U.S. patent application number 09/850864 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-21 for disc storage container.
Invention is credited to Benjamins, Ernst C., Flores, Victorio M. III, Flores, Victorio T. JR..
Application Number | 20020033348 09/850864 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27416165 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020033348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flores, Victorio T. JR. ; et
al. |
March 21, 2002 |
Disc storage container
Abstract
A storage container for storing optical discs, the storage
container having a rectangular frame that includes a first ledge, a
second ledge, a third ledge and a fourth ledge that creates a
recess with the frame for supporting a disc. Two latches securely
retain the disc in the recess, each latch having a lip that limits
the movement of the disc when the disc is placed in the disc
storage area. The latch being flexible so as to facilitate the
insertion and removal of a disc from the disc storage area.
Inventors: |
Flores, Victorio T. JR.;
(Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) ; Flores, Victorio M. III;
(San Pedro, CA) ; Benjamins, Ernst C.; (Covina,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Family ID: |
27416165 |
Appl. No.: |
09/850864 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09850864 |
May 8, 2001 |
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09706213 |
Nov 2, 2000 |
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09706213 |
Nov 2, 2000 |
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09573867 |
May 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/30; B65D
085/57 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disc storage container comprising: a frame; at least two
ledges formed upon the frame defining a recess configured to
receive a disc; a first latch and a second latch formed upon the
frame; and wherein the first and second latches are configured to
bend out of the way when a disc is inserted into the frame from
above.
2. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first and second latches are disposed so as to generally define a
semicircle about a disc disposed upon the frame.
3. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
bottom of the frame has at least two cylindrical pillars mounted
therein.
4. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first latch has an open position and a closed position, wherein
removal of a disc from the recess is inhibited by the first latch
when the first latch is in the closed position and wherein removal
of the disc from the recess is facilitated by the first latch when
the first latch is in the open position; wherein the second latch
has an open position and a closed position, wherein removal of the
disc from the recess is inhibited by the second latch when the
second latch is in the closed position and wherein removal of the
disc from the recess is facilitated by the second latch when the
second latch is in the open position; and wherein a disc disposed
within the recess is removable when only one of the first latch and
the second latch is in the open position, thus facilitating both
right and left handed operation of the latches.
5. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first and second latches are configured to facilitate both right
and left handed operation of one thereof.
6. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first and second latches are disposed at opposed positions with
respect to the recess.
7. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein each
ledge further comprises a taper configured to facilitate
self-centering of a disc being inserted into the recess.
8. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first and second latches are configured to contact the disc only at
an unrecorded portion thereof.
9. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first and second latches are formed integrally with the frame.
10. The disc storage container as recited in claim 1, wherein the
frame is substantially rectangular.
11. A disc storage container comprising: a frame; and at least two
ledges formed upon the frame defining a recess configured to
receive a disc, the recess comprising a taper formed substantially
upon the recess and configured to facilitate self-centering of a
disc inserted into the recess.
12. The disc storage container as recited in claim 11, further
comprising a first latch and a second latch formed upon the frame,
wherein the first and second latches are configured to bend out of
the way when a disc is inserted into the frame from above.
13. The disc storage container as recited in claim 11, wherein the
first and second latches are disposed so as to generally define a
semicircle about a disc disposed upon the frame.
14. The disc storage container as recited in claim 11, wherein the
bottom of the frame has at least two cylindrical pillars mounted
therein.
15. The disc storage container as recited in claim 12, wherein the
first latch has an open position and a closed position, wherein
removal of a disc from the recess is inhibited by the first latch
when the first latch is in the closed position and wherein removal
of the disc from the recess is facilitated by the first latch when
the first latch is in the open position; wherein the second latch
has an open position and a closed position, wherein removal of the
disc from the recess is inhibited by the second latch when the
second latch is in the closed position and wherein removal of the
disc from the recess is facilitated by the second latch when the
second latch is in the open position; and wherein a disc disposed
within the recess is removable when only one of the first latch and
the second latch is in the open position, thus facilitating both
right and left handed operation of the latches.
