CA2445490A1 - Standardized disc container with added security feature - Google Patents
Standardized disc container with added security feature Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2445490A1 CA2445490A1 CA002445490A CA2445490A CA2445490A1 CA 2445490 A1 CA2445490 A1 CA 2445490A1 CA 002445490 A CA002445490 A CA 002445490A CA 2445490 A CA2445490 A CA 2445490A CA 2445490 A1 CA2445490 A1 CA 2445490A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- case
- disc
- media
- pin
- members
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
- G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
- G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
- G11B33/0411—Single disc boxes
- G11B33/0422—Single disc boxes for discs without cartridge
- G11B33/0427—Single disc boxes for discs without cartridge comprising centre hole locking means
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- Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)
Abstract
A compact disc (CD) and digital versatile disc (DVD) anti-theft media case that is lockable, useful for both sales and rental of the media, having a first and second portion, one of the portions containing a detent designed to interfit with a second detent situated on the other of the two portions. The two detents interfit with one another to form a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be remotely moved by the use of a magnetic or electrical remote tool. The locking mechanism when locked in addition to preventing the case from being opened also prevents the disc from being removed from the case. The case can be locked and unlocked remotely without having to distort the outward appearance of the case and is therefore useful in unlocking shrink wrapped cases used in sales, but can also be used for rental media.
Description
Title of the Invention Standardized Disc Container with Added Security Feature Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to containers or cases used for the secure storage of disc media and more particularly to such cases that incorporate anti-theft devices to prevent the unwanted removal or theft of the media contained within the case.
Specifically, the container embodying the present invention includes a non intrusive and remotely operated locking mechanism that prevents the unauthorized opening of the case and which may also secure the media in the case and prevents the motion of the media in the case.
Background of the Invention Pre-recorded media are sold in the form of discs which may typically contain for example music, videos or games and are commonly sold as Compact Discs (CDs) or Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs). Due to the desirability of these products and the ever increasing content that can be placed on CDs or DVDs and the relatively small size of the discs themselves, they have become a target for theft in stores that either rent or sell these discs.
The discs are usually rented in various cases. These cases usually have a centralized hub or carrier onto which the disc may be rerr~~ovably secured. In order to combat theft, numerous techniques are currently being used. For example, some stores require the customer to bring the empty case to the clerk ~~ho controls the distribution of rental products. Empty cases are thus placed on shelves. When a particular disc such as a movie is wanted, the customer brings the empty case up to the cashier who upon payment of the appropriate amount retrieves the disc from a storage drawer and places it in the case and turns the now disc containing case over to the customer.
Since the customer does not have direct access to the disc until after he or she has paid the required amount, this method may prevent theft. However the method also requires that the rental agency have a storage location that is sufficiently large to inventory all the CDs and DVDs that are being offered. In addition, this method is of no use for stores that wish to sell as opposed to rent new CDs or DVDs since it would be difficult to remove all the new CDs and DVDs from their cases prior to their sale.
Customers also do not wish to have the shrink-wrap packaging removed from their new CDs and DVDs. This might lead to improper piracy of the products.
Another method commonly employed for controlling theft for rentals is the use of a locking case in which the disc media is placed within the case and then placed on the display shelf. The lock prevents the opening of the case. The lock can be removed using a variety of specialized tools. Normally the containers may also contain electronic tracking devices that set off an alarm at the exit of the rental store if the tracking device is neither removed from the case nor deactivated. This type of method can be circumvented by an indirect means by removing the disc from the case prior to exiting the rental store. As discs are fairly thin and cases are typically made of slightly flexible plastic, thieves have found that even though the case can not be opened, it is still possible to remove the disc by cutting the hinged edge of the container and dislodging the disc from the central hub prior to deforming the case in such a manor that the disc can be removed. The case can then be placed back on the shelf and the disc placed in the thief's pocket. The case may be a very specialized locking case designed to be used only for rentals, which includes a supplementary locking element used in conjunction with the case.
Another locking device used primarily for sales of media is the use of an additional locking container that surrounds the normal media containing case. In this scenario, media for sale is protected from theft by the use of a locking jacket that is ultimately removed. In such a manner for media sales, the shrink wrap of the new disc is left undisturbed. The use of this technique can be expensive and requires extra storage space as the store requires a place to keep an inventory of the locking containers/jackets. The particular locking devices used to control pilfering of media to be sold are external and usually magnetically actuated and removed.
There exist therefore two separate case formats of containers used to control the rental and sales of discs. ~ne is used for rental products and is designed to remove the disc and have it separated from the original marketing container. The distribution and security is thus effected by the sales clerk. The other container is specifically designed to control the sales of disc media. This container carries the original case from the distributor of the product and includes a locking device which is removed by the sales clerk. Therefore a need exists in the market place to standardize the container and method of rental and of sales of disc media and to utilize the original disc jacket container to do so. There is also a need in the art fc>r an effective anti-theft device that can be used for both rental and sale of disc media that obviates the need for supplementary containers to control the unwanted pilfering of the disc media.
Summary of the Invention It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a standardized container for disc media which may be used to sec-ure both rental and sales products. It is a further object of the invention to provide a disc media container which includes a simple remotely operable locking device used to secure the disc in place even if the hinge is slit.
It is a further object of the invention to obviate the need for costly supplementary containers to prevent the pilferage of the container s contents. Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the present summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments fully illustrated herein.
In another aspect of the present invention, it is provided of a disc media container comprising a remotely actuated locking device movable between a first locked and a second released position wherein at the first position, the media is secured and at the second position, the media may be removed from the container. The container is inexpensive enough to be used for all types of media. The lock can be remotely actuated without disturbing the shrink-wrap for new media sales but also provides sufficient protection to be used for rentals.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism prevents the opening of the media case.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism removably secures the media to a hub or carrier portion of the case to prevent the theft of the media.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism can be actuated between a locked and an unlocked position by electrical or magnetic means without distorting the outward appearance of the case or requiring that the case be opened. This feature is effective for unlocking shrink-wrapper products for sale by the vendor.
The storage case includes a first portion and a second portion movable in relation to one another preferably pivotable with respect to one another. The two portions are adapted to abut or engage each other at a closed position in such a way to define a hollow cavity or space in which a storage disc media may be placed. Either or both of the two portions may further comprise a media holding device. The first portion may further comprise a first detent such as a male membex designed to interengage with a second detent such as a female member provided with the second portion which when interengaged provide a locking mechanism such as a latching mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a movable device for locking the first decent with the second detent. The locking mechanism may be electrically or magnetically actuated and is located adjacent t~ the media holding device to: (1) lockably secure the disc to said holding device; and (2) additionally prevent the case from being opened while locked.
