Patent Publication Number: US-2004040349-A1

Title: System, apparatus, and method for anti-theft protection of information storage media

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/357,509, filed Feb. 15, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The invention relates, generally, to a device for use with information storage media and, more particularly, to anti-theft apparatus, methods, and systems for use with information storage media.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Information storage media in the form of disks (e.g., CDs, DVDs), diskettes, tapes and the like are prevalent in modern society. Generally, such media is used to store data. For example, data in the form of music, movies, documents, videos, presentations, games or the like may be stored on such media. This form of data storage is advantageous because it provides high information storage densities. Also, media stored in such a form provides greater resolution, greater accuracy, and greater reliability. Today, not only movies but video games and music can be bought or rented at commercial outlets. However, the small size, the portability, and the content of information storage media available at both rental stores and retail outlets create an increased opportunity and motivation for media theft. Currently, there are different forms of media anti-theft protection available. These forms suffer from certain drawbacks.  
       [0004] Often, information storage media is stored in packaging that includes one or more spindles upon which the media is set. Current anti-theft technology includes the addition of magnetic or radio-frequency detectable tags on the packaging. These tags are removed or desensitized by the store clerk at time of sale or rental. An alarm notifies store personnel when an individual attempts to leave a facility with media and the tagged packaging. Attempts can be made to apprehend the thief in response to the alarm. However, media may be removed undamaged from the packaging to defeat this approach. Once removed from its packaging, the media may be hidden by a thief and removed undetected from the store.  
       [0005] Retailers have also attempted to reduce the high theft rate by enclosing the media packaging within a keeper. A keeper is a larger, more durable storage case with a locking means to prevent access to the media packaging which is inserted inside the keeper. Keepers are unlocked and removed at the checkout counter when the media is rented or sold. However, keepers may also be easily defeated by a thief who employs commonly available hand tools. Further, these keepers add an independent and often bulky piece of hardware to media storage. Additionally, the space taken up by keepers reduces both the media display space and the media storage space. Thus, the amount of media that is available for sale or rental at a retail establishment is reduced. Additionally, the keeper requires increased package handling, thereby increasing the transaction time for every transaction.  
       [0006] Other anti-theft devices have been tried with varying success. For example, packaging locks have been used to seal the media within the package until checkout. However, since media packaging is generally manufactured from thin plastic material, these alternatives may be defeated with simple tools such as screw drivers, knives, and razorblades.  
       [0007] Locking devices that secure the media to the media storage case have also been employed. However, these locks are also ineffective against a thief armed with a sharp cutting tool, (e.g., a knife) because these locks generally engage the existing plastic spindle located within the case. As such, a need remains for more effective anti-theft devices for use with information storage media.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] The invention provides an anti-theft locking device, locking method, and locking system for use with information storage media. In one embodiment, the device cannot be easily defeated with commonly available concealable tools including knives and razorblades. Because the locking device cannot be easily separated from the media or media packaging, the locking device provides positive protection against the most common means of theft. Additionally, such an approach greatly reduces the theft motive because it employs a benefit denial scheme, e.g., the lock cannot be removed from the media without damaging the media and/or the contents of media. In another embodiment, the lock is removable with the use of, for example, a release device or other decoupler.  
       [0009] In general, the locking device is designed for integration with a variety of existing media packaging. In one embodiment, the locking device can be retrofitted into existing packaging to eliminate unwieldy and comparatively ineffective devices that are being used today. Additionally, the locking device may be employed with existing security measures such as those described above. Because the locking device may, in one embodiment, be unlocked by the release device with a minimum of movement and force, removal of the locking hub from the remainder of the packaging can be accomplished in seconds by store clerks, with minimal training.  
       [0010] In one aspect, the invention provides a locking device for use with an information storage media. The locking device includes a post that has a head on a first end a base on a second end and a stem located therebetween. The locking device also includes a hub that secures to the head. At least one of the hub and the head includes a locking member that operates in a radial direction to allow removable engagement of the hub and the head. In use, the stem passes through an opening located within an information storage media and the media is locked by securing the hub to the head. As a result, the media is located between the base and the head on the stem. In one embodiment, the locking member operates in a radially inward direction to lock the hub to the post. Further, in one embodiment, at least one of the head and the post includes an engagement surface. The locking member contacts the engagement surface when the hub is engaged with the post. In a further version, the hub includes at least one port into which one or more keys are inserted in order to operate the locking member. In still a further embodiment, the external surfaces of the locking device are manufactured from material that substantially resists cutting.  
       [0011] In a further aspect, the locking device is incorporated as part of an anti-theft system. The anti-theft system also includes a release device that has a first key and second key. In use, the first key applies a first release force in a first direction and the second key applies a second release force in a second direction. Further, the first direction and the second direction are different. The locking device is unlocked when both the first release force and second release force are applied to the locking device. In a further embodiment of the anti-theft system, the locking device is unlocked when the information storage media is either sold or rented. In a further version of this embodiment, the media is a disk (e.g., CD, DVD), and the release force is applied in a direction substantially parallel to a planar surface of the disk.  
       [0012] In another embodiment of the locking device, the locking device is included with information storage media packaging. The packaging includes a media storage cavity. In one version, when the locking device is in use, the head is located within the media storage cavity and the base remains external to the media storage cavity. Additionally, each of the preceding aspects and embodiments render the information storage media inoperable when the locking device is secured to the media.  
       [0013] In another aspect, a release device is provided for removing the locking device from the information storage media. The release device includes an operating mechanism with at least two keys. The keys engage the locking device and move in different directions to unlock the locking device. Once unlocked, the locking device may be removed from the information storage media. In one embodiment, the release device includes a lockout device that disables the release device until an authorization signal is received by the release device. In a version of this embodiment, the authorization signal is produced by a computer system when the media is either sold or rented. In a further embodiment, the release device is in electrical communication with the computer system and the computer system provides the authorization signal. In a version of this embodiment, the computer system comprises an inventory tracking program. In another version, the computer system comprises a theft detection program. In a third version, the computer system comprises a point-of-sale system.  
