U.S. patent application number 11/955261 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for lockable container with reinforced cover.
Invention is credited to King Yeung CHOI, Kwok Keung KWONG.
Application Number | 20080156682 11/955261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345047 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080156682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHOI; King Yeung ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
LOCKABLE CONTAINER WITH REINFORCED COVER
Abstract
A lockable container includes a first cover, a second opposing
cover, a connecting portion connecting the first cover and the
second cover to be movable relatively between an open position and
a closed position, and a reinforcing structure mounted on an inner
surface of at least one of the first cover and the second cover,
wherein the reinforcing member is structured and positioned to
limit deformation of the other of the first cover and the second
cover when pressure is applied thereto. The reinforcing structure
may be an upstanding wall or a set of ribs, as examples.
Inventors: |
CHOI; King Yeung; (Hong
Kong, HK) ; KWONG; Kwok Keung; (Hong Kong,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
40345047 |
Appl. No.: |
11/955261 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10723911 |
Nov 24, 2003 |
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11955261 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/472 ;
G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427 20130101;
E05B 73/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/472 |
International
Class: |
B65D 73/00 20060101
B65D073/00 |
Claims
1. A lockable container comprising: a first cover having a first
inner surface; a second cover having a second inner surface
positioned opposing the first cover; a connecting portion
connecting the first cover and the second cover such that the first
cover is movable relative to the second cover between an open
position, and a closed position at which the first and second inner
surfaces are opposing; and a reinforcing structure mounted on one
of the first and second inner surfaces, wherein the reinforcing
structure is structured, sized and positioned to limit deformation
of the other of the first cover and the second cover which has the
other of the first and second inner surfaces.
2. The lockable container of claim 1, further comprising a device
at one of the covers operable to carry an asset in the container
with the covers at the closed position.
3. The lockable container of claim 1, further comprising: each of
the inner surfaces having a respective first and opposite second
end region; a first cover sidewall extending upward from the first
end region of the first inner surface of the first cover; a second
cover sidewall extending upward from the second end region of the
first inner surface of the first cover; a first base sidewall
extending upward from the first end region of the second inner
surface of the second cover; and a second base sidewall extending
upward from the second end region of the inner surface of the
second cover, the first cover sidewall is spaced inwardly relative
to the first base sidewall such that the first base sidewall forms
an outer wall of the container at a first end region of the first
and second covers when they are in the closed position; and the
second cover sidewall is spaced inwardly relative to the second
base sidewall such that the second base sidewall forms an outer
wall of the container at a second end region of the first and
second covers when they are in the closed position.
4. The lockable container of claim 3, wherein the reinforcing
structure comprises a first inner wall extending upward from the
second inner surface of the second cover to a first height and
located at the first end region of the second inner surface; the
first inner wall is spaced inwardly on the second inner surface
from the first base sidewall such that the first cover sidewall is
between the first base sidewall and the first inner wall when the
first and second covers are in the closed position, and the first
inner wall is shaped and structured to prevent substantial
deformation of the first cover when pressure is applied to the
first cover.
5. The lockable container of claim 4, wherein the first inner wall
extends parallel to the first base sidewall.
6. The lockable container of claim 4, wherein the reinforcing
structure further comprises a second inner wall extending upward
from the second inner surface of the second cover to the first
height and located at the second end region of the second inner
surface, the second inner wall is spaced inwardly on the second
inner surface from the second base sidewall such that the second
cover sidewall is between the second base sidewall and the second
inner wall when the first and second covers are in the closed
position, and the second inner wall is shaped and structured to
prevent substantial deformation of the first cover when pressure is
applied to an outer surface of the first cover.
7. The lockable container of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing
structure further comprises a first plurality of ribs extending
upward from the first end region of the second inner surface of the
second cover to the first height, the first plurality of ribs
starting near to and extending away from the first inner wall, and
the first plurality of ribs are shaped and structured to prevent
substantial deformation of the first cover when pressure is applied
to the first cover.
8. The lockable container of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing
structure further comprises a second plurality of ribs extending
upward from the second end region of the second inner surface of
the second cover to the first height, the second plurality of ribs
starting near to and extending in a direction perpendicular to the
second inner wall, and the second plurality of ribs are shaped and
structured to prevent substantial deformation of the first cover
when pressure is applied to the first cover.