The locking mechanism may be actuated between a locked and an unlocked position by a magnetic or electrical device without distorting the outward appearance of the case or requiring that the case be opened. In this way, the case may be used for both rentals and sales as it is not necessary for the removal of the shrink wrap from a new disc case in order to unlock the locking mechanism and finalize the sale with the disc being accessible to the purchaser.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a supplementary media case jacket used to contain media to be sold, of the prior art.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the remote tool used with the media case jacket of Fig.1 used to remove the media disc case from the jacket of the prior art.
Figure 3A and 3B are close up end views of the prior art of Fig.1 and 2 illustrating the operation of the locking device.
Figure 4 illustrates a prior art anti-theft jacket used for media cases used in sales.
Figure 5A is a schematic view of a prior art media ease which is limited to use for rental disc media and has no use in direct sales.
Figure 5B is a close up cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of Fig.
illustrating its operation.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the media case of the present invention for holding disc shaped media illustrating a preferred embodiment.
Figure 7A is a close up schematic view of the locking mechanism used in Fig. 6 shown in an unlocked state and illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7B is a close up schematic view of the locking mechanism used in Fig. 6 shown in a locked state and illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7C is a cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of Fig 7B shown in a locked position.
Figure 8A is a schematic close up view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating the holding and securing of disc shaped media.
Figure 8B is a sectional view of fig. 8A in a locked position.
Figure 8C is a cross sectional view of .fig 8A in an unlocked position and the associated use of a remote tool.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a locking mechanism and carrier of the media disc.
Figure 10A and 10B are schematic and cross sectional views respectively of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a locking device and the manner in which it retains disc shaped media.
Figure 11A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the case and locking mechanism of the present invention.
Figure 11B is a partial cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of Figure 11A
illustrating its operation.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention for holding and securing of disc shaped media and locking it in place.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention for holding and securing disc shaped media and locking it in place.
Figure 14A is a cross sectional view of the case of Fig.13 illustrating the media disc being locked and secured in place.
Fig.14B and 14C are overhead views of the case of Fig.13 illustrated in an unlocked and locked position respectively.
Detailed Description ~f the Drawings In Figure 1, an anti-theft construction according to the prior art. The media case 1 is insertable into the open end of a media case containing jacket 2. The jacket contains towards its open end small notches or grooves 3 designed to engage with detents 4 located on the bottom cover 5. The bottom cover 5 consists of a housing 6 and a slidable member 7. The fixed locked housing 6 contains the slidable member 7, with the slidable member 7 being movable to and from an engaged and disengaged position wherein in the engaged position, the detent 4 on the bottom cover 5 engage the notches or grooves 3 on the jacket 2 so that the bottom cover 5 cannot be removed. The housing 6 and slidable member 7 together contain a magnetically releasable internal locking detent (not shown) that prevents the easy disengagement of the detent 4 on the bottom cover from the small notch or groove 3.
In Figure 2, a release tool 8 is provided that is used to remove the bottom cov er 5 from the jacket 2 of Figure 1. The tool 8 contains U-channel guide path 9 that is slightly larger than the width of the bottom cover 5. By sliding the jacket 2 with associated and engaged bottom cover 5 through this U-Channel path 9, permanent magnets 10 located within the tool 8 interact with the magnetically releasable locking decent (not shown) within the bottom cover 5 to release and allow the slidable member l to slide away from the housing b, so that the decants ~ no longer engage the notches 3.
In Figs. 3A and 3B, the prior art tool 8 and ho~F it functions is illustrated.
The permanent magnets 10 allow the disengaging of the slidable member 7 from the housing 6. Once the detent 4 has cleared the notch 3, by a simple tipping motion of the jacket 2 as seen in Fig. 3B, the bottom cover 5 can be removed from the jacket 2. Once this bottom cover 5 is removed, the media case is accessible and can be freely removed or inserted into the now open end. The bottom cover 5 can be reinserted and attached to the jacket 2 via the use of the tool 8 to unlock and move the slidable member 7 to a disengaged position with respect to the housing 6 and then positioning the bottom cover 5 onto the jacket 2 and then moving the slidable member 7 into an engaged position with respect to the housing 6.
In Fig. 4 a prior art anti-theft jacket 11 used for media cases utilized in sales is illustrated. The jacket 11 consists of two covers (12,13) that together define an empty cavity into which the disc media case is inserted. The case contains a locking device (not shown) located within the lower portion of the cavity.
Reference now to Fig. 5A and 513 wherein a locking mechanism 14 for an anti-theft case 15 of the prior art for locking disc media 16 used in rental stores. The case 15 contains integrally formed to the case, disc holding rims in the shape of elevated ridges 17. The locking mechanism 14 consists of an internal magnetically actuated lock 18 contained within a lock housing 19 that is designed to engage and disengage a ;pin 20 that is connected with an external button 21. The locking mechanism 14 is also adapted to serve as a hub 25 and contains protrusions 22 to removably secure the disc 16.
The case may also contain an area 23 in ~lhich a theft detection device designed to set off an alarm can be permanently secured to the case 15. To insert a disc 16 into a secured position, a magnetically actuated remote release tool is used (not shown), the external button 21 and associated pin 20 are removed and disengaged from the locking mechanism 14 and case 15. The interior of the case 15 is then accessible and the disc 16 can then be inserted into the disc holding rims 17 and removably secured to the hub 25 of the locking mechanism 14. The case 15 is then closed and the pin 20 on the external button 21 is inserted into an aperture 24 in the case cover which then allows the pin 20 to be inserted into the locking mechanism 14. Once the pin 20 enters the locking mechanism 14 and lock housing 19, it is held in place by the magnetically actuated lock 18 and can not be removed easily without the use of a remote tool (not shown).
With the external button 21 in place, the case 15 is prevented from being opened.
To remove the media disc 16, the external tool (not shown) is directed to a position in association with the button 21 wherein permanent magnets of the tool interact with the magnetically actuated lock 18 located in the lock housing 19 of the case 15 and allow the release of the pin 20 from the locking mechanism 14. The button 21 is then removed, the interior of the case becoming accessible and the disc 16 being freely removable from the hub 25 and case 15.
