U.S. patent application number 10/087700 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for device for accommodatiing discoid information carriers.
Invention is credited to Luckow, Ursula.
Application Number | 20020139701 10/087700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7905489 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020139701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luckow, Ursula |
October 3, 2002 |
Device for accommodatiing discoid information carriers
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for accommodating discoid
information carriers, of hinge-opening conformation and provided
with a support element for the information carrier. The device
comprises at least one arrest key to fix the information carrier at
least transverse to a plate plane. The arrest key is provided with
an entry bevel to deflect an arrest part of the arrest key upon
depression of the information carrier transverse to the plate
plane. The information carrier is at least locally supported along
its outer edge. In the area of the outer edge, there is an action
upon the information carrier by the arrest key. At least one spring
element acts upon the information carrier in the area of its edge
with a force transverse to the plate plane. The spring element is
arranged in the area of the arrest key. The arrest key, in an
arrested condition, arrests both the information carrier and the
tensed spring element. The spring element is so arranged that a
spring tension is preassigned by a positioning of the information
carrier in an arresting position.
Inventors: |
Luckow, Ursula;
(Henstedt-Rhen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
7905489 |
Appl. No.: |
10/087700 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10087700 |
Oct 19, 2001 |
|
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PCT/DE00/01039 |
Mar 31, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
206/310; G9B/33.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0422
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 ;
206/310 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 22, 1999 |
DE |
199 18 275.2 |
Claims
1. A device for accommodating discoid information carriers, of
hinge-opening configuration and provided with a support element for
the information carrier, comprising at least one arrest key to fix
the information carrier at least transverse to a plate plane, in
which the arrest key is provided with an entry bevel to deflect an
arrest part of the arrest key transverse to the plate plane upon
depression of the information carrier, characterized in that the
information carrier (1) is at least locally supported along its
outer edge and in that adjacent the outer edge, the information
carrier (1) is acted upon by the arrest key (9), in that at least
one spring element (10) exerts a force transverse to the plate
plane on the information carrier (1) adjacent its edge, and in that
the spring element (10) is arranged adjacent the arrest key (9), in
that the arrest key (9) in an arrested condition arrests both the
information carrier (1) and the tensed spring element (10), and in
that the spring element (10) is so arranged that a spring tension
is preassigned by a positioning of the information carrier (1) in
an arresting position.
2. A device for accommodating discoid information carriers, of
hinge-opening conformation and provided with a support element for
the information carrier, comprising at least one arrest key to fix
the information carrier at least transverse to a plate plane, and
in which the arrest key is provided with an entry bevel to deflect
an arrest part of the arrest key transverse to the plate plane upon
depression of the information carrier, characterized in that the
information carrier (1) is supported at least locally along its
outer edge, and in that, along the outer edge of the information
carrier (1), at least two arrest keys (9) are arranged,
substantially diametral relative to each other in relation to a
midpoint of the information carrier (1).
3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring
element is arranged between two side struts of the arrest key
(9).
4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one spring element (10) is arranged laterally beside the arrest key
(9).
5. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the support
element (8) is arranged in the area of a cassette (2) made up of a
top part (3), a bottom part (4), and a back (5) connecting the top
part (3) to the bottom part (4).
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the back
(5) is connected to the top (3) and to the bottom (4) by way of
film articulations (6, 7).
7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring
element (10) is made in one piece with the support element (8).
8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrest
key (9) is made in one piece with the support element (8).
9. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a central
bracket (14) of the support element (8) extends through a central
hole (15) of the information carrier (1).
10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the
central bracket (14) is encircled at least locally by a flange (17)
to support the information carrier (1).
11. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the arrest
key (9) is swingable horizontally about an axis of rotation
arranged substantially perpendicular to a plate plane of the
information carrier (1).
12. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the arrest
key (9) is swingable vertically about an axis of rotation arranged
substantially parallel to a plate plane of the information carrier
(1).
13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that a rotary
articulation (25) of the arrest key (9) is arranged between a
pressure area (23) provided for manual actuation and a holding
projection (18) to act upon the information carrier (1).
14. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the
rotary articulation (25) is arranged in an area of the arrest key
(9) away from the holding projection (18).
15. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that two
arrest keys (9) are swung in the same direction relative to a
midpoint of the information carrier (1) upon manual actuation.
16. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that two
arrest keys (9) are swung in opposed directions relative to a
midpoint of the information carrier (1) upon manual actuation.
17. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the
information carrier (1) is acted upon by a groove (21) in the area
of the arrest key (9).
18. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the
information carrier (1) is acted upon in the area of the holding
projection (18) by an oblique flank (26) extending angled with
respect to a plate plane of the information carrier (1).
19. A device according to claim 17, characterized in that the
groove (21) comprises side walls extending angled relative to each
other.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application Serial
No. PCT/DE00/01039 filed Mar. 31, 2000 which was published in the
German language on Nov. 2, 2000 the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device for accommodating discoid
information carriers, of hinge-opening conformation, provided with
a support element for the information carrier and comprising at
least one arrest key to fix the information carrier at least
transverse to a flat plane, in which the arrest key is provided
with an entry incline to deflect an arrest part of the arrest key
transverse to the flat plane upon depression of the information
carrier.
[0003] Such a package is disclosed for example in EP-OS 0,671,743.
Here the arrest key is arranged in a corner area of the package and
simultaneously arrests both the discoid information carrier and an
upper portion of the hinge-opening package relative to a lower
portion. By depression of the arrest key in an arrest position, the
discoid information carrier, configured as a "compact disk," is
fixed relative to a central holding element protruding through a
central hole in the compact disk.
[0004] Other possibilities for arranging arrest keys in the area of
packages for discoid information carriers are described in EP-OS
0,855,716. That publication in particular has disclosed holding
discoid information carriers in such manner as to avoid central
holding elements protruding through the central hole of a compact
disk.
[0005] International Patent Application WO 93/01,598 describes a
package unit for compact disks in which use is made of an arrest
key protruding through the central hole of the compact disk. Upon
pressure on the key, levers are simultaneously swung, being
arranged in a vicinity of the central hole. In this way,
synchronously with pressure on the arrest key, the compact disk is
lifted against the pressure acting on the arrest key.
[0006] International Patent Application WO 96/14,636 describes
another package for compact disks, having a centrally arranged
arrest key. In addition to the arrest key, spring links are
arranged that act with spring tension on the compact disk along an
inner edge encircling the central hole. After depression of the
arrest key, and a resulting unlocking, the spring links lead to a
lifting of the compact disk.
[0007] The packages known in the prior art for discoid information
carriers fail to satisfy all the requirements applicable to
user-friendly handling. Specifically, a user still finds it a less
than optimum solution when an operation of taking the information
carrier out of the package is performed.
[0008] The object of the invention, then, is to design a device of
the kind mentioned introductorily in such manner as to improve user
convenience.
[0009] This object is accomplished, according to the invention, in
that the information carrier is supported at least locally along
its outer edge, and in that, in the area of the outer edge, the
information carrier is acted upon by the arrest key, in that at
least one spring element acts upon the information carrier in the
area of its edge with a force transverse to the plate plane, in
that the spring element is arranged in the area of the arrest key,
in that the arrest key in arresting position arrests both the
information carrier and the tense spring element, and in that the
spring element is so arranged that a spring tension is preassigned
by positioning of the information carrier in an arrest
position.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate
direct manual access to the information carrier.
[0011] This object is accomplished, according to the invention, in
that the information carrier is supported at least locally along
its outer edge and in that, along the outer edge of the information
carrier, at least two arrest keys are arranged substantially
diametrally relative to each other, relative to a center of the
information carrier.
[0012] A compact embodiment is favored in that the spring element
is arranged between two side struts of the arrest key.
[0013] An enhanced stability by spatial distribution of areas of
introduction of force into the support element may be achieved by
arranging at least one spring element laterally alongside the
arrest key.
[0014] A typical embodiment is characterized in that the support
element is arranged in the area of a cassette comprising a top
part, a bottom part and a spine joining the top part to the bottom
part.
[0015] A high-load-capacity and at the same time economically
producible connection of the several components is provided in that
the spine is connected to the top part and the bottom part by way
of film articulations.
[0016] Economical manufacture is also favored in that the spring
element is made in one piece with the support element.
[0017] Consideration has also been given to making the arrest key
in one piece with the support element.
[0018] For improved positioning of the information carrier, it is
possible for a central bracket of the support element to extend
through a central hole in the information carrier.
[0019] An avoidance of deflections of the information carrier can
be achieved in that the central bracket is at least locally
surrounded by a flange to support the information carrier.
[0020] An ergonomically especially advantageous embodiment is
provided in that the arrest key is swingable horizontally about an
axis of rotation, arranged substantially parallel to a plate plane
of the information carrier.
[0021] An advantageous introduction of forces into the support
element on removal of the information carrier can be achieved in
that the arrest key is vertically swingable about an axis of
rotation arranged substantially parallel to a plate plane of the
information carrier.
[0022] Swingable arrest keys can be provided in that a rotary
articulation of the arrest key is arranged between a pressure area
provided for manual actuation and a holding projection to act upon
the information carrier.
[0023] To make possible a manual contact with the information
carrier during performance of a swing of the arrest key, it is
proposed that the rotary articulation be arranged in an area of the
arrest key away from the holding projection.
[0024] A removal of the information carrier on performance of a
rotary motion is achieved in that two arrest keys are swung in the
same direction relative to a midpoint of the information carrier
upon manual actuation.
[0025] A removal of the information carrier from the cassette upon
performance of a thrusting motion is achieved in that two arrest
keys are swung in opposed directions relative to a center of the
information carrier upon manual actuation.
[0026] A modified holding of the information carrier may be arrived
at in that the information carrier is acted upon by a groove in the
area of the arrest key.
[0027] For simultaneous action upon the information carrier by
clamping forces perpendicular to the plate plane and within the
plate plane, it is proposed that the information carrier be acted
upon in the area of the holding projection by an inclined flank
running at an angle to a plate plane of the information
carrier.
[0028] An additional clamping of the information carrier may also
be produced in that the groove comprises side walls extending at an
angle to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In the drawing, embodiments of the invention are
schematically represented by way of example. Thus,
[0030] FIG. 1 is a top view of a device hinged open, having two
holding keys arranged opposed to each other in accordance with the
present invention,
[0031] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the device of FIG. 1, the
section being taken along line II-II thereof in FIG. 1,
[0032] FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing a
modified embodiment having swingable holding keys, all in
accordance with the present invention,
[0033] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section view showing a groove-like
holder grasping an information carrier along its outer edge in
accordance with the present invention,
[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical view of a swingable arrest lever
in accordance with the present invention,
[0035] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing a modified
embodiment of a swingable arrest lever with the rotary articulation
displaced in accordance with the present invention,
[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical side-view illustration of an
arrest key with spring elements arranged on either side in
accordance with the present invention,
[0037] FIG. 8 is a view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 as seen
looking in the direction of arrow VIII, and
[0038] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical view showing an enlarged
representation of a clamp element to apply clamping forces both
transverse to the plate plane and also within the plate plane in
accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which a cassette 2 is used to
accommodate a discoid information carrier 1. The cassette 2
consists of a top 3, a bottom 4 and a back 5 connecting the top 3
to the bottom 4. The top 3 and the bottom 4 are each connected to
the back 5 by film articulations 6, 7.
[0040] In the area of the bottom 4, a support element 8 for the
information carrier 1 is arranged. The support element 8 may be
configured as a separate insert for the bottom 4, or alternatively
a one-piece embodiment may be adopted.
[0041] For releasable fixation of the information carrier 1 in the
area of the support element 8, two arrest keys 9 are employed. In a
vicinity of the arrest key 9, spring elements 10 are arranged to
act upon the information carrier 1. The spring elements 10 press
the information carrier 1 in a direction away from the support
element 8 and, upon actuation of the arrest key 9, produce a
lifting motion of the information carrier 1.
[0042] To make possible a holding of a printed accessory 11, the
top 3 is provided with spring tongues 12. Clamp tongues 13 are
employed to retain top 3 in a closed position relative to bottom
4.
[0043] The design construction of the cassette 2 is further
illustrated by the cross-section in FIG. 2. In particular, it is
seen that the support element 8 comprises a tub-like conformation
whose dimensioning is adapted to a dimensioning of the information
carrier 1. As information carriers 1, for example compact disks or
DVDs may be accommodated. In a central area, the support element 8
is provided with a central bracket 14 extending through a central
hole 15 of the information carrier 1 and serving to center the
information carrier 1. Along its circumference, the information
carrier 1 is supported at least locally by a feature 16 of the
support element 8. An additional support is provided by a flange 17
in a vicinity of the central bracket 14.
[0044] The arrest key 9 is provided with a holding projection 18
and an entry bevel 19. Upon insertion of the information carrier 1,
it at first slides along the entry incline 19, thereby bending back
the arrest key 9. After a sufficient lowering of the information
carrier 1, the arrest key 9 springs back and the holding projection
18 surmounts the information carrier 1. During the insertion of the
information carrier 1, the spring element 10 is tensed
synchronously.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the spring element 10 is
configured as a strut extending obliquely and having an angled
support flange 20 in the vicinity of its end. The support flange 20
extends in an arrest position substantially parallel to the plane
of the information carrier 1.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment relative to FIG. 1. The
arrest keys 9 are here swingable relative to an axis of rotation
component extending substantially perpendicular to the plate plane
of the information carrier 1. Upon actuation of the arrest keys 9,
these are swung with their holding projections 18 away from the
information carrier 1 by the swinging motion, so that the
information carrier may be removed from the cassette 2.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the information carrier
1 is held by a U-shaped groove 21 in the area of the arrest key 9.
The groove 21 is bounded by a support projection 22 in the area of
one side of the holding projection 18 and in the area of an opposed
side of a support projection 22. Additionally, the arrest key 9 has
a pressure area 23 to support a manual actuation and the
performance of an opening and closing motion of a swing base 24.
Upon swinging of the arrest key 9, after release of the information
carrier 1 by the holding projection 18, a lifting by the support
projection 22 takes place.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a simplified representation of a swingable
arrest key 9 positionable perpendicular to the plane of the
information carrier 1 relative to an axis of rotation. In the
embodiment shown, the axis of rotation is schematized as a pin-like
pivot 25. To simplify manufacturing production, actually
consideration is given to sectors of arrest key 9 extending oblique
to the plane of the information carrier, where upon action on the
arrest key 9, a positioning motion is performed in at least two
dimensions. Such designs are easily manufactured by the art of
injection molding.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows a modified embodiment with respect to FIG. 5,
in which the rotary articulation 5 is arranged at a greater
distance from the information carrier 1. In this embodiment, the
idea is that in manual actuation a user's finger acts on the arrest
key 9 between the rotary articulation 25 and the information
carrier 1. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the idea was to
perform the action in question on a side of the arrest key 9 away
from the information carrier 1. In the embodiment according to FIG.
6, there is already contact between a user's finger and the
information carrier during the performance of the swinging motion
of the arrest key 9.
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a possible arrangement of spring elements
10 relative to the arrest key 9. Here, in addition to the arrest
key 9, spring elements 10 are provided both on the left and on the
right. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the spring element 10
was arranged between lateral boundary struts of the arrest
keys.
[0051] According to the modified embodiment in FIG. 9, the arrest
key 9 is provided with an inclined flank 26 to act upon the
information carrier 1. The oblique arrangement here refers to the
positioning of the information carrier 1 relative to the plate
plane. By the chosen spatial orientation of the inclined flank 26,
the pressure generated is divided into a vertical force 27
perpendicular to the plate plane and a horizontal force 28 in the
direction of the plate plane. In this way, both a vertical clamping
and a horizontal clamping of the information carrier 1 can be
produced.
* * * * *