U.S. patent application number 10/188640 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-21 for storage container for recorded media.
Invention is credited to Belden, Dennis D. JR..
Application Number | 20020170837 10/188640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26763418 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020170837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belden, Dennis D. JR. |
November 21, 2002 |
Storage container for recorded media
Abstract
A storage container for holding an item of recorded media
includes a base; an outer wall extending upwardly from the base,
the outer wall having an upper surface adapted to receive the lower
surface of item adjacent the outer diameter of item. The storage
container also includes a retaining hub that extends upwardly from
the base. The retaining hub includes a plurality of hinged arms and
fixed supports. A retaining lip is carried by the hinged arms. The
retaining lip engages the upper surface of the item in a storage
position and is moveable inwardly and downwardly to release item.
Retaining lip also engages the lower surface of item to lift item
from the storage container. The fixed supports include an upper
surface that remains in position during the removal of item to
provide support to item to substantially prevent bending forces
from damaging item.
Inventors: |
Belden, Dennis D. JR.;
(Canton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
4801 DRESSLER RD., N.W.
SUITE 194
CANTON
OH
44718
US
|
Family ID: |
26763418 |
Appl. No.: |
10/188640 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10188640 |
Jul 2, 2002 |
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09746958 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
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6412631 |
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09746958 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
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09282484 |
Mar 31, 1999 |
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6196384 |
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60080363 |
Apr 1, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/310 ;
206/308.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/310 ;
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
1. A storage container for storing a disc-shaped item of recorded
media; the disc-shaped item of recorded media having an upper
surface, a lower surface, a thickness, an outer diameter, and a
centrally-disposed opening; the storage container comprising: a
base; a retaining hub extending upwardly from the base; the
retaining hub being adapted to engage the centrally-disposed
opening of the item of recorded media; the retaining hub having at
least two bumps adapted to engage the lower surface of the
disc-shaped item of recorded media; the bumps adapted to minimize
the friction between the hub and the disc-shaped item of recorded
media; the at least two bumps being spaced apart and independent
from each other; and the at least two bumps being fixed with
respect to the hub.
2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the bump does not
extend around the retaining lip.
3. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the bump is
dome-shaped.
4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the hub includes a
support surface disposed substantially parallel to the base; the at
least two bumps projecting upwardly from the support surface.
5. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the hub includes at
least one resilient arm; the retaining lip being carried by the
arm.
6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the hub includes three
bumps.
7. The storage container of claim 6, wherein the three bumps are
spaced apart and independent.
8. The storage container of claim 7, wherein the three bumps are
evenly spaced about the hub.
9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each bump has a body
having a lower surface and an upper surface; the body converging
from the lower surface toward the upper surface.
10. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising an outer
wall disposed radially outwardly of the hub.
11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the outer wall
includes a support surface.
12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the outer wall
includes at least one bump projecting upwardly from the support
surface of the outer wall; the bump projecting upwardly from the
support surface being adapted to engage the lower surface of the
disc-shaped item of recorded media.
13. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the retaining hub
includes at least one retaining lip adapted to engage the upper
surface of the disc-shaped item of recorded media; the retaining
lip adapted to hold the disc-shaped item of recorded media on the
hub.
14. The storage container of claim 13, further comprising a lid
movable between opening and closed positions; the lid and base
surrounding the retaining hub when the lid is in the closed
position.
15. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the retaining hub is
a push button-type hub adapted to release the disc-shaped item of
recorded media when the hub is depressed.
16. The storage container of claim 13, wherein the retaining hub is
configured to loosely receive the disc-shaped item of recorded
media such that the disc-shaped item of recorded media may spin on
the retaining hub.
17. The storage container of claim 13, wherein the retaining lip
has a lower surface and each bump has an upper surface; there being
a first vertical distance between the lower surface of the
retaining lip and the upper surface of the bump; the first vertical
distance being adapted to be larger than the thickness of the
disc-shaped item of recorded media such that the disc-shaped item
of recorded media is not pinched.
