U.S. patent application number 11/366281 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for disk storage system.
Invention is credited to Glenn Stewart, Brian Taylor.
Application Number | 20070205119 11/366281 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470563 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070205119 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Glenn ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Disk storage system
Abstract
A disk storage system includes a substantially planar disk case,
configured to removably receive a substantially flat disk. The case
includes a locking bar disposed along an edge of the case, the
locking bar being configured to releasably pivotally press fit into
receiving structure of a disk storage container.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Glenn; (Salt Lake
City, UT) ; Taylor; Brian; (Provo, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID R. MCKINNEY, P.C.
P.O. BOX 1460
SANDY
UT
84091
US
|
Family ID: |
38470563 |
Appl. No.: |
11/366281 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
G9B/33.011; G9B/33.018; G9B/33.021 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427 20130101;
G11B 33/0483 20130101; G11B 33/0466 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/30 20060101
B65D085/30 |
Claims
1. A disk storage system, comprising a substantially planar disk
case, configured to removably receive a substantially flat disk,
having a locking bar disposed along an edge of the case, the
locking bar being configured to releasably pivotally press fit into
receiving structure of a disk storage container.
2. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
locking bar comprises a pair of locking bars, disposed along a
common axis on a bottom edge of the case, and whereby the plane of
the disk case can pivot about the bottom edge when connected to the
receiving structure of the disk storage container.
3. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising a disk storage container, having receiving structure
configured to releasably pivotally receive the locking bar of the
disk case.
4. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the
receiving structure comprises a resilient receiving clip, having a
central aperture shaped to pivotally contain the locking bar, and a
pair of over-center lobes, configured to releasably retain the
locking bar within the aperture.
5. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 4, wherein the
locking bar is of a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the
central aperture includes faceted sides, whereby the disk case is
urged to pivot between discrete angular positions.
6. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising a moveable index tab, removably attached to an edge of
the case, and configured to bear indicia related to the contents of
a disk contained in the case.
7. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 6, further
comprising a plurality of mounting holes, disposed along a top edge
of the case, the moveable indexing tab having a mounting post
configured to removably insert into to any of the mounting
holes.
8. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising interlocking structure, comprising an upstanding
protrusion on one side of the planar disk case, and an alignment
recess on the opposite side of the planar disk case, the protrusion
of one case being configured to fit into the recess of another case
when stacked one atop another, so as to align and interlock the
stacked cases.
9. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the
upstanding protrusion comprises a plurality of ridges disposed on a
top surface of the disk case, and the alignment recess is
associated with a bottom surface of the disk case.
10. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the
disk case includes a top face and a bottom face, and the
interlocking structure further includes a center protrusion,
generally aligned with a center of the disk case and extending from
the bottom face, and a slot disposed in the top face and generally
aligned with the center of the disk case, configured to receive the
center protrusion.
11. A disk storage system, comprising a substantially planar disk
case, configured to removably receive a substantially flat disk,
the disk case having interlocking structure, comprising an
upstanding protrusion on one side of the planar disk case, and a
recess on the opposite side of the planar disk case, the protrusion
of one case being configured to fit into the recess of another case
when stacked one atop another, so as to promote substantial
alignment of the stacked cases.
12. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the
upstanding protrusion comprises a plurality of arcuate ridges,
disposed on a top surface of the disk case and generally
concentrically aligned with a center of the case, and the alignment
recess comprises a plurality of recesses associated with a bottom
surface of the disk case.
13. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the
disk case comprises a base portion and a closeable lid, and the
interlocking structure further includes a center protrusion
extending downwardly from the lid and through an aperture in the
base portion when the lid is closed, and the lid further including
a center slot in a top face thereof, configured to receive the
center protrusion to promote alignment of the stacked cases.
14. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 11, further
comprising a pair of locking bars, generally axially aligned along
an edge of the case, the locking bars being configured to
releasably pivotally press fit into receiving structure of a disk
storage container.
15. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 14, further
comprising a disk storage container, having receiving structure
comprising a pair of resilient receiving clips configured to
releasably pivotally receive the locking bars, the receiving clips
having a central aperture shaped to pivotally contain the locking
bar, and a pair of over-center lobes, configured to releasably
retain the locking bar within the aperture
16. A disk storage system, comprising a substantially planar disk
case, configured to removably receive a substantially flat disk,
having a locking bar disposed along an edge of the case; and a disk
storage device, having receiving structure configured to releasably
pivotally receive the locking bar of the disk case.
17. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 16, wherein the
disk storage device is selected from the group consisting of a
rotary disk storage device, a tray-type disk storage device, and a
chain-type disk storage device comprising a plurality of
interconnectable links having the receiving structure attached
thereto.
18. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 16, wherein the
receiving structure comprises a resilient receiving clip, having a
central aperture shaped to pivotally contain the locking bar, and a
pair of over-center lobes, configured to releasably retain the
locking bar within the aperture.
19. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 18, wherein the
locking bar is of a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and the
central aperture includes faceted sides, whereby the disk case is
urged to pivot between discrete angular positions.
20. A disk storage system in accordance with claim 16, further
comprising a moveable index tab, removably attached to an edge of
the case, and configured to bear indicia related to the contents of
a disk contained in the case.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to storage
containers for compact disks, digital video disks and the like, and
organizing systems for such containers.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Since the introduction of the optical laser disk, better
known as the Compact Disk (CD), and subsequently the Digital Video
Disk (DVD), there have been a wide variety of devices designed to
protect, store and file individual or multiple CDs and/or DVDs. One
of the first of these devices introduced to the market was the
"jewel case." Made of rigid polycarbonate, the jewel case is an
assembled case of two-piece construction including a lid and a
base. The lid includes a very small cylindrical protrusion that
"snaps" into a corresponding cylindrical slot in the base of the
case to provide a hinge between the lid and base.
