Case and lock with improved disc protection

• US 6,561,347 B1
• Filed: 10/25/2000
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Autronic Plastics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Autronic Plastics, Inc.
• Inventors: Lax, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): FOSTER, JIMMY G
• Application Number:
  US09/696,614
• Time in Patent Office: 930 Days
• Field of Search: 70/571, 70/63, 206/1.5, 206/308.1, 206/308.2, 206/308.3, 206/310, 206/387.11, 206/387.13, 206/472, 206/807, 206/303, 206/307, 206/307.1, 206/387.1, 220/315, 229/125.125
• US Class Current: 206/308.2
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/0427 comprising centre hole locking means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5031 Receptacle

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.

Claims

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 having a top portion, the hub extending upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support adapted to support at least a portion of the recording medium, the support having an external width greater than the opening width; and

a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least one projection extending towards the first cover substantially opposite the support and past the top of the hub when the storage case is engaged in the closed position.

2. The storage case as claimed in claim 1, 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.

3. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width; and

a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least two projections extending on either side of the hub coupling member to receive the hub therebetween when the first and second covers are in the closed position;

wherein the hub coupling member is sized so that when the first and second covers are in the closed position, the at least two projections restrict the recording medium'"'"'s movement along the length of the hub.

4. The storage case as claimed in claim 3, wherein the two projections extend from a support member.

5. 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 the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub; and

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 projections being sized and arranged so that when the first and second covers are in the closed position, the at least two projections contact an unrecorded portion of the recording medium to restrict the recording medium'"'"'s movement along the length of the hub.

6. 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 area;

the first cover includes a first lock portion which extends for substantially the full width of the first cover; and

the second cover includes a second lock portion which extends for substantially the full width of the second cover;

wherein

the first and second lock portions are stepped inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness of a combination of the first and second lock portions.

7. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub;

a first lock portion included on the first cover;

a second lock portion included on the second cover;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness 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; and

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 over the respective top and bottom portions.

8. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external is width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width;

a first lock portion included on the first cover;

a second lock portion included on the second cover;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness 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; and

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, wherein the lock side walls are flush with the first and second covers respectively.

9. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width;

a first lock portion included on the first cover;

a second lock portion included on the second cover;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness 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; and

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 over the respective top and bottom portions, wherein a width of the lock is approximately equal to a width of a combination of the first and second covers.

10. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width;

a spine coupling the first and second covers together, the spine having a length, a width and a pi shaped reinforcing member extending upwardly therefrom, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first side wall height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second side wall height;

wherein

said first and second side wall heights are substantially equal; and

a sum of the first and second side wall heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine.

11. A storage case for storing a storage medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover pivotably coupled to a spine;

a second cover pivotably coupled to the spine;

the first cover including a first lock portion disposed distal from the spine and extending for substantially the full width of the first cover; and

the second cover including a second lock portion disposed distal from the spine and extending for substantially the full width of the second cover;

wherein the first and second lock portions are stepped inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness of a combination of the first and second lock portions.

12. The storage case as claimed in claim 11, wherein the spine has a length and a width;

and

the first cover includes a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first side wall height;

the second cover includes a second side wall, extending upwardly therefrom and having a second side wall height; and

wherein

the first and second side wall heights are substantial equal; and

a sum of the first and second side wall heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine.

13. The storage case as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first side wall is disposed at a portion of the first cover which is proximate to the spine;

and

the second side wall disposed at a portion of the second cover which is proximate to the spine.

14. The storage case as claimed in claim 12, wherein when the first and second covers are closed upon each other, the first and second side walls form a third wall which is parallel to the spine.

15. The storage case as claimed in claim 12, wherein the spine further comprises a reinforcing member that extends upwardly therefrom and along a portion of the spine, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open.

16. The storage case as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:

a hub disposed upon and extending upwardly from the first cover, the hub receives the recording medium, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to an opening width of the recording medium.

