GB2405865A - Apparatus for securely housing information storage media - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for holding information storage media, such as a CD or DVD, is provided with a releasable security member (8) insertable into the apparatus for inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, e.g. by inhibiting access to the storage media by locking the lid and base members (2, 3) of the apparatus in a closed configuration and/or by locking the storage media to the apparatus. Interengaging pegs and sockets (250, 251) (Figs 17A and 17B) on the lid and base members help strengthen the apparatus against efforts to prise the lid and base members apart. Weak portions and/or stress concentrators (210) are provided to initiate catastrophic failure if an attempt is made to prise the apparatus open. An interengaging ridge and groove (320, 323) may be provided to resist sliding movement between the lid and base portion. Barriers (322B, 230B) may be provided around the security member when inserted to inhibit access thereto. A resilient member (330) may be provided in the apparatus to assist in ejection of the security member upon release.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SECURELY HOUSING INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIA

This invention relates to apparatus for securely housing information storage media and, in particular, to component parts thereof.

The invention is particularly concerned with apparatus and cases for holding disk shaped data carriers, for example CDs and DVDs, but may be applicable to other forms of information storage media.

Various types of containers are known for holding CDs and DVDs. A problem encountered with such known apparatus is the removal and theft of a CD or DVD from the apparatus within a store selling such products. For this reason, many stores only display empty containers and when a customer has made a selection, the staff retrieve the relevant CD or DVD from a secure cupboard or safe and place it in the container for the customer. However, this takes additional time and requires an additional secure storage place for the CDs and DVDs. It also increases the risk that the wrong CD or DVD may be put in the container, especially if the staff are busy. The stores would also prefer for the disks to be held within the boxes on display, as this is more appealing to a potential customer than an empty box. Indeed, this can have a considerable effect on sales with increases of 50% or more being recorded. There is therefore a desire within the trade to be able to display CD or DVD containers with the relevant CD or DVD already held therein; such containers are called live' containers within the trade.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus having a base portion and a lid portion hinged to each other provided with two pegs and two sockets which engage with each other when the lid portion is in a closed position, the pegs and sockets being arranged such that when engaged with each other they assist in maintaining edges of the lid portion and base portion between the two pegs and two sockets parallel to each other.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for holding information storage media comprising a base portion and a lid portion movable between an open and a closed position, the lid portion being designed to be opened by means of force applied at a given location to separate it or pivot it away from the base portion, the apparatus having at least one weak portion arranged such that an attempt to open the lid by applying force thereto at some other location tends to cause part of the lid or base portion to fracture rather than opening the lid portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding information storing media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a base portion and lid portion movable between open and closed configurations, the base portion and/or lid portion being provided with an aperture in an edge portion thereof through which the security device can be slid in a first direction substantially perpendicular to said edge portion, the lid portion and base portions having inter-engageable parts adjacent said aperture for resisting relative movement between the base portion and lid portion in a direction parallel to said first direction when in the closed configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a releasable security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device being insertable into the aperture against the resistance of resilient means provided on the apparatus, the arrangement being such that, when the security device is released, said resilient means acts so as to at least partially eject the security device from the apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device comprising at least one arm which is slidable through an aperture in an external wall of the apparatus and an end portion which remains external to said wall, said wall being shaped and/or being provided with barriers to inhibit access to edges of said end portion when the security device is installed in the apparatus in its operational position.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device having a locking mechanism that prevents its removal from the device but permits partial withdrawal of the device from the apparatus.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding information storing media comprising a base portion and lid portion hinged to the base portion so as to be movable about a hinge axis between open and closed configurations, the base portion and lid portion being adapted to receive a security device which resists relative movement therebetween when in the closed position in a first direction perpendicular to said hinge axis and having inter-engageable parts for resisting relative movement between the base portion and lid portion when in the closed configuration in a second direction perpendicular to said hinge axis and perpendicular to said first direction.

The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of apparatus for holding a DVD together with a schematic representation of a security device partially inserted therein; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a security device for use in the manner shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of parts of the device shown in Figure 2, including a perspective sectional view along a centre line of the device and a perspective view of a metal pivot arm which fits therein; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the centre line of the device illustrating how the parts shown in Figure 3 operate; Figures 5 and 6 correspond to Figures 3 and 4 for another embodiment of the device.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of part of apparatus similar to that of Figure 1 showing an aperture into which the security device fits; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line A-A of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a similar cross-sectional view of the apparatus when closed with the security device in place; Figure 10A shows a plan view of part of apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 1 with a further embodiment of a releasable security device partially inserted therein with the head thereof shown in cross-section; Figure 10B is an enlarged view of the head when the device is fully inserted and Figures 10C and Figures 1 OD illustrate the use of a key to release the device from the case; Figure 11 is a plan view of another form of apparatus for holding a compact disk with a further type of security device installed therein; Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of another version of this device; Figures 14A and 14B are plan and side views respectively of apparatus similar to that shown in Figure 1 (without the security device) with various modifications made thereto; Figures 15A to 15F are enlarged views of parts of Figures 14A, 14B labelled A to F respectively; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 14 in the closed position illustrating an attempt to open the apparatus by lifting one corner of the lid; Figures 17A and 17B are perspective views of parts of the apparatus shown in Figures 14 and 16; Figure 18 shows a plan view of another embodiment of apparatus similar to that of Figure 1 in an open configuration with a security device partially inserted therein; Figure 19 is an enlarged, perspective view of a first part of the apparatus shown in Figure 18 (seen from the direction A indicated therein); Figure 20 is an enlarged, perspective view of a second part of the apparatus shown in Figure 18 (seen from the direction B indicated therein); Figure 21A is a cross-sectional view along line C-C of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 18 in a closed configuration, with the security device inserted fully therein in its operational position; Figure 21B is a crosssectional view similar to Figure 21A with the security device pushed slightly further in prior to being ejected; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the part of the apparatus shown in Figure 20 seen from the opposite direction; Figure 23 is a perspective view of the part of the apparatus shown in Figure 20 from a similar angle, with further modification; Figure 24 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus in the configuration of Figure 21A; Figures 25, 25B and 25C are a plan view, sectional view on line D-D and an underneath view of a security device such as that shown partially inserted in Figure 18; and Figures 26A and 26B, Figures 27A and 27B and Figures 28A and 28B are plan and crosssectional views of another embodiment of the invention showing a security device installed in the apparatus, partially withdrawn therefrom and being then being cut in two to remove it therefrom.

