Abstract:
The invention relates in general to an apparatus for holding a media storage disk, more particularly an apparatus having an improved central retaining area for the retention of the media storage disk, along with an optional securing means for engaging the media storage disk around its outside circumference. The disk-receiving portion contains a body portion which includes a circular outer retaining wall whose radius is slightly larger than media storage disk. The body portion also incorporates a central retaining area comprising a cylindrical hub, at least one arm extending radially and downward from the hub toward the body portion, and at least one additional arm opposite the first arm creating a hinge between the hub and body portion. Additionally the body portion may incorporate a means to secure the outer diameter of the media storage disk.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The invention relates in general to an apparatus for holding a media storage disk, more particularly an apparatus having an improved central retaining area for the retention of the media storage disk, along with an optional securing means for engaging the media storage disk along its outer edge.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Media storage disks have gained popularity with consumers. Examples of media storage disks include, but are not limited to, the compact disk (CD), the digital video disk (DVD) and the video compact disk (VCD).  
         [0005]     Numerous storage cases have been developed for media storage disks. It is appreciated by designers of storage cases that it is undesirable for any portion of the case to be in contact with the information-carrying portions of the disk. Thus, developments in storage case design have involved means that limit the contact of the case with the disk to the central hole of the disk.  
         [0006]     In addition to addressing the retention of media storage disks, case designs have also provided for the convenient ejection of the disk. Because DVDs consist of two laminated layers of polycarbonate, the bending of the DVDs for engagement and removal can cause disk and hence data damage. To avoid this damage, it is desirable for a case to provide convenient insertion and removal of the disk.  
         [0007]     A common problem associated with most storage case designs is disk loosening and removal from a prepackaged case. A prepackaged case typically has an embedded alarm sensor. The actual disk, however, has no alarm-sensing device. By pressing the center of the storage case wall against the disk, it is possible to loosen and disengage a disk from the central retaining area.  
         [0008]     This design flaw facilitates the theft of disks from their prepackaged cases. In addition, it greatly increases the susceptibility of disk damage during normal handling, transport and storage procedures.  
         [0009]     Thus, the need arises for a media storage case that limits the contact of the case with information-carrying portions of the disk, allows for easy disk insertion and removal, and is not susceptible to disk loosening and removal from the central retaining portion.  
         [0010]     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,362, Cheung discloses an apparatus for holding a media storage disk with a central hole. Although Cheung lessens the susceptibility to disk loosening when pressure is applied to the center of the storage case, it does not provide for convenient insertion of the disk. Before inserting the disk, the central retaining area must be positioned into a disk-releasing position by applying pressure to an articulation axis. This leads to an additional step in the disk packaging process, which is undesirable.  
         [0011]     Unlike Cheung, the present invention uses pivot axes on each of the extending arms. The configuration of the present invention eliminates the need for applying pressure to an articulation axis, thus facilitating the disk packaging process. Disks can simply be pressed onto the central retaining area when packaging.  
         [0012]     Through the years many apparatus for holding media storage disks have been developed. The most successful ones to date are ones which incorporate disk lifting capabilities through the incorporation of a central cylindrical hub which is split in half, thirds, quarters or more sections. Generally, when pressing these split hubs the user experiences an unpleasant pinching sensation. Additionally, these split hubs for engaging the storage media are prone to damage if one of the sections is pressed faster or harder than any of the remaining sections of the hub.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus having an improved central retaining area for the retention of a media storage disk.  
         [0014]     A second object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that limits contact with information-carrying portions of the disk.  
         [0015]     A third object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that allows for easy insertion and removal of the disk.  
         [0016]     A fourth object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that is not susceptible to disk loosening and removal when pressure is applied to the center of the storage case.  
         [0017]     A fifth object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that facilitates the disk packaging process by eliminating the need for performing additional steps when transitioning between a disk-releasing position and a disk-securing position.  
         [0018]     A sixth object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus that is simple and inexpensive to produce.  
         [0019]     A seventh object of the invention is to provide a disk storage apparatus which does not pinch the fingers of users when releasing the disk from the central hub.  
         [0020]     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides an apparatus for securely holding a compact disk having a central aperture. The apparatus includes a body portion and at least one flexible arm radially connected to a cylindrical hub and extending downwardly to the flat planar surface. The arm is designed to give ejecting spring force and resting support for the disk. A second arm incorporating a molded engagement finger as part of the hub is pivotally connected opposite the first flexible arm radiating outward from the cylindrical hub to provide a hinge for locking and unlocking the disk from the apparatus. When the cylindrical hub is depressed the engagement fingers collapse downwardly below the surface of the disk inward to the center of the hub. When the pressure applied to the hub is released, the molded engagement fingers are lifted to disengage the disk from the apparatus.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is an overhead view of a case that incorporates the apparatus for holding a media storage disk in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case being in a fully open position with the interior portion visible.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention containing a media storage disk in the disk-locking position with the case being in a completely open position with the interior portion visible.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of region A in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of region B in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the hub section of the apparatus in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 5A  is a downward view of an alternate embodiment of the hub section.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5B  is an enlarged perspective view of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of  FIG. 5  when the apparatus.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged overhead view of the hub section of the apparatus in  FIG. 2  when in the disk is engaged by the central retaining assembly.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the hub section of the apparatus in  FIG. 2  when in the disk is engaged by the central retaining assembly.  
