DEVICE FOR REMOVING COMPACT DISCS FROM THEIR CONTAINERS

Abstract: The invention is a device for removing compact discs from their containers. The top of the device rests on the mounting elements in the holder tray. Two or more spring elements are attached to the cylindrical section of the device, which fits between but does not touch the mounting elements. The spring elements are smaller than the gaps between the mounting elements and rest lightly against the compact disc. A cam prevents the device from rotating, and cams are also provided to prevent the device from dropping out. When the device is pressed down, the mounting elements move toward each other and the compact disc is released and pressed upwards by the spring elements so that the compact disc can be removed.

Description: Device for removing compact discs from their containers The invention is a device for simplifying the removal of compact discs from their containers. Compact discs are usually packaged in plastic boxes, containing a holder tray which incorporates a rosette of resilient, inverted-L-shaped, mounting elements, which keep the compact disc immobile in the box. It has been found that the compact disc is held so firmly in its container that the disc bends as it is removed, and can thus easily suffer damage by being dropped when it jumps back into shape. The invention offers a solution to this problem by way of a push button, which is positioned on the rosette of mouning elements and is equipped with a spring element that rests against the compact disc. The spring element lifts the compact disc after the device has been pressed down. The invention is described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a top view of the partially removed push button. Fig. 2 shows a section of the device with the compact disc in two positions. Fig. 3 shows a version of the device with a separate spring element. Fig. 4 shows a version with an ejector element and separate spring. Fig. 5 shows a section along the line 5-5 In Fig. 1 the device is indicated by (1). The top (2) is supported by the mounting elements (3) in the holder tray (4). Attached to the top (2) is a cylindrical part <5> that fits easily between the mounting elements <3). Attached to the cylindrical parts (5) are spring elements (6) that are thinner than the gaps between the mounting elements (3). Cams (7) on the cylindrical elements (5) prevent the device (1) from dropping out of the holder tray (4). A cam (8) is fitted below the top (2) to prevent the device (1) from rotating, thus preventing the spring elements (6) coming under the mounting elements (3). Fig. 2 shows the compact disc as it is held in place by the mounting elements (3) in the holder tray (4). Section (10) of each mounting element (3) is slightly conical, so that the compact disc is pressed on to the holder tray (4). (11) shows the compact disc immediately after the device (1) has been pressed. Pressing down the device (1) causes the mounting elements (3) to bend downwards under the top (2) of the device (1), so that section (10) of each mounting element (3) moves towards the centre of the holder tray (4). The compact disc (9, 11) is then released and brought into position (11) by the spring element (6), where it is free of the holder tray (4) and can be easily removed from the container. The elasticity of the spring elements (6) is sufficient to lift the compact disc but not sufficient to break the grip of the mounting elements (3). It is advantageous for the device (1) to be made of plastic in one piece, as an injection moulded part. Fig. 3 shows a variant with a separately fitted spring element (12) that can be made of a material with better elastic properties. Fig. 4 shows a variant in which the ejector element is formed by a cylinder (13) that fits into the device; two ejector arms (14) and a spring (15) are attached to the cylinder (13), the spring being positioned in a recess in cylinder (13). The device has two grooves (16) for this purpose. The drawings also show a variant with openings (17) in the top; these are present for technical reasons associated with the injection moulding process. More complex moulds can be used to manufacture the device without openings in the top.

Claims: Claims 1) Device for removing compact discs (9, 11) from the holder trays (4) in their containers characterized in that the device (1) consists of a top (2) which has a diameter which is less than the central opening in the compact disc (9, 11) and which rests on the resilient mounting elements (3) of the holder tray (4), and having a flexible ejector element (6) attached to the cylinder (5) of the device (1) which serves to lift the compact disc (9, 11). 2) Device as claimed in claim 1), characterised in that the ejector element consists of a cylinder (13) that incorporates a compression spring (15) and is fitted with two or more ejector arms (14). 3) Device as claimed in claims 1) and 2), characterised in that the device (1) is manufactured from resilient plastic and that the ejector element (6) is an integral part of the device. 4) Device as claimed in claims 1), 2) and 3), characterised in that the device (1) is manufactured from plastic and the ejector element is a spring (12) that is connected to the device. 5) Device as claimed in claims 1), 2), 3) and 4), characterised in that the device (1) is manufactured from plastic and fitted with snap fasteners (7) that fall behind the mounting elements (3) in the holder tray (4).

Inventors: DAUTZENBERG JOSEPH HUBERTUS, DAUTZENBERG, JOSEPH, HUBERTUS
Applicants: DAUTZENBERG JOSEPH HUBERTUS, DAUTZENBERG, JOSEPH, HUBERTUS
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G11B33
IPC codes: G11B23, G11B33