WO2004107346A1

WO2004107346A1 - An improved lockable media storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2004107346A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anton Ewald Kotze; Joseph Victor Scicluna; Raymond Scicluna
Original assignee: Trade Guys International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-06-03
Filing date: 2004-02-18
Publication date: 2004-12-09
Also published as: NZ555138A; NZ543809A

Abstract

A digital media storage device, in particular a DVD case, anti-theft elongate lock member (60) comprising a base (61) at least a pair of hooked arms (66A, 66B, 67A, 67B) protrude outwardly from said base, each of the hooked arms being pivotal with respect to the base (69), one or more apertures (77A, 78A, 78B, 77B) located through said base adjacent to each said hooked arm, wherein each of said arms are integrally formed with said base. A key is used to remove the elongate lock member from the storage device. Also claimed is a reinforced anti-knife method of protecting a digital media storage device, comprising interlocking ribs (35) formed adjacent to the hinges (33, 34) on the spine (30). Also claimed is a hub locking device (160) for a digital media storage device comprising a circular portion (161) having an undercut (167), a clamping disc (162) having a clamping arm (169) and an enlarged portion (171) receivable within the undercut and a central aperture (164), and a locking button (163) located within the central aperture.

Description

"AN IMPROVED LOCKABLE MEDIA STORAGE APPARATUS" FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a lockable apparatus for preventing theft of merchandise. In particular, this invention relates to a lockable media storage apparatus to prevent the theft of compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs) and other similar merchandise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DVDs and CDs are widely used as digital storage devices for movies, music, computer programs and other digital multimedia. Due to the small size and high value of these digital storage devices they represent a lucrative target for shoplifters when they are displayed in stores for sale or rent.

CDs and DVDs are kept in plastic containers to protect them from scratching and corruption of the stored data. These plastic containers also provide information about what is stored on the CD or DVD. A common practice adopted by retailers who sell or rent DVDs and CDs is to display the plastic containers on the store floor and to keep the CDs and DVDs in a secure location. The CDs/DVDs are then placed within the plastic containers upon sale or rental. For a store that rents movies and games on DVDs and CDs, the customers must bring the plastic DVD/CD container to the counter for renting. An attendant must then locate where the DVD/CD is stored and insert this item in the container. When it is busy the attendants are required to locate many DVD/CDs resulting in serious delays to customers. A similar situation applies to retailers who sell DVDs and CDs. This process is inefficient and time consuming.

There are devices known in the art that are capable of locking and unlocking plastic cases that contain the DVDs or CDs enabling the discs to be securely stored on the store floor within their display containers. One such device is a case that has a lock that uses a key for removing the lock from the case. The case is formed from plastic and has a rectangular shaped storage compartment having a front wall, a back wall, end walls, side walls and a spine. There is a CD/DVD holder located within the compartment that is used to prevent the CD or DVD from moving inside the compartment.

The spine is connected to the front wall and back wall by hinges that allow the case to be opened and closed. The front wall and the back wall each have a pair of end walls such that when the case is closed each end wall of the back wall overlaps with the corresponding end wall of the front wall. Furthermore, each of the front and back walls has a side wall such that, when the case is closed, the side wall of the back wall overlaps the side wall of the front wall. Each side wall is offset from the edge of the front wall and the back wall respectively. The sidewalls are set back from the front wall and the back wall to form an elongated lock recess. This lock recess is located adjacent the storage compartment and is separated from this compartment by the overlap of the side walls.

Each of the sidewalls has a number of holes located along their length such that when the case is closed and the side walls overlap the holes of the side wall attached to the front wall align with the holes of the sidewall attached to the back wall.

The lock is an elongate member formed from plastic and has substantially identical dimensions to the lock recess on the case described above. The elongate lock member has a number of integrally formed fingers protruding along its length. Each finger aligns with and has the same cross sectional area as a corresponding hole in the lock recess of the case.

The lock also has a pair of metal locking clips. Each clip is formed from a bent metal strip and has a flat base portion and two arms that extend outwardly from the base portion. The metal clip is fastened to the elongate lock member by a moulded plastic rivet inserted through a circular hole in the base portion of the metal clip. The arms of each metal clip have a hooked end such that the arms are configured in a back to back fashion. Each arm diverges from it's paired arm as the arms extend away from the base portion. Furthermore, each arm is biased away from its paired arm due to the properties of the metal from which the arms are formed. The elongate lock member further comprises two pairs of circular holes. These holes are located either side of each base portion of the metal locking clip. The case is locked by positioning the elongate lock member adjacent to the lock recess such that all the fingers on the elongate lock member are adjacent their corresponding holes within the lock recess. Furthermore, the hooked ends of the locking clips are aligned with the edge of their corresponding holes. When a force is applied to the elongate lock member, each pair of arms are bent inwardly such that each arm is bent towards the arm it is paired with against the bias caused by the stiffness of the metal.

When the point of the hook end has penetrated the storage compartment, there is no longer a force being applied to bend the arms together. Hence, the arms spring apart due to the bias of the metal from which the arms are formed and the hook points become lodged within the lock compartment. At this point all the fingers are fully inserted into their corresponding holes and the elongate lock member is flush with the edge of the front and back walls. In this configuration, the locking member has fastened the side walls of the front wall and back wall together and it is therefore no longer possible to open the case.

