with hub 62 when top cover 52 and bottom cover 54 are closed on
each other.
[0054] Hub coupling member 68 includes a plurality of crescents 84
(preferably two) extending from a frustum shaped portion 82.
Frustum shaped portion 82 has an upper diameter 86 which is larger
than the diameter of opening 72, but smaller than the diameter of
unused portion 74 of recording medium 70 (FIG. 1). Crescents 84 are
disposed a distance from each other that is slightly larger than
the outside diameter of cylinder 76, and positioned so they extend
on opposite sides of hub 62. In this way, crescents 84 act as a
guide to receive cylinder 76 so that storage case 50 is closed
properly. Preferably, crescents 84 are sized so that they gently
contact recording medium 70 on unused portion 74 when case 50 is
closed. This inhibits vertical movement of recording medium 70 on
cylinder 76 while recording medium 70 is stored in storage case 50.
Because crescents 84 contact unused portion 74, the crescents
cannot damage the recording medium.
[0055] Referring again to FIG. 2a, 2b and now also to FIGS. 2g, 6,
12 and 13, top and bottom covers 52, 54 include security features
which prevent thieves from gaining access to medium 70 through
spine 56 when storage case 50 is closed (and locked, e.g., using
the locking mechanism described below). 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] A third security feature of storage case 50 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.
[0058] When storage case 50 is closed (and locked as explained
below), 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 52, 54 are closed together,
side walls 88a and 88b meet and form a second wall (not explicitly
shown but best understood with reference to FIG. 13) disposed
parallel to and internal of spine 56. If a thief, therefore, cuts
spine 56, the second wall prevents access to storage medium 70.
[0059] 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.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, still yet another security
feature of storage case 50 is the provision of top and bottom
closing walls. A top closing wall 95a is provided on top cover 52
and a bottom closing wall 95b is provided on bottom cover 54. Both
top and bottom closing walls 95a, 95b extend in a direction which
is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of spine 56.
Top closing wall 95a is disposed at a distance from spine 56 on top
cover 52 that is smaller than the distance between bottom closing
wall 95b to spine 56 on bottom cover 54. In this way, when storage
case 50 is closed, top closing wall 95a sits behind top closing
wall 95b. This yields a double wall between the exterior of storage
case 50 and a recording medium disposed on hub 62.
[0061] Similarly, referring also to FIG. 12 top cover 52 further
includes top side walls 89a disposed on either ends of top cover
52. Bottom cover 54 includes bottom side walls 89b disposed on
either ends of bottom cover 54. All of top and bottom side walls
89a, 89b, extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis L of spine 56. As with top closing wall 95a, top side walls
89a are disposed at a distance from hub coupling member 68 that is
smaller than the distance between bottom side walls 89b and hub 62.
In this way, when top cover 52 is closed upon bottom cover 54, top
side walls 89a sit behind bottom side walls 89b. Again, this yields
a double wall between the exterior of storage case 50 and a
recording medium disposed on hub 62.
[0062] In the rental and retail recording medium industry, shelf
space is at a premium. It is desirable, therefore, that case 50 be
as thin as possible, particularly when used with a security device
such as a locking mechanism or lock 120. Referring now to FIGS. 7
and 8, to achieve this size objective, top and bottom covers 52, 54
include respective top and bottom closing sections 100, 102
extending therefrom. Top and bottom closing sections 100, 102 are
stepped in or recessed inwardly toward inner portion of case 50.
When case 50 is closed, therefore, closing sections 100, 102 are
constructed and arranged to form an extension portion 103 of
reduced thickness to engage locking mechanism 120, FIG. 10. In
other words, top and bottom closing sections 100, 102 have a
combined width (extension portion 103) that is thinner than the
width of case 50 when case 50 is closed. Specifically, when top
cover 52 is closed on bottom cover 54, since top and bottom closing
sections 100, 102 are recessed inwardly towards the inner portion
of case 50, the overall width of storage case 50 while closed (i.e.
the combined width of top and bottom covers 52, 54 or approximately
the width of spine 56) is thicker than the width of the combined
top and bottom closing sections 100, 102 (extension portion
103).
[0063] Locking mechanism 120 (FIGS. 9a, 9b) engages extension
portion 103 by overlapping such portion 103 (which is discussed
more completely below). This allows lock 120 to be disposed flush
with the sides of storage case 50. As a result, the overall
thickness of the storage case does not increase when lock 120 is
used.
[0064] Locking mechanism 120 (FIGS. 9a-11), when engaged with
storage case 50, prevents the case from being opened when recording
medium 70 is placed therein. This type of arrangement is
particularly useful in the live rental or retail industry where,
for example, one would not want the public to gain access to
recording medium 70 until rental or purchasing fees have been paid.
Similarly, lock 120 can be embedded with a security device which
would set off a buzzer or alarm if a would be renter or purchaser
of recording medium 70 tried to leave a store with lock 120 still
on storage case 50. Preferably, lock 120 used with storage case 50
is as shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,598,728; 5,850,752;
and 5,988,376 all assigned to Autronic Plastics, Inc.
[0065] The entirety of these documents is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 2c, 2d, 10 and 11, to further
achieve the size objective, top cover 52 further comprises first
top closing projections 92 disposed at opposite ends of top cover
52 in top closing section 100. Top closing section 100 also
includes second top closing projections 94 disposed in parallel
with first top closing projections 92 and having sides which face
an outside of storage case 50. First top closing projections 92 and
second top closing projections 94 define top closing recesses 96
therebetween. Bottom cover 54 includes bottom closing projections
98 disposed at opposite ends of bottom cover 54 in bottom closing
section 102. When top cover 52 is closed on bottom cover 54, bottom
closing projection 98 mates with recess 96.
[0067] Storage case 50 is designed so that it can efficiently be
combined with lock 120 and lock case 50 as securely as possible.
Top closing section 100 of top cover 52, further includes
connecting protrusions 108 which connect first top closing portions
92 to top recess defining protrusions 104. First and second top
closing portions 92, 94, connecting protrusions 108, and top recess
defining protrusions 104 all extend from wall portions 105 located
at opposite ends of top closing section 100. As described below,
wall portions 105 define openings to receive hook portions of lock
120.
[0068] Bottom closing section 102 of bottom cover 54 further
includes hook receiving portions 114 integral with bottom closing
projections 98. A wall member 112 is disposed under each hook
receiving portion 114. When case 50 is closed, hook receiving
portions 114, wall portions 105, and wall portions 112 define hook
receiving openings 110 at distal ends of extension portion 103 to
receive and engage hook portions of lock 120 (FIGS. 9a, 9b).
[0069] To facilitate the engagement of top cover 52 with bottom
cover 54 when storage case 50 is to be closed, the internal surface
of hook members 114 are shaped to match the external surface of top
recess defining protrusions 104 (on top cover 52) and connecting
protrusions 108 (also on top cover 52). Top recess defining
portions 104 and connecting protrusions 108 are also disposed
slightly further inward (i.e. toward the center of storage case 50)
than hook portions 114.
[0070] The closing of storage case 50 and the application of lock
120 will now be described. Referring now also to FIG. 8, top
closing section 100 and bottom closing section 102 further include
a top surface 116 and a bottom surface 118, respectively. When top
cover 52 is closed on bottom cover 54, top recess defining
protrusions 104 and connecting protrusions 108 are placed internal
to and mesh with hook portions 114. Top closing section 100 and
bottom closing section 102 meet to form extension portion 103 and,
thereby, provide a smooth level surface for lock 120 (FIGS. 9a, 9b)
to be applied thereto. Again, extension portion 103 has a thinner
width than the combined width of top and bottom covers 52, 54.
[0071] An alternative embodiment of storage case 50 is shown in
FIGS. 2b, 2e and 2f where like reference numerals refer to like
elements and a description of such elements is omitted for the sake
of brevity. In FIG. 2b, an additional structure is added to enhance
the mating of top cover 52 with bottom cover 54. A cylindrical tube
132 is disposed internally of hook portion 114 and extends upwardly
on bottom cover 54. A substantially arcuate top recess defining
protrusion 104' is disposed on top cover 52 so that when top cover
52 is closed upon bottom cover 54, top recess defining protrusion
104' fits internally to cylindrical tube 132. A cylindrical post
134 is disposed internal to top recess defining protrusion 104' and
extends upwardly from top cover 52. Cylindrical post 134 is
disposed on top cover 52 so that when top cover 52 is closed upon
bottom cover 54, cylindrical post 134 mates with cylindrical tube
132. In this way, cylindrical post 134, and cylindrical tube 132
provide an additional mating engagement between top cover 52 and
bottom cover 54. Finally, a mating protrusion 136 is disposed on
top cover 52 so that it can mate with a mating recess 138 disposed
on bottom cover 54 when the covers 52, 54 are closed. Both mating
protrusion 136 and mating recess 138 have a substantially
rectangular cross-section.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, a lock shown generally at
120, can be used in conjunction with storage case 50. The operation
of lock 120 with case 50 is generally shown and described in the
Autronic Plastic's patents referenced above. Preferably, lock 120
includes a fixedly mounted hook member 122 disposed on one end and
a moveably mounted hook member 124 disposed at another end. In
between hook members 122, 124 are walls 126a and 126b disposed on
opposing sides of lock 120 and in parallel with each other. As can
be seen most clearly in FIG. 9b, walls 126a, 126b do not extend the
entire length of lock 120. Walls 126a, 126b define a cavity 128
which is to receive extension portion 103 of storage case 50
therein.