16. The disc storage container as recited in claim 11, wherein the
first and second latches are configured to facilitate both right
and left handed operation thereof.
17. The disc storage container as recited in claim 12, wherein the
first and second latches are configured disposed at opposed
positions with respect to the recess.
18. The disc storage container as recited in claim 12, wherein the
first and second latches are configured to contact the disc only at
an unrecorded portion thereof.
19. The disc storage container as recited in claim 12, wherein the
first and second latches are formed integrally with the frame.
20. The disc storage container as recited in claim 11, wherein the
frame is substantially rectangular.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of pending
application Ser. No. 09/706,213, filed Nov. 2, 2000 and entitled
DISC STORAGE CONTAINER, which is a continuation-in-part of pending
application Ser. No. 09/573,867, filed May 18, 2000 and entitled
DISC STORAGE CONTAINER, the entire contents of which are hereby
expressly incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in
full.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to disc storage
containers and more particularly to a disc storage container which
is configured to store an optical disc such as a CD, CD-ROM, CD-R,
CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Optical discs such as CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs,
DVD-Rs, DVD-RAMs and the like are well known. Such discs are
commonly stored within a protective container. The protective
container prevents the disc from being scratched or otherwise
damaged during shipping, handling and storage thereof.
[0004] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, discs are
subject to being damaged by mishandling thereof. Although the
bottom surface of such discs comprises a layer of polycarbonate or
the like which has a thickness of approximately 0.050 inch (and
which is thus comparatively durable and resistant to physical
damage), the top surface of such discs comprises an extremely
delicate aluminum film which typically has a thickness of only
approximately 1 micron.
[0005] The delicate aluminum surface on the top of contemporary
discs is therefore undesirably susceptible to physical damage.
Scratching or other damage to this thin aluminum film often results
in damage to the data, e.g., computer program, computer data, audio
data, video data or the like stored upon the disc. Although data is
typically stored upon such optical discs in a manner which readily
facilitates recovery of lost portions thereof due to such physical
damage to the media, it is still possible to damage the aluminum
film in a manner such that data is permanently lost. It is even
possible to damage the disc sufficiently that it becomes completely
unusable. Thus, protective storage containers are frequently
utilized to facilitate shipping, handling and storage of such
optical discs. The storage containers protect the discs from
physical damage which might otherwise occur.
[0006] Although such contemporary storage containers for discs and
the like have proven generally suitable for their intended use,
contemporary storage containers suffer from inherent deficiencies
which detract from their overall effectiveness and desirability.
For example, contemporary storage containers are loaded with a
disc, either initially at the factory or by a user, by pushing the
disc downwardly into the container to force the central opening of
the disc over a hub. Further, contemporary storage containers
require that a disc be removed therefrom by pulling the disc
upwardly at the periphery thereof, while pushing downwardly upon
the hub of the storage container, so as to free the disc from the
hub. Such pulling up at the periphery of the disc causes the disc
to deform or bend substantially, thereby introducing substantial
stresses into the disc.
[0007] The introduction of such stresses is particularly
undesirable for multi-layer optical discs, such as those used in
the production of high density DVDs and the like. Multi-layer discs
are rapidly becoming popular because of the ability to store large
amounts of data, such as video programming thereon. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the introduction of such
undesirable stresses into multi-layer discs may cause the plural
layers of the disc to delaminate as the shear strength of the
bonding agent used to attach adjacent layers to one another is
exceeded. Such delamination will, of course, result in the
destruction of the disc, rendering it completely useless.
[0008] Thus, it is desirable to provide a storage container which
is configured to store an optical disc, such as a CD, CD-ROM, CD-R,
CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM or the like, which mitigates the
undesirable introduction of stresses into the optical disc when it
is placed within the storage container (both during an initial
machine placement of the disc within the storage container and
during subsequent user placement of the optical disc therein) and
when the disc is removed from the storage container.