       [0014] A description of various embodiments of the invention is provided below for the purpose of illustrating the invention. The description is not intended to, and should not be seen as, limiting the invention to one or more of the embodiments or the detailed descriptions that are provided. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of locking device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0016]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of locking hub in accordance with the invention.  
     [0017] FIGS.  3 A- 3 C are plan and elevation views of an embodiment of post in accordance with the invention.  
     [0018] FIGS.  4 A- 4 C are plan, elevation and perspective views of another embodiment of a post in accordance with the invention.  
     [0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a post included with product packaging in accordance with the invention.  
     [0020]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of release device with the cover removed in accordance with the invention.  
     [0021] FIGS.  7 A- 7 D are plan, elevation, and sectional views of a release device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0022]FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of a release device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0023]FIGS. 9A and 9B are right side sectional views of the release device of FIG. 7B.  
     [0024]FIG. 10 is a right side sectional view of the release device of FIG. 7B with the locking device unlocked and the hub removed from the post.  
     [0025]FIGS. 11A and 11B are further right side sectional views of the release device of FIG. 7B that show a lockout device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0026]FIGS. 12A and 12B are still further right side sectional views of the release device of FIG. 7B.  
     [0027] FIGS.  13 A- 13 D are plan and sectional views of another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0028]FIGS. 14A and 14B are plan and sectional views of yet another embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0029]FIGS. 15A and 15B are plan and perspective views of an embodiment of locking device and a locking member in accordance with the invention.  
     [0030] FIGS.  16 A- 16 D are plan and sectional views of another alternative embodiment of a locking device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0031] FIGS.  17 A- 17 D are plan and sectional views of a further embodiment of the locking device in accordance with the invention.  
     [0032] FIGS.  18 A- 18 F are various embodiments of keys in accordance with the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0033] Information may be stored using media such as disks (e.g., CDs, DVDs, laser disks), diskettes, tapes, and the like. Depending on the media, the information may be retrieved from a tape drive, a magnetic drive, or an optical drive. The media is, generally, small, compact, and has a large storage capacity. When not in use, the media is stored within packaging such as a plastic storage case. The packaging is, generally, thin and provides little or no anti-theft protection. Additionally, the packaging is used to advertise the content of the media, and to prevent the media stored inside from being damaged when not in use. Such packaging is common in both media rental outlets and media sales outlets.  
     [0034] Generally, the media includes an opening, often centrally located (e.g., the hole in the center of a CD or DVD that allows the media to be placed on a spindle and spun during playback). In storage, the media is pressed, via the opening, onto a spindle located within the packaging, e.g. a storage case. The media is removed from the packaging prior to use. In use, the media is placed in a reading device or drive that retrieves the stored information from the media and provides it to one or more users in one or more formats such as audio format, visual format, audio/visual format, and the like.  
     [0035] In FIG. 1, one embodiment of a locking device  30  is shown. In this embodiment, locking device  30  includes a hub  32  and a post  34 . The post  34  includes a head  36  and a base  38  connected by a stem  40 . The hub  32  has a housing comprising a top plate  42  and a bottom plate  44  that are secured together. A cavity is formed between top plate  42  and bottom plate  44  when they are joined together. Top plate  42  and bottom plate  44  can be secured to one another by any number of means including fasteners such as, for example, screws, or bolts which may be inserted within fastener openings  46  that are located in top plate  42  and bottom plate  44 . In one embodiment, one or more of these fastener openings  46  are threaded. In another embodiment, the top and bottom plates  42 ,  44  are fastened together via welding around all or a portion of rim  48 , where top and bottom plates  42 ,  44  meet. In still a further embodiment, the plates are glued together. In still another embodiment, the plates are molded or fused together. In still a further embodiment, a compression fit secures top plate  42  to bottom plate  44 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, hub  32  is circular in shape. However, the hub  32  shape can vary so long as hub  32  secures the media to post  34 .  
     [0036] In the embodiment shown, the top plate  42  is multi-tiered and includes an upper tier  58 , and a lower tier  60 . A sloped edge  62  tapers away from upper tier  58 . The top plate  42  includes at least one port  64  that allows access to lock mechanism  65 . Bottom plate  44  also includes a central opening  66  and a rim  48 . The rim  48  defines the outside diameter of the hub  32 . The size and shape of central opening  66  allow all or a portion of head  36  and stem  40  to pass through it when hub  32  is engaged with post  34 .  
     [0037] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, locking device  30  comprises a lock mechanism  65  that is located in the cavity within hub  32 . As shown in FIG. 1, the lock mechanism  65  includes one or more locking members  68 ,  68 ′,  68 ″  68 ″′ and one or more lock springs  78 ,  78 ′,  78 ″,  78 ″′. In one embodiment, locking member  68  is a slide. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, lock springs  78  apply a radially inward directed locking force to the locking members  68 . However, the locking force may be applied in other directions such as radially outward, axial, and the like provided that the locking force locks hub  32  and post  34  together when they are engaged. Many types of lock springs  78  may be used such as a single spring, multiple springs, multiple independent springs, and the like provided that each of the locking members  68  has a locking force applied to it. Additionally, the lock spring  78  shape may vary and can include one or more spring lobes  81 , helical springs, leaf springs and the like. Further, lock spring  78  may directly apply a locking force to either a single locking member  68  or multiple locking members  68 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1, each spring  74  is connected to two locking members  68 .  