18. A storage container for storing a disc-shaped item of recorded
media; the disc-shaped item of recorded media having an upper
surface, a lower surface, a thickness, an outer circumferential
edge, and a centrally-disposed opening; the storage container
comprising: a base; a retaining hub extending upwardly from the
base; the retaining hub being adapted to engage the
centrally-disposed opening of the item of recorded media; the base
having at least two bumps adapted to engage the lower surface of
the disc-shaped item of recorded media; the bumps adapted to
minimize the friction between the base and the disc-shaped item of
recorded media; the at least two bumps being spaced apart and
independent from each other; and the at least two bumps being fixed
with respect to the hub.
19. The storage container of claim 18, further comprising at least
two bumps carried by the base in a location where the at least two
bumps are adapted to engage the lower surface of the item of
recorded media adjacent the outer circumferential edge of the
disc-shaped item of recorded media.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/746,958 filed Dec. 22, 2000, which is a
continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,384 dated Mar. 6, 2001, which
claimed priority from provisional application serial No.
60/080,363, filed Apr. 1, 1998; the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates generally to storage containers for
recorded media and, more particularly, to a storage container
having a centrally disposed retaining hub for engaging and
selectively retaining an item of recorded media. Specifically, the
present invention is directed to a storage container for recorded
media employing a retaining hub that releasably secures an item of
recorded media such as a DVD while substantially protecting the
stored item from bending stresses created during loading, storage,
and removal of the item from the storage container
[0004] 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0005] Compact discs have become immensely popular in the past 15
years and have supplanted records and tapes as the dominant form of
recorded music. Over this time, numerous storage containers have
been developed to hold the discs during shipping, display for sale,
and subsequent home storage of the discs. Most of these storage
containers utilize some type of center hub that engages the center
hole of the disc to hold the disc in place in the storage
container.
[0006] In the recent past, digital versatile discs (DVDs) have been
developed that hold more data than a compact disc. Given their
large storage capacity, DVDs may be used to hold feature length
films as well as music. It is also contemplated that the DVDs may
be used to hold data in a computer readable form. One problem with
the DVD is that it currently trades durability for its increased
storage space. It has been found that a DVD may be damaged by the
forces that are commonly, used to remove compact discs from their
storage containers, to hold the compact discs in the storage
containers, and to store the compact discs in the containers. Thus,
a potential problem has been created in that it is believed that
the vast number of consumers will treat a DVD like a CD because of
the similarities in the products and will damage the DVD by doing
things that do not harm a CD. It is thus desired in the art to
provide a DVD storage container that prevents a consumer from
damaging a DVD by improperly removing a DVD from, the
container.
[0007] One of the chief areas of concern with a DVD storage
container is the bending forces created in the DVD by the container
or removal of the DVD from the container. Although compact discs
are relatively insensitive to bending stresses, DVDs are sensitive
to such bending forces and may lose information or become unusable
because of such bending forces. Bending forces may occur during
removal of the DVD from the storage container, loading the DVD into
the storage container, or storage of the DVD in the container. The
industry has thus moved in a direction that requires DVD storage
containers to securely retain a DVD during a drop test without
creating a constant bending force on the DVD during storage or
allowing a bending force to be placed on the DVD during
installation or removal of the DVD from the storage container.
[0008] Although a DVD is approximately the same size, weight, and
dimensions as a compact disc, the storage containers used for
compact discs are generally unsuitable for providing a DVD storage
container that eliminates bending forces. Most CD storage
containers are unsuitable for DVDs because they include center hubs
that radially and resiliently engage the center hole of a compact
disc to retain the compact disc in the storage container. It has
been recently determined that such radial engagement creates a
constant force on a DVD that eventually warps the DVD rendering it
imperfect or unuseable. Other compact disc storage containers allow
a person to grasp the outer edge of a compact disc and pull
upwardly causing the disc to disengage the center hub. This action
creates a significant amount of bending force in the body of the
compact disc. As compact discs are less sensitive to such bending
force, this action does not substantially harm a compact disc while
it may break a DVD or otherwise render it unuseable.
[0009] One device that holds a CD in a manner that reduces the
large bending forces experienced by the CD during removal of the CD
from the storage container is disclosed in German reference DE
3425579. This device retains the CD with a central hub having a
lip. A plurality of spring members are disposed about the central
hub and are configured to resiliently engage the bottom surface of
the CD when it is stored in the container. The CD is thus trapped
between the spring members and the lip during storage. The CD is
released by depressing the center button which collapses into the
center hole of the CD. Once the lip of the hub is moved inwardly,
the spring members pop the CD up to a position where it may be
removed from the storage container.
[0010] Unfortunately, the spring members create a constant force on
the bottom of the CD which creates a small constant bending force
in the CD. Although this force is not large enough to damage a CD
overtime, it is large enough to slightly warp a DVD when the DVD is
stored over long periods of time. This slight warp may render the
DVD unusable.
[0011] Other embodiments of a storage device disclosed in the
German patent utilize lever arms that lift the CD or DVD off of the
retaining hub when the center button is depressed. Although these
lifting arms are effective for lifting the CD or DVD off of the
hub, the center hub does not release the item of recorded media
without creating bending forces. These embodiments are also more
difficult to manufacture than embodiments without lifting arms.
[0012] Another device that may be used to hold an item of recorded
media such as a compact disc is disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,685,427.
The device in this patent allows a compact disc to be removed from
the storage container through the engagement of a ridge with the
inner wall that forms the central opening of the CD. In the storage
position, the ridge rests on the top surface of the CD. When a
person removes the CD from the container, the ridge is forced along
the inner wall creating a bending force in the CD. The
specification describes that the force is significant enough that
there is a slight clicking action as the ridge passes below the
lower surface of the disc and grasps the disc. This device also
captures the interior wall of the central opening in the CD while
the CD is being removed from the holder. Such capturing creates an
undesirable radially outward bending force in the CD or DVD while
it is being removed from the holder.
[0013] In view of the damage created by the slight bending forces,
the DVD industry has moved in the direction of requiring DVD
storage containers to hold the DVDs without imparting any pending
forces on the DVD. One manner of indicating that no bending forces
are imparted on the DVD is by allowing the DVD to freely rotate
while in the storage position. The devices described above do not
allow the CD or DVD to freely rotate because the devices retain the
CD or DVD with constant forces.
[0014] It is thus desirable to provide a storage container for
recorded media such as a DVD that securely retains the item of
recorded media in the storage container while not subjecting the
item to significant bending stresses that can damage the item.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In view of the foregoing, a primary objective of the present
invention is to provide a storage container for an item of recorded
media such as a DVD.
[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that securely
retains the item while not subjecting the item to bending forces
during storage.
[0017] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a storage container for an item of recorded media that allows the
item of recorded media to be removed from the storage container
without subjecting the item to substantial bending forces.,
[0018] Still another objective of the present invention is to
provide a storage container for an item of recorded,media that
prevents the improper removal of the item of recorded media from
the storage container.
[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that drops
completely below the lower surface of the item and lifts the item
from the storage container from below without engaging the inner
wall that forms the centrally-disposed hole in the item.
[0020] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that allows the
item of recorded media to be rotated within the storage container
during storage.
[0021] Still a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a storage container for an item of recorded media that
includes a collapsible center hub that may be used to lift the item
of recorded media from a storage position into a removal position
without significantly stressing the item of recorded media.
[0022] Yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a storage container for an item of recorded media that
includes a retaining hub having a plurality of fixed rigid supports
that provide support to the item of recorded media adjacent its
center portion with the storage container also having an annular
outer ledge that provides support to the item of recorded media
adjacent its outer diameter.
[0023] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media having rigid inner
supports that do not engage the information-containing area of the
item of recorded media.
[0024] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that does not allow
the central portion of the item of recorded media to be flexed
downwardly during installation or removal of the item.
[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media having a retaining
hub that must be fully depressed and released prior to removing the
item of recorded media from the storage container.
[0026] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media having a plurality
of raised bumps that solely support the item of recorded media from
below to reduce friction between the storage container and the item
of recorded media allowing the item of recorded media to rotate or
spin in the storage container.
[0027] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that includes a
centrally disposed projection that retains the position of the item
of recorded media when it is in a released position so that the
item of recorded media does not slip off of the storage
container.
[0028] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that is of simple
construction, which achieves the stated objectives in a simple,
effective, and inexpensive manner, and which solves the problems
and satisfies the needs existing in the art.
[0029] These and other objectives and advantages are obtained by
the storage container for an item of recorded media of the present
invention, the general nature of which may be stated as including
the combination of a disc-shaped item of recorded media having an
upper surface, a lower surface, a thickness, an outer diameter, and
a centrally-disposed, substantially circular opening; and a storage
container for holding the item of recorded media; the storage
container having a base; a retaining hub extending upwardly from
the base; the retaining hub having at least a first fixed support
and at least one retaining lip; at least one bump extending up from
the first fixed support; and the item of recorded media being
disposed between the at least one bump and the at least one
retaining lip.
[0030] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention are
achieved by a storage container for an item of recorded media
having an upper surface, a lower surface, a thickness, an outer
diameter, and a centrally-disposed, substantially circular opening;
the storage container including a base; a retaining hub projecting
up from the base; the retaining hub including at least three
resilient arms cantilevered from the base and at least three fixed
supports, one of the fixed supports disposed between each pair of
resilient arms; a retaining lip formed on each retaining arm, each
retaining lip adapted to engage the upper surface of the item of
recorded media; each of the three resilient arms being movable
between first and second positions; each resilient arm adapted to
support the lower surface of the item of recorded media in the
first position; each fixed support disposed at substantially the
same level as each resilient arm when the resilient arm is in the
first position; and each resilient arm being disposed below each
fixed support when the resilient arm is in the second position.
[0031] Further objectives and advantages of the present invention
are achieved by a method for removing an item of recorded media
from a storage container; the item of recorded media having a
centrally-disposed, substantially circular opening; the storage
container having a retaining hub that includes a plurality of
resilient arms and a plurality of fixed supports; the resilient
arms disposed in the opening of the item of recorded media to
retain the item of recorded media on the retaining hub; the method
including the steps of depressing the arms to release the item of
recorded media; supporting the item of recorded media adjacent the
opening with the fixed supports to prevent the center of the item
of recorded media from deflecting when the arms are depressed;
releasing the arms; lifting the item of recorded media off of the
fixed supports with the arms; and removing the lifted item of
recorded media from the arms.
[0032] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
storage container for an item of recorded media that includes a
method for removing an item of recorded media from a storage
container; the item of recorded media having a centrally-disposed,
substantially circular opening; the storage container having a
retaining hub that includes a plurality of resilient arms connected
by a center button; the resilient arms disposed in the opening of
the item of recorded media to retain the item of recorded media on
the retaining hub; the method including the steps of depressing the
center button causing the arms to move radially inward and down;
releasing the center button allowing the arms to lift the item of
recorded media.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the
principles of the invention, are set forth in the following
description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and
distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a storage container for an item
of recorded media depicted in an open position;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the retaining hub encircled by
the line labeled FIG. 3 in FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1
showing the retaining hub in a first position with the item of
recorded media retained by the storage container;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 depicting the
retaining hub in a second position;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5
depicting the retaining hub back in the first position with the
item of recorded media being released by the storage container;
[0040] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the portion of the retaining
hub encircled in FIG. 2;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the hinged arms
depressed below the lower surface of the base wall.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a sectional view depicting an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] An embodiment of the storage container for an item of
recorded media made in accordance with the concepts of the present
invention is depicted in the accompanying drawings and is indicated
generally by the numeral 10. Storage container 10 includes a base,
indicated generally by the numeral 12, that is hingedly attached to
a lid 14. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
the drawings, the hinged connection between base 12 and lid 14 is
formed by a back wall 16 and a pair of continuous living hinges 18.
Base 12 includes a side wall 20 that extends about the three sides
of base 12 not attached to living hinge 18. Side wall 20 includes a
plurality of reinforcing ribs 22 that serve to reinforce storage
container 10 and may also be used to frictionally engage
corresponding reinforcing ribs 24 that are carried by lid 14 and a
lid side wall 26. Container 10 may be fabricated from any of a wide
variety of materials but it is preferred that it be fabricated from
a plastic strong enough to resist breaking when dropped during a
drop test.
[0045] As may be seen in FIG. 2, an item of recorded media 30 may
be securely retained by storage container 10 through the engagement
of a retaining hub 32 with item 30. Item 30 may be a DVD but it is
to be understood that container 10 may be used to store other items
30 such as compact discs containing music or computer readable
data. As will be described in detail below, retaining hub 32
securely retains items 30 in storage container 10 without creating
bending forces in item 30 during loading of item 30 onto retaining
hub 32, during storage of item 30 in container 10 as depicted in
FIG. 2, or during removal of item 30 from storage case 10. By
providing such functions without creating bending forces in item
30, storage container 10 achieves one of the primary objectives of
the present invention. Although container 10 depicted in FIG. 1
only includes a single retaining hub 32, it is to be understood
that multiple retaining hubs 32 may be provided in similar
containers to hold multiple items 30.
[0046] Base 12 includes a substantially planar base wall 40 that
extends between retaining hub 32 and sidewall 20 of base 12. An
annular outer wall 42 extends upwardly from base wall 40 below the
outer edge of item 30. As may be perhaps best seen in FIG. 1,
annular outer wall 42 extends entirely about the area where item 30
is received and is substantially circular in shape. Annular outer
wall 42 has an upper surface 44 upon which the lower surface 46 of
item 30 rests when item 30 is in the storage position depicted in
FIGS. 2 and 4. Annular outer wall 42 is sized and configured such
that the contact between upper surface 44 and lower surface 46 does
not extend into the area of item 30 that includes recorded
information. A chamfer 43 may be provided to create a smooth
transition between surface 44 and the sidewall of wall 42. Annular
outer wall 42 prevents the outer portion of item 30 from being
moved lower than upper surface 44.
[0047] Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 9
with an alternative outer wall 42. Outer wall 42 of this embodiment
includes a plurality of bumps 41 that extend upwardly from surface
44 such that item 30 is only supported on bumps 41. This
arrangement reduces friction between item 30 and wall 42. This
embodiment functions substantially similarly to the embodiment
described in detail below with the exception that the upper surface
of bumps 41 is on the same plane as the upper surface of bumps
95.
[0048] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a blocking wall 48 extends upwardly from upper surface 44 of outer
wall 42 radially outside the outer radial dimension: of item 30.
Blocking wall 48 is positioned such that it does not contact item
30 when item 30 is retaining by hub 32. Blocking wall 48 has a
height that is greater than the thickness of item 30 as indicated
by the dimension line labeled with numeral 49 such that a person
cannot grasp the edge of item 30 when item 30 is in the storage
position depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4. There are, however, two finger
holes 50 formed in base 12 where the height of blocking wall 48 is
reduced. Although finger holes 50 are not intended to allow a
person to grasp the edge of item 30, finger holes 50 allow a person
to more easily grasp item 30 when it is in the released position
depicted in FIG. 6. Blocking wall 48 achieves one of the objectives
of the present invention by preventing a person from grasping an
edge of item 30 and pulling upwardly. Such a practice is common
when removing a compact disc from a compact disc storage container.
If performed on a DVD held in storage container 10, retaining hub
32 would maintain its engagement with the DVD and the upward force
at its edge would likely break or otherwise damage the DVD by
creating a large bending force. It may thus be understood that
annular outer wall 42 and blocking wall 48 prevent the removal of
item 30 without first removing item 30 from retaining hub 32.
[0049] As noted above, storage container 10 includes retaining hub
32 that extends upwardly from base wall 40. Retaining hub 32 is
configured to retain item 30 until it is subjected to a downward
force which is subsequently released. The downward force causes hub
32 to collapse inwardly and downwardly to completely release item
30. When the force is removed, hub 32 contacts the bottom of item
30 and lifts it into the position depicted in FIG. 6 where it may
be removed. Retaining hub 32 is also configured to retain item 30
in a manner such that it may freely rotate on hub 32 in the storage
condition depicted in FIG. 4.
[0050] Retaining hub 32 includes a center button 60 that is
substantially circular and includes a downwardly extending,
circumferential, substantially cylindrical side wall 62 that has an
upper end 64 and a lower end 66. Center button 60 preferably is
domed to extend upwardly to provide an easy target for a person
using storage case 10. A plurality of hinged arms, each indicated
generally by the numeral 70, moveably support center button 60 a
distance above the plane of base wall 40. Arms 70 and button 60
thus form a continuous element from one side of hub 32 to another.
It may thus be understood that a cavity 72 is formed below hinged
arms 70 and hub 32. Cavity 72 provides space that allows retaining
hub 32 to be moved between the storage position depicted in FIG. 4
and the collapsed position depicted in FIG. 5.
[0051] Each of hinged arms 70 extends upwardly from base wall 40 to
engage item 30 and support center button 60. Each hinged arm 70
includes a first arm section 80 having a first end 82 and a second
end 84. First end 82 of first arm section 80 is connected to base
wall 40 by a first hinge 86. Hinge 86 may be in the form of a
living hinge as depicted in the drawings. A hinge 86 is provided
with a scalloped portion 87 that decreases the thickness of hinge
86 allowing it to flex or bend more easily. Second end 84 of first
arm section 80 is attached to a first end 88 of a second arm
section 90 by a second hinge 92. Second hinge 92 may also be a
living hinge. Second arm section 90 may be substantially parallel
to base wall 40 when retaining hub 32 is the first position
depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6. Second arm section 90 includes an upper
surface 94 that is slightly below -upper surface 44 of annular
outer wall 42 but is substantially parallel to upper surface 44 and
lower surface 46 of item 30. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, upper surface 94 is approximately 0.02 inches below the
plane of upper surface 44 and lower surface 46 of item 30. A bump
95 projects upwardly from each upper surface 94 to a level
substantially equal to the level of upper surface 44 of outer wall
42 to engage lower surface 46 of item 30. First arm section 80 is
angled upwardly from base wall 40 and second arm section 90 is
sized such that bump 95 of second arm section 90 does not contact
the area of recorded information on lower surface 46 of item 30.
Bumps 95 minimize the contact between item 30 and arm 70 allowing
item 30 to spin on hub 32 with little friction.
[0052] Second arm section 90 has a second end 96 that is connected
to a first end 98 of a third arm section 100 by a third hinge 102.
Second end 96 of second arm section 90 is cut out with an opening
103 that substantially decreases the thickness of third hinge 102
to allow it to flex more easily. Opening 103 also increases the
manufacturability of hub 32 and decreases the amount of material
used to fabricate hub 32. Thus, third hinge 102 is a pair of
relatively thin hinges that connect second arm section 90 to third
arm section 100 on either side of opening 103 as seen in FIG. 3.
Third hinge 102 may also be a living hinge. Third arm section 100
includes an outer surface 104 that has a radius of curvature that
is less than the radius of curvature of inner wall 106 of item of
recorded media 30. Thus, it may be understood that item 30 is not
radially resiliently engaged by arms 70 to retain item 30 on hub
32. As may be perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, outer surfaces 104 of
arms 70 cooperate to form a substantially continuous cylindrical
wall 160 that is disposed within the centrally-disposed hole 162 of
item 30. Wall 160 is only broken by a plurality of slots 164 that
separate third arms sections 100 from each other. Each slot 164
branches out at the bottom of third arm sections 100 to form two
secondary slots 166 that define the widths of hinged arms 70.
Secondary slots 166 are disposed such that each first arm section
80 and each second arm section 90 has a substantially constant
overall width.
[0053] Third arm section 100 is substantially normal to base wall
40 in the first position depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6. A retaining lip
110 is carried by third arm section 100 at the second end 112 of
third arm section 100. Retaining lip 110 is adapted to engage at
least a portion of the upper surface 114 of item 30 to retain item
30 on retaining hub 32 even when container 10 is turned upside down
or subjected to impact forces.
[0054] Second end 112 of third arm section 100 is attached to a
first end 120 of a fourth arm section 122,by a fourth hinge 124.
Fourth hinge 124 may also be a living hinge. Second end 112 of
third arm section 100 projects upwardly through projection 125 to
provide a retaining device to hub 32 that maintains the position of
item 30 when item 30 is in the released position sitting on the
upper surface of retaining lip 110.- Projections 125 are disposed
inwardly of retaining lip 110 such that their, outer surfaces have
a radius no greater than outer surfaces 104 of arms 70. Second end
126 of fourth arm section 122 is connected to lower end 66 of side
wall 62 by a fifth hinge 128. Fifth hinge 128 may also be a living
hinge and is substantially thinner than the other hinges as shown
in the drawings. The thinness of first hinge 86 and fifth hinge 128
allows them to bend much more easily than the other hinges 92, 102,
and 124 when hub 32 is subjected to a downward force.
[0055] Retaining hub 32 also includes a plurality of fixed supports
140 disposed between hinged arms 70 in accordance with another
aspect of the present invention. Each fixed support 140 is
separated from hinged arms 70 by secondary slots 166. Each fixed
support 140 includes a first support section 142 that extends
upwardly from base wall 40 at substantially the same angle as first
arm section 80. First support section 142 includes a first end 144
attached to base wall 40 and a second end 146 attached to a first
end 148 of a second support section 150. Second support section 150
is disposed substantially parallel to base wall 40 and includes an
upper surface 152. Fixed supports 140 are sized such that upper
surface 152 of each second support section 150 is substantially
coplanar with upper surface 94 of second arm section 90. As
discussed above with respect to hinged arms 70, each second support
section 150 is sized and shaped so that it does not engage item 30
in an area containing recorded information.
[0056] Each second support section 150 includes one bump 95 that is
substantially similar to bumps 95 on arms 70. Bumps 95 on second
support section 150 provide constant support adjacent the center of
item 30 so that item 30 is not damaged during removal of item 30
from hub 32. Bumps 95 on second support section 150 prevent the
center of item 30 from being deflected downwardly. Gussets 154 are
provided beneath each fixed support to provide additional support
if needed.
[0057] Each fixed support 140 is non-moveable and remains in
position when hinged arms 70 function to release item 30 by
collapsing inwardly and downwardly. By remaining in position, fixed
supports 140 provide support to item 30 adjacent its center once
bumps 95 on arms 70 are lowered.
[0058] An item 30 of recorded media is depicted in FIG. 4 in the
storage position with retaining hub 32 in the first position. While
in the storage position, item 30 may not be removed from storage
container 10 without either depressing retaining hub 32 or
significantly damaging item 30 or container 10. Item 30 is
supported from below by upper surface 44 of outer wall 42 and bumps
95 of arms 70. Item 30 is supported from above by retaining lip
110. Item 30 is not, however, supported in any way through
engagement of outer surfaces 104 of third arm sections 100 with
item 30. As such, there is no radial resilient force between outer
wall 104 of third arm section 100 and item 30.
[0059] When a person wants to remove item 30 from storage container
10, the person creates a downward force on center button 60 causing
hinged arms 70 to collapse inwardly and downwardly causing lip 110
to disengage upper surface 114 of item 30. This also causes bumps
95 on arms 70 to move downwardly and disengage item 30 leaving item
30 to be supported by bumps 95 on second support sections 150.
[0060] As may be seen in FIG. 5, the downward force causes fifth
hinge 128 to close drawing retaining lip 110 radially inwardly. The
downward force also causes first hinge 86, second hinge 92, and
third hinge 102 to open allowing center button to move down drawing
retaining lip 110 down with it. The person removing item 30
continues to apply the downward force until retaining lip 110 is
below lower surface 46 of item 30. As shown in FIG. 5, second arm
section 90 is angularly disposed with respect to the plane of base
wall 40 at this time. Third arm section 100 is also pulled inwardly
at an angle and is no longer normal to the plane of base wall 40.
Furthermore, first arm section 80 has been moved downwardly and is
no longer disposed at the same angle as first support section
142.
[0061] The person removing item 30 then releases the downward force
on center button 60 allowing retaining lip 110 to contact lower
surface 46. Hub 32 is configured to not capture the inner edge of
the center hole of item 30. Such action creates a warping force in
item 30 as arms 70 press radially outwardly on item 30 from inside
its center opening. Arms 70 are thus designed to engage the bottom
surface 46 of item 30 and lift item 30 vertically upwardly with no
warping forces. As hinged arms 70 return to the first position of
retaining hub 32, lip 110 lifts item 30 off of upper surface 44 of
annular outer wall 42 and bumps 95 of fixed supports 140 allowing
the person to grasp the outer edge 170 of item 30 and remove it
from storage container 10. Item 30 is retained by projections 125
prior to removal by the person.
[0062] Hub 32 is also configured to retain item 30 on projections
125 even when item 30 is loosely retained as shown in FIG. 6. A
right-handed person will typically hold storage container 10 in the
left hand while pushing center button 60 with a finger of the right
hand. In this position, hinges 18 are usually in the left palm and
one of arms 70 is disposed straight up, parallel to hinges 18, so
that item 30 does not readily fall off if container 10 is
tilted.
[0063] It may thus be understood that no bending forces are
experienced by item 30 during removal of item 30 from storage
container 10. Bending forces are prevented because item 30 is
supported during the collapse of arms 70 about its radial outer
edge and its radial inner edge by upper surface 44 and bumps 95.
Upper surface 44 and bumps 95 also prevent damaging bending forces
when item 30 is replaced onto retaining hub 32. Item 30 is replaced
by aligning its center hole with retaining lip 110 and providing a
downward force on item 30. The downward force causes retaining lip
110 to move downwardly and inwardly allowing item 30 to contact
bumps 95. When such contact is made, the downward force is removed
and retaining lip 110 is moved back to the storage position by
hinged arms 70 where it engages upper surface 114 of item 30.
[0064] Hub 32 is also configured such that arms 70 may pass below
the lower surface 156 of wall 40 as shown in FIG. 8. Arms 70 may
pass below lower surface 156 because no rigid surfaces are disposed
below cavity 72. Only a card 158 containing information and a
clear, flexible layer 160 are disposed below cavity 72. Layer 160
is loose enough to allow arms 70 to move card 158 out of the way
such that arms 70 may fully collapse. This provides extra room for
arms 70 to collapse during removal of item 30 for container 10.
[0065] Accordingly, the improved storage container for recorded
media is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and
efficient device which achieves all the enumerated objectives,
provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior
devices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the
art.
[0066] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0067] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0068] Having now described the features, discoveries, and
principles of the invention, the manner in which the storage
container for recorded media is constructed and used, the
characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and
useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices,
elements, arrangements, parts, and combinations are set forth in
the appended claims.
* * * * *