[0009] It is further desirable that the storage container
facilitate automated or machine based manufacturing techniques,
wherein a machine arm, pusher or the like is used to place an
optical disc within the storage container in a rapid and efficient
manner. Such automated loading of a disc storage container should
be performed without introducing substantial undesirable stresses
to the disc. Further, it is desirable to provide a disc storage
container which facilitates self-centering for both automated
loading thereof and for loading thereof by a user, so as to further
mitigate undesirable stresses being imparted to the disc and so as
to make loading easier and more convenient.
[0010] Another disadvantage commonly associated with contemporary
disc storage containers is that of their inability to adequately
deter theft therefrom. It is well known that a disc may be removed
from a contemporary disc storage container by merely slitting the
outer cellophane wrapping thereof and then popping the disc loose
from its retainer within the housing of the disc storage container
so that the disc can be removed through the slit in the cellophane
wrapper. Thieves generally prefer to remove such discs from their
disc storage containers, since anti-theft devices are typically
attached to the disc storage containers, and not the discs
themselves.
[0011] For example, a small knife or other sharp object may be used
to slit one end of the cellophane wrapper of a housing sufficiently
to allow a disc to be removed therefrom. Then the housing is
deformed or bent, such as by pressing in the middle thereof and
pulling out the ends thereof, so as to disengage a disc contained
therein from the hub. The loose disc may then be manipulated toward
the opening which was slit in the cellophane wrapper, so as to
facilitate removal of the disc from the housing.
[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is further desirable to provide
a housing which mitigates the ability of a thief to steal a disc by
disengaging the disc from the housing, in the above-described
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a disc storage
container for storing optical discs. The storage container
comprises a frame having at least two ledges formed on the frame
which define a recess configured to receive a disc. Additionally, a
pair of latches are formed on the frame which are configured to
bend out of the way when a disc is inserted into the frame from
above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will be more fully understood when considered
with respect to the following detailed description, appended
claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic perspective view of the disc
storage container of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a semi-schematic top view of the disc storage
container of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a semi-schematic bottom view of the disc storage
container of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view of the disc
storage container of FIG. 2, taken along line 4 thereof;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a semi-schematic end view of the disc storage
container of FIG. 1, showing one end thereof, the other end thereof
being substantially similar to the end shown;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view of the disc
storage container of FIG. 2, taken along line 6 thereof;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional end view of the
disc storage container of the present invention in the closed
position thereof;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a semi-schematic side view of the disc storage
container of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view of the disc
storage container of FIG. 2, taken along line 9 thereof;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a semi-schematic cross-sectional view of the disc
storage container of FIG. 2, taken along line 10 thereof;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged semi-schematic perspective view of a
latch of the disc storage container of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a semi-schematic top view of a tray for a disc
storage container, according to the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 13 is a semi-schematic top view of a further embodiment
of the disc storage container of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a semi-schematic cross sectional view of the disc
storage container of FIG. 13, taken along line 14-14 thereof;
and
[0029] FIG. 15 is a semi-schematic bottom view of the disc storage
container of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary
embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the
only form in which the present invention may be constructed or
utilized. The detailed description sets forth the construction and
functions of the invention, as well as the sequence of steps for
operating the invention in connection with the illustrated
embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or
equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments
which are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0031] As used herein, the term disc is defined to include any
compact disc (CD), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM),
recordable compact disc (CD-R), rewriteable compact disc (CD-RW),
digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), recordable
digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD-R), digital video
disc random access memory or digital virtual disc random access
memory (DVD-RAM), as well as any other similar device which is used
for storing information.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, one exemplary configuration
disc storage container 10 comprises a housing 11 having a cover 12,
a base 13 and a living hinge member 14. The living hinge member 14
interconnects the cover 12 and the base 13 with two living hinges,
16 and 17.
