Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
ARCHIVAL DATA DISC STORAGE CASE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to storage cases.
More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is concerned
with
archival and storage cases for media or data discs such as, for example CD,
CDROM, DVD, DVDROM, DVDRAM and VCD.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storage cases for data discs are well known in the art. They
are primarily used to protect data discs from damage during transport and/or
storage and to adequately preserve them for archival. Indeed, archival and
storage containers are required to protect these renewed assets. Optical disc
media will play its part in the marketplace, along with many other storage
media.
[0003] To prevent the data disc from moving when inserted in the
storage case when the storage case is closed, a hooking device is usually
provided to interconnect with the central aperture of the disc to removably
and
securely mount the data disc inside the case. Conventional hooking devices
are provided with a central button that is depressed when the user wishes to
remove the data disc from the storage case. Upon depression of the button,
hooks are moves away from the periphery of the central aperture to allow the
data disc to be removed from the storage case.
[0004] For example, United States Patent Application 2003/0052024
published on March 2 0th, 2003 teaches a case for holding a data or media
disc.
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This case includes a central disc engaging portion having a pair of inwardly
extending cantilevered arms with disc engaging means at their free ends for
engaging the disc. When the disc engaging means are depressed the disc is
released.
[0005] A problem with conventional hooking assemblies is the
possibility to inadvertently depress the button of the hooking assembly, and
thereby release the data disc, which could lead to the lost or the damage of
the
data disc. Another problem with conventional hooking devices is that they fail
in offering a good balance between providing a good grip on the CD when
secured inside the case and easily releasing the CD when the central button is
depressed by causing minimal manipulation to the CD. Yet another problem is
that the data receiving surface of the disc may be damaged via contact with
the
supporting tray. Yet a further problem is that when depressing the push
button,
the disc is not supported and/or not maintained in position.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an
archival and storage case for data disc.
[0007] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-
restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is
provided a storage case for a media disc having a data receiving surface and
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defining a hole inwardly thereof, the storage case comprising a tray for
receiving the media disc, the tray comprising a disc-mounting device for
mounting the media disc thereto about the hole, the disc-mounting device being
adapted to be displaced between a disc-engaging position and a disc-releasing
position and at least one disc support member for supporting the media disc
when the disc-mounting device is displaced to the disc-releasing position.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a disc mounting device for a storage case for a media disc
having a data receiving surface and defining a hole inwardly thereof, the disc
storage case comprising a tray adapted to receive the disc mounting device,
the disc-mounting device comprising: a mounting element assembly for
releasably engaging the media disc about the hole thereof thereby mounting
the media disc to the disc mounting device and being adapted to be displaced
between a disc engaging position and the disc releasing position; and at least
one disc support member for supporting the media disc when the disc mounting
elements are displaced to the disc-releasing position, wherein the disc
mounting device is adapted to be mounted to the tray with the media disc being
mounted thereto thereby mounting the media disc to the tray.
[0010] In an embodiment, the disc support member comprises a
protruding member for engaging the media disc about the hole thereof when
mounted to the disc mounting device thereby maintaining the media disc in
position when the disc-mounting device is displaced to the disc-releasing
position.
[0011] In an embodiment, the disc support member is so
independent of the disc mounting device as not to be displaced therewith when
the disc-mounting device is displaced to the disc-releasing position.
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[0012] In an embodiment, the disc-mounting device comprises a
mounting element assembly for releasably engaging the media disc about the
hole thereof and an actuator mounted to the mounting element assembly for
displacing the mounting element assembly between the disc engaging position
and the disc releasing position.
[0013] In an embodiment, the mounting element assembly comprises
a first mounting element for releasably engaging the media disc about the hole
and being mounted at one end thereof to the tray and a second mounting
element for releasably engaging the media disc about the hole and being
mounted at one end thereof to the tray. In an embodiment, the first and second
mounting elements are oppositely positioned. In an embodiment, the first and
second mounting elements comprise a respective arcuate configuration. In an
embodiment, the first mounting element comprises a first support mounted at
one end to the tray and having a first mounting member at an opposite end, the
second mounting element comprising a second support mounted at one end to
the tray and having a second mounting member at an opposite end.
