U.S. patent application number 10/995510 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for apparatus for holding a disc-shaped article.
Invention is credited to Farrell, Brendan, Hegarty, John, Pfutzner, Katharina, Southgate, Dominic.
Application Number | 20050121950 10/995510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34636896 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050121950 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hegarty, John ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
Apparatus for holding a disc-shaped article
Abstract
A DVD disc is held in a seat (4) of a casing's back cover (2) by
a central retainer (6). Four barriers (7), two on each of opposed
sides, are integrally moulded in the cover (2) and face upwardly
towards the seat (4). When the front cover (3) is closed the
barriers (7) press against it, closing the gap between the covers.
If a thief tries to slip a disc out of the casing, movement is
blocked by the barriers (7). Another barrier (201) is connected to
the retainer (205) and can only be removed by breaking it. This
also provides a tamper-evident seal.
Inventors: |
Hegarty, John; (Dublin,
IE) ; Farrell, Brendan; (Kilmacanogue, IE) ;
Pfutzner, Katharina; (Dublin, IE) ; Southgate,
Dominic; (Naas, IE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACOBSON HOLMAN PLLC
400 SEVENTH STREET N.W.
SUITE 600
WASHINGTON
DC
20004
US
|
Family ID: |
34636896 |
Appl. No.: |
10/995510 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10995510 |
Nov 24, 2004 |
|
|
|
PCT/IE03/00084 |
May 28, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/188.01 ;
G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/188.01 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/62 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2002 |
IE |
2002/0436 |
Sep 10, 2002 |
IE |
2002/0738 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for holding a disc-shaped article, the apparatus
comprising a housing, a seat for an article, and a barrier for
preventing an article from being removed from the apparatus in an
unauthorised manner.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier is
positioned in proximity to the seat at a location to prevent
movement of an article in the general plane of the seat.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the barrier is
spaced apart from the seat.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the barrier is
integrally moulded with a cover of the housing.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any of claim 2, wherein the barrier
protrudes upwardly at an angle to a cover of the housing.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any of claim 2, wherein an outer
extremity of the barrier faces towards the seat.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus
comprises at least two barriers on each of opposed sides of the
seat.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier contacts
an opposed cover of the housing when closed.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier
comprises a substantially flat planar member.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier
comprises a curved member.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier
comprises a member having a ramped configuration.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus
comprises at least one barrier at an opening side edge of the
housing.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least part of
the housing is transparent to allow visibility of a code on an
article contained in the apparatus.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the housing
comprises a lens to magnify or clarify a code on an article for
reading.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lens is a
Fresnel lens.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier is
mounted to prevent unauthorised lifting of an article from the
seat.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the barrier is
mounted over a central retainer in the seat.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the barrier is
connected to the retainer by a lock which can not be removed and
replaced.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the lock comprises
a lock member which is removable only by breaking.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein said lock member
is removable by rotation.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the barrier
comprises a member preventing two opposed retainer parts from being
moved together to disengage from an article.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the barrier
comprises a holder for a security tag, the holder preventing a
retainer from releasing an article while the holder is in
place.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the retainer
comprises two opposed parts biased away from each other to grip an
article at its central aperture edge, and the retainer parts and
the holder comprise means for inter-engagement to prevent the
retainer parts from being pressed together while the holder is in
place.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the retainer parts
engage with the holder in a downwardly-facing side, and the holder
extends over the seat and under the retainer parts.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for holding a
disc-shaped article.
[0002] A common security problem experienced by disc retailers is
the removal of discs from their cases in store. In such instances,
it appears that the disc case is prised open and that the disc is
removed from the disc seat and slid out from the case. The
occurrence of a theft may not be immediately clear to the retailer
as there is little or no external evidence of damage to the case or
security seal.
[0003] Heretofore various approaches have been take to address this
problem. One general approach is that of using electronic circuitry
to generate an alarm if attempted theft is detected. Examples of
this approach are described in JP2000090360 and JP11306460. It
appears, however, that this approach is complex and expensive.
[0004] Another approach is to provide a lock to prevent
unauthorised removal of a disc from a central retainer. Examples of
this approach are described in WO02/31831, EP1291876, and
WO02/31830. It appears that this approach would help to prevent
theft. However it also appears that the locks would make ongoing
authorised use of the case more difficult for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to the invention, there is provided an apparatus
for holding a disc-shaped article, the apparatus comprising a
housing, a seat for an article, and a barrier for preventing an
article from being removed from the apparatus in an unauthorised
manner.
[0006] In one embodiment, the barrier is positioned in proximity to
the seat at a location to prevent movement of an article in the
general plane of the seat.
[0007] In another embodiment, the barrier is spaced apart from the
seat.
[0008] In a further embodiment, the barrier is integrally moulded
with a cover of the housing.