     [0038] In one embodiment, each locking member  68  includes an engagement opening  82 . In the fully assembled hub  32 , engagement openings  82  are aligned with ports  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ″′ to allow for engagement of a release device with lock mechanism  65  when the locking device  30  is unlocked. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the engagement openings  82  are rectangular in shape and substantially centrally located in the locking member  68 . However, the engagement openings  82  may be located anywhere in lock mechanism  65  provided that they allow locking device  30  to be unlocked by a release device. Further, the engagement openings  82  may be any shape such that a release device is able to engage the lock mechanism  65  to unlock locking device  30 . The locking member  68  also includes an inner face  83 . Inner face  83  may also comprise a tapered face with a curved surface that points toward the center of the hub  32  when the hub  32  is assembled. The tapered face enhances lock mechanism  65  to head  36  engagement when the hub  32  is pressed onto the post  34 .  
     [0039] In FIG. 1, four ports  64  are located symmetrically around the circumference of top plate  42 . However, any quantity of locking members  68  may be used and they need not be placed in a symmetrical configuration. Additionally, locking members  68  may be gang operated such that a release device directly engages fewer than all locking members  68 . In this embodiment, an engagement opening  82  is not required in each locking member  68 . In a further embodiment, locking member  68  may be operated without direct contact with a release device. For example, a magnetic release may serve to move one or more of locking members  68 . In this embodiment, engagement openings  82  are not required.  
     [0040] In one embodiment, the lock mechanism  65  formed by the locking members  68  and the springs  78  is a single piece. The lock mechanism  65  may be manufactured from metal, plastic, or other materials provided that the material can provide suitable spring pressure on the locking members  68 . In one embodiment, the lock mechanism comprises a spring that can be subjected to repeated compression. In another embodiment, the spring is made of stainless steel that is heat treated to bring it up to spring temper. In another embodiment, the stainless steel is 17-7 stainless steel. The top and bottom plates  44 , may also be manufactured from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, each of the top and bottom plate  44  are manufactured from stainless steel. In another embodiment, the stainless steel is  304 . In yet another embodiment, the underside of bottom plate  44  is covered with a cushion to reduce any risk of damage to the media. In a further embodiment, the cushion is made of rubber. However, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the cushion can be made from a wide variety of materials such as plastic, fabric, synthetic materials and the like.  
     [0041] In each of the preceding embodiments the hub  32  can be encapsulated with a powder coating or epoxy to provide a more cosmetic finish. In one version of this embodiment, top plate  42  of hub  32  is epoxy coated.  
     [0042] Post  34  may also have a ledge  70  and an engagement surface  71 . In one embodiment, the engagement surface  71  is located on the underside of the head  36 , and ledge  70  is located between a top surface  72  of head  36  and engagement surface  71 . In a further embodiment, the ledge  70  is sloped such that the head  36  diameter is greatest nearer the base  38  and gradually decreases in diameter as the head  36  extends away from the base  38 . Top surface  72  may comprise any shape provided that it allows for engagement between post  34  and hub  32 . In one embodiment, top surface  72  has a shape that is selected from the group consisting of circular, triangular, parallelogrammatic, polygonal, and cross-shaped.  
     [0043] The post  34  can be manufactured from a variety of other materials such as, for example, metal, metal alloy, ABS, polycarbonate, or high carbon plastic material. In one embodiment, the material substantially resists cutting by knives, razors, or other means, particularly, commonly available concealable means. The post  34  may be one integral piece or may comprise one or more independent pieces connected together by various means, for example, welding. In one embodiment, the post  34  is manufactured from zinc using a die-cast process.  
     [0044] In general, locking members  68  having a tapered inner face  83  may be used with heads  36  that are not equipped with a sloped ledge  70 . Conversely, locking members  68  lacking a tapered inner face  83  can be used with heads  36  equipped with a ledge  70  that is sloped. The slope  70  should be gradual enough to allow the locking members  68  to be pushed away from the hub  32  center when hub  32  is pressed onto post  34 . Some embodiments that have tapering on both locking member  68  and head  36  may also be suitable.  
     [0045] Various manufacturing methods may be employed to manufacture the entire hub  32  and post  34  or components thereof. These methods include machining, stamping, molding and the like. In a one embodiment, hub  32  is manufactured from materials such that hub  32  withstands a minimum of 1000 operations. In another embodiment, hub  32  will withstand a minimum of 10,000 operations. However, in an alternate embodiment, hub  32  and post  34  are employed in a low duty cycle version designed to withstand many fewer operations. In a version of this embodiment, locking device  30  is disposable.  
     [0046] Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of hub  32  is shown. The hub  32  includes top plate  42 , bottom plate  44 , and lock mechanism  65 , a top plate central opening  84  and dimples  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″,  86 ″′. The top plate central opening  84  allows top surface  72  of post  34  to extend through top plate  42 . Dimples  86  provide locations for a welded connection between top plate  42  and bottom plate  44 . From the underside of the top plate  42 , a top plate extension  88  extends perpendicularly downward along an edge of port  64 .  
     [0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the bottom plate  44  also includes a purality of ports  64  and a central opening  66 . A bottom plate extension  90  extends perpendicularly upward from bottom plate  44  and a top plate extension  88 , extends perpendicularly downward from the edge of each port  64 . Each locking member  68  includes a rectangular opening that is substantially centrally located in the locking member  68 . An engagement face is located at the radially inward end of locking member  68 . The port  64  may have a shape that is substantially the same as the engagement opening  82  in the corresponding locking member  68 . Each locking member  68  is attached to a lock spring  78  on either side of the radially outward end of the locking member  68 , and each lock spring  78  is attached between two locking member  68 . The lock spring  78  can include a single spring lobe  81  as shown in FIG. 1 or multiple spring lobes  81 ,  81 ′,  81 ″ as show in FIG. 2.  
     [0048] In a fully assembled hub  32 , top plate extension  88  and bottom plate extension  90  penetrate opposite sides of engagement openings  82 . This configuration helps maintain a proper mechanism alignment in hub  32 . Further, these extensions assist in protection the locking device  30  from tampering.  
     [0049] Referring to FIGS.  3 A- 3 C, detailed views of an embodiment of post  34  are shown. The post  34  includes a base  38  and head  36  that are coinjected by stem  40 . The head  36  includes ledge  70 , engagement surface  71 , and top surface  72 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS.  3 A- 3 C, top surface  72  is a cross-shaped surface. However, the top surface  72  may be any shape provided that the shape allows locking engagement between hub  32  and post  34 . Stem  40  includes a shoulder  74  which can be used to provide a friction fit with the media that the post  34  is employed with. Thus, the diameter of shoulder  74  is approximately equal to the diameter of the opening in the media in which post  34  is employed. As shown in FIGS.  3 A- 3 C, the shoulder  74  diameter is tapered. As viewed in FIG. 3A, the dimensions of base  38  are large enough that base  38  can not fit through the opening in the media in which the post  34  is employed. Top plate extension  88  and bottom plate extension  90  are located on opposite sides of port  64 . The extensions  88 ,  90  are located within engagement openings  82  when hub  32  is fully assembled, and act to maintain lock mechanism  65  in proper alignment within hub  32   
     [0050] Referring to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of a post  34  is shown. The post  34  of FIGS.  4 A- 4 C also includes a base  38  and a head  36  that are connected by a stem  40  that is located therebetween. Top surface  72  has a polygonal shape and multiple ledges  70  located around the edge of top surface  72 . Ledge  70  includes a slope that gradually increases the diameter of the head  36  from top surface  72  to engagement surface  71 . Additionally, the engagement surface  71  is sloped such that the diameter of the head  36  gradually decreases from the end of the engagement surface  71  that is nearest the stem  40 . The diameter of stem  40  varies. The end of stem  40  adjacent to base  38  includes a shoulder  74  that provides the largest diameter of stem  40 . Base  38  comprises four flanges. In one embodiment, the flanges shown in FIGS.  4 A- 4 C are configured such that the post  34  is integrated in media package  92  that is formed by manufactured via injection molding, in such a fashion that the post  34  may be forcibly removed from packaging with a force that is less than the force required to break the locking device  30  open. One advantage to this configuration is that it supports a benefit denial scheme whereby a thief cannot remove the locking device  30  from the media without damaging the media. Where the post  34  is integrated in an injection molded package the shoulder  74  may be fully encapsulated in the package along with base  38 . This approach may be employed such that the opening in the media has a friction fit with the encapsulated shoulder  74  when the media is stored in the package  92  period. When this embodiment is employed, the diameter of stem  40  is slightly less then the diameter of the opening of media with which the post  34  is employed.  
     [0051] In use, an opening in an information storage media is aligned with the post  34  and a portion of the post  34  passes through the opening. In one embodiment, the head  36  and a portion of the stem  40  pass through the opening in the media. The bottom plate  44  opening is aligned with post  34 . Hub  32  is lowered onto the head  36  and the faces of each locking member  68  engage the ledge  70 . The locking force is overcome as the hub  32  is pushed downward. The locking members  68  are forced away from the hub  32  center in a linear motion. Further, when the media is a disk, the travel is parallel to the planar surface of the disk. When the hub  32  has been pushed downward far enough to eliminate contact between the tapered faces and the ledge  70 , the lock springs  78  drive each locking member  68  back towards the hub  32  center. The locking member  68  inner ends are pressed beneath the engagement surface  71 . The faces can contact the stem  40 , however, this is not necessary provided that locking member  68  and head  36  are engaged such that they cannot be separated without employing a release device to unlock the hub  32  from the head  36 . Thus, the locking device  30  is secured with the media retained about the stem  40  between the base of post  34  and the bottom plate  44  of hub  32 . The diameter of the hub  32  including both the top plate  42  and the bottom plate  44  is greater than the diameter of an opening in the media through which the lock is applied when in use. Thus, attempts to remove the hub  32  from the post  34  will be ineffective unless all of the locking members  68  are retracted when the attempted removal occurs.  
     [0052] Various embodiments of locking device  30  may be employed with media packaging. Generally, the packaging will be made of plastic or other material that is relatively inexpensive and easy to produce in the desired configuration. However, the invention can be used with packaging manufactured from any number of materials such as alloys, metal, woods, synthetics, and the like.  
     [0053] The locking device  30  can be employed with the information storage media alone, or the information storage media and packaging. FIG. 4 provides an example of one embodiment in which, during package manufacture, the post  34  was integrated in a package  92  in the form of a case. The package  92  includes a first flap  94  and a second flap  96  attached to one another at a centrally located spine  98 . A post  34  is configured with the second flap  96  in place of the typical storage spindle. In a version of this embodiment, base  38  is fully enclosed in the material that comprises the second spindle. Further, the material comprising the second flap  96  may extend above the base  38  along shoulder  74  located at the end of the stem  40  that is closest to base  38 . This approach allows the opening in the media to contact the packaging material at the shoulder  74  in a friction fit. Thus, it prevents direct contact between the opening in the media and post  34  when the media is stored within package  92 .  
