WO1997016615A1

WO1997016615A1 - Safety holder

Info

Publication number: WO1997016615A1
Application number: PCT/HU1996/000063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sándor AMBRUS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-11-02
Filing date: 1996-11-01
Publication date: 1997-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 1998-05-02
Also published as: GB2323353B; HUT76153A; GB9808898D0; HU218372B; DE19681640C2; GB2323353A; AU7584496A; HU9503125D0; DE19681640T1

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety holder (10) consisting of walls at least partly surrounding the article comprising an insert opening (12) for inserting and removing the article and a safety appliance having a locking element (40) in such a manner that the locking element (40) in the locking position, preferably at the end point of its path, partly covers the insert opening (12), not allowing the removal of the article from inside the holder (10), and, at another part of its path, the insert opening (12) is left unclosed. The characteristic feature of the solution is that the safety appliance comprises a housing (15) with an opening near the insert opening (12) and a fixing element (30) slidably fitted in the housing (15), a locking element (40) connected to the end of the fixing element (30) closer to the insert opening (12), at its end opposite to the locking element (40) the fixing element (30) comprises a flexible blocking tongue (32) protruding inward from the wall of the housing and a blocking eye formed on the blocking tongue (32), in a certain position of the fixing element (30) - at the locking position of its path - the blocking eye fits into the tooth (34) protruding inward from the wall of the housing (15), and a retaining element (50) connected to the fixing element (30) in such a manner that the retaining element (50) can be freely turned away, the retaining element (50) comprises a beaked part (51) and protrusion (54) that can be bent perpendicularly to the plane of the turn of the retaining element (50) due to its flexibility, in a certain position of the fixing element (30) - at the locking point of its path - the beaked part (51) of the retaining element fits in a hole (61) - preferably a locking hole - formed in the side-wall of the housing, while the protrusion (54) of the retaining element (50) is positioned in the area between the outer wall and the shoulder (72) formed inside the housing (15) near the rear wall, while in other positions of the fixing element (30) along its path it is positioned outside an indentation, preferably a locking slot and the area respectively, moreover, the fixing element (30) presses the beaked part (51) of the retaining element against the inner wall of the housing at least in a section of the path of the fixing element (30) before the locking position, moreover, comprises a shoulder on the retaining element (50) suitable for pushing the fixing element (30) towards the opening of the housing (15), and positioned keyholes for the opening device on the back wall of the housing (15).

Description

Safety Holder

The invention relates to a safety holder suitable for storing parallelepipedic shaped wares (especially media-related products, compact discs, video cassettes, audio cassettes and similar articles), securing the article while making its demonstration possible, suitable for connecting the protecting device to the article in a way that they can be separated only in a specific way: and therefore convenient for preventing its being stolen. The safety holder according to the invention consists of walls at least partly surrounding the article: comprising an opening for inserting and removing the article, and a safety appliance.

It is well known that article protecting devices and systems, e.g. a ferromagnetic fibre embedded in price-ticket or a simple electric circuit with given parameters fashioned as an adhesive label may be applied in order to protect goods against theft. However, these provide only partial protection, because these can be removed, e.g. scraped off. or if shop personnel fail to observe that the defensive system does not alert to the article when it is removed from the premises: in these and other cases the articles may be stolen.

Media products such as compact discs, video and audio cassettes, computer games and other mass-market goods of this type are sometimes protected against theft by a safety holder, in addition to aforementioned article-protecting device in such a way that the article and the protecting device are enclosed in the holder together: thus these goods are displayed for sale this way. The article in the holder may be seen clearly but possesses no opening device by which the customer may remove the goods from the safety holder. In such case as the customer intends to purchase the goods enclosed in the holder, the holder may be opened with the opening device at the point of sale and the article may be removed from the holder and given to the customer. The holder and in some cases the article-protecting device may be used again.

Several solutions in the domain for safety holders are known.

1.) A holder for the protection of compact discs, video cassettes and similar articles is presented in EPA description No. 0 589.551. in this case the bottom of the holder, in which the item is placed, is fixed to the top with a sliding bolt, which slips into grooves situated in the bottom and top of the holder. The locked position of the sliding bolt is secured by flexible tongues installed along the path of the bolt which then catch in fixed serrations. The holder may be opened by bending the tongue back and disconnecting it from the teeth by means of a tool inserted through openings in the bolt and the bolt is pushed out from the grooves in the bent position of the tongues. As the shape of the functional part of the tool for opening the holder is quite simple, so this locking construction provides limited protection in such case as a person may attempt to open the holder in order to steal the enclosed item. 2.)The USA patent specification No. 5.289.914 and the WO 92/08026 PCT disclosure documents describe a locking device for holders or cases that is covered from outside, where the holder is fixed in closed position with a locking element. The locking device comprises a pivotaly mounted lock bolt and a plate-spring with one extremity mounted inside, the other extremity presses against the locking element. When the locking element is turned to its closed position the end of the plate-spring is guided by the surface of the locking element and in the closed position it springs into and rests in a shoulder formed on the surface of the locking element hindering the return of the locking element and thereby the opening of the holder. The holder may be opened by placing a magnet close to the plate-spring from the outside, as a result the plate-spring is bent back above the shoulder so the locking element may be turned away from its closed position thus the holder may now be opened. These locking devices are very practical, with the disadvantage that a magnet which is of sufficient strength may be used by inappropriate persons to open it, in these cases such holders will provide only limited protection for the article.

The disadvantages of the above-described holders and cases presented the necessity to explore a solution offering sufficient protection against non authorised persons who might attempt to remove these kinds of articles by inappropriate methods of opening the holder or the case, or by inflicting damage upon, or destroying the locking device. Further criteria include that the safety holder should not affect the effective display of the item and that the use of the holder should not require additional space exceeding a certain extent.

The fundamental idea of the invention is that the aforementioned requirements can be fulfilled by use of a holder provided with a locking device, where the element fixing the article in the holder is further provided with a securing device, and that the holder may be opened via the successive releases of the securing device and the fixing device.

Therefore the safety holder according to the invention consists of walls at least partly surrounding the article comprising an insert opening for inserting and removing the article and a safety appliance having a locking element in such a manner that the locking element in the locking position, preferably at the end point of its path, partly covers the insert opening, not allowing the removal of the article from inside the holder, and, at another part of its path, the insert opening is left unclosed. The main characteristics of the safety' holder is that the safety appliance comprises a housing with an opening near the insert opening and a fixing element slidably fitted in the housing, a locking element connected to the end of the fixing element closer to the insert opening, at its end opposite to the locking element the fixing element comprises a flexible blocking tongue protruding inward from the wall of the housing and a blocking eye formed on the blocking tongue, in a certain position of the fixing element - at the locking position of its path - the blocking eye fits into the tooth protruding inward from the wall of the housing, and a retaining element connected to the fixing element in such a manner that the retaining element can be freely turned away, the retaining element comprises a beaked part and a protrusion that can be bent perpendicularly to the plane of the turn of the retaining element due to its flexibility, in a certain position of the fixing element - at the locking point of its path - the beaked part of the retaining element fits in a hole - preferably a locking hole - formed in the side-wall of the housing, while the protrusion of the retaining element is positioned in the area between the outer wall and the shoulder formed inside the housing near the rear wall, while in other positions of the fixing element along its path it is positioned outside an indentation, preferably a locking slot and the area respectively, moreover, the fixing element presses the beaked part of the retaining element against the inner wall of he housing at least in a section of the path of the fixing element before the locking position, moreover, comprises a shoulder on the retaining element suitable for pushing the fixing element towards the opening of the housing, and positioned keyholes for the opening device on the back wall of the housing.

In the implemented form of the safety holder the outer wall of the housing is longer than the inner wall and in a certain position of the fixing element - that is to say at the locking end point of its path - the surface of the locking element opposite to the nose-extension is supported by the inner surface of the overhanging part of the outer wall. In the preferred solution the surface of the locking element opposite to the nose-extension will slide along the edge ot the outer wall of the housing during the movement of the fixing element between the end points of its path. It is also preferable if the locking element has a shape similar to a hammer.

The fixing element comprises two blocking tongues that can be pushed towards another due to their flexibility, and a stabilising protrusion projecting from the sliding body between the blocking tongues, and a rear peg for establishing connection with the retaining element is moulded on the stabilising protrusion. The retaining element is set against the wall by a flexible protrusion projecting from the sliding body of the fixing element towards the rear peg: accordingly, on the beaked part of the retaining element opposite to the beak the retaining element comprises a propping surface touching the flexible protrusion.

In a further implemented form of the safety holder, at the other end point of the path of the fixing element belonging to the opened position of the holder the beaked part of the retaining element fits in a second hole - preferably a resting hole - formed in the inner side of the wall of the housing.

It is also favourable if the holder comprises a U shaped frame, surrounding three sides of the article and connecting walls joining the ends of the two lateral parts of the frame on one side of the frame and on the other side of the frame, the two connecting walls being shifted in relation to each other, will form the insert opening.

The rigidity of the holder can be increased and removing the article from it can be made more difficult if the holder comprises a robust corner wall at one side of one corner of the frame and a connecting band on the other side of the corner in a shifted position related to the stiffening corner wall.

The rigidity of the holder can be further increased and removing the article from it can be made even more difficult if the holder comprises positioning corner claws at one side of the other corner of the frame and a broadened stiffening corner wall on the other side, linking the two adjoining parts of the frame, and having a cut opposite the comer claws. Inserting the article into the holder can be made easier if it comprises a guide on the edge of one or both lateral parts of the frame.

The article protecting device can be mounted on the inner surface of the holder, preferably on the inner surface of the broadened stiffening corner wall, where preferably a carrying surface for the article protecting device is formed.

Opening the safety holder can be made easier if a groove for guiding the opening device is formed on the outer surface of at least one side-wall of the housing. In a preferable solution of the safety holder it comprises a wedge inside the housing guiding the protrusion of the retaining element to the shoulder.

In a suitable implemented form of the safety holder the walls and the housing are made from one piece, each element is also made in one piece, the walls, the housing and each piece are made of plastic, preferably polycarbonate via die-casting.

The most important advantage of the safety holder according to the invention is that it can be opened with a special device and therefore is entirely suitable for preventing theft of the item enclosed.

The safety holder according to the invention is now described in detail in connection with a preferable implemented form, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is the diagram of an implemented form of the safety holder according to the invention suitable for containing one compact disc.

Fig. 2 is the sectional drawing of the safety' appliance of the holder shown in fig 1. in the closed position.

Fig. 3 is the section of the safety' appliance shown in fig. 2 along the A-A plane. Fig. 4 is the sectional drawing of the safety appliance of the holder shown in fig 1. in the opened position.

In fig. 1 one can see the housing ( 1 5 ) of the holder ( 10) and the locking element (40) that partly covers the insert opening ( 12) as the safety appliance is in closed position.

Fig. 2 shows the part of the holder carrying the safety appliance. The fixing element (30) that is able to slip along in the housing ( 15), the locking element (40) and the retaining element (50) connected to the fixing element (30) so that they move together with it in the housing (15) can be clearly seen. The blocking tongue (32) of the fixing element (30) fits the tooth (34) of the housing (15) via the blocking eye formed on it, moreover, the flexible protrusion (39) pressing the beaked part (51 ) of the retaining element (50) into the closing hole (61 ) can be clearly seen. The protrusion (54) of the retaining element(50) inclines from the plane of the drawing in the closed position. In the course of pushing the fixing element (30) inwards, the protrusion (54) is guided into this position sliding along the path provided by the wedge (70) and the shoulder (72). as it can be better seen in Fig. 3.

In fig. 4 one can see the safety appliance in the opened position. In this position the beaked part (51 ) of the retaining element (50) fits in another hole (62) and the blocking tongues are lifted down from the teeth (34). In the open position of 10 holder, the 30 fixing element is in its position pulled out of the 15 housing to the extent that the protrusion of the 40 locking element leaves the 12 insert opening open, thus allowing goods to be placed into or removed from the 10 holder.

When closing the 10 holder, the 30 fixing element will be pushed through the 40 locking element into the 15 housing. Essentially at the time of pushing in, i) the 32 blocking tongue will be slid over the 34 tooth that is wedge shaped from the direction of pushing movement, on reaching the opening formed in the 32 blocking tongue, the 34 tooth will be snapped into said opening: in this position, the 32 blocking tongue - due to its elasticity - is pressed against the wall of 15 housing, thus causing the 34 tooth to fix the 30 fixing element within the 15 housing, and ii) when pushing in the 30 fixing element, the 51 beaked part of the 50 retaining element being pressed by means of the 39 flexible protrusion of the 30 fixing element against the inner wall of the 15 housing, slides up to the 61 closing hole and. at the same time, the 34 tooth engaged into the opening in the 32 blocking tongue, reaches and snaps into said opening; and (iii). the 54 protrusion of 50 retaining element, while sliding upwards along the 70 wedge, is pressed against the 72 shoulder and. turned away when the 51 beaked part snaps into the 61 closing hole, it engages into the space between the 72 shoulder and the outer wall of the 15 housing. Thus, the 50 retaining element secures the position of 30 fixing element within the 15 housing. By means of the threefold engagement and joint, respectively, the secured closed position is implemented, in which the 30 fixing element and the attached 40 locking element are pushed into the 15 housing to an extent that the 12 insert opening will be partly covered by the hammer-shaped protrusion of 40 locking element, thus preventing the goods placed in it from being removed.

In order to open the 10 holder, the said three engagements and joints, respectively, shall be released in the proper order of sequence. By using a tool of appropriate design inserted through the positioning holes on the end wall of 15 housing , the 54 protrusion of the 50 retaining element pressed through its spring force against the side wall of 15 housing will be released first and, by exerting some force on its curved surface, the 50 retaining element will be turned away around its axis in relation to the 30 fixing element, thus causing its 54 protrusion to climb onto and pressed against the 72 shoulder: then, while sliding on said 72 shoulder, the said 50 retaining element will be turned away, thereby resulting in its 51 beaked part to disengage from the 61 closing hole. By further action of the opening tool, the flexible 32 blocking tongue pressed through its spring force against the wall of housing will be released and. by exerting force on the shoulder of the 50 retaining element, the 30 fixing element will be pushed outwards to disengage it from the 34 tooth. Thus, the three engagements and joints, respectively, were disengaged and the 10 holder will be open, that is the 12 insert opening will not be covered by the 40 locking element. In the open position of 10 holder, the position of 50 retaining element, 30 fixing element and 40 locking element connected together will be locked within the 15 housing by the beaked part snapping into the 62 hole during the outward movement of the 30 fixing element, which results in the locked open position of the 10 holder. For the purpose of closing the 10 holder, the 51 beaked part - due to its proper design - can be disengaged from the 62 hole, by moving the 30 fixing element in closing direction.

Claims

1 . Safety holder consisting of walls at least partly surrounding the article comprising an insert opening for inserting and removing the article and a safety- appliance having a locking element in such a manner that the locking element in the locking position, preferably at the end point of its path, partly covers the insert opening, not allowing the removal of the article from inside the holder, and, at another part of its path, the insert opening is left unclosed, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the safety appliance comprises a housing with an opening near the insert opening and a fixing element slidably fitted in the housing, a locking element connected to the end of the fixing element closer to the insert opening, at its end opposite to the locking element the fixing element comprises a flexible blocking tongue protruding inward from the wall of the housing and a blocking eye formed on the blocking tongue, in a certain position of the fixing element - at the locking position of its path - the blocking eye fits into the tooth protruding inward from the wall of the housing, and a retaining element connected to the fixing element in such a manner that the retaining element can be freely turned away, the retaining element comprises a beaked part and a protrusion that can be bent perpendicularly to the plane of the turn of the retaining element due to its flexibility, in a certain position of the fixing element - at the locking point of its path - the beaked part of the retaining element fits in a hole - preferably a locking hole - formed in the side-wall of the housing, while the protrusion of the retaining element is positioned in the area between the outer wall and the shoulder formed inside the housing near the rear wall, while in other positions of the fixing element along its path it is positioned outside an indentation, preferably a locking slot and the area respectively, moreover, the fixing element presses the beaked part of the retaining element against the inner wall of the housing at least in a section of the path of the fixing element before the locking position, moreover, comprises a shoulder on the retaining element suitable for pushing the fixing element towards the opening of the housing, and positioned keyholes for the opening device on the back wall of the housing.

2. Safety holder according to claim 1. characterized in that the outer wall of the housing is longer than the inner wall and in a certain position of the fixing element - at the locking end point of its path - the surface of the locking element opposite to the nose-extension is supported by the inner surface of the overhanging part of the outer wall.

3. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-2. characterized in that the locking element has a shape similar to a hammer

4. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-3. characterized in that the fixing element comprises two blocking tongues that can be pushed to one another due to their flexibility.

5. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-4. characterized in that the fixing element comprises a stabilising protrusion projecting from the sliding body of the fixing element between the blocking tongues, and a rear peg for establishing connection with the retaining element is moulded on the stabilising protrusion.

6. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-5. characterized in that the fixing element comprises a flexible protrusion projecting from the sliding body towards the rear peg.

7. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-6. characterized in that on the beaked part of the retaining element opposite to the beak the retaining element comprises a propping surface touching the flexible protrusion.

8. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-7. characterized in that in the other end point of the path of the fixing element belonging to the opened position of the holder the beaked part of the retaining element fits in a second hole - preferably a resting hole - formed in the inner side of the wall of the housing.

9. Safety holder according to any of claims 1 -8. characterized in that a carrying surface for the article protecting device is formed on the inner surface of the holder, preferably on the inner surface of the broadened stiffening corner wall.

10. Safety holder according to any of claims 1.-9. characterized in that it comprises a wedge inside the housing guiding the protrusion of the retaining element to the shoulder.