The apparatus for holding a disk shaped information storage media such as a DVD shown in Figure 1 comprises a base portion 1 and a lid portion 2 connected by a hinge portion 3. A disk engaging mechanism 4 is provided on the base portion 2 for releasably engaging the central aperture of a DVD or CD.

The mechanism preferably comprises at least one cantilevered arm 5 with a button-like member 6 at the radially inner end thereof. The example shown comprises two cantilevered arms each having a button portion at its inner end.

An upstand 7 is provided on the base portion 1 so as to extend around the periphery of a disk mounted in the apparatus.

The apparatus operates in the manner described in US5788068 and W097/41563. This will not be described further here other than to note that to release a disk from the apparatus, the button portions 6 and the arms 5 on which they are provided must be depressed. Accordingly, by inserting a security device 8 beneath the arms 5 when the disk is in place, the disk can be locked on the button 6. This is described further in the UK patent application No. 0024890.6 (Publication No. ), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

The security device 8 shown in Figure 1, comprises a first long arm 9 and a second, shorter arm 10, the two arms being connected to a head 11. The two arms 9, 10 each comprise a flat strip of a relatively tough plastics material, e.g. Nylon _ or ABS, each being approximately 8-12mm wide and 1. 0 to 1.5mm thick.

The long arm passes 9 through a slot 12 in a side wall 13 of the base portion 1 and through a slot 14 in the upstand 7 so that it can extend across the base portion 1 and be fitted beneath the arms 5 in order to prevent operation of the disk release mechanism 4 as described in GB0024890.6.

Figure 1 shows the security device 8 partially inserted in the apparatus. Once the lid 2 of the case is moved to the closed position, the security device 8 is pushed further into the case so that the head 11 lies within a recess 15 in the edge of the case (this recess being provided to facilitate finger access to the opening edge of the case) and the shorter arm 10 passes through a slot in the edge of the lid portion 2 so as to hold the lid 2 in the closed position.

The security device 8 can be locked in place in a variety of ways depending upon the level of security required.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the security device 8 together with a locking mechanism provided thereon which comprises a rigid metal pivot arm 16 mounted on the arm 9. The pivot arm comprises two portions 16A and 16B which are angled with respect to each other and joined along a pivot line 16C and is arranged to pivot about this line. Further details of these components are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of part of the security device 8 sectioned I along its centre line and a perspective view of the pivot arm 16. The pivot arm is mounted within a recess 18 within the arm 9 with lugs 16D and 16E located within cut-outs 19 (only one of which is shown) on either side of the recess 18.

A tab 16F on portion 16B of the pivot arm fits beneath a resilient plastic arm 20 moulded on the arm 9 of the device. I In use, portion 16A of the pivot arm 16 acts as a latch which is biased to a raised position (so that the portion 1 6A projects above the upper surface of arm i 9) by the action of resilient arm 20 on the tab 16F. When the security device is inserted into the apparatus, the pivot arm 16A rides over a detent provided on the apparatus and one past the detent, springs into a position in which it engages an inwardly facing side of the detent so that its engagement therewith prevents withdrawal of the security device from the apparatus. To remove the security device, the portion 1 6B of the pivot arm must pivot back into the recess 18 against the action of the resilient arm 20 to disengage it from the detent.

This movement may be effected by direct mechanical actuation, e.g. by a i specially shaped tool or key inserted into the apparatus, or by a magnetic release device which pulls the portion 16A down into the recess 18.

The arrangement illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 has a catch 21 positioned to retain the portion 16A in its retracted position within the recess 18 against the action of the resilient arm 20. The catch 21 comprises a resilient arm shaped to engage and hold the distal end of the portion 18A of the pivot arm when it is moved to its fully retracted position as shown in Figure 4.

The provision of the catch 21 enables the security device 8 to be deactivated, i.e. unlocked, but still remain within the apparatus. Without this feature, the security device 8 needs to be at least partially withdrawn from the apparatus once the engagement between the portion 18A of the pivot arm and the detent has been released otherwise the portion 18A will spring back into engagement with the detent once the force retracting it towards the recess 20 has been removed. In practice, this means that the security device has to be withdrawn from the apparatus as part of the release operation when the product is sold to a customer (or left protruding from the apparatus).

By providing the catch 21, the security device can be permanently deactivated so it is free to be removed from the apparatus but can be left in the apparatus for removal by the customer at a later stage. This greatly simplifies the unlocking procedure within the store, as it is no longer necessary to withdraw the security device within the store. In addition, it enables a security device to be de-activated without the removal of any wrapping, such as shrink wrap, which may be provided around the product in a manner which inhibits withdrawal of the security device until the wrapping is removed.

With such an arrangement, the security device may be designed for a single use, i.e. once deactivated, it is removed from the apparatus by the customer when the product is first used and then discarded.

Figures 5 and 6 correspond to Figures 3 and 4 and similar parts have the same reference numerals as in those figures. However, in this embodiment, instead of providing the catch 21, a modified form of resilient arm 20A is provided which is connected to the arm 9 at a lower position than the arm 20 of the previous embodiment. In this case, when the portion 16A of the pivot arm 16 is fully retracted into the recess 18, the tab 16F disengages from the resilient arm 20A so it is no longer resiliently biased thereby to a raised position.

Thus, in the first embodiment the catch 21 retains the pivot arm 16 in the retracted position against the action of biasing means whereas in the second embodiment the pivot arm 16 is released from the action of the biasing means when moved to its fully retracted position. In another arrangement (not shown), the pivot arm 16 may be biased towards the retracted position and releasably held in the raised or locked position.

Whilst the embodiments described above have a long arm 9 which is used to prevent operation of the disk engaging mechanism 4, a similar arrangement may be used with a security device which is used only to hold the apparatus in a closed configuration. In this case, the arm need not extend as far as the disk engaging mechanism 4. Alternatively, the arm may extend over the CD 5 to inhibit its removal from the disk engaging mechanism. Such an arm may also engage with the lid to inhibit its movement to the open position or other removal of the lid. Such arrangements may be used with other forms of apparatus besides that shown in Figure 1, e.g. with a CD case based on the well-known jewel box, as described below in relation to Figures 11-13.

The embodiments described above provide a locking mechanism which is switchable between two states, a first state in which it is locked so the security device cannot be removed from the apparatus and a second state in which it is unlocked or de-activated so the security device can be removed from the apparatus. In the locked state, it is necessary to apply a force to the locking mechanism to enable it to switch to the unlocked state and in the unlocked state the locking mechanism is stable, i.e. it tends to remain in the unlocked position, even if the security member remains in place.

In further embodiments, the positions of the catch 21 or the resilient arm 20A may be arranged so that the locking mechanism is movable between three positions, a locked state and a stable unlocked state as described above and an intermediate unlocked state in which the security device is free to be withdrawn from the apparatus but can still be re-locked if desired. This intermediate state may correspond, for instance, to a partially retracted position of the portion 1 6A of the pivot arm in which it is disengaged from the detent but has not yet engaged with the catch 21.

The apparatus described above is thus provided with a security device which is adapted to be used once and then disposed of by arranging for the locking mechanism to be permanently deactivated once moved to the unlocked position.

Other forms of security device which are not designed for one use only may also be used.

Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the opening edge of the base portion and the recess therein and shows the slot 12 through which the long arm 9 of the device 8 is inserted.

Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view taken on line A-A of Figure 7 and shows the slot 12 and the slot 14 through the upstand 7. It also shows part of a disk 22 held on the apparatus. The underside of the upstand 7 is formed with a substantially rigid projection 23 which projects downwardly towards the base of the base portion 1.

Figure 9 shows a cross-section corresponding to that of Figure 8 when the lid portion has been moved to the closed position so as to fit against the base portion 1 and the security device 8 is inserted into the case. The longer arm 9 of the device 8 is slid through the slots 12 and 14 until the distal end of pivot arm 15 passes the projection 23. The resilience of the arm 20 then causes the distal end of the pivot arm 16 to engage a side of the projection 23. The device 8 is thus locked within the case and cannot be slid back out without disengaging the pivot arm 16 from the projection 23.

As shown in Figure 9, the shorter arm 10 of the device 8 fits within a slot 24 in the lid portion 2 and thus holds the lid 2 in the closed position against the base portion 1. The case cannot thus be opened until the pivot arm 16 is disengaged from the projection 23 to enable the device 8 to be slid outwards until the shorter arm 10 moves out of engagement with the lid portion 2 to allow the lid portion 2 to be moved away from the base portion 1. Furthermore, whilst the device 8 is in the position shown in Figure 9, the long arm 9 prevents the disk from being released from the disk engaging mechanism as described above and in GB0024890.6.

The pivot arm 16 is inaccessible from the exterior of the case so making it difficult, if not impossible, for a potential thief to open the case, to remove the security tag 20 or remove the disk 22 from the case.

In order to release the device 8 from the case, the case is brought up to a magnetic release device 25. The security device can then be withdrawn from the case manually or the second magnetic force may be used to pull it out of the case.

Such locking devices may be released by application of a magnetic force but arrangements may also be used which require application of a special tool or key to release the device. For higher security applications the release tool may be provided with a code which has to match a code within the locking device in order to release the device.

Security devices having other arrangements of parts which co-operate in the manner described above can be envisaged. In a preferred arrangement, the case may be provided with one or more fixed detents having a surface inclined to the direction of insertion of the security member on their outer side and a surface perpendicular to said direction of insertion on their inner side and the security member has one or more detents having an inclined surface on the leading side of the detent and a surface perpendicular to the direction of insertion on the other side thereof. Thus, when the security member is inserted into the case, the inclined surfaces of the two sets of detents ride over each other causing lateral movement of detents carried by the security member so they can pass each other. Once they have passed each other, the detents on the security member move back to their original lateral position so that withdrawal of the security member is prevented by engagement of the surfaces of the respective detents perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

This engagement of the detents may be released by application of a magnetic force which moves the detents on the security member laterally (either directly or by movement of a metal or magnetic component which causes or permits this lateral movement to occur) and/or by means of a specially shaped tool or key which when, applied to the security member, moves these detents laterally.

The positions of the detents may be reversed, i.e. with the substantially rigid detents provided on the security member and the laterally moveable detents provided on the case.

Detents having a similar function can be provided in many other shapes and in many other arrangements.

One example of such an arrangement is shown in Figures 10A to 10D, which show plan views of part of a case similar to that of Figure 1 and of a security member 8B inserted therein with the head 11 B of the security member shown in cross-section. Figure 10 shows the security member 8B only partially inserted in the case before a locking device in the head 11 B engages with the case. The case is provided with fixed detents 38 and the head with laterally moveable detents 39. Figure 1OB shows an enlarged view of the head 11 B engaged with the case after the detents 39 have moved past the detents 38 so the two sets of detents are engaged with each other to inhibit removal of the security member 8B from the case. Figure 1 0C shows a key 40 inserted into the head 1 1 B. the key 40 is then rotated through 90 to align a magnet 41 therein with magnets 42 attached to the laterally moveable detents 39 so the detents 39 are drawn inwards to disengage from the detents 38 so the security member 8B can be withdrawn from the case. Preferably, the key 40 and head 11 B are arranged so that they mechanically engage with each other in the orientation shown in Figure 9D so the key 40 can then be used to pull the security member 8B out of the case.

The locking device 8 described above comprises two arms 9,10 each insertable into the apparatus. However, as mentioned, one of these arms may be omitted if the device is not designed to hold the case closed. The or each of the arms 9, extend from the head 11 which comprises a substantially flat component.

The head 11 is arranged to lie adjacent and substantially parallel to an external face of the apparatus when the or each arm is positioned within the apparatus.