Reference now to Figure 6, there is illustrated a case 26 having two portions movably hinged with respect to one another including a first portion 27 and a second portion 28, flexibly coupled to one another via a flexible hinge 29. The two portions contain sidewalk 37. One of the portions 27 contains a female hub 30 that also contains a locking portion 31. The female hub 30 being so designed to hold a media disc 16. The other portion 28 contains a male hub 32 containing a male member in the form of a rotatable pin 33. The rotatable pin 33 is designed to interengage with the locking portion 31 of the female hub 30 located on the first portion 27 to collectively form a locking mechanism. The locking portion 31 on the female hub 30, includes a generally L-shaped slot 34 through which the freely rotatable pin 33 included within the male hub 32 engages. When the case 26 is closed, the freely rotatable pin 33 enters the first shaft 35 of the generally L-shaped slot 34 and is disposed parallel thereto. When fully closed, the pin 33 is rotated when brought adjacent to a remote magnetic tool (not shown) which causes the pin 33 to move into the second shaft 36 of the generally L-shaped slot 34 and into a locking position. When in this position, the case is prevented from being opened and the disc is additionally secured to the hub. In this manner, the disc case may be used for both the rental and retail sales markets. Fox retail sales, the anti-theft case can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap, yet this same case with associated locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
In Fig. 7A, 7B and 7C, the locking mechanism of the case 26 of Figure 6 is illustrated and is depicted ia1 both a disengaged (7A) and engaged (7B) position. The male hub containing a rotatable pin 33, the pin 33 being rotatable and operable when brought adjacent to an external magnet provided with a remote tool (not illustrated) to rotate the pin 33 from the a position when the female hub 30 and male hub 32 would be brought together shown in Figure 7A to a position shown in. Figure ~B. The pin 33 upon closing of the case enters the first leg 3~ of the generally L-shaped slot 34 located on the female hub 30. The pin 33 is then rotated when brought adjacent to a remote magnetic tool (not shown) to enter the second leg 36 of the generally L-shaped slot 34 as seen in Figure 7B which results in the locking mechanism being put into a locked position that prevents the opening of the case.
Reference to Figures 8A, 8B and 8C is illustrated another embodiment of the present invention is depicted including a first portion 38 and a second portion 39.
The first portion 38 contains disc holding female hub 40 in which a disc 16 is centered.
The female hub 40 contains an aperture 41. The second portion 39 contains a male housing 42 designed to interengage with the female hub 40. The male housing 42 is also adapted to contain a slidable pin 43. The aperture 41 on the female hub 40 is designed to interengage with the slidable pin 43 in the male housing 42. The slidable pin 43 is moveable and operable when brought adjacent to an external magnetic tool 44 and is moveable between a first position as depicted in Fig. 8C in which the pin 43 is retracted and not visible to a second position as depicted in Fig. 8B in which the pin 43 is exposed and interengaged with the aperture 42 contained on the female hub 40 when the case is closed. When the disc 16 is placed onto the female hub 40 and the case is closed and the pin 43 is moved into the exposed position by the external magnetic tool 44, the pin 43 interengage the aperture 41 and the case is prevented from being opened and additionally the interengaged female hub 40, the housing 42 and the engaged pin 43 serve to prevent the disc 16 from being lifted out of or dislodged from the female hub 40. Again in this manner, the disc case may be used for both the rental and retail sales markets. For retail sales, the anti-theft case can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap, yet this same case with associated locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
lI
Reference to Fig. 9, another embodiment of the present invention including a case 45 capable of holding two discs including a first portion 46 and a second portion 47 that are flexibly connected with a flexible hinge 50. The first and second portions also contain sidewalk 54. The flexible hinge 50 also contains mounted thereto disc holders 49 used to secure a first disc 16 and a second disc. The first portion contains a female hub 48 that contains an aperture 51, the female hub 48 so designed to engage the circular aperture 55 of the disc. The second portion 47 contains a male housing 52 so designed to interengage the female hub 48 when the case 45 is closed. The male housing 52 houses a slidable pin 53 appropriately mounted so that when the ease 45 is closed, the pin 53 can interengage with the aperture 51 contained on the female hub 48.
When the case is closed, the pin 53 when placed adjacent to a magnetic remote tool (not shown) is movable between a first retracted position and a second exposed position.
The pin 53 in the second position is designed to interengage with the aperture located on the female hub 48 contained on the first portion 46. When the case 45 is in a closed position, the female hub 48 in the first portion 46 passes through the disc apertures) 55 and into an aligned portion within the male housing 52 contained on fihe second portion 47 that houses a retracted and slidable pin 53. The pin 53 is actuated to a second position by the use of a magnetic remote tool (not shown) in which it interengages the aperture 51 of the female hub 48. When this occurs, the case 45 is prevented from being opened and the discs) 16 is then additionally secured to the female hub 48. For retail sales, the anti-theft case can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap, yet this same case with associated locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention including a disc 16 holding female hub 58 located on a second portion 57. The female hub 58 contains a circumferential groove 59 thereon. The first portion 56 contains a male housing 60 so designed to farm a cavity 61 that is designed to interfit with the female hub 58. At least one of the walls of the cavity 58 contains a slot 62 through which a lever 63 also located in the housing 60 can be rotated into and through.
The lever 63 is so designed and positioned so that when the case is closed and the female hub 58 engages the cavity 61 of the male housing 60, the lever 63 can interengage the circumferential groove 59 contained on the female hub 58. When the case is closed, the lever 63 when placed adjacent to a magnetic remote tool (not shown) can be rotated between a first unlocked position as depicted in Figure 10A to a second locked position wherein the lever 63 passes through the slot 62 and then engages the circumferential groove 59 contained on the female hub 58. In this locked position, the case is prevented from being opened and the disc 16 is additionally secured to the female hub 58. For retail sales, this locking mechanism can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap of the associated case, yet this same locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
Fig.11A and 11B, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated including a case 64 consisting of a first portion 65 and a second portion fib. The first and second portions also contain sidewalk 67. Both the portions contain integrally formed disc holders in the form of rims 68, 69. The second portion 66 and its associated rim 69 contain female apertures 70. The first portion 65 and its associated rim 68 contain male housings 71. Each male housing 71 contains a slidable pin 72 that is movable when placed adjacent to a magnetic remote tool (not shown). The slidable pins 72 in the male housings 71 of the first portion 65 so designed to interengage with the apertutres 70 contained within the rim 69 of the second portion 66. When the case 64 is closed, the pins 72 can be slidably moved by a remote magnetic tool (not shown) between a first position as depicted in Fig.11A in which the interior of the case 64 can be opened and a disc can be inserted/removed and a second position as depicted in Fig.11B in which the pins 72 of the first portion engages the apertures 70 of the second.
portion. In this second position, the case 64 is prevented from being opened and additionally the pins 72 themselves act to secure the disc 16 to the inside of the disc holders in the form of rims (68, 69).
Fig.12 illustrates another embodiment of the invention including a case 73 having of a first portion 74 and a second portion 75. The first and second portions are flexibly connected by the use of a flexible hinge 76. The first portion 74 contains a disc retainer in the form of a rim 77. The second portion ~5 also contains a disc rei:ainer in the form of a rim 78. Both rims (77, 78) contain slots (79, 80) located thereon. T'he slots (79, 80) are so situated so that when the case is in a closed position, the slots 79 on the first portion 74 are in an aligned position with slots 80 of the second portion 75 to allow for the passage of levers 81 through both sets of slots (79, 80). These levers 81 are situated near the slots 79 of the first portion ~4 and are movable between a first disengaged and unlocked position to a second engaged and locked position by the use of a magnetic remote tool (not shown). In the unlocked position, as illustrated in Fig 12, the levers 81 have been rotated away from the slots 79 of the first portion 74 and the case ~3 can be freely opened and closed. When the case 73 is closed, to place the case 73 into a locked position, a magnetic remote tool (not shown) is used to rotate the levers 81 into the slots '79 of the first portion 74 and to engage and lock with the slots 80 of the second portion 75. A disc (not shown) can be placed in either of the disc retainers (7~, 78) and the case 73 closed. When the levers 81 are moved by the use of a magnetic remote tool so they engage the slots 80 of the secand portion 75, the case 73 is prevented from being opened. Additionally, the levers 81 also prevent the disc from being disengaged from the disc holding rims (77, 78) regardless of which of the rims is used to contain the media disc.