[0033] A raised portion 18 of the base 13 is configured to receive
at least one disc, such that the lowermost disc received thereby
rests upon a taper 21 defined by the raised portion 18. The lower
most disc rests upon the taper 21 at the peripheral edge thereof,
such that the portion of the bottom surface of the disc where
information is stored is spaced apart from the floor 19 of the base
13, preferably by approximately 0.090 inch, so as to prevent
undesirable contact of the bottom of the disc with the disc storage
container of the present invention. In this manner, the likelihood
of scratching, abrading or otherwise undesirably damaging the
underside of the disc is substantially mitigated.
[0034] Further, by supporting the lowermost disc at the periphery
thereof and thus providing some clearance between the bottom of the
lowermost disc and the floor 19 of the base 13, sufficient room is
provided for a user to easily insert a finger or thumb beneath the
disc (between the disc and the floor 19 of the base 13) so as to
allow the user to conveniently lift the disc from the recess 20, as
described in detail below.
[0035] Preferably, the raised portion 18 comprises a taper 21 which
generally surrounds the floor 19 and which defines a concave,
generally conical, surface which facilitates self-centering of a
disc, as the disc is being inserted into the recess 20.
[0036] The recess 20 is configured so as to receive and contain at
least one disc. The recess is preferably configured so as to
receive and contain from one to four discs. However, as those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the recess may be configured so
as to receive and contain any desired number of discs. Thus, for
example, the recess may be configured so as to receive and contain
one, two, three, four, five, six, or more discs.
[0037] The raised portion 18 further comprises a top wall 25, a
bottom wall 26, a right wall 27 and a left wall 28.
[0038] Each of the top wall 25, bottom wall 26, right wall 27, and
left wall 28 is configured to inhibit movement of a disc radially
out of the recess 20. Thus, the top wall 25, bottom wall 26, right
wall 27 and left wall 28 cooperate to maintain any disc(s)
contained within the recess 20 therein during an attempt to steal
the disc(s) by slitting the cellophane wrapper of the disc storage
container 20 and then manipulating the disc storage container 10 so
as to remove the disc(s) therefrom.
[0039] More particularly, an attempt to bend the disc storage
container 10 so as to pop discs contained therein from a central
hub is not likely to be successful. The disc storage container of
the present invention does not have a central hub from which the
discs can be popped or otherwise removed. Further, discs are
maintained within the recess 19 of the disc storage container 10 of
the present invention by the top 25, bottom 26, right 27, and left
28 walls, even when the disc storage container 10 of the present
invention is deformed substantially. Therefore, it is extremely
difficult, if not impossible, to remove a disc from the disc
storage container of the present invention by slitting the wrapper
thereof and then deforming the disc storage container in an attempt
to move the disc from the recess and through the slit in the
wrapper.
[0040] Optionally, a first depression 31 is formed in the raised
portion 18 intermediate the top wall 25 and the right wall 27.
Optionally, a second depression 32 is similarly formed in the
raised portion 18 intermediate the right wall 27 and the bottom
wall 26. Both depressions 31 and 32 are configured to facilitate
grasping of a disc disposed within the recess 20. That is, both the
first and second depressions, 31 and 32, are configured so as to
allow a user to insert a thumb or finger underneath one or more
disc(s) contained within the recess 20, so as to allow the user to
easily lift the disc(s) from the recess 20.
[0041] According to a preferred configuration of the present
invention, a cover stop 33 is formed to the cover 12 and is
configured to inhibit removal of disc(s) from the recess 20 when
the cover 12 is closed.
[0042] According to a preferred configuration of the present
invention, a hinge member stop 34 is formed to the hinge member 14,
so as to similarly inhibit removal of disc(s) from the recess 20
when the cover is closed. A notch 36 formed in the left wall 28
receives the hinge member stop 34 when the cover 12 is closed, such
that the hinge member stop 34 extends over the top of any disc(s)
disposed within the recess 20.
[0043] Thus, the cover stop 33 and the hinge member stop 34
cooperate to maintain any disc(s) contained within the recess 20
therein, in a manner which inhibits theft of the disc(s) by
slitting the cellophane wrapper and manipulating the disc storage
container 10, as described above.
[0044] Indeed, the top wall 25, bottom wall 26, right wall 27, left
wall 28, cover stop 33 and hinge member stop 34, all cooperate with
one another in a manner which substantially mitigates the
likelihood of a thief being able to successfully manipulate the
disc storage container 10 in a manner which frees any disc from the
recess 20 and allows the freed disc to move between the base 13 and
the cover 12, such that the disc can slip out of the disc storage
container 10 and through a slit formed in the cellophane disposed
thereabout.
[0045] The first latch 41 and a second latch 42 cooperate to keep
the disc(s) in the recess 20 when the cover 12 is open (as well as
when the cover is closed). The first latch 41 is disposed proximate
the top wall 25. The first latch 41 has an open position and a
closed position. Removal of the disc(s) from the recess 20 is
inhibited by the first latch 41 when the first latch 41 is in the
closed position and is facilitated by the first latch 41 when the
first latch 41 is in the open position.
[0046] Similarly, the second latch 42 is disposed proximate the
bottom wall 26. The second latch 42 also has an open position and a
closed position. Removal of disc(s) from the recess 20 is inhibited
by the second latch when the second latch is in the closed position
and is facilitated by the second latch when the second latch is in
the open position.
[0047] Disc(s) disposed within the recess 20 are removable when
either one of the first latch and the second latch is in the open
position. Thus, according to the present invention, both right and
left-handed operation of the latches, 41 and 42, is facilitated.
That is, a user may use either the user's right-hand or a left-hand
to depress either the first latch or the second latch, in order to
effect removal of disc(s)from the recess 20.
[0048] With particular reference to FIG. 11, each latch, 41 and 42,
preferably comprises a pair of flextures, 43 and 44. The flextures,
43 and 44, bend downwardly when the latch is depressed, so as to
allow the latch to move downwardly and thus move the lip 50 of the
latch outwardly (away from any discs stored in the recess 20), so
as not to interfere with removal of one or more disc(s) from the
recess 20. Outward movement of the lip is enhanced by the latch
pivoting about the connections 51 between the flextures and the
remaining portions of the latch.
[0049] Each latch, 43 and 44, further comprises a button 46, which
preferably has the word PRESS formed thereon, so as to make clear
the operation of the first and second latches.
[0050] Opening 48 reduces the amount of force required to bend the
flextures 43 and 44, so as to allow the latches, 41 and 42, to be
easily depressed or moved downwardly.
[0051] At least one, preferably a plurality of inwardly extending
ribs 47 (FIG. 11) are preferably formed upon each latch. The ribs
47 are configured so as to contact the periphery of any disc(s)
contained within the recess 20, so as to frictionally engage the
disc(s) and thus inhibit rattling thereof, particularly in the
instance that the recess 20 contains less than the total number of
discs which may be disposed therein. For example, if the recess 20
is configured to contain a maximum of four discs and the recess 20
actually contains only one disc, then that disc would tend to be
loose in the recess, such that the disc could move up and down or
possibly rattle within the recess. The ribs 47 formed upon each
latch, 41 and 42, frictionally engage the periphery of the disc so
as to inhibit substantial vertical movement of the disc within the
recess 20, and thereby inhibit the disc from rattling.
[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
different configurations of the opening 48 and/or the flextures 43
and 44 are likewise suitable. Indeed, in some instances it may be
desirable to omit the opening 48 such that one large flexture is
provided instead of the two smaller flextures shown in FIG. 11.