The device thus has no significant impact on the overall external dimensions of the product. The head 11 may, in some devices, lie against an external face of the case and so add to the width of the case by the thickness of the head 11 but, preferably, the head 11 is positioned within a recess so that it is co-planar with an external face of the case of recessed beneath said face.

As discussed, the security device 8 holds the case closed by means of the engagement of one arm 9 with the base portion 1 and engagement of the other arm 10 with the lid portion 2, the two arms being joined by the head portion 11.

This engagement is effected by location of the arms within slots in the base and lid portions. Other forms of engagement means can, however, be used.

Preferably, the engagement means are located within a recess such as the finger recess 15 provided in the edge of the box opposite the hinge portion 3, so they do not add to the dimensions of the case and so they can be concealed.

Furthermore, by providing the engagement means in such a recess, the locking device may also be designed to fit within the recess so it does not add to the external dimensions of the case.

It will be appreciated that the security member 8 described above is slidable through an aperture, e.g. the slot 12, in an edge of the case opposite the hinge portion 3. The security member is thus located in the opening edge of the case opposite the hinge where it is most effective in holding the case closed. A user normally opens such a case by prising apart the base and lid portions along the edge opposite the hinge as this gives maximum leverage and both portions can be easily engaged by the user's fingers or thumbs. It is for this reason, the finger recess 15 is provided in this position. The security member 8 being inserted in this edge thus holds the case closed at the point where such opening forces would normally be applied. It can also be designed to inhibit access to the edges of the base and lid portion where they are normally prised apart. Location of the security member in this edge also enables the security member 8 to be made small, particularly if it is not designed to extend to the disk engaging mechanism 4, but even if it also provides this function, this is the shortest route to the disk release mechanism (for a rectangular DVD box of the type illustrated). The security member preferably slides through an aperture in the edge of the case in a direction towards the hinge portion 3.

In the preferred embodiment described above, the moulding of the case is modified to provide the apertures 12 and/or 14 and the projection 23. However, other locking devices may be used which use existing features of the case without any need for modification apart from an aperture to allow the device to be inserted from outside the upstand 7 andlor case to reach the disk engaging mechanism 4 or apertures in the finger recess to provide engagement with the base portion 1 and lid portion 2.

In a further such arrangement an arm such as the arm 9 described herein, may be inserted within the case from a position outside the upstand 7. The security member can thus only be accessed and released when the case is open.

Depending on the level of security required, the case may be held closed by a wrapped as described above or some other form of locking device, suchas those described above (or other types) may be provided to lock the case in a closed position.

Figures 11 -13 show apparatus for holding a compact disc (CD) based on a well- known version thereof known as a "jewel box". The box comprises a plastic tray 101 inserted within a base member 102 having a lid member (not shown) pivotably mounted thereto. The tray 101 forms a base portion and has a central boss 103 thereon made up of a plurality of inwardly directed fingers 104 which curve upward away from the base portion and then inwardly again. The boss 103 is formed to be a push fit through the central aperture of a CD 105 so as to hold the CD 105 on the tray 101. To remove the CD from the tray 101, it is necessary to lift the CD 105 off the boss 103 and away from the tray 101, this being done by grasping the periphery of the CD whilst simultaneously depressing the inner ends of the fingers 104 to loosen the engagement between the boss 103 and the aperture of the CD 105.

The figures also show a security member 106 comprising an elongate arm 106A projecting from a head portion 106B. As shown in Figure 13, the tray has an upstand at or adjacent opposite edges thereof. A first portion 107A of the upstand is located adjacent an opening side 108A of the box and is provided with a first slot 109A. A second portion 107B of the upstand is located adjacent the hinged side 108B of the box and is provided with a second slot 109B. The arm 106A of the security member passes through the first slot 107A, across the tray 101 and has its distal end located in the second slot 107B.

As shown in Figure 12, the slots 109A and 109B are positioned so that the arm 106A extends over the surface of a CD 105 held on the tray 101. In this position, the arm 106A inhibits disengagement of the CD from the boss 103 as it inhibits movement of the CD 105 away from the tray 1.

Preferably, the security member 106 is provided with a second arm 106C, as shown in dashed lines in Figure 11, which extends across the CD 105 on the other side of the boss 103 to the first arm 106A. The provision of two arms extending across the CD 105 significantly increases the level of security provided by the security member as it makes it much more difficult for a potential thief to try to prise the CD 105 offthe boss 103.

The head 106B of the security member may lie adjacent the opening side 108A of the box when the leg 106A is fully inserted within the box. Alternatively, a recess (not shown) may be provided in the opening side 108A of the box and the head 106B arranged to fit therein.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 11, the head 106B of the security member is centrally located along the opening side 108A of the box.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 12, the arm 106A of the security member lies at approximately the same height as the top of the boss 103 and does not therefore add to the overall height of the apparatus.

The arm 106A of the security member may carry a security tag 112 (of a conventional type which triggers an alarm if taken past a sensor at the exit to the store).

The security member is preferably provided with a locking device 110 which locks it in the position shown in Figures 11 and 12 until released by means of a special tool or key.

The locking device 110 may, for instance, comprise a latching or snap-fit device which engages with part of the tray 101 (and/or base member 102A) when the security member 106 is fully inserted so as to inhibit removal of the member 6 unless the latch is released by means of a special tool. Such a tool may, for instance, be used by staff of a retail store to release the security member when the product is sold to a customer.

The special tool may release the locking device by direct mechanical engagement therewith or may apply a magnetic force to move part of the locking device to an unlocked position. Other forms of locking device may also be used.

The locking device 110 may be located on the head 106B of the member or on part of the arm 106A adjacent the head 106B and may engage with the first portion 107A of the upstand, or a part thereof, and/or with the side 108A of the box.

Alternatively, the locking device may be located adjacent the distal end of the arm 106A of the security member and engage the second portion 107B of the upstand, or a part thereof, and/or with the hinged side 108B of the box. With the type of box shown in the drawings, this arrangement has the advantage that a space 108C between the tray 101 and the base portion 102 at the hinged side 108B of the box may be used to accommodate the locking device.

