Special receptacle or package – For holding a machine readable recording medium – For holding an optical disc
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-14
2001-08-21
Gehman, Bryon P. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For holding a machine readable recording medium
For holding an optical disc
C206S310000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276524
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier. Such magnetic recording carriers include but are not limited to digital video discs or digital versatile discs, and compact discs (collectively referred to as “discs”). The case of the present invention includes an improved device for the engagement and release of such discs.
Prior art disc cases for audio, data and software typically include a centrally-located, projecting formation which engages the inner edge of the circular opening defined in the center of the disc. The disc is released from the case in response to response to downward pressure exerted on the projecting formation.
Application ES-U-9703025 discloses a compact disc case having a central formation formed in a button-shape. The case includes flexible lateral branches, each of which has a lower end having a tilted wing connected to and forming an angle near the case wall for permitting the lateral branch to move downwardly in order to release the engagement in the central hole of the disc. Circumferential projections provided in a bottom wall of the case engage the exterior edge of the compact disc and maintains the disc in a slightly flexed condition inside the case.
The storage case of the present invention helps protect a disc stored therein from being exposed to dust, moisture, excessive heat, or other undesirable environmental conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a case for storing a disc-shaped recording carrier which is easy to manufacture and safe to use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a case for storing a disc-shaped recording carrier that securely engages the outer edge of the recording carrier for maintaining the recording carrier within the case, yet provides an easy-to-use mechanism permitting release of the recording carrier from the case.
It is another object of the invention to provide a case for storing a disc-shaped recording carrier having stems configured concentrically around a prismatic-hexagonal formation are stems that detach orthogonally upwards from the upper face of a platform for support of the disc and can be biased by flexion through a lateral pressure exercised towards the center of the prismatic-hexagonal formation, each of which has a retention cog having a lower surface positioned at a vertical distance from the support platform of the disc that is of the same magnitude order as the thickness of the disc.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier having upper and lower faces, an outer edge, and an inner edge defining a central circular opening. The case includes a floor positioned within a frame. A plurality of spaced-apart segments are connected to the floor to form a cylindrical rim. The segments cooperate with one another to engage the outer edge of the magnetic recording carrier. A first cylindrical raised seat is positioned in a central location on the floor and is adapted for receiving the recording carrier thereon. A second cylindrical raised seat is positioned in a central location on the first cylindrical raised seat. The second cylindrical raised seat includes a button positioned above the horizontal plane and on an upper face of the second cylindrical raised seat. The button includes polygonal sidewalls having upper and lower edges, and a face having an outer edge connected to the upper edge. A plurality of spaced-apart tabs are positioned adjacent the polygonal sidewalls and are movable toward the sidewalls in response to radially-directed inward pressure against the tabs. Each of the tabs includes a vertical face having a wedge-shaped notch thereon biased towards and engaging the inner edge of the opening of the recording carrier in the absence of radially-directed inward pressure against the tab.
The button includes an even number of polygonal sidewalls.
The tabs are positioned adjacent alternating polygonal sidewalls.
The button includes at least three polygonal sidewalls.
The case includes three spaced-apart tabs.
Each of the vertical faces is carried on the second cylindrical raised seat by an arm having a first end formed with the upper face and a second free end extending inwardly toward the button for supporting the lower face of the recording carrier.
The case includes a flexible hinge connecting the first cylindrical raised seat to the floor for permitting the first and second cylindrical raised seats and the button to be moved toward the floor in response to downward pressure on the face of the button for releasing the recording carrier from the tabs.
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patent: 5944181 (1999-08-01), Lau
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patent: 5996788 (1999-12-01), Belden et al.
patent: WO 8806559 A1 (1988-09-01), None
patent: WO 9736298 A1 (1996-05-01), None
patent: WO 9741563 A1 (1997-11-01), None
Cerda-Torres Ruben
Cerda-Vilaplana Gustavo
Adams, Schwartz & Evans P.A.
Gehman Bryon P.
Magnetic Imatge, S.A.
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