17. The storage case as claimed in claim 16, wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.

18. The storage case as claimed in claim 16, wherein:

the hub is integral with a 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.

19. The storage case as claimed in claim 18 , where the resilient member includes a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.

20. The storage case as claimed in claim 18, where the fixed member is y-shaped.

21. The storage case as claimed in claim 20, wherein the fixed member defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient member.

22. A storage case for storing a storage medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover pivotably coupled to a spine;

a second cover pivotably coupled to the spine;

the first cover including a first lock portion disposed distal from the spine extending for substantially the full width of the first cover; and

the second cover including a second lock portion disposed distal from the spine extending for substantially the full width of the second cover;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness of a combination of the first and second lock portions; and

a lock having lock side walls, the lock side walls being disposed around the first and second lock portions.

23. A storage case for storing a storage medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover pivotably coupled to a spine;

a second cover pivotably coupled to the spine;

the first cover including a first lock portion disposed distal from the spine; and

the second cover including a second lock portion disposed distal from the spine;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness of a combination of the first and second lock portions; and

a lock having lock side walls, the lock side walls being disposed around the first and second lock portions;

wherein the lock side walls are flush with the first and second covers respectively.

24. A storage case for storing a storage medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover pivotably coupled to a spine;

a second cover pivotably coupled to the spine;

the first cover including a first lock portion disposed distal from the spine; and

the second cover including a second lock portion disposed distal from the spine;

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

a lock having lock side walls, the lock side walls being wrapped around the first and second lock portions;

wherein a thickness of the lock is approximately equal to a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers.

25. A storage case for storing a storage medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover pivotably coupled to a spine having a length and a width;

a second cover pivotably coupled to the spine;

the first cover including a first lock portion disposed distal from the spine; and

the second cover including a second lock portion disposed distal from the spine;

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;

a first side wall included on the first cover extending upwardly therefrom and having a first side wall height;

a second side wall included on the second cover extending upwardly therefrom and having a second side wall height, wherein the first and second side wall heights are substantially equal, and a sum of the first and second side wall heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine; and

a pi shaped reinforcing member located on the spine extending upwardly therefrom, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open.

26. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover;

a second cover;

a hub disposed on one of the first and second covers to receive the recording medium;

a spine coupling the first and second covers together, the spine having a length and width, a raised end portion and a reinforcing member extending upwardly from the spine and along a portion of the length of the spine, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second height;

the first and second side walls extending adjacent to and along substantially all of the length of the spine;

a sum of the first and second heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine.

27. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover;

a second cover;

a hub disposed on one of the first and second covers to receive the recording medium;

a spine coupling the first and second covers together, the spine having a length, a width and a pi shaped reinforcing member extending upwardly therefrom, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second height;

the first and second side walls extending along substantially all of the length of the spine;

the first and second heights are substantially equal; and

a sum of the first and second heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine.

28. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine, and a second bottom closing wall located opposite the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

a top cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the top cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine and a second top closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls sits behind the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall and so that each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, the second bottom closing wall, the second top closing wall, and the spine; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the second top and bottom closing walls when locked.

29. The storage case of claim 28, wherein the lock completely covers the second top and bottom closing walls.

30. The storage case of claim 28, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

31. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine, and a second bottom closing wall located opposite the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

a top cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the top cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine and a second top closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls sits behind the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall and so that each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, the second bottom closing wall, the second top closing wall, and the spine;

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the second top and bottom closing walls, and

a hub disposed upon and extending upwardly from the bottom cover, the hub receives the recording medium, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to an opening width of the recording medium.

32. The storage case as claimed in claim 31, wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.

33. The storage case as claimed in claim 31, wherein:

the hub is integral with a 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.

34. The storage case as claimed in claim 33, where the resilient member includes a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.

35. The storage case as claimed in claim 33, where the fixed member is y-shaped.

36. The storage case as claimed in claim 35, wherein the fixed member defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient member.

