Patent ID: 6215760
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for using a disk cartridge including an inner case for holding an optical disk; and outer case for accommodating the inner case, having an opening allowing the inner case to come in and out; lock means for locking the inner case in the outer case, provided in a vicinity of the opening, and including a lock mechanism and at least two release mechanisms; and coupling means for coupling the disk cartridge with another disk cartridge, the method comprising the steps of:pulling out the inner case to a pulled-out position from the outer case by more than a half of the inner case but not by entirety thereof;holding the inner case at the pulled out position for reading/writing data on the optical disk;performing a first release step to release the lock mechanism by using a first release mechanism; andperforming a second release step to release the lock mechanism by using a second release mechanism,the lock mechanism being provided in each corner of a pull-out side of the inner case, the lock mechanism comprising a lock cam for engaging with the outer case by protruding from the inner case at a locked position, the first release mechanism comprising a release lever and being provided on each side of the outer case in a vicinity of the opening wherein the first release step comprises the steps of:operating the release lever provided in one side face of the outer case on the lock cam of one corner corresponding to the one side face; andmoving the lock cam from the locked position to a released position where the lock cam is accompanied within the inner case.