         [0034]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged overhead view of the hub section of the apparatus in  FIG. 2  when in the disk-released position.  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of  FIG. 12 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of  FIG. 12 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view of the hub section of the apparatus in  FIG. 2  when in the disk-released position.  
         [0038]      FIG. 16  is of the hub section in the act of releasing the media disk when force is downward applied to the hub section.  
         [0039]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of  FIG. 16 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B of  FIG. 16 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 19  an overhead view of the invention in the disk-locking position with the case being in a completely open position with the interior portion visible.  
         [0042]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines D-D of  FIG. 19 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged view of Region C of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged view of Region D of  FIG. 20 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 23 a  overhead view of a preferred embodiment of the invention in the disk-locking position with the case being in a completely closed position with the interior portion not visible.  
         [0046]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines E-E of  FIG. 23 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged view of Region C of  FIG. 24 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of Region D of  FIG. 24 .  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0049]      FIG. 1  presents an overhead view of the apparatus for holding a media storage disk in accordance with the present invention is shown.  FIG. 2  presents a perspective view of the apparatus retaining a media storage disk in accordance with the actual invention shown.  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate case  10  in a fully open position with the interior portion visible. Case  10  provides enclosure to hold a media storage disk such as, but not limited to, a CD, DVD, or VCD. Case  10  preferably includes a disk-receiving portion  11  and a cover portion  12 . Disk-receiving portion  11  can move relative to cover portion  12  via a hinged region  13 , so that when case  10  is in a closed position, disk-receiving portion  11  and cover portion  12  form an enclosure around the disk.  
         [0050]     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , disk-receiving portion  11  contains a body portion  14  which includes a circular outer retaining wall  20  whose radius is slightly larger than media storage disk  50 . Body portion  14  also including a central retaining area  15  and a pair outer retaining means  16  incorporated in the outer retaining wall  20 . Body portion  14  may provide for the entire or a substantial part of disk-receiving portion  11 , or may be a separate or stepped molding. Body portion  14  may also be an insert receivable within case  10 . Central retaining area  15  provides for securing the media storage disk  50  within case  10  and is now described in further detail.  
         [0051]     With reference to  FIG. 3  which depicts an enlarged version of the first outer retaining mechanism  18  proximally located near hinged region  13  on disk receiving portion  11 . First outer retaining mechanism  18  comprises post  19  integrated into the circumference of retaining wall  20  possessing. Post  19  incorporates lip  22  to secure disk  50 . Lip  22  engages disk  50  when block  21  contacts post  19  when case  10  is in the closed position. The first outer retaining mechanism  18  releases disk  50  when case  10  is open as a result of block  21  no longer contacting post  19  when case  10  is in the open position.  
         [0052]     With reference to  FIG. 4  which depicts an enlarged version of the second outer retaining mechanism  23  located opposite both first outer retaining mechanism  18  and hinged portion  13 . Second outer retaining mechanism  23  comprises post  24  integrated on the outer circumference of retaining wall  20 . Post  24  incorporates lip  26  to secure disk  50 . Post  24  engages disk  50  when block  25  contacts post  24  when case  10  is in the closed position. Lip  26  of post  24  releases disk  50  when case  10  is open as a result of block  25  no long contacting post  24  to engage lip  26  over the outer circumference of disk  50 .  
         [0053]     With reference to  FIG. 5  which depicts an enlarged view of central retaining section  15  that comprises a cylindrical hub  27  whose diameter is slightly less than the diameter of the center aperture of disk  50 , a first pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  extending radially and downward toward the body portion  14 . First pair of arms  30  extends opposite the second pair of arms  31  from hub  27 . Both first pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  are designed to provide ejection force when hub  27  is depressed to release disk  50 , and resting support for disk  50  when engaged in the apparatus.  
         [0054]     A third pair of arms  32  and fourth pair of arms  33  are pivotally connected to the cylindrical hub  27  which provide a hinge for locking and unlocking disk  50 . Third pair of arms  32  and fourth pair of arms  33  are located opposite each other and equidistant from first pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31 .  
         [0055]     Said third pair of arms  32  and said fourth pair of arms  33  create a hinge between hub  27  and body portion  14  necessary for locking and unlocking disk  50  from the apparatus. Aligned with said third pair of arms  32  and said fourth pair of arms  33  is a a retractable finger protruding from hub  17  to engage disk  50  when in the locked position in the apparatus. When downward pressure is applied to hub  27  fingers  35  retract inside hub  27  thereby releasing disk  50 .  
         [0056]     Alternatively, according to  FIGS. 5A  and  FIG. 5B , only the first pair of arms  30  and the third pair of arms  30  radiate from hub  15 . The first pair of arms  30  and third pair of arms  32  are generally 180 degrees apart, radiating from hub  15  in generally opposite directions. Thus, the second pair of arms  31  and fourth pair of arms  33  may be completely disregarded for this alternative embodiment.  
         [0057]     With respect to  FIG. 6  which depicts a cross section of hub section  15  along lines A-A in  FIG. 5 . Third pair of arms  32  and fourth pair of arms  33  are located opposite each other and equidistant from first pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  each possessing creating hinge between hub  27  and body portion  14  necessary for locking and unlocking disk  50  from the apparatus. Aligned with said third pair of arms  32  and said fourth pair of arms  33  is a retractable finger protruding from hub  17  to engage disk  50  when in the locked position in the apparatus. When downward pressure is applied to hub  27  fingers  35  retract inside hub  27  thereby releasing disk  50 .  
         [0058]     With respect to  FIG. 7  which depicts a cross section of hub section  15  along lines B-B in  FIG. 5 . First pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  extend radially and opposite each other from hub  27  and downward toward body portion  14 . First pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  are designed to provide ejection force when hub  27  is depressed, and resting support for disk  50  when disk is engaged in the apparatus.  
         [0059]      FIGS. 8, 9 ,  10  and  11  depict central retaining assembly  15  in the locked position engaging disk  50 . When in the locked position, fingers  35  located on hub  27  engage disk  50  by overlapping the inner diameter of disk  50 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 9  depicts the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8  along line A-A. When in the locked position, fingers  35  located on hub  27  engage disk  50  along the inner diameter of disk  50 . Third pair of arms  32  and fourth pair of arms  33  which form a hinge between hub  27  and body portion  14  are partially collapsed downward when disk  50  is in the locked position thereby providing a spring force when hub  27  is depressed to unlock disk  50  from fingers  35 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8  along line B-B. First pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  extend radially from hub  27  downward toward the body portion  14 . When disk  50  is in the locked position in the apparatus, first pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  are partially depressed to provide ejection force when hub  27  is depressed. First pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  also provide resting support for disk  50  when disk is engaged in the apparatus to elevate media storage side of disk  50  from body portion  14 .  
         [0062]      FIGS. 12, 13 ,  14 , and  15  depict disk  50  in the unlocked position immediately after being released from the assembly. When in the unlocked position, disk  50  disengages from and sits atop fingers  35 . As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the released disk is no longer in contact with first pair of arms  30  or second pair of arms  31 . Third pair of arms  32  and fourth pair of arms  33  are no longer compressed allowing the hinge to return to an approximately forty-five (45) degree angle between hub  27  and body portion  14 .  
         [0063]      FIGS. 16, 17 , and  18  depict the apparatus when downward force is applied to hub  27  to release disk  50  from the apparatus. When force is applied to hub  27 , fingers  35  retract inside  27  hub disengaging disk  50  from hub  27 . As depicted in  FIG. 17  which is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 16  along lines A-A, first pair of arms  30  and second pair of arms  31  move upward to dislodge disk  50  from hub  27  after fingers  35  retract. As reflected in  FIG. 18  which is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 16  along lines B-B, third pair of arms  32  and fourth pair of arms  33  are compressed downward toward body portion  14  as a result of the force applied to hub  27  thus creating a pivotal hinge for unlocking disk  50 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 19  depicts case  10  in the open position revealing the entire interior of the apparatus with disk  50  engaged therein.  FIG. 20  provides a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 19  along lines D-D.  FIGS. 21 and 22  provide enlargements of first outer retaining mechanism  18  and second outer retaining mechanism  19 , respectively. The first outer retaining mechanism depicted in  FIG. 21  comprises a post  19  incorporating lip  22  oriented inward toward hub  27 . Post  19  is aligned with retaining wall  20  proximal to hinged region  13 . Aligned directly behind post  19  in the hinge portion  13  is block  21  so that when cover portion  12  engages with disk receiving portion  11  closing case  10 , block  21  contacts post  19  forcing post  19  inward toward hub  27  thereby securing the outer circumference of media storage disk  50  with lip  22  as depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 26 . So long as cover portion  12  and disk receiving portion  11  are not engaged in the closed position post  19  does not engage disk  50 .  
         [0065]     Likewise, as depicted in  FIG. 20 , second outer retaining mechanism  23  comprises post  24  aligned with retaining wall  20  opposite but aligned with first outer retaining mechanism  18 . Post  24  incorporates lip  26  which faces inward toward hub  27 . Aligned directly behind post  24  on the inside of cover portion  12  is block  25  when case  10  is closed as depicted in  FIG. 26 . When cover portion  12  is closed thereby engaging disk receiving portion  11  block  25  contacts post  24  forcing post  24  inward toward hub  27  thereby securing the outer circumference of media storage disk  50  under lip  26  as depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Again, so long as cover portion  12  and disk receiving portion  11  are not engaged in the closed position, post  24  leans does not engage disk  50  to assist with securing disk  50  in case  10 .  
         [0066]     Other embodiments of the invention will appear to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples to be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.