37. A storage, case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis and at least one substantially pi shaped projection extending upwardly therefrom;

a bottom cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium; and

a top cover hingedly coupled to the spine;

wherein

the top and bottom covers are capable of moving to a closed position whereby the top cover is placed over the bottom cover to restrict access to the seating area; and

when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, the projection is effective to inhibit an opening of the spine.

38. The storage case as claimed in claim 37 further comprising:

a hub disposed upon and extending upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to an opening width of the recording medium.

39. The storage case as claimed in claim 38, wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.

40. The storage case as claimed in claim 38, wherein:

the hub is integral with a 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.

41. The storage case as claimed in claim 40, where the resilient member includes a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.

42. The storage case as claimed in claim 40, where the fixed member is y-shaped.

43. The storage case as claimed in claim 42, wherein the fixed member defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient member.

44. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width; and

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 projections being sized and arranged so that when the first and second cover are in the closed position, the at least two projections contact a recorded portion of the recording medium to restrict the recording medium'"'"'s movement along the length of the hub.

45. 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 and a first lock portion;

a second cover hingedly coupled to the first cover and including a second lock portion, 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby the combination of the first and second covers includes a top portion and a bottom portion;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width; and

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;

wherein the lock side walls are flush with the first and second covers respectively.

46. 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 and a first lock portion;

a second cover hingedly coupled to the first cover and including a second lock portion, 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width;

wherein the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby the combination of the first and second covers include a top portion and a bottom portion;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width; and

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 over the respective top and bottom portions;

wherein a width of the lock is approximately equal to a width of a combination of the first and second covers.

47. 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 area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support having an external width greater than the opening width;

a spine coupling the first and second cover together, the spine having a length and a width;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first side wall height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second side wall height;

said first and second side wall heights are substantially equal;

a sum of the first and second side wall heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine;

the spine further comprises a reinforcing member extending upwardly therefrom, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open; and

the reinforcing member is pi shaped.

48. The storage case as claimed in claim 47, further comprising:

a hub disposed upon and extending upwardly from the first cover, the hub receives the recording medium, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to an opening width of the recording medium.

49. The storage case as claimed in claim 48, wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.

50. The storage case as claimed in claim 48, wherein:

the hub is integral with a 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.

51. The storage case as claimed in claim 50, where the resilient member includes a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.

52. The storage case as claimed in claim 50, where the fixed member is y-shaped.

53. The storage case as claimed in claim 52, wherein the fixed member defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient member.

54. The storage case as claimed in claim 50, further comprising:

a hub disposed upon and extending upwardly from the bottom cover, the hub receives the recording medium, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to an opening width of the recording medium;

the hub is integral with a support thereby forming a hub-support combination;

the hub-support combination is comprised of a fixed member fixed with respect to the first cover;

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; and

the fixed member is y-shaped.

55. The storage case as claimed in claim 54, wherein the fixed member defines at least one void capable of receiving the resilient member.

56. A storage case for storing a storage medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover;

a second cover;

the first cover including a first lock portion which extends for substantially the full width of the first cover;

the second cover including a second lock portion which extends for substantially the full width of the second cover;

wherein

the first and second lock portions are disposed inwardly from the first and second covers respectively, whereby a thickness of a combination of the first and second covers is greater than a thickness of a combination of the first and second lock portions; and

a lock having lock side walls, the lock side walls being disposed around the first and second lock portions.

57. The storage case as claimed in claim 56, wherein the lock side walls are flush with the first and second covers respectively.

58. The storage case as claimed in claim 56, wherein a width of the lock is approximately equal to a width of a combination of the first and second covers.

59. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover;

a second cover;

a spine coupling the first and second cover together, the spine having a length and a width;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second height;

the first and second heights are substantially equal;

a sum of the first and second height is approximately equal to the width of the spine;

wherein the spine further comprises a reinforcing member extending upwardly therefrom, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open; and

wherein the reinforcing member is pi shaped.

60. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

a top cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the top cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

at least one front closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto, the at least one front closing wall extending from at least one of the top and bottom covers;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls sits behind the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall and so that each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the spine, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, and the at least one front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the at least one front closing wall when locked.

61. The storage case of claim 60, wherein the lock completely covers the at least one front closing wall.

62. The storage case of claim 60, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

63. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first front closing wall located opposite the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

a top cover hingedly coupled to the spine, the top cover including a second front closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

at least one top closing wall extending from each of the top and bottom covers substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

at least one bottom closing wall extending from each of the top and bottom covers substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

the top and bottom closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, one of the top and bottom closing walls sits behind the other of the top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall and so that one of the top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps a major portion of the height of the other of the top and bottom closing walls, wherein in the closed position a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment including the spine, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, the first front closing wall and the second front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the first and second front closing walls when locked.

64. The storage case of claim 63, wherein the lock completely covers the first and second front closing walls.

65. The storage case of claim 63, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

66. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover;

a second cover;

at least one top wall portion extending from each of the first and second covers;

at least one bottom wall portion extending from each of the first and second covers;

at least one end wall portion extending from at least one of the first and second covers;

a hub disposed on one of the first and second covers to receive the recording medium;

a spine coupling the first and second covers together, the spine having a length, a width and end portions, the end portions extending upwardly from the ends of the spine and having a width substantially equal to the width of the spine, the spine in combination with the top wall portions and the bottom wall portions and the at least one end wall portion defining a first compartment to prevent access to the hub when the first and second covers are closed;

at least one inner wall portion extending upwardly from either or both of the first and second covers, the at least one inner wall portion forming an inner side wall which when the first and second covers are closed, has a height substantially equal to the width of the spine and extends adjacent to and substantially along the length of the spine;

wherein when the first and second covers are closed, the inner side wall, the top wall portions, the bottom wall portions and the end wall portions define a second compartment to prevent access to the hub.

67. The storage case as claimed in claim 66, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment share at least one top wall portion, at least one bottom wall portion and the at least one end wall portion.

68. 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 area disposed upon and extending upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating area, the hub area including a hub portion having a top portion and a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width, the maximum external width being substantially uniform over a length of the hub portion;

the hub area including a support portion adapted to support at least a portion of the recording medium when the hub portion receives the recording medium; and

a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least one projection extending from the second cover substantially opposite the support portion and past the top portion when the storage case is engaged in the closed position.

69. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine, and a second bottom closing wall located opposite the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

a top cover coupled to the spine, the top cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine and a second top closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps at least a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, the second bottom closing wall, the second top closing wall, and the spine; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the second top and bottom closing walls when locked.

70. The storage case of claim 69, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

71. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

a top cover coupled to the spine, the top cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

at least one front closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto, the at least one front closing wall extending from at least one of the top and bottom covers;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps at least a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the spine, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, and the at least one front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the at least one front closing wall when locked.

72. The storage case of claim 71, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

73. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a spine having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover coupled to the spine, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first front closing wall located opposite the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

a top cover coupled to the spine, the top cover including a second front closing wall located opposite to the spine and extending substantially parallel thereto;

at least one top closing wall extending from each of the top and bottom covers substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

at least one bottom closing wall extending from each of the top and bottom covers substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine;

the top and bottom closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, one of the top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps at least a major portion of the height of the other one of the top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall, wherein in the closed position a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment including the spine, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, the first front closing wall and the second front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the first and second front closing walls when locked.

74. The storage case of claim 73, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

75. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a coupling portion having a longitudinal axis;

a bottom cover coupled to the coupling portion, the bottom cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling portion;

a top cover coupled to the coupling portion, the top cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling portion;

at least one front closing wall located opposite to the coupling portion and extending substantially parallel thereto, the at least one front closing wall extending from at least one of the top and bottom covers;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the top cover is closed upon the bottom cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps at least a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the coupling portion, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, and the at least one front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the at least one front closing wall when locked.

76. The storage case of claim 75, wherein at least one of the top cover and bottom cover is hingedly coupled to the coupling portion.

77. The storage case of claim 75, further comprising a retainer member to receive and retain the recording medium.

78. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover;

a second cover;

a hub disposed on one of the first and second covers to receive the recording medium;

a spine coupling the first and second covers together;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second height;

the first and second side walls extending adjacent to and along substantially all of the length of the spine;

the first and second heights are substantially equal; and

wherein when the first and second covers are closed, the first and second side walls form a third wall which is substantially equal in width to the spine.

79. A storage case for storing a recording medium having an opening with an opening width, the storage case comprising:

a recording medium;

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 the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width; and

a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member being sized and arranged so that when the hub receives the recording medium and the first and second covers are in the closed position, the hub coupling member contacts an unrecorded portion of the recording medium to restrict the recording medium'"'"'s movement along the length of the hub.

80. The storage case as claimed in claim 79, wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.

81. 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 having a top portion, the hub extending upwardly from the first cover to receive the recording medium opening when the recording medium sits on the seating area, the hub having a maximum external width which is less than or equal to the opening width;

wherein the hub is disposed upon a support adapted to support at least a portion of the recording medium, the support having an external width greater than the opening width; and

a hub coupling member disposed on the second cover, the hub coupling member including at least one projection extending towards the first cover substantially opposite the support and past the top of the hub when the storage case is engaged in the closed position.

82. The storage case as claimed in claim 81, wherein the hub has a smooth external surface.

83. 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 spine coupling the first and second covers together, the spine having a length, a width and a pi shaped reinforcing member extending upwardly therefrom, the reinforcing member preventing the spine from being cut open;

the first cover including a first side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a first side wall height;

the second cover including a second side wall extending upwardly therefrom and having a second side wall height;

wherein

a sum of the first and second side wall heights is approximately equal to the width of the spine.

84. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover and a second cover, the covers moveable with respect to each other;

a back wall portion;

the second cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the back wall portion;

the first cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the back wall portion;

the first cover including a first front closing portion and the second cover including a second front closing portion, the first and second front closing portions are disposed so that when the first cover is closed upon the second cover, the first and second front closing portions become adjacent at a front edge portion to form a front closing wall opposite to the back wall portion;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the first cover is closed upon the second cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps at least a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the back wall portion, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, and the front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the front edge portion when locked.

85. The storage case of claim 84, wherein the first and second front closing portions overlap when the front cover is closed upon the second cover.

86. The storage case of claim 84, wherein the first and second closing portions abut when they become adjacent.

87. A storage case for storing a recording medium, the storage case comprising:

a first cover and a second cover, the covers moveable with respect to each other;

a back wall portion;

the second cover including a seating area to seat the recording medium, and a first pair of oppositely disposed bottom closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the back wall portion;

the first cover including a first pair of oppositely disposed top closing walls extending substantially perpendicular to the back wall portion;

the first cover including a first front closing portion and the second cover including a second front closing portion, the first and second front closing portions are disposed so that when the first cover is closed upon the second cover, the first and second front closing portions become adjacent at a front joint portion to form a front closing wall opposite to the back wall portion;

the top and bottom pairs of closing walls are disposed so that when the first cover is closed upon the second cover, each of the respective top and bottom closing walls substantially overlaps at least a major portion of the height of the other of the respective top and bottom closing walls thereby forming a double wall, wherein in the closed position, a compartment is formed to enclose and restrict access to the seating area, the compartment defined by the back wall portion, the overlapping top and bottom closing walls, and the front closing wall; and

a lock, the lock releasably coupled to the case when closed to block access to the front joint portion when locked.

88. The storage case of claim 87, wherein the first and second front closing portions overlap when the first cover is closed upon the second cover.

89. The storage case of claim 87, wherein the first and second front closing portions abut when they become adjacent.