Storage device for a data carrier

• US 20040020801A1
• Filed: 04/03/2003
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Scanavo A/S
• Original Assignee: Scanavo A/S
• Inventors: Solling, Tino
• Granted Patent: US 7,044,296 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/308.1
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0023 Containers, boxes, cases or the like, e.g. for compact discs or video-cassettes, specially adapted therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage device for a data carrier, the storage device comprising a base element; in connection with the base element holding means adapted for engaging with an opening in a data carrier, a locking element adapted for engagement with the storage device in such a manner that the release of a data carrier from the holding means is prevented until the locking element is removed. This may be realized in a construction where the locking element has a circular cross sectional shape and the storage device comprises a recess capable of receiving the circular cross section of the locking element. Another possibility is that the holding means comprises two or more arms, which upon release of the data carrier are moved towards each other, and where the locking element comprises a protruding part blocking the movement of the arms towards each other.

Claims

1. (Original) A storage device for a data carrier, the storage device comprising:

a base element;

in connection with the base element holding means adapted for engaging with an opening in a data carrier;

a locking element adapted for engagement with the storage device in such a manner that the release of a data carrier form the holding means is prevented until the locking element is removed, where the locking element comprises a releasable part which is connected to the remaining part of the locking element at a weak or breakable connection area and where the releasable part comprises protruding areas or parts capable of engaging with corresponding parts of the base element or the holding means on the base part.

2. (Currently amended) A storage device according to claim 1, where the locking element has a first circular cross sectional shape, e.g. circular and the storage device comprises a recess capable of receiving the first cross section of the locking element.

3. (Original) A storage device according to claim 1, where the holding means comprises two or more arms, which upon release of the data carrier are moved towards each other, and where the locking element comprises a protruding part blocking the movement of the arms towards each other.

4. (Currently amended) A storage device according to any of the preceding claims claim 1, where the locking element further comprises a flexible string, which is at one end connected to the locking element and at the opposite end to the base element.

8. (Currently amended) A locking element according to any of the preceding claims claim 5, where the locking element further comprises a flexible string, which is at one end connected to the locking element and at the opposite end is adapted for connection to the base element of the storage device.

1-1. A storage device for a data carrier, the storage device comprising:

a base element;

in connection with the base element holding means adapted for engaging with an opening in a data carrier;

a locking element adapted for engagement with the storage device in such a manner that the release of a data carrier form the holding means is prevented until the locking element is removed, where the locking element comprises a releasable part which is connected to the remaining part of the locking element at a weak or breakable connection area and where the releasable part comprises protruding areas or parts capable of engaging with corresponding parts of the base element or the holding means on the base part.

2-2. A storage device according to claim 1, where the locking element has a first cross sectional shape, e.g. circular and the storage device comprises a recess capable of receiving the first cross section of the locking element.

3-3. A storage device according to claim 1, where the holding means comprises two or more arms, which upon release of the data carrier are moved towards each other, and where the locking element comprises a protruding part blocking the movement of the arms towards each other.

4-4. A storage device according to any of the preceding claims, where the locking element further comprises a flexible string, which is at one end connected to the locking element and at the opposite end connected to the base element.

5. (Original) A locking element for cooperation with a storage device comprising a base element and in connection with the base element holding means adapted for engaging with an opening in a data carrier, the locking element comprising means adapted for engagement with the storage device in such a manner that the release of a data carrier form the holding means is prevented until the locking element is removed, where the locking element comprises a releasable part which is connected to the remaining part of the locking element at a weak or breakable connection area and where the releasable part comprises protruding areas or parts capable of engaging with corresponding parts of the base element in the storage device.

6. (Original) A locking element according to claim 5, where the locking element has a circular cross sectional shape adapted for interconnection with a recess of the storage device.

7. (Original) A locking element according to claim 5, where the locking element comprises a protruding part adapted blocking the movement of two or more arms of the holding means towards each other.

5-5. A locking element for cooperation with a storage device comprising a base element and in connection with the base element holding means adapted for engaging with an opening in a data carrier, the locking element comprising means adapted for engagement with the storage device in such a manner that the release of a data carrier form the holding means is prevented until the locking element is removed, where the locking element comprises a releasable part which is connected to the remaining part of the locking element at a weak or breakable connection area and where the releasable part comprises protruding areas or parts capable of engaging with corresponding parts of the base element in the storage device.

6-6. A locking element according to claim 5, where the locking element has a circular cross sectional shape adapted for interconnection with a recess of the storage device.

7-7. A locking element according to claim 5, where the locking element comprises a protruding part adapted blocking the movement of two or more arms of the holding means towards each other.

8-8. A locking element according to any of the preceding claims, where the locking element further comprises a flexible string, which is at one end connected to the locking element and at the opposite end is adapted for connection to the base element of the storage device.