U.S. patent application number 11/030935 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for media storage disk case.
This patent application is currently assigned to Forward Electronics Manufacturing Company Limited. Invention is credited to Chung Fai Cheung.
Application Number | 20060151343 11/030935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36652182 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060151343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheung; Chung Fai |
July 13, 2006 |
Media storage disk case
Abstract
A storage media disk case comprising a tray adapted to receive
at least one storage media disk a cover slidable with respect to
said tray between at least an open condition and a closed
condition, in said closed condition said tray and said cover fully
enclosing said disk, and an apparatus associated with said cover or
actuated by said cover adapted to limit or prevent movement of said
disk in said closed condition and present said disk in a removal
position in said open condition.
Inventors: |
Cheung; Chung Fai;
(Aberdeen, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Assignee: |
Forward Electronics Manufacturing
Company Limited
|
Family ID: |
36652182 |
Appl. No.: |
11/030935 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
G9B/33.011; G9B/33.015 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/045 20130101;
G11B 33/0427 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/30 20060101
B65D085/30 |
Claims
1. A storage media disk case comprising a tray adapted to receive
at least one storage media disk a cover slidable with respect to
said tray between at least an open condition and a closed
condition, in said closed condition said tray and said cover fully
enclosing said disk, and an apparatus associated with said cover or
actuated by said cover wherein the movement of said disk in said
closed condition is limited or prevented by said apparatus.
2. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising an elastic member attached to or integral with said tray
adapted to retain said disk in said closed condition and present
said disk in a removal position in said open condition
3. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 2 wherein said
apparatus comprises retaining means for urging said disk against
said elastic member in said closed condition, said retaining means
located on the underside of said cover.
4. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
retaining means located proximate the edge of said cover.
5. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 4 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least one pair of clips on opposing
edges of said cover.
6. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 5 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least two pair of clips on opposing
edges of said cover adapted to locate on the periphery of said disc
in said closed condition.
7. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 6 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least a leading (during closing) pair
of clips, said leading clips including an angled face which
contacts the periphery of said disc during closing.
8. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 7 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least a leading (during closing) pair
of clips, said leading clips including an flat face which contacts
the periphery of said disc in said closed condition.
9. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 8 wherein said
retaining means further adapted to retain a booklet or display
media to the underside of said cover.
10. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 9 wherein said
cover is at least partially transparent.
11. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 10 wherein said
retaining means further comprising at least one further pair of
clips on opposing edges of said cover adapted to adapted to retain
a booklet or display media to the underside of said cover
separately from said disc in said closed condition.
12. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 11 wherein said
cover further comprising a rail to sliding engage said tray and
locking means for securing or retaining said cover in said closed
condition.
13. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 12 further
comprising an indentation in said cover for a user to remove the
cover.
14. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 13 wherein said
indentation including indicia.
15. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
tray adapted to receive a second storage media disk on its
underside and said case further comprising a second lower cover
slidable with respect to the underside of said tray between at
least an open condition and a closed condition, in said closed
condition said tray and said cover fully enclosing said second
disk.
16. A storage media disk case comprising a tray adapted to receive
at least one storage media disc a cover slidable with respect to
said tray between at least an open condition and a closed
condition, in said closed condition said tray and said cover fully
enclosing said disk, and an elastic member attached to or integral
with said tray adapted to retain said disk in said closed condition
and present said disk in a removal position in said open
condition.
17. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 16 further
comprising an apparatus associated with said cover or actuated by
said cover wherein the movement of said disk in said closed
condition is limited or prevented by said apparatus.
18. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 17 wherein said
elastic member comprising a portion of plastic normally biased in
at least a partially upward direction.
19. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 18 wherein
portion of plastic comprises a part annular member, wherein
insertion of the disk and closing of the cover configures said
annular member into a compressed condition forcing said disk
against said apparatus.
20. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 19 opening of the
cover restores said annular member into an uncompressed condition
thereby raising said disk to said removal position.
21. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 20 wherein said
tray further comprising at least a partial wall around the
periphery of said disk.
22. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 21 wherein said
tray further comprising a stub to engage a central aperture of said
disk.
23. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 22 wherein said
annular member at least partly encircles said stub.
24. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 16 wherein said
tray further comprising a rail to sliding engage said cover and
locking means for securing or retaining said cover in said closed
condition.
25. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 16 wherein said
tray adapted to receive a second storage media disk on its
underside and said case further comprising a second lower cover
slidable with respect to the underside of said tray between at
least an open condition and a closed condition, in said closed
condition said tray and said cover fully enclosing said second
disk.
26. A storage media disk case comprising a tray adapted to receive
at least one storage media disk a cover slidable with respect to
said tray between at least an open condition and a closed
condition, in said closed condition said tray and said cover fully
enclosing said disk, and an apparatus associated with said cover or
actuated by said cover adapted to limit or prevent movement of said
disk in said closed condition and present said disk in a removal
position in said open condition.
27. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 25 wherein said
apparatus further comprising an elastic member attached to or
integral with said tray adapted to retain said disk in said closed
condition and present said disk in a removal position in said open
condition
28. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 26 wherein said
apparatus further comprises retaining means for urging said disk
against said elastic member in said closed condition, said
retaining means located on the underside of said cover.
29. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 27 wherein said
retaining means located proximate the edge of said cover.
30. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 28 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least one pair of clips on opposing
edges of said cover.
31. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 29 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least two pair of clips on opposing
edges of said cover adapted to locate on the periphery of said disc
in said closed condition.
32. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 30 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least a leading (during closing) pair
of clips, said leading clips including an angled face which
contacts the periphery of said disc during closing.
33. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 31 wherein said
retaining means comprising at least a leading (during closing) pair
of clips, said leading clips including an flat face which contacts
the periphery of said disc in said closed condition.
34. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 32 wherein said
elastic member comprising a portion of plastic normally biased in
at least a partially upward direction.
35. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein
portion of plastic comprises a part annular member, wherein
insertion of the disk and closing of the cover configures said
annular member into a compressed condition forcing said disk
against said apparatus.
36. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 34 opening of the
cover restores said annular member into an uncompressed condition
thereby raising said disk to said removal position.
37. A storage media disk case as claimed in claim 26 wherein said
tray adapted to receive a second storage media disk on its
underside and said case further comprising a second lower cover
slidable with respect to the underside of said tray between at
least an open condition and a closed condition, in said closed
condition said tray and said cover fully enclosing said second
disk.
38. A receptacle for receiving at least one storage media disk case
wherein each said media storage disk case according to claim
26.
39. A receptacle as claimed in claim 38 further comprising a flange
on the side thereof configured to engage said media storage disk
case.
40. A receptacle as claimed in claim 39 further comprising tabs on
the tabs facing inwardly from said flange configured to engage
slots in the side of said media storage disk case.
41. A receptacle as claimed in claim 40 further comprising a set of
at least one set of clips configured to engage a first lower media
storage disk case to at least one upper media storage disk
case.
42. A receptacle as claimed in claim 41 wherein said clip
comprising inwardly facing tabs configured to engage said slots in
the sides of said media storage disk cases.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to storage systems
particularly though not solely to a enclosure, case or box for
storing media disk such as Digital Video Disks (DVDs) and Compact
Disks (CDs).
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Media storage disk cases such as DVD boxes or CD boxes or
CD-Rom boxes are a common form of providing protection to a disk
contained within the box or case. DVD boxes are commonly made from
a plastics material which has been injection moulded can be from a
single piece and provide a base and lid portion defining covers.
These can move relative to each other by a hinge structure which
allows the pivoting movement of the base and lid to assume a closed
condition providing an case to the interior of the case and an
opened condition allowing the contents of the case to be accessed
by a user. Such boxes or cases will include a rosette onto which a
disk is mounted. The rosette is normally contained on either the
lid or base and allows for the releasable fastening of a disk with
the case. Some DVD's or CD-Rom's or the like cannot contain all the
data desired to be provided in a single retail pack. In such
situations it becomes necessary for a case to be capable of
retaining more than one disk. Where more than one disk is retained
by the case, accessibility to both disks becomes an issue such that
when the case is in an opened condition a person can conveniently
have access to both disks as and when desired. DVD cases often
include a booklet of information and graphics relating to the
contents of the disk and such a booklet is normally provided to the
inside surface of the lid of the covers. The booklet is normally
clipped in place and as a consequence of the booklet being provided
to one of the covers, it is not possible for a second rosette
feature to be provided to the other cover for holding a disk. With
reference to for example FIG. 1, where there is shown a CD case in
the opened condition, it can be seen that the base is provided with
a disk mounting region whereas the lid is absent of such a feature
since this is where the booklet will be clipped.
[0003] A typical problem with such cases is the difficulty in
removing the disk. Even with the rosette disengaged the disk is
quite close to the surface and is not easy to grasp the edge of.
Also even when disengaged the rosette still requires a significant
force to remove the disk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a media storage disk case which goes some way to overcoming
any disadvantages in the prior art or to at least provide the
public with a use of choice.
[0005] Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists
in a storage media disk case comprising
[0006] a tray adapted to receive at least one storage media
disk
[0007] a cover slidable with respect to said tray between at least
an open condition and a closed condition, in said closed condition
said tray and said cover fully enclosing said disk, and
[0008] an apparatus associated with said cover or actuated by said
cover wherein the movement of said disk in said closed condition is
limited or prevented by said apparatus.
[0009] Alternatively elastic member attached to or integral with
said tray adapted to retain said disk in said closed condition and
present said disk in a removal position in said open condition
[0010] Preferably said apparatus comprises retaining means for
urging said disk against said elastic member in said closed
condition, said retaining means located on the underside of said
cover.
[0011] Preferably said retaining means located proximate the edge
of said cover.
[0012] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least one pair
of clips on opposing edges.
[0013] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least two pair
of clips on opposing edges of said cover adapted to locate on the
periphery of said disc in said closed condition.
[0014] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least a
leading (during closing) pair of clips, said leading clips
including an angled face which contacts the periphery of said disc
during closing.
[0015] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least a
leading (during closing) pair of clips, said leading clips
including an flat face which contacts the periphery of said disc in
said closed condition.
[0016] Preferably said retaining means further adapted to retain a
booklet or display media to the underside of said cover.
[0017] Preferably said cover is at least partially transparent.
[0018] Preferably said retaining means further comprising at least
one further pair of clips on opposing edges of said cover adapted
to adapted to retain a booklet or display media to the underside of
said cover separately from said disc in said closed condition.
[0019] Preferably said cover further comprising a rail to sliding
engage said tray and locking means for securing or retaining said
cover in said closed condition.
[0020] Alternatively said indentation in said cover for a user to
remove the cover.
[0021] Preferably said indentation including indicia.
[0022] Preferably said tray adapted to receive a second storage
media disk on its underside and said case further comprising a
second lower cover slidable with respect to the underside of said
tray between at least an open condition and a closed condition, in
said closed condition said tray and said cover fully enclosing said
second disk.
[0023] In a second aspect the present invention consists of a
storage media disk case comprising
[0024] a tray adapted to receive at least one storage media
disc
[0025] a cover slidable with respect to said tray between at least
an open condition and a closed condition, in said closed condition
said tray and said cover fully enclosing said disk, and
[0026] an elastic member attached to or integral with said tray
adapted to retain said disk in said closed condition and present
said disk in a removal position in said open condition.
[0027] Alternatively said apparatus associated with said cover or
actuated by said cover wherein the movement of said disk in said
closed condition is limited or prevented by said apparatus.
[0028] Preferably said elastic member comprising a portion of
plastic normally biased in at least a partially upward
direction.
[0029] Preferably said portion of plastic comprises a part annular
member, wherein insertion of the disk and closing of the cover
configures said annular member into a compressed condition forcing
said disk against said apparatus.
[0030] Alternatively said annular member into an uncompressed
condition thereby raising said disk to said removal position.
[0031] Preferably said tray further comprising at least a partial
wall around the periphery of said disk.
[0032] Preferably said annular member at least partly encircles
said stub.
[0033] Preferably said tray further comprising a rail to sliding
engage said cover and locking means for securing or retaining said
cover in said closed condition.
[0034] Preferably said tray adapted to receive a second storage
media disk on its underside and said case further comprising a
second lower cover slidable with respect to the underside of said
tray between at least an open condition and a closed condition, in
said closed condition said tray and said cover fully enclosing said
second disk.
[0035] In a third aspect the present invention consists of a
storage media disk case comprising
[0036] a tray adapted to receive at least one storage media
disk
[0037] a cover slidable with respect to said tray between at least
an open condition and a closed condition, in said closed condition
said tray and said cover fully enclosing said disk, and
[0038] an apparatus associated with said cover or actuated by said
cover adapted to limit or prevent movement of said disk in said
closed condition and present said disk in a removal position in
said open condition.
[0039] Preferably said apparatus further comprising an elastic
member attached to or integral with said tray adapted to retain
said disk in said closed condition and present said disk in a
removal position in said open condition
[0040] Preferably said apparatus further comprises retaining means
for urging said disk against said elastic member in said closed
condition, said retaining means located on the underside of said
cover.
[0041] Preferably said retaining means located proximate the edge
of said cover.
[0042] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least one pair
of clips on opposing edges of said cover.
[0043] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least two pair
of clips on opposing edges of said cover adapted to locate on the
periphery of said disc in said closed condition.
[0044] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least a
leading (during closing) pair of clips, said leading clips
including an angled face which contacts the periphery of said disc
during closing.
[0045] Preferably said retaining means comprising at least a
leading (during closing) pair of clips, said leading clips
including an flat face which contacts the periphery of said disc in
said closed condition.
[0046] Preferably said elastic member comprising a portion of
plastic normally biased in at least a partially upward
direction.
[0047] Preferably portion of plastic comprises a part annular
member, wherein insertion of the disk and closing of the cover
configures said annular member into a compressed condition forcing
said disk against said apparatus.
[0048] Alternatively said annular member into an uncompressed
condition thereby raising said disk to said removal position.
[0049] Preferably said tray adapted to receive a second storage
media disk on its underside and said case further comprising a
second lower cover slidable with respect to the underside of said
tray between at least an open condition and a closed condition, in
said closed condition said tray and said cover fully enclosing said
second disk.
[0050] Preferably each said media storage disk case according to
claim 26.
[0051] Alternatively said flange on the side thereof configured to
engage said media storage disk case.
[0052] In a further alternative said tabs on the tabs facing
inwardly from said flange configured to engage slots in the side of
said media storage disk case.
[0053] In a further alternative said set of at least one set of
clips configured to engage a first lower media storage disk case to
at least one upper media storage.
[0054] Preferably said clip comprising inwardly facing tabs
configured to engage said slots in the sides of said media storage
disk cases.
[0055] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates,
many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and
applications of the invention will suggest themselves without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are
purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense
limiting.
[0056] The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages
constructions of which the following gives examples only.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] One preferred form of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
[0058] FIG. 1 is an example of a prior art cd case,
[0059] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the top of the cover
according to the first embodiment,
[0060] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the underside of the cover
according to a first embodiment,
[0061] FIG. 4 shows a view looking into the cover from the leading
edge
[0062] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway side view of the cover
[0063] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the tray according to the
first embodiment,
[0064] FIG. 7 is an isometric view showing the cover partially
installed on the tray with the disk installed in the tray and the
cover being slid into a closed condition,
[0065] FIG. 8 shows the cover in a closed condition with respect to
the tray,
[0066] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the
current invention, with an upper and lower tray, the upper tray in
a partially open configuration the lower slide cover closed,
[0067] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a single stacked case,
[0068] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a multiple stacked case,
and
[0069] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the receptacle for stacked
cases.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0070] The present invention is an enclosure or case for disks or
other storage medium of the like. It is generally of the sliding
cover type where the disk is located on a tray and a separate cover
slides over top to cover the disk in a closed condition.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows a case 700 which includes a cover 702 and a
tray 704 which are slidably engaged to each other. The tray and
cover are of a quadrilateral shape in plan view. With reference to
FIG. 7 it can be seen that the tray and cover are preferably of a
rectangular shape in plan view.
[0072] The tray and cover are preferably made from similar plastics
material and are preferably formed by injection moulding. Both the
cover and the tray may be opaque or transparent. Preferably the
cover is at least partially transparent to allow viewing of a
booklet or display media located within.
Cover
[0073] Referring to FIG. 2 the cover 702 is shown. It includes a
rebated leading edge 300. The corners protrude to form an abutment
302, having a lip 304 to overlay the front edge of the tray. Along
the side or major edges, the external portion includes slots 306 to
avoid deformation during molding. Each slot matches a major feature
on the interior to reduce the overall thickness at that point. The
slots can also reduce the overall weight of the case.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 3 the cover 702 is shown, including an
overhanging lip 400 extending the length of the trailing edge. The
lip 400 forms the back wall of the closed case.
[0075] Along the side or major edges, the internal portion includes
a facing lip 404 running the entire length. The rail 402 is
connected via a facing lip 404 to the cover 702. The rails 402 are
preferably of a significant length of the major edge and face
towards the tray 704 in use. In the preferred embodiment the cover
rails 402 run almost the entire length of the major edge.
Preferably the cover rail 402 is of a similar length to the tray
rail 630, although this may not necessarily be the case so long as
in an enclosed condition the cover 702 is securely held against the
tray 704.
[0076] At the trailing end of the cover rail 402, a wedge or
protrusion 406 is provided to lock the cover 702 in place in the
closed position. The protrusion 406 is preferably triangular shaped
to provide a firm lock which can only be dislodged by intentional
opening. Each rail 402 preferably includes a flat upper face 610,
and an angled or curved lower portion 612. The angled surfaces
allow the cover rails to engage with the tray rails by pressing the
cover and the tray together when the cover is lying on top of the
tray. This is an alternative method of engaging the cover rails
with the tray rails.
[0077] Facing inwardly from the facing lips 404 are at least two,
preferably four sloped book clips or tabs 410 preferably two on
each of the facing lips 404. Seen in FIG. 4 each book clip 410 is
mainly hollow and includes an upper facing surface 413 for engaging
a booklet or other display media, and a lower surface 411 for
engaging a disc in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 5, the
leading edge of the leading book clip 410 includes a bevel or slope
415 on its lower surface. The positive incline is provided to
improve the sliding motion over the disc during closing. At the
base 417 of the lower surface is a small flat portion, on which the
disk will finally rest, when fully closed. The area of this flat
portion is minimized to reduce the touching surface onto the disc
thereby avoiding or reducing scratching to the disk. It is also
intended that the portion of the disk which contacts the book clip
is preferably a non data area, or at least a non crucial data
area.
[0078] The upper surface 413 of the clip may be flat or
alternatively may include biased griping means for retaining a
booklet or display media. In the flat embodiment there is
preferably a gap between the upper surface of the clip and the
undersurface of the cover 702. This gap is adjusted to suit typical
booklet or display media thickness, for example 2.5 mm or
below.
[0079] Preferably the cover includes at least one trailing book
clip 419, set back from the leading book clip 410. The trailing
book clip 419 may be flat, or the following edge may include a
bevel or slope on its bottom surface 421. This is to improve the
sliding motion over the disc during opening. Preferably at the base
of the lower surface has a small flat portion 423, on which the
disk will finally rest, when fully closed.
[0080] Further book clips 416 may be provided to hold the booklet
or display media in place, following of the disc engaging clips
410. Preferably these additional clips do not engage the disk but
are simply provided to retain the booklet or other display
media.
[0081] The facing lip 404 also includes a guiding portion 418,
provided to slide against the bottom surface of the tray 704 during
the closing procedure. The guiding portion 418 ensures correct
alignment of the case rails 402 to the tray rails 630. Preferably
the guiding portion is at least provided at the leading end of the
facing lip 404, to initially guide the case rail when first
installed. The leading corner 420 of the guiding portion is
preferably angled or rounded to assist initial insertion into the
tray.
Tray
[0082] Referring to FIG. 6 the tray 704 includes a disk mounting
region which is capable of receiving a disk on stub 602 within
walls 604. Preferably walls 604 extend around a portion of the
periphery of the disk once installed leaving at least a portion
free for access to the disk for removal. The walls 604 are
preferably part annular, and include a steep slope on the interior
circumference 614, and a lesser slope on the exterior circumference
616. A raised portion 621 within the wall contains a surface
sloping down towards the bottom edge of the wall facing the disk.
This facilitates gripping of the perimeter of the disk by a finger
when the disk is to be removed. A circular indentation 623 is for
receiving the tip of a finger.
[0083] Provided adjacent the stub is a clip, lifter or lever 606
which provides an upward force on the disk once installed. The clip
is preferably integrally molded with the tray. The clip is normally
oriented in an unbiased position approximately ten degrees from
horizontal and therefore provides an elastic or spring
characteristic when pressed downward. When the disk is installed
the clip is compressed thereby providing a restoring force upwardly
on the disk, against the book clips. Alternatively this function
may be provided by a spring or other elastic device. The thickness
of the elastic clip is preferably slightly lower than the thickness
of the base of the tray in order to provide elasticity to the
clip.
[0084] The clip may be located within a recess 608, preferably a
semi annular recess partially surrounding the stub. The recess is
preferably of a sufficient depth to accommodate the thickness of
the clip.
[0085] The sides or major edges of the tray are connected via rails
630 to the complimentary cover rails 402. The tray rails 630 are
preferably inwardly facing and run for a substantial portion of the
side or major edge. Each of the tray rails 630 preferably includes
a flat lower face 610, and an angled or curved upper portion 612.
The distance between the external portion of the side edge of the
cover 702 and each of the cover rails 402 should provide at least
enough room for the tray rail 630, although preferably the
tolerance is small to ensure the rails 402 and 630 fit tightly
together in the closed condition. Preferably the tray rails 630 end
before the leading or front edge of the tray 704.
[0086] Underneath the back or trailing end of the tray rail 630 is
a depression or notch 631 which locates the case protrusion 406 in
the closed position.
[0087] At the leading edge of the tray is an abutment flange 618,
upon which the leading edge of the cover 702 rests in the closed
position. The flange 618 forms the front wall of the closed case.
It includes a cut away section 620 in the corner to accommodate the
case corner abutments and a notch 622 for the corner abutment
lip.
[0088] At the back or trailing edge of the tray a partial lip 624
is provided in at least the center, for the case trailing lip to
rest against in the closed position. Preferably near the side edges
it is lower or is not present to allow for the access of the cover
rails 402.
Operation
[0089] As seen in FIG. 7 the disk 700 is dropped into the tray 704
to rest on lifter 606. The disk central hole lines up with stud 602
and the disk is retained loosely within the walls 604. The cover
702 is then moved into position relative to the tray 704 so that
the cover rails 402 can engage with the tray rails 630. Once the
rails are engaged the tray 704 is then slid towards the cover 702,
or vice versa. Near the end of the sliding operation the sloped
book clips will engage the edge of the disk 700. This also pushes
the disk down onto the lifter 606 towards a fully compressed
condition where the disk is rigidly retained in position. The cover
702 will click closed into the tray 704 at the end of its travel as
shown in FIG. 8 which represents the closed condition.
[0090] The open condition is represented with the cover slid back
fully to uncover the disk, or removed altogether.
Double Disk Embodiment
[0091] Referring to FIG. 9, a further embodiment is shown for
accommodating more than one disk with a similar arrangement to that
previously described provided on the underside of the tray 1000, so
that the tray 1000 has an upper cover 1002 and a lower cover 1008.
In this configuration, to access the second disk, the tray 1000 is
simply turned over and the same procedure as described above
followed.
[0092] An upper indentation 1001 may be provided on the side of the
upper cover 1002 near the leading edge 1004. Similarly a lower
indentation 1006 may be provided on the side of the lower cover
1008. The indentations provide purchase for a users fingers when
installing and removing the covers 1002 and 1008 from the tray
1000. The indentations may include indicia, for example indicating
which direction to slide the cover 1002 or 1008 to open the case.
The indicia may include raised or lowered writing to provide
further purchase for the users fingers. To open the double disk
embodiment, two fingers of a hand can respectively grip the two
indentations 1001 on the side of the upper cover while another two
fingers of another hand can respectively grip the two indentations
1006 on the side of the lower cover.
Stacking Embodiment
[0093] Referring to FIG. 10, the present invention is shown
including a receptacle 1020 for receiving at least one of the
previously described case for storing media disks. The receptacle
includes at least one flange 1024 and preferably a second flange
1026 on the sides thereof to engage the sides of the media storage
disk case 1022. Once engaged, the case may be opened by withdrawing
the leading edge 1028 of the tray. Alternatively if the flanges
engage the tray, the cover may be withdrawn as would be appreciated
by one skilled in the art.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 11 the receptacle is shown receiving a
second media storage disk case 1102 and a third media storage disk
case 1104. The receptacle may either engage the lower media storage
disk case in isolation or alternatively may engage the sides of all
received media storage disk cases. In the preferred embodiment only
the lower media storage disk case is engaged to the receptacle and
the upper media storage disk cases are retained through clips 1100
which engage the lower media storage disk case to each immediately
above media storage disk case in turn. Each media storage disk case
may be opened by withdrawing the leading edge 1106 of the tray for
each case.
[0095] As seen in FIG. 12 the receptacle 1204 includes engaging
tabs 1200 extending inwardly from each of the flanges 1202. The
tabs are designed to engage the various slots in the side of the
cover of each of the cases.
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