Storage case for at least one image, sound or data carrier, e.g. a cd or a dvd

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage case for at least one image, sound or data carrier, such as a CD or a DVD. The interior, which accommodates at least one image, sound or data carrier, is surrounded by two base elements ( 1,2 ) which are connected to each other by means of a joint ( 9 a, 9 b ). The first base element ( 1 ) holds the data carrier ( 13 ). The second base element ( 2 ) is a lid which seals the interior when the storage cassette is closed. A locking part (20), which can be extracted from the storage case, is arranged between opposite inner sides ( 23,17 ) of the base elements ( 1,2 ), locking the base elements in the region of the second longitudinal edge ( 11 ) opposite the first longitudinal edge ( 10 ). The inventive storage case is provided with locking structures ( 21,22 ) which protrude into the interior in order to provide a mass-produced, low-cost storage case whose contents are protected against unauthorized access and whose dimensions do not exceed the dimensions of conventional storage cases. The first locking structure ( 21 ) is firmly connected to the first base element ( 1 ) and encompasses the locking part ( 20 ) on the side thereof facing the second base element ( 2 ). The second locking structure is firmly connected to the second base element ( 2 ) encompasses the locking part ( 20 ) on the side thereof facing the first base element ( 1 ).

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A storage case for at least one picture- audio- or data carrying medium such as, for example, a compact disc or DVD, comprising: 
 a pair of base elements each having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and being connected with one another along the first longitudinal edge via a linkage, the base elements enclosing therebetween an inner space for receiving therein a picture- audio- or data carrying medium, the first base element for retaining at least one data carrier and the therewith corresponding retaining material, and the second base element being a cover, which, in the closed condition of the storage case, closes the inner space of the storage case; and    a securement piece located between facing inner sides, of the base elements, the securement piece being withdrawable out of the storage case and operating to secure the base elements against one another in the region of the second longitudinal edge and the securement structure engaging the securement piece on a side thereof turned toward the second base element and a second securement structure engaging the securement piece (on a side thereof turned toward the first base element.    
   
   
       17 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein each base element is assembled together from a base surface extending parallel to the picture- audio- or data carrying medium as well as rear walls extending perpendicular to the base surface and enclosing the storage case along their small sides, and that the securement structures are unitarily formed on the base surfaces and project therefrom into the inner space of the storage case.  
   
   
       18 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the first securement structure projects in an arcuate shape into the inner space.  
   
   
       19 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the second securement structure projects in the form of a hook-shaped bent latch into the inner space.  
   
   
       20 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the securement piece is a rod that extends parallel to the second longitudinal edge.  
   
   
       21 . A storage case according to  claim 20  wherein the rod extends substantially along the entire length of the second longitudinal edge and the securement structures are located both in the region of the one end as well as in the region of the other end of the second longitudinal edge.  
   
   
       22 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the securement piece is blocked in the withdrawal direction in a positive fit manner against at least one of the base elements.  
   
   
       23 . A storage case according to  claim 22  wherein the securement piece is blocked in the withdrawal direction via a spring-biased blocking piece extending transverse to the withdrawal direction.  
   
   
       24 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the blocking piece is comprised of a magnetizeable metal and is secured to the securement piece.  
   
   
       25 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the housing of the storage case is provided with an opening through which the securement piece can be withdrawn and that the securement piece is provided with a plate which closes the opening in the securement position of the storage case.  
   
   
       26 . A storage case according to  claim 25  wherein the blocking piece is arranged directly behind the plate on the securement piece.  
   
   
       27 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein one of the pair of the securement structures is formed unitarily with a latch that extends along the inner side of the second base element and serves as a retaining latch for a book or book disposed on the inner side.  
   
   
       28 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the first and the second securement structures are offset relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the securement piece.  
   
   
       29 . A storage case according to  claim 28  and further comprising a first securement structure formed in a pair-like manner, whereby, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the securement piece, the second securement structure extends between this pair.  
   
   
       30 . A storage case according to  claim 16  wherein the first base element is a basis piece which, together with the cover, forms the housing of the storage case, the basis piece is provided along its edges with small side walls, and the first securement structure does not extend above the height of the small side walls.