[0053] Clips, 51 and 52, hold a paper within the cover 12 of the
disc storage container 10, as is done according to contemporary
practice. Such papers typically comprise cover art for the disc
and/or game instructions, advertising literature, song selections,
movie scenes, etc. Preferably, the top wall 25, bottom wall 26,
right wall 27, and left wall 28 each have a height such that when a
paper is disposed in the cover 10 (and held thereby by clips, 51
and 52), then the top wall 25, bottom wall 26, right wall 27 and
left wall 28 cooperate with the paper, so as to capture the disc(s)
within the recess 20.
[0054] Alternatively, the first wall 25, second wall 26, right wall
27, and left wall 28 each have a height such that a disc cannot
move radially out of the recess 20 between any of the walls, 25,
26, 27, and 28, and the cover 12, when the cover 12 is closed.
[0055] Cover detent members 61 and 62 are configured to cooperate
with base detent members 63 and 64, so as to releasably latch the
cover 12 in the closed position with respect to the base 13.
[0056] Ribs 65 enhance the strength of the cover 12 according to
well known principles. Similarly, ribs 66 enhance the strength of
the base 13 according to well known principles. The ribs 65 and 66,
at least along one edge (preferably the lower edge) of the disc
storage container 10 are preferably formed so as to facilitate
stable standing of the disc storage container on end in a half or
quarter open position (wherein the cover forms an angle of
approximately 45.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to the base),
in an open-book fashion. That is, the ribs 65 and 66 formed along
the lower edge of the disc storage container 10 preferably define
feet which provide a stable contact surface such that the disc
storage container may be opened slightly and placed on end upon a
table, counter, shelf of the like.
[0057] Although the disc storage container of the present invention
is shown and described above as having both a base 13 and a cover
12, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a tray, which is
substantially similar to the base 13, may alternatively be utilized
without the associated cover 12. For example, a number of such
trays may be formed in a book-like fashion (wherein another tray is
substituted for the cover 12 shown in FIG. 1. Indeed, any desired
number of such trays may be attached to one another, such as in a
Z-fold fashion, so as to facilitate the storage of any desired
number of discs. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the
various different configurations of the present invention are
contemplated herein.
[0058] According to the tray configuration of the present
invention, a central post 102 extends upwardly from the floor 19 of
the recess 20 to inhibit radial movement of disc(s) out of the
recess 20. The central post 102 is received within a central
opening of a disc and has a diameter which is substantially smaller
than the diameter of the central opening of a disc. Therefor, the
central post does not engage the disc, as does the hub of a
contemporary disc storage container. When such a central post 102
is provided, then the walls 25, 26, 27 and 28 may optionally be
provided, as well. The central post has a height similar to that of
the walls and functions in a similar manner to retain the disc(s)
within the recess and inhibit theft.
[0059] The latches, 41 and 41; depressions, 31 and 32; taper 21 and
raised portion 18 of the tray 101 are substantially identical to
those of FIGS. 1-11. Optionally, walls 25, 26, 27 and 28 are
likewise provided for the tray, in a fashion similar to that shown
in FIGS. 1-11. Thus, the central post 102, optionally in cooperates
with the walls 25, 26, 27 and 28 inhibit movement of any disc(s)
contained within the recess 20 in a radial direction, so as to
similarly inhibit theft.
[0060] Having thus described the structure of the disc storage
container of the present invention in detail, it may be beneficial
to describe the operation and use thereof. One or more discs are
initially loaded into the disc storage container 10 of the present
invention utilizing a machine which lowers the discs, preferably
one at a time, into the recess 20 of the base 13. Each disc is
preferably supported about the periphery thereof as it is lowered
passed the latches, 41 and 42. This process is repeated, as
necessary, to either fill or partially fill the recess 20 with
discs.
[0061] A user removes one or more discs from the recess 20 by
simply depressing either one of the latches, 41 and 42, and then
lifting the desired disc(s) from the recess 20. Because the
lowermost disc is spaced apart from the floor 19 of the base 13, a
user can simply insert a finger or thumb under the lowermost disc
at one of the depressions, 31 or 32, so as to allow the user to
conveniently lift the disc(s) from the recess 20.
[0062] Typically, a finger or thumb will be inserted into the
depression, 31 or 32, which is closest to the latch, 41 or 42,
which has been depressed. However, either depression 31 or 32, may
be utilized with either latch, 41 or 42, as desired.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 13-15, there is shown yet another
embodiment of a storage container 70 provided in accordance with
practice of the present invention. The storage container 70 is
similar to the container of FIG. 12 except that the floor 19 is
absent. Turning particularly to FIGS. 13 and 14, the storage
container 70 comprises a generally rectangular frame 72 including a
top side 74, a bottom side 78, a left side 82 and a right side 86.
The frame is defined by four contiguous walls, a top wall 75
extending along its top side, a bottom wall 79 extending along its
bottom side and side walls 83 and 87 extending along the left and
right sides respectively. Each wall comprises a front side surface,
77, 81, 89 and 93 respectively, and an outside surface, 73, 85, 91
and 95 respectively. Additionally, the frame 72 includes first and
second ledges, 76 and 80, that extend along cutout portions, 97 and
99, in the top and bottom walls, 75 and 79. Third and fourth
ledges, 84 and 88, extend along the base of the side walls, 83 and
87 respectively. The combination of the first, second, third and
fourth ledges, 76, 80, 84 and 88 respectively, create a recess 69
within the frame 72 for supporting a disc in the container 70. The
recess is preferably configured so as to receive and contain from
one to four discs. However, as those skilled in the art will
appreciate, the recess may be configured so as to receive and
contain any desired number of discs. Thus, for example, the recess
may be configured so as to receive and contain one, two, three,
four, five, six, or more discs. In one embodiment, the storage
container 70 is injection molded from polystyrene, polypropylene or
any other suitable plastic material.
[0064] Preferably, the left and right walls, 83 and 87, include
semi-circular cutout portions, 90 and 92, and the third and fourth
ledges, 84 and 88, include tapers, 94 and 96, which are sloped
slightly downwards from cutout portions, 90 and 92, towards the
recess 69. This facilitates self-centering of a disc, as the disc
is being inserted into the recess 69. Additionally, it is
preferable that the first and second ledges, 76 and 80, also define
a tapered surface which facilitate self-centering of a disc, as the
disc is being inserted into the recess 69.
[0065] Each of the top wall 75, bottom wall 79, left wall 83, and
right wall 87 is configured to inhibit movement of a disc radially
out of the recess 69. Thus, top wall 75, bottom wall 79, left wall
83, and right wall 87 cooperate to maintain the disc contained
within the recess 69.
[0066] A first latch 98 and a second latch 100, oppositely disposed
on the frame 72, cooperate to keep the disc in the recess 69. Each
latch, 98 and 100, includes a vertically extending wall, 112a and
114a respectively. Lips, 112b and 114b, extend horizontally from
the vertically extending walls, 112a and 114a, respectively, and
inwardly toward the center of the recess 69. The top surface of the
lips are sloped so when the periphery of a disc contacts the top
surface of the lips and is urged downwards, the latches bend out of
the way facilitating insertion of the disc. Pairs of flextures,
104, 106 and 108, 110 connect the latches, 98 and 100 respectively,
to the frame 72 at the base portion of the first and second ledges,
76 and 80.
[0067] The flextures bend downwardly when each latch is depressed,
so as to allow each latch to move downwardly and thus move the
respective lips 112b and 114b of each latch outwardly (away from
any disc stored in the recess 69), so as not to interfere with
removal a disc from the recess 69. Outward movement of the lips is
enhanced by the latches pivoting about the connections 115 between
the flextures and the remaining portion of the latches. The lips,
112b and 114b, are configured so as to contact the periphery or an
unrecorded portion of any disc contained in the recess 69, so as to
frictionally engage the disc and thus inhibit vertical movement of
the disc within the recess 69. Openings, 116 and 118, reduce the
amount of force required to bend the flextures, 104, 106, 108 and
110, so as to allow the latches, 98 and 100, to be easily depressed
or moved downwardly. The first latch 98, which is disposed
proximate the top side 74 of the frame, has an open position and a
closed position. Removal of the disc from the recess 69 is
inhibited by the first latch 98 when the first latch is in the
closed position and is facilitated by the first latch when the
first latch is in the open position.
[0068] Similarly, the second latch 100, which is disposed proximate
the bottom side 78 of the frame, also has an open position and a
closed position. Removal of a disc from the recess 69 is inhibited
by the second latch 100 when the second latch is in the closed
position and is facilitated by the second latch when the second
latch is in the open position.
[0069] To insert a disc into the storage container 70, the disc is
urged downward into the frame. This causes the periphery of the
disc to contact the top surface of the lips, 112b and 114b, of the
latches, 98 and 100, causing the latches to bend out of the way
facilitating insertion of the disc onto the frame 72 from above.
When the periphery of the disc moves past the lips, 112b and 114b,
the latches, 98 and 100, snap or bend back to their original
positions so as to capture the disc.
[0070] A disc disposed within the recess 69 is removable when
either the first latch 98 or the second latch 100 or both are in
the open position. Thus, according to the present embodiment, both
right and left-handed operation of the latches, 98 and 100, is
facilitated. That is, a user may use either the user's right-hand
or a left-hand to depress either the first latch 98 or the second
latch 100, in order to effect removal of a disc from the recess
69.
[0071] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
different configurations of the openings 116 and 118 and/or the
flextures, 104, 106, 108, 110, are likewise suitable. Indeed, in
some instances it may be desirable to omit the openings 116 and 118
such that one large flexture is provided instead of the two smaller
flextures shown in FIG. 13.
[0072] Turning now to FIG. 15, a bottom view of the disc storage
container 70 is shown. The bottom surface of the storage container
70 comprises a bottom edge 123 on each of its four sides and four
generally cylindrical pillars, 124, 126, 128 and 130, one of which
is located in each corner. In the illustrated embodiment, each
pillar has an outer cylindrical surface 125, 129, 133 and 137
respectively, and an inner cylindrical surface, 127, 131, 135 and
139 respectively, connected via four ribs 41, 42, 43 and 44. In one
embodiment, adhesive is applied to openings, 132, 134, 136 and 138,
to adhere the container 70 to a base or backing material (not
shown), such as a piece of cardboard or the like.
[0073] A number of the containers described with reference to FIGS.
13-15 may also be formed in a book-like fashion by binding a common
edge of each container. Indeed, any desired number of such
containers may be attached to one another, such as in a Z-fold
fashion, so as to facilitate the storage of any desired number of
discs.
[0074] Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, in addition to FIG. 15,
in the illustrated embodiment, the container 70 includes a stepped
surface forming a stacking ledge 140 that extends outwardly from
each wall, 75, 79, 83 and 87, and extends around the periphery of
the frame 72. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the stacking
ledge 140 is equal to the thickness of the bottom edge 123 of the
frame 72 to allow for a number of containers 70 to be stacked on
top of each other. Furthermore, each pillar is located on the
bottom surface of the top or bottom walls, 75 and 79, and is
configured so that the bottom surface of each pillar is recessed
into the container the same distance as the height of the stacking
ledge 140. This allows the frame's bottom edge 123 to contact the
stacking ledge around the periphery of the frame when one container
is stacked on top of another. The design of the stacking ledge and
the from bottom edge 123 accommodate the stacking of any number of
containers one on top of the other.
[0075] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various
different configurations of the present invention are contemplated
herein. It is to be understood that the exemplary disc storage
containers described herein and shown in the drawings represent
only presently preferred embodiments of the container provided in
accordance with the present invention.
[0076] The scope of the invention is defined in the following
claims.
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