[0073] Referring also to FIG. 10, when lock 120 is to be applied to
storage case 50, storage case 50 is closed as was described above.
Extension portion 103 is placed within cavity 128 so that wall 126a
is aligned adjacent to top surface 116 and wall 126b is aligned
adjacent to bottom surface 118. One of the openings 110 is then
mated with hook member 122. Movably mounted hook member 124 is
moved to a retracted position 130 where hook member 124 mates with
the other one of openings 110. Alternatively, one of openings 110
is mated with hook member 124. Then, extension portion 103 is
inserted between walls 126a, 126b. Hook member 124, along with
storage case 50 is then slid toward hook member 122 until the other
opening 110 mates with hook member 122, and hook member 124 is
retracted to position 130. In this way, hooks 122, 124 wrap around
the ends of storage case 50 and lock the case closed.
[0074] As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 11, lock 120 securely
locks case 50 closed by wrapping around, and securely locking, case
50 on four sides, i.e., with hooks 122, 124 and walls 126a,
126b.
[0075] Moreover, the width of lock case 50 is not increased by
engaging lock 120. The width of lock 120 is designed to be equal to
the distance (or width) between closed top cover 52 and bottom
cover 54 (approximately equal to the width of spine 56) but larger
than the width of extension portion 103. In this way, when lock 120
is engaged with storage case 50, walls 126a and 126b sit flush with
the sides of storage case 50.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown another embodiment of a
hub used to seat and retain recording medium 70 thereon that can be
used with the security features of the present invention. It should
be realized by those skilled in the art, however, that any known
hub that seats and retains a recording medium can be used in
combination with the security features of the present invention. In
FIG. 14, a hub 150 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is
disposed upon and integral with a frustrum portion 154. Hub 150 is
designed so that it puts minimal stress on storage medium 70 when
it is stored on hub 150, and when recording medium 70 is lifted or
removed therefrom.
[0077] Hub 150 and frustrum portion 154 are comprised of a Y-shaped
member 156 fixed to bottom cover 54 (not explicitly shown in the
figure). Y-shaped member 156 defines three voids 162 having a
substantially arcuate cross-section. Three resilient members 158
are disposed radially about Y-shaped member 156 within voids 162.
Each resilient member 158 includes a base portion 164 that extends
perpendicular to a body portion 168. A head portion 166 has a
substantially arcuate cross-section and extends substantially
perpendicular to body portion 168 and parallel to base portion 164.
Head portion 166 further includes a protrusion 160 extending
radially therefrom. Referring also to FIG. 1, resilient members 158
are biased radially outwardly so that the circumference of a circle
drawn around protrusions 160 is larger than the circumference of
opening 72 of recording medium 70.
[0078] In use, when recording medium 70 is to placed upon hub 150,
opening 72 is placed around protrusions 160. A downward force is
applied upon recording medium 70 and causes head portions 166 of
resilient members 158 to bend further inwardly into voids 162 due
to the engagement of unused portion 74 with protrusions 160. Upon
the application of sufficient downward force upon recording medium
70, resilient members 158 will bend inwardly far enough so that the
circumference around protrusions 160 will be less than the
circumference of opening 72 thereby allowing recording medium 70 to
be placed upon frustrum 154. At this point, unused portion 74 no
longer applies a force upon protrusions 160 and resilient members
158 resume their original position due to their natural resiliency.
Protrusions 160 now retain recording medium 70 on frustrum 154 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 150, 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 150 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 only one resilient member and corresponding void.
[0079] Therefore, by providing a bottom cover with a hub comprised
of a cylinder disposed upon a frustum shaped member, a recording
medium can be safely placed and removed on the bottom cover without
placing undue stress or pressure on the recording medium. A frustum
shaped member with crescents thereon disposed on the top cover,
inhibits vertical movement of the recording medium while the
recording medium is stored in the storage case. Side walls on the
top and bottom covers provide further security for the storage case
by inhibiting access to the inside of the storage case. Providing a
lock which has the same width as the width of the combination of
the top and bottom covers of the storage case (which is
approximately equal to the width of the spine) and secures the
storage case closed on four sides, yields a secure storage case
that meets desirable size objectives.
[0080] 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.
* * * * *