AU2004201800A1

AU2004201800A1 - Disc storage system

Info

Publication number: AU2004201800A1
Application number: AU2004201800A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen Carroll
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-30
Filing date: 2004-04-30
Publication date: 2004-11-18

Description

P/00/009 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: DISC STORAGE SYSTEM The invention is described in the following statement: Our Ref: 042008 DISC STORAGE SYSTEM The present invention relates to equipment for the storage of pre-recorded and read/write data discs such as Compact Discs (CDs), Digital Video Discs (DVDs), discs for video games and the like, and in particular to the storage of such discs at point of sale and video hire outlets.

BACKGROUND

CDs, DVDs- and other like data storage discs are typically supplied in transparent plastic cases in which the disc is releasably mounted to a central deformable post so that the data recording surface, that is, the underside of the disc is retained just clear of the casing surface.

A disadvantage of this arrangement is that as the disc is released from the central post there is a danger of sliding the recording surface over the edges of the casing and central post thereby damaging the disc sufficient to render it at least unusable for sale as a new item and in some cases destroying at least a portion of the recorded material. Not infrequently, these posts are somewhat brittle and with repeated and careless handling can shatter rendering them ineffective.

These problems are of particular concern in the video hire industry as they are for other lending institutions such as libraries, in that such hired or loaned material is often carelessly handled.

A further problem with DVDs is their known tendency to delaminate. DVDs are manufactured from two discs laminated together in a process involving the application of a bonding adhesive and the spinning of one disc against the other at high speed and pressure. The bonding adhesive is however not applied to the full area of the discs leaving an un-bonded annular ring adjacent to the central hole.

Repeated placing onto, and removal of discs from the central mounting post of a DVD case can cause flexing and begin the process of delamination. This un-bonded area also appears to allow the ingress of moisture, again a process exacerbated by flexing at the centre, leading to discoloration and deterioration.

A typical procedure in the sale of both CDs, DVDs and the like, is the practice of having the containing case on display while the disc itself is kept in some container behind the counter of the sales outlet or in some other secure location. When a customer selects the desired item he or she will bring the case to the counter and sales staff retrieve the appropriate disc and insert it into the case. Typically the disc is uncovered during the transition from storage to the case and the customer has no way of knowing whether he or she is purchasing an unused and pristine item.

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate at least some of the above disadvantages or to offer a useful alternative.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided a disc storage system adapted to releasably retain a data disc; said system including an outer openable enclosure and a releasably retained disc storage cartridge; said disc storage cartridge adapted to the slideable extraction of said disc out of said disc storage cartridge and the slideable insertion of said disc into said disc storage cartridge.

Preferably said enclosure includes an open base portion and a hinged lid portion; said lid portion hinged from one side of said base portion.

Preferably said enclosure is made of transparent plastic.

Preferably said base portion and said lid portion are adapted to the retention of sheet material carrying printed indicia.

Preferably said base portion is provided with disc storage cartridge retention system adapted to the insertion and release of said disc storage cartridge.

Preferably said disc storage cartridge retention system is in the form of a plurality of flexible pillars attached to the inside bottom surface of said base portion and extending upwardly from said surface; each one of said pillars provided with a slot extending across an inward facing vertical face of said pillar; said slot adapted to accept and retain an edge of said a disc storage cartridge.

Preferably said disc storage cartridge retention system comprises an array of four of said pillars; said pillars arrange in two opposing pairs; each of said pairs disposed along each one of two opposing sides of said base portion; each of said pairs retaining one of two opposing edges of said disc storage cartridge when said disc storage cartridge is inserted into said retention system.

Preferably each of said pillars is provided with a sloping face extending upwardly and outwardly from said slot; said sloping face adapted to the insertion of said edges of said disc storage cartridge into said slot by outwardly urging upper portions of said flexible pillars when said disc storage cartridge is urged downwardly upon said array of said pillars.

Preferably said disc storage cartridge includes a base tray portion, a disc supporting sheet and a flexible transparent cover.

Preferably said base tray portion is comprised of a rigid plastic tray adapted to support and retain said supporting sheet.