Fig.13 depicts another embodiment of the invention that is a case 82 including a first portion 83 and a second portion 84 slidably movable with respect to one another from a first position wherein the interior of the case 82 is accessible to a closed position where the interior of the case is not accessible. The edges of the second portion 84 contain tongue portions 85 designed to slidably interfit with groove portions 86 located on the first portion 83. The first portion 83 contains a disc holding male hub 87 that is capable of holding a disc. The hub 87 contains two apertures 88 that are interconnected by a cylindrical passageway 89. The cylindrical passageway 89 houses two pins 90 (shown outside of the passage) that are slidably movable by the use of a magnetic remote tool (not shown) through the passageway 89 and through the apertures 88 of the hub 87.
The pins 90 are movable between a first position wherein the pins 90 are retracted and contained within the cylindrical passageway 89 and a second position wherein the pins 90 are partially exposed through the apertures 88 of the hub 8~. The second portion 84 contains a U-shaped rim 91 that interfits with the h,ub 87 of the first portion 83. The U-shaped rim 91 also contains apertures 92 that are so located that when the first portion 83 and second portion 84 interfit to cause the case to be closed that the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91 of the second portion 84 and the apertures 88 located on the hub 87 of the first portion $3 are aligned. When the case 82 is closed, a magnetic remote tool (not shown) is used to actuate the pins 90 from an unlocked position wherein the pins 90 are situated within the cylindrical passageway 89 to a locked position wherein the pins 90 are partially exposed and pass through the apertures 88 of the hub 87 of the first portion 83 to engage the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91 on the second portion. In this manner, the case becomes locked and additionally the case is secured to the hub.
Figures 14A,14B and 14C illustrate the case of Fig. 13 in an unlocked position (14C) wherein the pins 90 are located in the cylindrical passageway 89 and a locked position (14B) wherein the pins 90 have been moved within the cylindrical passageway 89 through the apertures 88 of the hub 87 to engage the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91. Figure 14A illustrates the securing of a disc 16 in the case and the interfitting of the hub 87 and U-shaped rim 91 and the alignment of the apertures 88 of the hub 87 and the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91.
Changes may be made to the aforementioned embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. All material contained herein is to be considered illustrative of the invention but not in a limiting sense. These examples provided above are merely illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as being the only containers that are within the meaning of the invention. ether containers may be manufactured that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
Specifically, the container embodying the present invention includes a non intrusive and remotely operated locking mechanism that prevents the unauthorized opening of the case and which may also secure the media in the case and prevents the motion of the media in the case.
Background of the Invention Pre-recorded media are sold in the form of discs which may typically contain for example music, videos or games and are commonly sold as Compact Discs (CDs) or Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs). Due to the desirability of these products and the ever increasing content that can be placed on CDs or DVDs and the relatively small size of the discs themselves, they have become a target for theft in stores that either rent or sell these discs.
The discs are usually rented in various cases. These cases usually have a centralized hub or carrier onto which the disc may be rerr~~ovably secured. In order to combat theft, numerous techniques are currently being used. For example, some stores require the customer to bring the empty case to the clerk ~~ho controls the distribution of rental products. Empty cases are thus placed on shelves. When a particular disc such as a movie is wanted, the customer brings the empty case up to the cashier who upon payment of the appropriate amount retrieves the disc from a storage drawer and places it in the case and turns the now disc containing case over to the customer.
Since the customer does not have direct access to the disc until after he or she has paid the required amount, this method may prevent theft. However the method also requires that the rental agency have a storage location that is sufficiently large to inventory all the CDs and DVDs that are being offered. In addition, this method is of no use for stores that wish to sell as opposed to rent new CDs or DVDs since it would be difficult to remove all the new CDs and DVDs from their cases prior to their sale.
Customers also do not wish to have the shrink-wrap packaging removed from their new CDs and DVDs. This might lead to improper piracy of the products.
Another method commonly employed for controlling theft for rentals is the use of a locking case in which the disc media is placed within the case and then placed on the display shelf. The lock prevents the opening of the case. The lock can be removed using a variety of specialized tools. Normally the containers may also contain electronic tracking devices that set off an alarm at the exit of the rental store if the tracking device is neither removed from the case nor deactivated. This type of method can be circumvented by an indirect means by removing the disc from the case prior to exiting the rental store. As discs are fairly thin and cases are typically made of slightly flexible plastic, thieves have found that even though the case can not be opened, it is still possible to remove the disc by cutting the hinged edge of the container and dislodging the disc from the central hub prior to deforming the case in such a manor that the disc can be removed. The case can then be placed back on the shelf and the disc placed in the thief's pocket. The case may be a very specialized locking case designed to be used only for rentals, which includes a supplementary locking element used in conjunction with the case.
Another locking device used primarily for sales of media is the use of an additional locking container that surrounds the normal media containing case. In this scenario, media for sale is protected from theft by the use of a locking jacket that is ultimately removed. In such a manner for media sales, the shrink wrap of the new disc is left undisturbed. The use of this technique can be expensive and requires extra storage space as the store requires a place to keep an inventory of the locking containers/jackets. The particular locking devices used to control pilfering of media to be sold are external and usually magnetically actuated and removed.
There exist therefore two separate case formats of containers used to control the rental and sales of discs. ~ne is used for rental products and is designed to remove the disc and have it separated from the original marketing container. The distribution and security is thus effected by the sales clerk. The other container is specifically designed to control the sales of disc media. This container carries the original case from the distributor of the product and includes a locking device which is removed by the sales clerk. Therefore a need exists in the market place to standardize the container and method of rental and of sales of disc media and to utilize the original disc jacket container to do so. There is also a need in the art fc>r an effective anti-theft device that can be used for both rental and sale of disc media that obviates the need for supplementary containers to control the unwanted pilfering of the disc media.
Summary of the Invention It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a standardized container for disc media which may be used to sec-ure both rental and sales products. It is a further object of the invention to provide a disc media container which includes a simple remotely operable locking device used to secure the disc in place even if the hinge is slit.
It is a further object of the invention to obviate the need for costly supplementary containers to prevent the pilferage of the container s contents. Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the present summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments fully illustrated herein.
