Security container having combination mechanical and magnetic locking mechanism

• US 6,666,330 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2002
• Issued: 12/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC. (CCL Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Sedon, Nicholas M., McGill, James A.
• Primary Examiner(s): LUONG, SHIAN TINH NHAN
• Application Number:
  US10/201,348
• Publication Number:
  US 20020185397A1
• Time in Patent Office: 519 Days
• Field of Search: 206/1.5, 206/308.2, 206/387.11, 206/807, 220/324, 220/326, 70/571, 70/63
• US Class Current: 206/387.11
• 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: Y10T 70/5004 For antitheft signaling device on protected article

Abstract

A security container for holding an object includes a frame forming a storage chamber. The frame has an access opening for inserting and removing the object into and from the storage chamber. A lock mechanism is mounted on the frame and movable between locked and unlocked positions. The lock mechanism selectively blocks and unblocks the access opening. The locked mechanism includes at least one mechanically activated locking element and at least one magnetically activated locking element. Each of the locking elements includes a cantilevered locking finger that is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The magnetically activated locking finger is movable to the unlocked position through use of a magnet while the mechanically activated locking element is moved to the unlocked position through use of a pin. Each locking finger engages a blocking plate that is disposed on the sliding member of the locked mechanism. The locked mechanism may only be opened when the lock pin and magnet are used simultaneously.

Claims

1. A security container for holding an item of recorded media, the security container comprising:

a container defining a storage chamber;

the container having an access opening for inserting the item into the storage chamber and for removing the object from the storage chamber;

a lock mechanism movable between locked and unlocked positions;

the lock mechanism locking the access opening when the lock mechanism is in the locked position; and

the lock mechanism including and at least one magnetically activated locking element movable between locked and unlocked positions;

the lock mechanism also including a mechanically activated locking element movable between locked and unlocked positions; and

the magnetically activated locking element being movable in a direction substantially opposite than the direction of movement for the mechanically activated locking element.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the magnetically activated locking element includes a cantilevered locking finger.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the locking finger includes a body having at least one portion fabricated from a magnetically attractive material.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the mechanically activated locking element is separated from the magnetically activated locking element and is independently operable.

5. The container of claim 1, further comprising a blocking wall disposed between the mechanically activated locking element and the magnetically activated locking element.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the mechanically activated locking element selectively engages the blocking wall when the lock mechanism is in the locked position.

7. The container of claim 6, further comprising a ledge formed on the blocking wall;

the mechanically activated locking element engaging the ledge when the lock mechanism is in the locked position.

8. The container of claim 5, wherein the magnetically activated locking element selectively engages the blocking wall when the lock mechanism is in the locked position.

9. The container of claim 8, further comprising a shoulder formed on the blocking wall;

the magnetically activated locking element engaging the shoulder when the lock mechanism is in the locked position.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the magnetically activated locking element has a first end and a second end;

the container comprising a pivot member disposed intermediate the first and second ends of the magnetically activated locking element.

11. The container of claim 10, further comprising a stop disposed between the first and second ends of the magnetically activated locking element;

the stop disposed intermediate the pivot member and the second end of the magnetically activated locking element.

12. The container of claim 11, further comprising a resting wall;

the magnetically activated locking element selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions;

the magnetically activated locking element disposed adjacent the resting wall when the magnetically activated locking element is in the locked position.

13. A security container for holding an item of recorded media, the security container comprising:

a container defining a storage chamber;

the container having an access opening for inserting the item into the storage chamber and for removing the object from the storage chamber;

a lock mechanism movable between locked and unlocked positions;

the lock mechanism locking the access opening when the lock mechanism is in the locked position; and

the lock mechanism including and at least one magnetically activated locking element movable between locked and unlocked positions;

the magnetically activated locking element being moved to the unlocked position with a first key element;

the lock mechanism also including a mechanically activated locking element movable between locked and unlocked positions;

the mechanically activated locking element being moved to the unlocked position with a second key element; and

the locking elements being movable to the unlocked positioned independent of one another.