Preferably said supporting sheet is adapted to protect the recorded data surface of a data disc.

Preferably said supporting sheet is provided with antistatic properties.

Preferably said supporting sheet is impregnated with disc cleaning fluid.

Preferably said flexible transparent cover is stretched tightly over said base tray portion and said support sheet so as to form an envelope adapted to the retention of a data disc.

Preferably said cover is provided with a removeable sealing strip along an edge of said cover; said sealing strip adapted for removal by a user so as to open a slit along said edge of said cover.

Preferably said data disc includes Digital Video Discs.

Preferably said data discs include Compact Discs.

Preferably said data discs include DVD ROM RE-WRITABLE discs.

Preferably said data discs include DVD RAM RE-WRITABLE discs.

Preferably said outer openable enclosure is in the form of a one-piece moulding having a substantially rigid base portion and a substantially rigid lid portion; said base portion and said lid portion joined by a flexible hinge portion.

Preferably said base portion and said lid portion are provided with latch means and catch means respectively; said latch means and said catch means adapted to mate so as to releasable hold said enclosure in a closed condition.

Preferably said base portion is provided with at least two cartridge retainer pillars disposed adjacent and parallel to a first side of said base portion and at least one retainer clip disposed adjacent to a second side of said base portion; said retainer pillars and said at least one retainer clip adapted to engage a first and second side respectively of said disc storage cartridge.

Preferably said retainer clip is adapted to deflect outwardly towards said second side when a said disc storage cartridge is pressed into a retained position between said retainer pillars and said retainer clip.

Preferably said retainer clip is provided with an ejector portion adapted to urge said second side of said disc storage cartridge upwardly relative to said base portion when said retainer clip is deflected outwardly so as to release said disc storage cartridge.

Preferably said disc storage cartridge is formed as a onepiece moulding of transparent plastic material comprising a lower portion and an upper portion joined by a hinge portion.

Preferably said lower portion is provided along the edges of said lower portion with a plurality of sockets and said upper portion is provided along the edges of said upper portion with a plurality of projecting lugs; said sockets and said lugs adapted to snap-fit together when said lower portion and said upper portion are folded together about said hinge portion to form an enclosure closed on three sides leaving an open front side.

Preferably said lower portion is provided with opposing flexible retainer elements disposed adjacent to opposing sides of said lower portion; said retainer elements adapted to accept the insertion therebetween of a said data disc.

Preferably said lower portion and said upper portion are each provided with an arcuate rear stop element meeting together to form a single rear stop element when said lower portion and said upper portion are folded together to form said enclosure; said rear stop element adapted to arrest an inserted said disc in a predetermined centralized position within said disc storage cartridge.

Preferably the inside surface of said lower portion is provided with a protective disc support surface adapted to underlie the underside of a data disc; said surface further adapted to allow the sliding insertion of said data disc into and sliding extraction out of said centralized position through said open front side without said underside of said disc contacting said enclosure.

Preferably said open front side is provided with tamperproof sealing means prior to use of said data disc; said sealing means indicating to a first user of said disc that said disc is new and not previously used or handled.

Preferably said sealing means is clearly marked with indicia unique to a particular supplier of said disc so as to operate as a seal of warranty to indicate said disc was issued by said particular supplier.

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for the storage of data discs prior to sale of said discs, said method including the steps of; supply of said discs to a point of distribution to purchasers in a storage enclosure comprising an outer openable casing and a releasably retained internal disc storage cartridge; releasing and removing said disc storage cartridge from said casing for separate storage of said disc storage cartridge in a secure storage location; displaying said casing for purpose of advertising availability of said data disc; inserting said disc storage cartridge into said casing at time of purchase of said data disc.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a storage cartridge for a data disc comprising a compartment formed of upper and lower portions and side portions so as to enclose said disc except for a slot extending substantially the length of one side of said compartment.

Preferably said data disc is retained within said compartment by arcuate retainer members disposed at opposing closed sides of said compartment; said members sufficiently flexible to allow said data disc to be inserted into and extracted from said members.

Preferably the inner surface of said compartment facing the playing surface of said data disc is provided with a support surface adapted to prevent scratching of said playing surface during insertion and extraction of said data disc from said compartment.

Preferably said upper portion is provided with a finger access aperture; said aperture exposing the central aperture of a data disc and extending towards said slot sufficient to allow the finger of a user to engage said central aperture and slide said data disc outwardly so as to allow an edge of said disc to be grasped for full extraction from said cartridge.

Preferably said upper and lower portions are joined at a respective edge by a hinge portion.

Preferably said upper and lower portions are provided with mating lugs, sockets and posts adapted to snap fit together when said upper and lower portions are folded about said hinge portion so that said upper and lower portions are parallel.

In still a further broad form of the invention there is provided a storage cartridge for at least two data discs wherein said discs are releasably retained in adjoining compartments.

Preferably a first one of said compartments for a first disc comprises an upper and a lower portion and side portions so as to enclose a first of said discs except for a slot extending substantially the length of the front side of said first one of said compartments.

Preferably a second one of said compartments for a second disc is comprised of a cover portion and three side portions adapted for attachment to said lower portion of said first one of said compartments so as to enclose said second disc except for a slot extending substantially along the front side of said second one of said compartments and adjacent to said slot of said first one of said compartments.

Preferably each said data disc is retained within each of said compartments by arcuate retainer members disposed at opposing closed sides of said compartments; said members sufficiently flexible to allow each said data disc to be inserted into and extracted from said members.

Preferably said upper portion and said lower portion are each provided with finger access apertures arranged so as to expose the central aperture of each respective disc in said first and second of said compartments; said apertures extending towards said front side of said compartments sufficient to allow a finger of a user to engage said central aperture and slide each respective said disc outwardly so as to project from each respective said slot.

Preferably said upper and lower portions of said first compartment are joined at a respective edge by a hinge portion.

Preferably said cartridge is adapted for enclosure within an openable outer casing; said outer casing provided with support structures adapted to engage with edges of said cartridge.

Preferably said outer casing is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion hinged together and provided with engagement lugs so as to retain said outer casing in a closed position when not in use.

Preferably said cartridge is so retained in said outer casing that a disc may be slid outwardly from a said compartment when said casing is in an open condition sufficient to extract said disc from said cartridge and said casing.

Preferably said cartridge may be removed from said casing for separate storage.

Preferably said slot of said cartridge is provided with a tamper proof seal; said seal comprised of a removable strip adhesively applied to cover sufficient of said slot to prevent removal of said disc without substantially destroying said strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a disc storage system according to the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the constituent components of a preferred embodiment of a disc storage cartridge sub-assembly of the disc storage system of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the disc storage system of Figure 1 with the disc storage cartridge of Figure 2 removed, Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the disc storage system of Figure 1 with a disc partly extracted from the disc storage cartridge.

Figure 5 is a plan view of second preferred embodiment of a disc storage system according to the invention Showing an open outer storage case with an inserted disc storage cartridge, Figure 6 is a plan view of the outer storage case of the disc storage system of Figure 5 with the disc storage cartridge removed, Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the outer storage case of Figure 6, Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the outer storage case of Figures 5 and 6, Figure 9 is a perspective view of the disc storage cartridge of Figure 5, open prior :o the fitting of a CD or DVD disc at manufacturing stage, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the disc Storage cartridge of Figure 9, closed with an inserted CD or DVD disc.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a disc storage cartridge adapted for storage of two CD or DVD discs.

Figure 12 are plan side and front views of the disc storage cartridge of Figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to CD or DVD discs, the invention is equally applicable to any digital data storage discs such as DVD RAM RE-WRITABLE discs.

With reference to Figure 1 a first preferred embodiment of a disc storage system 10 according to the invention includes a base portion 11 with hinged lid 12 adapted to form an outer storage case 13. Base portion 11 and hinged lid 12 are in a preferred form made from rigid impact resistant transparent plastic, such as for example polycarbonate.

Both base portion 11 and lid 12 may be formed with advertising insert retention lugs (not shown) adapted to retain such inserts, made for example from paper, to their inside surfaces.

Again with reference to Figure 1, disc 14 is contained in disc storage cartridge 15 which is in turn retained and supported in base portion 11 by flexible pillars 16. As may best be seen in Figure 3, pillars 16 are attached to the -bottom 17 of base portion 11. As shown in the inset of Figure 3, pillars 16 are formed with retention slot 18 and sloping face 19. The flexibility of pillars 16 and the sloping face 19 allows disc storage cartridge 15 to be pressed downwardly so as to snap the side edges 20 (Figure 1) of disc storage cartridge 15 into slots 18 thus securely holding disc storage cartridge 15 within base portion 11.

In at least one preferred form of the invention, disc storage cartridge 15 may comprise an assembly of a base 21, a support sheet 22 and a cover sheet 23 shown separated in Figure 2. Base 21 is preferably in the form of a substantially rigid tray formed from, for example, polycarbonate plastic and adapted to retain support sheet 22. Support sheet 22 is of a material adapted to support and protect from damage the underside of disc 14.

Optionally sheet 22 may have anti-static properties and be impregnated with a disc cleaning fluid.

Stretched tightly over both support surface 22 and base 21 is flexible transparent plastic cover sheet 23.

Cover sheet 23 together with support sheet 22 thus form a closely confining envelope adapted to confine disc 14 when inserted therein.

Cover sheet 23 is provided along its front edge 24 with sealing strip 25 shown in Figure 1 by a dashed line.

Sealing strip 25 is moulded into the edge 24 of cover sheet 23 in such a way that when sealing strip 25 is pulled from an end portion 27, it pulls away to open a slit 28 along edge 24. Cover sheet 23 is further provided in at least some preferred embodiments with finger opening 26 adapted to allow disc 14 to be slid partially through the slit 28 formed by the removal of sealing strip 25, as shown in Figure 4. Disc 14 may then be grasped by the edge with fingers to fully remove the disc. After use the disc may be reinserted into disc storage cartridge 15 and stored securely in container 13.

Base 21 and support sheet 22 are so formed that the upper surface of sheet 22 lies clear of the edge of base 21 so as to prevent any possibility of scraping the underside of disc 14 across the edge of base 21. As well disc storage cartridge 15 when supported in pillars 16 is held at a level above the bottom 17 of base portion 11 so as to allow extraction and insertion of disc 14 without contact with the front edge of base portion 11. Optionally, disc storage cartridge 15 may be released from pillars 16 and removed from outer storage case 13 whenever the extraction or insertion of disc 14 is required.

With reference now to Figure 5, in a second preferred embodiment of the invention a disc storage system 100 is comprised of an outer storage case 113 and a disc storage cartridge 115. As also shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, outer storage case 113 is made in one piece comprising a base portion 111 and lid portion 112 joined by hinge portion 114. In this preferred embodiment both base portion 111 and lid portion 112 are preferably made from a relatively stiff transparent plastic such as for example polypropylene. Base portion 111 is provided with latching lugs 102 adapted to releasably mate with catches 103 when base portion 111 and 19 lid portion 112 are folded together to form an enclosure.

Lid portion 112 may be further provided with clips 105 adapted to the retention for example of advertising or information media (not shown).

In this embodiment disc storage cartridge 115 is retained within the base portion 111 of outer storage case 113 by two retainer pillars 116A and 116B, and retainer clip 117 fixed to and rising from the inside surface of base portion 111. Each of pillars 116A and 116B are provided with upper portions 118 (as shown in the enlarged inset of Figure 7) sloping inwardly and downwardly so as to project over undercut portion 119. Retainer clip 117 is similarly provided with an inwardly and downwardly sloping upper portion 121 and undercut portion 122, but in addition is capable of outward deflection.

Thus when a disc storage cartridge 115 is pressed downwardly onto the two retainer pillars 116A and 116B and retainer clip 117, the cartridge lower left hand edge 119 rides down the sloping upper portions of the two retaining pillars, deflecting the retainer clip to come to rest on upwardly projecting ribs 120 and with the upper edges of the cartridge retained under the undercut portions 119 and 122.

Alternatively, disc retainer cartridge 115 may be inserted into its retained position in base portion 111 by firstly inserting the left hand edge of the cartridge under the undercut portions 119 of retainer pillars 116A and 116B and then pushing down on the right hand edge of the cartridge so as to deflect retainer clip 117.

Retainer pillars 116A and 116B provide lateral location for disc storage cartridge 115 within base portion 111. As an aid to accurately positioning the cartridge longitudinally, an end-stop 125 may be provided; for example as a vertical post rising from base portion 111 and locating the rear left hand corner of the cartridge.

In at least one preferred form of this embodiment retainer clip 117 is provided with an ejector portion 123 comprised of a ledge or frame projecting inwardly from the vertical portion of the clip. When in its at-rest position and retaining a disc storage cartridge 115, ejector portion 123 is positioned just below the underside of the cartridge. To release disc storage cartridge 115 from its retained position, the upper portion of clip 117 may be deflected outwardly by finger or thumb to release the right hand edge of the cartridge from undercut portion 122. This deflection causes ejector portion 123 to tilt upwardly and urge against the underside of the cartridge 115 so as to lift the right hand edge of the cartridge some way clear of the supporting ribs 120 thus allowing the cartridge to be readily grasped and pulled from base portion 111.

Turning now to Figures 9 and 10, disc storage cartridge 115 in this second preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of a lower portion 130 and an upper portion 131 joined by flexible hinge portion 132. Lower portion 130 is provided with flexible retainer elements 133 and 134 along each side respectively. The retainer elements 133 and 134 are so formed as to allow the insertion therebetween and retention of a CD or DVD disc. Lower portion 130 is further provided with rear disc stop ledge 135. This curved stop together with the curved form of the retainer elements 133 and 134 ensure a secure nesting of a disc.

Lower portion 130 is further provided with a protective disc support surface 141 adapted to underlie an inserted disc and formed of a suitable non-scratch material. Protective disc support surface 141 may for example be adhesively affixed to the inside surface of lower portion 130.

Upper portion 131 of disc storage cartridge 115 is similarly provided with rear disc stop 136 and finger access aperture 137. Each edge of upper portion 131 is further provided with at least two projecting flexible lugs 139 adapted to mate with an equal number of sockets 140 arranged along each of the edges of lower portion 130. Both projecting lugs 139 and sockets 140 are formed with mating snap fit elements so that when upper portion 131 is folded about flexible hinge portion 132 and down onto lower portion 130, lugs 139 are forced into mating relationship 22 with sockets 140, permanently securing the cartridge into an enclosure as shown in Figure As may readily be seen from Figures 9 and 10 cartridge 115 is then fully enclosed around three of its edges; the two sides 142 and 143 and the hinge edge 144 leaving the front edge 145 of the cartridge open.

Once the upper and lower portions of disc storage cartridge 115 have been snapped together a CD or DVD disc 150 may be inserted through front opening along front edge 145 to initially deflect and finally be nested by retainer elements 133 and 134 when arrested by rear disc stops 135 and 136 which now form a single curved rear stop. Disc 150 may be fully slid into its nested position with the aid of cut-out section 138 in upper portion 131 of the disc storage cartridge 115.

To remove a disc 150 from its disc storage cartridge 115, a finger is inserted through finger access opening 137 in the upper portion 131 of the cartridge to engage the central aperture 146 of the disc, enabling the disc to be slid partially out of the cartridge and extracted by the fingers. In normal use the disc storage cartridge remains secured in the outer storage case 113, the base portion 111 of which is provided with a cut-out section 110 (as can be seen in Figure 7) to allow the disc 150 to be slid out of its disc storage cartridge 115 unobstructed.

In a further preferred embodiment of a disc storage cartridge according to the invention with reference to Figures 11 and 12, the cartridge 160 is adapted to the retention of two discs (not shown), each contained within adjoining compartments 162 and 164.

The compartments may preferably, though not necessarily, be constructed as a combination of a cartridge 163 as described herein above and as shown in Figures 9 and and a snap-on cover or base 165. As before cartridge 163 has an upper portion 166 and a lower portion 167 joined by a hinge 168 and adapted to snap together when folded about the hinge 168 so as to form a compartment enclosed on three sides with an open slot at the front edge 168.

Additionally in this embodiment, the outer surface of lower portion 165 is provided with projecting lugs and sockets (not shown)arranged to accept mating lugs and posts provided on the inner surface of cover or base 165 adapted to allow cover or base 165 to be attached to cartridge 163.

Also as previously described, lower portion 167 is provided with retainer elements 170 and 172 for holding a disc within the cartridge and a finger access aperture 171 in upper portion 166. Similarly, cover or base 165 is provided with disc retainer elements 173 and 174.

Additionally, lower portion 167 of cartridge 163 has a second finger access aperture 175, and both upper portion 166 and lower portion 167 are provided with cut out sections 176 and 177 respectively. Both cartridge 163 and cover or base 165 may be provided with a rear disc stop ledge 178 and 179 respectively.

In use, a first disc may be slid out of the upper compartment 162 (formed as cartridge 163 in Figures 11 and 12) by means of the first finger access aperture 171.

Access is then provided to second finger access aperture 175 allowing the second disc to be slid out of the lower compartment 164. As previously described, the surfaces of both compartments facing the playing side of the discs, that is the inner surfaces of lower portion 167 and cover or base 165, may be provided with protective disc support surfaces to prevent damage to the playing surface of the disc when slid into or out of a compartment.

When a CD or DVD disc has first been inserted into disc storage cartridge 115, or the two compartments of cartridge 160 the front opening or openings are provided with a tamper proof seal (not shown), extending sufficiently across front of the cartridges to prevent removal of the disc without destroying the seal. The seal may for example be in the form of a strip of self adhesive material such as paper, wrapping from the upper surface of disc storage cartridge across at least a portion of the front opening to the under surface, the relative strength of the adhesive and the material of the seal ensuring that removal will destroy the integrity of the seal material. In at least one preferred form of the described embodiments, the seal may be specific to a particular supplier or manufacturer of the disc contained in the disc storage cartridge and carry indicia and other unique identifying matter such as for example a registered trade mark to clearly identify as a seal of warranty that the disc or discs are genuinely sourced from that supplier or manufacturer.

Finally a disc storage cartridge and any advertising material are installed into the outer storage case and the assembly thus formed is ready for sale.

In use in a point of sale environment, disc storage cartridges are easily removed from outer storage enclosures allowing the enclosures with their advertising material to be displayed to potential purchasers. The discs may then be retained in a secure storage area, protected in their individual disc storage cartridges. When required for purchase, the sealed disc storage cartridge when presented to a buyer, clearly indicates that the disc is unused and untouched. At no time between the insertion of the disc into its cartridge by the manufacturer and its presentation to a buyer is the disc itself handled.

In the case of hire or borrowing, the seal will clearly be broken after a first use of the disc or discs.

Nevertheless the system of the present invention offers the advantage of greatly reduced risk of damage to the disc 26 surface from handling by the elimination of a central retaining pillar and the provision of the protective support surface.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, 'can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said enclosure includes an open base portion and a hinged lid portion; said lid portion hinged from one side of said base portion.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein said enclosure is made of transparent plastic.
4. The system of claim 2 or 3 wherein said base portion and said lid portion are adapted to the retention of sheet material carrying printed indicia. The system of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said base portion is provided with disc storage cartridge retention system adapted to the insertion and release of said disc storage cartridge.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein said disc storage cartridge retention system is in the form of a plurality of flexible pillars attached to the inside bottom surface of said base portion and extending upwardly from said surface; each one of said pillars provided with a slot extending across an inward facing vertical face of said pillar; said slot adapted to accept and retain an edge of said a disc storage cartridge.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said disc storage cartridge retention system comprises an array of four of said pillars; said pillars arrange in two opposing pairs; each of said pairs disposed along each one of two opposing sides of said base portion; each of said pairs retaining one of two opposing edges of said disc storage cartridge when said disc storage cartridge is inserted into said retention system.
8. The system of claim 6 or 7 wherein each of said pillars is provided with a sloping face extending upwardly and outwardly from said slot; said sloping face adapted to the insertion of said edges of said disc storage cartridge into said slot by outwardly urging upper portions of said flexible pillars when said disc storage cartridge is urged downwardly upon said array of said pillars.
9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said disc storage cartridge includes a base tray portion, a disc supporting sheet and a flexible transparent cover. The system of claim 9 wherein said base tray portion is comprised of a rigid plastic tray adapted to support and retain said supporting sheet.
11. The system of claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said supporting sheet is adapted to protect the recorded data surface of a data disc.
12. The system of any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein said supporting sheet is provided with anti-static properties.
13. The system of any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein said supporting sheet is impregnated with disc cleaning fluid.
14. The system of claim of claim 9 wherein said flexible transparent cover is stretched tightly over said base tray portion and said support sheet so as to form an envelope adapted to the retention of a data disc. The system of claim 14 wherein said cover is provided with a removeable sealing strip along an edge of said cover; said sealing strip adapted for removal by a user so as to open a slit along said edge of said cover.
16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said data disc includes Digital Video Discs.
17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said data discs include Compact Discs.
18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said data discs include DVD ROM RE-WRITABLE discs.
19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said data discs include DVD RAM RE-WRITABLE discs. The system of claim 1 wherein said outer openable enclosure is in the form of a one-piece moulding having a substantially rigid base portion and a substantially rigid lid portion; said base portion and said lid portion joined by a flexible hinge portion.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein said base portion and said lid portion are provided with latch means and catch means respectively; said latch means and said catch means adapted to mate so as to releasable hold said enclosure in a closed condition.
22. The system of claim 20 or 21 wherein said base portion is provided with at least two cartridge retainer pillars disposed adjacent and parallel to a first side of said base portion and at least one retainer clip disposed adjacent to a second side of said base portion; said retainer pillars and said at least one retainer clip adapted to engage a first and second side respectively of said disc storage cartridge.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein said retainer clip is adapted to deflect outwardly towards said second side when a said disc storage cartridge is pressed into a retained position between said retainer pillars and said retainer clip.
24. The system of claim 22 or 23 wherein said retainer clip is provided with an ejector portion adapted to urge said second side of said disc storage cartridge upwardly relative to said base portion when said retainer clip is deflected outwardly so as to release said disc storage cartridge. The system of any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein said disc storage cartridge is formed as a one-piece moulding of transparent plastic material comprising a lower portion and an upper portion joined by a hinge portion.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein said lower portion is provided along the edges of said lower portion with a plurality of sockets and said upper portion is provided along the edges of said upper portion with a plurality of projecting lugs; said sockets and said lugs adapted to snap-fit together when said lower portion and said upper portion are folded together about said hinge portion to form an enclosure closed on three sides leaving an open front side.
27. The system of claim 25 or 26 wherein said lower portion is provided with opposing flexible retainer elements disposed adjacent to opposing sides of said lower portion; said retainer elements adapted to accept the insertion therebetween of a said data disc.
28. The system of claim 26 or 27 wherein said lower portion and said upper portion are each provided with an arcuate rear stop element meeting together to form a single rear stop element when said lower portion and said upper portion are folded together to form said enclosure; said rear stop element adapted to arrest an inserted said disc in a predetermined centralized position within said disc storage cartridge.
29. The system of claim 28 wherein the inside surface of said lower portion is provided with a protective disc support surface adapted to underlie the underside of a data disc; said surface further adapted to allow the sliding insertion of said data disc into and sliding extraction out of said centralized position through said open front side without said underside of said disc contacting said enclosure. The system of any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein said open front side is provided with tamper-proof sealing means prior to use of said data disc; said sealing means indicating to a first user of said disc that said disc is new and not previously used or handled.
31. The system of claim 30 wherein said sealing means is clearly marked with indicia unique to a particular supplier of said disc so as to operate as a seal of warranty to indicate said disc was issued by said particular supplier.
32. A method for the storage of data discs prior to sale of said discs, said method including the steps of; supply of said discs to a point of distribution to purchasers in a storage enclosure comprising an outer openable casing and a releasably retained internal disc storage cartridge; releasing and removing said disc storage cartridge from said casing for separate storage of said disc storage cartridge in a secure storage location; displaying said casing for purpose of advertising availability of said data disc; re-inserting said disc storage cartridge into said casing at time of purchase of said data disc.
33. A storage cartridge for a data disc comprising a compartment formed of upper and lower portions and side portions so as to enclose said disc except for a slot extending substantially the length of one side of said compartment.
34. The storage cartridge of claim 33 wherein said data disc is retained within said compartment by arcuate retainer members disposed at opposing closed sides of said compartment; said members sufficiently flexible to allow said data disc to be inserted into and extracted from said members. The storage compartment of claim 33 or 34 wherein the inner surface of said compartment facing the playing surface of said data disc is provided with a support surface adapted to prevent scratching of said playing surface during insertion and extraction of said data disc from said compartment.
36. The cartridge of any one of claims 33 to 35 wherein said upper portion is provided with a finger. access aperture; said aperture exposing the central aperture of a data disc and extending towards said slot sufficient to allow the finger of a user to engage said central aperture and slide said data disc outwardly so as to allow an edge of said disc to be grasped for full extraction from said cartridge.
37. The cartridge of any one of claims 33 to 36 wherein said upper and lower portions are joined at a respective edge by a hinge portion.
38. The cartridge of claim 37 wherein said upper and lower portions are provided with mating lugs, sockets and posts adapted to snap fit together when said upper and lower portions are folded about said hinge portion so that said upper and lower portions are parallel.
39. A storage cartridge for at least two data discs wherein said discs are releasably retained in adjoining compartments. The cartridge of claim 39 wherein a first one of said compartments for a first disc comprises an upper and a lower portion and side portions so as to enclose a first of said discs except for a slot extending substantially the length of the front side of said first one of said compartments.
41. The cartridge of claim 40 wherein a second one of said compartments for a second disc is comprised of a cover portion and three side portions adapted for attachment to said lower portion of said first one of said compartments so as to enclose said second disc except for a slot extending substantially along the front side of said second one of said compartments and adjacent to said slot of said first one of said compartments.
42. The cartridge of any one of claims 39 to 41 wherein each said data disc is retained within each of said compartments by arcuate retainer members disposed at opposing closed sides of said compartments; said members sufficiently flexible to allow each said data disc to be inserted into and extracted from said members.
43. The cartridge of claim 41 or 42 wherein said upper portion and said lower portion are each provided with finger access apertures arranged so as to expose the central aperture of each respective disc in said first and second of said compartments; said apertures extending towards said front side of said compartments sufficient to allow a finger of a user to engage said central aperture and slide each respective said disc outwardly so as to project from each respective said slot.
44. The cartridge of any one of claims 40 to 43 wherein said upper and lower portions of said first compartment are joined at a respective edge by a hinge portion. The cartridge of any one of claims 40 to 44 wherein said upper and lower portions are provided with mating lugs, sockets and posts adap:ed to snap fit together when said upper and lower portions are folded about said hinge portion so that said upper and lower portions are parallel.
46. The cartridge of any one of claims 33 to 45 wherein said cartridge is adapted for enclosure within an openable outer casing; said outer casing provided with support structures adapted to engage with edges of said cartridge.
47. The cartridge of claim 46 wherein said outer casing is comprised of an upper portion and a lower portion hinged together and provided with engagement lugs so as to retain said outer casing in a closed position when not in use.
48. The cartridge of claim 46 or 47 wherein said cartridge is so retained in said outer casing that a disc may be slid outwardly from a said compartment when said casing is in an open condition sufficient to extract said disc from said cartridge and said casing.
49. The cartridge of any one of claims 46 to 48 wherein said cartridge may be removed from said casing for separate storage. The cartridge of any one of claims 33 to 49 wherein said slot of said cartridge is provided with a tamper proof seal; said seal comprised of a removable strip adhesively applied to cover sufficient of said slot to prevent removal of said disc without substantially destroying said strip.
51. The outer casing and cartridge as substantially herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 29 April 2004 Stephen Carroll by his Patent Attorneys: 39 WAI 1 LINGTON -DLWMR