9. The lockable container of claim 8, further comprising a clip
positioned in the first cover and operable to secure an object to
the first inner surface of the first cover, and the first height of
the reinforcing structure is set to define a space between a top
side of the reinforcing structure and the first inner surface of
the first cover to accommodate an object secured in the clip.
10. The lockable container of claim 1, further comprising a lock
operable to lock the first and second covers together in the closed
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates to a lockable container for
securing assets and, more particularly, to a lockable container for
securing assets. The container includes a reinforcing member that
provides additional support for at least one cover of the
container.
[0002] Currently, there are many containers that can be used to
secure storage media such as, for example, digital versatile discs
("DVDs"), compact discs ("CDs"), and video games. A typical storage
container includes a cover portion and a base portion that is
hingedly coupled to the cover portion. An asset to be secured is
placed in the container, and the cover portion is mated with and
closed over the base portion to secure the asset within the
container. These storage containers may, for example, be displayed
in a live retail or rental environment, where potential customers
can handle and examine the storage container to determine, for
example, whether to buy or rent the asset stored therein. Thus,
since many potential customers may handle these storage containers,
it is necessary to provide a locking means for the storage
container to deter handling, damaging and potential theft of the
asset stored therein.
[0003] Various locking systems exist for use in both the live
retail and rental environments. One system for locking a storage
container involves placing an active electronic security tag (e.g.,
electronic article surveillance ("EAS") tag or radio frequency
identification ("RFID") tag within the container. The container is
then sealed using edge labels. The edge labels prevent the
container from being easily opened, and prevent the asset and
security tag from being removed from the container. Such a
container can also be used with an external security apparatus that
wraps around the container to provide additional security to the
asset within the container.
[0004] These systems, however, have some limitations. For example,
for added security in a live retail or rental environment, the
containers are sometimes locked behind the counter, thereby denying
a consumer the benefit of a "live sale." Furthermore, consumers
often find the edge labels difficult to remove when the container
is to be opened. If an additional external security apparatus is
used, the apparatus must either be cut off by the retailer at the
point of purchase or by the consumer at home. This external
apparatus is then discarded, which may not be environmentally
friendly.
[0005] Another system for locking a storage container involves
securing the container with a separate locking device. Examples of
such locking devices are described, for example, in Burdett et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,185 and Burdett et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,280.
Such locking devices are inserted into or attached to a container
to lock the container, and are later removed from communication
with the container to unlock the container.
[0006] Because a locking device is separate from its container,
complications may arise. For example, in order to lock the
container in a live retail or rental environment, a retailer must
first insert the lock into or attach the lock to the container,
prior to locking the container with a locking apparatus. When the
container is unlocked by a retailer, the lock is either reused,
stocked, restocked, or discarded. This can, for example, lead to
increased costs, administrative complications, and environmental
problems. In addition, such a locking device that is both separate
from and external to a container is accessible to a consumer, which
enable tampering.
[0007] One solution to this problem is disclosed in Assignee's
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/723,911 entitled
LOCKABLE CONTAINER HAVING AN INTEGRAL AND INTERNAL LOCKING
MECHANISM AND METHODS OF USE filed Nov. 24, 2003, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In
this application, the locking member is integral with the container
and remains so even when the contain is unlocked. As a result, the
locking member cannot be misplaced, and the increased cost and
administrative time that may result from using other locks
described above can be avoided. In addition, when the locking
member is integral with the container, there is a reduced chance of
tampering with the lock as well.
[0008] While such an integral locking member reduces the chance
that the lock will be tampered with, the container itself can be
tampered with and the locking member may be defeated by brute
force, for example. Since there is a void, or space in the
container in which the asset is positioned, the covers of the
container are particularly susceptible to deformation when force is
applied inwardly. It is noted that the covers are commonly made of
a plastic material that is somewhat flexible. Thus, when force is
applied to the cover of such a container, for example, the front
cover is likely to deform. As a result, a gap may be created around
the edge of the front cover as it deforms. This gap allows a
potential thief an opening to pry the front cover away from the
back cover even if the container is locked. In addition, it is
noted that containers with separate locks such as those described
above are also vulnerable to tampering in this manner.
[0009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a lockable
container for securing assets that avoids these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
locking container for securing an asset with at least one
reinforcing member provided on at least one cover of the container
to prevent deformation of the at least one of the first and second
covers of the lockable container.
