MXPA01005184A - Recorded media security container - Google Patents

Abstract

A security storage container for storing items of recorded media or other small items in a secure manner while allowing the items to be seen includes a box, a lid, and a slide latch. The slide latch is disposed outside the lid and is directly grasped by the user to move it between the locked and unlocked positions. The lid, box, and slide latch are configured to prevent a pry bar from being used to open the security container. The lid and slide latch include a locking mechanism that may be unlocked by a specific key. The lid is locked with respect to the box when a plurality of tangs disposed on the slide latch are trapped under a plurality of ledges disposed on the box.

Description

SECURITY CONTAINER FOR RECORDED MEDIA FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containers, in particular, to a container for storing different articles among which are cassettes of video games, video cassettes, and other items of recorded media or small items. Specifically, the invention relates to a storage container that can be locked securely in a closed position, which prevents unauthorized removal of the contents housed in the storage container, until the user unlocks the storage container with a manual operation key.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Containers, in particular, lightweight, plastic molded, inexpensive containers, are used for a variety of purposes and for the storage of different articles. One use of such plastic containers is the storage of audio and video cassettes both for sample and for sale, as well as for the storage at home. Another use of such containers is to store cassettes of video games, which often have a different size and shape to the audio and video cassette. A particular use of the plastic storage container that is formed of a transparent material is the presentation of the cassette in a retail store; However, it is desirable that the container be locked to prevent unauthorized removal of the cassette from it, which in turn prevents unauthorized removal of the store. The container also, preferably, as long as it has an E.A.S. (electronic surveillance for items), placed inside the container that will trigger an alarm in case a thief tries to remove the container and the cassette from the store without going through the security checkpoint. The present invention provides an inexpensive plastic storage container that can be used to store different items such as video, audio and game cassettes. The storage container can be locked selectively to prevent unauthorized removal of the item inside the container. storage, until the container is unlocked and opened by an authorized person. Many storage containers are known for storing articles, including video, audio and game cassettes, with different kinds of locking mechanisms, used to maintain the locked position. Although these storage containers do work for certain purposes, there is a need within the art for an improved design that does not include protrusions or openings, which allow an assailant to leverage the lock. Also, it is desirable that the storage container and the locking member do not significantly increase the size of the article to be stored in the box, so that the molding space is reduced to a minimum. Also, it is desirable that the locking mechanism be easy to operate and remain engaged with the storage container when in the unlocked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, an object of the invention is to provide an improved storage container that is preferably formed of a molded plastic, lightweight and transparent, which can be mass produced relatively inexpensively, and which is provided with a rigid locking member that selectively secures the lid of the storage container in a locked position until the locking member moves towards the unlocked position, through the use of a key specifically configured by authorized personnel. Another object of the invention is to provide a storage container having at least a portion made of a transparent material, so that the contents of the container can be observed by the customer. As wellAnother object of the invention is to provide a storage container using a rigid, simple plastic slide to lock the lid of the storage container in a locked position, to prevent unauthorized opening of the storage container, and to unlatch and slide to an open position by means of a simple maneuver of an inexpensive plastic injection molded wrench. Another object of the invention is to provide a storage container that can be mass produced, relatively inexpensively by plastic molding methods, which prevents physical theft of the article stored within the container, and which provides a dust-free container for storing and presenting an article. A further object of the invention is to provide a storage container, in which the label E.A.S. can be coupled with the inner surface of the locking member to prevent theft. Also, another object of the invention is to provide a storage container in which the E.A.S. can be coupled on the inside surface of the storage container itself, to prevent theft. Another object of the invention is to provide a storage container having a locking member in the lid of the storage container that does not form protrusions or openings prone to being breached by a lever. Another object of the invention is to provide a storage container having a locking member coupled with the lid of the storage container that do not significantly increase the total size of the storage container. Also, another object of the invention is to provide a storage container that has a locking mechanism that the user can take directly and can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a storage container having a locking member that remains connected to the storage container when the container is unlocked. Also, an object of the invention is to provide a storage container having a locking member that is formed as a piece of molded product and a lid that is formed as a piece of molded product with the locking member unit and the lid It is a procedure of easy assembly, of a single step and fast. Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage container that is simple in construction, that meets the aforementioned objectives in an economical, effective and simple manner, which resolves the problems and that meets the needs existing in the technique. These and other objects and advantages are obtained by means of the improved storage container of the present invention, whose general nature can be established as including a box having the upper part open, a lid connected in articulated form to the box and which can be moved between open and closed positions; a slidable projection slidably carried by the lid and movable between the locked and unlocked positions, the slidable shoulder keeps the lid closed when in the closed position; the slide is carried on the outside of the lid; and a locking mechanism that locks the sliding boss in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiment of the invention, which illustrates the best mode that the applicant has contemplated to apply the principles, is established in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is indicated and established in a particular and distinctive manner in the appended claims. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the storage container in a closed and locked position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lid and the sliding shoulder of the storage container with the lid in the open position and the slidable shoulder in the unlocked position; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, with the slidable shoulder removed; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the slidable shoulder; Figure 5 is a top view of the security container of the. present invention with the slidable shoulder in the unlocked position; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 with the slidable projection in the locked position; Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 6; Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 6; Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 8; Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the enclosed portion of Figure 6, and Figure 14 is a perspective view of a key known within the art. Identical numbers refer to identical parts through the specification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The security container of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and is generally marked with the number 10. The security container 10 generally includes a box, marked with the number 12 and a cap marked, with the number 14, connected in an articulated manner to the box 12 by a pair of hinges 15 and which is They can move between open and closed positions. The security container 10 also includes a slidable projection, indicated with the number 16, which is slidably carried in the cover 14 between the locked and unlocked positions. Each of these elements can be manufactured from a transparent plastic that allows the contents of the box 12 to be observed by the customer. Alternatively, the lid 14 and the sliding shoulder 16 can be made of an opaque material to prevent the locking unit from being observed by a potential assailant.

The security container 10 is used to present items of recorded media (not shown) or other small items in a secure manner, in which items can be observed by a customer in the store. The security container 10 can be opened easily and quickly from the locked position illustrated in Figure 1, by using a key 18 (illustrated in Figure 14) to move the slidable projection 16 to the unlocked position, so that the lid 14 can open The box 12 includes a lower wall 20, a front wall 22, a rear wall 24, a first side wall 26 and a second side wall 28 which cooperate to form a camera to receive items from recorded media or other small items. As can be seen in Figure 1, the box 12 can include mounting holes 30 that can be used to mount the box 12 on a display shelf or wall. In accordance with one of the objects of the present invention, a cover 32 projects outwards from the upper part of the front wall 22 and the side walls 26 and 28. The lid 32 has the size and is adapted to form a smooth connection with the lid 14 on the sides of the box 12 and a smooth connection between the slidable projection 16 and the front of the box 12. Such smooth connections prevent a potential assailant Attach the security container 10 with a lever, by eliminating the edges or spaces into which the lever can be inserted.

Specifically, the sliding shoulder 16 includes a wall 34 side that is butted with the safety 32 when the lid 14 is in the closed position to form a smooth connection which is essentially without joints between the slidable projection 16 and the box 12. The cover 1 includes a first side wall 36 and a second side wall 38 which also meet the edge 32 to form a smooth connection between the cover 14 and the box 12. A pin 40 projects upwardly from the edge 32 on each side wall 26 and 28 of the box 12. A notch '42 is formed in each wall 36 and 38 side of the lid 14 to receive firmly the tang 40, when the lid 14 is in the closed position. The pins 40 and the notches 42 not only ensure that the lid 14 is properly aligned with the box 12 and prevent an assailant from inserting a lever between the lid 14 and the edge 32 of the side walls 26 and 28, but also provide a sturdy connection between the lid 14 and the case 12. As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 11, a shoulder 44 is formed on the upper edge or rear wall 24 of the case 12 between the hinges 15 A channel 46 is formed between the rear wall 48 of the lid 14 and a reinforcing wall 50. The upper shoulder portion 44 is received in the channel 46 between the rear wall 48 and the reinforcing wall 50, when the lid 14 is in the closed position. This configuration prevents a potential assailant from inserting a lever into the case 12 between the hinges 15.

The front of the security container 10 is protected against insertion of a lever by the provision of a retaining wall 52 extending upwardly from the edge 32 through the front wall 22 of the box 12. The retaining wall 52 it may be formed integrally with the front wall 22 as well as the edge 32. The retaining wall 52 also provides a surface from which a plurality of f latches 54 is projected. Each f shoulder is disposed on the edge 32 so as to be defined a locking channel 56 between each f shoulder 54 and the edge 32. An end wall 58 connects one end of each f shoulder 54 with the edge 32 to close the locking channels 56. The front wall 60 of the lid 14 extends between the side walls 36 and 38 of the lid 14 and is restored from the leading edges of the side walls 36 and 38, so that it slides behind the retaining wall 52 when the lid 14 is in the closed position, as illustrated in Figure 11. The upper wall 62 of the lid 14 protrudes from that of the front wall 60 to at least be abutting the retaining wall 52 and f shoulders 54. A second shoulder 60 extends downwardly from the upper wall 62 and forms a retaining wall that receives the channel 66 between the second shoulder 64 and the front surface of the front wall 60. Each retaining wall that receives the channel 66 is configured to firmly receive a retaining wall 52 when the lid 14 is in the closed position. Each second shoulder 64 is aligned with the f shoulders 54 and disposed therebetween when the lid 14 is in the closed position. In this position, the second shoulders 64 cooperate with the f shoulders 54 to extend each lock channel 56 completely between the paof end walls 58. The upper wall 62 of the lid 14 includes a cut 68 between each second shoulder 64. The cut 68 allows a projecting molding 70 to project inwardly from the front wall 34 of the slidable projection 16 so that it passes between the second projections 64 when the sliding shoulder 16 and lid 14 are assembled. The moldings 70 can be moved with the sliding shoulder 16 between the unlocked position, shown in Figure 7 and the locked position shown in Figure 8. Two of the moldings 70 are longer than the other moldings 70. These two moldings are marked with the number 71, in addition to the number 70 to indicate the moldings in general form. The longer moldings 70 are configured to fit within the openings 73 of the moldings that are formed within the edge 32. With this configuration, the longer moldings 71 slide through the opening 73 in the edge 32 to prevent the front wall 34 of slidable shoulder 16 is levered to open in the forward direction. The moldings 70 slide with the slidable projection 16 below the second projections 64 and help retain the slidable projection 16 in the cover 14. The cover 14 can be moved to the closed position when the moldings are in the unlocked position below. the second shoulders 64. When the lid 14 moves to the closed position, the moldings 70 are automatically placed on the locking channels 56, where they move between the locked and unlocked positions. The moldings 70 and the sliding ledge 16 have been moved towards the locked position of Figure 8. In this position, the moldings 70 are disposed at least partially below the f ledges 54 and they can be butted with the end walls 58. In this position, the lid 14 can not be opened because the f shoulders 54 engage with the moldings 70, as can be seen in Figure 11. When the moldings 70 and the sliding shoulder 16 are in the locked position with the lid 14 in the closed position, the box 12 can not be opened without the use of the key 18. In accordance with another object of the present invention, the sliding shoulder 16 is carried on the outside of the lid 14, where it can be taken directly by the user and moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. Therefore, a special tool is not needed to move the slidable projection 16 towards the locked position and the locking of the security container 10 can be achieved easily and quickly. As described above, the sliding shoulder 16 engages with the lid 14, where the moldings 60 engage slidably with the second shoulders 64. The sliding shoulder 16 also engages with the lid 14 with a pair of hooks 72 that they are received in the slots 74 formed in the rear wall 48 of the lid 14. The slots 74 also allow the shoulder Sliding 16 is initially assembled. The sliding shoulder 16 also includes a first side wall 76 and a second side wall 78. A support post 80 extends upwardly from the top wall 62 of the lid 14 to also support and place the slidable shoulder 16 in the lid 14. A reinforcing notch 75 is formed in the lid 14, adjacent to the front corner right, as illustrated in Figure 3. A reinforcing bar 77 is formed in the slidable projection 16 and is arranged and configured in a location, in which it is received firmly in the notch 75, when the sliding shoulder is in the locked position as illustrated in Figures 8 and 13. The provision of the recess 75 and the bar 77 reinforce the corner of the security container 10. The first side wall 36 of the lid 14 includes a first shoulder 82 that receives the first side wall 76 of the slidable shoulder 16 when the slidable shoulder 16 is in the locked position, as shown in Figure 10. The first shoulder 82 provides a smooth connection between the sliding shoulder 16 and the lid 14 and avoids the insertion of a lever between the lid 14 and the sliding shoulder 16. second shoulder 84 is formed in the second side wall 78 of the slidable shoulder 16. The second shoulder 84 fits tightly under a projection 86, which is formed in the upper part of the second side wall 38 of the lid 14. The projection 86 and the second shoulder 84 prevent a lever from being inserted between the slidable shoulder 16 and the lid 14 when the slidable shoulder 16 is in the locked position, as shown in the Figure 9. A locking mechanism 100 is carried by the security container 10 and includes a plurality of securing pawls 102 carried by the lid 14 and a pair of ribbed slides 104 carried by the slidable boss 16. As shown in Figure 2, the ribbed slides 104 extend through the upper wall 62 of the lid 14 and are disposed between the locking pawls 102, when the slidable projection 16 is connected to the lid 14. A keyhole 106 is formed in the upper wall 108 of the slidable projection 16 to correspond with each securing ratchet 102. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, six keyholes 106 and six detent pawls 102 are provided. Each slide 104 The rib includes three ribs 110, 112 and 114. The keyholes 106 are disposed immediately behind each rib 110, 112 and 114. A protective wall 116 encloses the securing pawls 102 and also prevents an assailant from interfering with the securing pawls 102, when the lid 14 is closed and slidable shoulder 16 is in the locked position. The key 18 includes a plurality of prongs 118 which are configured to slide through the keyholes 106 and engage the securing pawls 102, to push them to an unlocked position, where they release the ribs 110, 112 and 114.

The box 12, cover 14 and slidable projection 16 of the security container 10 are manufactured separately and then assembled. The lid 14 is connected to the case 12 by aligning the elements of the hinges 15 and inserting a hinge pin in the known manner. The sliding shoulder 16 is then connected to the lid 14 by placing the hooks 72 in the slots 74 and aligning the moldings 70 with the cuts 68. The sliding shoulder 16 descends within the lid 14 and moves in the direction of the second wall 38 side of the lid 14, until the ribs 110 and 112 snap onto the locking pawls 102. This position is illustrated in Figures 2, 5 and 7 and is in the unlocked position of the slidable shoulder 16.. The security container 10 can be locked by moving the lid 14 to the closed position, illustrated in Figures 1 and 5 to 11. The sliding shoulder 16 then moves towards the second side wall 38 of the lid 14 to the ribs 110, 112 and 114, all coupled with the locking pawls 102, to lock the position of the slidable boss 16 with respect to the lid 14. When this occurs, the moldings 70 move below at least a portion of each first boss 54. to lock the lid 14 and the slidable projection 16 in the closed position with respect to the box 12. The security container 10 is opened by inserting a key 18 into the locking mechanism 100, to release the coupling of the securing pawls 102 with the ribs 110, 112 and 114. When this occurs, the sliding shoulder 16 moves in the direction of the first side wall 36 of the lid 14 and the moldings 70 move outwardly from under the first shoulders 54, allowing the lid 14 to move towards the open position. The sliding shoulder 16 is not removed from the lid 14 when the lid 14 is open. The sliding shoulder 16 does not fall off the lid 14 when the slidable projection 16. is in the unlocked position, since the moldings 70 are kept below the second shoulders 64. The contents of the box 12 can be removed and can be returned to use the security container 10 with other items. In accordance with this, the security container is simplified, and provides an effective, economic, safe and efficient device that meets the aforementioned objectives, eliminates the difficulties related to the previous devices and solves the problems and obtains new results within the technique . In the previous description, certain terms have been used for reasons of brevity, clarity and understanding; but they do not imply unnecessary limitations, beyond the requirement of the previous technique, since such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely considered. Having described the features, novelties and principles of the invention, the claims are it establishes the way in which the storage container is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction and the new and advantageous results obtained, the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations.

