US20050098453A1 - Case and lock with improved disc protection - Google Patents
Case and lock with improved disc protection Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050098453A1 US20050098453A1 US10/403,873 US40387303A US2005098453A1 US 20050098453 A1 US20050098453 A1 US 20050098453A1 US 40387303 A US40387303 A US 40387303A US 2005098453 A1 US2005098453 A1 US 2005098453A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- storage case
- hub
- projections
- lock
- 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
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Classifications
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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
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5009—For portable articles
- Y10T70/5031—Receptacle
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a case and lock for storing and securing recording media and more particularly to a case and lock which protect recording media from theft and from being damaged during placement in and extrication from the case.
- disc such as compact discs (“CDs”) and digital video discs (“DVDs”) typically have large amounts of digitally stored information that is optically readable through a transparent bottom layer of the disc by a movable head during rotation of the disc.
- the information is arranged in one or more tracks that are covered by a thin protective top layer of the disc that can have labeling applied thereto such as by silkscreening.
- Normal handling of the disc can result in scratching of the bottom layer, resulting in loss of data by interference with the optical path such as by loss of focus and/or lateral image displacement.
- data can be lost if the disc is mishandled so as to cause the layers to split.
- Prior art storage cases typically comprise a first cover or door side, and a second cover or disc side. Each cover is pivotably coupled to a central spine portion to form what is referred to as a “living hinge.” The living hinge allows the covers to pivot toward each other to close the case and encapsulate the disc.
- the storage cases are typically made of polypropylene which is known for its durability.
- Protective storage cases in common use have a central pedestal located on the disc side for supportively gripping the disc by engaging the central opening without contacting either side of the disc within data-containing regions thereof.
- the central pedestal is typically a snap-in retention device which is made up of one or more spaced apart resilient elements arranged in a generally circular orientation.
- the resilient elements have one or more retainer portions that cause the pedestal to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the disc's central portion in the area of the retainer portions.
- the storage cases also typically have a ledge portion or portions for supporting the outer perimeter of the disc for stabilizing the disc against tipping on the pedestal.
- the disc In use, the disc is loaded into the storage case by placing it onto the pedestal through the central opening, while resting on the perimeter portion.
- the disc In the case of a snap-in retention device, the disc is secured to the pedestal portion by snapping the disc's central portion over the resilient elements of the pedestal, including the retainer portions, to secure the disc thereon.
- the resilient members bend inwardly (toward the center of the central opening). Once the disc passes over the retainer portions, the resilient elements resume their original position.
- the disc is now locked on the pedestal, particularly by the retainer portions which partially extend over the outer edges of the central opening of the disc and prevent horizontal and vertical movement on the pedestal.
- the resilient elements are biased against the disc's center portion to keep it more securely fitted thereon.
- the disc is removed from the pedestal by finger pressure against the pedestal portion.
- the finger pressure retracts the resilient elements towards the center of the central opening so that they no longer extend over the outer edges of the central opening, and they are no longer biased against the disc's center portion.
- the removal process is completed by simultaneous lifting of the disc at the perimeter portions.
- An example of one of these types of cases is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,181.
- Another is referred to as a “Warner” case, which typically stores DVD's distributed by Warner Bro.
- Another is referred to as an “Amaray-style” case, and yet another is referred to as an “Alpha” case.
- the Alpha case is similar to the above prior art cases except that disc removal is not effectuated by finger pressure. Instead, the user's fingers are guided under an edge portion of the disc to lift the disc off the pedestal.
- the above prior art storage cases have a number of disadvantages.
- One disadvantage is that the pedestal portions resilient fingers put a stress on the disc. This could damage the disc.
- Another disadvantage is that the user will frequently try to remove the disc without exerting finger pressure against the pedestal portion. Instead, the user will grasp an edge of the disc (as in the Alpha case) and use the pedestal as a pivot to rotate the disc off the pedestal hub. Such a rotation may cause the disc to bend or even break. Such bending is unacceptable because the bending could damage the data stored on the disc. In the case of a DVD, the bending could cause the layers to split.
- the storage case comprises a first cover, the first cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium.
- a second cover is hingedly coupled to the first cover, the first and second covers capable of moving from a open position to a closed position whereby the second cover is placed over the first cover to restrict access to the seating area.
- a hub is disposed upon and extends upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating portion. The hub has a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width.
- One important feature of this aspect is to further comprise a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least one projection extending from the second cover.
- Another aspect of the invention is a storage case comprising a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. At least one projection extends from the first cover.
- the at least one projection includes a first projection extending to a first projection height with respect to the first cover and a second projection extending to a second projection height with respect to the first cover.
- a circle drawn connecting all of the first projections has a first diameter.
- a circle drawn connecting all of the second projections has a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.
- Yet another aspect of the invention is a storage case comprising a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. At least a first and second projection extend from said first cover.
- the first and second projections each include a lower projection extending to a first projection height with respect to the first cover and a higher projection extending to a second projection height with respect to the first cover.
- the first projection height is lower than the second projection height.
- a distance between lower projections of the first and second projections is smaller than a distance between higher projections of the first and second projections.
- Still yet another aspect of the invention is a storage case for storing a storage medium.
- the storage case comprises a first cover and a second cover.
- a hub is disposed on the first cover, the hub being effective to receive the storage medium.
- the first cover includes a first lock portion.
- the second cover includes a second lock portion.
- the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a width of a combination of the first and second covers is wider than a width of a combination of the first and second lock portions.
- the storage case for storing a recording medium.
- the storage case comprises a first cover, a second cover, and a spine coupling the first and second cover together.
- the spine has a length and a width.
- a hub is disposed on the first cover, the hub is effective to receive the storage medium.
- the first cover includes a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height.
- the second cover includes a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second height. A sum of the first and second height is approximately equal to the width of the spine.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a recording medium which can be used with the present invention
- FIG. 2 a is a plan view of an open storage case of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 b is a plan view of another embodiment of an open storage case of the invention.
- FIG. 2 c is an enlarged view of a bottom closing section of the bottom cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2 a;
- FIG. 2 d is an enlarged view of a top closing section of the top cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2 a;
- FIG. 2 e is an enlarged view of a bottom closing section of the bottom cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2 b;
- FIG. 2 f is an enlarged view of a top closing section of the top cover of the storage case shown in FIG. 2 b;
- FIG. 2 g is a cross-sectional view of the storage case of FIG. 2 b taken along the lines 2 g - 2 g;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a foot disposed on a bottom cover of the storage case of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is side view of a hub of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a hub coupling member of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a spine and side walls of the storage case of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the open storage case of FIG. 2 a;
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the open storage case of FIG. 2 a;
- FIG. 9 a is a side view of a lock which can be used with the storage case of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 b is a top view of the lock shown in FIG. 9 a;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 9 a about to be secured to a closed storage case of the present invention
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 9 a secured to a closed storage case of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mostly closed storage case in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective cut-away view of a mostly closed storage case in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hub used in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a typical recording medium or disc 70 which can be used with the storage case of the present invention.
- Exemplary recording media are DVDs and CDs although it is within the scope of the present invention to be used in connection with any other type of recording media.
- Recording medium 70 includes a circular opening 72 disposed in a central portion thereof. Towards the center of recording medium 70 , and external to opening 72 , is an unused portion 74 where data is purposefully not recorded on the recording medium.
- Case 50 can be made by any methods out of any of the known materials.
- case 50 is made of polypropylene.
- Storage case 50 comprises a top cover or door side 52 , a bottom cover or disc side 54 , and a spine 56 disposed therebetween.
- Bottom cover 54 receives and retains recording medium 70 .
- Top cover 52 and bottom cover 54 are pivotably coupled to spine 56 at respective pivot points 55 to form what is referred to as “living hinge.”
- the living hinge allows top and bottom covers 52 , 54 to be rotated toward each other about pivot points 55 so that top and bottom cover 52 , 54 can meet and mate with each other to enclose and, therefore, store and protect recording medium 70 .
- Bottom cover 54 includes a hub 62 to receive recording medium 70 through opening 72 and seat and secure recording medium 70 thereon.
- Hub 62 allows for storage and removal of recording medium 70 in storage case 50 in a safe, easy way, without putting any stress on recording medium 70 .
- hub 62 has a smooth external surface and is comprised of a cylinder or stump 76 which prevents lateral movement of recording medium 70 while it is disposed thereon.
- Cylinder 76 is disposed upon a support in the form of a frustum shaped member 78 .
- Frustum shaped member 78 has a diameter 80 on a flat upper portion thereof which is larger than the diameter of opening 72 on recording medium 70 , but smaller than the diameter of unused portion 74 .
- Other shapes e.g. a cylinder, cone, rectangular solid, etc.
- cylinder 76 passes through opening 72 and unused portion 74 rests on frustum shaped member 78 .
- Cylinder 76 should be sized so that it imparts little or no stress on recording medium 70 , and allows recording medium 70 to be easily and safely removed from cylinder 72 with little or no stress on the medium. In this way, a user can place and remove recording medium 70 on hub 62 without bending and/or damaging recording medium 70 . This is particularly important for the storage of a DVD which includes layers of recorded information. If the DVD is bent, such bending could cause damage to the DVD by inadvertent separation of the DVDs layers.
- cylinder 76 has an outer diameter (or maximum external width) which is less than or equal to the diameter of opening 72 of medium 70 to allow cylinder 76 to receive medium 70 through opening 72 .
- the outer surface of cylinder 76 should be smooth.
- other shapes instead of a cylinder could be used as cylinder 76 as long as the maximum external width is less than or equal to the diameter of inner opening 72 .
- bottom cover 54 includes upper holding portions 58 and lower holding portions 60 . These portions support outer edge portions of recording medium 70 when disposed on hub 62 .
- Bottom cover 54 includes upper holding portion 58 arranged in a semi-circle about hub 62 and lower holding portion 60 disposed symmetric to upper holding portion 58 with respect to hub 62 .
- both upper and lower holding portions 58 , 60 are comprised of a plurality (three are shown in the figures) of arcuate shaped feet 64 separated by recesses 66 .
- Each foot 64 is comprised of a protrusion having an L-shaped cross-section including a first protrusion 64 a which extends upwardly from bottom cover 54 to a height which is lower than a height of a second protrusion 64 b which also extends upwardly from bottom over 54 .
- Feet 64 are arranged on bottom cover 54 to follow the general contour of recording medium 70 . In this way, the outer edges of recording medium 70 are caused to rest on feet 64 .
- feet 64 are arranged to follow the circular contour of a round recording medium such as a DVD.
- a first circle having a first diameter can be formed by connecting the tops of first protrusions 64 a and a second circle having a second diameter larger than the first diameter can be formed by connecting the tops of second protrusions 64 b .
- the diameter of the first circle (with first protrusions 64 a ) is further smaller than the diameter of recording medium 70 .
- the diameter of the second circle (with second protrusions 64 b ) is larger than the diameter of recording medium 70 .
- outer edges of recording medium 70 can be placed on protrusions 64 a (and frustum 78 ) and kept in place by protrusions 64 b .
- feet 64 do not have to be arcuate in shape. They can, for example, extend in a straight line as long as the distance between second protrusions 64 b disposed on opposite sides of hub 62 is greater than the diameter of recording medium 70 ; and the distance between first projections 64 a disposed on opposite sides of hub 62 is less than the diameter of recording medium 70 .
- Feet 64 are spaced and arranged so that a user wishing to store or remove recording medium 70 from storage case 50 can grasp the circumferential edge of recording medium 70 using a plurality of his or her fingers without interference from feet 64 .
- Recesses 66 are provided in between feet 64 to provide space for the user's fingers so that a user's fingers can engage the circumferential edge of recording medium 70 throughout the placement and removal of recording medium 70 from storage case 50 .
- a hub coupling member 68 is disposed on a portion of top cover 52 .
- Hub coupling member 68 mates with hub 62 when top cover 52 and bottom cover 54 are closed on each other.
- Hub coupling member 68 includes a plurality of crescents 84 (preferably two) extending from a frustum shaped portion 82 .
- Frustum shaped portion 82 has an upper diameter 86 which is larger than the diameter of opening 72 , but smaller than the diameter of unused portion 74 of recording medium 70 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Crescents 84 are disposed a distance from each other that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of cylinder 76 , and positioned so they extend on opposite sides of hub 62 . In this way, crescents 84 act as a guide to receive cylinder 76 so that storage case 50 is closed properly.
- crescents 84 are sized so that they gently contact recording medium 70 on unused portion 74 when case 50 is closed. This inhibits vertical movement of recording medium 70 on cylinder 76 while recording medium 70 is stored in storage case 50 . Because crescents 84 contact unused portion 74 , the crescents cannot damage the recording medium.
- top and bottom covers 52 , 54 include security features which prevent thieves from gaining access to medium 70 through spine 56 when storage case 50 is closed (and locked, e.g., using the locking mechanism described below).
- the first security feature includes side walls 88 a and 88 b which extend along the length of spine 56 and have a height which is approximately equal to half the width of spine 56 .
- the second security feature includes “pi” shaped reinforcing members 90 located on opposite ends of spine 56 and extending upwardly therefrom. Reinforcing members 90 are comprised of a first portion extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis L of spine 56 and two portions extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis L of spine 56 .
- a third security feature of storage case 50 is the provision of semi-circular shaped spinal projections 91 .
- Spinal projections 91 are disposed at opposing ends of spine 56 and extend upwardly from spine 56 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L.
- side walls 88 a , 88 b , reinforcing member 90 , and spinal projections 91 prevent thieves from gaining access to recording medium 70 by simply cutting spine 56 along its edges (i.e. pivot points 55 ).
- side walls 88 a and 88 b meet and form a second wall (not explicitly shown but best understood with reference to FIG. 13 ) disposed parallel to and internal of spine 56 . If a thief, therefore, cuts spine 56 , the second wall prevents access to storage medium 70 .
- Reinforcing members 90 and spinal projections 91 provide further protection. If a thief were to try to cut spine 56 either horizontally or vertically in the area of either reinforcement members 90 or spinal projections 91 , he or she would meet resistance due to the thickness of spine 56 being effectively increased due to the presence of reinforcing members 90 and spinal projections 91 .
- top closing wall 95 a is provided on top cover 52 and a bottom closing wall 95 b is provided on bottom cover 54 . Both top and bottom closing walls 95 a , 95 b extend in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of spine 56 .
- Top closing wall 95 a is disposed at a distance from spine 56 on top cover 52 that is smaller than the distance between bottom closing wall 95 b to spine 56 on bottom cover 54 . In this way, when storage case 50 is closed, top closing wall 95 a sits behind top closing wall 95 b . This yields a double wall between the exterior of storage case 50 and a recording medium disposed on hub 62 .
- top cover 52 further includes top side walls 89 a disposed on either ends of top cover 52 .
- Bottom cover 54 includes bottom side walls 89 b disposed on either ends of bottom cover 54 . All of top and bottom side walls 89 a , 89 b , extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of spine 56 .
- top side walls 89 a are disposed at a distance from hub coupling member 68 that is smaller than the distance between bottom side walls 89 b and hub 62 . In this way, when top cover 52 is closed upon bottom cover 54 , top side walls 89 a sit behind bottom side walls 89 b . Again, this yields a double wall between the exterior of storage case 50 and a recording medium disposed on hub 62 .
- top and bottom covers 52 , 54 include respective top and bottom closing sections 100 , 102 extending therefrom. Top and bottom closing sections 100 , 102 are stepped in or recessed inwardly toward inner portion of case 50 . When case 50 is closed, therefore, closing sections 100 , 102 are constructed and arranged to form an extension portion 103 of reduced thickness to engage locking mechanism 120 , FIG. 10 .
- top and bottom closing sections 100 , 102 have a combined width (extension portion 103 ) that is thinner than the width of case 50 when case 50 is closed.
- extension portion 103 the overall width of storage case 50 while closed (i.e. the combined width of top and bottom covers 52 , 54 or approximately the width of spine 56 ) is thicker than the width of the combined top and bottom closing sections 100 , 102 (extension portion 103 ).
- Locking mechanism 120 engages extension portion 103 by overlapping such portion 103 (which is discussed more completely below). This allows lock 120 to be disposed flush with the sides of storage case 50 . As a result, the overall thickness of the storage case does not increase when lock 120 is used.
- Locking mechanism 120 when engaged with storage case 50 , prevents the case from being opened when recording medium 70 is placed therein. This type of arrangement is particularly useful in the live rental or retail industry where, for example, one would not want the public to gain access to recording medium 70 until rental or purchasing fees have been paid.
- lock 120 can be embedded with a security device which would set off a buzzer or alarm if a would be renter or purchaser of recording medium 70 tried to leave a store with lock 120 still on storage case 50 .
- lock 120 used with storage case 50 is as shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,598,728; 5,850,752; and 5,988,376 all assigned to Autronic Plastics, Inc.
- top cover 52 further comprises first top closing projections 92 disposed at opposite ends of top cover 52 in top closing section 100 .
- Top closing section 100 also includes second top closing projections 94 disposed in parallel with first top closing projections 92 and having sides which face an outside of storage case 50 .
- First top closing projections 92 and second top closing projections 94 define top closing recesses 96 therebetween.
- Bottom cover 54 includes bottom closing projections 98 disposed at opposite ends of bottom cover 54 in bottom closing section 102 . When top cover 52 is closed on bottom cover 54 , bottom closing projection 98 mates with recess 96 .
- Top closing section 100 of top cover 52 further includes connecting protrusions 108 which connect first top closing portions 92 to top recess defining protrusions 104 .
- First and second top closing portions 92 , 94 , connecting protrusions 108 , and top recess defining protrusions 104 all extend from wall portions 105 located at opposite ends of top closing section 100 .
- wall portions 105 define openings to receive hook portions of lock 120 .
- Bottom closing section 102 of bottom cover 54 further includes hook receiving portions 114 integral with bottom closing projections 98 .
- a wall member 112 is disposed under each hook receiving portion 114 . When case 50 is closed, hook receiving portions 114 , wall portions 105 , and wall portions 112 define hook receiving openings 110 at distal ends of extension portion 103 to receive and engage hook portions of lock 120 ( FIGS. 9 a , 9 b ).
- top recess defining protrusions 104 on top cover 52
- connecting protrusions 108 also on top cover 52
- Top recess defining portions 104 and connecting protrusions 108 are also disposed slightly further inward (i.e. toward the center of storage case 50 ) than hook portions 114 .
- top closing section 100 and bottom closing section 102 further include a top surface 116 and a bottom surface 118 , respectively.
- top recess defining protrusions 104 and connecting protrusions 108 are placed internal to and mesh with hook portions 114 .
- Top closing section 100 and bottom closing section 102 meet to form extension portion 103 and, thereby, provide a smooth level surface for lock 120 ( FIGS. 9 a , 9 b ) to be applied thereto.
- extension portion 103 has a thinner width than the combined width of top and bottom covers 52 , 54 .
- FIGS. 2 b , 2 e and 2 f An alternative embodiment of storage case 50 is shown in FIGS. 2 b , 2 e and 2 f where like reference numerals refer to like elements and a description of such elements is omitted for the sake of brevity.
- FIG. 2 b an additional structure is added to enhance the mating of top cover 52 with bottom cover 54 .
- a cylindrical tube 132 is disposed internally of hook portion 114 and extends upwardly on bottom cover 54 .
- a substantially arcuate top recess defining protrusion 104 ′ is disposed on top cover 52 so that when top cover 52 is closed upon bottom cover 54 , top recess defining protrusion 104 ′ fits internally to cylindrical tube 132 .
- a cylindrical post 134 is disposed internal to top recess defining protrusion 104 ′ and extends upwardly from top cover 52 .
- Cylindrical post 134 is disposed on top cover 52 so that when top cover 52 is closed upon bottom cover 54 , cylindrical post 134 mates with cylindrical tube 132 . In this way, cylindrical post 134 , and cylindrical tube 132 provide an additional mating engagement between top cover 52 and bottom cover 54 .
- a mating protrusion 136 is disposed on top cover 52 so that it can mate with a mating recess 138 disposed on bottom cover 54 when the covers 52 , 54 are closed. Both mating protrusion 136 and mating recess 138 have a substantially rectangular cross-section.
- lock 120 can be used in conjunction with storage case 50 .
- lock 120 includes a fixedly mounted hook member 122 disposed on one end and a moveably mounted hook member 124 disposed at another end.
- hook members 122 , 124 In between hook members 122 , 124 are walls 126 a and 126 b disposed on opposing sides of lock 120 and in parallel with each other.
- walls 126 a , 126 b do not extend the entire length of lock 120 .
- Walls 126 a , 126 b define a cavity 128 which is to receive extension portion 103 of storage case 50 therein.
- Extension portion 103 is placed within cavity 128 so that wall 126 a is aligned adjacent to top surface 116 and wall 126 b is aligned adjacent to bottom surface 118 .
- One of the openings 110 is then mated with hook member 122 .
- Movably mounted hook member 124 is moved to a retracted position 130 where hook member 124 mates with the other one of openings 110 .
- one of openings 110 is mated with hook member 124 .
- extension portion 103 is inserted between walls 126 a , 126 b .
- Hook member 124 along with storage case 50 is then slid toward hook member 122 until the other opening 110 mates with hook member 122 , and hook member 124 is retracted to position 130 . In this way, hooks 122 , 124 wrap around the ends of storage case 50 and lock the case closed.
- lock 120 securely locks case 50 closed by wrapping around, and securely locking, case 50 on four sides, i.e., with hooks 122 , 124 and walls 126 a , 126 b.
- the width of lock case 50 is not increased by engaging lock 120 .
- the width of lock 120 is designed to be equal to the distance (or width) between closed top cover 52 and bottom cover 54 (approximately equal to the width of spine 56 ) but larger than the width of extension portion 103 . In this way, when lock 120 is engaged with storage case 50 , walls 126 a and 126 b sit flush with the sides of storage case 50 .
- FIG. 14 there is shown another embodiment of a hub used to seat and retain recording medium 70 thereon that can be used with the security features of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art, however, that any known hub that seats and retains a recording medium can be used in combination with the security features of the present invention.
- a hub 150 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is disposed upon and integral with a frustrum portion 154 . Hub 150 is designed so that it puts minimal stress on storage medium 70 when it is stored on hub 150 , and when recording medium 70 is lifted or removed therefrom.
- Hub 150 and frustrum portion 154 are comprised of a Y-shaped member 156 fixed to bottom cover 54 (not explicitly shown in the figure).
- Y-shaped member 156 defines three voids 162 having a substantially arcuate cross-section.
- Three resilient members 158 are disposed radially about Y-shaped member 156 within voids 162 .
- Each resilient member 158 includes a base portion 164 that extends perpendicular to a body portion 168 .
- a head portion 166 has a substantially arcuate cross-section and extends substantially perpendicular to body portion 168 and parallel to base portion 164 .
- Head portion 166 further includes a protrusion 160 extending radially therefrom.
- resilient members 158 are biased radially outwardly so that the circumference of a circle drawn around protrusions 160 is larger than the circumference of opening 72 of recording medium 70 .
- opening 72 is placed around protrusions 160 .
- a downward force is applied upon recording medium 70 and causes head portions 166 of resilient members 158 to bend further inwardly into voids 162 due to the engagement of unused portion 74 with protrusions 160 .
- resilient members 158 will bend inwardly far enough so that the circumference around protrusions 160 will be less than the circumference of opening 72 thereby allowing recording medium 70 to be placed upon frustrum 154 .
- unused portion 74 no longer applies a force upon protrusions 160 and resilient members 158 resume their original position due to their natural resiliency.
- Protrusions 160 now retain recording medium 70 on frustrum 154 and feet 64 with minimal stress on medium 70 .
- a user will place his fingers in recesses 66 , apply a force upon hub 150 , and lift off recording medium 70 therefrom with minimal effort. In this way, recording medium 70 can be safely placed upon and removed from hub 150 without being damaged.
- three resilient members and voids are shown, the invention can still be realized with the use of only one resilient member and corresponding void.
- a bottom cover with a hub comprised of a cylinder disposed upon a frustum shaped member a recording medium can be safely placed and removed on the bottom cover without placing undue stress or pressure on the recording medium.
- a frustum shaped member with crescents thereon disposed on the top cover inhibits vertical movement of the recording medium while the recording medium is stored in the storage case.
- Side walls on the top and bottom covers provide further security for the storage case by inhibiting access to the inside of the storage case.
Abstract
A storage case comprises a top cover, a bottom cover, and a spine. The bottom cover includes a hub portion having a cylinder and is disposed on a frustum shaped member. The diameter of the cylinder is smaller than the upper diameter of the frustum shaped member. A plurality of projections are arranged around the hub portion on the bottom cover. The projections each include a first projection having a first height and a second projection having a second height higher than the first height. The first projections define a first circle with a first diameter. The second projections define a second circle with a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the first circle. A hub coupling member having a crescent extending therefrom is disposed on the top cover. The top and bottom covers each have a side wall disposed near the spine which are effective to create a second wall, parallel with the spine, when the covers are closed. The top and bottom covers each have locking portions disposed inwardly from the top and bottom covers. These locking portions allow for a lock to be placed on the storage case while remaining flush with the side of the storage case.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/696,614, filed Oct. 25, 2000, entitled Case and Lock With Improved Disc Protection which claims priority to provisional application No. 60/163,192 filed on Nov. 2, 1999.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a case and lock for storing and securing recording media and more particularly to a case and lock which protect recording media from theft and from being damaged during placement in and extrication from the case.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Recording media (“disc”) such as compact discs (“CDs”) and digital video discs (“DVDs”) typically have large amounts of digitally stored information that is optically readable through a transparent bottom layer of the disc by a movable head during rotation of the disc. The information is arranged in one or more tracks that are covered by a thin protective top layer of the disc that can have labeling applied thereto such as by silkscreening. Normal handling of the disc can result in scratching of the bottom layer, resulting in loss of data by interference with the optical path such as by loss of focus and/or lateral image displacement. Also, in the case of a DVD which includes stored information in dual layers, data can be lost if the disc is mishandled so as to cause the layers to split.
- Protective storage cases are necessary to store and protect the recording media. Prior art storage cases typically comprise a first cover or door side, and a second cover or disc side. Each cover is pivotably coupled to a central spine portion to form what is referred to as a “living hinge.” The living hinge allows the covers to pivot toward each other to close the case and encapsulate the disc. The storage cases are typically made of polypropylene which is known for its durability.
- Protective storage cases in common use have a central pedestal located on the disc side for supportively gripping the disc by engaging the central opening without contacting either side of the disc within data-containing regions thereof. The central pedestal is typically a snap-in retention device which is made up of one or more spaced apart resilient elements arranged in a generally circular orientation. The resilient elements have one or more retainer portions that cause the pedestal to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the disc's central portion in the area of the retainer portions. The storage cases also typically have a ledge portion or portions for supporting the outer perimeter of the disc for stabilizing the disc against tipping on the pedestal.
- In use, the disc is loaded into the storage case by placing it onto the pedestal through the central opening, while resting on the perimeter portion. In the case of a snap-in retention device, the disc is secured to the pedestal portion by snapping the disc's central portion over the resilient elements of the pedestal, including the retainer portions, to secure the disc thereon. When the disc is placed over the resilient elements, and in particular the retainer portions, the resilient members bend inwardly (toward the center of the central opening). Once the disc passes over the retainer portions, the resilient elements resume their original position. The disc is now locked on the pedestal, particularly by the retainer portions which partially extend over the outer edges of the central opening of the disc and prevent horizontal and vertical movement on the pedestal. Typically, the resilient elements are biased against the disc's center portion to keep it more securely fitted thereon.
- The disc is removed from the pedestal by finger pressure against the pedestal portion. The finger pressure retracts the resilient elements towards the center of the central opening so that they no longer extend over the outer edges of the central opening, and they are no longer biased against the disc's center portion. The removal process is completed by simultaneous lifting of the disc at the perimeter portions. An example of one of these types of cases is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,181. Another is referred to as a “Warner” case, which typically stores DVD's distributed by Warner Bro. Another is referred to as an “Amaray-style” case, and yet another is referred to as an “Alpha” case. The Alpha case is similar to the above prior art cases except that disc removal is not effectuated by finger pressure. Instead, the user's fingers are guided under an edge portion of the disc to lift the disc off the pedestal.
- The above prior art storage cases have a number of disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the pedestal portions resilient fingers put a stress on the disc. This could damage the disc. Another disadvantage is that the user will frequently try to remove the disc without exerting finger pressure against the pedestal portion. Instead, the user will grasp an edge of the disc (as in the Alpha case) and use the pedestal as a pivot to rotate the disc off the pedestal hub. Such a rotation may cause the disc to bend or even break. Such bending is unacceptable because the bending could damage the data stored on the disc. In the case of a DVD, the bending could cause the layers to split.
- Another disadvantage of prior art storage cases is that there is no effective means of securing the disc inside the storage case against theft. This is a particular disadvantage in the live rental and retail industry where the respective renter or purchaser has access to a storage case containing a disc. For example, if a security tag is placed on a shrink-wrapped storage case for retail sale, a thief could simply open the package and remove the disc. And, even if the storage case is locked so that the case cannot be opened, a thief can still gain access to the disc by simply cutting the living hinge.
- Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a storage case to solve the aforementioned problems. Particularly, there exists a need for a storage case which allows for easy storage and safe, stress-free removal of a disc. There also exists a need for a storage case which can provide increased security (on a retail or live rental level) for a disc stored therein.
- It has been found that the above disadvantages have been overcome in a storage case for storing a recording medium having an opening with an opening width. The storage case comprises a first cover, the first cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium. A second cover is hingedly coupled to the first cover, the first and second covers capable of moving from a open position to a closed position whereby the second cover is placed over the first cover to restrict access to the seating area. A hub is disposed upon and extends upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating portion. The hub has a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width.
- One important feature of this aspect is to further comprise a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least one projection extending from the second cover.
- Another aspect of the invention is a storage case comprising a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. At least one projection extends from the first cover. The at least one projection includes a first projection extending to a first projection height with respect to the first cover and a second projection extending to a second projection height with respect to the first cover. A circle drawn connecting all of the first projections has a first diameter. A circle drawn connecting all of the second projections has a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.
- Yet another aspect of the invention is a storage case comprising a first cover and a second cover coupled to the first cover. At least a first and second projection extend from said first cover. The first and second projections each include a lower projection extending to a first projection height with respect to the first cover and a higher projection extending to a second projection height with respect to the first cover. The first projection height is lower than the second projection height. A distance between lower projections of the first and second projections is smaller than a distance between higher projections of the first and second projections.
- Still yet another aspect of the invention is a storage case for storing a storage medium. The storage case comprises a first cover and a second cover. A hub is disposed on the first cover, the hub being effective to receive the storage medium. The first cover includes a first lock portion. The second cover includes a second lock portion. The first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a width of a combination of the first and second covers is wider than a width of a combination of the first and second lock portions.
- Yet still another aspect of the invention is a storage case for storing a recording medium. The storage case comprises a first cover, a second cover, and a spine coupling the first and second cover together. The spine has a length and a width. A hub is disposed on the first cover, the hub is effective to receive the storage medium. The first cover includes a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height. The second cover includes a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second height. A sum of the first and second height is approximately equal to the width of the spine.
- These aspects and advantages of the present invention, as well as others, will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments which refers to the accompanying drawings.
- For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a recording medium which can be used with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 a is a plan view of an open storage case of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 b is a plan view of another embodiment of an open storage case of the invention; -
FIG. 2 c is an enlarged view of a bottom closing section of the bottom cover of the storage case shown inFIG. 2 a; -
FIG. 2 d is an enlarged view of a top closing section of the top cover of the storage case shown inFIG. 2 a; -
FIG. 2 e is an enlarged view of a bottom closing section of the bottom cover of the storage case shown inFIG. 2 b; -
FIG. 2 f is an enlarged view of a top closing section of the top cover of the storage case shown inFIG. 2 b; -
FIG. 2 g is a cross-sectional view of the storage case ofFIG. 2 b taken along the lines 2 g-2 g; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a foot disposed on a bottom cover of the storage case of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is side view of a hub of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a hub coupling member of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a spine and side walls of the storage case of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the open storage case ofFIG. 2 a; -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the open storage case ofFIG. 2 a; -
FIG. 9 a is a side view of a lock which can be used with the storage case of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 b is a top view of the lock shown inFIG. 9 a; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the lock ofFIG. 9 a about to be secured to a closed storage case of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lock ofFIG. 9 a secured to a closed storage case of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mostly closed storage case in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective cut-away view of a mostly closed storage case in accordance with the invention; and -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hub used in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 1 shows a typical recording medium ordisc 70 which can be used with the storage case of the present invention. Exemplary recording media are DVDs and CDs although it is within the scope of the present invention to be used in connection with any other type of recording media. Recordingmedium 70 includes acircular opening 72 disposed in a central portion thereof. Towards the center ofrecording medium 70, and external to opening 72, is anunused portion 74 where data is purposefully not recorded on the recording medium. - Referring to
FIG. 2 a, there is shown a plan view of anopen case 50 in accordance with the present invention.Case 50 can be made by any methods out of any of the known materials. Preferably,case 50 is made of polypropylene. -
Storage case 50 comprises a top cover ordoor side 52, a bottom cover ordisc side 54, and aspine 56 disposed therebetween.Bottom cover 54 receives and retainsrecording medium 70.Top cover 52 andbottom cover 54 are pivotably coupled tospine 56 at respective pivot points 55 to form what is referred to as “living hinge.” The living hinge allows top and bottom covers 52, 54 to be rotated toward each other about pivot points 55 so that top andbottom cover recording medium 70. -
Bottom cover 54 includes ahub 62 to receiverecording medium 70 throughopening 72 and seat andsecure recording medium 70 thereon.Hub 62 allows for storage and removal ofrecording medium 70 instorage case 50 in a safe, easy way, without putting any stress onrecording medium 70. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 4,hub 62 has a smooth external surface and is comprised of a cylinder orstump 76 which prevents lateral movement ofrecording medium 70 while it is disposed thereon.Cylinder 76 is disposed upon a support in the form of a frustum shapedmember 78. Frustum shapedmember 78 has adiameter 80 on a flat upper portion thereof which is larger than the diameter of opening 72 onrecording medium 70, but smaller than the diameter ofunused portion 74. Clearly, other shapes (e.g. a cylinder, cone, rectangular solid, etc.) could be used as frustum shapedmember 78 as long as the maximum external width of the support is greater than the diameter ofopening 72. When a user placesrecording medium 70 onhub 62,cylinder 76 passes throughopening 72 andunused portion 74 rests on frustum shapedmember 78. -
Cylinder 76 should be sized so that it imparts little or no stress onrecording medium 70, and allowsrecording medium 70 to be easily and safely removed fromcylinder 72 with little or no stress on the medium. In this way, a user can place and removerecording medium 70 onhub 62 without bending and/ordamaging recording medium 70. This is particularly important for the storage of a DVD which includes layers of recorded information. If the DVD is bent, such bending could cause damage to the DVD by inadvertent separation of the DVDs layers. - Preferably,
cylinder 76 has an outer diameter (or maximum external width) which is less than or equal to the diameter of opening 72 ofmedium 70 to allowcylinder 76 to receive medium 70 throughopening 72. Preferably, the outer surface ofcylinder 76 should be smooth. Clearly, other shapes instead of a cylinder could be used ascylinder 76 as long as the maximum external width is less than or equal to the diameter ofinner opening 72. - In order to prevent
recording medium 70 from tipping off ofhub 62,bottom cover 54 includes upper holdingportions 58 andlower holding portions 60. These portions support outer edge portions ofrecording medium 70 when disposed onhub 62.Bottom cover 54 includes upper holdingportion 58 arranged in a semi-circle abouthub 62 andlower holding portion 60 disposed symmetric to upper holdingportion 58 with respect tohub 62. - Referring now also to
FIG. 3 , both upper andlower holding portions feet 64 separated byrecesses 66. Eachfoot 64 is comprised of a protrusion having an L-shaped cross-section including a first protrusion 64 a which extends upwardly frombottom cover 54 to a height which is lower than a height of asecond protrusion 64 b which also extends upwardly from bottom over 54. -
Feet 64 are arranged onbottom cover 54 to follow the general contour ofrecording medium 70. In this way, the outer edges ofrecording medium 70 are caused to rest onfeet 64. InFIG. 2 a, for example,feet 64 are arranged to follow the circular contour of a round recording medium such as a DVD. A first circle having a first diameter can be formed by connecting the tops of first protrusions 64 a and a second circle having a second diameter larger than the first diameter can be formed by connecting the tops ofsecond protrusions 64 b. The diameter of the first circle (with first protrusions 64 a) is further smaller than the diameter ofrecording medium 70. In contrast, the diameter of the second circle (withsecond protrusions 64 b) is larger than the diameter ofrecording medium 70. In this way, outer edges ofrecording medium 70 can be placed on protrusions 64 a (and frustum 78) and kept in place byprotrusions 64 b. Clearly,feet 64 do not have to be arcuate in shape. They can, for example, extend in a straight line as long as the distance betweensecond protrusions 64 b disposed on opposite sides ofhub 62 is greater than the diameter ofrecording medium 70; and the distance between first projections 64 a disposed on opposite sides ofhub 62 is less than the diameter ofrecording medium 70. -
Feet 64 are spaced and arranged so that a user wishing to store or removerecording medium 70 fromstorage case 50 can grasp the circumferential edge ofrecording medium 70 using a plurality of his or her fingers without interference fromfeet 64.Recesses 66 are provided in betweenfeet 64 to provide space for the user's fingers so that a user's fingers can engage the circumferential edge ofrecording medium 70 throughout the placement and removal of recording medium 70 fromstorage case 50. - Referring again to
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and now also toFIG. 5 , in order to preventrecording medium 70 from moving alongcylinder 76 whenstorage case 50 is closed, ahub coupling member 68 is disposed on a portion oftop cover 52.Hub coupling member 68 mates withhub 62 whentop cover 52 andbottom cover 54 are closed on each other. -
Hub coupling member 68 includes a plurality of crescents 84 (preferably two) extending from a frustum shapedportion 82. Frustum shapedportion 82 has anupper diameter 86 which is larger than the diameter of opening 72, but smaller than the diameter ofunused portion 74 of recording medium 70 (FIG. 1 ).Crescents 84 are disposed a distance from each other that is slightly larger than the outside diameter ofcylinder 76, and positioned so they extend on opposite sides ofhub 62. In this way,crescents 84 act as a guide to receivecylinder 76 so thatstorage case 50 is closed properly. Preferably,crescents 84 are sized so that they gently contactrecording medium 70 onunused portion 74 whencase 50 is closed. This inhibits vertical movement ofrecording medium 70 oncylinder 76 while recordingmedium 70 is stored instorage case 50. Becausecrescents 84 contactunused portion 74, the crescents cannot damage the recording medium. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 a, 2 b and now also toFIGS. 2 g, 6, 12 and 13, top and bottom covers 52, 54 include security features which prevent thieves from gaining access tomedium 70 throughspine 56 whenstorage case 50 is closed (and locked, e.g., using the locking mechanism described below). The first security feature includesside walls 88 a and 88 b which extend along the length ofspine 56 and have a height which is approximately equal to half the width ofspine 56. - The second security feature includes “pi” shaped reinforcing
members 90 located on opposite ends ofspine 56 and extending upwardly therefrom. Reinforcingmembers 90 are comprised of a first portion extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis L ofspine 56 and two portions extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis L ofspine 56. - A third security feature of
storage case 50 is the provision of semi-circular shapedspinal projections 91.Spinal projections 91 are disposed at opposing ends ofspine 56 and extend upwardly fromspine 56 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L. - When
storage case 50 is closed (and locked as explained below),side walls 88 a, 88 b, reinforcingmember 90, andspinal projections 91 prevent thieves from gaining access torecording medium 70 by simply cuttingspine 56 along its edges (i.e. pivot points 55). When top and bottom covers 52, 54 are closed together,side walls 88 a and 88 b meet and form a second wall (not explicitly shown but best understood with reference toFIG. 13 ) disposed parallel to and internal ofspine 56. If a thief, therefore, cutsspine 56, the second wall prevents access tostorage medium 70. - Reinforcing
members 90 andspinal projections 91 provide further protection. If a thief were to try to cutspine 56 either horizontally or vertically in the area of eitherreinforcement members 90 orspinal projections 91, he or she would meet resistance due to the thickness ofspine 56 being effectively increased due to the presence of reinforcingmembers 90 andspinal projections 91. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, still yet another security feature ofstorage case 50 is the provision of top and bottom closing walls. A top closing wall 95 a is provided ontop cover 52 and abottom closing wall 95 b is provided onbottom cover 54. Both top andbottom closing walls 95 a, 95 b extend in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L ofspine 56. Top closing wall 95 a is disposed at a distance fromspine 56 ontop cover 52 that is smaller than the distance betweenbottom closing wall 95 b tospine 56 onbottom cover 54. In this way, whenstorage case 50 is closed, top closing wall 95 a sits behindtop closing wall 95 b. This yields a double wall between the exterior ofstorage case 50 and a recording medium disposed onhub 62. - Similarly, referring also to
FIG. 12 top cover 52 further includestop side walls 89 a disposed on either ends oftop cover 52.Bottom cover 54 includesbottom side walls 89 b disposed on either ends ofbottom cover 54. All of top andbottom side walls spine 56. As with top closing wall 95 a,top side walls 89 a are disposed at a distance fromhub coupling member 68 that is smaller than the distance betweenbottom side walls 89 b andhub 62. In this way, whentop cover 52 is closed uponbottom cover 54,top side walls 89 a sit behindbottom side walls 89 b. Again, this yields a double wall between the exterior ofstorage case 50 and a recording medium disposed onhub 62. - In the rental and retail recording medium industry, shelf space is at a premium. It is desirable, therefore, that
case 50 be as thin as possible, particularly when used with a security device such as a locking mechanism orlock 120. Referring now toFIGS. 7 and 8 , to achieve this size objective, top and bottom covers 52, 54 include respective top andbottom closing sections bottom closing sections case 50. Whencase 50 is closed, therefore, closingsections extension portion 103 of reduced thickness to engagelocking mechanism 120,FIG. 10 . In other words, top andbottom closing sections case 50 whencase 50 is closed. Specifically, whentop cover 52 is closed onbottom cover 54, since top andbottom closing sections case 50, the overall width ofstorage case 50 while closed (i.e. the combined width of top and bottom covers 52, 54 or approximately the width of spine 56) is thicker than the width of the combined top andbottom closing sections 100, 102 (extension portion 103). - Locking mechanism 120 (
FIGS. 9 a, 9 b) engagesextension portion 103 by overlapping such portion 103 (which is discussed more completely below). This allowslock 120 to be disposed flush with the sides ofstorage case 50. As a result, the overall thickness of the storage case does not increase whenlock 120 is used. - Locking mechanism 120 (
FIGS. 9 a-11), when engaged withstorage case 50, prevents the case from being opened when recordingmedium 70 is placed therein. This type of arrangement is particularly useful in the live rental or retail industry where, for example, one would not want the public to gain access torecording medium 70 until rental or purchasing fees have been paid. Similarly, lock 120 can be embedded with a security device which would set off a buzzer or alarm if a would be renter or purchaser ofrecording medium 70 tried to leave a store withlock 120 still onstorage case 50. Preferably, lock 120 used withstorage case 50 is as shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,598,728; 5,850,752; and 5,988,376 all assigned to Autronic Plastics, Inc. - The entirety of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 2 a, 2 c, 2 d, 10 and 11, to further achieve the size objective,top cover 52 further comprises firsttop closing projections 92 disposed at opposite ends oftop cover 52 intop closing section 100.Top closing section 100 also includes secondtop closing projections 94 disposed in parallel with firsttop closing projections 92 and having sides which face an outside ofstorage case 50. Firsttop closing projections 92 and secondtop closing projections 94 definetop closing recesses 96 therebetween.Bottom cover 54 includesbottom closing projections 98 disposed at opposite ends ofbottom cover 54 inbottom closing section 102. Whentop cover 52 is closed onbottom cover 54,bottom closing projection 98 mates withrecess 96. -
Storage case 50 is designed so that it can efficiently be combined withlock 120 and lockcase 50 as securely as possible.Top closing section 100 oftop cover 52, further includes connectingprotrusions 108 which connect firsttop closing portions 92 to toprecess defining protrusions 104. First and secondtop closing portions protrusions 108, and toprecess defining protrusions 104 all extend fromwall portions 105 located at opposite ends oftop closing section 100. As described below,wall portions 105 define openings to receive hook portions oflock 120. -
Bottom closing section 102 ofbottom cover 54 further includeshook receiving portions 114 integral withbottom closing projections 98. Awall member 112 is disposed under eachhook receiving portion 114. Whencase 50 is closed,hook receiving portions 114,wall portions 105, andwall portions 112 definehook receiving openings 110 at distal ends ofextension portion 103 to receive and engage hook portions of lock 120 (FIGS. 9 a, 9 b). - To facilitate the engagement of
top cover 52 withbottom cover 54 whenstorage case 50 is to be closed, the internal surface ofhook members 114 are shaped to match the external surface of top recess defining protrusions 104 (on top cover 52) and connecting protrusions 108 (also on top cover 52). Toprecess defining portions 104 and connectingprotrusions 108 are also disposed slightly further inward (i.e. toward the center of storage case 50) thanhook portions 114. - The closing of
storage case 50 and the application oflock 120 will now be described. Referring now also toFIG. 8 ,top closing section 100 andbottom closing section 102 further include atop surface 116 and abottom surface 118, respectively. Whentop cover 52 is closed onbottom cover 54, toprecess defining protrusions 104 and connectingprotrusions 108 are placed internal to and mesh withhook portions 114.Top closing section 100 andbottom closing section 102 meet to formextension portion 103 and, thereby, provide a smooth level surface for lock 120 (FIGS. 9 a, 9 b) to be applied thereto. Again,extension portion 103 has a thinner width than the combined width of top and bottom covers 52, 54. - An alternative embodiment of
storage case 50 is shown inFIGS. 2 b, 2 e and 2 f where like reference numerals refer to like elements and a description of such elements is omitted for the sake of brevity. InFIG. 2 b, an additional structure is added to enhance the mating oftop cover 52 withbottom cover 54. Acylindrical tube 132 is disposed internally ofhook portion 114 and extends upwardly onbottom cover 54. A substantially arcuate toprecess defining protrusion 104′ is disposed ontop cover 52 so that whentop cover 52 is closed uponbottom cover 54, toprecess defining protrusion 104′ fits internally tocylindrical tube 132. Acylindrical post 134 is disposed internal to toprecess defining protrusion 104′ and extends upwardly fromtop cover 52.Cylindrical post 134 is disposed ontop cover 52 so that whentop cover 52 is closed uponbottom cover 54,cylindrical post 134 mates withcylindrical tube 132. In this way,cylindrical post 134, andcylindrical tube 132 provide an additional mating engagement betweentop cover 52 andbottom cover 54. Finally, a mating protrusion 136 is disposed ontop cover 52 so that it can mate with a mating recess 138 disposed onbottom cover 54 when thecovers - Referring now to
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, a lock shown generally at 120, can be used in conjunction withstorage case 50. The operation oflock 120 withcase 50 is generally shown and described in the Autronic Plastic's patents referenced above. Preferably, lock 120 includes a fixedly mountedhook member 122 disposed on one end and a moveably mountedhook member 124 disposed at another end. In betweenhook members walls 126 a and 126 b disposed on opposing sides oflock 120 and in parallel with each other. As can be seen most clearly inFIG. 9 b,walls 126 a, 126 b do not extend the entire length oflock 120.Walls 126 a, 126 b define acavity 128 which is to receiveextension portion 103 ofstorage case 50 therein. - Referring also to
FIG. 10 , whenlock 120 is to be applied tostorage case 50,storage case 50 is closed as was described above.Extension portion 103 is placed withincavity 128 so that wall 126 a is aligned adjacent totop surface 116 andwall 126 b is aligned adjacent tobottom surface 118. One of theopenings 110 is then mated withhook member 122. Movably mountedhook member 124 is moved to a retractedposition 130 wherehook member 124 mates with the other one ofopenings 110. Alternatively, one ofopenings 110 is mated withhook member 124. Then,extension portion 103 is inserted betweenwalls 126 a, 126 b.Hook member 124, along withstorage case 50 is then slid towardhook member 122 until theother opening 110 mates withhook member 122, andhook member 124 is retracted toposition 130. In this way, hooks 122, 124 wrap around the ends ofstorage case 50 and lock the case closed. - As can be seen most clearly in
FIG. 11 ,lock 120 securely lockscase 50 closed by wrapping around, and securely locking,case 50 on four sides, i.e., withhooks walls 126 a, 126 b. - Moreover, the width of
lock case 50 is not increased by engaginglock 120. The width oflock 120 is designed to be equal to the distance (or width) between closedtop cover 52 and bottom cover 54 (approximately equal to the width of spine 56) but larger than the width ofextension portion 103. In this way, whenlock 120 is engaged withstorage case 50,walls 126 a and 126 b sit flush with the sides ofstorage case 50. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , there is shown another embodiment of a hub used to seat and retainrecording medium 70 thereon that can be used with the security features of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art, however, that any known hub that seats and retains a recording medium can be used in combination with the security features of the present invention. InFIG. 14 , ahub 150 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is disposed upon and integral with afrustrum portion 154.Hub 150 is designed so that it puts minimal stress onstorage medium 70 when it is stored onhub 150, and when recordingmedium 70 is lifted or removed therefrom. -
Hub 150 andfrustrum portion 154 are comprised of a Y-shapedmember 156 fixed to bottom cover 54 (not explicitly shown in the figure). Y-shapedmember 156 defines threevoids 162 having a substantially arcuate cross-section. Threeresilient members 158 are disposed radially about Y-shapedmember 156 withinvoids 162. Eachresilient member 158 includes abase portion 164 that extends perpendicular to abody portion 168. Ahead portion 166 has a substantially arcuate cross-section and extends substantially perpendicular tobody portion 168 and parallel tobase portion 164.Head portion 166 further includes aprotrusion 160 extending radially therefrom. Referring also toFIG. 1 ,resilient members 158 are biased radially outwardly so that the circumference of a circle drawn aroundprotrusions 160 is larger than the circumference of opening 72 ofrecording medium 70. - In use, when recording
medium 70 is to placed uponhub 150, opening 72 is placed aroundprotrusions 160. A downward force is applied uponrecording medium 70 and causes headportions 166 ofresilient members 158 to bend further inwardly intovoids 162 due to the engagement ofunused portion 74 withprotrusions 160. Upon the application of sufficient downward force upon recordingmedium 70,resilient members 158 will bend inwardly far enough so that the circumference aroundprotrusions 160 will be less than the circumference of opening 72 thereby allowingrecording medium 70 to be placed uponfrustrum 154. At this point,unused portion 74 no longer applies a force uponprotrusions 160 andresilient members 158 resume their original position due to their natural resiliency.Protrusions 160 now retainrecording medium 70 onfrustrum 154 andfeet 64 with minimal stress onmedium 70. In order to removerecording medium 70, a user will place his fingers inrecesses 66, apply a force uponhub 150, and lift off recording medium 70 therefrom with minimal effort. In this way, recordingmedium 70 can be safely placed upon and removed fromhub 150 without being damaged. It should be noted that although three resilient members and voids are shown, the invention can still be realized with the use of only one resilient member and corresponding void. - Therefore, by providing a bottom cover with a hub comprised of a cylinder disposed upon a frustum shaped member, a recording medium can be safely placed and removed on the bottom cover without placing undue stress or pressure on the recording medium. A frustum shaped member with crescents thereon disposed on the top cover, inhibits vertical movement of the recording medium while the recording medium is stored in the storage case. Side walls on the top and bottom covers provide further security for the storage case by inhibiting access to the inside of the storage case. Providing a lock which has the same width as the width of the combination of the top and bottom covers of the storage case (which is approximately equal to the width of the spine) and secures the storage case closed on four sides, yields a secure storage case that meets desirable size objectives.
- Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (20)
1. A storage case for storing a recording medium having an opening with an opening width, the storage case comprising:
a first cover, the first cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium;
a second cover hingedly coupled to the first cover, the first and second covers capable of moving to a closed position whereby the second cover is placed over the first cover to restrict access to the seating area;
a hub disposed upon and extending upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating portion, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width; and
wherein the hub is disposed upon a frustum shaped support, the support having an external width greater than the opening width.
2. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hub is cylindrical in shape.
3. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.
4. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the hub is integral with the frustrum support thereby forming a hub-support combination;
the hub-support combination is comprised of a fixed member fixed with respect to the first cover; and
the hub-support combination is further comprised of at least one resilient member, the resilient member is movable with respect to the first cover and is biased outwardly away from the fixed member.
5. The storage case as claimed in claim 4 , where the resilient member includes a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.
6. The storage case as claimed in claim 4 , where the fixed member is y-shaped.
7. The storage case as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the fixed member defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient member.
8. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least one projection extending from the second cover.
9. The storage case as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the hub coupling member is sized so that when the first and second covers are in the closed position, the at least one projection restricts the recording medium's movement along the length of the hub.
10. The storage case as claimed in claim 9 , further comprising at least two projections extending on either side of the hub to receive the hub therebetween when the first and second covers are in the closed position.
11. The storage case as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the two projections extend from a frustum shaped support member.
12. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least two projections extending from the second cover to receive the hub therebetween when the first and second covers are in the closed position, the at least two projection being sized and arranged so that when the first and secured covers are in the closed portion, the at least two projections contact an recorded portion of the recording medium to restrict the recording medium's movement along the length of the hub.
13. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one projection extending from the first cover; wherein
the at least one projection includes a first projection extending to a first projection height with respect to the first cover and a second projection extending to a second projection height with respect to the first cover; and wherein
the first and second projections are sized to support the recording medium.
14. The storage case as claimed in claim 13 , further comprising:
a plurality of projections; and
at least some of the projections are spaced apart from each other by a recess disposed therebetween.
15. The storage case as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the at least one projection comprises a plurality of projections disposed symmetrical about the hub.
16. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
at least a first and second projection extending from the first cover; wherein
the first and second projections each include a lower projection extending to a first projection height with respect to the first cover and a higher projection extending to a second projection height with respect to the first cover, the first projection height being lower than the second projection height; and wherein
a distance between lower projections of the first and second projections is smaller than a distance between higher projections of the first and second projections.
17. The storage case as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the first cover includes a first lock portion; and
the second cover includes a second lock portion; wherein
the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a width of a combination of the first and second covers is wider than a width of a combination of the first and second lock portions, and the combination of the first and second covers includes a top portion and a bottom portion.
18. The storage case as claimed in claim 17 , further comprising a lock having two lock side walls and two lock end portions, the lock side walls being disposed around the first and second lock portions, and the lock end portions being disposed around the respective top and bottom portions.
19. The storage case as claimed in claim 18 , wherein the lock side walls are flush with the first and second covers respectively.
20. The storage case as claimed in claim 18 , wherein a width of the lock is approximately equal to a width of a combination of the first and second covers.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/403,873 US20050098453A1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2003-03-28 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US16319299P | 1999-11-02 | 1999-11-02 | |
US09/696,614 US6561347B1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2000-10-25 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
US10/403,873 US20050098453A1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2003-03-28 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/696,614 Continuation US6561347B1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2000-10-25 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
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US20050098453A1 true US20050098453A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
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US09/696,614 Expired - Fee Related US6561347B1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2000-10-25 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
US10/403,873 Abandoned US20050098453A1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2003-03-28 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
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US09/696,614 Expired - Fee Related US6561347B1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2000-10-25 | Case and lock with improved disc protection |
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US20080041742A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Finest Products Limited | Security Disk Protective Enclosure |
US20080041743A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Finest Products Limited | Disk Protective Enclosure |
WO2008022599A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-28 | Finest Products Limited | Security disk protective enclosure |
US7721882B2 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2010-05-25 | Finest Products Limited | Disk protective enclosure |
US20110139641A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2011-06-16 | Finest Products Limited | Security disk protective enclosure |
US8141702B2 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2012-03-27 | Finest Products Limited | Security disk protective enclosure |
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