CA2169573A1 - Lockable container for cassettes and the like - Google Patents
Lockable container for cassettes and the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2169573A1 CA2169573A1 CA 2169573 CA2169573A CA2169573A1 CA 2169573 A1 CA2169573 A1 CA 2169573A1 CA 2169573 CA2169573 CA 2169573 CA 2169573 A CA2169573 A CA 2169573A CA 2169573 A1 CA2169573 A1 CA 2169573A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cam surface
- locking member
- container
- latching
- stop member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
- E05B73/0017—Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops
- E05B73/0023—Containers, boxes, cases or the like, e.g. for compact discs or video-cassettes, specially adapted therefor
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to lockable containers for holding cassettes and like devices, the container being box-like in shape and being open on one end to facilitate inserting and withdrawing a cassette from the container, there being means, in the form of a limited-rotation pivotable stop member which is rotatable, about a pivot to cover at least a portion of the open end of the container in one positional limit and to be clear of the opening in another positional limit, there being a magnetically-releasable latching member to secure the stop member in a closed-container position of the stop member, the latching member being resiliently biased toward the stop member and the stop member being provided with a limited length cam surface which curves outward from the pivot point from one end of the cam surface to the other end of the cam surface whereat the cam surface is abruptly terminated in a direction inward towards the pivot point of the stop member, the latching member acting as a cam follower riding on the cam surface to bias the stop member to an open-container limit position when the latching means is riding on the cam surface and wherein when the stop member is rotated to the other limit position the latching means moves past the abrupt termination point of the cam surface whereupon the latching member moves inward towards the pivot point to prevent inadvertent reverse movement of the stop member, the latching member being selectively and magnetically movable outward from the pivot point to allow reverse movement of the cam surface whereupon the latching means can be released to apply pressure to the cam surface to pivot the stop member to its fully open limit position.
Description
LOCKABLE CONTAINER FOR CASSETTES AND THE LIKE
This invention relates to a lockable container for cassettes and the like which is useful to prevent theft of such article on display in retail outlets. The term cassette will be used to denote boxes for storing and protecting audio, video and data recordings including compact discs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Audio and video tape cassettes and compact discs are usually displayed for retail sale in plastic containers or boxes which bear legends indicating the type and name of material recorded. These cassettes are openly displayed to the public which is free to browse through them and make selections. Such open displays can lead to theft by unscrupulous persons and loss to the retailer.
In order to reduce such theft lockable containers, fitted with theft alarm devices, have been developed and are now in use. The container used is either of transparent material allowing the information on the cassette to be read through the container or one side of the container is open, to a considerable extent while still maintaining security, to allow direct vision of the cassette information. The lockable container is normally open at one narrow end to allow insertion of a cassette which is to be secured against theft. A locking member is provided for selectively blocking the open end to prevent inadvertent and unauthorized removal of a cassette from the container. The locking member is generally secured in locking position by a latching mechanism which is only actuateable by means of a very powerful magnet which, when applied to the latching member releases the latch allowing the cassette to be withdrawn from the container. In known devices the latch is moved to its non-operable position only during the application of the magnetic field of the magnet at which time the locking member has to be moved from its blocking position at the end of the container by movement of the enclosed cassette against the locking means. This requires a conscious effort by the sales person to ensure that the lock is released and the cassette can be withdrawn.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
United States patent 5,368,162 - B. Holmgren - issued November 29, 1994 shows a lockable cassette container of the type mentioned above. The patent shows a hook shaped locking member which, in its locked position covers part of the withdrawal opening of the container. The locking member is maintained in its locked position by a magnetically operated latching member which when, released by magnetic means, requires the manual movement of a retaining rotary bolt mechanism before the locking means can be moved linearly and then rotated to a position where the container is open or unlocked.
United States patent 5,147,034 - R. M. Broadhead - issued September 15, 1992, shows a lockable container with a directly latched and movable locking member which, when unlatched, is free to move in a linear direction to clear the end of the lockable container to an extended position whereat it can be moved parallel to the sides of the box to clear the path for insertion or removal of a cassette. Here again the movement of the locking member is effected by the cassette being removed or nserted.
The present invention provides a locking member which is automatically removed from its blocking position upon the application of the magnetic field to the latching means thus requiring no further effort on the part of the sales person.
The container is then maintained in its unlocked condition until it is again intentionally locked.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention the locking member, also provided at the open end of a lockable container, is pivotally mounted to swing between a closed position whereat a tab end of the locking member extends along the open end of the container to an open position whereat the tab end is completely out of the path of a cassette being removed or inserted into the container. The locking member is provided with a limited length cam surface associated with the position of the pivot point of the locking member. The cam surface, in conjunction with a spring biased magnetic latching member which acts as a cam follower on the cam surface, act to provide a turning moment to the locking member to pivot the tab end of the locking member to a position clear of the open end of the lockable container to allow ready removal or insertion of a cassette. The cam surface acts, when the locking member is pivoted in the opposite direction, i.e. to the closed position, to lift the spring biased latching means as the locking member is pivoted until the end of the cam surface is surpassed whereat the cam surface is abruptly terminated, in a direction toward the pivot so that the latching member drops off the cam surface and, in this closed position of the locking member, prevents reversal or opening of the container until a releasing magnetic field is applied. When the releasing magnetic field is applied, preferably a slight turning of the locking member, in the opening direction, is provided by auxiliary spring means in order that when the field is removed the latching member will resiliently contact the cam surface to rotate the tab end of the locking member clear of the container opening and maintain it in this position. The open biasing pressure of the latching member on the cam surface can be such that inadvertent closing of the container generally does not occur. This ensures that the container will remain open for insertion of another cassette.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a cut-away view of the part of a lockable container and, in particular the plan view of the locking mechanism according to the present invention, Figure 2 shows perspective and cut-away view of the locking mechanism in its released position, Figure 3 shows a perspective and cut-away view of the locking mechanism in its closed or locked container position.
Figure 4 shows a perspective and cut-away view of a modified form of the latching part of the locking mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure 1 a partial view of a lockable container 1, with one side removed, is shown. A cassette 2, also partially shown, is housed within the container. An elongated locking member 4, pivoted at one end at a point 5 above the open end la of the container, is provided with a tab end 4b which extends down over the open end la of the container to, in this position, block removal of the cassette 2 from container 1.
The pivot end of the locking member 4 is provided with a cam surface 4a which rises radially from adjacent the pivot 5 to a maximum distance at a point 4c whereat the cam surface is abruptly terminated in an inward radial direction to provide a ledge upon which a latching member 6 rests as shown. The latching member 6 is biased downward by a spring 7 to maintain the latching member 6 on the ledge to prevent counter-clockwise movement of the locking member with respect to pivot5 thus maintaining the container in a locked condition. The latching member 6 is enclosed so as to forestal external access thereto and prevent unauthorized opening of the container.
However, the latching member 6, which may be of a soft magnetic or permanent magnetic material, can be moved in an upward direction, referring to Figure 1, to release the locking element 4 for counter-clockwise rotation to unlock the container. Preferably, a small counter-clockwise turning moment is applied to locking member 4 to turn it sufficiently so that when the latching member 6 is released to press against cam surface 4a to turn the locking member to it's unlocked position as shown in Figure 2.
Figures 2 and 3 show the locking mechanism in open and closed container positions respectively. In a preferred construction a spring 8 applies downward pressure to the cam surface 4a of the locking member 4 so that when the latching member 6 is magnetically released, i.e. pulled upward from the position shown in Figure 3, locking member 4 is rotated far enough counter-clockwise to provide that latching member 6 21 6q573 returns to cam surface 4a with enough force to provide for rotation of locking member 4 to the position shown in Figure 2.
Spring 8 may be substituted for by a spiral (hair spring) to provide the initial and incremental turning moment. If spring 8 is dispensed with the initial turning moment of locking member 4 can be provided by removal pressure on the cassette.
Figure 3 shows a modification of the latching member in that the downward movement of member 6 is stopped by an encircling flange 6a. The locking member can be rectangular or circular in cross-section or in the form of a thick plate.
The locking mechanism described in conjunction with a container for cassettes is applicable to other analogous uses wherein it is desirous to provide for security of closure.
Modifications of the invention which do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention are covered by the appended claims.
This invention relates to a lockable container for cassettes and the like which is useful to prevent theft of such article on display in retail outlets. The term cassette will be used to denote boxes for storing and protecting audio, video and data recordings including compact discs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Audio and video tape cassettes and compact discs are usually displayed for retail sale in plastic containers or boxes which bear legends indicating the type and name of material recorded. These cassettes are openly displayed to the public which is free to browse through them and make selections. Such open displays can lead to theft by unscrupulous persons and loss to the retailer.
