Antitheft device for cases for digital versatile discs and the like

Abstract

The invention discloses an anti-theft device for digital versatile discs and the like and consists of providing the hubs of the case with means guaranteeing that the discs may not be removed by pressure on the major outer surfaces of the case. This object is attained by modifying the structure of said hub in such a way that, when pressure is exerted on said major outer surfaces of the case, the centering means impinge against the opposite inner surface of the case and prevent the retaining tabs from flexing and releasing the disc from the retained position thereof. The invention is applicable to increase security against the theft of digital versatile discs and the like.

1 . An antitheft device for cases for digital versatile discs and the like, the case ( 1 ) being of the general type formed by a box and a lid or by two semi-boxes ( 2 A,  2 B), both being square in plan view, having three free sides and being hingedly connected on the respective fourth side which forms a spine ( 3 ), in such a way that, when the case is closed, it has the general form of a book, comprising spring closing means ( 11 ), one or more hubs ( 4 ), provided with retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B) and disc centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) formed by concentric circular sector segments, wherein the distance (H) from the inner surface ( 13 ) of the case ( 1 ) having the hub ( 4 ) and the upper surface ( 14 ) of the centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) is greater than the distance (h) between said inner surface ( 13 ) of the case and the upper surface ( 15 ) of the retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B).  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the difference between the distance (H) from the inner surface ( 13 ) of the case ( 1 ) having the hub ( 4 ) and the upper surface ( 14 ) of said centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) and the distance (h) between said inner surface ( 13 ) of the case and the upper surface ( 15 ) of the retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B) ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 mm.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the difference between the distance (H) from the inner surface ( 13 ) of the case ( 1 ) having the hub ( 4 ) and the upper surface ( 14 ) of said centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) and the distance (h) between said inner surface ( 13 ) of the case and the upper surface ( 15 ) of the retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B) is substantially 0.8 mm.  
     
     
         4 . The device of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the upper portions ( 7 A,  7 B) of the centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) of the hub ( 4 ) are widened, such that the distance (d) from the side surface of each of said upper portions ( 7 A,  7 B) of the centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) and the nearest side surface of each of the adjacent retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B) is smaller than the width (D) of the slots separating the centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) from the retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B).  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the upper portions ( 7 A,  7 B) of the free ends of the centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) of the hub ( 4 ) are shaped in such a way that each has two flat side regions ( 12 A,  12 B), each of said flat side regions ( 12 A,  12 B) being parallel to the nearest side surface of the adjacent retaining tab.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein each centering means ( 6 A,  6 B) of the hub ( 4 ) is provided on the lower surface thereof with at least one stiffening rib ( 9 ) arranged perpendicular to the direction of the wedging force that holds the retaining tabs ( 5 A,  5 B) in the disc retaining position.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein each retaining tab ( 5 A,  5 B) of the hub ( 4 ) is provided on the lower surface thereof with a perimetric reinforcing rib ( 10 ).