A key is used to remove the elongate lock member from the lock recess. This key has pins that are inserted through the holes in the lock member and lift the hooked ends of the metal clips from within the storage compartment, thus freeing the lock from the recess. When this occurs the side walls are no longer locked together and thus the case can be opened and closed freely.

The prior art device described above has numerous deficiencies that limit its effectiveness as a device for locking plastic cases that contain CDs, DVDs and the like. These deficiencies include:

• It is possible for thieves to easily break the plastic rivet that holds the metal clips on the lock member using a thin leveraging tool. Once the clips have been removed from the elongate lock member then the case can be easily opened and the CD or DVD can be removed from within;

• The clips are made from metal and hence are subject to deformation over time. Depending on the direction of the deformation, this results in the lock member either being easy to prise from the lock recess or the lock member being difficult to remove from the lock recess using the key;

• It is common for shoplifters to use a blade or a knife to cut the case at the hinge(s) connecting the spine to the front wall and/or back wall of the case. As the DVDs and CDs are thin, it is possible to extract them from within the case once the case has been cut in this way. The storage compartment therefore fails to effectively secure the DVD or CD within.

CD and DVD cases are generally fitted with radio frequency or magnetic tags or labels. These tags or labels interact with a sensing device located at an entrance to a store. When a legitimate purchase or rental is made, the case is passed to a customer once the customer has passed through the sensing device and hence no alarm is activated. In the case of theft, the sensing device provides an oral and/or visual indication that the case is being stolen when the thief passes through the sensing device with the case.

It is common for thieves in the art to legitimately rent a DVD or CD and remove the tag or label from the case while at home. The case is then visually marked by the thief and returned to the store. This case may then be stolen at a later date without alerting the sensing device as the security tag or label has been removed or tampered with.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a digital media storage case comprising: a storage compartment having: a front wall; a back wall; a spine attached to said front wall by a first hinge, said spine attached to said back wall by a second hinge; at least one lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one lock wall formed on said back wall, each said lock wall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough; and said case being moveable between an opened and a closed position; wherein, at least one of said holes on at least one said lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one of said holes formed on said lock wall formed on said back wall are in alignment when said case is in said closed position In a further form, the invention resides in a lock member comprising: a base; at least one pair of hooked arms protruding outwardly from said base, each said hooked arm being pivotable with respect to said base; and one or more apertures located through said base adjacent each said hooked arm; wherein, said pair of hooked arms are integrally formed with said base. In still a further form, the invention resides in a hub locking device for locking a digital media product to a digital media case, said hub locking device comprising: (a) a circular protrusion, said circular protrusion having at least one undercut portion;

(b) a clamping disc having: a clamping arm; an enlarged portion, said enlarged portion being receivable within said undercut portion; and a central aperture, said central aperture formed with said digital media case;

(c) a locking button receivable within said central aperture; wherein, said hub locking device is moveable between a locked position and a release position.

In yet anther form, the invention resides in a lockable media storage apparatus comprising: (a) a case having: a storage compartment including: a front wall; a back wall; a spine attached to said front wall by a first hinge, said spine attached to said back wall by a second hinge; at least one lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one lock wall formed on said back wall, each said lock wall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough; and said case being moveable between an opened and a closed position; wherein, at least one of said holes on at least one said lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one of said holes formed on said lock wall formed on said back wall are in alignment when said case is in said closed position (b) at least one lock member having: a base; at least one pair of hooked arms protruding outwardly from said base, each said hooked arm being pivotable with respect to said base, said pair of hooked arms being integrally formed with said base; wherein, said hooked arms extend through said aligned holes in said lock walls to prevent said case being moved from said closed position to said opened position.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect preferred embodiments of the invention will be described byway of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG.1 shows a perspective view of a lockable media storage apparatus according to a first embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a case of the lockable media storage apparatus shown in FIG 1 ; FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a lock of the media storage apparatus shown in FIG 1;

FIG. 4 shows a detailed side view of a pair of hooked arms of the lock of FIG 3 in an angled position;

FIG. 5 shows a detailed side view of the pair of hooked arms of FIG 4 in a parallel position;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a lockable media storage apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG 7 shows a perspective view of a lockable media storage apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a security tag housing forming part of the lockable media storage apparatus shown in FIG 7;

FIG 9 shows a sectional side view of the security tag housing shown in FIG 8; FIG 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a hub locking device forming part of the lockable media storage apparatus shown in FIG 7; FIG 11 shows a sectional side view of the hub locking device shown in FIG 10; and FIG 12 shows a removal device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG 1 shows an improved lockable media storage apparatus 10 comprising a plastic case 20, an elongate lock member 60 and a key (not shown). FIG 1 shows case 20 in a closed position. Throughout this description like numerals are used to refer to the same elements of the invention shown in different embodiments.

FIG 2 shows case 20 in an opened position. Case 20 is formed from polyethylene, but it is should be apparent that the case may be formed from any lightweight resilient polymeric plastic or similar material. Case 20 has a storage compartment 21 and a lock recess 44.

Storage compartment 21 is formed from a front wall 22, a back wall 23, end walls 24, 25, 26 and 27, side walls 28 and 29 and a spine 30. Side walls 28 and 29 extend outwardly from front wall 22 and back wall 23 respectively. End walls 24, 25, 26 and 27 extend outwardly from front wall 22 and back wall 23 respectively. Side walls 28 and 29 intersect with respective end walls 24, 25, 26 and 27.

Spine 30 is connected to front wall 22 by hinge 33 and is connected to back wall 23 by hinge 34. The hinges, 33 and 34, allow case 20 to be moved between an opened and a closed position. A series of interlocking ribs 35 are formed within the storage compartment 21 adjacent hinge 33 and hinge 34. Each interlocking rib 35 is formed from a single long ridge 37 and four short ridges 36A and 36B. Long ridges 37 are spaced evenly along the length of spine 30. Each of the long ridges 37 extend across the width of spine 30. Short ridges 36A and 36B are formed on front wall 22 and back wall 23. A gap is formed between short ridge 36A and 36B for location of long ridge 37. Long ridge 37 interlocks with short ridges 36A and 36B at the ends of long ridge 37 when case 20 is in the closed position. A circular protrusion 31 extends outwardly from the front wall 22 whilst a further circular protrusion 32 extends outwardly from the back wall 23. Circular protrusions 31 and 32 are used to hold DVDs or CDs within storage compartment 21.

The lock recess 44 is formed when the case 20 is in the closed position. Lock recess 44 is defined by lips 42 and 43, end wall extensions 40 and 41 and overlapping side walls 28 and 29.

Lip 42 is formed by side wall 28 being set back from edge 38 of front wall 22. Lip 43 is formed by side wall 29 being set back from edge 39 of back wall 23. Extensions 40 and 41 are formed from end walls 24 and 25 extending beyond side walls 28 to edge 38. Conversely, end walls 26 and 27 terminate at side wall 29. Lip 42 connects with extensions 40 and 41. Therefore, when case 20 is in the closed position, the lock recess 44 is adjacent to storage compartment 21 and is divided from this compartment by the overlap of side walls 28 and 29. Four circular holes 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D are located at spaced intervals along the length of each of the side walls 28 and 29. Circular holes 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D on side walls 28 and 29 align when side walls 28 and 29 overlap when case 20 is in the closed position. Locking portions 46A and 46B are located on each side wall 28 and

29. Narrow rectangular holes 49A and 50A are located on each side of locking portion 46A. Wide rectangular holes 47A and 48A are located between narrow rectangular holes 49A and 50A. Similarly, narrow rectangular holes 49B and 50B are located on each side of locking portion 46B. Wide rectangular holes 47B and 48B are located between narrow rectangular holes 49B and 50B.

Shallow rectangular valleys 54A and 55A are located on side wall 29 within storage compartment 21. Shallow rectangular valley 54A is located between wide rectangular hole 48A and narrow rectangular hole 50A and shallow rectangular valley 55A is located between wide rectangular hole 47A and narrow rectangular hole 49A. Similarly, shallow rectangular valleys 54B and 55B are located on side wall 29 within storage compartment 21. Shallow rectangular valley 54B is located between wide rectangular hole 48B and narrow rectangular hole 50B and valley 55B is located between wide rectangular hole 47B and narrow rectangular hole 49B. The holes located on side wall 28 align with the holes on side wall 29 when case 20 is closed and the side walls overlap.

A pair of male dove tail joint portions 51 A and 52A protrude from side wall 28 along front wall lip 42 and straddle locking portion 46A. Similarly, a pair of male dove tail joint portions 51 B and 52B protrude from side wall 29 along back wall lip 43 and straddle locking portion 46B.

Insets 56A and 56B are located on side wall 28. When case 20 is closed, insets 56A and 56B bridge male dove tail joint portions 51 A and 52A allowing the full overlap of front wall 22 over back wall 23 without interference from male dove tail joint portions 51 B and 52B.

Indentations 57A and 57B are located on side wall 29. A pair of complementary ridges (not shown) protrude from side wall 28 within storage compartment 21. When case 20 is closed and side wall 28 overlaps side wall 29, complementary ridges (not shown) couple with respective indentations 57A, 57B and assist in holding the case closed.

A pair of tabs (not shown) protrude from front wall 22 within storage compartment 21 and are parallel to side wall 28. When case 20 is closed, the tabs (not shown) and side wall 28 sandwich side wall 29. Elongate lock member 60 is shown in FIG 3. Elongate lock member

60 is formed from polycarbonate, but it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this member may be formed from any appropriate rigid polymeric plastic.

Elongate lock member 60 comprises a base 61. Base 61 has substantially similar dimensions as lock recess 44 on case 20. The elongate lock member 60 also includes fingers and arms that extend outwardly from base 61 and are integrally formed with the base. Additionally, base 61 has female dove tail join portions and circular apertures located along its length.