In another aspect of the present invention, it is provided of a disc media container comprising a remotely actuated locking device movable between a first locked and a second released position wherein at the first position, the media is secured and at the second position, the media may be removed from the container. The container is inexpensive enough to be used for all types of media. The lock can be remotely actuated without disturbing the shrink-wrap for new media sales but also provides sufficient protection to be used for rentals.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism prevents the opening of the media case.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism removably secures the media to a hub or carrier portion of the case to prevent the theft of the media.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism can be actuated between a locked and an unlocked position by electrical or magnetic means without distorting the outward appearance of the case or requiring that the case be opened. This feature is effective for unlocking shrink-wrapper products for sale by the vendor.
The storage case includes a first portion and a second portion movable in relation to one another preferably pivotable with respect to one another. The two portions are adapted to abut or engage each other at a closed position in such a way to define a hollow cavity or space in which a storage disc media may be placed. Either or both of the two portions may further comprise a media holding device. The first portion may further comprise a first detent such as a male membex designed to interengage with a second detent such as a female member provided with the second portion which when interengaged provide a locking mechanism such as a latching mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a movable device for locking the first decent with the second detent. The locking mechanism may be electrically or magnetically actuated and is located adjacent t~ the media holding device to: (1) lockably secure the disc to said holding device; and (2) additionally prevent the case from being opened while locked.
The locking mechanism may be actuated between a locked and an unlocked position by a magnetic or electrical device without distorting the outward appearance of the case or requiring that the case be opened. In this way, the case may be used for both rentals and sales as it is not necessary for the removal of the shrink wrap from a new disc case in order to unlock the locking mechanism and finalize the sale with the disc being accessible to the purchaser.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a supplementary media case jacket used to contain media to be sold, of the prior art.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the remote tool used with the media case jacket of Fig.1 used to remove the media disc case from the jacket of the prior art.
Figure 3A and 3B are close up end views of the prior art of Fig.1 and 2 illustrating the operation of the locking device.
Figure 4 illustrates a prior art anti-theft jacket used for media cases used in sales.
Figure 5A is a schematic view of a prior art media ease which is limited to use for rental disc media and has no use in direct sales.
Figure 5B is a close up cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of Fig.
illustrating its operation.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the media case of the present invention for holding disc shaped media illustrating a preferred embodiment.
Figure 7A is a close up schematic view of the locking mechanism used in Fig. 6 shown in an unlocked state and illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7B is a close up schematic view of the locking mechanism used in Fig. 6 shown in a locked state and illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7C is a cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of Fig 7B shown in a locked position.
Figure 8A is a schematic close up view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating the holding and securing of disc shaped media.
Figure 8B is a sectional view of fig. 8A in a locked position.
Figure 8C is a cross sectional view of .fig 8A in an unlocked position and the associated use of a remote tool.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating a locking mechanism and carrier of the media disc.
Figure 10A and 10B are schematic and cross sectional views respectively of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a locking device and the manner in which it retains disc shaped media.
Figure 11A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the case and locking mechanism of the present invention.
Figure 11B is a partial cross sectional view of the locking mechanism of Figure 11A
illustrating its operation.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention for holding and securing of disc shaped media and locking it in place.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention for holding and securing disc shaped media and locking it in place.
Figure 14A is a cross sectional view of the case of Fig.13 illustrating the media disc being locked and secured in place.
Fig.14B and 14C are overhead views of the case of Fig.13 illustrated in an unlocked and locked position respectively.
Detailed Description ~f the Drawings In Figure 1, an anti-theft construction according to the prior art. The media case 1 is insertable into the open end of a media case containing jacket 2. The jacket contains towards its open end small notches or grooves 3 designed to engage with detents 4 located on the bottom cover 5. The bottom cover 5 consists of a housing 6 and a slidable member 7. The fixed locked housing 6 contains the slidable member 7, with the slidable member 7 being movable to and from an engaged and disengaged position wherein in the engaged position, the detent 4 on the bottom cover 5 engage the notches or grooves 3 on the jacket 2 so that the bottom cover 5 cannot be removed. The housing 6 and slidable member 7 together contain a magnetically releasable internal locking detent (not shown) that prevents the easy disengagement of the detent 4 on the bottom cover from the small notch or groove 3.
In Figure 2, a release tool 8 is provided that is used to remove the bottom cov er 5 from the jacket 2 of Figure 1. The tool 8 contains U-channel guide path 9 that is slightly larger than the width of the bottom cover 5. By sliding the jacket 2 with associated and engaged bottom cover 5 through this U-Channel path 9, permanent magnets 10 located within the tool 8 interact with the magnetically releasable locking decent (not shown) within the bottom cover 5 to release and allow the slidable member l to slide away from the housing b, so that the decants ~ no longer engage the notches 3.
In Figs. 3A and 3B, the prior art tool 8 and ho~F it functions is illustrated.
The permanent magnets 10 allow the disengaging of the slidable member 7 from the housing 6. Once the detent 4 has cleared the notch 3, by a simple tipping motion of the jacket 2 as seen in Fig. 3B, the bottom cover 5 can be removed from the jacket 2. Once this bottom cover 5 is removed, the media case is accessible and can be freely removed or inserted into the now open end. The bottom cover 5 can be reinserted and attached to the jacket 2 via the use of the tool 8 to unlock and move the slidable member 7 to a disengaged position with respect to the housing 6 and then positioning the bottom cover 5 onto the jacket 2 and then moving the slidable member 7 into an engaged position with respect to the housing 6.
In Fig. 4 a prior art anti-theft jacket 11 used for media cases utilized in sales is illustrated. The jacket 11 consists of two covers (12,13) that together define an empty cavity into which the disc media case is inserted. The case contains a locking device (not shown) located within the lower portion of the cavity.
Reference now to Fig. 5A and 513 wherein a locking mechanism 14 for an anti-theft case 15 of the prior art for locking disc media 16 used in rental stores. The case 15 contains integrally formed to the case, disc holding rims in the shape of elevated ridges 17. The locking mechanism 14 consists of an internal magnetically actuated lock 18 contained within a lock housing 19 that is designed to engage and disengage a ;pin 20 that is connected with an external button 21. The locking mechanism 14 is also adapted to serve as a hub 25 and contains protrusions 22 to removably secure the disc 16.
The case may also contain an area 23 in ~lhich a theft detection device designed to set off an alarm can be permanently secured to the case 15. To insert a disc 16 into a secured position, a magnetically actuated remote release tool is used (not shown), the external button 21 and associated pin 20 are removed and disengaged from the locking mechanism 14 and case 15. The interior of the case 15 is then accessible and the disc 16 can then be inserted into the disc holding rims 17 and removably secured to the hub 25 of the locking mechanism 14. The case 15 is then closed and the pin 20 on the external button 21 is inserted into an aperture 24 in the case cover which then allows the pin 20 to be inserted into the locking mechanism 14. Once the pin 20 enters the locking mechanism 14 and lock housing 19, it is held in place by the magnetically actuated lock 18 and can not be removed easily without the use of a remote tool (not shown).
With the external button 21 in place, the case 15 is prevented from being opened.
To remove the media disc 16, the external tool (not shown) is directed to a position in association with the button 21 wherein permanent magnets of the tool interact with the magnetically actuated lock 18 located in the lock housing 19 of the case 15 and allow the release of the pin 20 from the locking mechanism 14. The button 21 is then removed, the interior of the case becoming accessible and the disc 16 being freely removable from the hub 25 and case 15.
Reference now to Figure 6, there is illustrated a case 26 having two portions movably hinged with respect to one another including a first portion 27 and a second portion 28, flexibly coupled to one another via a flexible hinge 29. The two portions contain sidewalk 37. One of the portions 27 contains a female hub 30 that also contains a locking portion 31. The female hub 30 being so designed to hold a media disc 16. The other portion 28 contains a male hub 32 containing a male member in the form of a rotatable pin 33. The rotatable pin 33 is designed to interengage with the locking portion 31 of the female hub 30 located on the first portion 27 to collectively form a locking mechanism. The locking portion 31 on the female hub 30, includes a generally L-shaped slot 34 through which the freely rotatable pin 33 included within the male hub 32 engages. When the case 26 is closed, the freely rotatable pin 33 enters the first shaft 35 of the generally L-shaped slot 34 and is disposed parallel thereto. When fully closed, the pin 33 is rotated when brought adjacent to a remote magnetic tool (not shown) which causes the pin 33 to move into the second shaft 36 of the generally L-shaped slot 34 and into a locking position. When in this position, the case is prevented from being opened and the disc is additionally secured to the hub. In this manner, the disc case may be used for both the rental and retail sales markets. Fox retail sales, the anti-theft case can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap, yet this same case with associated locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
In Fig. 7A, 7B and 7C, the locking mechanism of the case 26 of Figure 6 is illustrated and is depicted ia1 both a disengaged (7A) and engaged (7B) position. The male hub containing a rotatable pin 33, the pin 33 being rotatable and operable when brought adjacent to an external magnet provided with a remote tool (not illustrated) to rotate the pin 33 from the a position when the female hub 30 and male hub 32 would be brought together shown in Figure 7A to a position shown in. Figure ~B. The pin 33 upon closing of the case enters the first leg 3~ of the generally L-shaped slot 34 located on the female hub 30. The pin 33 is then rotated when brought adjacent to a remote magnetic tool (not shown) to enter the second leg 36 of the generally L-shaped slot 34 as seen in Figure 7B which results in the locking mechanism being put into a locked position that prevents the opening of the case.
Reference to Figures 8A, 8B and 8C is illustrated another embodiment of the present invention is depicted including a first portion 38 and a second portion 39.
The first portion 38 contains disc holding female hub 40 in which a disc 16 is centered.
The female hub 40 contains an aperture 41. The second portion 39 contains a male housing 42 designed to interengage with the female hub 40. The male housing 42 is also adapted to contain a slidable pin 43. The aperture 41 on the female hub 40 is designed to interengage with the slidable pin 43 in the male housing 42. The slidable pin 43 is moveable and operable when brought adjacent to an external magnetic tool 44 and is moveable between a first position as depicted in Fig. 8C in which the pin 43 is retracted and not visible to a second position as depicted in Fig. 8B in which the pin 43 is exposed and interengaged with the aperture 42 contained on the female hub 40 when the case is closed. When the disc 16 is placed onto the female hub 40 and the case is closed and the pin 43 is moved into the exposed position by the external magnetic tool 44, the pin 43 interengage the aperture 41 and the case is prevented from being opened and additionally the interengaged female hub 40, the housing 42 and the engaged pin 43 serve to prevent the disc 16 from being lifted out of or dislodged from the female hub 40. Again in this manner, the disc case may be used for both the rental and retail sales markets. For retail sales, the anti-theft case can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap, yet this same case with associated locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
lI
Reference to Fig. 9, another embodiment of the present invention including a case 45 capable of holding two discs including a first portion 46 and a second portion 47 that are flexibly connected with a flexible hinge 50. The first and second portions also contain sidewalk 54. The flexible hinge 50 also contains mounted thereto disc holders 49 used to secure a first disc 16 and a second disc. The first portion contains a female hub 48 that contains an aperture 51, the female hub 48 so designed to engage the circular aperture 55 of the disc. The second portion 47 contains a male housing 52 so designed to interengage the female hub 48 when the case 45 is closed. The male housing 52 houses a slidable pin 53 appropriately mounted so that when the ease 45 is closed, the pin 53 can interengage with the aperture 51 contained on the female hub 48.
When the case is closed, the pin 53 when placed adjacent to a magnetic remote tool (not shown) is movable between a first retracted position and a second exposed position.
The pin 53 in the second position is designed to interengage with the aperture located on the female hub 48 contained on the first portion 46. When the case 45 is in a closed position, the female hub 48 in the first portion 46 passes through the disc apertures) 55 and into an aligned portion within the male housing 52 contained on fihe second portion 47 that houses a retracted and slidable pin 53. The pin 53 is actuated to a second position by the use of a magnetic remote tool (not shown) in which it interengages the aperture 51 of the female hub 48. When this occurs, the case 45 is prevented from being opened and the discs) 16 is then additionally secured to the female hub 48. For retail sales, the anti-theft case can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap, yet this same case with associated locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention including a disc 16 holding female hub 58 located on a second portion 57. The female hub 58 contains a circumferential groove 59 thereon. The first portion 56 contains a male housing 60 so designed to farm a cavity 61 that is designed to interfit with the female hub 58. At least one of the walls of the cavity 58 contains a slot 62 through which a lever 63 also located in the housing 60 can be rotated into and through.
The lever 63 is so designed and positioned so that when the case is closed and the female hub 58 engages the cavity 61 of the male housing 60, the lever 63 can interengage the circumferential groove 59 contained on the female hub 58. When the case is closed, the lever 63 when placed adjacent to a magnetic remote tool (not shown) can be rotated between a first unlocked position as depicted in Figure 10A to a second locked position wherein the lever 63 passes through the slot 62 and then engages the circumferential groove 59 contained on the female hub 58. In this locked position, the case is prevented from being opened and the disc 16 is additionally secured to the female hub 58. For retail sales, this locking mechanism can be locked and unlocked without disturbing the shrink wrap of the associated case, yet this same locking mechanism can be effectively used for rental sales.
Fig.11A and 11B, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated including a case 64 consisting of a first portion 65 and a second portion fib. The first and second portions also contain sidewalk 67. Both the portions contain integrally formed disc holders in the form of rims 68, 69. The second portion 66 and its associated rim 69 contain female apertures 70. The first portion 65 and its associated rim 68 contain male housings 71. Each male housing 71 contains a slidable pin 72 that is movable when placed adjacent to a magnetic remote tool (not shown). The slidable pins 72 in the male housings 71 of the first portion 65 so designed to interengage with the apertutres 70 contained within the rim 69 of the second portion 66. When the case 64 is closed, the pins 72 can be slidably moved by a remote magnetic tool (not shown) between a first position as depicted in Fig.11A in which the interior of the case 64 can be opened and a disc can be inserted/removed and a second position as depicted in Fig.11B in which the pins 72 of the first portion engages the apertures 70 of the second.
portion. In this second position, the case 64 is prevented from being opened and additionally the pins 72 themselves act to secure the disc 16 to the inside of the disc holders in the form of rims (68, 69).
Fig.12 illustrates another embodiment of the invention including a case 73 having of a first portion 74 and a second portion 75. The first and second portions are flexibly connected by the use of a flexible hinge 76. The first portion 74 contains a disc retainer in the form of a rim 77. The second portion ~5 also contains a disc rei:ainer in the form of a rim 78. Both rims (77, 78) contain slots (79, 80) located thereon. T'he slots (79, 80) are so situated so that when the case is in a closed position, the slots 79 on the first portion 74 are in an aligned position with slots 80 of the second portion 75 to allow for the passage of levers 81 through both sets of slots (79, 80). These levers 81 are situated near the slots 79 of the first portion ~4 and are movable between a first disengaged and unlocked position to a second engaged and locked position by the use of a magnetic remote tool (not shown). In the unlocked position, as illustrated in Fig 12, the levers 81 have been rotated away from the slots 79 of the first portion 74 and the case ~3 can be freely opened and closed. When the case 73 is closed, to place the case 73 into a locked position, a magnetic remote tool (not shown) is used to rotate the levers 81 into the slots '79 of the first portion 74 and to engage and lock with the slots 80 of the second portion 75. A disc (not shown) can be placed in either of the disc retainers (7~, 78) and the case 73 closed. When the levers 81 are moved by the use of a magnetic remote tool so they engage the slots 80 of the secand portion 75, the case 73 is prevented from being opened. Additionally, the levers 81 also prevent the disc from being disengaged from the disc holding rims (77, 78) regardless of which of the rims is used to contain the media disc.
Fig.13 depicts another embodiment of the invention that is a case 82 including a first portion 83 and a second portion 84 slidably movable with respect to one another from a first position wherein the interior of the case 82 is accessible to a closed position where the interior of the case is not accessible. The edges of the second portion 84 contain tongue portions 85 designed to slidably interfit with groove portions 86 located on the first portion 83. The first portion 83 contains a disc holding male hub 87 that is capable of holding a disc. The hub 87 contains two apertures 88 that are interconnected by a cylindrical passageway 89. The cylindrical passageway 89 houses two pins 90 (shown outside of the passage) that are slidably movable by the use of a magnetic remote tool (not shown) through the passageway 89 and through the apertures 88 of the hub 87.
The pins 90 are movable between a first position wherein the pins 90 are retracted and contained within the cylindrical passageway 89 and a second position wherein the pins 90 are partially exposed through the apertures 88 of the hub 8~. The second portion 84 contains a U-shaped rim 91 that interfits with the h,ub 87 of the first portion 83. The U-shaped rim 91 also contains apertures 92 that are so located that when the first portion 83 and second portion 84 interfit to cause the case to be closed that the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91 of the second portion 84 and the apertures 88 located on the hub 87 of the first portion $3 are aligned. When the case 82 is closed, a magnetic remote tool (not shown) is used to actuate the pins 90 from an unlocked position wherein the pins 90 are situated within the cylindrical passageway 89 to a locked position wherein the pins 90 are partially exposed and pass through the apertures 88 of the hub 87 of the first portion 83 to engage the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91 on the second portion. In this manner, the case becomes locked and additionally the case is secured to the hub.
Figures 14A,14B and 14C illustrate the case of Fig. 13 in an unlocked position (14C) wherein the pins 90 are located in the cylindrical passageway 89 and a locked position (14B) wherein the pins 90 have been moved within the cylindrical passageway 89 through the apertures 88 of the hub 87 to engage the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91. Figure 14A illustrates the securing of a disc 16 in the case and the interfitting of the hub 87 and U-shaped rim 91 and the alignment of the apertures 88 of the hub 87 and the apertures 92 of the U-shaped rim 91.
Changes may be made to the aforementioned embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. All material contained herein is to be considered illustrative of the invention but not in a limiting sense. These examples provided above are merely illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as being the only containers that are within the meaning of the invention. ether containers may be manufactured that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (26)
1. A case for containing and securing a media disc comprising:
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a first and second retaining part disposed within the first and second members respectively which interfit to contain and secure said disc;
(iii) one of said first or second retaining parts including a moveable locking first detent, and the other one of said first and second retaining parts including a second detent to engage said moveable locking first detent;
and (iv) said moveable locking first detent being operable to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device and the case is in a closed position, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a first and second retaining part disposed within the first and second members respectively which interfit to contain and secure said disc;
(iii) one of said first or second retaining parts including a moveable locking first detent, and the other one of said first and second retaining parts including a second detent to engage said moveable locking first detent;
and (iv) said moveable locking first detent being operable to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device and the case is in a closed position, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
2. The case of Claim 1 wherein the remote release device is magnetic or electrical.
3. The case of Claim 1 wherein the first and second members are hingably connected.
4. The case of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the movable locking first decent is a slidable pin and the second detent is an aperture.
5. The case of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the movable locking first detent and the second detent act collectively to form a latching mechanism.
6. The case of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the movable locking first detent is a lever and the second detent is a slot.
7. A case for containing and securing a media disc comprising:
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a cylindrical and disc compatible first hub and a second hub disposed within the first and second members respectively which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said first and second hubs comprising a radial first shaft connected to a second shaft substantially normal to said first shaft, the other of said first or second hubs comprising a freely rotatable pin compatible with said first and second shafts, the pin being movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said rotatable pin being located in said second shaft, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a cylindrical and disc compatible first hub and a second hub disposed within the first and second members respectively which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said first and second hubs comprising a radial first shaft connected to a second shaft substantially normal to said first shaft, the other of said first or second hubs comprising a freely rotatable pin compatible with said first and second shafts, the pin being movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said rotatable pin being located in said second shaft, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
8. The case of Claim 7 wherein the first and second shafts together form a generally L-shaped groove.
9. The case of Claim 7 or 8 wherein the remote release device is magnetic or electrical.
10. The case of Claim 7, 8 or 9 wherein the first and second members are hingably connected.
11. A case for containing and securing a media disc comprising:
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a cylindrical and disc compatible hub disposed within the first or second member and a housing disposed within the other of said first or second members which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said hub or housing comprising a pin compatible with an aperture located in the other of said hub or housing, said pin being movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said pin being inserted into said aperture, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a cylindrical and disc compatible hub disposed within the first or second member and a housing disposed within the other of said first or second members which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said hub or housing comprising a pin compatible with an aperture located in the other of said hub or housing, said pin being movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said pin being inserted into said aperture, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
12. The case of Claim 11 wherein the case has an additional disc holder.
13. The case of Claim 11 wherein the first and second members are pivotably connected by the use of a flexible hinge.
14. The case of Claim 13 wherein the flexible hinge comprise an additional disc holder.
15. The case of Claim 14 wherein the additional disc holder is adapted to hold more than one disc.
16. The case of Claim 11 to 15 wherein the remote release device is electrical or magnetic.
17. A case for containing and securing a media disc comprising:
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a cylindrical and disc compatible hub disposed within the first or second member and a housing disposed within the other of said first or second members which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said hub or housing comprising a lever compatible with a groove located in the other of said hub or housing, said lever being movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said lever engaging said groove, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a cylindrical and disc compatible hub disposed within the first or second member and a housing disposed within the other of said first or second members which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said hub or housing comprising a lever compatible with a groove located in the other of said hub or housing, said lever being movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said lever engaging said groove, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
18. The case of Claim 17 wherein the remote release device is magnetic or electrical.
19. The case of Claim 17 or 18 wherein the first and second members are hingably connected.
20. A case for containing and securing a media disc comprising:
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a circular rim defining a first cavity disposed within the first or second member and a second circular rim defining a second cavity disposed within the other of said first or second members which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said circular rims comprising a housing containing a slidable pin, said pin being compatible with an aperture located on the other of said circular rims, said pin being slidably movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said pin engaging said aperture, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible;
(ii) a circular rim defining a first cavity disposed within the first or second member and a second circular rim defining a second cavity disposed within the other of said first or second members which interfit to contain and secure said disc; and (iii) one of said circular rims comprising a housing containing a slidable pin, said pin being compatible with an aperture located on the other of said circular rims, said pin being slidably movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said pin engaging said aperture, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
21. The case of Claim 20 wherein the remote release device is magnetic or electrical.
22. The case of Claims 20 or 21 wherein the first and second members are hingably connected.
23. A case for containing and securing a media disc comprising:
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible, one said first and second members comprise tongue portions, the other of said first and second members comprising groove portions, the tongue and groove portions adapted to slidably interfit to allow tile case to be opened and closed;
(ii) one of said first and second portions also comprising a hub portion, the other of said first and second portion comprising a U-shaped rim, the portion and U-shaped rim interfitting to contain and secure the disc; and (iii) the hub portion comprising a housing for a slidable pin, the U-shaped rim comprising apertures compatible with said slidable pin, said pin being slidably movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said pin engaging said aperture, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
(i) first and second members movable with respect to one another from a first position whereat the case is in a closed position and containing the media disc, to a second position whereat the disc is accessible, one said first and second members comprise tongue portions, the other of said first and second members comprising groove portions, the tongue and groove portions adapted to slidably interfit to allow tile case to be opened and closed;
(ii) one of said first and second portions also comprising a hub portion, the other of said first and second portion comprising a U-shaped rim, the portion and U-shaped rim interfitting to contain and secure the disc; and (iii) the hub portion comprising a housing for a slidable pin, the U-shaped rim comprising apertures compatible with said slidable pin, said pin being slidably movable when the case is in a closed position to and from a locked position when placed adjacent to a remote release device, said locked position being a result of said pin engaging said aperture, wherein said case may be utilized to prevent the unauthorized removal of the media disc from the case for both sales and rentals of the media.
24. The case of Claim 23 wherein the remote release device is magnetic or electrical.
25. The case of Claims 1 to 24 wherein the media disc is a DVD.
26. The case of Claims 1 to 24 wherein the media disc is a CD.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002445490A CA2445490A1 (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2003-10-17 | Standardized disc container with added security feature |
| US10/793,749 US20050082183A1 (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-03-08 | Standardized disc container with added security feature |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002445490A CA2445490A1 (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2003-10-17 | Standardized disc container with added security feature |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2445490A1 true CA2445490A1 (en) | 2005-04-17 |
Family
ID=34427700
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002445490A Abandoned CA2445490A1 (en) | 2003-10-17 | 2003-10-17 | Standardized disc container with added security feature |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20050082183A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2445490A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007090244A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-16 | Trade Guys International Pty Ltd | A magnetic locking device |
| US9899054B2 (en) * | 2013-07-11 | 2018-02-20 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Apparatus and system to secure and maintain integrity of a physical disc |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5213929B2 (en) * | 1972-09-07 | 1977-04-18 | ||
| US4360123A (en) * | 1980-06-30 | 1982-11-23 | Pioneer Plastics, Inc. | Container assembly having locking means |
| US5402882A (en) * | 1993-02-22 | 1995-04-04 | Bandy; Gregory S. | Compact disk holder including disk extractor |
| NL1001698C2 (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1997-05-21 | Montan Nederland Bv | Assembly of a number of plate-shaped information carriers and a storage device. |
| US5873457A (en) * | 1995-12-08 | 1999-02-23 | M. Z. Berger & Co. | Anti-theft watch box |
| DE59700472D1 (en) * | 1996-02-22 | 1999-10-28 | Albert Maurer | METHOD FOR SECURING AGAINST THEFT OF GOODS AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD |
| US5697498A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 1997-12-16 | Fellowes Mfg. Co. | Carrying case for recorded media |
| JP3137934B2 (en) * | 1997-10-14 | 2001-02-26 | 高岡精工株式会社 | Disc body storage case |
| JP4319350B2 (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2009-08-26 | ネッキ エス．アール．エル． | Anti-theft case especially for compact discs, video cassettes, music cassettes, etc. |
| JP3565162B2 (en) * | 2000-06-19 | 2004-09-15 | 株式会社日新 | Anti-theft device |
| US6516945B2 (en) * | 2001-01-24 | 2003-02-11 | Nexpak Corporation | Device for locking a media disc to a retaining hub |
| US6637589B2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-10-28 | Robert Malcolm Broadhead | Lockable box |
| BR0210864A (en) * | 2001-07-06 | 2004-06-29 | Westvaco Packaging Group Inc | Storage case and locking system for a media storage case |
| US6896133B2 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2005-05-24 | Richard J. Spagna | Anti-theft compact disc/DVD storage case |
| AU2004225488B2 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2009-04-23 | Autronic Plastics, Inc. | Denial system for securing an asset within a container and methods of use |
-
2003
- 2003-10-17 CA CA002445490A patent/CA2445490A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-03-08 US US10/793,749 patent/US20050082183A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20050082183A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |