Storage container with locking device for recorded media

Abstract

A locking device and method for a storage container provide benefit denial. The locking device includes a base part and a cover part configured to lock to the base part. The cover part is configured to prevent a disk from being removed from a disk-retaining hub when the cover part is locked to the base part, and the base part is configured for easy and secure connection to the storage container. The base part includes a stop for engaging the exterior of the case when inserted into a receptacle in the bottom wall of the container, which precludes the base part from being pulled through the bottom wall of the storage container When the cover part is locked to the base part, the base part cannot be separated from the storage container without causing damage to the media disk.

1 . A storage container with a locking device for a disk, the storage container including:
 a base having a bottom wall;   a lid cooperating with the base to form a chamber for the disk when the lid is closed on the base;   a hub on the base configured to hold the disk on the hub in a manner that allows removal of the disk from the hub and replacement of the disk on the hub;   a locking device including a female part and a male part configured to lock to the female part;   the male part having a head and a post extending from the head; the post being engageable with the female part to lock the male part to the female part; and   the hub including a retention device having an upper surface; the female part including a retention device that extends through an opening defined by the hub and is snap fit over the upper surface of the retention device of the hub.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the male part of the locking device has an inner surface and the female part of the locking device has an upper surface; the upper surface of the female part directly engaging the inner surface of the male part. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the female part of the locking device has a stop portion for engaging an axially outwardly facing surface of the bottom wall of the container when inserted into the receptacle. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the hub includes a pair of arms having radially outwardly extending protrusions for axially holding the disk on the hub; the retention device of the hub disposed between the pair of arms. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein each of the arms has an upper portion extending above the retention device of the hub; the female part having an upper portion disposed between the upper portions of the arms. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the retention device of the hub also has outwardly extending protrusions for axially holding the disk on the hub. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the female part includes a ball and clutch mechanism.