Abstract: A recording medium security container and associated release key which disengages a lock mechanism of the security container enabling the security container to be moved to an open position for removing the contents thereof. The security container has a base, a lid pivotally mounted on the base, and a lock mechanism for securing the lid in a locked position on the base. The key has a grasp base and a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the base for disengaging the lock mechanism of the security container. Also provided on the key is a pivotally mounted lever which has a pair of tangs which releasably engage and grip the base of the security container so that the key may be grasped to pull the base away from the lid to an open position, while the tabs extending from the key disengage the lock mechanism of the security container.

Abstract: A container for storing a tape cassette of the type having a pair of spaced tape reel hubs. Each hub has a cylindrical sidewall which defines a recess in the hub. The storage container includes enclosure means for receiving and enclosing a cassette in the container. Diametrically opposed pairs of fingers are molded integrally with a bottom wall of the container and project into the hub recess through an aligned access opening formed in a bottom wall of the tape cassette upon placing the cassette into the container. The fingers are formed with a convex outer camming surface and are connected to the container by a straight leg portion. The convex outer edges of the fingers are engaged by the hub sidewalls and flex inwardly upon initial placement of the cassette into the storage container. A rigid stop member is mounted adjacent to and inwardly of each of the flexible fingers to limit the inward movement of the fingers toward the flexed position to control the flex thereof and to prevent breakage of the fingers.

Abstract: A security container for storing various articles is formed with a groove along one edge of a cover which extends parallel with a similar groove formed on a base of the container, when the cover is in a closed position on the base. A generally U-shaped slide latch is slidably removably mounted in the spaced grooves for movement therealong between locked and unlocked positions. A plurality of projections on the slide latch engage flexible tabs on the base to secure the slide latch in locked position upon an open end of the slide latch reaching a stop formed on an end of the base. A manually operated key has tangs which are inserted through openings formed in the slide latch to disengage the flexible tabs from the projections, permitting the slide latch to be slidably removed from the container grooves enabling the cover to be opened from the base.

Abstract: A machine and method for automatically unloading a cassette from a loaded security package of the type having a storage compartment and an access opening providing access into the compartment, and further having a lock plate movable over the access opening and into a locked position to block removal of the cassette from the security package. The security package is fed into an unload station by a pressure-actuated slide plate. Thereafter, a pressure-actuated unlock cylinder will automatically insert a plurality of pins into engagement with locking projections on the security package to disengage the lock plate from the locking projections. A pressure-actuated cylinder then will move the lock plate away from the access opening allowing free access to the storage compartment within the security package.

Abstract: A container for shipping and storing an article such as a video cassette has a base formed by a pair of spaced end walls, and a pair of spaced side walls. Integrally molded to the base is a lid having at least one destructible locking tang formed thereon which passes through an aperture formed in one of the side walls of the base. When the locking tang is inserted through the aperture, a shoulder on the tang engages the base wall and may only be disengaged from the wall by destructibly removing the locking tang from the lid. A tear groove preferably is formed in a hinge portion of the tang to facilitate removal of the tang from the lid. Also, provided on the lid and base are a plurality of projections to provide at least one snap-fit engagement between the lid and the base to latch the lid and the base together once the locking tang has been removed. A plurality of shock absorbing tabs are formed in the storage compartment to space the video cassette from the walls to reduce damage thereto during shipment.

Abstract: A container construction and method for displaying a compact disc for sale and for subsequent storage thereof after purchase by a consumer. The container comprises a base having a storage compartment, a tray pivotally mounted on the base for releasably holding a compact disc, and a lid pivotally mounted on the base for enclosing the tray and disc within the storage compartment of the base to protect the compact disc when not in use after purchase. A locking mechanism is provided on first ends of the base, tray and lid and lock the base, lid and tray in a generally flat extended end-to-end relationship for display with the tray being pivoted into the lid so that the compact disc is secure between the lid and tray. Graphic sheets are placed over the base and lid when in the extended and locked position, and then covered with a clear plastic wrapper for display. After purchase, the wrapper and graphic sheets are removed and the base and lid pulled slightly apart to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A container construction and method for displaying a compact disc for sale and for subsequent storage thereof after purchase by a consumer. The container comprises a base having a storage compartment, a tray pivotally mounted on the base for releasably holding a compact disc, and a lid pivotally mounted on the base for enclosing the tray and disc within the storage compartment of the base to protect the compact disc when not in use after purchase. A locking mechanism is provided on first ends of the base, tray and lid and lock the base, lid and tray in a generally flat extended end-to-end relationship for display with the tray being pivoted into the lid so that the compact disc is secure between the lid and tray. Graphic sheets are placed over the base and lid when in the extended and locked position, and then covered with a clear plastic wrapper for display. After purchase, the wrapper and graphic sheets are removed and the base and lid pulled slightly apart to an unlocked position.