[0005] Jewel cases are approximately 8 times as thick as the CD/DVD
disk that they are designed to contain. This thickness allows for
text to be displayed on the edge of the case for identifying the
contents of the disk that is stored in the case, which helps with
indexing and filing of the CD/DVDs. The disk that is stored in the
case also snaps securely to the center of the base portion of the
case, holding it in place.
[0006] The jewel case does a very good job of holding and
protecting a CD/DVD until the case happens to be dropped or
encounters a strong shock, at which time the case tends to pop
open, often releasing the CD/DVD. In many cases of such mechanical
shock, the polycarbonate material of the case is damaged or broken,
and the case is thus often rendered unusable. The rigid
polycarbonate material and the design are unforgiving to strong
impacts, which reduces the efficiency and suitability of the jewel
case for protecting the CD/DVD.
[0007] Because the jewel case was one of the very first devices
developed to store CDs and DVDs, there have been many shelving and
container systems that have been developed that conform to the
dimensional standards of the relatively thick jewel case.
Unfortunately, many of these shelving or container storage systems
do not include a provision for positively securing the jewel case
to the storage device. Consequently, in many such systems the jewel
case can easily fall out or off of the filing system. When the
jewel case falls from any one of these filing systems, the case is
frequently compromised, damaged, or destroyed in the impact, thus
negating the protective nature of the case. Additionally, if the
jewel case is not placed into the storage or filing system in the
correct manner, the indexing feature of the readable text on the
spine becomes unavailable to read, negating the benefits of this
feature of the jewel case.
[0008] There have been several variations on the jewel case theme.
One is the slim line jewel case. The slim line jewel case includes
the same type of center locking method for securing the CD/DVD to
the base of the case, and is generally made of the same
polycarbonate material, with the same type of two-piece hinge.
Unlike the standard jewel case, however, the slim line jewel case
is much thinner, being only 4 times as thick as a CD/DVD. One
drawback of this configuration is that there is no longer space for
identification information to be provided on the spine of the case.
Additionally, the slim-line case retains all of the other
shortcomings of the standard jewel case, except that it is
thinner.
[0009] The standardization of the jewel case has also spawned a
jewel case that holds multiple CD/DVDs. Because multiple disk jewel
cases are thicker, this brings back the information feature on the
spine of the case. However, this device still leaves the case
vulnerable to the lack of protecting the CD/DVD from sudden impact.
It appears that all of the known versions of the jewel case are
variously susceptible to a lack of protection against dropping,
and/or also tend to present difficulties for storing, filing and/or
indexing.
[0010] Another approach to the issue of protecting CDs/DVDs was
introduced in the form of the c-shell type of CD/DVD cases. C-shell
cases offer a higher degree of protection than jewel cases.
C-shells are constructed of a polypropylene material that is not as
rigid as the polycarbonate material that is used for jewel cases.
This style of case is generally of integral (i.e. one piece)
constructed, and is produced through a single injection molding
process. The c-shell case incorporates a "living hinge" that
connects the lid and base portions together. In a living hinge, the
hinge is a thin section of the material of the case, which
integrally joins the lid and base portions of the case, and is
integrally molded of the same material in the same mold as the
entire case. The flexibility of the material of the hinge allows
the top and bottom halves of the case to easily fold together.
[0011] C-shell cases are economical because they are made in a
single mold and no assembly is required. They also offer a higher
level of protection to the CD/DVD because of the greater resilience
of the polypropylene material and the configuration of the hinge.
When a C-shell case receives a sudden impact or is dropped, the
case resists breaking, opening or coming apart to a greater degree
than do jewel cases in a similar situation.
[0012] Clasp configurations for c-shell cases come in two different
styles. One style of case uses tabs associated with the hole at the
center of the CD/DVD to interlock the top and bottom of the case.
Another style of clasp includes small interlocking tabs on the
edges of the top and bottom of the case that lock the two portions
together. Either style of closure can be sufficient, and c-shell
cases generally use one or the other type of closure, but not both.
Either of these types of clasps are subject to fatigue if the case
is opened and closed excessively. After repeated opening and
closing of the case these features can loose their ability to
maintain a strong hold to the other side of the case to keep it
closed. This can result in the reduction of the ability of the
c-shall case to protect the CD/DVD.
[0013] In addition to protecting their contents, another
distinguishing characteristic of CD/DVD holders is their provision
for allowing systematic organization and storage of multiple
holders. Only one style of the c-shell type of cases offers a
systematic method for organizing or storing the individual cases.
This style of case utilizes a standard 3 ring binder hole spacing,
the holes being provided in an edge tab of the c-shell case, for
filing individual cases into a 3-ring binder. While this approach
has some advantages, it does not allow a large number of cases to
be stored or indexed in a systematic method because of practical
size limitations of 3-ring binders. The 3-ring binder is a marginal
system for storing papers, and is even less adequate for filing or
storing CD/DVD cases, which are much thicker than paper.
[0014] Another style of CD/DVD case that offers a system for
storing and indexing CD/DVDs is the soft material or paper holders.
Soft material or paper holders include substantially planar,
flexible pockets into which CDs/DVDs can be inserted. The pockets
can have a wide variety of shapes, sizes, styles, textures, or
systematic holding containers. This style of holding system offers
probably the best systematic approach to storing and indexing
CD/DVDs. This type of system is also very thin, and allows a large
number of CD/DVDs to be stored in a small space. Soft material or
paper holders can also offer a viewing window on the protective
sleeve to identify the CD/DVD, and a location on the sleeve or
pocket to place labels or other information.
[0015] Unfortunately, soft material or paper holders fall far short
of good protection. Some of these systems have the ability to close
an entire container of protective sleeves, but once the system is
opened, the CDs/DVDs are vulnerable to fall out of the holders.
They also do not offer very good protection for individual
CDs/DVDs. The only method of removing the CD/DVD from the system is
as a bare individual disk. This removes all protection, and also
defeats system-to-system interchangeability (i.e. the ability to
easily transfer a single disk from one storage system to another).
The technique used to remove the CD/DVD from the protective sleeve
also has drawbacks. The sleeve offers very little space for an
individual to reach into the sleeve and retrieve the CD/DVD without
contacting the optical portion of the disk.
[0016] There is another type or style of CD/DVD storage system that
is relevant to this discussion. It is known as the "cake box"
system. Cake boxes are typically used for bulk storage of blank or
burnt CD/DVDs. They offer a space-efficient method for storing and
protecting CDs/DVDs. With the top of the cake box on, there is
significant physical protection of the entirety of disks. One
problem with cake box systems, however, is that it is difficult to
access individual disks because they are merely stacked in series
on a stick. To access a middle or bottom disk, all of the preceding
disks must be removed. Once the top of the cake box has been
removed, the bare disks are exposed, and removing them from the
stack has the potential to damage the optical side of the disk.
Additionally, with cake box systems there is no simple method for
transferring a single disk from one storage system to another.
[0017] In sum, there are a wide variety of CD/DVD storage cases and
systems that are now available. However, these systems have various
limitations and drawbacks, such as those mentioned above. For the
above and other reasons, there is a need for the present
invention.
SUMMARY
[0018] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a CD/DVD storage system that adequately protects the disks,
and also allows easy identification of the CD/DVD type, contents or
title.
[0019] It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to
have a CD/DVD storage system that allows standardized,
system-to-system transfer of CD/DVD cases.
[0020] In accordance with one embodiment thereof, the present
invention provides a disk storage system, including a substantially
planar disk case, configured to removably receive a substantially
flat disk, having a locking bar disposed along an edge of the case.
The locking bar is configured to releasably pivotally press fit
into receiving structure of a disk storage container.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect thereof, the invention
provides a disk storage system, including a substantially planar
disk case, configured to removably receive a substantially flat
disk, and having interlocking structure. The interlocking structure
includes an upstanding protrusion on one side of the planar disk
case, and a recess on the opposite side of the planar disk case.
The protrusion of one case is configured to fit into the recess of
another case when stacked one atop another, so as to promote
substantial alignment of the stacked cases.
[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect thereof, the invention
provides a disk storage system, including a substantially planar
disk case, configured to removably receive a substantially flat
disk, and a disk storage device. The disk storage case includes a
locking bar disposed along an edge thereof, and the disk storage
device includes receiving structure configured to releasably
pivotally receive the locking bar of the disk case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and
wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a disk
storage case in accordance with the present invention, showing the
lid open;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the disk storage
container of FIG. 1 with the lid closed;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the disk storage
container of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIGS. 4a and 4b are cross-sectional perspective views of one
disk storage container and two stacked disk storage containers,
respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cross-section being
taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
[0028] FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross-sectional perspective views of one
disk storage container and two stacked disk storage containers,
respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cross-section being
taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary
storage device configured for holding a plurality of disk storage
cases like that of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a linear
tray-type storage device configured for holding a plurality of disk
storage cases like that of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible
link-type storage system configured for holding a plurality of disk
storage cases like that of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of the link-type
storage system of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a locking bar and
corresponding receiving clips having a circular cross-section;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a locking bar and
corresponding receiving clips having an octagonal
cross-section;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a locking bar having a
square cross-section and a corresponding receiving clip having a
sixteen-sided cross-section; and
[0036] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a locking bar having a
truncated octagonal cross-section, and a corresponding receiving
clip having a sixteen-sided cross-section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0038] As noted above, the inventors have recognized that it would
be desirable to have a single CD/DVD case that adequately addresses
several desirable factors for a CD/DVD storage case, including
protecting the CD/DVD, identifying the CD/DVD type, contents or
title, and providing a case that allows standardized,
system-to-system transfer of disks in their protective cases. There
have been several filing systems developed to accommodate various
types of CD/DVD cases, but many of these systems are independent of
the cases themselves. Additionally, many of these prior systems do
not offer a method to positively attach the case in a way that
would ensure that the case does not fall out of the
holding/storing/filing system. It is difficult to create a wide
variety of storing/filing containers without a standardized feature
built into the CD/DVD case that allows for the case to be
transferred from one storage/filing system to another. Although the
case's primary objective is to protect the CD/DVD from damage, it
can also offer a built-in method for storing, filing or organizing
the CD/DVD once it is in the case.
[0039] Advantageously, the inventors have developed a system for
protecting, storing, filing and indexing compact disks, digital
video disks, and the like. The system includes a very thin and
durable CD/DVD case that can be releasably connected to a wide
variety of organizing, storing or filing systems, and also includes
a convenient system for identifying individual disks. The disk
coupling system includes a "standard" sized coupling feature built
into the case itself, which can then be attached to a
holding/storing/filing system. Consequently, many different types
of organizing systems can be developed to receive the developed
standardized feature.
[0040] Various views of one embodiment of a CD/DVD case configured
as part of the disk storage system are provided in FIGS. 1-3. The
case 10 generally includes a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14
that are interconnected by a living hinge 16. The living hinge is a
relatively thin portion of material that integrally connects the
top and base portions together. Because of the living hinge
configuration, the entire case 10 is an integral unit that can be
injection molded in a single piece, and no assembly is required.
For purposes of this discussion, and with reference to the
embodiments shown in the figures, the edge of the case that
includes the living hinge 16 and the locking bars 60 (discussed
below) is referred to as the "bottom" edge 18 of the case, and the
edge of the case that is opposite the hinge is referred to as the
"top" edge 20.
[0041] The base portion 12 includes a shallow, generally
cylindrical depression 22 that is just slightly larger in diameter
than a disk (e.g. a CD/DVD, not shown) that is to be stored in the
case. At the center of the depressed region is disk mounting
assembly 24. The mounting assembly includes a plurality (usually 3
or 4) of partially disconnected flexible resilient disk locking
tabs 26 located around its periphery. These disk locking tabs are
configured to deflect and snap into the center hole of a disk to
removably attach the disk to the base portion. The cylindrical
depression 22 facilitates easy insertion of the disk into the case,
and also promotes easy alignment of the center hole of the disk
with the disk mounting assembly.
[0042] The base portion 12 also includes two concentric disk
support ridges that are designed to contact and support the plane
of a disk that is mounted on the mounting assembly and keep the
data-bearing surface of the disk away from direct contact with the
base portion. The support ridges include an inner support ridge 28
that is substantially continuous and located near the disk mounting
assembly, and an outer support ridge 30 that is discontinuous and
located near the periphery of the cylindrical depression 22. The
inner and outer support ridges are positioned to support the disk
above the surface of the base portion without contacting the
data-bearing portion of the disk. The inner support ridge 28a is
positioned to contact the disk near it's center hole, inside of the
data-bearing portion of the disk, and the outer support ridge is
likewise positioned to contact the outside edge of the disk,
outward of the data-bearing surface of the disk. The provision of
the support ridges helps reduce possible damage to or deterioration
of the disk from contact with the disk case, and also provides a
small gap between the disk and the base portion, so as to
facilitate removal of the disk from the case.
[0043] The base portion 12 also includes a pair of finger slots 32,
which are semi-circular extensions of the cylindrical depression 22
in which the disk is mounted. The finger slots provide clearance
around the edge of the disk to allow a user to lift the disk edge
with their fingertips to cause the disk to pop off of the mounting
assembly 24, in order to remove the disk from the case.
[0044] Like the base portion 12, the lid portion 14 also includes a
shallow cylindrical depression 34, with a perimeter lip 36 that
extends substantially completely therearound. In the center of the
depression is a center post 38 that is configured to insert into
the center aperture 40 of the mounting assembly 24 when the case 10
is in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 2).
[0045] The base 12 also includes a discontinuous arcuate lip 42
surrounding the base depression 22. This lip of a larger diameter
than the disk and leaves a small clearance between the edge of a
disk disposed in the case and the inside surface of the lip. When
the lid is closed over the base portion, as shown in FIG. 2, the
outer edges 44 of the perimeter lip 36 of the lid fits inside the
lip 42 of the base portion. Closure of the lid can be maintained by
sizing the lid to provide a snug press fit between the outer edge
44 of the lid and the arcuate lip 42 of the base. Additionally, the
center post 38 of the lid can be configured of a desired size to
provide a snug press fit into the center aperture 40 of the
mounting assembly 24. Alternatively or also additionally, the lid
can be provided with one or more detent devices (not shown)
associated with the outer edge and/or the center post, so that the
lid is held closed with a positive snap fit.
[0046] To facilitate opening of the case, the lid includes two side
edges 46, which can be flattened as shown, and are positioned to
lie within two edge depressions 48 in the sides of the base portion
when the case is closed, as shown in FIG. 2. When the case is
closed, a user can open the lid simply by holding the base portion
with one hand and pulling the side edges 46 of the lid away from
the base with the fingers of the other hand.
[0047] The discontinuous lip 42 of the base portion 12 extends
between the cylindrical depression 22 and several elevated surface
portions 50a-50c of the base. These elevated surface portions
remain exposed and become generally coplanar with the lid 14 when
the lid is closed. The elevated portions of the base include
several groups of concentric arcuate ridges 52a-52c. These ridges
operate in conjunction with corresponding alignment recesses
54a-54c provided on the bottom of the base portion 12 of the case
and shown in FIG. 3. When one case is stacked atop another case,
the arcuate ridges on the top of the lower case fit into the
alignment recesses on the bottom of the upper case. It will be
apparent that the location of the ridges and alignment recesses can
be reversed, with the ridges on the bottom of the case and the
alignment recesses on the top.
[0048] The configuration and operation of the stacking alignment
structure is also shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4 and
5. It can be clearly seen from these figures that the ridges 52a
disposed near the top edge 20 of the case fit into the upper
alignment recess 54a. Though not shown directly in the
cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5, the ridges 52b and 52c,
located at the lower corners of the base portion, similarly fit
into the corresponding alignment recesses 54b and 54c. In this way,
a stack of disk cases interlock together, so that disk cases will
not slide off of each other when stacked. The configuration of the
arcuate ridges and alignment recesses also provides additional
benefits. For example, the appearance of the ridges provides an
aesthetically pleasing design, and the ridges and alignment slots
naturally make the case easier to grasp and hold onto. Standard
jewel cases with their smooth surfaces can sometimes be slippery
and difficult to hold onto. Also, the series of separate ridges
helps reduce the weight of the disk case.
