US20030116455A1 - Lockable media storage container - Google Patents
Lockable media storage container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030116455A1 US20030116455A1 US10/310,263 US31026302A US2003116455A1 US 20030116455 A1 US20030116455 A1 US 20030116455A1 US 31026302 A US31026302 A US 31026302A US 2003116455 A1 US2003116455 A1 US 2003116455A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lock
- container
- storage container
- base
- media storage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 55
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
- E05B73/0017—Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops
- E05B73/0023—Containers, boxes, cases or the like, e.g. for compact discs or video-cassettes, specially adapted therefor
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
- G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
- G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
- G11B33/0411—Single disc boxes
- G11B33/0422—Single disc boxes for discs without cartridge
- G11B33/0427—Single disc boxes for discs without cartridge comprising centre hole locking means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
- G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
- G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
- G11B33/0433—Multiple disc containers
- G11B33/0444—Multiple disc containers for discs without cartridge
- G11B33/045—Multiple disc containers for discs without cartridge comprising centre hole locking means
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to media storage containers and, more particularly, to lockable media storage containers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a lockable media storage container wherein the lock is disposed in the opening defined by the front walls of the lid and base.
- Retail stores display the items of recorded media in the storage containers delivered from the manufacturer.
- Typical rental stores display the items available for rental in storage boxes that protect the items from dust, ultraviolet light, and damage from impact if accidentally dropped.
- Stores protect themselves against theft by placing one or more EAS tags on or inside the item of recorded media.
- An EAS tag is adapted to activate an alarm when passed through a sensing device that may be disposed around the exit of the store. It is generally desirable to place the EAS tags in places where they cannot be easily removed by a shoplifter.
- a rental establishment typically places older rental stock out for sale when it no longer needs the item for rental.
- the EAS tags are removed from the items and reused on items that are being rented.
- the EAS tags are removed from the items of recorded media prior to sale so that the purchaser will not activate the alarm systems in other stores with the EAS tags.
- a rental store must protect itself against shoplifting by placing an EAS tag on the storage container holding the item for sale. It is desirable that the EAS tag be placed on the storage container in a way that allows a sales clerk to quickly and easily remove the tag after the sale is made but also in a manner that prevents a shoplifter from easily removing the tag.
- Placement of the EAS tag in such a position is, however, difficult because a storage container provides few, if any, areas where the EAS tag may be hidden. If the EAS tag is placed on the storage container in a fashion such that it can be easily removed, a shoplifter may simply remove the tag and steal the item without activating the alarm. It is thus desired in the art to provide a storage container suitable for holding and displaying an item of recorded media during display for rental that has locking holes that can later accept a lock containing an EAS tag when the container is used to sell an item.
- Such a storage box and lock combination must be configured to prevent the thief from simply breaking the lock off the storage box with a small pry bar.
- the storage box and lock must be relatively strong, the cost of manufacturing the lock and storage box must not be prohibitive. It is thus also desired in the art to provide a relatively inexpensive storage box and lock and key combination that securely locks the storage box while preventing a pry bar from being inserted between the lock and the storage box.
- Retail stores desire the lock and EAS tag to be delivered to the store from the manufacturer. Retail stores also desire that the containers have the same footprint as containers without locks.
- the invention provides a lockable media storage container wherein the lock for the container is disposed within the lock reception cavity defined by the container.
- the lock may be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position while remaining disposed within the lock reception cavity. This configuration allows a clerk to unlock the lock and sell the unlocked lock and container to the customer who removes the lock after it is removed from the retail establishment.
- the invention provides a lock that locks itself in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently move back into the locked position.
- the invention provides a lockable media storage container system having a media storage container that defines a lock reception cavity with a lock adapted to fit within the lock reception cavity; the lock movable between locked and unlocked positions.
- the lock includes first and second locking fingers with the first locking finger disposed in an opening defined by the lid and the second locking finger disposed in an opening defined by the base to lock the lid in the closed position.
- Each of the openings defined by the lid and the base being at least partially defined by a locking ledge and an unlocking ramp with the lock finger engaging the locking ledge when the lock is in the locked position.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for protecting and selling items of recorded media with lockable media storage containers wherein the item of recorded media is locked within the lockable media storage container in the retail establishment.
- the retail clerk unlocks the lock without removing the lock from the container or removing the lock from under the shrink wrap layer.
- the retail customer then takes the unlocked container home, removes the shrink wrap, and discards the lock.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the lockable media storage container of the present invention in an open configuration.
- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with a disc disposed on the hub of the media storage container.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the lock of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the lock of the present invention in an assembled and locked position.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the lock shown from the rear.
- FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lockable media storage container and the first embodiment of the lock showing the media storage container closed and the lock being aligned with the opening of the media storage container.
- FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7.
- FIG. 9 is a section view taken along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 7.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock installed in the lock reception cavity of the media storage container with the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the front portion of the lid of the locked media storage container of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12 is a section view taken along line 12 - 12 of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10 showing the media storage container wrapped in a thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line 14 - 14 of FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15 is a front view of the media storage container showing the lock in the locked position disposed within the opening of the media storage container and covered by the thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 16 is a section view taken along line 16 - 16 of FIG. 15.
- FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 16.
- FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing a magnet being positioned adjacent the lock to move the magnetic lock fingers from a locked position to an unlocked position.
- FIG. 19 is enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 18.
- FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the lock being moved to the unlocked position.
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the lock in the unlocked position with the magnet removed.
- FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 22.
- FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 25 is a section view taken along line 25 - 25 of FIG. 24.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the media storage container with the thin layer of plastic removed and the handle of the lock being pulled out so that the handle may be used to remove the lock from the storage container.
- FIG. 27 is a section view taken along line 27 - 27 of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 28 is a section view showing an alternative locking finger arrangement that may be used to hold the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28 showing the alternative locking arrangement holding the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a lockable media storage container.
- FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the lock of the present invention.
- FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the lock of the present invention in an assembled and locked position.
- FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the lock shown from the rear.
- FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the lockable media storage container and the second embodiment of the lock showing the media storage container closed and the lock being aligned with the opening of the media storage container.
- FIG. 36 is a section view taken along line 36 - 36 of FIG. 35.
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the lock installed in the lock reception cavity of the media storage container with the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 38 is a top view of the front portion of the lid of the locked media storage container of FIG. 37.
- FIG. 39 is a section view taken along line 39 - 39 of FIG. 37.
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 37 showing the media storage container wrapped in a thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 41 is a section view taken along line 41 - 41 of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 42 is a front view of the media storage container showing the lock in the locked position disposed within the opening of the media storage container and covered by the thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 43 is a section view taken along line 43 - 43 of FIG. 42.
- FIG. 44 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 43.
- FIG. 45 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing a magnet being positioned adjacent the lock to move the magnetic lock fingers from a locked position to an unlocked position.
- FIG. 46 is enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 45.
- FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing the lock being moved to the unlocked position.
- FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 47.
- FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing the lock in the unlocked position with the magnet removed.
- FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 49.
- FIG. 51 is a view similar to FIG. 38 showing the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 52 is a section view taken along line 52 - 52 of FIG. 51.
- FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the media storage container with the thin layer of plastic removed and the handle of the lock being pulled out so that the handle may be used to remove the lock from the storage container.
- FIG. 54 is a section view taken along line 54 - 54 of FIG. 53.
- the first embodiment of the lockable media storage container system of the invention is indicated by the numeral 8 and includes container 10 and lock 50 .
- the lockable media storage container of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings.
- Media storage container 10 generally includes a base 12 that is connected to a lid 14 by an appropriate hinge.
- the hinge includes a pair of living hinges 16 that are separated by hinge wall 18 .
- Base 12 generally includes a bottom wall 20 with a pair of opposed sidewalls 22 projecting out from bottom wall 20 .
- a front wall 24 extends across the edge of bottom wall 20 between the ends of sidewalls 22 opposite the hinge.
- lid 14 includes a top wall 30 and a pair of opposed sidewalls 32 that project from top wall 30 .
- a front wall 34 extends along the edge of top wall 30 between the ends of sidewalls 32 opposite the hinge. Sidewalls 32 are designed to slide within sidewalls 22 when lid 14 is closed so that container 10 has a double wall thickness when it is closed. Front walls 24 and 34 may also form a double thick front wall of container 10 if the double wall thickness is desired. In some embodiments, front walls 24 and 34 simply abut each other to define a single-thickness front wall.
- a tab 36 projects outwardly from hinge wall 18 so that it will cover a portion of the item of recorded media 40 when lid 14 is closed as depicted in FIG. 8. This helps prevent item 40 from falling off of hub 42 when container 10 is shaken or dropped.
- a lock 50 is used to lock container 10 in a closed and locked configuration.
- Lock 50 generally includes a lock base 52 , a lock slide 54 , and at least one lock finger 56 .
- lock 50 includes a pair of lock fingers 56 that resiliently project from a common lock frame 58 .
- lock fingers 56 are fabricated from a magnetically attractable material so that lock fingers 56 may be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position with the influence of a magnetic field.
- container 10 Before explaining and describing all of the structural elements of container 10 and lock 50 , the Applicants will describe how lock 50 is used with container 10 .
- container 10 is open and item of recorded media 40 has not yet been placed in container 10 .
- Container 10 may be on the initial portion of an automated assembly line that loads container 10 .
- item 40 has been placed on retaining hub 42 .
- printed literature may also be loaded into lid 14 .
- the user then closes lid 14 and aligns lock 50 with the concave opening or lock reception cavity 60 defined by the front of container 10 .
- Lock 50 is then inserted into lock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 10.
- FIG. 10 is open and item of recorded media 40 has not yet been placed in container 10 .
- Container 10 may be on the initial portion of an automated assembly line that loads container 10 .
- item 40 has been placed on retaining hub 42 .
- printed literature may also be loaded into lid 14 .
- the user closes lid 14 and aligns lock 50 with the concave opening or lock reception cavity
- lock 50 is in the locked position and is securely holding lid 14 to base 12 such that container 10 cannot be opened until lock 50 is moved to the unlocked position and removed from container 10 .
- Container 10 and lock 50 may then be wrapped by a thin plastic layer 62 as depicted in FIG. 13. Such a layer is commonly referred to as a shrink wrapped layer in the art.
- Container 10 and lock 50 may then be shipped to a retail establishment for display and sale to a consumer.
- the consumer may view the front and rear panel of container 10 without an interference from lock 50 .
- Lock 50 further does not interfere with the spine (the outer surface of hinge panel 18 ) when lock 50 is locking container 10 .
- a shoplifter cannot readily access item 40 without severely damaging container 10 and drawing attention to himself in the process.
- the consumer who wishes to purchase container 10 takes lock container 10 to the retail establishment clerk who charges the consumer the appropriate amount of money for container 10 and item 40 . Without removing the shrink wrap, the clerk unlocks lock 50 and gives container 10 and lock 50 back to the purchaser. The clerk can unlock lock 50 without damaging the shrink wrap by placing a magnet in the appropriate location next to lock 50 and moving lock slide 54 to the unlocked position. An appropriate mechanism holds lock slide 54 in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently return to the locked position as shown in FIG. 23.
- the consumer then leaves the retail establishment with lock 50 in the unlocked position under the layer of shrink wrap.
- the consumer may then remove the shrink wrap and pull lock 50 from container 10 as shown in FIG. 26.
- a handle 70 is provided in lock 50 .
- Handle 70 may be pivoted outwardly as depicted in FIG. 26 to provide a grip for the user's finger and thumb.
- the user pulls on handle 70 until lock 50 is removed from container 10 .
- the user then discards lock 50 and enjoys item of recorded media 40 .
- the concepts of the present invention may also be used without shrink wrap layer 62 .
- lock 50 generally includes a lock base 52 and a lock slide 54 that are depicted in FIGS. 3 - 6 .
- Lock slide 54 is selectively moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
- Locking finger 56 prevents lock slide 54 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position when lock finger 56 is in the locked position.
- lock finger 56 engages both lock slide 54 and lock base 52 to prevent the two items from moving relative to one another.
- Protrusions 80 extend from the inner surface of lock slide 54 to engage common frame 58 to prevent frame 58 from moving longitudinally and laterally with respect to lock slide 54 .
- protrusions 80 may extend into a central portion of frame 58 while others of protrusions 80 may engage the end surface of frame 58 .
- FIG. 3 shows the locking ledges 82 on which fingers 56 engage when fingers 56 are in the locked position. Ledges 82 may also be seen in FIG. 16.
- Base 52 further defines a secondary locking ledge 84 that is disposed in the opposite direction of ledges 82 .
- Ledge 84 is engaged by a holding member 86 that may be in the form of a resilient locking finger similar to locking fingers 56 .
- Holding finger 86 may project from common frame 58 as depicted in FIG. 5. Holding finger 86 is used to hold lock slide 54 in the unlocked position by engaging ledge 84 as depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23.
- Lock slide 54 is connected to lock base 52 by appropriate connectors 90 that allow lock slide 54 to move between the locked position of FIG. 18 and the unlocked position of FIG. 20.
- Members 90 may be received in a one-way snap fit connection by ledges 92 defined by the body of lock base 52 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
- An opening 94 may provide access to each ledge 92 so that members 90 may engage ledges 92 .
- Base 52 and slide 54 cooperate to define an EAS tag-reception cavity 96 that is sized to receive an EAS tag 98 .
- Slide 54 may define a indicator opening 100 that aligns with an indicator 102 .
- Indicator 102 is colored substantially different from the color of lock slide 54 so that its color can be viewed through opening 100 when lock slide 54 is in the locked position.
- indicator 102 When lock slide 54 is moved to the unlocked position, indicator 102 is no longer visible through opening 100 thus providing an indication that lock 50 is unlocked.
- a different color indicator 104 may be provided if desired.
- indicator 102 may be red and indicator 104 may be white with lock slide 54 being black. When red is visible through opening 100 , the user will understand that lock 50 is in the locked position. When white is visible through opening 100 , the user will understand that lock 50 is in the unlocked position.
- opening 100 may also be used to force lock slide 54 from the locked position to the unlocked position when locking fingers 56 are in their unlocked position.
- lock slide 54 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by using the magnetic force that moves lock fingers 56 from their locked position to their unlocked position.
- Lock slide 54 includes container locking fingers 110 .
- Container locking fingers 110 are adapted to hold lock 50 on container 10 in a secure manner that prevents lock 50 from being removed from container 10 until lock slide 54 is in the unlocked position.
- Container 10 thus defines finger openings 112 as shown in FIG. 10.
- lock 50 includes six container locking fingers 110 that are received in three openings 112 defined by top wall 30 and three openings 112 defined by bottom wall 20 .
- FIG. 7 shows the front portion of openings 112 wherein each opening 112 is defined by a locking ledge 114 and an unlocking ramp 116 .
- Ledges 114 and 116 are adjacent bottom wall 20 and top wall 30 and are disposed adjacent lock reception cavity 60 .
- Ledges 114 are positioned to engage container locking fingers 110 when lock 50 is in the locked configuration depicted in FIG. 7.
- Each container locking finger 110 includes a resilient locking finger that engages ledge 114 in a one-way snap fit connection when lock 50 is moved into lock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 10.
- fingers 110 are moved over to be aligned with unlocking ramp 116 .
- Ramps 116 allow fingers 110 to move back out of container 10 thus allowing lock 50 to be removed from container 10 .
- FIGS. 28 and 29 show an alternative mechanism for holding lock slide 54 in the unlocked position.
- resilient barbs 87 are connected to one of lock slide 54 and lock base 52 with the other of lock slide 54 and lock base 52 defining openings 89 that receive barbs 87 when lock slide 54 is moved to the unlocked position. Barbs 87 prevent lock slide 54 from moving back to the locked position.
- the second embodiment of the lockable media storage container system of the invention is indicated by the numeral 200 and includes container 202 and lock 250 .
- the second embodiment of the lockable media storage container of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 202 in the accompanying drawings.
- the elements of media storage container 202 are similar to container 10 and the same reference numbers are used to identify these elements.
- a lock 250 is used to lock container 202 in a closed and locked configuration.
- Lock 250 generally includes a lock base 252 , a lock slide 254 , and at least one lock finger 256 .
- lock 250 includes a single lock finger 256 that resiliently projects from a lock frame 258 .
- lock finger 256 is fabricated from a magnetically attractable material so that lock finger 256 may be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position with the influence of a magnetic field.
- container 202 and lock 250 Before explaining and describing all of the structural elements of container 202 and lock 250 , the Applicant will describe how lock 250 is used with container 202 .
- container 202 is open and item of recorded media 40 has been placed in container 202 .
- the user or automated equipment
- Lock 250 is then inserted into lock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 37.
- lock 250 is in the locked position and is securely holding lid 14 to base 12 such that container 202 cannot be opened until lock 250 is moved to the unlocked position and removed from container 202 .
- Container 202 and lock 250 may then be wrapped by a thin plastic layer 62 as depicted in FIG. 41. Such a layer is commonly referred to as a shrink wrapped layer in the art.
- Container 202 and lock 250 may then be shipped to a retail establishment for display and sale to a consumer.
- the consumer may view the front and rear panel of container 202 without an interference from lock 250 .
- Lock 250 further does not interfere with the spine (the outer surface of hinge panel 18 ) when lock 250 is locking container 202 .
- a shoplifter cannot readily access item 40 without severely damaging container 202 and drawing attention to himself in the process.
- the consumer who wishes to purchase container 202 takes lock container 202 to the retail establishment clerk who charges the consumer the appropriate amount of money for container 202 and item 40 . Without removing the shrink wrap, the clerk unlocks lock 250 and gives container 202 and lock 250 back to the purchaser. The clerk can unlock lock 250 without damaging the shrink wrap by placing a magnet in the appropriate location next to lock 250 and moving lock slide 54 to the unlocked position. An appropriate mechanism holds lock slide 54 in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently return to the locked position as shown in FIG. 23.
- the consumer then leaves the retail establishment with lock 250 in the unlocked position under the layer of shrink wrap.
- the consumer may then remove the shrink wrap and pull lock 250 from container 202 as shown in FIG. 53.
- a handle 70 is provided in lock 250 .
- Handle 70 may be pivoted outwardly as depicted in FIG. 26 to provide a grip for the user's finger and thumb.
- the user pulls on handle 70 until lock 250 is removed from container 202 .
- the user then discards lock 250 and enjoys item of recorded media 40 .
- the concepts of the present invention may also be used without shrink wrap layer 62 .
- lock 250 generally includes a lock base 252 and a lock slide 254 that are depicted in FIGS. 31 - 34 .
- Lock slide 254 is selectively moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
- Locking finger 256 prevents lock slide 254 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position when lock finger 256 is in the locked position.
- lock finger 256 engages both lock slide 254 and lock base 252 to prevent the two items from moving relative to one another.
- Protrusions 280 extend from the inner surface of lock slide 254 to engage frame 258 to prevent frame 258 from moving longitudinally and laterally with respect to lock slide 254 .
- protrusions 280 may extend into a central portion of frame 258 while others of protrusions 280 may engage the end surface of frame 258 .
- FIG. 31 shows the locking ledge 282 on which finger 256 engages when finger 256 is in the locked position. Ledge 282 may also be seen in FIG. 16.
- Base 252 further defines a secondary locking ledge 284 that is disposed in the opposite direction of ledge 282 .
- Ledge 284 is engaged by a holding member 286 that may be in the form of a resilient locking finger similar to locking finger 256 .
- Holding finger 286 may project from common frame 258 as depicted in FIG. 31. Holding finger 286 is used to hold lock slide 254 in the unlocked position by engaging ledge 284 as depicted in FIGS. 49 and 50.
- Lock slide 254 is connected to lock base 252 by appropriate connectors 290 that allow lock slide 254 to move between the locked position of FIG. 43 and the unlocked position of FIG. 49.
- Members 290 may be received in a one-way snap fit connection by ledges 292 defined by the body of lock base 252 as shown in FIGS. 31 and 33.
- An opening 294 may provide access to each ledge 292 so that members 290 may engage ledges 292 .
- Base 252 and slide 254 cooperate to define an EAS tag-reception cavity 296 that is sized to receive an EAS tag 98 .
- Base 252 may include an indicator 298 disposed at the end of base 252 .
- Indicator 298 may be provided in a bright color or a color that contrasts with the color of base 252 and slide 254 . When lock 250 is moved to the unlocked position, indicator 298 is visible as shown in FIG. 53.
- Slide 254 includes a ledge 300 that extends from the front of slide 254 .
- Ledge 300 allows slide 254 to be pushed from the locked position to the unlocked position as shown in FIGS. 45 - 48 .
- Ledge 300 is positioned at one end of the position of lock frame 258 so that the key that unlocks lock 250 may engage ledge 300 to push slide 254 to the unlocked position.
- Lock slide 254 includes container locking fingers 310 .
- Container locking fingers 310 are adapted to hold lock 250 on container 202 in a secure manner that prevents lock 250 from being removed from container 202 until lock slide 254 is in the unlocked position.
- Container 202 thus defines finger openings 312 as shown in FIG. 35.
- lock 250 includes six container locking fingers 310 that are received in three openings 312 defined by top wall 30 and three openings 312 defined by bottom wall 20 .
- FIG. 38 shows the front portion of openings 312 wherein each opening 312 is defined by a locking ledge 314 and an unlocking ramp 316 .
- Ledges 314 and 316 are adjacent bottom wall 20 and top wall 30 and are disposed adjacent lock reception cavity 60 .
- Ledges 314 are positioned to engage container locking fingers 310 when lock 250 is in the locked configuration depicted in FIG. 39.
- Each container locking finger 310 includes a resilient locking finger that engages ledge 314 in a one-way snap fit connection when lock 250 is moved into lock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 37.
- fingers 310 are moved over to be aligned with unlocking ramp 316 .
- Ramps 316 allow fingers 310 to move back out of container 202 thus allowing lock 250 to be removed from container 202 . This position is depicted in FIGS. 51 and 52.
- Locks 50 and 250 are configured to have a length that is substantially the same as the length of lock reception cavity 60 so that either lock 50 or 250 will substantially fill cavity 60 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 43.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial No. 60/337,368 filed Dec. 5, 2001; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention generally relates to media storage containers and, more particularly, to lockable media storage containers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a lockable media storage container wherein the lock is disposed in the opening defined by the front walls of the lid and base.
- 2. Background Information
- Renting and purchasing items of recorded media such as video cassettes and video games has become immensely popular in recent times given the ever increasing number of items available for home viewing and use as well as the decrease in price of the machines that play the media. Retail stores display the items of recorded media in the storage containers delivered from the manufacturer. Typical rental stores display the items available for rental in storage boxes that protect the items from dust, ultraviolet light, and damage from impact if accidentally dropped. Stores protect themselves against theft by placing one or more EAS tags on or inside the item of recorded media. An EAS tag is adapted to activate an alarm when passed through a sensing device that may be disposed around the exit of the store. It is generally desirable to place the EAS tags in places where they cannot be easily removed by a shoplifter.
- A rental establishment typically places older rental stock out for sale when it no longer needs the item for rental. When items are put out for sale, the EAS tags are removed from the items and reused on items that are being rented. The EAS tags are removed from the items of recorded media prior to sale so that the purchaser will not activate the alarm systems in other stores with the EAS tags. Without the EAS tags in the items themselves, a rental store must protect itself against shoplifting by placing an EAS tag on the storage container holding the item for sale. It is desirable that the EAS tag be placed on the storage container in a way that allows a sales clerk to quickly and easily remove the tag after the sale is made but also in a manner that prevents a shoplifter from easily removing the tag. Placement of the EAS tag in such a position is, however, difficult because a storage container provides few, if any, areas where the EAS tag may be hidden. If the EAS tag is placed on the storage container in a fashion such that it can be easily removed, a shoplifter may simply remove the tag and steal the item without activating the alarm. It is thus desired in the art to provide a storage container suitable for holding and displaying an item of recorded media during display for rental that has locking holes that can later accept a lock containing an EAS tag when the container is used to sell an item.
- Such a storage box and lock combination must be configured to prevent the thief from simply breaking the lock off the storage box with a small pry bar. Although the storage box and lock must be relatively strong, the cost of manufacturing the lock and storage box must not be prohibitive. It is thus also desired in the art to provide a relatively inexpensive storage box and lock and key combination that securely locks the storage box while preventing a pry bar from being inserted between the lock and the storage box.
- Retail stores desire the lock and EAS tag to be delivered to the store from the manufacturer. Retail stores also desire that the containers have the same footprint as containers without locks.
- The invention provides a lockable media storage container wherein the lock for the container is disposed within the lock reception cavity defined by the container. The lock may be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position while remaining disposed within the lock reception cavity. This configuration allows a clerk to unlock the lock and sell the unlocked lock and container to the customer who removes the lock after it is removed from the retail establishment.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a lock that locks itself in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently move back into the locked position.
- In one embodiment, the invention provides a lockable media storage container system having a media storage container that defines a lock reception cavity with a lock adapted to fit within the lock reception cavity; the lock movable between locked and unlocked positions. The lock includes first and second locking fingers with the first locking finger disposed in an opening defined by the lid and the second locking finger disposed in an opening defined by the base to lock the lid in the closed position. Each of the openings defined by the lid and the base being at least partially defined by a locking ledge and an unlocking ramp with the lock finger engaging the locking ledge when the lock is in the locked position.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for protecting and selling items of recorded media with lockable media storage containers wherein the item of recorded media is locked within the lockable media storage container in the retail establishment. The retail clerk unlocks the lock without removing the lock from the container or removing the lock from under the shrink wrap layer. The retail customer then takes the unlocked container home, removes the shrink wrap, and discards the lock.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the lockable media storage container of the present invention in an open configuration.
- FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with a disc disposed on the hub of the media storage container.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the lock of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the lock of the present invention in an assembled and locked position.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the lock shown from the rear.
- FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lockable media storage container and the first embodiment of the lock showing the media storage container closed and the lock being aligned with the opening of the media storage container.
- FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line8-8 of FIG. 7.
- FIG. 9 is a section view taken along line9-9 of FIG. 7.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lock installed in the lock reception cavity of the media storage container with the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the front portion of the lid of the locked media storage container of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 12 is a section view taken along line12-12 of FIG. 10.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10 showing the media storage container wrapped in a thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line14-14 of FIG. 13.
- FIG. 15 is a front view of the media storage container showing the lock in the locked position disposed within the opening of the media storage container and covered by the thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 16 is a section view taken along line16-16 of FIG. 15.
- FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 16.
- FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing a magnet being positioned adjacent the lock to move the magnetic lock fingers from a locked position to an unlocked position.
- FIG. 19 is enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 18.
- FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the lock being moved to the unlocked position.
- FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 20.
- FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the lock in the unlocked position with the magnet removed.
- FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 22.
- FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 25 is a section view taken along line25-25 of FIG. 24.
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the media storage container with the thin layer of plastic removed and the handle of the lock being pulled out so that the handle may be used to remove the lock from the storage container.
- FIG. 27 is a section view taken along line27-27 of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 28 is a section view showing an alternative locking finger arrangement that may be used to hold the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28 showing the alternative locking arrangement holding the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a lockable media storage container.
- FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the lock of the present invention.
- FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the lock of the present invention in an assembled and locked position.
- FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the lock shown from the rear.
- FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the lockable media storage container and the second embodiment of the lock showing the media storage container closed and the lock being aligned with the opening of the media storage container.
- FIG. 36 is a section view taken along line36-36 of FIG. 35.
- FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the lock installed in the lock reception cavity of the media storage container with the lock in the locked position.
- FIG. 38 is a top view of the front portion of the lid of the locked media storage container of FIG. 37.
- FIG. 39 is a section view taken along line39-39 of FIG. 37.
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 37 showing the media storage container wrapped in a thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 41 is a section view taken along line41-41 of FIG. 40.
- FIG. 42 is a front view of the media storage container showing the lock in the locked position disposed within the opening of the media storage container and covered by the thin layer of plastic.
- FIG. 43 is a section view taken along line43-43 of FIG. 42.
- FIG. 44 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 43.
- FIG. 45 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing a magnet being positioned adjacent the lock to move the magnetic lock fingers from a locked position to an unlocked position.
- FIG. 46 is enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 45.
- FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing the lock being moved to the unlocked position.
- FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 47.
- FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 43 showing the lock in the unlocked position with the magnet removed.
- FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 49.
- FIG. 51 is a view similar to FIG. 38 showing the lock in the unlocked position.
- FIG. 52 is a section view taken along line52-52 of FIG. 51.
- FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the media storage container with the thin layer of plastic removed and the handle of the lock being pulled out so that the handle may be used to remove the lock from the storage container.
- FIG. 54 is a section view taken along line54-54 of FIG. 53.
- Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
- The first embodiment of the lockable media storage container system of the invention is indicated by the
numeral 8 and includescontainer 10 andlock 50. The lockable media storage container of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings.Media storage container 10 generally includes a base 12 that is connected to alid 14 by an appropriate hinge. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge includes a pair of living hinges 16 that are separated byhinge wall 18.Base 12 generally includes abottom wall 20 with a pair ofopposed sidewalls 22 projecting out frombottom wall 20. Afront wall 24 extends across the edge ofbottom wall 20 between the ends ofsidewalls 22 opposite the hinge. Similarly,lid 14 includes atop wall 30 and a pair ofopposed sidewalls 32 that project fromtop wall 30. Afront wall 34 extends along the edge oftop wall 30 between the ends ofsidewalls 32 opposite the hinge.Sidewalls 32 are designed to slide withinsidewalls 22 whenlid 14 is closed so thatcontainer 10 has a double wall thickness when it is closed.Front walls container 10 if the double wall thickness is desired. In some embodiments,front walls tab 36 projects outwardly fromhinge wall 18 so that it will cover a portion of the item of recordedmedia 40 whenlid 14 is closed as depicted in FIG. 8. This helps preventitem 40 from falling off of hub 42 whencontainer 10 is shaken or dropped. - A
lock 50 is used to lockcontainer 10 in a closed and locked configuration.Lock 50 generally includes alock base 52, alock slide 54, and at least onelock finger 56. In the exemplary embodiment, lock 50 includes a pair oflock fingers 56 that resiliently project from acommon lock frame 58. In the exemplary embodiment, lockfingers 56 are fabricated from a magnetically attractable material so thatlock fingers 56 may be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position with the influence of a magnetic field. - Before explaining and describing all of the structural elements of
container 10 andlock 50, the Applicants will describe howlock 50 is used withcontainer 10. In FIG. 1,container 10 is open and item of recordedmedia 40 has not yet been placed incontainer 10.Container 10 may be on the initial portion of an automated assembly line that loadscontainer 10. In FIG. 2,item 40 has been placed on retaining hub 42. At this time, printed literature may also be loaded intolid 14. The user then closeslid 14 and aligns lock 50 with the concave opening or lockreception cavity 60 defined by the front ofcontainer 10.Lock 50 is then inserted intolock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10,lock 50 is in the locked position and is securely holdinglid 14 tobase 12 such thatcontainer 10 cannot be opened untillock 50 is moved to the unlocked position and removed fromcontainer 10.Container 10 and lock 50 may then be wrapped by athin plastic layer 62 as depicted in FIG. 13. Such a layer is commonly referred to as a shrink wrapped layer in the art. -
Container 10 and lock 50 may then be shipped to a retail establishment for display and sale to a consumer. The consumer may view the front and rear panel ofcontainer 10 without an interference fromlock 50.Lock 50 further does not interfere with the spine (the outer surface of hinge panel 18) whenlock 50 is lockingcontainer 10. A shoplifter cannot readily accessitem 40 without severely damagingcontainer 10 and drawing attention to himself in the process. - The consumer who wishes to purchase
container 10 takes lockcontainer 10 to the retail establishment clerk who charges the consumer the appropriate amount of money forcontainer 10 anditem 40. Without removing the shrink wrap, the clerk unlockslock 50 and givescontainer 10 and lock 50 back to the purchaser. The clerk can unlocklock 50 without damaging the shrink wrap by placing a magnet in the appropriate location next to lock 50 and movinglock slide 54 to the unlocked position. An appropriate mechanism holdslock slide 54 in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently return to the locked position as shown in FIG. 23. - The consumer then leaves the retail establishment with
lock 50 in the unlocked position under the layer of shrink wrap. The consumer may then remove the shrink wrap and pulllock 50 fromcontainer 10 as shown in FIG. 26. To facilitate the removal oflock 50, ahandle 70 is provided inlock 50.Handle 70 may be pivoted outwardly as depicted in FIG. 26 to provide a grip for the user's finger and thumb. The user pulls onhandle 70 untillock 50 is removed fromcontainer 10. The user then discardslock 50 and enjoys item of recordedmedia 40. The concepts of the present invention may also be used withoutshrink wrap layer 62. Having now described the concepts of the invention and the methods in which lock 50 andcontainer 10 are used, the Applicant will now describe the structural features shown in the accompanying drawings. - As described above, lock50 generally includes a
lock base 52 and alock slide 54 that are depicted in FIGS. 3-6.Lock slide 54 is selectively moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Lockingfinger 56 preventslock slide 54 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position whenlock finger 56 is in the locked position. In its locked position, lockfinger 56 engages bothlock slide 54 and lockbase 52 to prevent the two items from moving relative to one another.Protrusions 80 extend from the inner surface oflock slide 54 to engagecommon frame 58 to preventframe 58 from moving longitudinally and laterally with respect to lockslide 54. Some ofprotrusions 80 may extend into a central portion offrame 58 while others ofprotrusions 80 may engage the end surface offrame 58. FIG. 3 shows the lockingledges 82 on whichfingers 56 engage whenfingers 56 are in the locked position.Ledges 82 may also be seen in FIG. 16. -
Base 52 further defines asecondary locking ledge 84 that is disposed in the opposite direction ofledges 82.Ledge 84 is engaged by a holdingmember 86 that may be in the form of a resilient locking finger similar to lockingfingers 56. Holdingfinger 86 may project fromcommon frame 58 as depicted in FIG. 5. Holdingfinger 86 is used to holdlock slide 54 in the unlocked position by engagingledge 84 as depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23. -
Lock slide 54 is connected to lockbase 52 byappropriate connectors 90 that allowlock slide 54 to move between the locked position of FIG. 18 and the unlocked position of FIG. 20.Members 90 may be received in a one-way snap fit connection byledges 92 defined by the body oflock base 52 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Anopening 94 may provide access to eachledge 92 so thatmembers 90 may engageledges 92.Base 52 and slide 54 cooperate to define an EAS tag-reception cavity 96 that is sized to receive anEAS tag 98.Slide 54 may define a indicator opening 100 that aligns with anindicator 102.Indicator 102 is colored substantially different from the color oflock slide 54 so that its color can be viewed throughopening 100 when lock slide 54 is in the locked position. When lock slide 54 is moved to the unlocked position,indicator 102 is no longer visible throughopening 100 thus providing an indication that lock 50 is unlocked. Adifferent color indicator 104 may be provided if desired. For example,indicator 102 may be red andindicator 104 may be white withlock slide 54 being black. When red is visible throughopening 100, the user will understand thatlock 50 is in the locked position. When white is visible throughopening 100, the user will understand thatlock 50 is in the unlocked position. In some embodiments, opening 100 may also be used to force lock slide 54 from the locked position to the unlocked position when lockingfingers 56 are in their unlocked position. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention,lock slide 54 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by using the magnetic force that moveslock fingers 56 from their locked position to their unlocked position. -
Lock slide 54 includescontainer locking fingers 110.Container locking fingers 110 are adapted to holdlock 50 oncontainer 10 in a secure manner that prevents lock 50 from being removed fromcontainer 10 untillock slide 54 is in the unlocked position.Container 10 thus definesfinger openings 112 as shown in FIG. 10. In the exemplary embodiment, lock 50 includes sixcontainer locking fingers 110 that are received in threeopenings 112 defined bytop wall 30 and threeopenings 112 defined bybottom wall 20. FIG. 7 shows the front portion ofopenings 112 wherein eachopening 112 is defined by a lockingledge 114 and an unlockingramp 116.Ledges bottom wall 20 andtop wall 30 and are disposed adjacentlock reception cavity 60.Ledges 114 are positioned to engagecontainer locking fingers 110 whenlock 50 is in the locked configuration depicted in FIG. 7. Eachcontainer locking finger 110 includes a resilient locking finger that engagesledge 114 in a one-way snap fit connection whenlock 50 is moved intolock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 10. When lock slide 54 is moved to the unlocked position,fingers 110 are moved over to be aligned with unlockingramp 116.Ramps 116 allowfingers 110 to move back out ofcontainer 10 thus allowinglock 50 to be removed fromcontainer 10. These two positions are depicted in FIGS. 11 and 24. - FIGS. 28 and 29 show an alternative mechanism for holding
lock slide 54 in the unlocked position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 28 and 29,resilient barbs 87 are connected to one oflock slide 54 and lockbase 52 with the other oflock slide 54 and lockbase 52 definingopenings 89 that receivebarbs 87 when lock slide 54 is moved to the unlocked position.Barbs 87 prevent lock slide 54 from moving back to the locked position. - The second embodiment of the lockable media storage container system of the invention is indicated by the numeral200 and includes
container 202 andlock 250. The second embodiment of the lockable media storage container of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 202 in the accompanying drawings. The elements ofmedia storage container 202 are similar tocontainer 10 and the same reference numbers are used to identify these elements. - A
lock 250 is used to lockcontainer 202 in a closed and locked configuration.Lock 250 generally includes alock base 252, alock slide 254, and at least onelock finger 256. In the exemplary embodiment,lock 250 includes asingle lock finger 256 that resiliently projects from alock frame 258. In the exemplary embodiment,lock finger 256 is fabricated from a magnetically attractable material so thatlock finger 256 may be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position with the influence of a magnetic field. - Before explaining and describing all of the structural elements of
container 202 and lock 250, the Applicant will describe howlock 250 is used withcontainer 202. In FIG. 35,container 202 is open and item of recordedmedia 40 has been placed incontainer 202. The user (or automated equipment) then closeslid 14 and aligns lock 250 withlock reception cavity 60 defined by the front ofcontainer 202.Lock 250 is then inserted intolock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 37. In FIG. 37,lock 250 is in the locked position and is securely holdinglid 14 tobase 12 such thatcontainer 202 cannot be opened untillock 250 is moved to the unlocked position and removed fromcontainer 202.Container 202 and lock 250 may then be wrapped by athin plastic layer 62 as depicted in FIG. 41. Such a layer is commonly referred to as a shrink wrapped layer in the art. -
Container 202 and lock 250 may then be shipped to a retail establishment for display and sale to a consumer. The consumer may view the front and rear panel ofcontainer 202 without an interference fromlock 250.Lock 250 further does not interfere with the spine (the outer surface of hinge panel 18) whenlock 250 is lockingcontainer 202. A shoplifter cannot readily accessitem 40 without severelydamaging container 202 and drawing attention to himself in the process. - The consumer who wishes to purchase
container 202 takeslock container 202 to the retail establishment clerk who charges the consumer the appropriate amount of money forcontainer 202 anditem 40. Without removing the shrink wrap, the clerk unlockslock 250 and givescontainer 202 and lock 250 back to the purchaser. The clerk can unlock lock 250 without damaging the shrink wrap by placing a magnet in the appropriate location next to lock 250 and movinglock slide 54 to the unlocked position. An appropriate mechanism holdslock slide 54 in the unlocked position so that it cannot accidently return to the locked position as shown in FIG. 23. - The consumer then leaves the retail establishment with
lock 250 in the unlocked position under the layer of shrink wrap. The consumer may then remove the shrink wrap and pulllock 250 fromcontainer 202 as shown in FIG. 53. To facilitate the removal oflock 250, ahandle 70 is provided inlock 250.Handle 70 may be pivoted outwardly as depicted in FIG. 26 to provide a grip for the user's finger and thumb. The user pulls onhandle 70 untillock 250 is removed fromcontainer 202. The user then discardslock 250 and enjoys item of recordedmedia 40. The concepts of the present invention may also be used withoutshrink wrap layer 62. Having now described the concepts of the invention and the methods in which lock 250 andcontainer 202 are used, the Applicant will now describe the structural features shown in the accompanying drawings. - As described above, lock250 generally includes a
lock base 252 and alock slide 254 that are depicted in FIGS. 31-34.Lock slide 254 is selectively moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Lockingfinger 256 preventslock slide 254 from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position whenlock finger 256 is in the locked position. In its locked position,lock finger 256 engages bothlock slide 254 and lock base 252 to prevent the two items from moving relative to one another.Protrusions 280 extend from the inner surface oflock slide 254 to engageframe 258 to preventframe 258 from moving longitudinally and laterally with respect to lockslide 254. Some ofprotrusions 280 may extend into a central portion offrame 258 while others ofprotrusions 280 may engage the end surface offrame 258. FIG. 31 shows the lockingledge 282 on whichfinger 256 engages whenfinger 256 is in the locked position.Ledge 282 may also be seen in FIG. 16. -
Base 252 further defines asecondary locking ledge 284 that is disposed in the opposite direction ofledge 282.Ledge 284 is engaged by a holdingmember 286 that may be in the form of a resilient locking finger similar to lockingfinger 256. Holdingfinger 286 may project fromcommon frame 258 as depicted in FIG. 31. Holdingfinger 286 is used to holdlock slide 254 in the unlocked position by engagingledge 284 as depicted in FIGS. 49 and 50. -
Lock slide 254 is connected to lockbase 252 byappropriate connectors 290 that allowlock slide 254 to move between the locked position of FIG. 43 and the unlocked position of FIG. 49.Members 290 may be received in a one-way snap fit connection byledges 292 defined by the body oflock base 252 as shown in FIGS. 31 and 33. - An
opening 294 may provide access to eachledge 292 so thatmembers 290 may engageledges 292.Base 252 and slide 254 cooperate to define an EAS tag-reception cavity 296 that is sized to receive anEAS tag 98. -
Base 252 may include anindicator 298 disposed at the end ofbase 252.Indicator 298 may be provided in a bright color or a color that contrasts with the color ofbase 252 andslide 254. Whenlock 250 is moved to the unlocked position,indicator 298 is visible as shown in FIG. 53. -
Slide 254 includes aledge 300 that extends from the front ofslide 254.Ledge 300 allowsslide 254 to be pushed from the locked position to the unlocked position as shown in FIGS. 45-48.Ledge 300 is positioned at one end of the position oflock frame 258 so that the key that unlockslock 250 may engageledge 300 to pushslide 254 to the unlocked position. -
Lock slide 254 includescontainer locking fingers 310.Container locking fingers 310 are adapted to holdlock 250 oncontainer 202 in a secure manner that prevents lock 250 from being removed fromcontainer 202 untillock slide 254 is in the unlocked position.Container 202 thus definesfinger openings 312 as shown in FIG. 35. In the exemplary embodiment,lock 250 includes sixcontainer locking fingers 310 that are received in threeopenings 312 defined bytop wall 30 and threeopenings 312 defined bybottom wall 20. FIG. 38 shows the front portion ofopenings 312 wherein eachopening 312 is defined by a lockingledge 314 and an unlockingramp 316.Ledges bottom wall 20 andtop wall 30 and are disposed adjacentlock reception cavity 60.Ledges 314 are positioned to engagecontainer locking fingers 310 whenlock 250 is in the locked configuration depicted in FIG. 39. Eachcontainer locking finger 310 includes a resilient locking finger that engagesledge 314 in a one-way snap fit connection whenlock 250 is moved intolock reception cavity 60 as depicted in FIG. 37. When lock slide 254 is moved to the unlocked position,fingers 310 are moved over to be aligned with unlockingramp 316.Ramps 316 allowfingers 310 to move back out ofcontainer 202 thus allowinglock 250 to be removed fromcontainer 202. This position is depicted in FIGS. 51 and 52. -
Locks lock reception cavity 60 so that either lock 50 or 250 will substantially fillcavity 60 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 43. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (4)
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US10/310,263 US20030116455A1 (en) | 2001-12-05 | 2002-12-05 | Lockable media storage container |
US11/036,774 US7320235B2 (en) | 2001-12-05 | 2005-01-14 | Lockable media storage container |
US12/017,113 US7581419B2 (en) | 2001-12-05 | 2008-01-21 | Method of using lockable storage container |
US12/017,356 US7614265B2 (en) | 2001-12-05 | 2008-01-22 | Lockable storage container |
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AT (1) | ATE508241T1 (en) |
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US20070215498A1 (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2007-09-20 | Barnette Timothy L | Media storage container with storable latch |
US20070267305A1 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2007-11-22 | Robert Johnston | Media container with band header |
US20080190920A1 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2008-08-14 | Peter Antony Farrar | Container |
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USD616240S1 (en) | 2008-07-29 | 2010-05-25 | Meadwestvaco Corporation | Media holder |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2003049083A3 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
EP1463866A4 (en) | 2009-11-04 |
EP1463866B1 (en) | 2011-05-04 |
EP1463866A2 (en) | 2004-10-06 |
ATE508241T1 (en) | 2011-05-15 |
AU2002357076A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 |
WO2003049083A2 (en) | 2003-06-12 |
DE60239960D1 (en) | 2011-06-16 |
AU2002357076A8 (en) | 2003-06-17 |
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