In order to reduce such theft lockable containers, fitted with theft alarm devices, have been developed and are now in use. The container used is either of transparent material allowing the information on the cassette to be read through the container or one side of the container is open, to a considerable extent while still maintaining security, to allow direct vision of the cassette information. The lockable container is normally open at one narrow end to allow insertion of a cassette which is to be secured against theft. A locking member is provided for selectively blocking the open end to prevent inadvertent and unauthorized removal of a cassette from the container. The locking member is generally secured in locking position by a latching mechanism which is only actuateable by means of a very powerful magnet which, when applied to the latching member releases the latch allowing the cassette to be withdrawn from the container. In known devices the latch is moved to its non-operable position only during the application of the magnetic field of the magnet at which time the locking member has to be moved from its blocking position at the end of the container by movement of the enclosed cassette against the locking means. This requires a conscious effort by the sales person to ensure that the lock is released and the cassette can be withdrawn.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
United States patent 5,368,162 - B. Holmgren - issued November 29, 1994 shows a lockable cassette container of the type mentioned above. The patent shows a hook shaped locking member which, in its locked position covers part of the withdrawal opening of the container. The locking member is maintained in its locked position by a magnetically operated latching member which when, released by magnetic means, requires the manual movement of a retaining rotary bolt mechanism before the locking means can be moved linearly and then rotated to a position where the container is open or unlocked.
United States patent 5,147,034 - R. M. Broadhead - issued September 15, 1992, shows a lockable container with a directly latched and movable locking member which, when unlatched, is free to move in a linear direction to clear the end of the lockable container to an extended position whereat it can be moved parallel to the sides of the box to clear the path for insertion or removal of a cassette. Here again the movement of the locking member is effected by the cassette being removed or nserted.
The present invention provides a locking member which is automatically removed from its blocking position upon the application of the magnetic field to the latching means thus requiring no further effort on the part of the sales person.
The container is then maintained in its unlocked condition until it is again intentionally locked.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention the locking member, also provided at the open end of a lockable container, is pivotally mounted to swing between a closed position whereat a tab end of the locking member extends along the open end of the container to an open position whereat the tab end is completely out of the path of a cassette being removed or inserted into the container. The locking member is provided with a limited length cam surface associated with the position of the pivot point of the locking member. The cam surface, in conjunction with a spring biased magnetic latching member which acts as a cam follower on the cam surface, act to provide a turning moment to the locking member to pivot the tab end of the locking member to a position clear of the open end of the lockable container to allow ready removal or insertion of a cassette. The cam surface acts, when the locking member is pivoted in the opposite direction, i.e. to the closed position, to lift the spring biased latching means as the locking member is pivoted until the end of the cam surface is surpassed whereat the cam surface is abruptly terminated, in a direction toward the pivot so that the latching member drops off the cam surface and, in this closed position of the locking member, prevents reversal or opening of the container until a releasing magnetic field is applied. When the releasing magnetic field is applied, preferably a slight turning of the locking member, in the opening direction, is provided by auxiliary spring means in order that when the field is removed the latching member will resiliently contact the cam surface to rotate the tab end of the locking member clear of the container opening and maintain it in this position. The open biasing pressure of the latching member on the cam surface can be such that inadvertent closing of the container generally does not occur. This ensures that the container will remain open for insertion of another cassette.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a cut-away view of the part of a lockable container and, in particular the plan view of the locking mechanism according to the present invention, Figure 2 shows perspective and cut-away view of the locking mechanism in its released position, Figure 3 shows a perspective and cut-away view of the locking mechanism in its closed or locked container position.
Figure 4 shows a perspective and cut-away view of a modified form of the latching part of the locking mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figure 1 a partial view of a lockable container 1, with one side removed, is shown. A cassette 2, also partially shown, is housed within the container. An elongated locking member 4, pivoted at one end at a point 5 above the open end la of the container, is provided with a tab end 4b which extends down over the open end la of the container to, in this position, block removal of the cassette 2 from container 1.
The pivot end of the locking member 4 is provided with a cam surface 4a which rises radially from adjacent the pivot 5 to a maximum distance at a point 4c whereat the cam surface is abruptly terminated in an inward radial direction to provide a ledge upon which a latching member 6 rests as shown. The latching member 6 is biased downward by a spring 7 to maintain the latching member 6 on the ledge to prevent counter-clockwise movement of the locking member with respect to pivot5 thus maintaining the container in a locked condition. The latching member 6 is enclosed so as to forestal external access thereto and prevent unauthorized opening of the container.
However, the latching member 6, which may be of a soft magnetic or permanent magnetic material, can be moved in an upward direction, referring to Figure 1, to release the locking element 4 for counter-clockwise rotation to unlock the container. Preferably, a small counter-clockwise turning moment is applied to locking member 4 to turn it sufficiently so that when the latching member 6 is released to press against cam surface 4a to turn the locking member to it's unlocked position as shown in Figure 2.
Figures 2 and 3 show the locking mechanism in open and closed container positions respectively. In a preferred construction a spring 8 applies downward pressure to the cam surface 4a of the locking member 4 so that when the latching member 6 is magnetically released, i.e. pulled upward from the position shown in Figure 3, locking member 4 is rotated far enough counter-clockwise to provide that latching member 6 21 6q573 returns to cam surface 4a with enough force to provide for rotation of locking member 4 to the position shown in Figure 2.
Spring 8 may be substituted for by a spiral (hair spring) to provide the initial and incremental turning moment. If spring 8 is dispensed with the initial turning moment of locking member 4 can be provided by removal pressure on the cassette.
Figure 3 shows a modification of the latching member in that the downward movement of member 6 is stopped by an encircling flange 6a. The locking member can be rectangular or circular in cross-section or in the form of a thick plate.
The locking mechanism described in conjunction with a container for cassettes is applicable to other analogous uses wherein it is desirous to provide for security of closure.
Modifications of the invention which do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention are covered by the appended claims.
Claims (6)
1. A locking mechanism for a container having an access opening comprises, a locking member which is pivoted adjacent one of its ends, the other end having a stop tab which can be moved, by pivoting the locking member, to cover the access opening of the container or, alternately, to leave free access to the container through the access opening, the pivoted locking member being provided with a cam surface associated with its pivoted end, the cam surface being of limited length and abruptly terminated immediately adjacent the pivot end of the locking member and sloping therefrom inward towards the pivot in a direction towards the tab end of the locking member, a latching member associated with the cam surface and resiliently biased to bear thereagainst to provide turning movement to the locking member in a direction to move the tab end free of the access opening of the container, the latching member having at least a part thereof extending inward past the abrupt termination of the cam, when the locking member is in the closed position, to block pivoting of the locking member towards the open position until the latching member is moved away from the cam surface, against the resilient bias, to clear the abrupt termination of the cam surface.
2. The locking mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein further resilient means is provided for applying pressure to the cam surface, at least in the closed position of the locking member, to move the locking member towards the open position thereof.
3 The locking mechanism as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the latching member is provided with a circumscribing collar which rests against the cam surface when the locking member is in the closed container position.
4. A locking mechanism for a container having an open access side which comprises, an elongated locking member having a pivot point adjacent to one end thereof, the pivot point being fixed with respect to the container so that the locking member can be pivoted from a position whereat it restricts access to the container through the access opening to a position whereat the access is unrestricted, a cam surface provided on the pivot end of the locking member, the cam surface gradually rising, with respect to the pivot point, towards the outer end of the pivoted end of the locking member whereat it is abruptly terminated in a direction inward towards the pivot point, a latching member associated with the cam surface of the locking member and resiliently biased to ride thereon when the locking member is pivoted and to move past the termination of the cam surface when the locking member is in the restricted access position whereat the resilient bias sufficient to move the latching member inward toward the pivot point so that reverse movement of the locking member is prevented until the latching member is withdrawn against the resilient bias, the resilient bias being sufficient to rotate the locking mechanism to its unrestricted access position when the latching member is in contact with the cam surface of the locking member.
5. The locking mechanism as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the latching member is of magnetic material and can be withdrawn from the cam surface, against the resilient bias, when a magnetic field is appropriately applied thereto.
6. The locking mechanism as claimed in Claim 4 wherein a further resilient bias is applied, in the locked positon of the locking member, to the cam surface to bias the locking member to pivot towards the unrestricted access position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169573 CA2169573A1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 1996-02-15 | Lockable container for cassettes and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169573 CA2169573A1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 1996-02-15 | Lockable container for cassettes and the like |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2169573A1 true CA2169573A1 (en) | 1997-08-16 |
Family
ID=4157577
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169573 Abandoned CA2169573A1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 1996-02-15 | Lockable container for cassettes and the like |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2169573A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001083922A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-08 | Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc. | Theft-resistant releasable container for valuable articles |
| CN111696432A (en) * | 2019-03-11 | 2020-09-22 | 深圳市长盈精密技术股份有限公司 | Rotating mechanism, folding mechanism and folding display device |
-
1996
- 1996-02-15 CA CA 2169573 patent/CA2169573A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001083922A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-08 | Wherehouse Entertainment, Inc. | Theft-resistant releasable container for valuable articles |
| CN111696432A (en) * | 2019-03-11 | 2020-09-22 | 深圳市长盈精密技术股份有限公司 | Rotating mechanism, folding mechanism and folding display device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |