Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Grapple – Expanding
Patent
1994-04-05
1995-06-06
Cherry, Johnny D.
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Grapple
Expanding
294 992, B25B 902, B25J 102
Patent
active
054216303
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a handling device, more particularly it relates to a device for picking up and manipulating a flat disc having a centrally located opening. It will be convenient to hereinafter refer to the device as in relation to handling a digital audio compact disc or the like, however it should be noted that the invention has a wider application.
Compact discs ("CDs") are well known and widely used to store digital data, particularly digital audio data. In recent times CDs have surpassed analogue vinyl records as the main format of recorded music sold. CDs offer a higher level of fidelity and increased durability compared to vinyl records. However, CDs are still prone to damage.
To ensure CDs are not damaged when not in use, they are usually provided with and stored in a rigid container or case having a recessed portion in which the CD is placed and the disc is held in position on resilient supports upon which the CD is located. The supports extend through and frictionally engage with the edge of an aperture provided centrally in the CD.
These supports are formed by a plurality of resilient plastic fingers arranged radially about a centre point of the recess of the container. Each finger in transverse cross section is shaped to have a head portion and a neck portion such that the diameter of said head portions of the plurality of fingers is slightly larger in diameter of the aperture in the CD and the diameter of the neck portions of the plurality of fingers is approximately equal to the diameter of the central aperture of the CD. Accordingly, when the CD is placed and located about the fingers and pressed towards the base of the recess, the fingers are deformed inwards to allow the aperture to pass the heads of the fingers and once it has passed the head section of each finger and moved towards the neck section, the fingers spring back to their original position and the head sections overhang the aperture thereby holding it in place.
When the user desires to remove the CD from its container, the CD is grasped about its circumferential edge at sides in the container where the edge is exposed for this purpose. Force is then applied to lift the CD out of the container and in doing so deforming the fingers inwardly so that the aperture may pass over the head sections of each finger. Depending upon the shape of the fingers, often considerable force must be applied to the edge to remove the CD. Flexing of the CD is often encountered which, after repeated use, may lead to weakening or even breakage of the CD. Moreover it is often very difficult to obtain a firm grasp on the edge of the CD. Further, once the CD has been removed, the user must take care not to touch the surface of the disc, particularly the playing surface as this may result in depositing of oils, grease and dirt from the fingers of the user and also acids contained in sweat which may etch into the protective coating of the CD. Further scratching of the playing surface may occur. All these undesirable consequences of touching the CD may result in inferior sound reproduction. At all times, the user must be careful to ensure that the CD is not dropped. When removing the CD from the container, particularly when one is applying considerable force to remove it from the retaining fingers, the risk of the CD slipping from the user's fingers and being dropped from the container is high.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device which facilitates easy removal of the CD from its container and allows safe handling of a CD from its container to a CD player.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems.
According to the present invention there is provided a device for handling a compact disc having an aperture wherein the device comprises: into said aperture between adjacent aperture retaining fingers located on a compact disc container and engageable with a portion of said aperture; and biasing means urges said engaging means radially apart, said plurality of engaging means co-operate
REFERENCES:
patent: 3019521 (1962-02-01), Clark
patent: 3588983 (1971-06-01), Hoy
patent: 4039121 (1977-08-01), Crane
patent: 4595221 (1986-06-01), de Geus et al.
patent: 4662667 (1987-05-01), Gilligan et al.
patent: 4726615 (1988-02-01), Goldberg
patent: 4781408 (1988-11-01), Hernandez
patent: 4877280 (1989-10-01), Milano
patent: 5192106 (1993-03-01), Kaufman
patent: 5195794 (1993-03-01), Hummel et al.
"Pick-Up Tools for Rigid Discs", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 28, No. 7, Dec. 1985, p. 3103.
Pompeani Denis
Sergi Dominic
Barbaro Guiseppe
Cherry Johnny D.
Pompeani Denis
Sergi Dominic
LandOfFree
Compact disc handling device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Compact disc handling device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compact disc handling device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-982334