Locking system of the tape storage case for burglarproof of the enclosed tape

• US 6,182,480 B1
• Filed: 06/14/1999
• Issued: 02/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jae Tae Kim
• Original Assignee: Jae Tae Kim
• Inventors: Kim, Jae Tae
• Primary Examiner(s): Barrett, Suzanne Dino
• Application Number:
  US09/332,855
• Time in Patent Office: 603 Days
• Field of Search: 70/571, 70/58, 70/63, 205/1.5, 205/308.2, 205/387.11
• US Class Current: 70/57.1
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 35/008 for simple tool-like keys
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 73/0023 Containers, boxes, cases or the like, e.g. for compact discs or video-cassettes, specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 23/0233 Containers for a single cassette
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5004 For antitheft signaling device on protected article
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5031 Receptacle

Abstract

Disclosed is a locking system for cassette tape cases to prevent tapes from being stolen and to discourage theft of cases as well. A cassette tape case has configurations to lock with a locking device. The locking device case has a plate and a plurality of protrusions configured to couple with the configurations of the cassette tape case. The locking device also has slits for use in unlocking the cassette tape case. Also disclosed is an apparatus to unlock the locked cassette tape case. The unlocking apparatus includes a plurality of keys configured to be inserted into the slits of the locking device.

Claims

1. A locking device for a cassette tape case, comprising:

a panel sized to be attached to a surface of a cassette tape case; and

a plurality of longitudinal protrusions vertically projecting from the panel, each of the protrusions comprising;

a proximal section tapered toward the panel with a step, a tapered end of the proximal section being directly attached to the panel; and

a distal section tapered away from the panel with a step;

a middle section between the proximal and distal sections.

2. The locking device as defined in claim 1, wherein the protrusions are arranged in pairs, wherein each protrusion in each pair has a flat surface in the length thereof, and wherein the flat surfaces of the paired protrusions face each other with a gap therebetween.

3. The locking device as defined in claim 2, wherein the gap is configured as sufficient to allow the paired protrusions to tilt toward each other.

4. The locking device as defined in claim 1, wherein the panel has a plurality of slits, wherein each of the slits is located close to one of the protrusions such that a key configured to pass through the slit can contact the proximal tapered section, thereby flexing the protrusion.

5. The locking device as defined in claim 4, wherein each of the slits forms an arch around the attachment of one of the proximal sections of the closely located protrusion to the panel.

6. The locking device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a label attached to the panel, the label is adapted to be read when passing through a surveillance system.

7. An anti-theft cassette tape case, comprising:

a cassette tape case comprising a body and a cover, the cover comprising a locking surface configured to overlap a surface of the body when the case is locked, wherein a plurality of holes are formed on both of the locking surface and the surface of the body so that the holes can be overlapped for the locking of the case;

a panel configured to fit to the locking surface of the cover;

a plurality of protrusions vertically projecting from the panel, the protrusions are arranged in pairs on the panel so that each pair of the protrusions can be inserted into each of the overlapping holes of the locking surface and the surface of the body; and

each of the protrusions comprising;

a proximal section tapered toward the panel with a step, a tapered end of the proximal section being directly attached to the panel; and

a distal section tapered away from the panel with a step; and

a middle section between the proximal and distal sections.

8. The anti-theft container as defined in claim 7, wherein the panel has a plurality of slits, wherein each of the slits is located close to the proximal section of each protrusion and configured to allow a key to pass therethrough and contact the proximal section.

9. The locking device as defined in claim 8, wherein each of the slits forms an arch around the attachment of one of the proximal sections to the panel.

10. The locking device as defined in claim 7, further comprising a label attached to the panel, the label is adapted to be read when passing through a surveillance system.