Figures 11 and 12 show apparatus which is similar to a conventional jewel box (except for the addition of the security member and related features) although the position of the CD 105 has been shifted by a few millimetres towards the hinged side 108B of the box to provide more room adjacent the opening side 108A for the locking device. However, if the locking device is located in the space 108C mentioned above, the position of the CD 105 may not need to be shifted in this manner.

The illustrated embodiments show the security member 6 being insertable from the opening side 108A of the box. However, it would also be possible to insert it from the opposite direction, i.e. from the hinged side 108B with the head 106B lying adjacent the hinged side 108B. It could also be inserted from either of the other sides 108D; 108E of the box.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 11-13, the security member also has to pass through a slot in the opening side 108A of the base member 102. In a conventional jewel box, the lid (not shown) does not overlap the opening side 108A of the box so the security member 106 does not need to pass through the lid.

However, in a further embodiment, the box may be modified so that the security member also engages the lid so as to inhibit opening of the lid as well as inhibiting removal of the CD 105 from the tray 101. Preferably, the security member engages the lid in two positions towards opposite edges of the lid, e.g. one towards the opening side 108A of the box to inhibit opening of the lid and the other towards the hinged side 108B to inhibit removal of the lid by breakage of the pivot connection between the lid and the base member 102 (this connection being relatively weak in a conventional jewel box).

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of such an embodiment. This is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 12 but shows a lid 111 provided with projections 111A and 111B having slots through which the arm 106A of the security member passes. In other arrangements, one or more of the projections 111A and 111B may be replaced by a peripheral wall of the lid at or adjacent the opening edge 108A or the hinged edge 108B of the box.

The security member may have one long arm 106A as shown and a shorter arm in the same position as the second arm 106C shown is dashed lines but only extending a short distance across the tray, e.g. up to the adjacent edge of the CD 105 but not over the CD 105. This shorter arm may pass though slots in the opening side 108A of the box, and in the upstand 107A if appropriate, to inhibit opening of the lid of the box.

In other arrangements, an upstand may be provided on the tray 101 around the periphery of the CD 5 and the security member 106 passes through slots in this instead of, or in addition to, the slots in the upstands 107A and 107B at the periphery of the tray 101 or at the periphery of the box.

Although the security member preferably serves both to inhibit removal of the CD 105 from the tray 101 and inhibit opening of the lid 111 as described above, in some cases, it may be sufficient for its primary function to be to inhibit opening of the lid. This may be achieved, for example, by one or two long arms 106A and 106C extending across the box (either in the locations shown in Figure 11 or at locations nearer to or adjacent the sides 108D, 108E of the box) each of which preferably engages the lid 111 at two points, one towards the opening side 108A of the box and one towards the hinged side 108B of the box.

In this case, although the security member may still function to some extent in inhibiting disengagement of the CD 105 from the boss 103, the security of the apparatus relies more on the function of the security member to hold the lid 111 in the closed position and the re-enforcement it provides of the connection between the lid 111 and the tray 101 and/or the base portion 102.

In addition to the provision of a removable security device, it will be appreciated that the security arrangements described above also involve, in most cases, some modifications to the apparatus for holding the disk.

In the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the slot 12 is provided in side wall 13 and slot 14 in the upstand 7. The slot 12 is preferably provided within the finger recess 15. Slots 12 and 14 are aligned with each other.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the slots 12 and 14 in more detail. These slots are sized to receive the arm 9 which is approximately 8-12mm wide at 1.0 to 1.5mm thick.

Figures 8 and 9 also show the projection 23 provided on the underside of the upstand 7. The projection 23 provides a fixed detent on the case for interacting with a movable detent on the security member. In other arrangements the positions of those fixed and movable detents may be reversed.

Figure 9 shows the slot 24 provided in the lid portion 2. This slot is sized to receive the arm 10 which is also approximately 8-12mm wide and 1. 0 to 1.5mm thick.

Other forms of engagement means may be provided on the lid and base portion for engaging with parts of the security member.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 also show a shield portion 7B projecting from the upstand 7 and which lies over the pivot arm 16 when the security device 8 is installed in the apparatus so as to inhibit access to the pivot arm 16 from above the base portion 1.

Figures 10A-10D show apparatus in which the case is provided with detents 38 within an aperture for receiving the head 11 B of a security member 8B.

Figures 11-13 show a jewel box which has been adapted to receive a security number 106. Slots 109A and 109B are provided in the upstand on opposite edges of the tray 101. The position of the boss 103, and hence the position of the CD 105, may be shifted by a few millimetres towards the hinged side 108B of the box. Slots (not shown) may be provided for receiving the security member from the hinged side 108B of the box or from the other sides 108D, 108E of the box. A slot is also provided in the opening side 108A of the base member 102 for the security member 106 to pass through. Projections 111A and 111B having slots through which the security device 106 passes may also be provided on the underside of the lid of the jewel box.

Figures 14-17 show a further embodiment of a case similar to that of Figure 1 but with additional modifications to enhance the security thereof.

As shown in Figure 14, the case is provided with a first shield 207A on the base portion 201 to inhibit access to the locking mechanism of a security member when the security member is installed in the case. The upper surface of base portion 201 is also angled adjacent the shield 207A to assist in leading the tip of the security member into the case as it is inserted through the slot in the upstand 207. An enlarged cross- sectional view of the first shield 207A is shown in Figure 15F. As shown, no gap is left between the upstand 207 and the side wall 213 in the area between sockets 251 (described below) so access to the locking mechanism from above the base portion 201 is prevented so protecting it from unauthorized interference.

Locating means in the form of a second shield 207B is provided on the opposite side of the case adjacent the entrance to a recess 207C provided in the upstand 207 for receiving the distal end of the security member when it is installed in the case. The second shield 207B helps locate the distal end of the security member in the recess 207C and prevents the end of the security member from curling upwards or being deflected upwards towards the underside of a disk held on the apparatus (which could cause serious damage to the information recorded thereon). An enlarged plan view of the second shield 207B as shown in Figure 15B and an enlarged cross-sectional view thereof is shown in Figure 15E.

The case shown in Figures 14-17 is also provided with alignment pegs 250 on the lid portion 202 and alignment sockets 251 on the base portion 201. These are located on each side and adjacent to the slot 212 and 214 through the side wall 213 of the case and positioned to engage with each other when the lid and base portions are in the closed position. The alignment pegs 250 and sockets 251 have parallel sides and the pegs are designed to be a close, sliding fit within the sockets. The pegs 250 have a width of about 8mm and a length of about 4mm. The sockets have a similar width and a depth sufficient to receive the full length of the pegs.

The alignment pegs and sockets 250, 251 serve to maintain the edge of the lid portion 202 and the edge of the base portion 201 (between the pegs), when in the closed position, parallel to each other. In particular, if an attempt is made to open the lid by prising up a corner of the lid, as shown by arrow A in Figure 16, the forces generated by this action, which would otherwise put stress on the security member where it holds the lid and base portion 202,201 together, are absorbed by the pegs and sockets 250,251 and so are not transmitted to the security member.

The pegs and sockets 250, 251 tend to concentrate the stress imposed by an attempt to open the lid in the manner illustrated in Figure 16A at a point P immediately adjacent the outer edge of the relevant peg and socket pair.

However, as opening the case by prising up a corner as shown in Figure 16 is only likely to be done by someone trying to gain unauthorized access to the disk (i.e. without removing the security member), advantage can be taken of this stress concentration by building in a weakness in the lid at this point, e.g. in the form of a V-shaped notch 210 as shown in Figure 15A. The result of this is that an attempt to open the case in this manner is more likely to result in a catastrophic, audible and highly visible failure of the lid, e.g. by propagation of a crack or fracture of the lid, e.g. along a line C such as that shown by dashed lines in Figure 16. Not only does this still not cause failure of the security member, it makes it difficult for an attempted theft of the disk to be carried out in an inconspicuous manner as fracture of the lid is likely to draw attention to the action of the thief.

However, once the security device has been withdrawn from the apparatus, the case can be opened by gripping the lid and base portions in the area of the finger recess 218 and pulling the lid and base portions apart. The pegs and sockets 250, 251 do not inhibit this movement and this action puts no significant level of stress on the weak point P so this weak point is not detrimental to the strength of the apparatus when opened in the intended manner, i.e. by applying forces to the lid and teas portions in the area of the finger recess 215.

Figures 17A and 17B show enlarged views of the finger recess 215 and the pegs 250 and sockets 251 therein.

The apparatus shown in Figures 18-28 has several modifications and/or improvements over that described above.

Figure 18 shows apparatus similar to that of Figure 1 but with some minor differences. Similar parts are labelled with reference numerals increased by 300.

Figure 19 shows an enlarged view of features adjacent the slot 312. In particular, it shows a rib or ridge 320 extending parallel to an edge of the base portion 301 to an extent similar to or slightly greater than the opening of the slot 312. The ridge 320 projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the base portion 301 and is provided immediately inboard of the finger recess 315.

Figure 19 also shows barrier walls 21A and 22A in the finger recess 315 either side of the entrance to the slot 312.

Figure 20 shows an enlarged view of features adjacent the slot 316 in the lid portion 312. In particular it shows a groove 323 which is adapted to receive ridge 320 when the lid is in the closed configuration. The groove extends parallel to an edge of the lid portion to an extent similar to or slightly greater than the opening of the slot 316 and is provided immediately inboard of the finger recess 315.

Figure 20 also shows barrier walls 21B and 22B in the finger recess 315 either side of the entrance to the slot 316.

The cross-sectional views shown in Figures 21A and 21B show how the ridge 320 and groove 323 inter-engage when the apparatus is in the closed position.

The purpose of this is to resist forces attempting to move the lid 302 relative to the base 301 in said first direction, i.e. the direction in which the arm 309 is slid through the slot 312 (the direction from left to right, or vice versa, in Figures 21A and 21B). Such forces may be applied to the apparatus by someone trying to force open the case by overcoming a locking mechanism holding the security device 308 in the case.

Figures 21A and 21B also show how the respective barrier walls 21A and 21B and walls 22A and 22B abut with each other. The barrier walls 321 and 322 thus inhibit access to edges of the end portion 311 of the security device 308 as shown in Figure 7. The end portion 311 sits in a close fitting socket formed by the walls 321 and 322 and the side walls of the finger recess 315 so making it very difficult for a user to obtain a purchase on the end portion 311 either with the fingers or with a tool such as a flat-bladed screwdriver (e.g. by a thief attempting to prise the security device 8 out of the case).

Figure 21A shows the security device 308 pushed into the case to a point where the shorter arm 310 engages a resilient arm 330 which projects from the lid portion 302 across slot 316 and across the path of the arm 310. The function of this will be described further below. Figure 21A shows the security device 308 fully inserted into the case and in its operational position. The security device is retained in the position shown in Figure 21A by engagement of a metal pivot arm 316 with a detent 317 provided on the base portion 301 which prevents withdrawal of the security device from the case until the pivot arm 316 is moved, e.g. by a magnetic release device or a specially shaped key, out of engagement with the detent.

Prior to releasing the security device, it is pushed slightly further into the case from the position shown in Figure 21A to that shown in Figure 21B, so the distal end of the shorter arm 310, which is bifurcated, pushes back the resilient arm 330. Thus, when the pivot arm 316 is released from engagement with the detent 317 on the base portion, the resilient arm 330 acts to at least partially eject the security device 308 from the case, e.g. to a position in which the end portion 311 thereof can be grasped to pull the security device further out of the case.

Part of the case is thus used to provide resilient means for ejecting, or partially ejecting, the security device once released. This means that the security device can be readily re-used in another case. A resilient arm, such as arm 330, which may be elastically deformed repeatedly may undergo creep whereby it becomes permanently deformed so its elastic resilience is reduced. Thus, if such resilient ejection means were provided on the security device 308, its performance would be likely to deteriorate over time so severely limiting the number of times the security device could be re-used. By providing the resilient ejection means on the case (which is only likely to have a security device installed in it once, i.e. prior to purchase by the end user), this difficulty is avoided.

In other cases, the resilient arm 330 may be at least partially deformed when the security device is in its operational position and thus may remain deformed over prolonged periods of time so increasing further the likelihood that its resilience will reduce over time.

Figure 22 shows another view of the groove 323 shown in Figure 20. It also shows the resilient arm 330 projecting from a side member of the groove across the slot 316.

Figure 23 shows another view of the groove 323 shown from a similar angle to Figure 20. It also shows notches or V-grooves formed within the lid portion on either side of the barrier walls 321 B and 322B to act as weak points or stress concentrators. If an attempt is made to prise open the lid portion without removing the security device 308, these help initiate a crack or fracture across the lid portion. Such catastrophic damage to the lid portion is a deterrent to a thief who does not wish to draw attention to his activities.

V-grooves 330A and 330B are provided in the walls of the finger recess 315 immediately adjacent the outer surfaces of the barrier walls 322B and 321 B. V- grooves 331A and 331B are also provided in the internal surface of the exterior wall 313 of the lid portion for the same reason adjacent the ends of the groove 323. The V-grooves 331A and 331 B are also shown in Figure 22. Further V- grooves 332A and 332B may be provided at the base of V-grooves 331A and 331B angled away from the components forming the groove 323. These help encourage a crack to propagate away from the area of the security member 308.

Figures 25A, 25B and 25C show a plan view, side view and underneath view of the security tag 308. These show that the end portion 311 is of the same width as the long arm 309.

Figures 26, 27 and 28 show a further embodiment of apparatus with a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of information storage media therefrom. This embodiment comprises a locking mechanism that prevents removal of the security device from the apparatus but permits partial withdrawal of the device from the apparatus. This is achieved by providing a projection 340 partway along the security device which only engages a part 341 of apparatus to prevent removal of the device once the device has been partially withdrawn as shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

In the first position shown in Figure 26A and 26B, the device prevents operation of disk engaging means 343 so inhibits removal of a disk (not shown) from the apparatus. In the second position shown in figures 27A and 27B, the device is withdrawn from the disk engaging means so permits removal of the disk.

If the device is provided with a lid (not shown), like that of Figure 18, a short arm 344 of the device may be used to hold the lid closed in the first position and to permit it to be opened in the second position.

Preferably the security device is provided with a weakened portion 345 part way along its length. This may, for instance, comprise a thin area or groove across the device which can be cut through with scissors (as illustrated in Figure 11A) or about which the device can be snapped off. In the first position, the weakened portion lies within the apparatus, so is inaccessible, whereas in the second position it is external to the device so is accessible. The device can then be cut or broken in two so the two parts thereof can be removed from the device. Preferably, the security device is formed of a material such as polypropylene and arranged so the weakened portion is difficult to cut with an ordinary pair of small scissors but can be cut with larger scissors, e.g. like a pair of kitchen scissors.

The security device is preferably provided with a holding mechanism which releasably holds the device in the first position but can be easily overcome by manually pulling in the device to move the device to the second position. The mechanism may, for example, comprise resilient arms 347 on opposite sides of the device which engage with the part 341 in the first position but are shaped to provide only a friction fit therewith which can be overcome by pulling on the device out as shown in figure 27A and 27B.

A security tag may be carried by the security device, e.g. in the area 346, so it lies under the disk engaging means in the first position and under a shield 348 in the second position. It thus remains attached to the apparatus until the device is broken or cut in two and removed from the apparatus. Alternatively, the tag may be mounted on the apparatus in a position in which it is only accessible after the security device has been divided and removed from the apparatus.

The above embodiment provides a deterrent to theft without requiring the sales outlet to have infrastructure to remove the security device and/or tag. Instead the customer removes the device after they have purchased the apparatus.

The apparatus is usually provided with an overwrapping, e.g. a shrink film, which has to be broken or removed before the device can be withdrawn from the first to the second position. The apparatus can then be opened and the disk can be removed but the security tag remains attached to the apparatus. The device is then cut and the two parts removed from the apparatus. It is only then that the security tag can be separated from the apparatus.

It will be appreciated from the above that this invention can be provided in various different forms. Many of the individual features and combinations of features referred to above are believed to be novel. The invention is thus not limited to the specific combinations of features or the embodiments described but extends to cover each of the principles described or combinations thereof.

Whilst the invention has been described in relation to a disk holder of the type shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that such disk holders can take a variety of forms and many aspects of the invention can be used with other types of disk holder.

Furthermore, as indicated in the introduction, aspects of the invention re also applicable to apparatus or case for holding other types of information storage media.

Claims (33)

1. Apparatus for holding information storage media comprising a base portion and a lid portion movable between an open and a closed position, the lid portion being designed to be opened by means of force applied at a given location to separate it or pivot it away from the base portion, the apparatus having at least one weak portion arranged such that an attempt to open the lid by applying force thereto at some other location tends to cause part of the lid or base portion to fracture rather than opening the lid portion.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 adapted to receive a security device arranged to inhibit opening of the lid portion until it is de-activated or removed.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the weak portion is arranged to cause fracture of part of the lid portion or base portion rather than of the security device if an attempt is made to open the lid portion without de activating or removing the security device.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the base portion and the lid portion being hinged to each other and provided with two pegs and two sockets which engage with each other when the lid portion is in a closed position, the pegs and sockets being arranged such that when engaged with each other they assist in maintaining edges of the lid portion and base portion between the two pegs and two sockets parallel to each other.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the pegs and sockets are parallel sided and the pegs and sockets are a close sliding fit with each other.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5 having an aperture located between the two pairs of pegs and sockets for receiving a security device.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the pegs and sockets are arranged such that if an attempt is made to open the lid portion by lifting a corner thereof the peg and socket nearest that corner substantially reduce the transmission of forces generated by this action to the aperture or to a security device installed in the aperture.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 in which the pegs and sockets are arranged such that if an attempt is made to open the lid portion by lifting a corner thereof the forces generated by this action are concentrated at the weak portion at a position away from the aperture or a security device installed in the aperture.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the lid portion is formed with a weakness at said position to act as a fracture initiator.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which said weak portion is designed to promote a fracture which propagates across the lid portion if an attempt is made to open the lid portion by lifting a corner thereof.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device comprising at least one arm which is slidable through an aperture in an external wall of the apparatus and an end portion which remains external to said wall

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 adapted to receive a security device having a locking mechanism that prevents its removal from the apparatus.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a base portion and lid portion hinged to the base portion so as to be movable about a hinge axis between open and closed configurations, the base portion and lid portion being adapted to receive a security device which resists relative movement therebetween when in the closed position in a first direction perpendicular to said hinge axis and having inter-engageable parts for resisting relative movement between the base portion and lid portion when in the closed configuration in a second direction perpendicular to said hinge axis and perpendicular to said first direction.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which said inter-engageable parts comprise a ridge and a groove shaped to receive the ridge.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 for holding information storage media substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim with a security device installed therein.

SECOND SET OF CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus having a base portion and a lid portion hinged to each other provided with two pegs and two sockets which engage with each other when the lid portion is in a closed position, the pegs and sockets being arranged such that when engaged with each other they assist in maintaining edges of the lid portion and base portion between the two pegs and two sockets parallel to each other.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the pegs and sockets are parallel sided and the pegs and sockets are a close sliding fit with each other.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 when dependent on claim 2 in which the aperture is located between the two pairs of pegs and sockets.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which the pegs and sockets are arranged such that if an attempt is made to open the lid portion by lifting a corner thereof the peg and socket nearest that corner substantially reduce the transmission of forces generated by this action to the aperture or to a security device installed in the aperture.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4 in which the pegs and sockets are arranged such that if an attempt is made to open the lid portion by lifting a corner thereof the forces generated by this action are concentrated at a point away from the aperture or a security device installed in the aperture.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the lid portion is formed with a weakness at said point to act as a fracture initiator.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which said weakness is designed promote a fracture which propagates across the lid portion if an attempt is made to open the lid portion by lifting a corner thereof.

8. Apparatus for holding information storage media comprising a base portion and a lid portion movable between an open and a closed position, the lid portion being designed to be opened by means of force applied at a given location to separate it or pivot it away from the base portion, the apparatus having at least one weak portion arranged such that an attempt to open the lid by applying force thereto at some other location tends to cause part of the lid or base portion to fracture rather than opening the lid portion.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 adapted to receive a security device arranged to inhibit opening of the lid portion until it is de-activated or removed.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which the weak portion is arranged to cause fracture of part of the lid portion or base portion rather than of the security device if an attempt is made to open the lid portion without de- activating or removing the security device.

11. Apparatus for holding information storing media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a base portion and lid portion movable between open and closed configurations, the base portion and/or lid portion being provided with an aperture in an edge portion thereof through which the security device can be slid in a first direction substantially perpendicular to said edge portion, the lid portion and base portions having inter-engageable parts adjacent said aperture for resisting relative movement between the base portion and lid 1 portion in a direction parallel to said first direction when in the closed configuration.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which said inter-engageable parts I comprise a ridge and a groove shape to receive the ridge.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12 in which said aperture comprises: a slot which extends along said edge portion in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. : 14. Apparatus as claimed in claims 12 and 13 in which said ridge and/or groove extend in a direction parallel to said second direction to an extent substantially similar to or greater than said slot.

15. Apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a releasable security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device being insertable into the aperture against the resistance of resilient means provided on the apparatus, the arrangement being such that, when the security device is released, said resilient means acts so as to at least partially eject the security device from the apparatus.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which said resilient areas is integrally formed with said apparatus.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claims 15 or 16 in which said resilient means comprises an arm projecting from the apparatus. I

18. Apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device comprising at least one arm which is slidable through an aperture in an external wall of the apparatus and an end portion which remains external to said wall, said wall being shaped and/or being provided with barriers to inhibit access to edges of said end portion when the security device is installed in the apparatus in its operational position.

19. Apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device for inhibiting access to and/or inhibiting removal of the storage media from the apparatus, the security device having a locking mechanism that prevents its removal from the device but permits partial withdrawal of the device from the apparatus.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which the security device, whilst in a locked state within the apparatus, is movable between a first position in which it inhibits removal of the media from the apparatus and a second position in which it permits removal of the media from the apparatus.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20 in which the security device, whilst in a locked state within the apparatus, is movable between a first position in which it inhibits access to the media and a second position in which it permits access to the media.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, 20 or 21 in which the security device has a weakened portion and, whilst in a locked state within the apparatus, is movable between a first position in which the weakened portion is within the apparatus and a second position in which the weakened portion is outside the apparatus.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claims 22 in which breakage or division of the security device at said weakened portion permits removal of the device from the apparatus.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23 provided with an overwrapping which prevents said partial withdrawal of the security device until the overwrapping is broken or removed.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 24 having holding means for releasably holding the security device in the apparatus and which has to be disengaged before said partial withdrawal is permitted.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25 in which said holding means comprises a friction fit between the apparatus and the security device.

27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25 or 26 in which the holding means comprises at least one pair of interengaging members which inhibit said partial withdrawal but can be overcome by manual force without damaging the holding means.

28. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 19 to 27 having a security tag affixed thereto or to the security device and which remains inaccessible whilst the device is locked within the apparatus even when the device is partially withdrawn therefrom.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claims 23 and 27 in which breakage or division of the security device at said weakened portion permits removal access to the security tag.

30. Apparatus for holding information storing media comprising a base portion and lid portion hinged to the base portion so as to be movable about a hinge axis between open and closed configurations, the base portion and lid portion being adapted to receive a security device which resists relative movement therebetween when in the closed position in a first direction perpendicular to said hinge axis and having interengageable parts for resisting relative movement between the base portion and lid portion when in the closed configuration in a second direction perpendicular to said hinge axis and perpendicular to said first direction.

31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which said inter-engageable parts comprise a ridge and a groove shaped to receive the ridge.

32. Apparatus for holding information storage media substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.

33. Apparatus for holding information storage media adapted to receive a security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.