Locks – Special application – For antitheft signaling device on protected article
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-14
2001-02-06
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For antitheft signaling device on protected article
C070S063000, C206S001500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182480
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for locking a tape storage case to prevent the enclosed tape from being stolen from the case, and discourage the theft of the case itself. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system for locking the tape storage case, comprised of a tape storage case, a lock plate for locking the storage case and an opening key fixture for releasing the lock plate. Only the key fixture can release the lock plate and, therefore, only an individual possessing the key fixture can get the enclosed tape out the case. Furthermore, the lock plate may be fitted with a device which will trigger electronic surveillance systems should one attempt to pass through such surveillance system while the lock plate is still attached to the tape storage case.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A tape, i.e., cassette tape or video tape, is a media which is widely used for audio and video recording. Usually, the recorded tape is kept in a tape storage case which is displayed standing on the shelf.
The conventional tape storage case is comprised of a case body and the attached cover, both usually made of plastic. The tape can be enclosed within the case body. The cover opens from the flexible case body binding where it is attached, much like a book cover. The cover opens and closes easily and anyone can simply raise the cover and access the tape within in the case body. For this reason, there is a high risk of the tape being removed from the case without authorization.
Often the case body will contain an electronic alarm label as individuals may attempt to take the tape while it still within the case body. In this situation, the electronic alarm label within the case body should activate an electronic security system and the store clerk will be aware of the attempted theft. The alarm label, however, is easily removable from the case body when the store clerk is not watching.
Further, a sensor or a locking device is provided with the out surface of the conventional tape storage case, and thus, it is very difficult to display the case by standing on the shelf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a locking system for preventing unauthorized individuals from removing the enclosed tape from the tape storage case.
Further, the present invention also provides a locking system which would preventing unauthorized individuals from taking the enclosed tape without removing the tape from the case body by simply removing the electronic alarm label from the case body and then taking the case body with the tape inside.
In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a system for locking the tape storage case, comprising: a tape storage case for enclosing a tape, having a cover and a case body wherein joint holes are provided at the main sides of the cover and the case body, so that the joints holes form a single hole penetrating the overlapped the main sides; a locking plate for locking the tape storage case, having protrusions which are inserted to the joint holes to lock the case; and an opening key fixture for unlocking the locking plate, having keys which are inserted into the key holes of the locking plate to release the locking plate from the case.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking plate has the size and the width to fit the main side of the case.
In another preferred embodiment, the center of the protrusions is divided perpendicularly such that the protrusions has inward and outward flexibility, and the tapered locking face is provided at the ends of the protrusions, and the tapered releasing face is provided at the other ends of the protrusions in the opposite shape.
In another preferred embodiment, the key holes are two semicircles surrounding the protrusions.
In another preferred embodiment, an electronic alarm label is attached inside of the locking plate and said electronic alarm will sound if the locking plate is passed an electronic surveillance system.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3613413 (1971-10-01), Glass et al.
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patent: 4469225 (1984-09-01), Takahashi
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patent: 5129244 (1992-07-01), Wittman
patent: 5598728 (1997-02-01), Lax
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patent: 5901840 (1999-05-01), Nakasuji
patent: 5934114 (1999-08-01), Weisburn et al.
patent: 5956981 (1999-09-01), Weisburn et al.
Barrett Suzanne Dino
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
LandOfFree
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