JP3137065U - LOCKABLE CONTAINER WITH INTEGRATED INTERNAL LOCK STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME This application is a registered US patent application Ser. No. 60 / 446,177, filed Feb. 7, 2003, and filed on Apr. 2, 2003. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 460,302 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 469,992, registered on May 12, 2003, are claimed. The prior application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. - Google Patents

Abstract

A lockable container for storing assets having an integral inner locking structure and a method of using the same.
The lockable container may include first and second covers configured to move between an open position where the asset can be accessed and a closed position where the asset is placed. The lock structure of the lockable container moves between a lock mate arrangement operably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers and between a unlocked position and a locked position. A lock member configured as described above may be included. All locking members may be internal to the container when the locking member is in the unlocked position. A magnetic key arrangement interacts with the lock member to move the lock member between the unlocked position and the locked position.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a lockable container for storing assets, and more particularly, to a lockable container for storing assets having an integral inner lock structure and a method of using the same.

  Currently, there are many containers that can be used to store storage media such as, for example, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), and video games. A typical storage container includes a cover part and a base part connected to the cover part so as to be hinged. The assets to be stored are placed in a container, and the cover part is combined with the base part for storing the assets in the container. Such a storage container is an actual retail or rental environment where, for example, potential customers can pick up and observe the storage container to decide whether to purchase or rent the assets stored in the container Will be on display. This allows many potential customers to pick up such a storage container so that the assets stored in the container can be used for storage containers to prevent the thief from stealing as a possible case. There is a need to provide locking means.

  Currently, various locking methods are used in actual retail and rental environments. One method for locking a storage container includes arranging an active electronic security tag (eg, electronic merchandise surveillance (EAS) tag or radio frequency identification (RFID) tag) within the container. The container is then sealed with an edge label. The edge label prevents the container from being easily opened and prevents assets and security tags from being removed from the container. Such a container is also used as an external security device surrounding the container to further protect the assets in the container.

  However, the method described above has its limitations. For example, due to added security in a retail or rental environment, the containers are sometimes locked behind the counter, thus not providing the “real sale” benefit to the consumer. Also, consumers often find it difficult to remove edge labels when they take the container home and try to open it. If an additional external security device is used, the device must be disconnected by the retailer at the time of purchase or by the consumer at home. Such an external device is not good for the environment because it is then discarded.

  Other methods of locking the storage container include securing the container with a separate locking device. Such locking devices are described, for example, in Burdett et al. US Pat. No. 5,944,185 and Burdett et al. US Pat. No. 6,135,280. Such a locking device is inserted or attached into the container to lock the container and then removed from communication with the container to unlock the container.

  In such a method, certain problems arise because the locking device is separated from the container. For example, to lock a container in an actual retail or rental environment, the retailer must first insert a lock into the container or attach the lock to the container before locking the container with a locking device. If the container is not locked by the retailer, the lock is reused, stored, re-stored, or discarded. This can cause, for example, increased costs, management complexity, and environmental issues. Also, such a locking device separated from the container and outside the container can be tampered with.

  Accordingly, it is preferable to provide a lockable container for storing assets and a method for using the same, having an integral inner locking structure.

  According to the present invention, a lockable container for storing assets having an integrated inner lock structure and a method for using the same are provided. Such assets may include, for example, storage media (eg, DVD, CD, video game, memory card or other suitable storage media), jewelry, pharmaceuticals, razor blades, printer cartridges, or other assets. . The lockable container of the present invention is also used to protect items, especially to prevent access to such items regardless of the value of the item. For example, the lockable container of the present invention can also be used to keep violent movies or adult videos or video games out of the reach of children at home. However, in the present invention, it is described herein as storing “assets”.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a lockable container for storing assets is provided. The lockable container may be provided as having a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. The first and second covers may be configured to move between an open position where the asset can be accessed and a closed position where the asset is placed. The lockable container may include a locking member counterpart device operably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers. The lockable container is configured to move between an unlocked position where the first and second covers can move to an open position and a locked position that locks the first and second covers in a closed position; Further, all the locking members may include a locking member that is inherent in the container at the unlocking position.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for storing assets in a container is provided. The lockable container may be provided as having a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. The lockable container may have a lock member corresponding device operably connected to at least one of the first and second covers, and a lock member. The first and second covers of the container are in a closed position for entering assets, and the locking member is in an unlocked position where the first and second covers can be moved to the open position. In the unlocked position, all locking members may be inherent in the container. The lockable member may be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position to lock the first and second covers in the closed position.

  In some embodiments of the invention, a method for obtaining assets from within a container is provided. The lockable container may be provided as having a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. The lockable container may include a lock member corresponding device operably connected to at least one of the first and second covers, and a lock member. The first and second covers may be in a closed position for receiving assets. The locking member may be in a locked position that locks the first and second covers in the closed position. The lock member may be moved from the lock position to an unlock position where the first and second covers can move to the open position. In the unlocked position, all locking members may reside in the container.

  In some embodiments of the invention, a lockable container for storing assets is provided. The lockable container may include a base portion having a lock position receiving portion. The cover may be pivotally connected to the base portion to place the asset in the container. The lockable container may include a locking member counterpart device coupled to at least one cover and base portion and having at least one tab portion. The lockable container may include a locking member slidably coupled to at least one cover and base portion. The lock member is arranged in the container as a whole, and is configured to be separably connected to the lock member corresponding device to fix the cover to the base portion, and holds the asset in the container. The locking member may include at least one engagement structure configured to engage at least one tab portion. The locking member may include at least one first magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding first magnet device of the external key device. The locking member is biased to a locked state and configured to selectively engage the locking position receiving portion to prevent the locking member from sliding to the unlocked position when the locking member is in the locked position. It may include at least one elastic lock position flange. The locking member may be configured to be actuated by an external key device to selectively position the locking member in either the locked position or the unlocked position in connection with the locking member corresponding device.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a key device may be provided that performs at least one of locking and unlocking the container. The key device may include a receiving device configured to receive the container. The receiving device may include at least one magnet device configured to perform at least one of locking and unlocking the container. The key device may include a lock / unlock detection device configured to detect a locked state of the processing device and the container and transmit a signal to the processing device in accordance with the locked state. The key device may include a user interface device configured to communicate to the user the container lock state and in communication with the processing device.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a system is provided for obtaining and accessing assets. The system may include a lockable container for storing an asset having a first cover, a second cover pivotally coupled to the first cover to place the asset in the container. The lockable container may include a locking member corresponding device connected to at least one of the first and second covers. The lockable container may include a locking member slidably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers. The lock member is configured to be separably connected to the lock member corresponding device so as to fix the first cover to the second cover, and can hold the asset in the container. The system may include a key device that performs at least one of locking and unlocking the container. The key device may include a receiving device configured to receive the container. The receiving device may have at least one magnet device configured to perform at least one of locking and unlocking the container. The locking member can be configured to be acted upon by an external key device to selectively position the locking member in one of a locked position and an unlocked position in association with the locking member corresponding device. All the locking members can be internal to the container in the unlocked position.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for storing assets in a container is provided. The lockable container may be provided as having a first cover, a second cover pivotally connected to the first cover to place the asset in the container. The lockable container may include a locking member corresponding device connected to at least one of the first and second covers. The lockable container may include a locking member slidably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers. The locking member is in the unlocked position, and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, all the locking members may be inherent in the container. A key device for unlocking the container may be provided. The key device may include a receiving device having at least one magnet device. The container may be located in the receiving device. The container moves the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position in relation to the locking member corresponding device, such that the locking member engages the locking member corresponding device and fixes the first and second covers; It may act as at least one magnet device.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for accessing assets from within a container can be provided. The lockable container may be provided as having a first cover, a second cover pivotally connected to the first cover to place the asset in the container. The lockable container may include a locking member corresponding device connected to at least one of the first and second covers. The lockable container may include a locking member slidably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers. All locking members may be internal to the container in the unlocked position. The lock member may engage with the lock member corresponding device so as to fix the first cover and the second cover in the lock position. A key device for unlocking the container may be provided. The key device may include a receiving device having at least one magnet device. The container may be located in the receiving device. The container may be actuated by at least one magnet device to move the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position in relation to the locking member corresponding device.

  In some embodiments of the invention, a lockable container for storing assets may be provided. The lockable container may include a first cover and a second cover coupled with the first cover. The first and second covers may be configured to move between an open position where the asset can be accessed and a closed position where the asset is placed. The lockable container may include at least one tab connected to the first cover and at least one corresponding tab connected to the second cover. The lockable container may include a locking member operably connected to at least one of the first and second covers. The lock member may have a trap portion and a release portion. The locking member may be configured to move between an unlocked position where the first and second covers can move to the open position and a locked position that locks the container in the closed position. All locking members may be internal to the container in the unlocked position.

  In some embodiments of the invention, a lockable container for storing assets may be provided. The lockable container may include a receptacle having an open structure that allows access to the asset and a closed structure that encloses the asset. The lockable container may include a locking member counterpart device operably coupled to the receiving portion. The lockable container may include a locking member configured to move between an unlocked position where the receiver is in an open configuration and a locked position that locks the receiver in a closed configuration. All locking members can be inherent to the container in the unlocked position.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a key device may be provided that locks and unlocks the container. The container may have a receptacle having an open structure that allows access to the asset and a closed structure that contains the asset. The container may have a locking member configured to move between an unlocked position where the receiving portion is in an open configuration and a locking position that locks the receiving portion in a closed configuration. The lock member may have at least one magnetic attraction part. The key device may include a channel portion configured to receive the container and at least one magnetic device. At least one magnetic device retains at least one magnetic attraction portion of the locking member in a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device while the container slides through the channel, so that the locking position and the unlocking position are maintained. You may comprise so that a locking member may be located in at least one.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for locking and / or unlocking a container may be provided. The container can have a receptacle having an open structure that allows access to the asset and a closed structure that contains the asset. The container may have a locking member configured to move between an unlocked position where the receiving portion is in an open configuration and a locking position that locks the receiving portion in a closed configuration. The lock member may have at least one magnetic attraction part. The key device may be provided as having a channel portion and at least one magnetic device. The container may be located in the channel portion. At least one magnetic attraction of the locking member may be held in a magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic device. While at least one magnetic attraction of the locking member is held in a magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic device, the container is slid through the channel so that the locking member is in at least one of a locked position and an unlocked position. Can reach.

  Other features, characteristics and various advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

  According to the present invention, a lockable container for storing assets having an integrated inner lock structure and a method for using the same are provided.

  The locking structure of the present invention is integrated with the container and remains in the container regardless of whether the container is locked or unlocked. Thus, the container is locked and released without removing a portion of the lock structure (for example, a lock member) from the container. Thus, there is no need to reuse, re-purchase, regenerate or discard certain parts of the lock structure.

  The locking structure of the present invention is inside the container so that when the container is closed, it is entirely placed in the container. This makes it more difficult to individually change the lock structure.

  With the container locked, the lockable container of the present invention is displayed, for example, at a retailer or rental shop. The consumer can handle the container without having access to the contents in the container. Once the consumer decides to purchase, rent, or lease the contents of a particular lockable container, the consumer brings the container to the cash register. At the cash register, the store clerk or other authorized user can use the key device to unlock the lockable container so that the consumer can access the contents of the container.

  The lockable container of the present invention is suitable for applications that do not need to be locked because the integral inner locking structure according to the present invention can be selectively positioned in either the locked or unlocked position. Used.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a lockable container 10 according to the present invention (the lockable container 10 of FIG. 1 is for generally indicating the shape of the lockable container of the present invention. Note that this is a schematic diagram). The lockable container 10 includes a first cover 12 and a second cover 14 that is pivotally coupled to the first cover or hinged to store at least one asset 16 in the container 10. Including. As shown in FIG. 1, the asset 16 is placed in the first cover 12. However, this is exemplary only and asset 16 may be received in one or both of first cover 12 and second cover 14. The first cover 12 is the part of the container in which the asset is placed and is here considered as the “base part” of the container 10 and the second cover 14 is also considered as the “cover”.

  Container 10 may be locked to store assets 16 in the container. In particular, the container 10 includes an inner locking member 18 and a locking member counterpart device 20 located within the container 10. The locking member 18 and the locking member counterpart device 20 are configured to engage such that the first cover 14 is stored in the second cover 12 and stores assets in the container 10.

  Although the lock member 18 is illustrated as being coupled to the first cover 12, this is merely exemplary, and the lock member 18 is coupled to either the first cover 12 or the second cover 14. It should be noted that Furthermore, although the lock member corresponding device 20 is illustrated as being coupled to the second cover 115, this is merely an example, and the lock member corresponding device 20 includes the first cover 12 and the second cover 14. It may be coupled to one or both.

  In embodiments where the container 10 is used to store storage media (eg, DVD, CD, or other suitable storage media), the container 10 may be sized, for example, similar to a standard library case. It may be formed. In such an embodiment, the container 10 can be fabricated with current manufacturing automation and have a wall height, disk position, and booklet size similar to a standard library case. Preferably, the container 10 is constructed of any durable material suitable for storing the asset 16 within the container 10 to prevent unauthorized persons from breaking the container and accessing the asset. The container 10 may be composed of, for example, plastic, metal, wood, polymer, thermoplastic resin (such as polypropylene, ABS, or polycarbonate), or other suitable durable material.

  The container 10 may include at least one transparent portion (not shown) so that the user can see the contents of the container, eg, the asset 16. In such an embodiment, if the container 10 contains items for sale, the consumer can view the contents before deciding whether to purchase the asset 16. The container 10 may include, for example, a transparent jacket (not shown) arranged on the outer surface of the container to display material related to the asset 16 to the customer. For example, if the container 10 is used to store a DVD movie, a transparent jacket (not shown) may contain small pictograms, titles, or other suitable information associated with the DVD movie.

  In order to prevent damage to the asset 16, the container 10 has a storage mechanism (FIG. 10) that stores the asset in the container so that the asset is prevented from moving inside the container when the container is moved or transported. (Not shown). For example, if the container 10 is used to store storage media (eg, DVD, CD, or other suitable storage media), a storage mechanism (not shown) may receive storage media thereon, for example. A hub may be included for holding. An example of a hub is shown in FIG.

  The lock member 18 is configured to be separably coupled to the lock member corresponding device 20 in order to store the first cover 12 in the second cover 14. For this reason, one or both of the lock member 18 and the lock member corresponding device 20 may be configured to be operated by an external magnetic key device (described later). The interaction between the external magnetic key device and the container 10 is to selectively position the inner lock member 18 in either the locked position or the unlocked position, and to connect the lock member 18 and the lock member corresponding device 20 respectively. Or separate.

  2 and 3 are a plan view and a perspective view showing an example of a lockable container 30 according to the present invention for storing storage media. The container 30 includes a first cover 32, a second cover 34, and a projection 36 disposed therebetween. The first cover 32 and the second cover 34 are pivotally coupled to the protrusion 36 to form a hinge portion.

  The first cover 32 may include two elastic document holding members 51 and 53 that are used to hold a document such as a booklet associated with a storage medium stored in the container 30.

  The second cover 34 may receive or hold storage media or other assets by the hub 38 shown in detail in FIG. In use, when a storage medium (not shown) is placed on the hub 38, the central opening of the storage medium is placed around the elastic member 40. Although four elastic members 40 are shown, it should be noted that this is merely exemplary and any suitable number of elastic members may be used. A downward force is applied to the storage medium, causing the elastic member 40 to be bent further into the space 42 due to the engagement between the opening of the storage medium and the elastic member 40. When applying a sufficient downward force to the storage medium, the elastic member 40 is further bent inward so that the outer periphery of the elastic member 40 is smaller than the outer periphery of the storage medium so that the storage medium is placed on the frustum 44. To do. At this time, the elastic member 40 is returned to its original position by the original elastic force, and the storage medium is held on the frustum 44. To remove the storage media, the user can apply force on the hub 38 and lift the storage media from the hub. Thus, the storage media is safely placed on and removed from the hub 38 without damage.

  It should be noted that the hub 38 of FIG. 4 is exemplary only, and any suitable hub may be used to receive and hold storage media within the container 30. For example, representative hubs are listed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 696,614 filed on October 25, 2000 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0023853 published on Feb. 28, 2002. Both of which have been incorporated herein by reference.

  As with the lockable container example described above in connection with FIG. 1, the container 30 was designed to operate with an inner locking member. An example of the locking member 100 used with the container 30 is shown in FIGS. The locking member 100 may include a plurality of I-beam engagement portions that interact with a plurality of corresponding I-beam engagement tabs or protrusions formed on one or both of the first and second covers 32 and 34. . As described in detail below, the locking member 100 traps corresponding I-beam engagement tabs formed on one or both of the first and second covers 32 and 34 to provide an I-beam in the closed position. The container 30 is locked in the lock groove portion of the engaging portion.

  The lock member 100 includes at least one spring arm arranged at the end of the lock member configured to be magnetically coupled to an external magnetic key device (see, for example, the key device 300 of FIG. 15 described later). Including. The spring arm alternately moves the lock member 100 to the lock position and the lock release position. As described in more detail in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and below, lock member 100 includes spring arms 102 and 104 arranged at opposite ends of the lock member.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the locking member 100 includes multiple I-beam engagements that engage associated tabs or protrusions in the container 30. Lock member 100 includes three engagement portions 106, 108, and 110 referred to as “single engagement portions”. The “single engagement portion” means an engagement portion that does not have any corresponding engagement portion on the opposite side of the lock member 100. The locking member 100 includes eight engaging portions 112 and 114, 116 and 118, 120 and 122, and 124 and 126, referred to as “double engaging portions”. The “double engagement portion” means an engagement portion having a corresponding engagement portion on the opposite side of the lock member 100. Although a locking member 100 having three single engagement portions and eight double engagement portions is described herein, such an arrangement is merely exemplary, and the locking member 100 may be It should be noted that there can be an array and some suitable number of engagements.

  Double engagement portions (ie, engagement portions 112-126) of the locking member 100 engage the associated tabs of the first cover 32 and the second cover 34 of the container 100 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Configured to do. In conjunction with the second cover 34, the double engagement portion allows the tabs to be engaged as follows. Double engagement portions 112 and 114 are each configured to engage tabs 50 and 52, and double engagement portions 116 and 118 are configured to engage tabs 54 and 56, respectively, Engaging portions 120 and 122 are configured to engage tabs 58 and 60, respectively, and double engaging portions 124 and 126 are configured to engage tabs 62 and 64. In conjunction with the first cover 32, the double engagement portion allows the tabs to be engaged as follows. Double engagement portions 112 and 114 are configured to engage tabs 66 and 68, respectively, and double engagement portions 116 and 118 are configured to engage tabs 70 and 72, respectively. Engaging portions 120 and 122 are configured to engage tabs 74 and 76, respectively, and double engaging portions 124 and 126 are configured to engage tab engaging portions 78 and 80, respectively.

  The single engagement portions 106, 108, and 110 are configured to engage the tab portions 82, 84, and 86 of the second cover 34 and the corresponding tab portions 88, 90, and 92 of the first cover 32. .

  Each engagement portion (ie, the engagement portions 106 to 126) includes a lock groove and a release groove. When the container 30 is closed and the tab portion on the first cover 32 is aligned with the corresponding tab portion on the second cover 34, the lock member 100 slides to the locked position, and each lock groove defines the corresponding tab portion therebetween. Various locking grooves are designed to prevent capture and trapping and separation of the corresponding tab portions. Such an arrangement prevents the container 30 from opening.

  In particular, the engagement portions 106, 108, and 110 have lock and release grooves 128 and 130, 132 and 134, and 136 and 138, respectively. The engaging portions 112 and 114 include lock grooves 140 and 142, respectively. With respect to the release grooves for the engagement portions 112 and 114, the engagement portions share a “release groove” 93 within the container 30 (see FIG. 7). Actually, the release groove 93 is a space in the container 30. Engaging portions 116 and 118 include lock and release grooves 144 and 146, 148 and 150, respectively. Engaging portions 120 and 122 include lock and release grooves 152 and 154, 156 and 158, respectively. Engaging portions 124 and 126 include lock and release grooves 160 and 162, 164 and 166, respectively.

  A simple example of the interaction between the tabs of the first and second covers 32 and 34 and the locking and release grooves of the locking member 100 is as follows. When the first cover 32 is closed over the second cover, the tabs 66 and 68 correspond to the corresponding tabs 50 and 52, respectively, and the tab 88 corresponds to the corresponding tab 82. In this position, tabs 50 and 66 are placed across release groove 93 (ie, space 93) of container 30, tabs 52 and 68 are placed across release groove 93 of container 30, and tabs 88 and 82 are placed across the release groove 130 of the single engagement portion 106. As the tab is placed in and across the release groove, the container can be opened (see, eg, locking member 100 in the unlocked position in FIGS. 8 and 9).

  To lock the container 30, the locking member 30 is slid in a direction that allows the corresponding tab to engage the appropriate locking groove. This captures the corresponding tab in the locking groove and prevents the tab from separating from the opening and consequently prevents the container from opening. That is, when the first cover 32 is pulled away from the second cover 34, the associated tab of the first cover 32 cannot freely cross various release grooves, so that the container cannot be opened. For example, when the locking member 30 is slid to the locked position, the corresponding tabs 50 and 66 are caught in the lock groove 140 of the double engaging portion 112, and the corresponding tabs 52 and 68 are locked to the double engaging portion 114. Captured in the groove 142 and corresponding tabs 82 and 88 are captured in the locking groove 128 of the single engagement portion 106. The locking grooves prevent tabs 66 and 68 of first cover 32 from separating from corresponding tabs 50 and 52, respectively, and prevent tabs 88 of first cover from separating from corresponding tabs 82 of the second cover. . The residual tab portion is similarly captured in the corresponding locking groove to safely lock the container in the closed position.

  FIG. 7 shows the container 30 with the locking member 100 inserted therein in the unlocked position. The locking member 100 may be inserted into the container 30 after the container is manufactured. For example, the locking member 100 may be snapped to a location within the container 30 at the position where the container is manufactured. As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the present invention, at least one end of the locking member 100 can be extended at the edge of the container 30 to increase safety. This can prevent, for example, a thief trying to open the container from the corner of the container 30.

  In some embodiments, during the molding or stamping process of the container 30, the locking member 100 can be fabricated and assembled off-line as needed. Thereafter, the locking member 100 may be inserted into the container before the film is attached and before the container is closed, and during the last step of the molding or stamping process.

  The lock member 100 is placed on the second cover 34 in the lock receiving space 94 (see FIG. 2), and is preferably placed on a sliding engagement portion in the space. This is achieved by some suitable method. For example, as described above, the locking member 100 is provided in the lock receiving space 94 (see FIG. 2) by the adjustment engagement portions 116 and 118 and the adjustment engagement portions 124 and 126 between the tabs 56 and 54 and between the tabs 64 and 62. It may be snapped into. The tab safely holds the locking member 100 in the original position.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lock member 100 includes two spring arms 102 and 104 formed integrally with the lock member. It should be noted that the embodiment shown in the figure in which the spring arm is formed with a locking member is exemplary only. The spring arms may be alternately formed integrally with one or both of the first cover 32 and the second cover 34. The spring arms 102 and 104 are configured to operate in combination with a stop portion 95 formed on the first cover 32 and a stop portion 96 formed on the second cover 34. The spring arms 102 and 104 are actuated by a magnetic key device and are configured, for example, to selectively move the lock member 100 to a locked and unlocked position. To this end, spring arms 102 and 104 may include lock head portions 170 and 168 having metal inserts 174 and 172, respectively.

  In this manner, the first magnetic device of the magnetic key device (eg, magnetic key device 300 of FIG. 15) operates to move the spring arm 104 in the direction 176, while the second magnetic device of the magnetic key device. Operates to move the spring arm 102 in the direction 178. In particular, spring arms 102 and 104 include lock head portions 170 and 168, respectively, having lock surfaces 171 and 169, respectively. Locking surfaces 171 and 169 are configured to engage each stop 96 and 95 to lock and release the container 30. Once the spring arms 102 and 104 are moved, the spring arms can be disengaged from the associated stops 95 and 96. In this manner, the lock member 100 is slidable to either the locked position (eg, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) or the unlocked position (eg, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12). Moved.

  For example, the first and second magnetic devices of the magnetic key device (see magnetic key device 300 of FIG. 15) pull the spring arms 104 and 102 and move the spring arms in directions 176 and 178, respectively. The first and second magnetic devices of the magnetic key device include a spring arm 104 and a first and second magnetic field generated by the first and second magnetic devices while the container 30 slides through the magnetic key device channel. 102 can be held. Such a magnetic force holds the locking member 100 in place so that the locking surfaces 171 and 169 can be disengaged from the stops 95 and 96 while the container 30 moves within the channel of the magnetic keying device. Relative movement between the locking member 100 and the container 30 allows the locking member to be located in either the locked or unlocked position.

  In embodiments of the invention in which the spring arms 102 and 104 are integrally formed (eg, molded) with the locking member 100, the spring arms are positioned so that the magnetic inserts 174 and 172 are properly positioned within the spring arms. It is necessary to rotate out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the lock member. However, the step of rotating each spring arm 102 and 104 out of alignment with the lock member 30 causes an unnecessary bias on the spring arm, causing the lock head portions 170 and 168 to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lock member. Can be moved outward. Accordingly, the spring arms 102 and 104 may be provided with hooks 184 and 180 and hook catch portions 186 and 182, respectively. In this manner, the spring arms 102 and 104 can be accurately positioned after inserting the magnetic inserts 174 and 172, respectively, so that the spring arms do not protrude perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the locking member 100. .

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the container 30 may include a status window 91 that indicates the locked or unlocked state of the container. In one example, the first and second covers 32 and 34 may each include notches 75 and 77 that form a status window 91 when the container 30 is closed (see FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the status window 91 makes at least a portion of the locking member 100 visible to the user.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the state portion 190 on the surface of the lock member 100 includes lock and unlock state information. The status information may be arranged thereon by some known method. While the locking member 100 slides between the locked position and the unlocked position, appropriate status information, and consequently the position of the locking member, will appear via the status window 91 for the user to read. As an example, the state portion 190 of the locking member 100 may include a seal that indicates a green open state 194 and a red closed state 192. Thus, when the locking member 100 is slid to the locked position, a red closed state 192 is shown through the status window 91 (see FIG. 13). When the locking member 100 is slid to the unlocked position, a green open state 194 is shown through the status window 91 (see FIG. 14).

  15 to 17 show a representative magnetic key device 300 according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the magnetic key device 300. The magnetic key device 300 is used in association with the container 30 and the lock member 100 so that the lock member is positioned on the container at the lock position and the unlock position, for example. The magnetic key device 300 may include a channel 302 that receives a side edge of the container 30 (see FIG. 7). The magnetic key device may include a first magnetic device 304 and a second magnetic device 306 embedded in the opposing surface and the opposing end of the magnetic key device. Magnets 304 and 306 may be non-commercially available magnets that are not readily available, for example. Since the magnets 304 and 306 are different sizes, the magnets are very difficult to manipulate.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second magnetic devices 304 and 306 move the spring arm 104 in the direction 176 (magnetic device 306) and the spring arm 102 in the direction 178 (magnetic) to unlock the container 30. Such as a magnet designed to interact with the metal inserts 172 and 174 (see FIG. 6) to move to the device 304). Similarly, the first and second magnetic devices 304 and 306 move the spring arm 102 in direction 176 (magnetic device 306) and the spring arm 104 in direction 178 (magnetic device 304) to lock the container 30. For example, a magnet designed to interact with the metal inserts 172 and 174 (see FIG. 6).

  It should be noted that although the key device 300 of the present invention shows first and second magnet devices 304 and 306, the number of magnets and their combinations can be increased as desired. For example, the key device 300 may include three magnets. In order to unlock the container 30, it is very difficult for a thief to manipulate the three magnets accurately.

  The magnetic key device 300 may include typical security functions such as a key lock function, a key lock counter / mount function, an approval-reject function, or a combination thereof. Such functions are described in detail below.

  The “key lock” function of the present invention locks the locked magnetic key device 300 so that, for example, if there is no person at the cash register or the store is closed, the magnetic key to unlock the container 30. Prevent use of the device. In some embodiments, channel 302 includes a blocking member or bar 308 that is operably coupled to key assembly 310. Key assembly 310 is configured and arranged to move blocking member 308 to a locked position (see FIG. 17) and unlocked position (see FIG. 16).

  In order to move the blocking member 308 to the locked position (see FIG. 17), a suitable key is inserted into the key assembly 310 and turned. The bar 308 is then released and extended perpendicular to the surface of the channel 302. In such a locked position, the bar 308 disables the magnetic key device 300 to prevent the container from “sliding” through the channel 302. This prevents unauthorized use when using the magnetic key device 300 to unlock or lock the container. For example, a thief is prevented from easily entering a cash register without a person and unlocking the container. The key lock function of the present invention stops the magnetic key device 300 after the store is closed, and further prevents internal theft.

  To unlock the magnetic key device 300 (see FIG. 16), an appropriate key is inserted into the key assembly 310 and turned in a direction to move the bar 308 from the channel 302. In some embodiments, to move the bar 308 from the channel 302, the bar is positioned in a groove 312 that is rotated from the channel and extends below the surface of the channel 302 (see, eg, FIG. 16).

  The “key lock counter mount” feature of the present invention allows the magnetic key device 300 to be fixedly and separably coupled to, for example, a retail store cash register. The magnetic key device 300 is releasably attached to the cash register by using the second key device 314 that locks and releases the magnetic key device 300. The second key device 314 operates in conjunction with a permanent mounting plate 316 that is permanently attached to the cash register using any suitable method.

  In some embodiments, the magnetic key device 300 can be releasably attached to the mounting plate 316 by a lower cover 318. The lower cover 318 may include a hook portion 320 configured and arranged to slidably engage an associated catch portion 322 formed on the mounting plate 316. The hook portion 320 is strong enough that a potential thief cannot forcibly remove the magnetic key device 300 from the mounting plate 316. For example, the hook part 320 may include a reinforcing wall for increasing strength.

  The second key device 314 may include a second blocking member or bar 324 configured and arranged across the lower cover 318 and the grooves 326 and 328 of the mounting plate 316, respectively. The grooves 326 and 328 are linearly arranged when the lower cover 318 of the magnetic key device 300 is slidably engaged with the mounting plate 316. When the second bar 324 crosses the grooves 326 and 328, the lower cover 318 is not slid without being engaged with the mounting plate 316.

  In order to move the first bar 324 to the locked position where the magnetic key device 300 is locked to the cash register, the lower cover 318 is engaged with the mounting plate 316 and slid. The appropriate key is then inserted into the second key assembly 314 and rotated. Bar 324 is then released and extends across grooves 326 and 328. In order to unlock the magnetic key device 300 from the cash register, a suitable key is inserted into the key assembly 314 and rotated in a direction to move the bar 322 from the grooves 326 and 328. Thereafter, the magnetic key device 300 slides without being engaged with the mounting plate 316.

  The “approval-reject” function of the present invention is used by being added to or combined with any one of the above-described key lock or key lock counter mounting functions. When the thief attempts to force the magnetic key device 300 to be changed (eg, to remove it from a cash register at a retail store) due to the approval-reject feature, the magnetic key device 300 is “collapsed” so that it cannot be used. Is done. In some embodiments, the magnetic key device 300 may be manufactured such that a forced change of the unit destroys the unit so that it is not used with the magnets 304 and 306 turned off together. The magnetic key device 300 may be manufactured so that it cannot be easily reassembled without a specific assembly tool.

  For safety, any one of known EAS or RFID tags (for example, AM or RF active security tags) (not shown) is mounted in the outer case 330 of the magnetic key device 300 or on the mounting plate 318. May be. In such an embodiment, the AM or RF sensor is placed in a retail store where an unauthorized user attempts to steal the magnetic key device 300 or, for example, a stolen magnetic key device is stored in the store. Sense that you have entered. An activatable tag generates an alarm and notifies the security officer.

  In some embodiments, the magnetic key device 300 is configured to notify the user of the lock state of the lockable container 30 in an auditory, tactile, optical, visual, or a combination thereof. Also good. For example, the magnetic key device 300 may include a number of indicators or confirmation redundancy (eg, audible, tactile, or optical indicators, or combinations thereof) to indicate the locked or unlocked status of the container 30. . As an example, the magnetic key device 300 may include a speaker device (not shown) that informs the user of an audible indicator. In other examples, the magnetic key device 300 may be configured to convey a tactile indicator, such as a vibration signal from a lockable container, to the user. In yet another example, the magnetic key device 300 may include at least one light source (e.g., LED, lamp, or other suitable light source) that informs the user of the optical indicator.

  In some embodiments, the magnetic key device 300 may include “identified by a database function, serialized web server”. A bar code (not shown) may be placed on the outer case 330 of the magnetic key device 300, for example. The bar code, for example, indicates a number of product numbers or serial numbers, the name of the store or authorized user, or ID number, the date the product was sold or leased to an authorized user, or other appropriate information Can do. This allows tracking of stolen magnetic key devices through a database containing serial numbers, manufacturing information and store IDs of key devices supplied to retailers, replicators, and the like. The stolen magnetic key device may then be traced back to the last authorized user.

  18 and 19 show a method of positioning the lock member 100 in the locked position and the unlocked position in the container 30, respectively.

  To align the locking member 100 in the locked position and lock the container 30, the side edge 97 of the container 30 is positioned in the channel 302 in the direction shown in FIG. The spring arm 102 is arranged with a magnet 306 (see FIG. 15), and the spring arm 104 is arranged with a magnet 304 (see FIG. 15). In this position, the metal insertion part 174 of the spring arm 102 is pulled toward the magnet 306, and the lock head part 170 is moved in the direction 176 (see FIG. 6). At the same time, the metal insertion portion 172 of the spring arm 104 is pulled toward the magnet 304, and the lock head portion 168 is moved in the direction 178 (see FIG. 6). The movement of the spring arms 102 and 104 moves the locking surfaces of the spring arms from their respective stops. In particular, the lock surface 171 of the spring arm 102 is moved from the stop portion 96, and the lock surface 169 of the spring arm 104 is moved from the stop portion 95. This makes the locking member 100 slidable into the locked position as described above and as shown, for example, in FIGS. The locking member 100 can reach the locked position by moving the container 30 in the direction 348. Indeed, while the locking member 100 is stopped and held in place by the magnets 304 and 306, the container 30 slides through the channel 302 (see FIG. 15). In particular, spring arms 102 and 104 may be held in place by magnetic fields generated by magnets 306 and 304, respectively. After the lock member 100 moves to the lock position, the lock surface 171 of the spring arm 102 is positioned on the opposite side of the stop portion 96, and the lock surface 169 of the spring arm 104 is positioned on the opposite side of the stop portion 95. (See the positioning shown in FIGS. 10-12). The stops 95 and 96 prevent the lock member 100 from sliding in the direction 190 (see FIG. 10) and prevent the lock member 100 from moving to the unlocked position.

  In order to unlock the container 30 by engaging the locking member 100 in the unlocked position, the side edge 97 of the container 30 is located in the channel 302 (see FIG. 15) in the orientation shown in FIG. Is done. The spring arm 102 is arranged with a magnet 304, and the spring arm 104 is arranged with a magnet 306. In this position, the metal pin 174 of the spring arm 102 is pulled toward the magnet 304 and moves the lock head 170 in the direction 178 (see FIG. 6). At the same time, the metal insert 172 of the spring arm 104 is drawn toward the magnet 306 to move the lock head 168 in the direction 176. The movement of the spring arms 102 and 104 moves the locking surfaces of the spring arms from their respective stops. In particular, the lock surface 171 of the spring arm 102 is moved from the stop portion 96, and the lock surface 169 of the spring arm 104 is moved from the stop portion 95. This makes the locking member 100 slidable to the unlocked position as described above and as shown, for example, in FIGS. The locking member 100 can reach the unlocked position by moving the container 30 in the direction 350. Indeed, while the locking member 100 is stopped and held in place by the magnets 304 and 306, the container 30 slides through the channel 302 (see FIG. 15). In particular, spring arms 102 and 104 may be held in place by magnetic fields generated by magnets 306 and 304, respectively. After the lock member 100 moves to the unlock position, the lock surface 171 of the spring arm 102 is positioned on the opposite side surface of the stop portion 96, and the lock surface 169 of the spring arm 104 is on the opposite side surface of the stop portion 95. Is positioned (see the positioning shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). The stops 95 and 96 prevent the lock member 100 from sliding in the direction 192 (see FIG. 8) and prevent the lock member 100 from moving to the lock position.

  As an alternative to the method of unlocking the container 30 shown in FIG. 19, by reinserting the container into the channel 302 in the same orientation that was inserted to lock the container (see FIG. 18), the container It may be unlocked. In such a position, the container 30 can be moved in direction 350 to unlock the container.

  The container 30 (see FIG. 2) may include a number of security features as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,561,347 to Lax, incorporated herein by reference. For example, the container 30 may include “overlapping walls” that prevent changes to the upper and lower edges of the container. As shown in FIG. 3, the first cover 32 can include walls 31 and 33 extending from its upper and lower edges, and the second cover 34 includes walls 35 and 37 extending from its upper and lower edges. But you can. Preferably, the walls 31, 33, 35 and 37 increase the full width, or at least about the full width of the container 30. When the first cover 32 is closed on the second cover 34, the wall 35 of the second cover 34 is placed behind the wall 31 of the first cover 32, and the wall 37 of the second cover 34 is It is placed behind 32 walls 33. When the walls 37 and 35 of the second cover 34 are respectively placed behind the walls 33 and 31 of the first cover 32, the overlap or double wall results in a stiffer container 30 and the double or overlap wall Try to break in position.

  FIG. 20 shows another security function used in combination with the container 30 according to the present invention. A state in which a part of the container 30 is closed is shown in FIG. The wall 33 of the first cover 32 overlaps the wall 37 of the second cover 34. The wall 33 and the wall 37 are touched by a seam portion 39. In some embodiments, the wall 33 extends longitudinally or to the opposite side 41 of the second cover 34 so that it touches the wall 37 in the upper position. Preferably, the opposing walls 31 and 35 interact in the same manner as the walls 33 and 37. As a result, the seam portion 39 is positioned on the upper side of the opposing side surface 41 of the second cover 34 or extends to the opposing side surface of the second cover. Such a configuration is advantageous because the seam portion 39 is covered with a display material that generally covers the opposing side surface 41 of the second cover 34. Thus, since the seam part is hidden, the possibility that the seam part 39 is changed is reduced.

  21 and 22 are a plan view and a perspective view, respectively, illustrating another example of a lockable container 400 according to the present invention for securely storing storage media. In contrast to the container 30 and locking member 100 described above, the container 400 has various loops configured to engage the relevant portions of the locking member 500 to securely store the contents of the container.

  The container 400 includes a first cover 402, a second cover 404, and a protrusion 406 disposed therebetween. The second cover 404 can hold a storage medium (not shown). The first cover 402 and the second cover 404 are pivotally coupled to the protrusion 406 to form a hinge portion. The hinge part is configured such that the first cover and the second cover touch each other so that the first and second covers 402 and 404 rotate relative to each other, and wraps storage media or other assets safely.

  The first cover 402 may include two elastic document holding members 408, 410 that are used to hold documents such as booklets associated with storage media securely stored in the container 400. The second cover 404 may include a hub 412 to hold a storage medium (not shown). An example of a hub is described above with respect to FIG.

  23 and 24 are perspective views exemplarily showing a lock member 500 for use with the container 400 according to the present invention. The locking member 500 is slidably connected to the container 400 so that the locking member 500 can be selectively slid to the locked position and the unlocked position.

  The first and second covers 402, 404 may include a plurality of loops that interact with the locking member 500 to lock the container 400 in the closed position. The lock member 500 can be inserted into the container 400 and slid in the directions 414 and 416 (see FIG. 25) of the lock position and the unlock position, respectively.

  The locking member 500 may include molded spring arms 502, 504 that, when described in more detail below, when the locking member 500 is in the locked position, is in the unlocked position. It is used to prevent sliding and to prevent the locking member 500 from sliding to the locked position when in the unlocked state. The spring arms 502, 504 can take any one other suitable device that meets the objectives of the present invention. For example, in the case of the lock member 500, the molded spring arms 502, 504 are metal plate springs (not shown) included as part of the second cover 404 of the container 400 rather than as part of the lock member 500. Also good.

  The locking member 500 includes locking tabs 506, 508, 510, 512, which are formed on each side of the container 400 to lock the container in the closed position, as will be described in detail below. The adjacent corresponding loops 420 and 428, 422 and 430, 424 and 432, and 426 and 434 are engaged. The locking tabs and loops function in a manner similar to the container 30 and locking member 100 coupling and receiving structure described above. When the container 400 is in the closed position, the loops 420, 422, 424, 426 are disposed on the second cover 404 and the loops 428, 430, 432, 434 are connected to the first cover so that the loops are in an adjacent relationship. 402. For example, when the container 400 is closed and locked, the loop 420 is adjacent to the loop 428, the loop 422 is adjacent to the loop 430, and the loop 424 is adjacent to the loop 432. , The loop 426 becomes adjacent to the loop 434. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the locking tabs 506, 508, 510, 512 are configured and arranged to be at least partially in the corresponding loop when the locking member 500 is in the unlocked position. Thus, when the container is in the closed position, the locking tab of the locking member 500 can be more easily slid and coupled with the loop of the container 400.

  For example, the locking member 500 may be inserted into the container 400 by snapping the member into the container. In an embodiment, the locking member 500 includes a shoulder 520 that is snapped onto the tab portion 439 of the container 400 and located below the tab portion (FIGS. 21 and 22). The shoulder member 520 allows the lock member 500 to be stably held in the container 400 even when the lock member slides between the locked position and the unlocked position.

  In some embodiments, the effective working distance from the inner end of the container 400 to the booklet inserted into the container may be about 7.5 mm. In such an embodiment, the locking member 500 can occupy about 5 mm of the effective space.

  The locking member 500 is designed to be used with an outer magnetic key device, such as the magnetic key device 600 of FIGS. 28 and 29, to lock and unlock the container 400, respectively. In particular, the magnetic key device 600 selectively positions the internal lock member 500 to either the locked position or the unlocked position. For this purpose, the internal lock member 500 includes a magnetic attracting part, and the magnetic attracting part is formed to be magnetically coupled to at least one magnetic device of the magnetic key device 600. For example, the metal insertion portions 520 and 522 may be inserted into opposite ends of the lock member 500, and the metal insertion portions 524 and 526 may be inserted into the spring arms 502 and 504, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 26-29, when the container 400 is used to securely store assets, the first cover 402 is pivoted toward the second cover 404. Then, the loops (ie, 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434) in the first and second covers 402, 404 are adjacent as described above and as shown in FIG. Become a relationship. In the position shown in FIG. 26, the container 400 is ready to be locked by engaging the locking tabs 506, 508, 510, 512 with the loops 420-432. In particular, the container 400 can be inserted into the channel 602 of the magnetic key device 600 as shown in FIG. The lock member 500 interacts with magnets 604, 606, 608 built in the magnetic key device 600. In particular, the magnet 608 is arranged with the spring arm 502, and the magnets 604 and 606 are arranged with the insertion portion 522. The magnet 608 pulls the spring arm 502 in the direction 530 (FIG. 23) so that the spring arm 502 is no longer in contact with the stop 440. As a result, the lock member 500 can slide in the direction 414 (FIG. 25).

  As a result of the sliding action, lock tab 506 interengages with loops 420, 428, lock tab 508 interengages with loops 422, 430, lock tab 510 interengages with loops 424, 432, and lock tab 512 is loop 426. 434, the locking member 500 will lock the container 400 in the closed position. The locked position of the locking member 500 is illustrated in FIG. Once locked, the spring arm 502 comes into contact with the stop 440 as a result of the sliding action, and the lock member 500 cannot move in the direction 416.

  Any number of magnets or combinations may be used to allow the locking member 500 to slide in the directions 414, 416. For example, one or more magnets may be positioned at the end of the magnetic key device rather than the side surfaces shown in FIGS. In such a configuration, the arrangement of the magnets will attract the locking member 500, thereby causing the locking member to slide in the direction 416.

  27 and 29, to unlock the container 400, the container can be rotated 180 ° and inserted into the channel 602 of the magnetic key device 600 (alternatively, the locking member 500 can be , And may be used with a magnetic key device such as device 300 (FIG. 15), which may be provided with a channel that extends the overall length of the key device. The process of unlocking the container 400 is substantially the reverse of the process described above. As shown in FIG. 29, the lock member 500 interacts with magnets 604, 606, and 608 built in the magnetic key device 600. The magnet 608 is arranged with the spring arm 504, and the magnets 604 and 606 are arranged with the insertion portion 520. The magnet 606 draws the spring arm 504 in the direction 530 (FIG. 23), and the spring arm 504 no longer contacts the stop 442. This allows the lock bar to slide in direction 416. As described above (ie, by pulling the insert 520 to the center of the magnetic field generated by the magnets 604, 606), the magnets 604, 606 allow the lock member 500 to slide in the direction 416. As a result of the sliding action, the locking tab 506 is once moved out of mutual engagement with the unlocked loops 420, 428 and the locking tab 508 is engaged with the unlocked loops 422, 430. The locking tab 510 moves out of the interengagement relationship with the unlocked loops 424, 432, and the locking tab 512 interengages with the unlocked loops 426, 434. As a result, the lock member 504 moves to the unlocked position, and as a result of the sliding action, the spring arm 504 comes into contact with the stop portion 442. It becomes impossible to move in the direction 414. The stop 442 also serves to hold the lock member 500 of the container 400 in the unlocked position during transport.

  Three magnet magnetic key devices (eg, magnetic key device 600) are known to be particularly safe because it is very difficult for a thief to operate a magnet to unlock the container. . However, although the magnetic key device of the present invention shows three magnets that work with four magnetic attraction parts, the number of magnets, the number of magnetic attraction parts, and the number of combinations thereof can be efficiently secured. For this purpose, it may be increased, and may be decreased for efficiency and easy manufacture. In addition, in order to improve safety, the magnet may be a non-commercial magnet that is not easily available, and the magnets are formed to have different sizes, making the operation more difficult. You can also. The magnetic key device may include a steel insertion portion on the opposite edge side, or may be a saturated bias-type permanent magnet.

  The inserts 520, 522, 524, 526 and the corresponding magnets 604, 606, 608 give seven variables, which produce different lock and key combinations as well as changing the door lock cylinder. May be changed. For example, the one or more insertion portions 520, 522, 524, and 526 may be manufactured from a metal material or a semi-metal material and have various diameters or shapes. By changing either or both of the size and material of the insert, the corresponding magnetic key device requires a magnetic assembly with a variety of characteristics to unlock the container 400. For example, if the inserts 520, 522 are manufactured to have a small diameter and the inserts 524, 526 are manufactured to have a large diameter, a greater separation is required for magnetic coupling with the inserts 520, 522. A relatively small separating magnet is magnetically coupled to the inserts 524, 526 while a working magnet is required.

  Similarly, the magnets 604, 606, 608 can be varied by material, size, shape, and any combination thereof. For example, the magnets 604, 606, 608 may be made of a ferrite or semi-ferrite material and include inserts 604, 606, 608 specifically designed to work with the magnets 604, 606, 608. The specific locking member 500 can be operated.

  In some embodiments, the force required to lock and unlock the container 400 may be small. For example, the magnets 604, 606 of the magnetic key device 600 can draw a stroke of about 0.6 inches. For example, the magnet may be 2 inches in diameter, 1.5 inches thick, and NEO42.

  Indeed, the container 400 may be displayed in a real retail or rental environment in a locked state. In addition, since the lock member 500 is completely located inside the container 400, the lock member 500 is not accessed by the consumer or changed without permission. At the cash register, the container 400 is positioned within the magnetic key device 600 for unlocking, and the consumer returns home with the entire container that has not been removed. Thus, there is no separate locking device that needs to be stored, reused, recycled or discarded at the retailer or rental shop.

  As described above in connection with container 30, container 400 may be provided with at least one status window to indicate the locked or unlocked state of the lockable container. As shown in FIG. 22, the first and second covers 402, 404 can include respective cutouts 460, 462 that are joined together when the container 400 is closed. A status window (not shown) is formed to indicate the locked or unlocked state of the container. In an embodiment, the user can see at least a portion of the locking member 500 through the status window.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the state portion 540 on the surface of the lock member 500 may include lock state information and unlock state information disposed on the surface by any known method. In this way, when the locking member 500 slides between the locked position and the unlocked position, the appropriate state information and the resulting state of the container 400 will be shown through the status window read by the user. For example, the state portion 540 indicates nothing (eg, when the container 400 is not locked), indicates green when unlocked, indicates red when locked, or any other suitable information Can be shown. In some embodiments, the color indicator may be a pad printed on the locking member 500 or disposed on its surface, such as by a seal. Therefore, when the lock member 500 is slid to the locked position, the colored portion (for example, the red portion) is shown through the status window, and when the lock member 500 is slid to the unlocked position, the other colored portion (for example, the green portion) is passed through the status window. As shown.

  In the embodiment described above, the magnetic key devices 300 and 600 are a single unit. In such an embodiment, the user locks and unlocks the containers 30 and 400 by properly orienting the containers in the corresponding magnetic key device. Alternatively, the magnetic key device may be separated into two different units. One unit acts as a coupler and the other unit acts as a separator. Preferably, the coupler and separator are configured and arranged so that the coupler acts as a separator, but not vice versa. For example, the container and magnetic key device may be “tuned” so that the separator cannot act as a coupler. This prevents the store clerk from accidentally closing the container and prevents the purchaser from opening the container when he / she comes home. Preferably, the container includes a rising stop located at the bottom of the container (not shown) for adjusting the container and separator. The separator includes a thin throat or track (not shown). Therefore, when the store clerk tries to insert the bottom of the container provided with the stop portion into the narrow throat, the container does not fit. That is, the store clerk can only place the container in one orientation in the separator and thus the container can only be unlocked. Similarly, the coupler can have a wider throat that is sufficiently wide (not shown) to accept the bottom and stop of the container when allowing the container to lock. Since the throat of the coupler is even wider than the throat of the separator, the coupler also functions as a separator.

  In an embodiment, two versions of a magnetic key device may be provided. One version may be a more robust separator with four mounts, RFID or EAS security tags, etc., and may be leased. Desirably, the security tag is an RF or AM (acoustic-magnetic) activation tag. The other version may be a low cost separator that can be purchased by a retailer.

  For security reasons, it is preferable to adjust and distribute separate couplers and separators. For example, a coupler may be provided only to a replicator (eg, a person who packs a container for retail sale). The separator can only be provided to the sales clerk (e.g., the person calculating at the cash register).

  FIG. 30 is an exemplary perspective view of another lockable container 700 for securely storing assets in accordance with the present invention. A corresponding locking member for the lockable container 700 is shown in FIGS. The assembly of lockable container 700 and locking member 800 is shown in FIG. Lockable container 700 and locking member 800 are substantially similar to lockable container 30 and locking member 100 described above.

  In particular, the locking member 800 includes a plurality of double bonds (ie, portions 808 through 813) that are configured to couple with associated tabs on the second cover 704 of the container 700. . Double coupling portions 806, 807 are each configured to couple with tabs 720, 722, and double coupling portions 808, 809 are configured to couple with tabs 724, 726, respectively, 811 is configured to couple with tabs 728 and 730, respectively, and double coupling portions 812 and 813 are configured to couple with tabs 732 and 734, respectively.

  The difference between the container 700 and the container 30 is that the container 700 is sized and designed to receive an asset, such as a razor blade. For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the container 700 may include portions 706, 708 for receiving razor blade cartridges. Further, the container 700 may include a hole 710 used to hang the container 700 in a retail facility (eg, a pharmacy).

  Yet another embodiment of a lockable container 900 for securely storing assets according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. The container 900 uses a locking member 950 (FIG. 36) that is substantially similar to the locking member 800 of FIGS. As demonstrated by roll 910 (FIG. 35), container 900 is used, for example, to securely store a plurality of tablets therein. The roll 910 is fixed inside the first cover 902 and the second cover 904 of the container 900. The locking member 950 is present in the portion 908 of the container 900 formed by the first cover 902 and the second cover 904. By interacting with an appropriate magnetic key device, the lid holding portion 952 of the lock member 950 can be disconnected from the lid portion 906. As a result, the lid 906 is slightly opened, and the roll 910 is pulled through the opening 912 of the container 900. As such, one or more tablets can be dispensed from the roll 910 through the openings 912. In order to lock the container 900 so that no more tablets can be dispensed through the opening 912, the container can be interacted with a suitable magnetic key device.

  Yet another embodiment of a lockable container 1000 for securely storing assets according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. A locking member 1050 substantially similar to the locking member 800 of FIGS. 31 and 32 can be used for the container 1000. For example, the container 1000 is used for safely storing a plurality of tablets in the storage unit 1002. The locking member 1050 is present in the portion 1008 of the container 1000 formed by the storage unit 1002. By interacting with an appropriate magnetic key device, the lid holding portion 1052 of the lock member 1050 can be disconnected from the lid portion 1006. Accordingly, the lid 1006 is opened, and the tablet can be used through the opening 1012 of the container 1000. Thus, one or more tablets can be dispensed through the opening 1012. In order to lock the container 1000 so that no more tablets can be dispensed through the opening 1012, the container can be interacted with a suitable magnetic key device.

  Thus, various embodiments of lockable containers with an integral inner locking structure are provided. The container and locking member according to the invention are advantageous because they are used in many fields that require a locked container once the locking member is inserted into the container. If the container needs to be used in an area where it does not need to be locked, it simply does not activate the lock. Such containers do not incur additional costs for the consumer or retailer, and only minimal minimal costs for the manufacturer or replicator. Minor adjustments may be required at the molder / replicator, which may cost up to $ 0.04 per part. The label at the end of the security seal may no longer be needed, and thus saving such a label at the end of the security seal can counter these disadvantages. Revenue from all parts arises as loyalty.

  In fact, once the container is molded and the locking member is inserted therein, the container is not locked (ie, the locking member is not in the closed position). The container is then always locked afterwards. If the container needs to be locked, the container is placed under the influence of a magnetic key device and locked, for example after being replicated by a replicator (eg after being packed with a disk, booklet, etc.).

  The above-described contents are merely examples for the principle of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can naturally make various modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the features described above in connection with the exemplary lockable container, the exemplary locking member, and the exemplary magnetic key device can be included in any of the embodiments of the invention described herein.

The perspective view which shows simply an example of the lockable container which concerns on this invention. The top view which shows an example of the lockable container which stores the storage media based on this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lockable container of FIG. 2 according to the present invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the hub structure of the lockable container which concerns on this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the locking member used for the lockable container of FIG. 2 which concerns on this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the locking member used for the lockable container of FIG. 2 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the locking member of FIG. 5 and the lockable container of FIG. 2 according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 7 with the container according to the present invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 8 is another perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 7 with the container according to the present invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 7 with the container according to the present invention in a locked state. FIG. 8 is another perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 7 with the container according to the present invention in a locked state. FIG. 8 is another perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 7 with the container according to the present invention in a locked state. The perspective view which shows an example of the status window which shows that the container which concerns on this invention is in a locked state. The perspective view which shows an example of the status window which shows that the container which concerns on this invention exists in a lock release state. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a magnetic key device according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the magnetic key device of FIG. 15 in which the key device according to the present invention is in an unlocked state. The perspective view of the magnetic key apparatus of FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lockable container of FIG. 7 and the key device of FIG. 15 in the locked position of the container according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lockable container of FIG. 7 and the key device of FIG. 15 in the unlocked position of the container according to the present invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the overlapping wall shape of the lockable container which concerns on this invention. The top view which shows another example of the lockable container which stores the storage media based on this invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the lockable container of FIG. 21 according to the present invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the locking member used for the lockable container of FIG. 21 which concerns on this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the locking member used for the lockable container of FIG. 21 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lockable container assembly of FIG. 21 and the locking member of FIG. 23 according to the present invention. FIG. 26 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 25 with the container according to the present invention in an unlocked state. FIG. 26 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the assembly of FIG. 25 with the container according to the present invention in a locked state; FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example of the key device in the container locking position according to the present invention and the lockable container of FIG. 25. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lockable container of FIG. 25 and the key device of FIG. 28 in the unlocked position of the container according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a lockable container according to the present invention for storing assets. The perspective view which shows an example of the locking member of the lockable container of FIG. 30 which concerns on this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the locking member of the lockable container of FIG. 30 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the lockable container of FIG. 30 and the lock member assembly of FIG. 31 according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another example of a lockable container according to the present invention for storing assets. The perspective view which shows an example of the roll of the capsule used for the container of FIG. 34 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the container of FIG. 34 according to the present invention. The top view of the container of FIG. 34 which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a lockable container according to the present invention for storing assets. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 38 showing how the container lid opens according to the present invention. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the container of FIG. 38 according to the present invention. The top view of the container of FIG. 38 which concerns on this invention.

Claims (130)

