GB2405861A - Compact disc storage case - Google Patents

Abstract

A case for storing digital media discs has a pair of cover elements 2, 3 and bistable fastening mechanisms 1 fixed to each corner of the first cover element 3. The fastening mechanisms have dome shaped elements 1 made of a high memory rubber compound which can be moved between the two stable positions by the application of finger pressure to one or other of the surfaces. One of the surfaces of the bistable elements has a protrusion 5 which cooperates with a recess 6 in the second cover element 2 to either fasten the two cover elements together or release them.

Description

240586 1 CD / MEDIA STORAGE CASE This invention relates to a case with a

novel securing and locking mechanism for the protection and storage of Compact Disks, DVD, Mini disc and similar media formats (hereinafter referred to as CD, CDs or disk) I. The Compact Disk is used to store and access a range of digital data including images, music and information. Much of such data is highly valuable and requires special protection, however by its nature all CDs require protection of the surface from handling and dust as well as physical damage. With the advance of technology the CD is able to store ever-increasing amounts of data, thus the value of each CD continues to increase and likewise its need for protection and ease of handling and storage.

Throughout the following description reference is made either to CDs or disks. Versions of the case can be made of appropriate dimensions to accommodate other similar media storage devices such as Floppy Disks, VHS Video cassettes, Video Tape etc. 2. At present there is primarily one design of case for CDs that differ only in external appearance for marketing purposes by an inserted label. By far the most common type is for the mass market being a two-piece plastic case with a pin, which acts as a hinge forming part of the lid moulding. This design suffers from two weaknesses namely, breakable components: (a) The central 'spider' used for holding the disk in place and (b) The pin whose function is to both hold the lid to the base and to act as a hinge.

3. This invention and design overcomes the two problems associated with the current design as described above as well as providing better overall protection and security. It features a unique locking mechanism.

4. The essential features of this invention are the location and clamping facility for the disk and the closure mechanism that locks the two component parts together in which the CD is held. Instead of the CD being located and held at the centre by the 'spider' the disk is supported over its whole surface area and external perimeter. Likewise the need for a hinge is eliminated there being instead a simple and effective locking mechanism that is provided at the corners that is engaged and disengaged by applying reciprocal finger pressure.

5. Other features of the case include the design of the interface between the two components parts in which the disk is housed creating a dust free seal and optionally a waterproof seal if required. A further feature is the use of the circular recesses that house the closure mechanisms to function as locators for two alternative means for stacking or storing the cases.

6. While the key features of the design remain the same, the materials used may be varied dependent upon the cost / volume requirements for the particular use. The low volume (relative) high security version is made with fire resistant materials and waterproof. The medium volume premium version uses a metal (aluminium) top and moulded base. The mass-market version is all plastic.

7. A specific embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: (Figure numbers is notated as 'Fig.X and Reference numbers are notated as # x) Sheet No. I Figure 1 Overview of the case in closed position (locked).

Sheet No. 2 Figure 2 - View of upper component showing location of locking mechanisms " Figure 3 - View of base component showing recess to accommodate disk and lock recess " Figure 4 - Diagnol section across case showing locking mechanism and recess for disk Sheet No. 3 Figure 5 Sectional view of locking mechanism in unlocked state " Figure 6 Sectional view of locking mechanism in locked state " Figure 7 - Sectional view of lock housing and mechanism in unlocked state and interface with upper and lower components " Figure 8 - Sectional view of lock housing and mechanism in locked state and interface with upper and lower components Sheet No. 4 Figure 9 - Diagnol cross section of case showing locking mechanism in locked position and disk in situe 8. The case containing the CD in the closed position is shown in Fig. I The case consists of a base with a sculptured recess into which the disk is placed Fig. 3 #2. The upper component or lid consists of a plate with circular recesses protruding from each corner Fig 2.

The locking / unlocking mechanisms are located in each corner recess as described in detail below. After insertion of the disk Fig.9 #8 the two components are brought together and locked by applying finger pressure to the locking mechanisms on the respective corners Fig 2 #1.

The novel locking mechanism consists of a dome shaped unit the circumference of which is held in a grove within the circular ring at each corner shown in the sectional drawing Fig.7 #7 and Fig.8 #7.

The unit is constructed of a specially formulated high memory rubber compound of precise modulus combined with an internal profile that enables transition between the two positional states i.e., inverted from one to the other by applying finger pressure to the convex surface Fig 5 State A to Fig.6 State B. The dome has a peg Fig.5 #5 and Fig.6 #5 that forms part ofthis moulded component that when in state A Fig.7 #5 (the unlocked mode, concave position) is retracted and when in state B Fig.8 #5 protrudes through the lid to the base and into the slot Fig.3 #6 Fig.7 #6 by applying shear force to each corner of the case locking all three components together. Fig. I and Fig. 9.

The case is unlocked by reversing the procedure described above by applying finger pressure to the dome of the locking unit.

Claims (6)

STK Disk Storage Case CLAIMS

1. A case for storing and securing Compact Disks, DVDs, Mini Discs and digital media consisting of two parts that when brought together form a protective and secure repository for the disks the upper part of which is fitted with up to four similar locking mechanisms.

2. A case as in Claim 1 where the locking mechanism consists of a dome shaped unit the circumference of which is held in a grove within a circular ring incorporated in the upper component part that is constructed of a specially formulated high memory compound of precise modulus with an internal profile that enables transition between two positional states enabling it to be inverted between the engaged state and the disengaged state by applying finger pressure to the exposed convex surface the inner surface of which has a protrusion when in the disengaged state is retracted and in the engaged state protrudes through the upper component of the case into a slot in the base component thereby applying a shear force to each corner locking all three parts together to form a sealed unit that may be unlocked by a reversal of the process.

3. A case as in Claim 1 and 2 having the two component parts hinged on one side and fitted with two locking mechanisms on the opposite corners.

4. A case as in Claims 1, 2 and 3 that is fitted with a sealant ring to ensure that is liquid proof so that it is protective of the contents in hostile environments.

5. A case as in Claims 1, 2 and 3 constructed of a suitable metal so as to ensure being both fluid proof and fireproof so that it is protective of the contents when subjected to fire or similar hazards.

6. A case substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

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