[0009] In one embodiment, the barrier protrudes upwardly at an
angle to a cover of the housing.
[0010] In another embodiment, an outer extremity of the barrier
faces towards the seat.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least
two barriers on each of opposed sides of the seat.
[0012] In one embodiment, the barrier contacts an opposed cover of
the housing when closed.
[0013] In another embodiment, the barrier comprises a substantially
flat planar member.
[0014] In a further embodiment, the barrier comprises a curved
member.
[0015] In one embodiment, the barrier comprises a member having a
ramped configuration.
[0016] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one
barrier at an opening side edge of the housing.
[0017] In a further embodiment, at least part of the housing is
transparent to allow visibility of a code on an article contained
in the apparatus.
[0018] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a lens to magnify
or clarify a code on an article for reading.
[0019] In another embodiment, the lens is a Fresnel lens.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the barrier is mounted to prevent
unauthorised lifting of an article from the seat.
[0021] In one embodiment, the barrier is mounted over a central
retainer in the seat.
[0022] In another embodiment, the barrier is connected to the
retainer by a lock which can not be removed and replaced.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the lock comprises a lock member
which is removable only by breaking.
[0024] In one embodiment, said lock member is removable by
rotation.
[0025] In another embodiment, the barrier comprises a member
preventing two opposed retainer parts from being moved together to
disengage from an article.
[0026] In a further embodiment, the barrier comprises a holder for
a security tag, the holder preventing a retainer from releasing an
article while the holder is in place.
[0027] In one embodiment, the retainer comprises two opposed parts
biased away from each other to grip an article at its central
aperture edge, and the retainer parts and the holder comprise means
for inter-engagement to prevent the retainer parts from being
pressed together while the holder is in place.
[0028] In another embodiment, the retainer parts engage with the
holder in a downwardly-facing side, and the holder extends over the
seat and under the retainer parts.
[0029] In another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for
holding a disc-shaped article, the apparatus comprising a housing
and a seat for an article, wherein at least part of the housing is
transparent to allow visibility of a code on an article contained
in the apparatus.
[0030] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a lens to magnify
or clarify a code on an article for reading.
[0031] In another embodiment, the lens is a Fresnel lens.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a DVD case of the
invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part of a DVD case showing a
security barrier of the case in more detail;
[0035] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(i) are diagrammatic cross-sectional views
showing different configurations of security barrier;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cover of a different
embodiment;
[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective and side views respectively of
the case of FIG. 4;
[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a security device of
the invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a disc retainer for use with
the security device; and
[0040] FIGS. 10 and 11 are cut-away elevational and perspective
views respectively of the security device, illustrating how it is
connected to the retainer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1 a DVD case 1 comprises a back cover 2
and a front cover 3 hinged together. The back cover 2 comprises a
seat 4 for a disc having finger-grip recesses 5, and a retainer 6
for engagement with a central aperture of a disc. The retainer 6 is
operated by an arm 8 and a push button 9.
[0042] The back cover further comprises four anti-theft barriers 7.
Each barrier 7 protrudes upwardly at an angle to the back cover
from a hinge 7(a) such that an upper side edge 7(b) faces towards
the disc seat 4. The upper side edge 7(b) extends above the level
of the disc seat 4 to contact and press against the top cover 3 of
the case 1 when the case 1 is closed. The barriers 7 are located in
proximity to and around the disc seat 4. In this embodiment there
are four barriers, two on each of the top and bottom ends of the
back cover 2.
[0043] In use, if a disc becomes displaced from the retainer 6 and
slips off the disc seat 4 it slides against the barriers 7 and is
prevented from slipping from the case. The barriers 7 present a
barrier across the gap that exists between the front and back
covers of the closed case 1. When a sliding disc encounters and
presses against a barrier 7 it will effectively exert a force F on
it, as shown in FIG. 2, causing the barrier 7 to more fully close
the gap and prevent the disc from sliding further.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, different possible configurations of
barriers are shown. Barriers may be positioned at any suitable
location relative to the disc seat 4. They may be arranged fully
around the periphery. In general, the barriers protrude upwards an
angle to the back cover and the upper side edge of the barrier will
normally face towards the disc seat as illustrated. The tabs are
integral with the cover.
[0045] The barrier 7 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in cross-section in
FIG. 3(a). This barrier is straight, rising at an angle from the
hinge portion 7(a) (where it connects to and is integral with the
base) to the upper side edge 7(b). FIGS. 3(b) to 3(i) show
alternative configurations 17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, and 87
respectively. The barrier 17 is convex facing the front cover. The
barrier 27 has a curved ramped configuration. The barrier 37 is
concave facing the front cover. The barrier 47 is generally
straight but incorporates a convex shaped portion at its upper end.
The barrier 57 is generally curved and comprises a concave shaped
lower portion and a straight upper portion. The barrier 67
comprises a concave lower portion and a more accentuated concave
upper portion. The lower and upper portions of the barrier 67 rise
at different angles. The barrier 77 is hooked in shape. This
barrier is generally convex towards the front cover but includes a
straight portion 77(b) to 77(c). The highest point of this barrier
is 77(b) and the straight portion 77(b) to 77(c) falls away from
the peak at a negative angle relative to the cover. The outer
extremity 77(c) faces the disc seat. The barrier 87 is straight and
perpendicular to the back cover.
[0046] The barriers of the invention may be incorporated into any
type of apparatus suitable for holding a disc-like article.
[0047] The foregoing description describes barriers integral with
the back cover of a case, however they may alternatively be
incorporated into a top cover.
[0048] It will be appreciated that the barriers of the invention
provide effective means for preventing theft. Continued pressing
and manipulation from outside only serves to cause the barriers to
more fully close the gap that exists between the covers when the
case is closed. Also, because the barriers are spaced-apart from
the seat they do not affect ongoing use of the case by the
authorized user. Insertion and removal of a disc is as before.
[0049] In another embodiment, the barriers are closer to the disc
than illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The location is chosen to prevent
a disc slipping to the extent of the inner data-containing part
pressing against the retainer if it is manipulated out of the seat
4.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, a cover 120 of a DVD case comprises a
DVD seat 121, around which are three raised projections 122 to help
hold a DVD in place in the seat 121. A pair of security barriers
123 are formed from the material of the cover 120. The shape of the
barriers 123 is of benefit because they provide a high-strength
barrier to movement of a DVD from the seat 121. Also, the opening
side edge of the cover 120 comprises protruding barriers 124 to
prevent DVD movement in this direction.
[0051] A push button 130 is connected by actuator arms 131 to a
retainer 132 comprising opposed retainer parts 133 and 134.
[0052] In addition, the cover 120 comprises a red tag holder 140
extending across the seat 121 and being configured for holding a
magnetic security tag. The holder 141 extends through grooves in
the underside of retainers 133 and 134. This prevents them from
being moved together to release a DVD without the holder 140 being
removed. The holder 140 has a handle 141 at the opening side edge
of the cover 120, the handle 141 extending through an opening
142.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 a DVD case 150 has a front
cover 151 and a back cover 152 which is similar to the cover 120 of
FIG. 4 except that is has a retainer 154 mounted on a boss 153. The
security features are similar to those of the cover 120 and are
indicated by the same reference numerals. These views shown the
side edge barriers 124 clearly.
[0054] In a further embodiment, a case is of transparent material
either wholly on one or both covers or in a window on a cover. This
allows a scanner or reader to read a code such as a bar code on a
disc within the case. Thus, the retainer or rental library can
process DVDs with comprehensive data indicating that the relevant
DVD was actually in the cover when it was sold or rented. This
arrangement assists with automation of dispensing of DVDs, CDs, or
other disc-shaped products. The cover may incorporate a lens such
as a Fresnel lens to magnify the code or otherwise make it easier
to read. The transparent part of the case need not necessarily be
transparent to visible light as a different wavelength of radiation
could be used instead for reading the code.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 11, a DVD case cover comprises a
barrier 201 mounted over a retainer 205 (shown most clearly in FIG.
6). The barrier 201 has a barrier member 208 with the overall
configuration of an inverted saucer. The barrier 201 prevents a
disc from being removed from its seat without removal of the
barrier 201. Thus, it is not possible for a thief to remove a disc
without fully opening the covers. A lock member 206 is
square-shaped in plan and has four tapered sides facing downwardly.
The lock member 206 engages within a socket 207 in the retainer 205
in a snap-fitting manner. Also a pillar 215 extends downwardly
parallel to the lock member 206. This fits between the two opposed
parts of the retainer 205 to prevent them from being urged together
to release a disc while the device 201 is in place. This is shown
most clearly in FIGS. 10 and 11, in which the cut-away
cross-section is across the retainer and locking device.
[0056] Thus, the barrier 201 is very effective at preventing a disc
from being removed while it is in place. It can only be removed by
twisting it so that the lock member 206 breaks at a point of
weakness 216. This is only possible when the cover has been opened.
In effect, the barrier 201 provides a tamper-evident seal, and it
also prevents disc theft while the cover is closed or almost fully
closed.
[0057] The barrier 201 may be in addition to or instead of the
barriers around the seat.
[0058] It will be appreciated that the invention provides for
prevention of theft in a very simple manner. The barriers of FIGS.
1 to 6 do not require any additional material and can be easily
moulded with the case as integral parts. The barrier of FIGS. 7 to
11 is also simple. Once removed for authorised use it does not have
any further use and does not affect ongoing use of the case.
[0059] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described
but may be varied in construction and detail.
* * * * *