In lockable containers that store assets,
First cover,
A second cover coupled with the first cover, the first cover and the second cover configured to move between an open position accessible to the asset and a closed position containing the asset;
A locking member corresponding device operably connected to at least one of the first and second covers, and a locking member;
Including
The locking member is configured to move between an unlocked position where the first and second covers can move to the open position and a locked position that locks the first and second covers in the closed position, and A lockable container, wherein all locking members are internal to the container in an unlocked position.   The lockable container according to claim 1, wherein when the lock member is in the lock position, the lock member engages with the lock member corresponding device.   In the first aspect, when the lock member is in the locked position, the lock member is engaged with the lock member corresponding device, and the lock member is configured to be acted on by the external key device, and is associated with the lock member corresponding device. A lockable container, wherein the lock member is selectively positioned at either the lock position or the unlock position.   2. The lockable container of claim 1, wherein the first cover is pivotally connected to the second cover.   2. The lockable container according to claim 1, wherein the lock member corresponding device is formed as a part of the first and second covers, and the lock member is detachably connected to the second cover.   6. The lockable container according to claim 5, wherein the lock member corresponding device has at least one tab formed on the first cover and at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover.   In item 6, at least one tab formed on the first cover and at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover are adjacent to each other when the first and second covers are in the closed position. Features lockable container.   Item 8. The lockable container of item 7, wherein at least a portion of the locking member has an I-beam structure with a recess formed therein.   In item 8, at least one tab formed on the first cover and at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover are positioned in the recess and are not separated when the locking member is in the locked position. Features lockable container.   In the first aspect, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closing walls, the second cover has at least a pair of lower closing walls, and when the first cover is closed by the second cover, Each of the lower closure walls is positioned behind each of the other upper and lower closure walls, and each of the upper and lower closure walls is a major portion of the height of each of the other upper and lower closure walls. A lockable container, characterized in that a double wall is formed so as to substantially overlap.   Item 10. The lockable container according to item 10, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closing walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closing walls extends the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   Item 10. The lockable container according to item 10, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closing walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closing walls extends substantially the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   In the first aspect, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closing walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges touching behind the second cover, and each of the at least one pair of upper closing walls is A lockable container, characterized in that it touches the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form a seam portion of the container.   In the first aspect, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closing walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges substantially touching behind the second cover, and at least a pair of upper closing walls. Is a lockable container that touches the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form each seam.   In the first aspect, when the lock member is in the locked position, the lock member is engaged with the lock member corresponding device, and the lock member is configured to be operated by the external key device, and is associated with the lock member corresponding device. The lock member is selectively positioned at either the lock position or the unlock position, and the lock member corresponding device is formed as a part of the first cover, and the lock member is detachably connected to the second cover. A lockable container characterized in that.   Item 15. The lockable container according to item 15, wherein the locking member has at least one tab, and the locking member corresponding device has at least one corresponding loop.   Item 16. The lockable container of item 16, wherein at least one tab is configured to engage at least one corresponding loop when the locking member is in the locked position.   16. The locking member according to item 16, wherein the locking member forms a single molded structure, and the locking member is made of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic resin polypropylene, ABS, polycarbonate, and combinations thereof. Lockable container.   In the fifteenth aspect, the locking member has at least one engaging structure, the locking member corresponding device has at least one corresponding engaging structure, and the engaging structure of the locking member is the locking member corresponding device. A lockable container configured to engage a corresponding engagement structure.   Item 20. The lockable container according to item 19, wherein the locking member has a stop device so as to selectively block the locking member from moving to the locked position and the unlocked position.   Item 20 is characterized in that at least one engagement structure of the lock member has at least one first magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding first magnet device of the external key device. Lockable container.   In item 21, the stop device has at least one resilient lock position flange biased in a locked state, the container has a corresponding lock position tab, and the lock position flange selects the corresponding lock position tab. The lockable container is configured to be engaged with each other and prevents the locking member from sliding to the unlocked position once in the locked position.   Item 22. The elastic lock position flange has at least one second magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding second magnet device of the external key device, and the second magnetic attraction portion. A lockable container, characterized in that the magnetic interaction between the outer key device and the second magnet device of the external key device causes the elastic locking position flange to bend towards the external key device.   Item 21. The lockable container of item 21, wherein the first magnetic attraction portion is selected from the group consisting of steel pins, metal pins, metal insertion portions, magnetic insertion portions, and combinations thereof.   24. The lockable container according to item 23, wherein the second magnetic attraction portion is selected from the group consisting of a steel pin, a metal pin, a metal insertion portion, a magnetic insertion portion, and combinations thereof.   In item 21, the stop device has at least one resilient unlocking position flange biased in an unlocked state, the container has a corresponding unlocking position tab, and the unlocking position flange is a corresponding locking A lockable container configured to selectively engage a release position tab to prevent the lock member from sliding into the lock position once in the unlock position.   Item 26. The elastic unlocking position flange has at least one third magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding third magnet device of the external key device, and the third magnetic attraction portion. A lockable container characterized in that the magnetic interaction between the part and the third magnet device of the external key device causes the elastic unlocking position flange to bend towards the external key device.   In item 23, the stop device has at least one elastic unlocking position flange biased in the unlocked state, and the elastic unlocking position flange is magnetically coupled with the second magnet device of the external key device. Having at least one third magnetic attraction configured to interact, and the magnetic interaction between the third magnetic attraction and the second magnet device of the external key device includes an elastic unlocking position flange Lockable container characterized in that it bends towards an external key device.   In item 20, the external key device interacts with at least one corresponding engagement structure and at least one stop device of the lock member to selectively move the lock member to the locked position and the unlocked position. Features lockable container.   Item 29. The lockable container of item 29, wherein the external key device interacts simultaneously with at least one corresponding engagement structure and at least one stop device.   In the first aspect, when the lock member is in the lock position, the lock member is engaged with the lock member corresponding device, and the lock member is configured to be acted on by an external magnetic key device. Relatedly, a lockable container characterized in that a locking member is selectively positioned in either a locked position or an unlocked position.   2. The lockable container according to claim 1, wherein when the first and second covers are in the closed position, the locking member is not visible from the outside of the container.   2. The lockable container according to claim 1, wherein the container is formed in the size of a standard library case.   In item 1, the container is lockable, characterized in that it is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, polymer, thermoplastic, polypropylene, ABS, polycarbonate, and combinations thereof. container.   2. The lockable container according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second covers has a transparent portion configured to allow a user to see the assets in the container.   The lockable container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second covers has a transparent jacket for displaying to the user material associated with the asset.   The lockable container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second covers has a storage mechanism configured to hold the asset in the container.   In item 1, the container has at least one status window, the lock member has an indicator, and the indicator notifies the user of the unlocked or locked state of the container to the user according to the position of the lock member. A lockable container, characterized in that it is configured as follows. In a method of storing assets in a container,
Providing a first cover, a second cover coupled to the first cover, a lock member corresponding device operably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers, and a lockable container having the lock member. Yes, the first and second covers are in a closed position for entering assets, and the locking member is in an unlocked position in which the first and second covers can be moved to an open position and all the locking members are inherent in the container And moving the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position to lock the first and second covers in the closed position.   40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of moving the lock member from the unlock position to the lock position includes engaging the lock member corresponding device with the lock member. In item 39, the step of moving the locking member comprises:
Acting on the lock member with an external key device to move the lock member to the lock position relative to the lock member corresponding device, and engaging the lock member with the lock member corresponding device;
A method comprising the steps of:   40. The method of claim 39, wherein the lock member handling device is formed as a part of the first and second covers, and the lock member is detachably connected to the second cover.   44. The method of claim 42, wherein the locking member handling device has at least one tab formed on the first cover and at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover.   In item 43, at least one tab formed on the first cover and at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover are adjacent to each other when the first and second covers are in the closed position. Feature method.   Item 44. The method of claim 44, wherein at least a portion of the locking member has an I-beam structure with a recess formed therein.   In paragraph 45, the at least one tab formed on the first cover and the at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover are positioned in the recessed portion and are not separated when the locking member is in the locked position. Feature method.   In item 39, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closing walls, the second cover has at least a pair of lower closing walls, and when the first cover is closed to the second cover, the upper and Each lower closure wall is placed behind each other upper and lower closure wall, each of the upper and lower closure walls being a major portion of the height of each other upper and lower closure wall Forming a double wall so as to substantially overlap.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closure walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closure walls extends the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closure walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closure walls extends substantially the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   In item 39, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closing walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges touching behind the second cover, and at least the pair of upper closing walls are each Touching the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form a seam portion of the substrate.   Item 39. The first cover has at least a pair of upper closure walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges that substantially touch the rear of the second cover, and at least a pair of upper closure walls. Touching the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form each seam. In Item 39, the lock member corresponding device is formed as a part of the first cover, the lock member is detachably connected to the second cover, and the step of moving the lock member includes:
Acting on the lock member with an external key device to move the lock member to the lock position relative to the lock member corresponding device, and engaging the lock member with the lock member corresponding device;
A method comprising the steps of:   Item 52. The method of claim 52, wherein the locking member has at least one tab and the locking member counterpart device has at least one corresponding loop.   Item 53. The step of moving the lock member from the unlocked position to the locked position further includes engaging at least one loop of the lock member with at least one corresponding tab of the lock member corresponding device. And how to.   Item 52. The step of moving the lock member from the unlocked position to the locked position, wherein the lock member has at least one engagement structure, and the lock member corresponding device has at least one corresponding engagement structure. The method further includes the step of allowing the engagement structure of the lock member and the engagement structure of the lock member corresponding device to be engaged.   56. The method of claim 55, wherein the locking member has a stop device to selectively block the locking member from moving to the locked position and the unlocked position.   Item 56. The at least one engagement structure of the lock member has at least one first magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding first magnet device of the external key device. And how to.   In paragraph 57, the stop device has at least one resilient lock position flange biased in a locked state, the container has a corresponding lock position tab, and the method once in the locked position, A method further comprising engaging a lock position flange with a corresponding lock position tab to prevent the lock member from sliding into the unlocked position.   In item 58, the resilient locking position flange has at least one second magnetic attraction configured to magnetically interact with the second magnet device of the external key device, and the step comprises: The method further comprising the step of bending the resilient locking position flange toward the external key device due to magnetic interaction between the magnetic attraction and the second magnet device of the external key device.   In item 56, the step of moving the locking member includes the step of allowing at least one corresponding engagement structure and at least one stop device to engage the external key device to move the locking member to the locked position. A method characterized by comprising.   Item 60. The step of moving the locking member further comprises allowing at least one corresponding engagement structure and at least one stop device to substantially engage the external key device. Method. In item 39, the step of moving the locking member comprises:
The step of acting on the lock member by the external key device so that the lock member is positioned at the lock position with respect to the lock member corresponding device, and when the lock member is in the lock position, the lock member can be engaged with the lock member corresponding device. A method comprising the steps of:   40. The method of claim 39, wherein the locking member is not visible from the outside of the container when the first and second covers are in the closed position.   40. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one of the first and second covers has a storage mechanism configured to hold the asset in the container. In paragraph 39, the container has at least one status window, the locking member has an indicator, and the method comprises:
A method comprising the step of communicating an unlocked or locked state of a container to a user via a status window depending on the position of the locking member. In a method for accessing assets from within a container,
Providing a first cover, a second cover coupled to the first cover, a lock member corresponding device operably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers, and a lockable container having the lock member. The first and second covers are in a closed position for entering the asset, and the locking member is in a locked position for locking the first and second covers in the closed position, and the first and second covers from the locked position Moving the lock member to an unlocked position where the can be moved to an open position;