[0011] A lockable container in accordance with an embodiment hereof
includes a first cover, a second cover positioned opposed to the
first cover and operable to carry an asset, a connecting portion
connecting the first cover and the second cover such that the first
cover is movable relative to the second cover between an open
position and a closed position and a reinforcing member mounted on
an inner surface of at least one of the first cover and the second
cover, wherein the reinforcing member is structured and positioned
to also limit deformation of the other of the first cover and the
second cover when force is applied thereto.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of the invention
which refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a lockable container in an open
position in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lockable container
of FIG. 1 at the line A-A.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a to plan view of the lockable container of FIG.
1 in a closed position.
[0016] FIG. 3B is a cross section of the lockable container at the
line B-B in FIG. 3A.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the lockable container of FIGS.
1-3 with a portion thereof highlighted.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a more detailed view of the highlighted portion of
FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a lockable container in an open
position in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lockable container
of FIG. 6 at the line A-A.
[0021] FIG. 8A is a to plan view of the lockable container of FIG.
6 in a closed position.
[0022] FIG. 8B is a cross section of the lockable container at the
line B-B in FIG. 8A.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the lockable container of FIGS.
6-8 with a portion thereof highlighted.
[0024] FIG. 10 is 5 is a more detailed view of the highlighted
portion of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0025] In accordance with the present invention, a lockable
container for securing assets includes at least one reinforcement
member that is structured and positioned to provide additional
support for at least one of the covers of the container.
[0026] A lockable container 10 in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present application is described with reference
to FIGS. 1-5. As can be seen in FIG. 1, for example, the lockable
container 10 preferably includes a first cover 12 (also referred to
as a front cover) and a second cover 14 (also referred to as a base
of the container) that is pivotally coupled, or "hinged," to the
first cover for securing at least one asset 16 within the container
10. As shown in FIG. 1, asset 16 preferably resides within the
second cover 14. However, this is merely illustrative, and one or
both of first cover 12 and second cover 14 may be capable of
receiving asset 16. The second cover 14 may also be referred to as
the base of the container since the asset 16 is preferably
positioned therein. A connecting portion or spine 18 provides pivot
or hinged connections between the spine and separately each of the
first and second covers 12, 14.
[0027] The container 10 may be locked to secure asset 16 within the
container. In particular, the container 10 is preferably structured
to accommodate an optical disc 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for
example, and includes a hub structure 20 for holding the disc. A
known locking member (not shown) may be provided to engage the
locking structures 22 of the first and second covers 12, 14,
respectively, to lock the container in its closed position. FIGS.
3A and 3B illustrates the container 10 with the covers 12, 14 in
the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the locking member
is similar to that described in Assignee's co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/723,911 mentioned above. In that, the
container 10 preferably includes an internal locking member (not
shown) that interacts with the locking structures 22 to lock the
covers 12, 14 together in the closed position. While the container
10 is described with reference to a locking member similar to that
described in Assignee's co-pending application Ser. No. 10/723,911,
it is noted that any suitable lock may be used.
[0028] The first and second covers 12, 14 preferably include
opposite top or first end region sidewalls 12a, 14a and opposite
bottom or second end region sidewalls 12b, 14b, respectively, that
extend upward from an inner surface of the covers, at the top and
bottom end regions of the container. The sidewalls 12a-12b, 14a-14b
prevent access between the top and bottom of the container 10 when
the first and second covers 12, 14 are in the closed position. In a
preferred embodiment, the sidewalls 12a-12b, 14a-14b overlap to
provide further protection to the asset inside the container 10. In
particular, the top sidewall 12a of the first cover 12 is
preferably positioned slightly inward along the inner surface from
the top sidewall 14a of the base 14 such that the sidewall 14a
forms a top outer surface of the container 10 when the covers 12,
14 are in the closed position. Similarly, the bottom sidewall 12b
of the first cover is positioned inward along the inner surface
from with respect to the bottom sidewall 14b.
[0029] In addition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application, at least one of the first and second covers 12, 14 of
the container 10 includes a reinforcing structure, in this
embodiment comprised of at least one reinforcing member 30a-30f,
which provides additional structural support to the at least one of
the covers 12, 14 on which that reinforcing structure is disposed,
and thus limits or prevents deformation of that cover. The shape of
that structure also prevents deformation of the other opposing
cover, as described below.
[0030] In FIG. 1, an inner wall 30a extends upward from the inner
surface toward the top end region of the base 14 and is spaced
inward from the top sidewall 14a. A corresponding inner wall
30a.sup.1 is positioned toward the bottom end region of the second
cover or base 14. In addition, a plurality of ribs 30b-30f extend
upward from the top end region of the inner surface of the base 14
and extend perpendicularly from the inner wall 30a toward the
middle of the base 14. Similarly, ribs 30b.sup.1-30f.sup.1 extend
perpendicularly inward from the bottom inner wall 30a.sup.1. As is
best illustrated in FIG. 5, the inner wall 30a is preferably spaced
inward from the top sidewall 14a such that the top sidewall 12a of
the front cover 12 is accommodated between the top sidewall 14a of
second cover 14 and the inner wall 30a. In a similar manner, inner
wall 30a.sup.1 is preferably spaced inward from the bottom sidewall
14b such that the bottom sidewall 12b of the front cover 12 is
accommodated between the bottom sidewall 14b of second cover 14 and
the inner wall 30a.sup.1. As illustrated, the ribs 30b-30f and
30b.sup.1-30f.sup.1 extend toward the center of the cover 14, but
do not interfere with placement of the asset 16.
[0031] The height of the reinforcing members 30a-30f,
30a.sup.1-30f.sup.1 is preferably substantially the same as that of
the sidewalls 14a, 14b. However, as can best be seen in FIG. 3A,
the height of the reinforcing members 30a-30f is preferably set at
slightly less than that of the sidewalls to allow printed material
to be carried inside the container 10 by the clips 25 which are
preferably provided on the inner surface of the first cover 12. It
is common to include lyrics for songs recorded on the optical disc
16, for example, on printed material secured in place by the clips
25. Thus, a small gap 24 is preferably present between the tallest
point of the reinforcing members 30a-30f and 30a.sup.1-30f.sup.1
and the cover 12 when the covers 12, 14 are in the closed position.
Thus, the container 10 can still be closed properly even if
literature or other material is present in the clips 25.
Alternatively, the reinforcing members might be of a height to
contact the other cover. The reinforcing members will support their
own cover and be abutted at their free or upper edges by the other
cover, if the latter is deformed beyond a selected extent.
[0032] In operation, when the container 10 is in the closed
position, the reinforcing members 30a-30f and 30a.sup.1-30f.sup.1
prevent the front cover 12 from deforming beyond a certain point.
That is, when pressure is applied to the cover 12, and the cover 12
begins to deform, the extent of this deformation relative to the
sidewalls 14a, 14b is minimal since the reinforcing members 30a-30f
and 30a.sup.1-30f.sup.1 are of almost the same height as the
sidewalls 14a, 14b, and thus, contact the inner surface of the
cover 12 after a small amount of deformation. As a result, no space
forms between the first and second covers 12, 14, and thus, the
container 10 is cannot be pried open.
[0033] The present specification describes the use of groups of
five ribs 30b-30f and 30b.sup.1-30f.sup.1 as reinforcing members.
However, it should be understood that fewer ribs or more ribs may
be used, as desired.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 6-10, the
ribs 30b-30f and 30b.sup.1-30f.sup.1 are eliminated. Thus, in the
lockable container 100 illustrated in FIGS. 6-10, only the inner
walls 30a and 30a.sup.1 are used as reinforcing members. However,
since the walls 30a, 30a.sup.1 are of almost the same height as the
sidewalls 14a, 14b, the cover 12 will only deform a small extent
before being stopped by the inner walls 30a, 30a.sup.1. In
addition, the inner walls 30a, 30a.sup.1 help prevent deformation
of the top and bottom sidewalls 14a, 14b of the second cover 14 as
well. Otherwise, the container 100 of FIGS. 6-10 operates in
substantially the same manner as the container 10 described above
and common reference numerals refer to common components. In order
to avoid repetition, FIGS. 6-10 are not described in further detail
herein.
[0035] While the present application describes the reinforcement
members 30a-30f and 30a.sup.1-30f.sup.1 being positioned on the
inner surface of the second cover, or base 14, it is noted that
they may be mounted on the inner surface of the first cover 12, if
desired. However, in this case, the clips 25 are preferably removed
from the first cover 12.
[0036] 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. It is preferred, therefore, that the present
invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but
only by the appended claims.
* * * * *