[0049] Additional stacking alignment features are also shown in the
cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4a and 4b. As noted above, the
center post 38 of the lid 14 is configured to insert into the
center aperture 40 of the mounting assembly 24 of the base portion
12. The center post is of a length such that, when fully inserted
into the center aperture of the mounting assembly, the free end 56
of the center post extends below the bottom surface of the base
portion, creating a small circular protrusion at the center of the
case. At the same time, on the outer surface of the lid 14, the
inside of the base of the center post includes a circular slot 58.
The center post can have a slightly tapered shape so that the
protruding free end of the center post of one closed case will just
fit into the circular slot on the top of the lid of a case below
when the cases are stacked. This operation is clearly shown in FIG.
4b. The arcuate ridges 52 and alignment recesses 54, along with the
center post protrusion 56 and slot 58 all function to provide
stacking alignment structure that helps keep cases aligned and
stable when stacked. The cases effectively interlock together.
[0050] Advantageously, the configuration of the disk case 10 allows
it to be very thin. In various embodiments, the case can be less
than 4 times the thickness of an individual CD/DVD. In the
embodiment shown in the figures, the case is approximately 0.162''
thick, which is about 4 times the thickness of an individual
CD/DVD. The case can be injection molded of polypropylene or other
materials, such as polycarbonate and polyurethane. Polypropylene
provides greater toughness and resilience than the polycarbonate
material of traditional jewel cases. This greater toughness and
resilience advantageously provides good protection in a thinner,
lighter-weight container. Polypropylene also has sufficient
flexibility and toughness to provide a durable yet flexible living
hinge feature.
[0051] Disposed along the bottom edge 18 of the base portion 12 are
a pair of locking bars 60 surrounded by notches 62. The lid portion
also includes corresponding notches 64 that are positioned to align
with the notches 62 in the base portion when the lid is closed. The
notches provide a clear passage around the top of the locking bars,
so that the locking bars can operate as hinge pins. The locking
bars and the clearance of the notches around them are clearly shown
in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4a and 4b.
[0052] Advantageously, the locking bars 60, in conjunction with
receiving clips (66 in FIGS. 6-9) of a disk storage/filing device,
provide a coupling feature. The coupling feature has a dual
function. First, it removably connects the case to the
storage/filing container or system, allowing the case 10 to be
easily and repeatedly inserted into and removed from the disk
storage/filing container. Second, it provides a pivot point for the
CD case within the storage/filing container or system, thereby
facilitating easier viewing and removal of CD cases from the
storage system. The receiving clips are designed to receive the
locking bars of the CD case, and can be provided in an array of
multiple receiving clips so that the storage or filing container
can accommodate a number of CD cases.
[0053] The coupling feature of the disk storage system disclosed
herein essentially comprises a coupler, including a first coupling
member associated with the CD case 10, the locking bar 60 being one
embodiment of a first coupling member, and a second coupling member
associated with a disk storage device, the receiving clip 66 being
one embodiment of such a second coupling member. The second
coupling member is configured to releasably receive the first
coupling member, so that the disk case can be selectively attached
to and removed from the disk storage device, and aligned so that
the disk case can pivot about an axis parallel to an edge of the
disk case (in this case the bottom edge 18) when attached to the
storage device.
[0054] Three embodiments of disk storage/filing containers are
shown in FIGS. 6-9. These disk storage/filing containers each
include a series of pairs of receiving clips 66 that are configured
to resiliently interlock with the locking bars 60 of individual
disk cases, so that the locking bar is held in the disk
storage/filing container like a hinge pin in a hinge. The coupling
feature of the locking bars in conjunction with the receiving clips
can provide a connecting system for any of a wide variety of
storing/filing containers or systems.
[0055] The storage/filing container 200 of FIG. 6 is a rotary
storage/index system that is configured similar to a Rolodex.RTM.
index card organizing system. This system includes two rows of
aligned receiving clips 66 disposed around the perimeter of a
horizontally pivoting shaft or roller 202. The horizontal shaft is
mounted on a pair of support legs 204, and includes a pair of
rolling handles 206 located on each end. The support legs are
spaced apart and are tall enough to allow disks to pass between the
legs without contacting the legs or the surface supporting the
storage/filing container as the roller is rotated.
[0056] To use the type of disk storage/filing container 200 shown
in FIG. 6, the locking bars 60 of a disk case 10 are inserted into
an aligned pair of locking clips 66, so that the case is attached
to the horizontal roller 202 in a plane that is generally parallel
to the rotational axis 208 of the roller. The locking bars 60 are
generally collinear, which allows them to act as hinge pins, to
allow pivoting of the locking bars within the receiving clips 66.
Accordingly, under the force of gravity, disk cases that are
attached to the rotational storage/index system 200 will naturally
tend to hang downwardly, or to rotate to rest against the nearest
adjacent disk in the system, depending upon the rotational position
of the roller 202 relative to the position of the respective disk
case. However, the receiving clips 66 provide a strong enough
connection that disks will not unintentionally come out, such as
when a disk case is in a hanging position, as illustrated by the
inverted disk 10a in FIG. 6, or under the weight of adjacent disk
cases that are resting against a given disk case. The notches 62,
64 in the disk case provide clearance around the locking bars for
the receiving clip structure, so as not to interfere with the
pivoting motion.
[0057] Because of the rotational configuration of the disk
storage/filing container 200 and the natural pivoting of disk cases
10 under the force of gravity, a relatively large space or gap will
naturally open between a pair of disks on the top or front of the
disk storage/filing container. To gain access to a desired disk
case, the user simply twists one of the rolling handles 206 until
the desired disk case is visible and accessible in the gap. In this
way a user can see and gain access to any desired disk. To remove
the desired disk, the user manually grasps the disk case, and pulls
the case until the locking bars 60 snap out of the receiving clips
66.
[0058] Another embodiment of a disk storage/filing container is
shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the disk storage/filing
container 300 comprises a generally linear tray 302 having two
lines of aligned receiving clips 62 extending from the front end
304 of the tray to the back end 306. This embodiment of a storage
container is similar to a card catalog tray that organizes specific
sized cards, except that in this case the tray holds and organizes
disk cases 10. The locking bars 60 of disk cases are inserted into
aligned pairs of receiving clips, so that the disk cases are
arranged in series from the front to the back of the tray.
[0059] The rear wall 308 of the tray 302 can be configured to allow
the rearmost disk case to recline backwardly, thereby allowing all
disks in front of it to also recline to rest upon the next adjacent
disk case therebehind. To gain access to a desired disk case, a
user simply rotates cases forward starting at the front of the
tray, so that the frontmost disk case leans forwardly against the
front wall 310 of the tray, and disks behind can then also rotate
forward to rest against the preceding case. This procedure allows
sequential viewing of and access to each case in the tray.
[0060] Another embodiment of a disk storage/filing container system
is depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. This storage system 400 comprises a
plurality of flexibly interconnectable receiving clip links 402,
which each include a receiving clip 66. The receiving clip links
are in turn interconnected by connecting links 404. The receiving
clip links and connecting links can be configured with interlocking
structure to allow a chain of receiving clip links of any desired
length to be connected together. For example, the interconnecting
links can have a detent pin 406 on one end, and a detent slot 408
on the opposing end, and the receiving clip links can be configured
similarly. Alternatively, the interconnecting links can include
only detent slots, and the receiving clip links include only detent
pins. Other configurations are also possible.
[0061] The chain-type receiving clip structure 400 can be modularly
constructed, so that the receiving clip links 402 each comprise an
assembly of one receiving clip link with one permanently attached
interconnecting link pair 404. In this configuration, the receiving
clip links can only attach to other receiving clip links in one
orientation, so that the spacing and alignment of pairs of
receiving clips is assured. The chain-type receiving clip structure
allowing a chain of links to be interconnected user to interconnect
any number of receiving clip links in series.
[0062] The locking bars 60 and receiving clips 66 can be configured
in a variety of ways. Cross-sectional views of several different
embodiments of locking bars and corresponding receiving clips, both
in the interlocked and disconnected conditions, are shown in FIGS.
10-13. As a general matter, the locking bar 60 interlocks into the
receiving clip 66 due to a dimensional technique known as "over
centering." This applies to each of the receiving clip and locking
bar configurations shown in FIGS. 10-13. The receiving clip
includes opposing lobes 68 that encircle the receiving clip
aperture 70 and define an arc that extends over the center--i.e.
more than 180.degree. around--the aperture. This provides an
opening 72 between the clip lobes that has a slightly smaller width
W than the maximum dimension or thickness of the locking bar, so
that pressure must be exerted on the case to deform the lobes and
allow the locking bar to pass into the inner aperture of the
receiving clip. In FIG. 10, the locking bar 60a has a maximum
thickness of T.sub.1 which is greater than the width W. Once
pressed in, the clip lobes snap back to their normal shape or
position, and thus hold the locking bar within the aperture.
[0063] In FIGS. 10-13 the receiving clips 66 are shown as a part of
a continuous receiving clip strip 74a-74d having a series of
individual receiving clips. This type of configuration could be
attached to the roller 202 of the rotary storage/filing system 200
of FIG. 6, or to the bottom of the tray-type storage/filing
container 300 of FIG. 7. However, the various shapes and
configurations of the receiving clips shown in FIGS. 10-13 are also
applicable to the chain-type storage/filing system 400 of FIGS. 8
and 9, even though each receiving clip link 402 includes only one
receiving clip.
[0064] Shown in FIG. 10 is a locking bar 60a having a circular
cross-section, and a receiving clip 66a also having a circular
shape. The aperture 70 of the receiving clip has circularly curved
sides 76 to match the shape of the locking bar. The matching
circular shape of the locking bar and aperture allows the locking
bar to pivot within the aperture like a hinge pin. The receiving
clip can also provide frictional resistance to pivoting of the disk
case, depending upon the tightness of the fit between the receiving
clip and the locking bar.
[0065] The locking bars and receiving clips can also have various
other cross-sectional shapes, as shown in FIGS. 11-13. Shown in
FIG. 11 is a locking bar 60b having an octagonal cross-section, and
a receiving clip 66b having a series of facets 78 that correspond
to the shape and size of the facets 80 on the locking bar. In this
configuration, the minimum dimension T.sub.2 of the locking bar is
still greater than the width W of the opening 72 of the receiving
clip to prevent the case 10 from unintentionally falling out of the
receiving clip. Nevertheless, once the locking bar is inserted into
the receiving clip, the locking bar can pivot within the aperture
of the receiving clip, but the arrangement of the facets provides a
detent mechanism that urges the locking bar (and hence the disk
case) to rotate between several discrete angular positions,
depending upon the number of facets on the locking bar and the
receiving clip. Thus, rotation of the disk case relative to the
receiving clip is resisted not only by friction, but also by a
mechanical interlock between the locking bar and receiving
clip.
[0066] While an eight-sided locking bar is shown in FIG. 11, it
will be apparent that the locking bar 60 can have any number of
sides, from three sides to an infinite number of sides (i.e. a
smooth curved surface, such as circular, elliptical, oval, etc.).
Moreover, the cross-section of the locking bar need not be regular
or symmetrical, or with sides of uniform size, whether it is curved
or polygonal, and the shape of the locking bar can be selected to
correspond to or differ from the cross-sectional shape of the
aperture 70 of the respective receiving clip 62.
[0067] Other cross-sectional shapes that can be used for the
locking bar and/or receiving clip include an egg-shaped (not shown)
or kidney-shaped (not shown) cross-section. Similarly, a polygonal
locking bar having a star or some other shape (not shown) or an
irregular shape including one or more protrusions (not shown) for
mechanically interlocking with the receiving clip can also be used.
Additionally, the cross-section of the locking bar and/or the
aperture of the receiving clip can be a combination shape, such as
a combined polygon (e.g. one side shaped as a hexagon, the other
side being square), or a combined smooth shape (e.g. one side
circular, the other elliptical). It will be apparent that a wide
variety of other cross-sectional shapes can also be used.
[0068] Additionally, the shape of the locking bar need not directly
match the shape of the receiving clip. Indeed, the receiving clips
can have a standard shape configured to accept a variety of shapes
of locking bars--a sort of universal configuration--so that CD
cases having a variety of shapes of locking bars can be
accommodated by any storage or filing device having the standard
receiving clip shape. One example of such a situation is shown in
FIG. 12. In this configuration, the locking bar 60c has a square
cross-section, while the receiving clip 66c has a plurality of
facets 82 that would correspond to a sixteen sided locking bar. In
this configuration, the sides 84 of the locking bar do not directly
match in size, shape and angular orientation with the facets of the
receiving clip.
[0069] However, the minimum dimension T.sub.3 of the locking bar is
still greater than the width W of the opening 72 of the receiving
clip, and the corners 86 of the square locking bar will fit into
the angular grooves 88 between the facets of the receiving clip.
Since the number of facets of the receiving clip is a multiple of
the number of sides of the locking bar, the square locking bar will
naturally tend to lock at the same specific angular orientations as
would a sixteen-sided locking bar, but the interlock will provide
less resistance to rotation because there is less mechanical
contact between the two structures. Advantageously, this
configuration allows the CD case to be easily inserted into or
removed from the receiving clip when the locking bar is oriented
with two of its flat faces normal to the receiving clip, and
provides additional resistance to removal when at other angular
orientations.
[0070] Another irregular polygonal shape that can be used for a
locking bar is shown in FIG. 13. This locking bar 60d is an
irregular octagonal shape having two large facets 90 located on
opposing sides of the locking bar, with a group of smaller facets
92 located between each of the larger facets. The smaller facets on
the locking bar correspond in size and angular orientation with the
facets 94 on the inside of the receiving clip. In the configuration
of FIG. 13, the receiving clips have a sixteen-sided configuration
like that in FIG. 12, though the number size and angular variation
of the facets on the receiving clip and locking bar can vary.
[0071] Like the square locking bar shown in FIG. 12, the
configuration of FIG. 13 allows the CD case 10 to be easily
inserted into or removed from the receiving clip 66 if and only if
the case is in a particular angular orientation. The dimension
T.sub.4 of the locking bar measured between the large facets 90 is
less than the thickness T.sub.5 of the locking bar measured between
the smaller facets 92. However, T.sub.4 is still greater than the
dimension W of the gap 72 between the lobes of the receiving clip.
Consequently, insertion or removal of the locking bar will be
easier when T.sub.4 is aligned with W, and more difficult when it
is not.
[0072] In this embodiment, the large facets 90 are substantially
aligned with the front face 96 and rear face 98 of the CD case 10.
To insert the locking bar 60d into the receiving clip 66d, the user
holds the disk case so that the plane of the case is generally
perpendicular to the base 96 of the receiving clip, and the small
dimension T.sub.4 of the locking bar is aligned with the gap
between the receiving clip lobes. The user can then easily press
the locking bar into the receiving clip, where it will be securely
held as shown at the position designated 98 in FIG. 13. However,
when the case is rotated from its insertion orientation, the wider
dimension T.sub.5 of the locking bar will rotate to an orientation
that is across the opening 72 of the receiving clip, thus
increasing the mechanical interconnection between the receiving
clip and locking bar.
[0073] With the configurations of FIGS. 12 and 13, when the case is
at any but a specific angle relative to the receiving holder, the
CD case is more securely mechanically "locked" by way of geometric
incompatibility. In this way, insertion or removal of the case is
made easier in one or more specific angular orientation(s), and
more difficult in others. It will be apparent that other geometric
configurations of the locking bar and receiving clip can also be
used to increase or decrease the ability to insert or remove the
disk case in certain selected positional orientations.
[0074] The locking bars 60 and the surrounding material of the case
10 are configured to have sufficient thickness and strength so that
they can withstand repeated insertion into and removal from a disk
storage system, such as the receiving clips 66 illustrated in the
figures. As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the receiving clip 66 can
comprise an elongate array of apertures formed in single piece of
material, such as by injection molding. The material of the
receiving clip can be a resilient polymer material, such as
polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, Teflon, Delrin, or
UHMW, though other materials can also be used. The integral
continuous receiving clip configuration shown in FIGS. 10-13 allows
an array of receiving clips to be mounted (e.g. with adhesive or
fasteners) to any desired mounting surface. This configuration
provides a group of connecting points that can be mounted in any
desired location, whether as part of a container or otherwise.
However, the receiving clips need not be configured in an array of
apertures integrally formed of a single piece. Instead, the array
of receiving clips can comprise a series of individual receiving
clips, each having a single aperture and configured to receive a
single locking bar. Such an array can comprise a plurality of
receiving clips mounted side-by-side to a mounting surface. Another
embodiment of such a system is the chain-type receiving clip
configuration of FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0075] While the coupling system depicted in the figures and
described above includes locking bars and resilient receiving
clips, it will be apparent that there are other types of coupling
systems that can be used to releasably interconnect the CD case to
a storage system. Any receiving structure configured to releasably
receive the coupling feature (e.g. the locking bars 60) of the CD
case can be incorporated into the disk storage system. For example,
a slide hook system, wherein the locking bars slide into an
open-ended hook of a storage system, could be employed.
Alternatively, a magnetic system could also be employed. For
example, the CD case could include a ferromagnetic material that
removably attaches to a permanently magnetized material associated
with a storage system. Other configurations are also possible.
[0076] Another feature of the disk storage system is an indexing
and identification system, best seen in FIGS. 1-3. The top edge 20
of the base portion is oriented generally parallel to the bottom
edge 18. Viewing FIG. 3, the top edge of the case includes a
plurality of mounting holes 100 configured to receive one or more
removable indexing tabs, indicated generally at 102, that are
configured to snap fit into any of the mounting holes. The indexing
tab includes a flat face 104 that provides a flat surface for a
label, mark or other indicia to be affixed, indicating, for
example, the title or contents of the disk.
[0077] The indexing tabs can each include a pair of mounting posts
106, partially visible in FIG. 3, that are configured to snap fit
into any corresponding pair of the mounting holes 100. The mounting
holes are spaced along the top edge in such a manner as to
accommodate varying positions for one indexing tab or several
different indexing tabs on a single disk case, though of course a
disk case can be left without any indexing tab at all, if desired.
Because of the number of mounting holes, this allows the indexing
tab to be placed at any one of many locations along the top edge of
the case. For example, the disk storage container can include an
indexing tab 102a mounted in a rightmost position when viewed from
the front of the disk case as shown in FIG. 2 (and from the reverse
side in FIG. 3), or a position 102b somewhere between, as shown in
FIG. 1, or in any of multiple positions therebetween. FIGS. 6-8
show disk cases with indexing tabs placed in a variety of positions
along the top edge of the case. Additionally, multiple indexing
tabs can be attached to a single case, if desired.
[0078] Advantageously, the indexing tabs 102 are independent of the
CD/DVD case 10 itself. The indexing tabs are small, separate parts
that can be positively connected to the CD/DVD case. Because the
tabs protrude upwardly from the top edge 20 of the case and can be
located in a variety of locations along the edge of the case, they
can provide a convenient system for labeling and sorting the disk
storage containers, similar to upstanding tabs on file folders. In
the tray-type disk holder 302 of FIG. 7, the indexing tabs 102
extend above the top edge 20 of the disk cases, and are in
different positions along the top edges of the cases. This allows
one to view the tabs of many or all of the disks in the stack, and
thus quickly find a desired disk. The indexing tabs also provide
structure for allowing a user to easily tip a given disk case (and
all disk cases resting against it) forward or backward, allowing a
user to easily and quickly thumb through a group of disks in the
tray-type filing container. The indexing tabs provide similar
utility in the rotary type disk storage container 200 shown in FIG.
6.
[0079] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the living hinge 16
interconnecting the lid 14 to the base 12 and the locking bars 60
are both disposed along the bottom edge 18 of the case 10. However,
it will be apparent that the hinge for the lid does not need to be
disposed along the same edge as the locking bars. For example, the
lid can be hinged on or parallel to one of the other side edges,
including the top edge 20, of the case, allowing the case to open
in a direction different than that shown. With the hinge 16 on the
bottom edge 18, the case can be configured to open when attached to
a receiving clip 66 of a receiving system. This can allow a user to
remove a disk from its disk case without removing the disk case
from the receiving system. However, it can also be desired to
prevent opening of individual cases when attached to a receiving
system, and one way to accomplish this is to locate the lid hinge
on some edge other than the edge that includes the locking bars. If
the hinge is on a side edge or the top edge, the user will
ordinarily remove the disk from a disk receiving or filing system
before opening the case.
[0080] As shown and described the present invention provides a disk
storage system that provides an individual, thin, durable
protective case that positively couples with a storage system, and
includes a multiple position removable indexing indicator for
allowing easy identification of individual disks. The invention can
also be viewed as providing a disk storage system including a thin,
durable protective case having an adjustable indexing feature, and
a receiving system configured to removably couple to the case. The
various features of the system provide a space-efficient and
convenient indexing, storing, transporting, and organizing filing
system for CDs, DVDs and the like.
[0081] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application of the principles
of the present invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without
departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set
forth in the claims.
* * * * *