     [0054] In one embodiment, post  34  is retrofitted to an existing case by removing the existing spindle and creating a small circular opening in the second flap  96  where the spindle was formerly located. The post  34  is then inserted into the packaging through the back of the second flap  96  such that the base  38  is retained on the back of the second flap  96  and the head  36  and stem  40  are inside the second flap  96 . The insertion is possible because of the opening created when the spindle is removed. In an alternative embodiment, the base  38  of the post  34  is set inside the second flap  96 . In both of the preceding embodiments, the base  38  may be bonded to flap  96  with an adhesive such as glue, or epoxy. In a further embodiment, the base  38  is secured to the flap by tape. In an alternate embodiment, the post  34  is included as an integral part of newly manufactured packaging. For example, the post  34  can be incorporated in packaging that is manufactured via injection molding. The locking device  30  can be incorporated in any of the preceding embodiments such that post  34  extends through first flap  94  when package  92  is closed. Hub  32  remains outside the closed packaging  92  and adjacent first flap  94  when it is locked to post  34  at head  36 . This configuration eliminates the need to open package  92  to unlock the media. In one embodiment, locking device  30  is employed with packaging that comprises a sleeve within which the media is stored.  
     [0055] A media storage cavity is formed within the closed package  92 , between first flap  94  and second flap  96 . The information storage media or media is located within the media storage cavity.  
     [0056] An embodiment of a release device  200  for use with locking device  30  is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of release device  200 . Release device  200  includes a base  201  that includes at least one opening  202 . An operating arm  203  is connected to a first end  204  of a shaft  206 . The shaft  206  includes one or more cams  208 . In one version of this embodiment, a keyed shaft  206  is used. Shaft  206  is secured at the top of a first pedestal  210  and a second pedestal  212  and is oriented horizontally. The cams  208  engage an operating mechanism  214 . The operating mechanism  214  comprises an upper plate  216  and a middle plate  218 . A cable  220  is connected from a release lever  222  located adjacent the second pedestal  212  to a release pin  224 . A mounting bracket  225  is used to attach the release pin  224  to the operating mechanism  214 . A crossbar  226  extends across the release device  200  from the first pedestal  210  to the second pedestal  212 . The first end  204  of shaft  206  and a second end  228  are located at opposite ends of the crossbar  226 . Vertical pins  230  extend above the crossbar  226 . A vertical spring  232  is located between a head  234  of the vertical pin  230  and the crossbar  226 . A guide hole  236  is also located in crossbar  226 . Each vertical pin  230  also extends below the crossbar  226  where they engage the operating mechanism  214 .  
     [0057]FIGS. 7A and 7B show an embodiment of a release device  200  in a housing  238 , and provide reference to the sectional views that are described below. For example, FIG. 8 is the view provided by section B-B of FIG. 7B is shown. In one embodiment, cam  208  has two lobes  239  and a bearing  240  is located between cam lobes  239  of each cam  208 . A tip  241  of vertical pin  230  is connected to upper plate  216 . A center pin  242  is located within guide hole  236  formed in the central region of crossbar  226 . The center pin  242  includes an axial groove  243 . A wedge  244  is located below the upper plate  216 . Wedge  244  may be included as an integral part of upper plate  216  or attached to upper plate  216  such that the wedge  244  and upper plate  216  move in unison. In one embodiment, wedge  244  has a sloped surface  246  for engagement with arms  248 ,  248 ′.  
     [0058] The middle plate  218  comprises arms  248  and  248 ′ that each comprise a corresponding key  250  and  250 ′ at its distal end  278 , a sloped elbow  252 , and a bias spring  256 . The middle plate  218  also comprises a middle plate hub  258  to which center pin  242  is connected. Each arm includes a 90° bend. The outer surface of the bend is angled to allow arm  248  to engage wedge  244 . Bias spring  256  expansion causes the key  250  to move towards the center of release device  200 . In the embodiment of FIG. 8, four identical arms are located substantially every 90 degrees within the middle plate  218 . Operating mechanism  214  also comprises lower plate  260  located beneath middle plate  218  and above base  201 . After the information storage media  262  is inserted in release device  200 , the media is located beneath lower plate  260  and above base  201 . A first mechanism spring (not shown) applies a separation force that assists operating mechanism  214  in maintaining separation between upper plate  216  and middle plate  218 . A second mechanism spring (not shown) applies a separation force that assists operating mechanism  214  in maintaining separation between middle plate  218  and lower plate  260 .  
     [0059]FIGS. 9A, 9B and  10  provide a right side sectional view of operating mechanism  214  of release device  200  employed with a media  262 . Each FIGS. 9A, 9B and  10  provides a view of operating mechanism  214  in a different operating state. FIG. 9A is a view of release device  200  with operating arm  203  raised, and media  262  locked by locking device  30  in package  92 . FIG. 9B is a view of release device  200  with operating arm  203  lowered and keys  250  inserted in ports  64 . FIG. 9C is a view of release device  200  with operating arm  203  raised, locking device  30  unlocked, and post  34  and hub  32  separated. FIG. 9A includes release pin  224 , two arms  248 ″ and  248 ″′, and corresponding keys  250 ″ and  250 ″′ that did not appear in FIG. 8. Front arms  248 ″ and rear arms  248 ″′ are located 180 degrees opposite one another and 90 degrees away from the two adjacent arms  248  and  248 ′ located on the left side and right side of release device  200 . Front arm  248 ″ and rear arm  248 ″′ are also spring loaded by bias springs  256 , and are configured as previously described for the left and right arms  248  and  248 ′.  
     [0060]FIGS. 7C and 7D show a sectional view along section A-A of FIG. 7A. The release lever  222  is attached to a spring  272  at its proximate end  274  and includes a bumper  276  at its distal end  278 . In one embodiment, bumper  276  is a rubber bumper  276  that is secured to the release lever  222  via one or more screws  280 . However, bumper  276  can be made of any number of materials including plastic, fabric, metal and the like provided that it will not damage media or media storage cases that are inserted within release device. Release lever  222  pivots around a lever pivot pin  282  and the length of release lever  222  from lever pivot pin  282  to release lever  222  proximate end  274  is shorter than the length of release lever  222  from lever pivot pin  282  to the distal end  278  of release lever  222 . One advantage of this configuration is that it provides release lever  222  with sufficient leverage to operate the cable  220  that connects release lever  222  to release pin  224 . In FIG. 7D, release lever  222  is shown in a first position that occurs when the media has not yet been inserted within release device  222 . In the first position, spring  272  pushes on the proximate end  274  of release lever  222  in a counter clockwise direction when viewed from above. However, when package  92  is inserted in release device  222 , bumper  276  engages the media storage case and the release lever  222  is rotated in a clockwise direction to provide slack in cable  220  and allow the release pin  224  to press radically inward.  
     [0061] FIGS.  8 - 11  each include an information storage media  262 , locking device  30 , and packaging  92 . For example, in the embodiment of FIGS.  8 - 11 , the information storage media  262  is a disk, and the packaging is a disk storage case. However, release device  200  may be employed with a variety of media  262  such as CDs, DVDs, tapes, cassette tapes, micro cassettes, video tapes, floppy disks, miniature floppy disks and the like. In FIGS.  8 - 11 , the locking device  30  comprises a hub  32  and a post  34 .  
     [0062]FIGS. 11A and 11B provide a view of an embodiment lockout arm  263  employed with release device  200 . FIG. 11A is a view of the lockout arm  263  in a first position that locks release device  200  rendering release device  200  inoperable. FIG. 11B is a view of lockout arm  263  in a second position where release device  200  is operable. Lockout arm  263  rotates about a lockout pivot pin  288 . Lockout arm  263  comprises a lower end  290  and an upper end  292 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the distance from lockout pivot pin  288  to upper end  292  is longer than the distance from lockout pivot pin  288  to lower end  290 . Upper end  292  also has a locking tab  294  that engages a slot  296  located in shaft  206 . FIGS. 11A and 11B show that housing  238  is not flush with the base of release device  200 . Instead, housing  238  is raised above base  201  to allow room for media and/or media packaging to be slid beneath the housing  238  and into release device  200 .  
     [0063] Referring to FIG. 11B, packaging  92  is opened and inserted in release device  200 . Packaging  92  engages lower end  290  of lockout arm  263 . Lockout arm  263  rotates counterclockwise as packaging  92  is fully inserted in release device  200 . Locking tab  294  rotates out of slot  296  as the lockout arm rotates counterclockwise. In another embodiment, lockout arm  263  movement from the first position to the second position occurs only when a remote sensing interlock receives an authorization signal. The remote sensing interlock may be an electrical device, a mechanical device, an electromechanical device, a hydraulic device, a pneumatic device or the like. Release device  200  may be in electrical communication with a computer system, such as an inventory tracking program, theft detection program, transaction processing program (e.g., point of sale system) and the like. The authorization signal may be provided by the computer system. For example, a point-of-sale system may register a sale or rental of an information storage media and provide an authorization signal to release device  200  as a result.  
     [0064] Release device  200  may also be employed to provide transactional information to a computer system. For example, release device  200  may include a counter that tracks the number of release device  200  operations. Such information allows accurate tracking of the quantity of media that has been unlocked. In another embodiment, release device  200  includes a bar code scanner. This embodiment may be employed with media  262  and media packaging  92  that is bar coded in order to provide even greater detail about each transaction and the nature of the media that is unlocked.  
     [0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, release device  200  is operated by pulling the operating arm  203  downward. The motion of operating arm  203  rotates shaft  206  in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from first end  204  of shaft  206 . Referring now to FIG. 9A media  262  has been inserted within release device  200 . FIG. 9A shows a right sectional view of the operating mechanism  214  with the operating arm  203  in the raised position. The rotation of shaft  206  causes the cams  208  and associated bearing  240  to rotate with shaft  206  in a counterclockwise direction as the operating arm  203  is pulled downwards. As shown in FIG. 12A bearing  240  contacts upper plate  216 . Once contact is made, operating mechanism  214  begins to move downward towards the media  262  secured by locking device  30 . First mechanism springs located between the lower plate  260  and the middle plate  218  provide a great enough separation force that the distance between the middle plate  218  and the lower plate  260  does not change at the start of the operating stroke of release device  200 . Likewise, a second set of mechanism springs located between middle plate  218  and upper plate  216  provide sufficient separating force that initiation of release device operation does not reduce the gap between the upper plate  216  and the middle plate  218  as shown in FIG. 8.  
     [0066] However, as the operating handle  203  is moved downward, the lower plate  260  begins to move downward until it comes in contact with the outside edges of a hub  32 . In one embodiment, the surface of the lower plate  260  that engages a hub  32  is angled to provide more consistent engagement and optimum alignment of a hub  32  beneath the operating mechanism  214  of release device  200 . Lower plate  260  stops travelling downward when it reaches the bottom of its operating stroke (i.e., it is in full contact with hub  32 ). However, the middle plate  218  now overcomes the separating force of mechanism springs located between it and lower plate  260 . Middle plate  218  continues to travel downward until the lower surface of middle plate  218  strikes the upper surface of lower plate  260 . At that time, the middle plate  218  also stops travelling downward and the keys  250 ,  250 ′ are inserted in the ports  64  located in top plate  42  of hub  32 . Up until this point in the operating stroke of release device  200  a release force has not been applied to hub  32 . However, as operating handle  203  continues to travel downward (i.e., counterclockwise rotation of shaft  206 ), upper plate  216  and the attached wedge  244  continue to travel downward. Downward travel of wedge  244  allows sloped surface  246  to more fully engage sloped elbows  252 . Continued downward travel of wedge  244  results in application of a radially directed force on each of arms  248 . The force is radially outward from the center of hub  32 . The greater the engagement between wedge  244  and arms  248  the greater distance that arms  248  are moved radially outward. In the embodiment of FIGS.  9 A- 9 C, keys  250  engage lock mechanism  65  and force locking members  68  in a radially outward direction away from post  34 . This release force releases hub  32  from locking engagement with post  34 .  
     [0067] Additionally, as wedge  244  moves downward, the gap that existed between central region  264  of wedge  244  and the upper side of middle plate hub  258  is closed until central region  264  and middle plate hub  258  come in contact with one another. Because center pin  242  is stationary during the final portion of the downward operating stroke of operating mechanism  214 , release pin  224  moves downward with upper plate  216  relative to center pin  242 . As a result, release pin  224  aligns with axial groove  243  in center pin  242 . Release pin  224  slides into axial groove  243  when they align.  
     [0068] As a result, upper plate  216 , middle plate  218 , and lower plate  260  are in a fixed spatial relationship with one another. This occurs with operating mechanism  214  in a compressed state whereby the distance between upper plate  216  and lower plate  260  is at a minimum. Further, as mentioned above, hub  32  is unlocked. As shown in FIG. 9C, the sequence of operations continues with the operating arm  203  being raised (i.e., clockwise rotation of shaft  206  when viewed from first end  204 ). This operation removes hub  32  from the post  34 . Further, so long as the operating mechanism  214  remains in a compressed state hub  32  is secured within the release device.  
     [0069] This compression will not be released until the storage case and media are removed from the release device. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the package  92  must be withdrawn from release device  200  before release lever  222  rotates back to the release position shown in FIG. 7C. The release lever spring  272  applies a force that pushes the proximate end  274  of release lever  222  to the right side of release device  200 . As a result, tension on cable  220  is increased and release pin  224  is withdrawn from axial groove  243 . When this occurs, the middle plate  218  and the upper plate  216  move downward along with the center pin  242  and lower plate  260 . Wedge  244  and middle plate  218  separate and, as a result, the radially applied release force is eliminated. Consequently, each of the arms  248  is pushed radially inward by bias springs  256 , and keys  250  align with corresponding ports  64 . When keys  250  are aligned with ports  64 , hub  32  will be released by the release device and drop through opening  202  in base  201  of release device  200 . Hub  32  drops into an adjacent hub storage area. The packaging  92  and media  262  are available for use. As previously described, both packaging  92  and hub  32  can be reused for multiple operations.  
     [0070] In another embodiment, the release device is electrically operated. In a version of this embodiment, the electrical operator includes a solenoid or coil that receives an authorization signal. Operation of release device  200  may be initiated by a lockout limit switch that senses when the media or media storage case are fully inserted within release device  200 . In this embodiment, release device  200  operates when full insertion is sensed. In another version, operation is initiated when a store clerk depresses a foot pedal.  
     [0071] In one embodiment, the release device may be mounted adjacent a sale or rental counter. The locking device  30  is removed following the rental or sales transaction. Using the counter-mounted release device, hub  32  is engaged with keys  250  and then the packaging is rotated in order to release hub  32 . This provides a quick and easy means of releasing the secured media for sale or rental.  
     [0072] Another embodiment of the locking device  30  depicted in FIGS.  13 A- 13 D, includes a hub  32  and a post  34 . The lock mechanism  65  is retained inside a cavity  100  within hub  32  and includes two locking members  68 . Each locking member  68  substantially spans the diameter of the cavity in which the lock mechanism  65  is enclosed. Lock spring  78  comprises tongues extending from each end of locking member  68 . The lock springs  78  each engage an abutment  102  extending from the housing  238  into the cavity. The lock springs  78  bias each of the locking members  68  radially inward toward the center of hub  32  so that locking members  68  will engage post  34  when in use. The top plate  42  of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes two ports  64 . The ports  64  are located so that they align with a space in the lock mechanism  65  between the two locking members  68 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 does not include a top plate  42  opening. However, as described previously, central opening  66  is included to receive the post  34 . In use, central opening  66  is aligned with post  34 . The hub  32  is then set on the post  34 . When hub  32  is first pressed onto the post  34  an inner face  83  of the lower surface of each of the locking members  68  engages the head of post  34 . The spring bias provided by the first lock spring  78  and the second lock spring  78  of each of the two locking members  68  is overcome and the locking members  68  move away from the hub  32  center. This motion provides enough clearance for head  36  to slip between the two locking members  68 . Once head  36  clears the two locking members  68 , the spring bias forces the two locking members  68  back into engagement with the stem  40  as shown in FIG. 13B. Information storage media will remain locked about the stem  40 , sandwiched between hub  32  and base  38  of post  34 , until locking members  68  are separated using a release device and the hub  32  is removed. As shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the top plate  42  has two ports  64 . When hub  32  is assembled, the ports  64  align with a space between the first locking member  68  and the second locking member  68 .  
     [0073]FIGS. 14A and 14B show a further embodiment of a locking device  30  according to the invention. In FIG. 14, hub  32  is shown with an top plate  42  and bottom plate  44  that form cavity  100  when hub  32  is assembled. The lock mechanism  65  is located in the cavity  100  formed by hub  32 , and comprises two leaf lock springs  78  and two locking members  68 . The lock springs  78 , located on opposite sides of cavity  100 , are secured in place by spring retainers  104 . In use, locking members  68  are located on either side of the post  34 . The locking members  68  include a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of each locking member  68  is engaged by one of the lock springs  78 , and the second edge of each locking member  68  engages post  34  at engagement surface  71  when the locking device  30  is in use.  
     [0074]FIG. 15 shows yet another embodiment of a locking device  30  in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment each of the first and second locking members  68  include a spring tab  106  and a helical lock spring  78 . Tab  106  is located on the first edge of each locking member  68 . The helical lock spring  78  is centered over tab  106  and compressed between an edge of locking member  68  and the walls formed by the cavity  100  within hub  32 . A spring bias on the locking members  68  is provided by the lock spring  78  in a radially inward direction towards the hub  32  center.  
     [0075] Referring now to FIG. 16, a further embodiment of a locking device  30  is shown. The post  34  includes an engagement surface  71 . Hub  32  comprises an top plate  42 , a bottom plate  44 , and two leaf-style lock springs  78 . Additionally, the top plate  42  includes two ports  64 . In operation central opening  66  in a bottom plate  44  is aligned with the post  34 . When hub  32  engages the post  34  leaf and the lock springs  78  are pushed radially outward along the ledge  70  until hub  32  is pressed far enough on the post  34  that the lock springs  78  move radially inward beneath the engagement surface  71  of post  34 . This embodiment may be unlocked with a release device  200  that comprises two arms that are flexible and extend through the ports  64  and corresponding openings in post  34  in order to drive the lock springs  78  radially outward. Hub  32  can be removed from the post  34  and the media may be removed from the locking device  30 .  
     [0076] Referring now to FIGS.  17 A- 17 C yet another embodiment is shown. Hub  32  of this embodiment includes a top plate  42  and a bottom plate  44  that are attached to one another. They may be attached by any number of means such as welding or gluing. The top plate  42  has four ports  64  that are spaced 90° apart. The lock springs  78  extend perpendicularly beneath the bottom plate  44 . A latch is located at a distal end of each lockspring  78 . In use, hub  32  is aligned with post  34  and then pressed onto the post  34 . When this occurs the latches engage the ledge  70  on post  34  and are forced radially outward until the hub and post  34  are fully engaged when the lock springs  78  force the latches radially inward where they are secured beneath the engagement surface  71 . The release device for this embodiment includes a pronged key  250  wherein, in use, the keys  250  are inserted through the top plate  42  and pressed down on each latch. The keys  250  spread the latches radially outward away from post  34  thereby releasing hub  32  form post  34 .  
     [0077] The locking device  30  can be accomplished with a number of post/hub configurations. For example, a post  34  could include a stem  40  without a head  36 , wherein locking members  68  extending from hub  32  engage recesses within the post  34 . In this embodiment, the lock will remain locked until all locking members  68  are retracted and the hub  32  is removed from the post  34 .  
     [0078] Additionally, in still a further embodiment, the lock mechanism can be located within the base. In such an embodiment, the post is not equipped with head. The media is locked between hub and the base after the media is slid over the post and hub is pressed on the post. The post is hollow and the hub includes a rod that is inserted within the post when hub is pressed on the post. The bottom of the rod includes an engagement surface that is captured by the lock mechanism when the lock is in use. Hub includes a keyway that allows a release device to be inserted within the locking device to unlock locking device.  
     [0079] Referring to FIGS.  18 A- 18 F, a variety of key  250  embodiments are shown for use with one embodiment of release device  200 . Generally, release device  200  operates by engaging the lock mechanism  65 , overcoming the spring bias, and forcing the locking members  68  away from the center of hub  32  to provide clearance between locking members  68  and engagement surface  71 . The embodiments of FIGS.  18 A- 18 F may, for example, be employed with hubs  32  depicted in FIGS.  13 - 15 . Keys  250  are inserted through ports  64 . Once inserted, either key  250 , hub  42  or both are rotated in order to engage locking mechanism  65  and separate locking members  68 . For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 18C, may be employed with hub  32  of FIGS.  13 A-D, and the separate versions of top plate  42  shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D. The combination of this hub  32  and key  250  results in a device where each key  250  engages each locking member  68  of hub  32  when locking device  30  is unlocked. Further, the engagement opening  82  of hub  32  is located between the inner face  83  of locking members  68 . In the embodiment of FIGS.  13 A-D, the engagement opening  82  is not located within locking members  68 .  
     [0080] One advantage that may be realized by the invention is benefit denial. For example, unauthorized or illegal access to a functional disk is denied because attempts to remove the locking device  30 , without the appropriate release device, will likely damage the disk and deny the thieves the benefit of their theft. This result can be achieved when the locking device  30  is employed with the media  262  alone, or with the media  262  and various forms of packaging  92 . Benefit denial results from one or a combination of the following features of locking device  30 : use of materials that substantially resist cutting; hub  32  and base  38  diameters greater than the diameter of the opening in the media with which the locking device  30  is employed; multi-point locking whereby a plurality of locking members  68  must moved to unlock locking device  30 ; and multi-directional locking forces that require locking members be moved in different directions from one another to unlock locking device  30 .  
     [0081] Knives and hand tools are ineffective in locking device  30  removal when the locking device  30  is manufactured from materials that substantially resist cutting. A locking device where all the exposed surfaces are made from material that substantially resists cutting will likely also prevent removal of the locking device from the media. Further, other commonly available tools are ineffective in unlocking the locking device  30  both because the locking device  30  only allows limited access, via ports  64 , to the lock mechanism  65 , and because a multi-directional locking force is employed by the locking device  30 . Additionally, in one embodiment, the multiple release points must all be retracted making it nearly impossible for the hub  32  to be removed with the use of commonly available tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and the like. Thus, even for thieves with great dexterity, it is nearly impossible to insert one or more tools into ports  64  in manner that would allow each of the locking members  68  to be forced to an unlocked position.  
     [0082] The locking device  30  can be incorporated in media packaging  92  at any point in the distribution chain. For example, locking device  30  lends itself to deployment at the time of manufacture. In one embodiment, an automated method of manufacturing locked media includes locking device  30 . As a result, newly manufactured media, newly packaged media, or newly manufactured and packaged media may be securely shipped to a point of sale or rental. A locking device system can comprise one or more of the locking device  30  and release device  200  in various applications. Further, the locking device system can be used with existing Electronic Article Surveillance systems that incorporate magnetic tags, radio frequency tags or other technologies.  
     [0083] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.