Four circular fingers 62A, 62B, 62C and 62D protrude outwardly from base 61 at evenly space intervals. The spacing and transverse cross sections of these fingers correspond to the spacing and cross sections of circular holes 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D on case 20, that is, finger 62A aligns with hole 45A, finger 62B aligns with hole 45B, finger 62C aligns with hole 45C and finger 62D aligns with hole 45D.

Two locking portions 63A and 63B are located on elongate lock member 60. A pair of rectangular cross sectional fingers 64A and 65A or 64B and 65B form part of locking portion 63A or 63B and protrude outwardly from base 61. A pair of hooked arms 66A and 67A protrude outwardly from base 61 and form part of locking portion 63A. Bridge 68A connects hooked arms 66A and 67A. A pair of identical hooked arms 66B and 67B form part of locking portion 64B.

Hooked arms 66A and 67A are positioned in a back-to-back configuration and are angled away from each other as shown in FIG 3 and FIG 4. As shown in FIG 4, hooked arm 66A has substantially semi-circular inset 69, lower front edge 70 which diverges to upper front edge 71. Also present on hooked arm 66A are locking inset 72, hooked point 73, top edge 74 which terminates at arm extent 75 which in turn is connected to back edge 76. Hooked arm 66A is pivotable with respect to base 61 at inset 69. Hooked arms 66B, 67A and 67B have identical components as that of

66A described above. Furthermore, hooked arms 66A and 66B are biased away from each other due to the characteristics of the plastic from which lock member 60 is formed. Hence, when the hooked arms are pivoted at inset 69 due to a force applied to the arms, they return to the position as shown in FIG 4.

Circular apertures 77A and 78A are located within locking portion 64A. Aperture 77A is located between rectangular finger 64A and hooked arm 66A whilst aperture 78A is located between rectangular finger 65A and hooked arm 67A. Similarly, locking portion 63B has a pair of apertures 77B and 78B. Insets 79A and 79B are also part of locking portions 63A and 63B respectively.

Female dove tail joint portions 80A, 80B, 81 A, 81 B, 82A and 82B are located on lock member 60. The dimensions and location of female dove tail joint portion 80A are such that it is engagable with male dove tail joint portion 51 A on case 20. Similarly, female dove tail joint portions 80B, 81 A, 81 B, 82A and 82B are engagable with male dove tail joint portions 51 B, 52A, 52B, 53A and 53B respectively.

In use, elongate lock member 60 is fitted within lock recess 44 of case 20, when the case is closed, to lock side wall 28 to side wall 29. This ensures that the case cannot be moved to the opened position and hence facilitates the secure retention of merchandise present in storage compartment 21. The elongate lock member 60 is positioned such that circular fingers 62A, 62B, 62C and 62D align with respective circular holes 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D. Hence, as these fingers are appropriately aligned, locking portions 63A and 63B of lock member 60 align with locking portions 46A and 46B on case 20. Furthermore, female dove tail joint portions 80A, 80B, 81 A, 81 B, 82A and 82B on lock member 60 align with respective male dove tail joint portions 51 A, 51 B, 52A, 52B, 53A and 53B on case 20. Hooked arms 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D only partially align with respective wide rectangular holes 47A, 47B, 48A and 48B such that the extent of each arm 75 abuts the side of the rectangular hole distal from the centre of the respective locking portion. To facilitate insertion of lock member 60 within lock recess 44, a force is applied to lock member 60 when it is positioned over lock recess 44, as described above. The downward movement of elongate lock member 60 causes top edge 74 of the hooked arms to slide against the wide rectangular holes to force each hooked arm towards its paired arm. The hooked arms are then able to travel through their respective wide rectangular holes into storage compartment 21. Once the hooked arms have passed through the holes, each hooked arm moves away from its paired arms due to the respective bias of the arms. The respective hooked points 73 of hooked arms 66A, 66B, 67A and 67B engage with respective shallow rectangular valleys 55A, 55B, 54A and 54B on side wall 29.

Furthermore, all fingers are fully inserted in their corresponding holes, all male dove tail joints mate with their corresponding female dove tail joints and elongated lock member 60 is located entirely within lock recess 44. Hence, front wall 22 and back wall 23 are securely fastened together and the case is capable of securely retaining the CDs or DVDs on the store floor. As elongate lock member 60 is located entirely within lock recess 44, it is not possible to prise the lock member from within the lock recess as lips 42 and 43 prevent access to lock member 60.

A key (not shown) is used to remove the elongate lock member from the case. This key has a base and a spring mounted plate of substantially the same dimensions as the elongate lock member. The spring mounted plate is moveable between an extended position when the spring is fully extended, and a retracted position, when the spring is compressed and the plate is in contact with the base.

With reference to FIG 5, there are two pairs of circular pins 84 protruding upwardly from the base. The pins 84 pass through corresponding apertures in the spring mounted plate. When the spring mounted plate is in the extended position, the tips of the pins 84 extend through the circular portion of the keyhole shaped apertures. When the spring mounted plate is in the retracted position, the majority of the length of the pins 84 extend through the keyhole apertures above the spring mounted plate.

In use, case 20 is placed on the key such that the pins 84 on the key extend at least partially within circular apertures 77A, 77B, 78A and 78B on elongate lock member 60. The case is forced downwardly on the spring mounted plate, forcing the pins 84 further within apertures 77A, 77B, 78A and 78B.

Referring to FIG 5, each of the pins 84 contact lower front edge 70 of each hooked arm and as the case, and hence the hooked arms, move downwards, the pins 84 move upwards relative to the face 70. This relative movement between lower front edge 70 on the hooked arms and the pins 84 on the key forces each hooked point 73 out of the shallow rectangular valley (54A, 54B, 55A and 55B) in which it is embedded. When each pin 84 is fully inserted in circular apertures 77A, 77B, 78A and 78B the front edge 70 of each hooked arm is substantially parallel with the front edge of the hooked arm with which it is paired as shown in FIG 5.

When the downward force is removed, the case moves upwardly on the plate due to the force of the spring on which the plate is mounted. As the case moves upwards, the pins 84 move downwards on the lower front edge 70, relative to the hooked arms. The hooked ends 73 of each hooked arm are removed from the shallow rectangular valleys and hence as the case moves upwards the elongate lock member remains upon the spring mounted plate of the key. Elongate lock member 60 is no longer fitted within lock recess 44. Hence, the side walls of the case are no longer fastened together by the elongate lock member and the case is free to be opened.

FIG 6 shows a perspective view of an improved lockable media storage apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Lockable media storage apparatus 100 comprises a case 90 and lock member 60 (not shown in FIG 6).

Display case 90 has substantially identical features as case 20, but it is of sufficient size such that it may contain a standard digital media storage case within the storage compartment of display case 90. Furthermore, a metal hinged spine 91 is present on display case 90. Locking recess 44 of display case 90 has substantially identical dimensions as the locking recess of case 20 and thus it is possible to lock and unlock display case 90 using elongate lock member 60 using the same process as described above.

FIG 7 shows a perspective view of an lockable media storage apparatus 110 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Lockable media storage apparatus 110 comprises a case 120 and lock member 60. A digital media product 190, such as a DVD or CD is positioned within security case 120 as shown.

Similar to case 20 described above, case 120 is lockable by means of lock member 60. Case 120 has a storage compartment 21 and a lock recess 44 adapted to receive lock member 60. Additionally, case 120 has a series of interlocking ribs 35 formed within the storage compartment 21 adjacent hinges 33 and 34. However, case 120 differs from case 20 in that it further comprises a security device housing 130, a first ringed ridge 140, a second ringed ridge 150 and a hub locking device 160.

First ringed ridge 140 is located on back wall 22 and is centred about circular protrusion 161. First ringed ridge 140 has a constant radius sufficient such that a DVD or CD may be located within a circle formed by first ringed ridge 140. Similarly, second ringed ridge 150 is located on front wall 23 and is centred on hub locking device 160. As shown in FIG 7, second ringed ridge 150 has a constant radius sufficient such that a DVD or CD may be located within a circle formed by the second ringed ridge 150 as shown in FIG 7.

Ringed ridges 140 and 150 each have a plurality of raised portions 141 and 151 respectively and a plurality of lowered portions 142 and 152 respectively. First ringed ridge 140 and second ringed ridge 150 interlock when case 120 is in the closed position such that raise portions 151 mate with lowered portions 142. Similarly raised portions 141 mate with lowered portions 152. This ensures that a digital media product 190 is encapsulated within the mating portions of ringed ridge 140 and 150 when case 120 is in the closed postion.

FIG 8 shows an exploded view of security device housing 130. Security device housing 130 is located on back wall 23 and comprises a base 131 , a security coil 132, a security label 133 and a cover 134.

Base 131 is integrally formed with back wall 23. Optionally, base 131 may be securely fastened to back wall 23 by means of glue, pop rivets, plastic welding or the like. Two walls 135A and 135B extend upwardly from either end of base 131. A cut-out 136 is located on each wall 135A and 135B adjacent base 131. Additionally, a hollow housing 137 is located on base 131.

Security coil 132 is positioned within hollow housing 137. Security coil

132 may be any form of security tag known in the art for alerting a storeowner when merchandise exits a store without the knowledge or consent of the storeowner. For example, security coil 132 may be a magnetic tag, a radio frequency ID tag or the like.

Security label 133 is located on an inner surface of cover 134.

Security label 133 may be any form of security label known in the art for alerting a storeowner when merchandise exits a store without the knowledge or consent of the storeowner. For example, security label 133 may be a magnetic label, a radio frequency ID label or the like.

Cover 134 is securely fastened on base 131 such that security coil 132 and security label 133 are not removable from security device housing 130. FIG 9 shows a sectional side view of security device housing 130. The view of FIG 9 is taken through a central longitudinal axis of security device housing 130.

Cover 134 has a ridge 138 on either side of cover 134 that corresponds to cut out 136. Ridge 138 has an angled lower face 139 and an upper face 139A that extends inwardly substantially perpendicular from cover 134.

In use, security coil 132 is positioned within hollow housing 137 and security label 133 is positioned on an inner surface of cover 134. Cover 134 is then located over base 131 such that each ridge 138 on either end of cover 134 is located within each cut-out 135. Cover 134 is formed from a resilient material such that the ends have ridge 138 flex outwardly until the upper face 139A of each ridge 138 abuts a lower face of walls 135A and 135B.

In the position shown in FIG 9, cover 134 is securely located on base 131 and hence it is not possible for security coil 132 and security label 133 to be removed from security device housing 130 without damaging the security device housing 130. It will be appreciated that one or both of the security coil 132 and security label 133 may be located within the security device housing 130. Additionally, hollow housing 137 is configured such that a wide variety of security coils 132 of varying shapes and sizes may be located therein.

Security device housing130 provides for a tamper proof security device wherein security tags and labels may not be removed without damaging the security device housing 130. This damage would be apparent to a store person and the security device would be repaired. Therefore, it is not possible for thieves to remove these security tags and/or labels prior to returning the case to store and hence being able to remove these cases without electronic detection, as described in the prior art.

FIG 10 shows an exploded perspective view of hub locking device 160. Hub locking device 160 comprises a circular protrusion 161 integrally formed with back wall 23, a clamping disc 162 and a locking button 163. Circular protrusion 161 forms a recess 166 and has a diameter such that it is receivable within a central hole 191 of digital media product 190. Hub locking device 160 is moveable between a locked position and a release position as will be described in more detail below.

Clamping disc 162 has a central aperture 164 and a plurality of resilient arms 165 extending downwardly from central aperture 165. Resilient arms 165 are biased towards a centre of clamping disc 162 and are receivable within recess 166 of circular protrusion 161. Locking button 163 is of a size such that it is locatable within central aperture 164 of clamping disc 162.

FIG 11 shows a sectional side view of hub locking device 160. Line 167 represents a centre line of circular protrusion 161. Circular protrusion 161 has an undercut portion 167 and a seat portion 168. Clamping disc 162 has a clamping arm 169 and an indent 170. Each resilient arm 165 of clamping disc 162 has an enlarged portion 171 located at a lower extent and receivable within undercut portion 167 of circular protrusion 161. Additionally, a cutback 172 is located at an upper extent of each resilient arm 165. Locking button 163 comprises a ridge 173 and a tapered lower portion 174. Ridge 173 is receivable within indent 170 of clamping disc 162. Additionally, a cavity 160a is located on a lower side of locking button 163. Hub locking device 160 is used to securely hold a digital media product 190 to circular protrusion 161. In use, digital media product 190, in the form of a CD, DVD or the like, is positioned such that it is supported by seat portion 168 with the central hole 191 of digital media product 190 encompassing protrusion 161.

Resilient arms 165 of clamping disc 162 are positioned within recess 166 until an underside of clamping arm 169 abuts a top side of digital media product 190.

Locking button 163 is then positioned within the central aperture 164 of clamping disc 162 and is driven down such that enlarged portion 171 of each resilient arm 165 is driven within undercut portion 167 of circular protrusion 161. Thus hub locking device 160 is moved to the locked position. Ridge 173 of locking button 163 is located within indent 170. Additionally, no portion of locking button 163 extends above a top surface of clamping disc 162.

The positioning of the enlarged portion 171 of the resilient arm 165 within the undercut portion 167 of the circular protrusion 161 and the positioning of ridge 173 within indent 170 securely locates clamping disc 162 within recess 166. As such, an underside of clamping arm 169 securely holds digital storage product 190 on seat portion 168 of circular protrusion 161. It is not possible to move digital media product 190 away from circular protrusion 161 without removing locking button 163 from central aperture 164 of clamping disc 162. If an attempt is made to remove the digital media product 190 without removing the locking button the digital media product 190 will inevitably break.

The hub locking device 160 is moved to the release position by removing locking button 163 from within central aperture 164 of clamping disc 162. When this occurs, enlarged portion 171 of each resilient arm 165 is no longer held within undercut portion 167 and ridge 173 is no longer within indent 170. Locking button 163 may be removed from within central aperture 164 by providing a suction force, a magnetic force or the like. A removal device 180 using a suction force is described in more detail below.

In an optional embodiment, a circular protrusion 161 is located on front wall 22 and it will be appreciated that a hub locking device 160 may be located on front wall 22 to lock a digital media product 190 to front wall such that case 120 is able to contain securely therein two CDs/DVDs 190.

FIG 12 shows a removal device 180 for removing hub locking device 160 from case 120. Removal device 180 comprises a power intake 181 connected to a power source for providing power to the removal device 180. The removal device 180 further comprises an insertion slot 182, a hollow suction protrusion 183 located adjacent insertion slot 182. Hollow suction protrusion 183 has a circular aperture 183a. A removal protrusion 184 is located adjacent insertion slot 182 and is aligned parallel to hollow suction protrusion 183. Additionally, a suction solenoid 185 is connected to hollow suction protrusion 183 and a removal solenoid 186 is connected to removal protrusion 184. A suction handle 187 is located on suction solenoid 185 and a removal handle 188 is located on removal solenoid 186. Removal device 180 is used to extract the locking button 163 and clamping disc 162 of hub locking device 160 in order that the digital media product 190 may be removed from case 120 without damage. Generally, removal of these components is carried out within a store upon sale or rental of case 120. Case 120 is inserted, whilst in the opened position, within insertion slot 182 such that hub locking device 160 is aligned with and abuts circular aperture 183a of hollow suction protrusion 183.

Solenoids 185 and 186 are powered via power inlet 181. Suction solenoid 185 generates a suction effect through hollow suction protrusion 183 of an order sufficient to extract locking button 163 from central aperture 165 of clamping disc 162. It will be appreciated that the suction solenoid 185 has contained within a chamber. When power is delivered to the solenoid a piston retracts creating a negative pressure within the chamber. The hollow suction protrusion 183 is located at an opposite end of the chamber and thus the movement of the piston creates a suction effect at the hollow suction protrusion 183.

The suction provided by suction solenoid 185 results in enlarged portion 171 of each resilient arm 165 moving away from undercut portion 167 of circular protrusion 161. Similarly, ridge 173 is moved out of indent 170. Thus, hub locking device 160 is moved to the release position.

As enlarged portion 171 of each resilient arm 165 is no longer forced by the locking button 162 within undercut portion 167 of circular protrusion 161, the clamping disc 162 is easily removable. Hence, the suction generated by solenoid 185 via hollow suction protrusion 183 removes clamping arm 169 of clamping disc 162 from abutment with the digital media product 190.

After the locking button 163 and clamping disc 162 have been removed from the case 120, the removal solenoid 186 forces the removal protrusion 184 and the hollow suction protrusion 183 away from the case 120. The removal solenoid 186 has the removal protrusion 184 attached within. When power is applied to the removal solenoid 186 it causes removal protrusion to retract. Removal protrusion 184 is attached to suction protrusion (not shown). Hence the movement of removal protrusion 184 away from insertion slot 182 causes an operative movement of suction protrusion 183 away from insertion slot 182.

The case 120 may then be removed from insertion slot 182 with the digital media storage device 190 located therein being easily removable from within the case without fear of breakage. In the event that removal device 180 is not located in a powered area or in the event of a blackout, handles 187 and 188 may perform the roles of solenoids 185 and 186 respectively. The operation of handle 187 causes the chamber within the suction solenoid 185 to expand causing a negative pressure within this chamber. Thus suction at suction protrusion 183 is affected. Similarly, the operation of handle 188 causes removal protrusion 184 to retract and thus causing an operative removal of suction protrusion 183 away from insertion slot 182.

It will be appreciated that hub locking device 120 may be located on standard digital media case as is known in the art.

The improved lockable digital media storage apparatus of the current invention addresses at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art apparatus described in the background section. As discussed in the background section, one of the deficiencies of the prior art apparatus is that the hooked metal clips can be prised from the base of the lock member thus rendering the lock member ineffective at securing the merchandise contained within the case.

The elongate lock member of the present invention has the hooked arms integrally moulded with the base. Thus, it is not possible for thieves to prise the member from the base by detaching the clips from the lock member. The lock member of the present invention provides a greater level of security for merchandise within the storage compartment. Additionally, the presence of dove tail joints in the vicinity of the hooked arms further reduces the capability of thieves to be able to prise the elongate lock member away from the case. These dove tail joints are not present in the prior art device.

Furthermore, as the hooked arms are integrally moulded with the rest of the elongate lock member, the manufacture of this lock member is cheaper and more efficient than the manufacture of the prior art elongate lock member. This is due to the prior art elongate lock member requiring additional manufacturing after moulding to fasten the metal clips to the member. Conversely, the elongate lock member of the current invention is integrally moulded and hence requires no further manufacturing steps after it has been moulded. Additionally, the metal clips of the prior art elongate lock member are subject to deformation overtime. This deformation causes difficulties in both locking and unlocking of the case. This will result in frustration for the retailer as the cases cannot be quickly and efficiently unlocked. As the hooked arms are integrally moulded from plastic they are less susceptible to deformation over time. Furthermore, the bridge that joins a hooked arm to it's paired hooked arm prevents the hooked arms from being bent further than is necessary and hence prevents any further deformation.

The case of the improved lockable media storage apparatus of the current invention has ribs, as described above, to strengthen and reinforce the hinge. The reinforced hinge minimises the likelihood that it is possible to cut the hinge of the case thus providing a greater level of security to the DVD or CD contained within the storage compartment of the case.

The case of the improved lockable media storage apparatus of the present invention additionally provides for a case that is able to securely retain security tags and labels therein without the possibility of tampering, as described in the background, and thus providing for a more secure digital media storage case.

In a high security embodiment, the case of the present invention provides an additional hub locking device in order that CD's and DVD's may not be removed from an opened case without the use of custom removal device. The digital media product can not be removed without breakage while the hub locking device is fitted to the case.

The improved lockable media storage apparatus of the current invention provides for a more secure method of retaining digital media devices for display on a shop floor. The apparatus addresses and solves at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art device and offers a more secure valid commercial choice for consumers.

Throughout this specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Other embodiments of the current invention are possible that do not depart from the pith and marrow of the invention as described herein.

Claims

1. A digital media storage case comprising: a storage compartment having: a front wall; a back wall; a spine attached to said front wall by a first hinge, said spine attached to said back wall by a second hinge; and at least one interlocking rib formed adjacent said first hinge and said second hinge.

2. The digital media storage case of claim 1 further comprising: at least one lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one lock wall formed on said back wall, each said lock wall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough; and said case being moveable between an opened and a closed position; wherein, at least one of said holes on at least one said lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one of said holes formed on said lock wall formed on said back wall are in alignment when said case is in said closed position.

3. The digital media storage case of claim 2, wherein at least one lock recess is formed adjacent said storage compartment.

4. The digital storage case of claim 2, wherein at least one lock recess is formed adjacent said storage compartment, said at least one lock recess is separated from said storage compartment by at least two said lock walls when said case is in said closed position.

5. The digital media storage case of claim 3, wherein at least one male dove tail joint portion is formed on a length of said lock recess.

6. The digital media storage case of claim 1 further comprising a security device housing.

7. The digital media storage case of claim 6 wherein said security device housing is located within said storage compartment.

8. The digital media storage case of claim 6 wherein said security device housing is adapted to securely contain a security coil.

9. The digital media storage case of claim 6 wherein said security device housing is adapted to securely contain a security label.

10. The digital media storage case of claim 1 further comprising a hub locking device.

11. The digital media storage device of claim 10 wherein said hub locking device includes:

(a) a circular protrusion, said circular protrusion having at least one undercut portion; (b) a clamping disc having: a clamping arm; an enlarged portion, said enlarged porion being receivable within said undercut portion; and a central aperture; (c) a locking button receivable within said central aperture; wherein, said hub locking device is moveable between a locked position and a release position.

12. The digital media storage device of claim 1 , wherein a digital media product is locatable within said storage compartment.

13. The digital media storage device of claim 1 , wherein a further digital media storage is locatable within said storage compartment.

14. A lock member comprising: a base; at least one pair of hooked arms protruding outwardly from said base, each said hooked arm being pivotable with respect to said base; and one or more apertures located through said base adjacent each said hooked arm; wherein, said pair of hooked arms are integrally formed with said base.

15. The lock member of claim 14, wherein said pair of hooked arms are interconnected by a bridge.

16. The lock member of claim 15, wherein said bridge is integrally formed with said pair of hooked arms.

17. The lock member of claim 14, wherein said base has one or more fingers protruding outwardly from said base.

18. The lock member of claim 17, wherein said fingers are integrally formed with said base.

19. The lock member of claim 14, wherein at least one female dove tail joint portions are formed on a length of said base.

20. A hub locking device for locking a digital media product to a digital media case, said hub locking device comprising:

(a) a circular protrusion, said circular protrusion having at least one undercut portion;

21. A lockable media storage apparatus comprising:

(a) a case having: a storage compartment including: a front wall; a back wall; a spine attached to said front wall by a first hinge, said spine attached to said back wall by a second hinge; at least one lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one lock wall formed on said back wall, each said lock wall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough; and said case being moveable between an opened and a closed position; wherein, at least one of said holes on at least one said lock wall formed on said front wall and at least one of said holes formed on said lock wall formed on said back wall are in alignment when said case is in said closed position; (b) at least one lock member having: a base; at least one pair of hooked arms protruding outwardly from said base, each said hooked arm being pivotable with respect to said base, said pair of hooked arms being integrally formed with said base; wherein, said hooked arms extend through said aligned holes in said lock walls to prevent said case being moved from said closed position to said opened position.

22. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 wherein said case further comprises a lock recess formed adjacent said storage compartment, said lock recess being separated from said storage compartment by said at least one lock wall when said case is in said closed position.

23. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 wherein said case has one or more interlocking ribs formed adjacent said first and said second hinges.

24. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said lock member prevents said case from moving from said closed position to said opened position when said lock member is located with said lock recess such that said hooked arms extend through said holes in said lock walls.

25. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21, wherein said hooked arms are interconnected by a bridge integrally formed with said pair of hooked arms.

26. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein at least one male dove tail joint portion is formed on a length of said lock recess.

27. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21, wherein at least one female dove tail joint portion is formed on a length of said base.

28. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein at least one first dove tail joint portion is formed on a length of said base, at least one second dove tail joint portion is formed on a length of said lock recess, said first dove tail joint portion being mateable with said second dove tail joint portion.

29. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said lock member further comprises one or more fingers protruding outwardly from said base.

30. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said lock member further comprises one or more fingers protruding outwardly from said base, each said fingers aligning and being receivable within a hole located on said lock wall of said case.

31. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said case further comprises a security device housing.

32. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 31, wherein said security device housing is located within said storage compartment.

33. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 31, wherein said security device housing is adapted to securely contain a security coil.

34. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 31, wherein said security device housing is adapted to securely contain a security label.

35. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said case further comprises a hub locking device.

36. The lockable media storage apparatus of claim 21, wherein said case further comprises a hub locking device, said hub locking device including:

(a) a circular protrusion, said circular protrusion having at least one undercut portion; (b) a clamping disc having: a clamping arm; an enlarged portion, said enlarged porion being receivable within said undercut portion; and a central aperture;

Dated this 18^th day of February. 2004

The Trade Guvs International Ptv Ltd By their Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY