APPARATUS FOR HOLDING A COMPACT DISK

Abstract: The apparatus comprises: a base portion (12), disk-engaging means (15, 16) extending from the base portion (12) for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk; and resilient ejection means (17) arranged to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the disk-engaging means (15, 16) when the disk-engaging means (15, 16) is released, the disk-engaging means comprising resilient inwardly extending radial arms (15), cantilevered from the base portion (12); the inner ends of the arms (15) being mechanically interconnected (16, 21) so that pressure applied to any one or more of the inner ends of the arms (15) flexes each of the arms (15) towards the base portion (12) to move the inner ends of the arms (15) towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk. The apparatus may be formed as a one-piece plastics moulding as a tray for insertion in a box or as part of a wall of a video-style library box.

Description: APPARATUS FOR HOLDING A COMPACT DISK TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to apparatus for holding a compact disk, to disk storage containers and video style library boxes incorporating such apparatus, and to a method of manufacturing such apparatus, containers and boxes. By "compact disk" , in the context of this specification, is meant not only the relatively common standard 120mm diameter laser-readable disk such as are currently sold carrying, for example, pre-recorded music, computer software and data, and similar recordable disks, but also similar disks of veirious sizes such as are known or proposed for recording video, films, interactive games and other information or data. BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, when not in use, such compact disks are stored in clear polystyrene boxes, known as "jewel cases" , wherein the disk is held on a separate tray fitted in the case and having seven or eight tines arranged to form a boss or "rosette" with which the aperture in the centre of a compact disk may be releasably engaged. The legs or tines of the rosette are shaped such that they extend upwardly from the tray, curve outwardly, such that they can grip a compact disk , and then, towards their ends, curve inwardly to provide a boss over which the hole in the compact disk may be manually pushed. It has long been recognised that such apparatus for holding a compact disk is not very satisfactory because it requires two hands to release a disk and lift it from the rosette; consequently many people do not attempt to push the centre of the rosette but instead use just one hand to grasp an outer edge of a compact disk and wrench it off the rosette thereby bending the disk, sometimes scoring the recorded surface of the disk on the tines, and eventually distorting or even breaking the tines. Such bending and scoring of the disk can be especially critical when, as is now often the case, the disk carries compressed, or "stacked" , computer software, or computer readable data. There have been many attempts to overcome the above problems and provide a more reliable and readily releasable disk-holding apparatus. For example, EPA-0356539 proposed apparatus in which the rosette was provided with a central pushing part having cranked flap pieces arranged such that pressing down the pushing part would cause the cranked flap pieces to push a disk up and off the disk-engagement tines. EPA-0429195 proposed the use of resilient means to urge the disk out of engagement with the central boss. PCT WO-A-93/01598 proposed a release button arranged to engage all the inner ends of the legs of the rosette and a spring designed to remain with no tension during disk storage but to "pop-up" the disk should the button be pressed. US- A-5, 251 ,750 proposes linking the inner ends of all the tines by a "live" or "living" hinge produced by a reduced thickness in the moulded material whilst also suggesting linking the button to four cranked ejection arms arranged such that depressing the button causes the ejection arms to push a compact disk off the rosette. Such prior art is of relatively complex construction so is difficult and hence expensive to manufacture and/or does not operate as easily or as reliably as may be desired. An object of this invention is to improve on the prior art to provide apparatus for holding a compact disk, suitable for incorporating in a tray of a disk storage container and in a video style library box , which is reliable and easily operable to release a compact disk stored thereon. Other potential advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising a base portion , disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, and resilient ejection means arranged to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the disk-engaging means when the disk- engaging means is released, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two resilient inwardly extending radial arms each cantilevered from the base portion; the inner ends of the arms being mechanically interconnected such that pressure applied to any one or more of the inner ends of the arms flexes each of the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk. Preferably the inner ends of the arms together form a button-like member , to facilitate the application of finger pressure to the inner ends of the arms. Moreover, preferably the button-like member includes a rim, or lip, arranged to engage the compact disk, adjacent the central hole thereof , such as to retain a disk on the disk-engaging means. Advantageously, the inner ends of adjacent arms forming the button¬ like member are interconnected by an integral living hinge, but alternatively the inner ends of the arms may be interconnected by a second button-like member engaging the inner ends of each of the arms. Moreover, the button-like member advantageously presents a generally concave outer surface so as to reduce the possibility of any accidental contact acting on the inner end of any of the arms and thereby accidentally releasing the compact disk. Furthermore, the resilient ejection means is preferably arranged to support a disk away from the base when a disk is held by the disk engaging means, so that during handling and storage the disk is supported by the resilient means to cushion the disk from any shock. Indeed , according to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion, disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, and resilient ejection means arranged to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the disk-engaging means when the disk- engaging means is released, the resilient ejection means being arranged to resiliently support the disk away from the base when the disk is held by the disk-engaging means. The resilient ejection means thus protects the disk from undue shock loads during handling or transit. Also, the resilient ejection means preferably comprises a plurality of further resilient inwardly extending arms cantilevered from the base; alternatively, the resilient ejection means may comprise one or more pieces of compressible π.aterial which is compressed when a disk is held by the disk engaging means and expands to move the disk out of engagement with the disk engaging means when the disk engaging means is released. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two resilient inwardly extending radial arms each cantilevered from the base portion, the inner ends of the arms being mechanically interconnected such that pressure applied to any one or more of the inner ends of the arms flexes each of the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk; and disk support means on the base portion for supporting the disk at positions away from the central hole when said pressure is applied to the inner ends of the arms such that said pressure causes the centre of the disk to flex towards the base portion until the inner ends of the arms release their engagement with the disk whereupon the disk reverts to its unflexed state and thereby moves out of engagement with the disk-engaging means. The resiliency of the disk itself is used in this arrangement to permit the required movement of the centre of the disk and to move the disk away from the base portion when engagement with the disk-engaging means has been released. The disk support means are preferably provided at a plurality of locations around the outer edge of the disk and when a disk is held by the disk engaging means it is preferably held clear of the disk support means. According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; disk -engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two resilient inwardly extending radial arms each cantilevered from the base portion , the inner ends of the arms together forming a button-like member such that pressure applied to the button-like member flexes the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk. It should be understood that apparatus according to the invention can be incorporated into a tray for fitting into a conventional "jewel case" compact disk container, or can be incorporated in a video style library box, and in either case, with the obvious exception of any separate second button and/or separate resilient ejection means of compressible material, the tray or the box may be formed as an integral one-piece, one shot, injection moulding of a plastics material such as polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene. Thus, according to another aspect of the invention , there is provided a video style library box formed as a one-piece moulding characterised by the provision therein of disk-engaging means for releasably engaging the central hole of a compact disk. Preferably the disk- engaging means is integrally formed with a wall of the box and comprises apparatus of the type referred to above. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing apparatus for holding a compact disk of the type referred to above in which the apparatus is formed as a one- piece moulding. Other features of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the subsidiary claims of the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a video style library box incorporating apparatus for holding a compact disk according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the box shown in Figure 1 ; Figures 3, 4 and 5 show a side view, underneath plan view and end view, respectively, of the box shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 6-6 in Figure 2 showing a compact disk held in the apparatus; Figure 7 is a similar view to Figure 6 but showing the apparatus in the disk-release position; Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus according to the invention illustrated in the previous Figures taken partially on line 6-6 in Figure 2 and partially on line 8-8 in Figure 2 and showing a compact disk in position to be engaged with the apparatus; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tray incorporating apparatus for holding a compact disk fitted in a jewel-case according to another aspect of the invention; and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view, corresponding to that of Figure 6, of a further embodiment of the invention. BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The video style library box shown in Figures 1 to 8 comprises a lid portion 11 , a base portion 12 and a spine portion 13 , which is connected to the lid portion 11 and to the base portion 12 by living hinges 14. Within the lid portion 11 moulded, spring clip-like, devices 11A are provided for holding a printed booklet or leaflet to be included with the disk, and within the base portion 12 is moulded a partially annular rim 12 A that protects the disk should any loose booklet or the like be left in the box and also constitutes an aesthetic frame around the disk held in the box. When the box is closed , male parts 11B of a closure clip on the lid portion 11 engage with female parts 12B of the clip provided on the base portion 12. Moulded integrally in the base portion 12 is the apparatus for holding a compact disk (a disk being shown only in Figures 6, 7 and 8) , the apparatus comprising the base portion 12 of the box, two resilient inwardly extending radial arms 15 each cantilevered from the base portion 12 and interconnected at their inner ends, the inner ends being formed to provide a disk-engaging button-like member indicated generally as 16 and described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figures 6 and 7; and four resilient inwardly extending disk ejection arms 17 also cantilevered from the base portion 12 as described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figure 8. The box is injection moulded in polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene, and the base portion 12 is apertured , with "cut aways" , below the arms 15 and the arms 17 (as shown in Figure 4) to allow the complete box to be formed in a one-shot, one-piece, moulding; subsequently (as in conventional library style video boxes) a clear plastic sheet 18 (see Figures 3 and 4 ) may be welded across the outside of box , and a descriptive paper jacket or the like (not shown) may be inserted between the box and the sheet 18 to identify the contents of the box and also hide any cutaways in the base 12 of the box that might otherwise be deemed unsightly. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, where the two inwardly extending radial arms 15 are cantilevered from the base portion 12, the base portion 12 may, if desired, be reinforced by a thickening 19 of the moulding. The disk-engaging button-like member identified generally as 16 is moulded as two substantially semi-drcular segments 20, interconnected by an integral living hinge 21 to ensure that if either segment is depressed the other segment will also move. Although it is preferable for the segments 20 to form together a button-like member 16 , it should be understood that in some cases the segments 20 can be mechanically interconnected by, for example, a separate second button-like member ( not shown ) . Moreover, the outer surface of the button-like member 16 may be formed with a generally concave outer surface as indicated by the dotted line 22 such that any accidental contact on the button-like member 16 is unlikely to act against the inner ends of either of the arms 15. The semi-circular segments 20 are preferably each moulded with a disk-retaining capping rim, or lip, 23, which overlies an aperture or cut-away 24 in the respective arm 15 to allow the capping rims, or lips, 23 to be formed during the one-shot moulding operation. To engage a compact disk 25 on the apparatus, it is laid with its central aperture resting over the segments 20. The disk is then manually pressed towards the base portion 12 whereupon the edges of the central aperture ride over chamfered edges 20A of the segments 20. The downward pressure thus applied by the disk 25 to the segments 20 flexes the arms 15 towards the base portion 12 causing the segments 20 to move towards each other until they are able to pass through the central aperture so the arms 15 can revert to their unflexed, or substantially unflexed, positions. As will be seen in Figure 6, the segments 20 are adapted to engage within the central aperture of a compact disk, such as shown at 25, with the capping rims, or lips, 23 securely retaining the disk 25 by engaging the upper surface thereof adjacent the central hole. To release the disk from the apparatus, pressure, such as indicated by the arrow "P" in Figure 7, is applied to depress the segments 20 and hence the arms 15 towards the base portion 12, thereby disengaging the capping rims, or lips 23 from the upper surface of the disk 25 and so allowing the disk to be disengaged from the segments 20. Due to the mechanical interconnection provided between the segments 20, it will be appreciated that even if pressure is not applied centrally to the button-like member 16, the segments will still all move so as to disengage from the central hole of the disk 25. It will also be appreciated that in order to allow the capping rims, or lips 23 to disengage from the disk 25 without damaging the edge of the central hole thereof, at least the centre of the disk 25 must be allowed to move to some extent towards the base portion 12 as the pressure P is applied. The resilient ejection arms 17 also allow the centre of the disk 25 to be pressed towards the base portion 12 as the disk 25 is being engaged on the apparatus. Disengagement of the disk 25 from the segments 20 is effected by the four resilient inwardly extending disk ejection arms 17 which act to move the disk 25 away from the base portion 12 when the engagement of the capping rims or lips 23 with the disk is released. The disk 25 thus "pops up" ready for removal from the apparatus. The arms 15 may also help lift the disk 25 as they revert to their unflexed positions when pressure P is removed. As will be seen in Figure 8, the disk ejection arms 17 , which are shown on the section line 8-8 in Figure 2, are cantilevered from the base portion 12 at a distance "x" at least 20mm radially outward from the centre and preferably at least 30mm therefrom, and at an angle "A" in the range 10 to 40 degrees and preferably in the range 20 to 30 degrees with respect to the base portion 12 when in the unstressed state, such that when the disk 25 is engaged by the segments 20, the arms 17 are flexed through an angle of only 5 to 20 degrees and preferably only 10 to 15 degrees and therefore are not unduly stressed and hence can reliably function over a long period. The arms 17 are each moulded with a pad-like end portion 26 adapted to engage on the annular inner area of the disk 25 that does not carry recorded infoπnation. The ends of the arms 17 are preferably arranged to engage an area of the disk 25 approximately 5- 10mm radially outward of the edge of the central hole thereof. It will thus be appreciated that the disk 25 can be reliably and easily removed from the apparatus by simply pressing the button-like member 16 whereupon the disk 25 is released from engagement therewith and the resilient arms 17 act to lift the disk 25 a few millimetres so the disk 25 can be easily gripped by its outer edge and removed from the apparatus. The button-like member 16 is designed such that finger pressure on either part thereof will reliably release the disk 25 from engagement with the rim, or lip, 23 thereof. The ejection arms 17 are flexed as a disk 25 is engaged on the apparatus so whilst the compact disk 25 is held in the apparatus it is resiliently supported against the underside of the capping rims or lips 23 and away from the base portion 12 by the resilient arms 17. The disk 25 is thereby protected from undue shock loads during handling or transit. The resilient ejection means 17 also serve to support the disk 25 when pressure P is applied to the button-like member 16 and so reduce flexure of the disk whilst the capping rims or lips 23 are disengaging from the disk. Whereas the apparatus illustrated in the drawings includes four resilient arms 17 , the apparatus should include at least two and preferably at least three such arms 17 in order to provide stable support and ejection of a disk 15 , and the apparatus may include more than four arms 17 although spatial limitation may restrict the number of arms 17 that can be accommodated without unduly weakening the base 12 and /or compromising the reliability of the arms 17. Moreover, the resilient arms 17 may be omitted , and the resilient disk ejection means may comprise one or more pieces of compressible material, e.g. foam, located in a position such as that shown by the dotted circle 17A in Figure 2 , to act between the base 12 and the disk 25. As will also be seen in Figure 8 , the two resilient disk-engaging arms 15 , which are shown as taken on the section line 6-6 in Figure 2, are cantilevered from the base portion 12 at a distance "y" radially outward from the centre, which is preferably at least 10mm and more preferably at least 15mm, and at an angle "B" in the range 5 to 30 degrees, and preferably in the range 10-20 degrees, with respect to the base portion 12 when in the unstressed state, so that the arrangement is such that with a disk 25 engaged thereon, as shown in Figure 6, the arms 15 are flexed through an angle of 10 degrees or less and preferably 5 degrees or less thereby ensuring that the apparatus can be repeatedly and reliably operated over a very long period. As shown in Figure 8, the arms 15 , including the segments 20, have a length substantially similar to the distance "y" as the spacing between the segments 20 is typically less than 5mm. The arms preferably have a width of at least 5mm, and more preferably of 10 to 15mm, and a thickness of 1 to 2mm. It will be appreciated that the arms 15 may have other shapes, eg they may be inclined to the base portion 12 where they are cantilevered thereto and then extend substantially parallel to the base portion 12 where they join with the segments 20. Although the apparatus described has two arms 15 , in a modified form of the apparatus (not shown) it may include three such arms each having its inner end moulded as a segment of a composite button-like disk-engaging member: and whereas even more than three such arms may be provided , it is considered that spatial limitations would prevent four or more such arms from being sufficiently sturdy to reliably withstand repeated use and would increase the difficulty of providing reliable mechanical interconnection between the ends of each of the arms. The apparatus according to the invention may also, as shown in Figure 9 , be incorporated in a disk-holding tray for fitting in an otherwise conventional jewel-case. In figure 9, the jewel-case includes a conventional box portion 27 and lid portion 28 hinged together at 29 in known manner. Within the box portion 27 is inserted the apparatus for holding a compact disk , in the form of a tray, shown generally at 30 , which comprises a partially annular rim 30A (of slightly different shape to that of Figure 1 ) , a base portion 31 , two resilient inwardly extending arms 32 cantilevered from the base portion 31 and interconnected at their inner ends, with the inner ends being formed to provide a disk-engaging button 33 in similar manner to the button¬ like member 16 of the apparatus described with reference to the previous Figures. Moreover, the jewel-case tray 30 shown in Figure 9 also includes four resilient inwardly extending disk ejection arms 34 similar to the arms 17 shown in Figure 1. Thus it should be understood that the apparatus of Figure 9 is operated and functions in similar manner to that of the previous Figures and therefore does not require further description. In a further embodiment, the resilient ejection means may be dispensed with and the resilience of the disk itself used to permit the required movement for engagement of the disk with the engagement means and , on removal of the disk , to lift the disk clear of the engagement means once their engagement with the central hole of he disk as been released. This further embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. The apparatus shown in Figure 10 has resilient arms 15 and a button¬ like member 16 etc similar to those of the embodiments described above so will not be described further. Disk support means 35 are, however, provided on the base portion 12 for supporting the disk, when pressure P is applied to the button-like member 16 as described above, the support being provided at positions away from the central hole of the disk 25, and preferably at the outer edge of the disk 25 as shown in Figure 10. The disk support means 35 are preferably arranged so that the disk 25 is held just clear of the support means 35 when the arms 15 are in their substantially unflexed positions whilst a disk 25 is held in the apparatus as shown in Figure 10. When pressure P is applied to the button-like member 16, the disk 25 is moved towards the base portion 12 until its edges engage the support means 35. Further depression of the button-like member then presses the centre of the disk 25 towards the base portion 12 so the centre of the disk is flexed downwards until the capping rims or lips 23 release their engagement with the disk 25 and the disk is free to revert to its unstressed state whereupon the centre of the disk is able to move away from the base portion 12 and the disks 25 "pops up" ready from removal from the apparatus. As in the embodiments described above, the arms 15 also help lift the disk 25 once the button-like member 16 has been pushed through the central aperture to the underside of the disk and the pressure P removed. Although flexing of a compact disk is generally avoided (as in the embodiments described in relations to Figures 1 to 9 ) , if the disk is supported at at least three, and preferably six, locations around its periphery, the flexure is distributed around the entire disk so that it flexes in a substantially similar manner to the flexing of a diaphragm. As mentioned above in the description of Figures 1 to 10, at least the base portion 12 or 31 , the ejection arms 17 or 34 (when provided) and the radial arms 15 or 32, may be formed as an integral plastics moulding and preferably the entire disk-holding tray or the video style library box is formed as a one-shot, integral moulding . It will also be appreciated from the above that the apparatus for holding a disk may be provided in a video-style library box, preferably integrally moulded with a wall thereof as illustrated, or may be provided in some other form of box or enclosure either integrally moulded therewith or as an insert or tray installed therein.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hoie, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; dis -engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk; and resilient ejection means arranged to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the disk-engaging means when the disk-engaging means is released, the disk- engaging means comprising at least two resilient inwardly extending radial arms each cantilevered from the base portion; the inner ends of the arms being mechanically interconnected such that pressure applied to any one or more of the inner ends of the arms flexes each of the arms towards the base pc:tion thereby moving the inner ends cf the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk. 2. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 1 in which the inner ends cf the arms together form a buttor.-like member. 3. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 2 in which the button-like member includes ε rim, or lip, arranged to engage a compact disk held by the disk-engaging means adjacent the central hole thereof . 4. Apparatus for holding a compact diεx as claimed in Clεxm 2 or 3 in which the inner ends of adjacent arms forming the ttcn-liks member are interconnected by an integral living hinge. 5. Apparatus fcr holding a compact disk as cieimed in Claim 2, 3 or 4 in which the button-like member presents a generally concave outer surface 6. Apparatus for holding a compact as claimed in any precedin z:lε__τ. in which the inner ends of the ar-r.i * are by a second button-Like member engaging the inner ends of each cf th= arms. 7. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the arms connect to the base portion at positions at least 10mm radially outward from the centre and preferably at least 15mm therefrom. 8. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which , in the unstressed state, the arms extend from the base portion at an angle in the range 5 to 30 degrees and preferably in the range 10 to 20 degrees therefrom. 9. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the arms are arranged to flex through an angle of 10 degrees or less so as to release their engagement with the disk and preferably through an angle of 5 degrees or less. 10. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim having two or three resilient inwardly extending radial arms only. 11. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the resilient ejection means are arranged to resiliently support the disk away from the base when the disk is held by the disk engaging means. 12. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 11 in which the resilient ejection means comprises a plurality of further resilient inwardly extending arms cantilevered from the base. 13. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 12 in which the f rther arms connect to the base portion at positions at least 20mm radially outward from the centre and preferably at least 30mm therefrom. 14. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 12 or 13 in which in the unstressed state, the further arms extend from the base portion at an angle in the range 10 to 40 degrees and preferably in the range 20 to 30 degrees therefrom. 15. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 12, 13 or 14 in which the further arms are arranged to flex through an angle in the range 5 to 20 degrees and preferably 10 to 15 degrees between their stressed position when the disk is held by the disk engaging means and their unstressed position when the disk is released. 16. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 16 comprising at least three further arms and preferably four further arms only. 17. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11 in which the resilient ejection means comprises one or more pieces of compressible material which is compressed when the disk is held by the disk engaging means and expands to move the disk out of engagement with the disk engaging means when the disk engaging means is released. 18. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the resilient ejection means is positioned so as to engage an area of the disk radially outward of the central hole thereof , preferably 5 to 10mm radially outward from the edge thereof . 19. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 18 in which the resilient ejection means is positioned so as to engage an area of the disk which does not carry recorded information. 20. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the base portion forms part of a tray for fitting into a disk storage container. 21. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19 in which the base portion forms part of a wall of a disk storage container. 22. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim, apart from Claims 6 and 17, in which the base portion, the resilient ejection means and the inwardly extending radial arms are formed as an integral plastics moulding. 23. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 22 in which the plastics material is polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene. 24. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two resilient inwardly extending radial arms each cantilevered from the base portion, the inner ends of the arms being mechanically interconnected such that pressure applied to any one or more of the inner ends of the arms flexes each of the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk; and disk support means on the base portion for supporting the disk at positions away from the central hole when said pressure is applied to the inner ends of the arms such that said pressure causes the centre of the disk to flex towards the base portion until the inner ends of the arms release their engagement with the disk whereupon the disk reverts to its unflexed state and thereby moves out of engagement with the disk -engaging means. 25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24 in which the disk support means is arranged to support the disk at a plurality of locations around the outer edge thereof when said pressure is applied to the inner ends of the arms. 26. Apparatus as claimed in claims 24 or 25 in which the disk- engaging means hold the disk clear of the disk support means when they are engaged with the central hole of the disk. 27. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two resilient inwardly extending radial arms each cantilevered from the base portion, the inner ends of the arms together forming a button-like member such that pressure applied to the button-like member flexes the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk. 28. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion, disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk; and resilient ejection means arranged to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the disk-engaging means when the disk-engaging means is released, the resilient ejection means being arranged to resiliently support the disk away from the base when the disk is held by the disk-engaging means. 29. Apparatus for holding a compact disk substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30. A video style library box formed as a one-piece moulding characterised by the provision therein of disk engaging means for releasably engaging the central hole of a compact disk. 31. A video style library box as claimed in Claim 30 in which the disk engaging means is integrally formed with a wall of the box. 32. A video style library box as claimed in Claim 30 comprising apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 29. 33. A video style library box substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 and/or Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings. 34. A method of manufacturing apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 1 , Claim 24, Claim 27 or Claim 28 in which the apparatus is formed as a one-piece plastics moulding. 35. A method of manufacturing apparatus for holding a compact disk substantially as hereinbefore described. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 22 March 1996 (22.03.96 ) ; original cl aims 1 -35 repl aced by amended c laims 1 -34 (6 pages ) ] 1. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion, disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk; and resilient ejection means arranged to urge the disk out of engagement with the disk engaging means when the disk is released from the disk engaging means; the disk engaging means comprising at least two arms resiliently cantilevered from the base portion and extending radially inwards at an angle away from the base portion so as to support a disk held thereby away from the base portion, the inner ends of the arms together forming, or being engaged by, a button-like member and having rims, or lips, arranged to securely retain a disk by engaging on the outwardly facing surface of a compact disk held by the disk-engaging means, the arrangement being such that pressure applied to the button-like member depresses the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends cf the arms towards each other until the engagement of the rims or lips en the outwardly facing surface of the disk is released; the resilient ejection means being arranged such that upon release of the engagement cf the runs or lips on the disk, the disk is urged out of engagement with the disk engaging means. 2. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 1 in which the inner ends of adjacent arms forming the button-like member are interconnected by an integral living hinge. 3. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the button-like member presents a generally concave outer surface 4. Apparatus for holding a compact as claimed in Claim 1 , 2 or 3 in which the inner ends of the arms are interconnected by a second button-like member engaging the inner ends of each of the arms. 5. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the arms connect to the base portion at positions at least 10mm radially outward from the centre and preferably at least 15mm therefrom. 6. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which, in the unstressed state, the arms extend from the base portion at an angle in the range 5 to 30 degrees and preferably in the range 10 to 20 degrees therefrom. 7. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the arms are arranged to flex through an angle of 10 degrees or less so as to release their engagement with the disk and preferably through an angle of 5 degrees or less. 8. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim having two or three resilient inwardly extending radial arms only. 9. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim in which the resilient ejection means are arranged to resiliently support the disk away from the base when the disk is held by the disk engaging means. 10. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 9 in which the resilient ejection means comprises a plurality of further inwardly extending arms resiliently cantilevered from the base portion. 11. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 10 in which the further arms connect to the base portion at positions at least 20mm radially outward from the centre thereof and preferably at least 30mm from the centre thereof. 12. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 in which in the unstressed state, the further arms extend away from the base portion at an angle in the range 10 to 40 degrees and preferably in the range 20 to 30 degrees thereto. 13. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 10, 11 or 12 in which the further arms are arranged to flex through an angle in the range 5 to 20 degrees and preferably 10 to 15 degrees between their stressed position when the disk is held by the disk engaging means and their unstressed position when the disk is released. 14. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 13 comprising at least three further arms and preferably four further arms only. 15. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 in which the resilient ejection means comprises one or more pieces of compressible material which is compressed when the disk is held by the disk engaging means and expands to move the disk out of engagement with the disk engaging means when the disk engaging means is released. 16. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in ar. preceding claim in which the resilient ejection means is positioned so as tc engage an area of the disk radially outward of the central hoie thereof , preferably 5 to 10mm radially outward from the edge thereof . 17. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed m Claim 16 m which the resilient election means is positioned so as to engage an area of the disk which does not carry recorded information. 18. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed m any preceding claim in which the base portion forms parr of a tray for fitting into a disk storaσe container. 19. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 17 in which the base portion forms part of a wall of a disk storage container. 20. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any preceding claim, apart from Claims 4 and 15, in which the base portion, the resilient ejection means and the inwardly extending radial arms are formed as an integral plastics moulding. 21. Apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in Claim 20 in which the plastics material is polypropylene or a copolymer of butadene and styrene. 22. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two arms resiliently cantilevered from the base portion and extending radially m ards at an angle away from the base portion so as to support a disk held thereby away from the base portion, the inner ends of the arms forming cr being engaged by a button-like embsr and having πrπs or lips arranged to securely retain a disk by engaging en the outwardly facing surface cf a compact disk held by the dis -engaging means, such that pressure applied to the button-like member depresses the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other until engagement of the rims or lips on the outwardly facing surface of the disk is released; and disk support means on the base portion for supporting the disk at positions away from the central hoie when said pressure is applied tc the button-like member such that said pressure causes the centre of the disk to flex towards the base portion until the rims or lips release their engagement with the disk whereupon the disk reverts to its unflexed state and thereby moves out cf engagement with the disk-engaging means. 23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 in which the disk support means is arranged to support the disk at a plurality of locations around the outer edge thereof when said pressure is applied to the button-like member. 24. Apparatus as claimed in claims 22 or 23 in which the disk- engaging means hold the disk clear of the disk support means when they are engaged with the central hole of the disk. 25. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole of the disk, the disk-engaging means comprising at least two inwardly extending radial arms each resiliently cantilevered from the base portion, the inner ends of the arms together forming a button-like member such that pressure applied to the button-like member flexes the arms towards the base portion thereby moving the inner ends of the arms towards each other sufficiently to release their engagement with the disk. 26. Apparatus for holding a compact disk having a central hole , the apparatus comprising: a base portion, disk-engaging means extending from the base portion for releasably engaging the central hole cf the disk; and resilient election means arranged to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the disk-engaging means when the disk-engaging means is released , the resi ent ejection means being arranged to resi ently support the disk away from the base when the disk is held by the disk-engaging means. 27. Apparatus for holding a compact disk substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 28. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim holding a compact disk . 29. A video style library box formed as a one-piece moulding characterised by the provision therein of disk engaging means for releasably engaging the central hole of a compact disk. 30. A video style library box as claimed in Claim 29 in which the disk engaging means is integrally formed with a wall of the box. 31. A video style library box as claimed in Claim 29 comprising apparatus for holding a compact disk as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 28. 32. A video style library box substantially as hereinbefore descriJoed with reference to Figures 1 to 8 and /or Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings. 33. A method of manufacturing apparatus for holding a compact d sk as claimed in Claim 1 , Claim 22 , Claim 25 or Claim 26 in which the apparatus is formed as a one-piece plastics moulding. 34. A method cf manufacturing apparatus for holding a compact d sk substantially as hereinbefore described. STATEMENT UNDER ART. 19 In the present invention the disk is securely retained on the arms 15 by rims (or lips) 23 and is released from the rims by depression of the button-like member 16, and hence of the arms 15 , until the inner ends of the arms move towards each other sufficiently for the rims to disengage from the disk. As the arms are depressed, the rims move along an arc and the disk itself moves towards the base to some extent until the rims have moved inwards sufficiently to disengage from the disk (otherwise the rims would damage the edge of the central hole of the disk) . Such movement is permitted as the disk is supported away from the base portion 12 by the inner ends of the arms 15. The invention also provides ejection means so that, once the rims have disengaged from the outwardly facing surface of the disk, the disk is urged out of engagement with the disk engaging means. The provision of ejection means ensures that the disk is urged out of engagement with the disk engaging means as soon as the rims are disengaged from the outwardly facing surface of the disk. In essence, the features described above are such that, on depression of the button-like member, energy is stored in the assembly as one or more parts thereof are resiliently flexed and, when the rims release their engagement with the disk , this energy is released causing the disk to move out of engagement with the disk engaging means. Another important feature of the invention is that as the arms 15 extend radially inwards with the πms at the inner ends thereof engaging the central aperture of the disk, the point at which they connect to the base portion lies radially outwards from the central aperture. So, if an attempt is made to remove the disk by pulling it upwards, the rims will be pulled further from the base portion as the arms pivot about their connection with the base portion and so increase their gnp on the disk. The disk is thus effectively "locked" :n place unless released by depression of the button-like member. These features, therefore, only permit the disk to be removed by depression cf the button-like member so making it very unlikely that the disk can be disengaged from the apparatus by shock loads. The retention and release action of the invention is quite different to that cf the prior art and leads to significant advantages. In particular , the prior art does not disclose apparatus in which energy is first stored as the button is depressed and then released to cause the disk to be elected when the apparatus releases its engagement on the disk nor does it disclose apparatus in which the disk s effectively "locked" on the apparatus so as to inhibit accidental release ry sr.cc loads so it can only be released by depression of the button.

Inventors: FARRAR PETER ANTONY, FRASER ANTHONY HENRY JOSEPH, PIJANOWSKI STEFAN ALEXANDER, FARRAR, PETER, ANTONY, FRASER, ANTHONY, HENRY, JOSEPH, PIJANOWSKI, STEFAN, ALEXANDER
Applicants: DUBOIS PLC, FARRAR PETER ANTONY, FRASER ANTHONY HENRY JOSEPH, PIJANOWSKI STEFAN ALEXANDER, FARRAR, PETER, ANTONY, FRASER, ANTHONY, HENRY, JOSEPH, PIJANOWSKI, STEFAN, ALEXANDER, THE DUBOIS PLC
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G11B33
IPC codes: B65D85, G11B23, G11B33