Patent Publication Number: US-2009223842-A1

Title: Archival data disc storage case

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     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 
     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. 
     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. 
     For example, United States Patent Application 2003/0052024 published on Mar. 20 th , 2003 teaches a case for holding a data or media disc. 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. 
     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 
     An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an archival and storage case for data disc. 
     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 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 first 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. 
     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 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. 
     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 therebetween. 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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 disc-releasing position. In an embodiment, the protruding member comprises an upper surface that is higher than the upper surface defined by the actuator. 
     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. 
     In an embodiment, the disc mounting device is integrally mounted to the tray. 
     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. 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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  
       In the appended drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a storage case according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the disc mounting device of the storage case of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the disc mounting device; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the disc mounting device; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the disc mounting device without a data disc therein; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the disc mounting device shown with a data disc hooked thereto; 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation sectional view of the disc mounting device shown during the removal of the data disc therefrom; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded top perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 1  with the underside cover removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 1  with the underside cover installed; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 1 , shown in a closed position; and 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional perspective view of the storage case of  FIG. 1 , showing a cover closing arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT 
     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. 
       FIG. 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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     Turning now more specifically to  FIGS. 2 to 5 , the disc mounting or hooking device  16  will be described. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the hooking device  16  includes a mounting element assembly  17  including a first mounting element  19  and a second mounting element  21 . 
     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 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. 
     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 . 
     The disc mounting device also includes a disc support member  33  (see  FIG. 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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     As can be better seen from  FIG. 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. 
     Turning now briefly to  FIG. 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. 
     The wall  34  defines an upper surface that is higher than the release button  28 . As can be better seen from  FIG. 3 , the underside of the arcuate wall support  36  includes a generally U-shaped reinforcing element such as rib  48 . 
     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  FIGS. 2 to 5  when the pressure is removed therefrom. 
     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). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7  of the appended drawings, the operation of the hooking device  16  will be described. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the hooking device  16  when a data disc  18  is mounted thereto. As can be seen from this figure, the distance between 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 . 
     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 . 
     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  FIG. 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. 
     Hence,  FIGS. 1 to 6  show the disc mounting device  16  in the disc-engaging position while  FIG. 7  shows the disc mounting device in the disc-releasing position. 
     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 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  16  is displaced in the disc releasing position. 
     One will note that since the wall  34  ( FIG. 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 harder to push down, making the arrangement even more secure. 
       FIGS. 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  52  to the hooking device  16 . Hence, the projections  54  and the apertures  42  act as mutually engaging elements. 
     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. 
       FIG. 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. 
     Finally,  FIG. 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. 
     It is to be noted that the storage case  10  includes two such cover closing arrangements such as  58 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.