[0014] In an embodiment, the first and second supports comprise
respective spacing members to space the media disc at a distance from the
tray when the media disc is mounted to the disc mounting device. In an
embodiment, the spacing members are so configured as to space the data
receiving surface from the tray. In an embodiment, the spacing member
comprises a protrusion upwardly extending from a given fist or second support.
In an embodiment, each of the spacing members is mounted near the one end
of a respective first and second support. In an embodiment, the first and
second mounting members are adjacently positioned relative to each other. In
an embodiment, the first and second supports comprise a respective arcuate
configuration.
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[0015] In an embodiment, the actuator is adapted to so act on said
first and second supports as to displace said first and second mounting
members from said disc-engaging and said disc-releasing positions. In an
embodiment, the actuator is adapted to so deform said first and second
5 supports as to displace the mounting members from the disc-engaging position
to the disc-releasing position when exerting a sufficient pressure thereon. In
an
embodiment, the actuator is mounted between the first and second mounting
members. In an embodiment, the actuator is mounted between the first and
second mounting members. In an embodiment, the actuator is mounted
between the first and second mounting members. In an embodiment, the
actuator is mounted to each first and second support member via links. In an
embodiment, the actuator comprises a push button.
[0016] In an embodiment, the first and second mounting members
comprise respective first and second hook members. In an embodiment, each
of the hook members comprises a hook wall, the hook wall having one end
mounted to a given first or second support and an opposite end comprising a
projection. In an embodiment, the projection of each first and second hook
members projects in the direction of the first and second support
respectively.
In an embodiment, the projections of the first and second hook members
project at opposite directions relative to each other. In an embodiment, the
projection and the hook wall of a given first and second hook member define an
obtuse angle therebewteen.
[0017] In an embodiment, the disc support member is positioned
between the first and the second mounting elements. In an embodiment, the
disc support member is mounted at one to the tray and comprises an opposite
free end. In an embodiment, the disc support member comprises a
substantially free body between the one end and the free end. In an
embodiment, the disc support member comprises a reinforcing element. In an
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embodiment, the reinforcing element comprises a reinforcing rib on the
underside of the disc support member. In an embodiment, the disc support
member comprises an arcuate configuration. In an embodiment, the free end
comprises a protruding member for engaging the media disc about the hole
thereof when mounted to the disc mounting device thereby maintaining the
media disc in position when the disc-mounting device is displaced to the disc-
releasing position. In an embodiment, the protruding member comprises a
wall, the disc support comprising a wall support. In an embodiment, the wall
support is mounted at one end thereof to the tray, the wall being mounted to
the free end of the wall support. In an embodiment, the wall support comprises
an arcuate configuration. In an embodiment, the wall defines an upper surface
that is higher than the upper surface of the actuator.
[0018] In an embodiment, the tray further comprises an additional
disc support member. In an embodiment, the additional disc support member
comprises one end mounted to the tray and an opposite free end. In an
embodiment, the additional disc support member comprises a substantially free
body between the one end and the free end. In an embodiment, the additional
disc support member comprises a reinforcing element. In an embodiment, the
reinforcing element comprises a reinforcing rib mounted to the underside of
the
additional disc support member. In an embodiment, the additional disc support
member comprises a spacing member for spacing the disc from the tray. In an
embodiment, the spacing member is adapted to space the data receiving
surface of the media disc at a distance from the tray. In an embodiment, the
spacing member is positioned near the one end of the additional disc support
member. In an embodiment, the spacing member comprises a protrusion
upwardly extending from the additional disc support member. In an
embodiment, the additional disc mounting element comprises an arcuate
configuration. In an embodiment, it is the disc mounting device which
comprises this additional disc support member.
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[0019] In an embodiment, the mounting device comprises the disc
support member. In an embodiment, the mounting device further comprises an
additional disc support member. In an embodiment, the mounting device
comprises a first and a second mounting element. In an embodiment, the first
and second mounting elements are oppositely disposed, each of the disc
support member and the additional disc support member being positioned
between the first and second mounting elements and being oppositely
disposed relative to each other. In an embodiment, each one of the first
mounting element, the second mounting element, the disc support member,
and the additional disc support member comprises a respective one end
mounted to the tray, a respective substantially free body extending from the
tray towards and a respective opposite end. In an embodiment, the disc
mounting device comprises a substantially circular periphery mounted to the
tray, the substantially circular periphery comprising each respective one end
of
each one of the first mounting element, the second mounting element, the disc
support member, and the additional disc support member wherein, the first
mounting element, the second mounting element, the disc support member,
and the additional disc support member respectively radially extend from the
periphery towards a centre of the disc mounting device, each respective
opposite end being positioned about the centre. In an embodiment, the actuator
is positioned at the centre, the actuator being mounted to the first and
second
mounting elements, each respective opposite end of the disc support member
and the additional disc support member being a free end. In an embodiment,
the first and second mounting elements comprise a respective first support
member and a second support member, the first and second support members
comprising a respective one end mounted to the tray. In an embodiment, at
least one of the disc support members and the additional disc support
members comprises a protruding member for engaging the media disc about
the hole thereof when mounted to the disc mounting device thereby maintaining
the media disc in position when the disc-mounting device is displaced to the
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disc-releasing position. In an embodiment, the protruding member comprises
an upper surface that is higher than the upper surface defined by the
actuator.
[0020] In an embodiment, the disc mounting device comprises a
separate body mountable to the tray. In an embodiment, the tray comprises an
opening, the disc mounting device being mountable within the tray opening.
[0021] In an embodiment, the disc mounting device is integrally
mounted to the tray.
[0022] In an embodiment, the disc mounting device comprises a
media disc mounting side and an opposite rear side configured to receive a
removable cover. In an embodiment, the removable cover comprises a
generally circular configuration. In an embodiment, the removable cover and
the opposite rear side comprise respective mutually engaging mating elements.
In an embodiment, the removable cover engaging elements comprise
projections and the opposite rear side engaging elements comprise
corresponding apertures. In an embodiment, the cover is adapted to receive a
tracking and/or identification device. In an embodiment, the tracking and/or
identification device comprises a device selected from the group consisting
of:
a microchip, a RFID tag, a magnetic tag, a color coding, an insignia, and any
combination thereof.
[0023] In an embodiment, the storage case further comprises a
storage case moveably mounted to the tray and moveable between closed and
opened positions. In an embodiment, the storage case cover is hinged to the
tray. In an embodiment, the storage case cover comprises a projection for
engaging a notch provided by the tray when the storage case cover is in the
closed position. In an embodiment, the storage case cover comprises a
receiving space on the outer face thereof. In an embodiment, the receiving
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space is configured to receive an item selected from the group consisting of a
microchip, a RFID tag, a magnetic tag, a color coding, an insignia, and any
combination thereof.
[0024] In an embodiment, the present invention is concerned with an
archival and storage case for data discs that is provided with a dome-shaped
hooking device that is easy to mold and that is provided with a removable
underside cover allowing a microchip, a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification
Device), a magnet strip or any other similar tracking device to easily be
mounted to the storage case. The hooking device may further include a wall so
configured and sized as to reduce the risks of accidental removal of the data
disc from the archival and storage case. The archival and storage case for
data
discs may further include color coding for tagging and tracking purposes.
[0025] It should be understood that all the features of the various
previously defined embodiments of either aspect of the invention as defined
above can be combined in a variety of ways without departing from the scope
of the invention.
[0026] The terms "media disc" and "data disc" are interchangeable
and include without limitation a CD, a CDROM, a DVD, a DVDROM, a
DVDRAM a VCD ands the like as is understood in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the appended drawings:
[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage case according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
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[0029] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the disc mounting device
of the storage case of Figure 1;
[0030] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of the disc mounting
device;
5 [0031] Figure 4 is a top plan view of the disc mounting device;
[0032] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the disc mounting device
without a data disc therein;
[0033] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the disc mounting device
shown with a data disc hooked thereto;
10 [0034] Figure 7 is a side elevation sectional view of the disc
mounting device shown during the removal of the data disc therefrom;
[0035] Figure 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the storage
case of Figure 1 with the underside cover removed;
[0036] Figure 9 is a bottom perspective view of the storage case of
Figure 1 with the underside cover installed;
[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the storage case of Figure
1, shown in a closed position; and
[0038] Figure 11 is a sectional perspective view of the storage case
of Figure 1, showing a cover closing arrangement.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0039] With reference to the appended, an illustrative embodiment of
the invention will now be described for the purpose of exemplifying the
invention and not limiting the scope thereof.
[0040] Figure 1 of the appended drawings illustrates, in a
perspective view, a storage case 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of
the present invention. The conventional features of the storage case 10
include
a rectangular tray 12 and a rectangular cover 14 hinged to the tray 12.
[0041] The tray 12 includes a disc mounting device such as a central
hooking device 16 used to releasably maintain a media or data disc 18 securely
therein.
[0042] It is to be noted that the storage case 10 contains many other
features, aesthetic or functional, that are not relevant to the present
disclosure.
These features will therefore not be discussed in detail herein.
[0043] Turning now more specifically to Figures 2 to 5, the disc
mounting or hooking device 16 will be described.
[0044] With reference to Figure 2, the hooking device 16 includes a
mounting element assembly 17 including a first mounting element 19 and a
second mounting element 21.
[0045] The first and second mounting elements 19 and 21
respectively include a first mounting member 20 and a second mounting
member 22 in the form of hooks. The first and second hooks 20 and 22 are
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mounted to the tray 12 via respective arcuate first and second supports 24 and
26. As shown, the first and second hook supports 24 and 26 have one end
mounted to the tray 12 and a free end having a respective hook 20 or 22. The
first and second supports 24 and 26 have a substantially free body that can be
moved or deformed as will be explained herein.
[0046] An actuator such as a push or release button 28 is mounted
to the first and second mounting elements 19 and 21. In this case, the release
button 28 is mounted to both hooks 20 and 22 via respective links 30 and 32.
[0047] The disc mounting device also includes a disc support
member 33 (see Figure 2). The disc support member 33 includes protruding
member 34 for engaging the media disc 18 about the hole thereof when
mounted to the disc mounting device 16 thereby maintaining the media disc 18
in position when the disc mounting device is displaced to the disc-releasing
position as will be described herein. The protruding member 34 is in the form
of a wall mounted to the free end of an arcuate wall support 36 that is
mounted
to the tray 12 at another end thereof.
[0048] The disc mounting device 16 also includes an additional disc
support member 38 such as an arcuate member 38 which completes the dome
shape of the hooking device 16.
[0049] Four spacing members 40 which act as disc supports are
provided at the center of the external periphery of the arcuate supports and
members 24, 26, 36 and 38. Apertures 42 are provided near each spacing
member 40. The purpose of these spacing members 40 and apertures 42 will
be described hereinbelow.
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[0050] As can be better seen from Figure 4, the various arcuate
support and members 24, 26, 36 and 38 are separated by a generally H-shape
channel, providing these supports and members 24, 26, 36 and 38 with
substantially free bodies thereby allowing independent movement thereof.
[0051] Turning now briefly to Figure 5 of the appended drawings,
each hook 20 and 22 includes a hook wall 44 and a projection 46 defining, with
the hook wall 44, an obtuse angle.
[0052] The wall 34 defines an upper surface that is higher than the
release button 28. As can be better seen from Figure 3, the underside of the
arcuate wall support 36 includes a generally U-shaped reinforcing element
such as rib 48.
[0053] The arcuate shape of the hook supports 24 and 26 allows the
attached release push button 28 to be depressed without damage to the
hooking device 16 and imparts a biasing action to return the release button 28
to its position shown in Figures 2 to 5 when the pressure is removed
therefrom.
[0054] The hooking device 16 is shown herein as being integral with
the tray 12. However, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the
hooking
device 16 could be separate from the tray 12 and inserted in an aperture
therein (not shown).
[0055] Turning now to Figures 6 and 7 of the appended drawings,
the operation of the hooking device 16 will be described.
[0056] Figure 6 illustrates the hooking device 16 when a data disc
18 is mounted thereto. As can be seen from this figure, the distance between
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the walls 44 is slightly smaller than the central opening 50 of the disc 18.
The
projections 46 securely maintain the data disc 18 to the tray 12.
[0057] As can also be seen from this figure, the spacing members
40 support the disc 18 and space the media disc 18 at a distance from the tray
12 thereby preventing the data receiving surface thereof from touching the
tray
12. Accordingly, the data receiving surface of the disc 18 is much less likely
to
be damaged while the data disc 18 is in the archival and storage case 10.
Furthermore, the gap separating the surface of the disc 18 and the tray 12
makes it easier for the user to grab the disc 18 while pressing the release
button 28.
[0058] When the user wishes to remove the media or data disc 18
from the tray 12, the release button 28 is pressed downwardly, with sufficient
pressure, as illustrated in Figure 7. This downward movement of the release
button 28 causes the deformation of the arcuate hook supports 24 and 26 that,
in turn, cause the projections 46 of the hooks 20 and 22 to move inward,
allowing the data disc 18 to be removed.
[0059] Hence, Figures 1 to 6 show the disc mounting device 16 in
the disc-engaging position while Figure 7 shows the disc mounting device in
the disc-releasing position.
[0060] As described above the disc support member 33 acts as a
support to the disc 18 when the hooking device 16 is in the disc releasing
position. As such, the disc 18 falls on the disc support member 33 or is
maintained at the same distance from the tray 12 thereby. Of course the
foregoing can also be accomplished by the additional disc support member 38
or by the spacing member 40. Furthermore, the protruding member 34 acts to
maintain the disc 18 in place when the hooks 20 and 22 are displaced to the
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disc releasing position. It should be noted that the disc support member 33,
the
additional support member 38, the protruding member 34 and the spacing
member 40 of the members 33 and 38 are all dependent of the disc mounting
device 16 so as not to be displaced therewith when the disc mounting device
5 16 is displaced in the disc releasing position.
[0061] One will note that since the wall 34 (Figure 2) is higher than
the release button 28, the risk of unwanted removal of the disc 18 from the
hooking device 16 is reduced. Furthermore, since reinforcing ribs 48 are
provided on the undersurface of the arcuate wall support 36, the wall 34 is
10 harder to push down, making the arrangement even more secure.
[0062] Figure 8 and 9 of the appended drawings illustrate a
removable cover 52 that may be mounted to the underside of the hooking
device 16. The cover 52 is generally circular and includes four projections 54
configured and sized to enter the apertures 42 to removably maintain the cover
15 52 to the hooking device 16. Hence, the projections 54 and the apertures 42
act as mutually engaging elements.
[0063] It is to be noted that a tracking and/or identification device
can be secured to the cover 52 before it is mounted to the hooking device 16
to
provide tracking and identification capabilities to the storage case 10. For
example, a microchip, a RFID tag, a magnetic tag or other technologies such
as color coding can be used.
[0064] Figure 10 illustrates the storage case 10 in a closed position.
One can see from this figure that a rectangular space 56 provided in the
rectangular cover 14 may be used to provide color coding for tagging or
tracking purposes and/or to provide other written information, such as a logo,
for example.
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[0065] Finally, Figure 11 shows a cover closing arrangement 58
comprising a projection 60, provided on the cover 14, configured and sized to
engage a notch 62, provided on the tray 12, when the cover 14 is closed.
[0066] It is to be noted that the storage case 10 includes two such
cover closing arrangements such as 58.
[0067] Having now described an illustrative embodiment of the
present invention other features of other non-limiting and non illustrated
embodiments will be described herein as to further exemplify the invention. Of
course, various embodiments have previously enumerated in the summary of
the invention hereinabove, the following does not seek to limit any of those
aforementioned embodiments but to merely describe certain features thereof.
[0068] The disc mounting device 16 is shown have a circular shape
yet of course it may be provided in a variety of suitable geometric shapes.
[0069] The disc mounting device may include a variety of different
types of disc mounting assemblies 17. These disc mounting assemblies may
have more than two mounting elements 19 and 21, which may be configured in
various ways in order for the disc 18 to mounted thereon about its central
hole.
The hooks 20 and 22 can also be provided in various shapes and sizes having
one more differently configured projections 46 and one or more hook walls 44
of various configurations as well. The supports 24 and 26 may be provided in a
variety of suitable configurations so as to be biased towards the disc
engaging
position and moveable towards the disc releasing position. Of course a
plurality of supports having a plurality of hooks can also be contemplated by
the
person having skill in the art. The mounting elements 17 and 21 may be
provided with other mounting members other than hooks, such as clips,
shoulders or stoppers as will be understood by a person skilled in the art. In
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this way, the mounting members of the invention can be brought closer
together or moved upwardly or downwardly depending on the design structure
so as to release the disc 18 therefrom.
[0070] The disc mounting device need not include an actuator and
as such the mounting assembly 17 may be directly engaged by the user for
displacement thereof to the disc releasing position.
[0071] The actuator 28 may be provided in various shapes and
sizes. The actuator 28 may be mounted to the various mounting elements,
mounting element supports and mounting members of the invention in a variety
of suitable ways for providing the user with the ability to act thereon so as
to
move the disc mounting device 16 to the disc releasing position. In another
embodiment, the actuator need not protrude the central hole of the disc, as
such, the disc is sufficiently distance from the tray as to allow a long
member
therebetween with a lever at the free end thereof in order to allow the user
to
act the on the disc mounting device so as to be displace it to the disc
releasing
position.
[0072] The disc support member 33 of the invention may be
provided in various shapes or sizes. In one non-illustrated example, the disc
support member may be a resilient and deformable embossment having a
variety of geometric configurations. In another embodiment, the disc support
member may be a spring biased member. Still in another embodiment, the disc
support member may be a resilient cantilevered member. The disc support
member may include a variety of protruding members such as a wall 34, a hook
and the like for maintaining the media disc in position as described herein.
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[0073] A variety and plurality of additional disc support members 38
can also be provided within the context of the present invention. Each of the
additional disc support members 38 may include a protruding member 34.
[0074] In one embodiment, it is the disc mounting device 16 which
includes the disc support member 33 and the additional disc support member
38. In another embodiment, it is the tray 12 which includes the disc support
member 33 and the additional disc support member 38.
[0075] Various spacing members such as disc supports 40 can be
provided at various positions on the tray 12 or the disc mounting device 12 so
as to space the data receiving surface of the disc 18 away from the tray 12
without touching this data receiving surface. In one embodiment, the disc
support member 33 is a spacing member 40.
[0076] Again, the various features described herein can be
combined in a variety of ways as can be contemplated by the skilled artisan so
as to construct other embodiments within the scope of the invention.
[0077] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the
accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The invention is capable
of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be
understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not limitation. In this way, the appended drawings are
descriptive of an embodiment of the invention and constitute a supporting
description to the claims.
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[0078] Hence, although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without
departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention as
defined
in the appended claims.