A method characterized in that all locking members are inherent in the container in the unlocked position.   Item 66. The method of claim 66, wherein the locking member engages the locking member corresponding device when the locking member is in the locked position.   In item 66, when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member engages with the locking member corresponding device, and the step of moving the locking member includes moving the locking member to the unlocking position in association with the locking member corresponding device. A method comprising the step of acting on a locking member by an external key device to be positioned.   Item 66. The method of item 66, wherein the lock member handling device is formed as part of the first and second covers, and the lock member is detachably connected to the second cover.   Item 69. The method of item 69, wherein the locking member corresponding device has at least one tab formed on the first cover and at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover.   Paragraph 70. The at least one tab formed on the first cover and the at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover are adjacent to each other when the first and second covers are in the closed position. Feature method.   Item 71. The method of claim 71, wherein at least a portion of the locking member has an I-beam structure with a recess formed therein.   Paragraph 72. The at least one tab formed on the first cover and the at least one corresponding tab formed on the second cover are located in the recess and are separated when the locking member is in the locked position. A method characterized by preventing.   In item 66, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closing walls, the second cover has at least a pair of lower closing walls, and when the first cover is closed to the second cover, each upper and The upper and lower closure walls are arranged so that the lower closure wall is placed behind each other upper and lower closure wall, and each upper and lower closure wall is closed by each other upper and lower closure wall Forming a double wall so as to substantially overlap the main part of the height of the wall.   Clause 74. The method of claim 74, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closure walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closure walls extends the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   Clause 74. The method of claim 74, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closure walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closure walls extends substantially the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   In item 66, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closure walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges that touch the back of the second cover, and the at least one pair of upper closure walls has a respective seam. Touching the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form the part.   In item 66, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closure walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges substantially touching behind the second cover, and at least a pair of upper closure walls each Touching the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form a seam portion of the substrate.   In item 66, the lock member corresponding device is formed as a part of the first cover, the lock member is detachably connected to the second cover, and when the lock member is in the lock position, the lock member corresponds to the lock member. Engaging the device and moving the locking member includes acting on the locking member by an external key device to position the locking member in the unlocked position relative to the locking member counterpart device. And how to.   80. The method of clause 79, wherein the locking member has at least one tab and the locking member counterpart device has at least one corresponding loop.   80. The method of claim 80, wherein the at least one tab is configured to engage at least one corresponding loop when the locking member is in the locked position.   Item 79. The lock member has at least one engagement structure, the lock member corresponding device has at least one corresponding engagement structure, and the lock member engagement structure is the lock member corresponding device. A method characterized by being configured to engage a corresponding engagement structure.   Item 82. The method of claim 82, wherein the locking member has a stop device to selectively block the locking member from moving to the locked and unlocked positions.   Item 83. The at least one engagement structure of the lock member has at least one first magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding first magnet device of the external key device. And how to.   In paragraph 84, the stop device has at least one resilient lock position flange biased in a locked state, the container has a corresponding lock position tab, and the lock position flange selects the corresponding lock position tab. A method of preventing the locking member from sliding into the unlocked position once in a locked position.   Item 85. The elastic lock position flange has at least one second magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding second magnet device of the external key device, the second magnetic attraction portion And the second magnet device of the external key device causes the magnetic interaction to bend the elastic locking position flange towards the external key device. In paragraph 84, the stop device has at least one resilient unlocked position flange biased in an unlocked state, the container has a corresponding unlocked position tab, and the method comprises:
The method further includes engaging a corresponding unlocking position tab with the unlocking position tab to prevent the locking member from sliding into the locking position when in the unlocking position.   In paragraph 87, the elastic unlocking position flange has at least one third magnetic attraction configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding third magnet device of the external key device, and the third magnetic attraction The magnetic interaction between the part and the third magnet device of the external key device causes the elastic unlocking position flange to bend towards the external key device.   In item 86, the stop device has at least one elastic unlocking position flange biased in the unlocked state, and the elastic unlocking position flange is magnetically coupled with the second magnet device of the external key device. Having at least one third magnetic attraction configured to interact, and the magnetic interaction between the third magnetic attraction and the second magnet device of the external key device includes an elastic unlocking position flange A method characterized by bending toward an external key device.   83. The step of moving the lock member further includes engaging at least one corresponding engagement structure of the lock member and at least one stop device with the external key device to move the lock member to the unlocked position. A method comprising the steps of:   Item 90. The step of moving the locking member further includes the step of substantially engaging at least one corresponding engagement structure of the locking member and at least one stop device with the external key device. Method.   In item 66, when the locking member is in the locking position, the locking member engages with the locking member corresponding device, and the step of moving the locking member includes moving the locking member to the unlocking position in association with the locking member corresponding device. A method comprising the step of acting on a locking member by an external key device to be positioned.   Item 66. The method of claim 66, wherein the locking member is not visible from outside the container when the first and second covers are in the closed position.   68. The method of claim 66, wherein at least one of the first and second covers has a storage mechanism configured to hold the asset in the container. In paragraph 66, the container has at least one status window, the locking member has an indicator, and the method comprises:
A method comprising the step of communicating an unlocked or locked state of a container to a user via a status window depending on the position of the locking member. In lockable containers that manage assets,
A base portion having a lock position receiving portion,
A cover pivotally connected to the base to store assets in the container,
A locking member-compatible device coupled to at least one cover and base portion and having at least one tab portion; and slidably coupled to at least one cover and base portion and arranged generally within the container; A locking member configured to be separably coupled to the locking member corresponding device for securing the cover to the container and holding the asset in the container.
At least one engagement structure configured to engage at least one tab portion;
And further comprising at least one first magnetic attraction portion configured to magnetically interact with a corresponding first magnet device of the external key device, and at least one elastic lock position flange biased in a locked state,
The lock position flange is configured to selectively engage the lock position receiving portion to prevent the lock member from sliding to the unlock position when the lock member is in the lock position, Asset storage, characterized by being configured to be acted upon by an external key device to selectively position the locking member in either the locked position or the unlocked position in relation to the locking member corresponding device Lockable container to do. In the key device that performs at least one of locking and unlocking the container,
A receiving device having at least one magnet device configured to receive the container and configured to perform at least one of locking and unlocking the container;
Processing action,
A lock / unlock sensing device configured to sense the locked state of the container and communicate a signal to the processing device according to the locked state, and a user interface configured to communicate to the user the container locked state and communicating with the processing device A key device comprising a device.   Item 97. The key device according to Item 97, further comprising a mounting plate configured to mount the key device on the upper portion of the counter.   80. The key device of clause 97, further comprising at least one AM and RF-activatable security tag configured to be detected by a suitable detector.   Item 97. The key device of item 97, further comprising at least one RFID label configured to allow a user to track the location of the key device.   Item 97. The key device according to Item 97, further including identification, serialization, and a web server by a database function.   In paragraph 101, the database feature encodes information selected from the group consisting of a serial number, store name, authorized user name, key device sale date, key device lease date, and combinations thereof. A key device characterized by including a barcode.   Item 97. The key device according to Item 97, further comprising an approval rejection device configured such that when an unauthorized user changes the key device, the external key device cannot be used.   Item 97. The key device of claim 97, wherein the receiving device is configured to receive the container to lock the container.   Item 97. The key device of claim 97, wherein the receiving device includes a stop member configured to selectively prevent operation of the key device.   Item 98. The key device according to Item 97, wherein the locked state of the container is transmitted to the user using an audible indicator, a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, an optical indicator, and combinations thereof. In a system for storing and accessing assets,
A first cover, a second cover pivotally connected to the first cover to place an asset in the container, a locking member counterpart device connected to at least one of the first and second covers, and the first and first A lock member that is slidably connected to at least one of the two covers and is detachably connected to the lock member corresponding device so as to fix the first cover to the second cover, and holds the asset in the container A lockable container for storing assets having, and a receiving device configured to lock and unlock the container and receive the container, and to lock and unlock the container A key device having at least one magnet device configured to perform,
The locking member is configured to be actuated by an external key device to selectively position the locking member in either the locked position or the unlocked position in relation to the locking member corresponding device, and all the locking members are The system is inherent to the container in the unlocked position. In a method of storing assets in a container,
A first cover, a second cover pivotally connected to the first cover to place an asset in the container, a locking member counterpart device connected to at least one of the first and second covers, and the first and first Providing a lockable container having a locking member slidably coupled to at least one of the two covers, wherein the locking member is in the unlocked position and, if the locking member is in the unlocked position, all the locking members Is inherent in the container,
Providing a keying device having a receiving device to unlock the container, the receiving device having at least one magnet device;
Positioning the container within the receiving device; and from the unlocked position to the locked position in relation to the locking member corresponding device, such that the locking member engages the locking member corresponding device to secure the first and second covers. Acting on the container with at least one magnetic device to move the locking member. In a method for accessing assets from within a container,
A first cover, a second cover pivotally connected to the first cover to place an asset in the container, a locking member counterpart device connected to at least one of the first and second covers, and the first and first Providing a lockable container having a locking member slidably coupled to at least one of the two covers, wherein the entire locking member is internal to the container in the unlocked position and the locking member is the first in the locked position. Engage the lock member corresponding device to fix the first cover and the second cover,
Providing a keying device having a receiving device to unlock the container, the receiving device having at least one magnet device;
Locating the container within the receiving device and acting on the container as at least one magnetic device to move the locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position relative to the locking member counterpart device. In lockable containers that store assets,
First cover,
A second cover coupled with the first cover, the first and second covers are configured to move between an open position where the asset can be accessed and a closed position where the asset is placed;
At least one tab connected to the first cover;
At least one corresponding tab portion coupled to the second cover, and a lock member operably coupled to at least one of the first and second covers, the lock member having a trap portion and a release portion;
The locking member is configured to move between an unlocked position where the first and second covers can move to the open position and a locked position that locks the container in the closed position, and all the locking members are unlocked A container that is inherent to the container at a position.   Item 110. The container according to Item 110, wherein the lock member is configured to prevent the at least one tab portion and the at least one corresponding tab portion from being positioned on the trap portion and separated in the locked position.   Item 111. The container according to Item 111, wherein at least one tab portion and at least one corresponding tab portion face each other in an adjacent relationship when positioned in the trap portion.   Item 110. The container according to Item 110, wherein the lock member is configured so that at least one tab portion and at least one corresponding tab portion are located at the release portion and separated in the unlocked position.   Item 110. The upper cover has at least two tab portions, the lower cover has at least two corresponding tab portions, and the locking member is at least a pair of trap portions located on opposite sides of the locking member. A container characterized by comprising:   114. In the locked position, at least one of the at least two tab portions and at least one of the two corresponding tab portions are positioned adjacent to one of the at least one pair of trap portions, and at least one of the at least two tab portions and the other at least in the locked position. The container is configured such that the other of the two corresponding tab portions is positioned adjacent to at least the other of the pair of trap portions, and at least two tab portions are prevented from being separated from the at least two corresponding tab portions. A container characterized by.   Item 110. The container of claim 110, further comprising an electronic security tag placed in the container and inaccessible when the locking member is in the locked position.   In paragraph 110, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closure walls, the second cover includes at least a pair of lower closure walls, and the upper and lower closures when the first cover is closed to the second cover. The upper and lower closure walls are arranged such that each wall is placed behind each of the other upper and lower closure walls, each of the upper and lower closure walls being each of the other upper and lower closure walls. A double wall is formed so as to substantially overlap with a main part of the height of the container.   118. The container according to Item 117, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closing walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closing walls extends the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   118. The container according to Item 117, wherein each of the at least one pair of upper closing walls and each of the at least one pair of lower closing walls extends substantially the entire width of each of the first and second covers.   In paragraph 110, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closure walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges that touch behind the second cover, and the at least one pair of upper closure walls has a respective seam portion. In order to form a container, characterized in that it touches the second cover at the upper and lower edges.   In paragraph 110, the first cover has at least a pair of upper closure walls, the second cover has upper and lower edges substantially touching behind the second cover, and at least a pair of upper closure walls each The container is characterized in that it touches the second cover at the upper and lower edges to form a seam portion. In a lockable container for storing assets, a receiving part having an open structure for accessing the assets and a closed structure for storing the assets;
A locking member handling device operably coupled to the receiving portion, and a locking member,
The locking member is configured to move between an unlocked position where the receiving portion is in the open configuration and a locking position that locks the receiving portion in the closed configuration, and all the locking members are inherent in the container in the unlocked position. A lockable container characterized in that. In a key device that performs at least one of locking and unlocking a container, the container has a receiving portion having an open structure for accessing the asset and a closing structure for receiving the asset, and the container has a receiving structure in which the receiving portion is an open structure A locking member configured to move between an unlocking position at a locking position and a locking position for locking the receiving part in the closed structure, the locking member having at least one magnetic attraction part, ,
A channel portion configured for receiving the container, and holding at least one magnetic attraction portion of the locking member in a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic device while the container slides through the channel; A key device comprising at least one magnetic device configured to position the locking member in at least one of the unlocked positions. In Item 123, the lock member has first and second magnetic attraction portions, and the key device is
The first magnetic device further includes first and second magnetic devices configured to hold the first magnetic attraction portion of the locking member within the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic device, and the second magnetic device includes: A key device configured to hold the second magnetic attraction portion of the lock member in the magnetic field generated by the second magnetic device.   In paragraph 124, the channel portion includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion forming a channel therebetween, the first magnetic device is placed in the first wall portion, and the second magnetic device is the second wall portion. A key device that is placed in a wall.   In paragraph 124, the channel portion includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion forming a channel therebetween, the channel having a first end portion and a second end portion, and the first magnetic device comprising: A key device characterized in that it is placed in the first wall at the first end of the channel and the second magnetic device is placed in the second wall at the second end of the channel. In a method of performing at least one of locking and unlocking a container,
The container has a receiving part with an open structure that allows access to the asset and a closing structure for containing the asset, and the container is in an unlocked position where the receiving part is in the open structure and a locked position that locks the receiving part in the closed structure. A locking member configured to move between the locking member, the locking member having at least one magnetic attraction, and a method comprising:
Providing a key device having a channel portion and at least one magnetic device;
Positioning the container in the channel section;
Holding at least one magnetic attraction of the locking member in a magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic device, and holding at least one magnetic attraction of the locking member in a magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic device However, the method includes sliding the container through the channel such that the locking member achieves at least one of a locked position and an unlocked position. In paragraph 127, the lock member has first and second magnetic attraction portions, the key device has first and second magnetic devices, and within the magnetic field generated by at least one magnetic device, The step of holding at least one magnetic attraction is
A step of holding the first magnetic attraction portion of the lock member in the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic device, and a step of holding the second magnetic attraction portion of the lock member in the magnetic field generated by the second magnetic device. A method characterized by comprising.   In paragraph 128, the channel portion includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion forming a channel therebetween, the first magnetic device being placed within the first wall portion, and the second magnetic device being a second wall portion. A method characterized by being placed in a wall.   In paragraph 128, the channel portion includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion forming a channel therebetween, the channel having a first end portion and a second end portion, and the first magnetic device comprising: A method wherein the second magnetic device is placed in the second wall at the second end of the channel and the second magnetic device is placed in the second wall at the second end of the channel.

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