Claims (16)

1. A security storage container, which comprises: a box having an open top; a lid connected in an articulated manner to the box and movable between the open and closed positions; a slidable projection slidably carried by the lid and movable between the locked and unlocked positions, the slidable projection keeps the lid closed, when in the locked position; the slide carried on the outside of the lid; and a locking mechanism that locks the sliding boss in the locked position.

2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of first shoulders arranged in the box; a plurality of second projections disposed in the lid; the second projections are adjacent to the first projections when the cover is in the closed position; and a plurality of moldings on the slidable shoulder, one of the moldings is disposed below each second shoulder when the slidable shoulder is in the unlocked position; each of the moldings is at least partially disposed below one of the first shoulders when the slidable shoulder is in the locked position.

3. The container according to claim 2, further comprising an electronic article security label carried between the slidable projection and the lid.

4. The container according to claim 2, further comprising an electronic article security label carried by the lid.

5. The container according to claim 2, further comprising an electronic article security label carried by the box.

6. The container according to claim 2, further comprising an edge in the box, the first projections disposed on the edge to form a locking channel between each of the first projections and the edge.

7. The container according to claim 6, further comprising an end wall extending between each of the first shoulders and the edge.

8. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that the slidable shoulder has a front surface that coincides with the edge to form a smooth connection between the slidable shoulder and the box.

9. The container according to claim 8, further comprising a retaining wall extending upwards from the edge, the second projections fit over the retaining wall when the lid is in the closed position.

10. The container according to claim 8, characterized in that the edge extends around the sides of the box, the lid has side walls that coincide with the edge to form a smooth connection between the lid and the box.

11. The container according to claim 10, further comprising a pair of pins extending upward from the edge and a pair of notches formed in the side walls of the lid, the pins are received in the notches when the lid is in the position closed.

12. The container according to claim 12, further comprising a pair of hinges that connect the lid to the box; a shoulder formed in the box between the hinges and a channel formed in the lid; the shoulder is received in the channel when the cover is in the closed position.

13. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the moldings passes through an opening in the edge when the cover is in the closed position.

14. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the lid has a first side wall and a second side wall, the lid has a shoulder on the first side wall, the slidable shoulder has a first side wall which sits on the shoulder when the slidable shoulder is in the locked position to form a smooth connection between the first side wall of the slidable shoulder and the first side wall of the lid.

15. The container of claim 14, further comprising a protruding wall extending from the second side wall of the lid, the slidable shoulder has a shoulder on the second side wall of the slidable shoulder which fits under the projecting wall when the slidable shoulder is in the locked position.

16. The container according to claim 11, in combination with a key adapted to unlock the locking mechanism to release the sliding shoulder from the locked position.