WO2000052685A1 - Business card in the form of a cd-rom - Google Patents

Business card in the form of a cd-rom Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000052685A1
WO2000052685A1 PCT/US1999/010823 US9910823W WO0052685A1 WO 2000052685 A1 WO2000052685 A1 WO 2000052685A1 US 9910823 W US9910823 W US 9910823W WO 0052685 A1 WO0052685 A1 WO 0052685A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
business card
rom
accordance
card
optical disk
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/010823
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Darren M. Smith
Original Assignee
Smith Darren M
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Smith Darren M filed Critical Smith Darren M
Priority to AU39970/99A priority Critical patent/AU3997099A/en
Publication of WO2000052685A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000052685A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
    • G11B7/002—Recording, reproducing or erasing systems characterised by the shape or form of the carrier
    • G11B7/0033—Recording, reproducing or erasing systems characterised by the shape or form of the carrier with cards or other card-like flat carriers, e.g. flat sheets of optical film
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
    • G11B23/0014—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form
    • G11B23/0021—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form discs

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM for nesting in the 8 cm circular receptacle of a CD-ROM tray. More particularly, the rectangular CD-ROM business card is used as a business card/advertisement for a company or product, such that company information or product data on the CD is displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
  • Business calling cards are well known in industry and commerce . They are used throughout the world and are universally accepted to represent a company, its product (s) , its representatives or agents during initial client/customer contacts, at business meetings, at conventions, at society and trade organization meetings, and at social events. Business cards are usually made from heavy weight paper, and are imprinted with names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, company logos and other visually recognizable information. Due to their small size, usually 2" by 3 " , the information or data given on these business calling cards is very limited.
  • CD-ROM business card that provides more information than conventional business cards, in the form of a CD-ROM which is compact in size and can be placed in conventional CD-ROM trays for transmitting information by the CD-ROM player.
  • a CD-ROM business card can be used in place of a conventional business card and other materials to convey detailed information about a company or product, such that company information or product data on the CD-ROM may be displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
  • Swiss Patent No. CH 688 996 A5 discloses a CD-ROM calling card that can be read optically and acoustically upon insertion into a CD- drive.
  • the calling card also includes a plurality of embossed dimples (4) arranged in a specific manner for centering the calling card within the centering base of the CD-drive of a mini-CD.
  • the four dimples/posts on the media surface of the Swiss card provide very little surface area for proper nesting of the calling card in the CD drive.
  • the present invention provides a substantial increase in contact surface area by using arc-shaped extension members, thus providing more positive contact when loaded into the CD-ROM tray.
  • the perforation or embossing action of the Swiss dimpling process creates gaps or breaks in the printed surface that cause the label artwork to flake and/or peel, which over time causes the data to become unreadable.
  • the present invention provides a continuous, uninterrupted and unperforated printed surface for insuring that the printed information thereon does not flake or peel over time.
  • the perforations caused from the dimpling process of the Swiss card provide points/impressions on the media surface, which over time will fracture.
  • the present invention has greater overall product integrity, as the arc-shaped extension members used for nesting are placed on the business card at the point of manufacturing the CD-ROM by a molder.
  • the dimples on the media surface of the Swiss card form four points that do damage to the media surface when the calling cards are nested, and the points will scratch the media surface of the discs directly below.
  • the arc-shaped extension members do not damage the CD-ROM business cards when they are stacked with each other.
  • This aforementioned prior art patent does not teach or disclose a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM with pair of arc-shaped extension members thereon for securely nesting in a receptacle of a CD-ROM tray having the design, structure and configuration of the present invention.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card which is used as a business card/advertisement for a company or product, such that detailed company information or product data on the CD is displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes a pair of spaced-apart , opposing arc-shaped extension members for facilitating the media surface orientation in the CD-ROM tray for faster and better loading especially when an undersized CD product is used. (This is an important feature because when an optical disc is cut or reshaped to form a smaller shape and/or more irregular than a 12 cm round disc, the arcs or what is left of the arcs after shaping will ensure more accurate registration when loading the CD-ROM tray by the user) .
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that have an increased surface area for contacting the CD-ROM player which gives more positive engagement and a nestable surface area to the CD-ROM when it is loaded into the CD-ROM tray or other types of CD readers.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has a continuous, unblemished printed media surface having no perforations or breaks on the media surface. (This is another important feature of the present invention, because when perforations or breaks occur in the surface, this causes the label artwork to flake and/or peel, which over time deteriorates the data on the CD-ROM to become unreadable. Thus, any perforation or embossing action such as in the Swiss dimpling process detrimentally effects the printed information on the media surface) .
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes an uninterrupted top surface allowing seamless integration of magnetic storage strips, whereas embossing or perforating the top surface interferes with the ability to have an uninterrupted surface for placing a magnetic strip on the CD- ROM's top or underside (media) surfaces.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card wherein the arc-shaped extension members are integrated into the CD-ROM business card at the time of molding the structure by a molding manufacturer in order to provide greater overall product integrity.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has no edge degradation, as the CD-ROM business card is cut to size. (This is still another important feature.
  • the CD-ROM business card of the present invention is not die-stamped or die cut, so that it does not show any signs of shearing at its edges. All die cut or die-stamped products shear, whether they are made of metal, paper or plastic. When an optical disc product is die cut or die-stamped small pieces of aluminum and the polymer from the optical disc product tend to flake off.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that act as a modified stacking ring for the purpose of stacking a plurality of the CD-ROM business cards when not in use, as the extension members will not damage the media surface of the CD-ROM's when stacked.
  • the Swiss business card dimples form four points, which scratch the top surfaces of the CD-ROM discs stacked directly below) .
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that is easy to use, durable and stackable for ease of storage.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the user.
  • the present invention provides for a business card in the form of a CD-ROM for being played in a CD-ROM player.
  • the CD- ROM has a geometric shape with the CD-ROM being the size of a business card having a topside and an underside.
  • the CD-ROM business card includes a central hole for being mounted on the spindle of a CD-ROM player; with the underside of the CD-ROM business card having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from the underside for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player.
  • the CD-ROM business card includes information thereon that is read by the CD-ROM player. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the top surface or top side of a rectangular CD-ROM having printed indicia thereon, a label, an IC chip, a smart card chip and a magnetic strip thereon being in a rectangular shape, and having a spindle opening therein;
  • Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the underside or bottom media surface of a CD-ROM having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from the underside, a magnetic strip thereon and having a spindle opening therein;
  • Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card being placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 4-4 of Figures 1 and 3 showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
  • Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the bottom media surface of a CD-ROM having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from the media surface underside, a stacking ring extending from the media surface underside; and having a spindle opening therein, ⁇
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the CD-ROM business card of the alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 6 - 6 of Figure 5 showing the rectangular CD- ROM business card placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
  • Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card being placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the CD-ROM business card of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7 showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM.
  • the business card 10 and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings.
  • the business card 10 is in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM 20 for being played in a CD-ROM player device 12.
  • the business card 10 being the size of a conventional business card and made from a plastic sheet for audio and video reproduction.
  • the rectangular CD-ROM 20 includes a top surface 22, a bottom media surface 24, side perimeter edges 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d; and a spindle opening 28 being centrally located within the CD-ROM 20 for receiving therethrough CD spindle 18 of CD-ROM player 12, as depicted in Figures 1, 3 and 4 of the drawings.
  • the top surface 22 of CD-ROM 20 includes printed indicia matter 50 thereon, as well as a label 52, a rectangular magnetic strip 60 thereon, and/or integrated circuit (IC) chips 80 or smart card chips 82 thereon, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.
  • the entire top surface 22 can include the aforementioned printed indicia matter 50 thereon, as well as a label 52 covering all of the top surface 22 of CD-ROM 20.
  • the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 20 includes two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 which extend downwardly from the media surface 24 (underside) for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of the nesting compartment area 16 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings.
  • Each of the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 include curved perimeter edges 32 and 34 for engaging the 8 cm receptacle circular wall 17 of the nesting compartment area 16 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.
  • Each of the two extension members 30 and 40 form a first arc 36 and a second arc 46 of the same circle 48, with each of the first and second arcs 36 and 46 forming arc angles oc 34 and 44 of at least 45° degrees, and having a preferred arc angle ⁇ x of at least 90° degrees, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings.
  • the first and second arcs 36 and 46 forming arc angles ⁇ 34 and 44 on the same circle 48 are in the range of 45° to 120°.
  • Each extension member 30 and 40 has a height in the range of 0.10 mm to 2.00 mm, with a preferred height of 0.80 mm.
  • the diameter of circle 48 is in the range of 60 mm to 100 mm, with a preferred circle diameter of 80 mm.
  • the rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 can be made in various sizes that include a size of 2" by 3 ⁇ ", 3" by 5" or 4" by 7".
  • the business card 10 of the present invention can be in the form of a variety of types of optical media disks that include standard/conventional CDs, CD-ROMs, DVD type disks and other types of optical disks. These aforementioned optical disks, such as the CD-ROM 20 of the present invention, can be used in the following manner:
  • Magnetic strip 60 contains information (magnetically stored) to be used by the user for various applications of doing business, such that the magnetic strip 60 can be read in swipe readers commonly found in credit card devices at point of sale terminals, money access machines, security systems, time clocks, door and garage entrances, etc. and the like.
  • the magnetic strip 60 may be placed anywhere on the top surface 22 of CD-ROM 20; and on the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 20, if the magnetic strip 60 does not interfere with the optical data on the bottom media surface 24. Most commonly, the magnetic strip 60 will be placed on the top and bottom areas 22a and 22b of the top surface 22 (the printed side having indicia 50 or labels 52 thereon) , similar to that of credit cards currently being used. Additionally, the magnetic strip 60 could also be placed on the right and/or left side areas 24 i and 24r.
  • Multiple magnetic strips 60 may also be placed on the CD-ROM 20, for example, a first magnetic strip 60 may be placed on the top surface 22 (as in Figure 1) and a second magnetic strip 60' may be placed on the bottom media surface 24 (as in Figure 2) of the CD-ROM 20; or two magnetic strips 60 and 60' on the top surface 22 at opposing ends of the CD-ROM 20, or two magnetic strips 60 and 60' on the top surface 22 that connect with each other giving the user dual application usages by having two or more magnetic strips 60 and 60' on one CD-ROM business card 10.
  • Integrated circuit (IC) chips 80 or smart card chips 82 may be normally secured on the top surface 22 or embedded into the card structure of the CD-ROM 20 at the time of manufacture. These chips 80 and 82 provide an additional means for writing, re-writing, and storing information electronically on the CD-ROM business card 10 of the present invention. This information or data may be written and read in existing smart card readers, or in terminals not yet developed.
  • IC integrated circuit
  • These chips 80 and 82 may be placed anywhere on the top and bottom surfaces 22 and 24 of the CD-ROM 20; such that these multiple chips 80 and 82 (two or more chips) may be used on the same or opposing side areas 22a and 22b of top surface 22 or on the same or opposing side areas 24 i and 24r of bottom media surface, as well as on opposite top and bottom surfaces 22 and 24 of the CD-ROM 20.
  • the rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 and 100 of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured with either of two types of injection molding processes.
  • the first type of injection molding process to be used is a modified CD injection-mold cavity, which produces a conventional disc with the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 thereon (modified stacking rings) . These discs are then cut or stamped to size.
  • the second type of injection molding process to be used is a CD injection-mold cavity having the finished shape with the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 formed thereon, thus forming the finished rectangular CD-ROM 20.
  • the CD-ROM 20 would then have labeling, printing, etc. subsequently performed to finish the manufacturing process in order to form the rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 or 100.
  • the optical discs can be shaped or molded in various geometric shapes selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a polygon, and a circle.
  • the rectangular CD-ROM business card 100 and its component parts of the first alternate embodiment are represented in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. All aspects of the first alternate embodiment 100 of CD-ROM business card are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment of the CD-ROM business card 10, except for the addition of the stacking ring 70 to the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 100 for multiple stacking of CD-ROM business cards 100.
  • Stacking ring 70 is centrally located and adjacently surrounds spindle opening 28, as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings .
  • the rectangular CD-ROM business card 200 and its component parts of the second alternate embodiment are represented in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings. All aspects of the second alternate embodiment 200 of CD-ROM business card are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment of the CD-ROM business card 10, except for the addition of stacking ring 70 to the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 200 for multiple stacking of CD-ROM business cards 200; and the deletion of the two extension members 30 and 40 from the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 200.
  • Stacking ring 70 is centrally located and surrounds spindle opening 28, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings.
  • CD-ROM business card 200 has a preferred size of 65mm by 110mm so that its four (4) corners engage the 12cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player, as depicted in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings .
  • OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The user has the options of pre-recording the company's information or data on the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 at the time of manufacture or alternatively recording the company's information or data on the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 at the company's place of business.
  • the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 could be used on a variety of optical disc apparatus such as a CD-ROM player, an optical disc reader/writer, an optical disc re-writer, an optical disc writer and the like.
  • the user In using the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100, the user simply installs and places business card 10 or 100 into the 8 cm receptacle of the nesting compartment area 16 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6 of the patent drawings. The user then shuts and closes the CD-ROM tray 14 and actuates the play button to replay the information or data stored on the CD-ROM 20 of the rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 or 100. In using the present invention there is no movement of the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 facilitate the correct and proper nesting of the business card 10 or 100 within the CD-ROM tray 14.
  • an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM for nesting in the 8 cm receptacle of CD- ROM tray for transmitting information by the CD-ROM player.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card which is used as a business card/advertisement for a company or product, such that detailed company information or product data on the CD is displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes a pair of space-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members for facilitating the media surface orientation in the CD-ROM tray for faster and better loading especially when an undersized CD product is used.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that have an increased surface area for contacting the CD-ROM player which gives more positive engagement and a nestable surface area to the CD-ROM when it is loaded into and out of the CD-ROM tray or other types of CD readers .
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has a continuous, unblemished printed media surface having no perforations or breaks on the media surface.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes an uninterrupted top surface allowing seamless integration of magnetic storage strips, whereas embossing or perforating the top surface interferes with the ability to have an interrupted surface for placing a magnetic strip on the CD-ROM' s top or underside (media) surfaces.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card wherein the arc-shaped extension members are integrated into the CD-ROM business card at the time of molding the structure by a molding manufacturer in order to provide a greater overall product integrity.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has no edge degradation, as the CD-ROM business card is cut to size.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that act as a modified stacking ring for the purpose of stacking a plurality of the CD-ROM business cards when not in use, as the extension members will not damage the media surface of the CD-ROM's when stacked.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that is easy to use, durable and stackable for ease of storage.
  • a still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that can be mass produced in an automated manner and is readily affordable by the user.

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  • Optical Record Carriers And Manufacture Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

A business card in the form of a CD-ROM (10) for being played in a CD-ROM player (12). The CD-ROM (10) is rectangular in shape with the CD-ROM (10) being the size of a business card having a topside and an underside. The CD-ROM business card (10) includes a central hole (28) for being mounted on the spindle of a CD-ROM player; with the underside of the CD-ROM business card (10) having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members (30, 40) extending from the underside for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player. The CD-ROM business card (10) includes information thereon that is transmitted by the CD-ROM player. The business card may be in the form of an optical disk selected from the group consisting of a CD, a DVD, a CD-R, a CD-RW and a CD-ROM.

Description

BUSINESS CARD IN THE FORM OF A CD-ROM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM for nesting in the 8 cm circular receptacle of a CD-ROM tray. More particularly, the rectangular CD-ROM business card is used as a business card/advertisement for a company or product, such that company information or product data on the CD is displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Business calling cards are well known in industry and commerce . They are used throughout the world and are universally accepted to represent a company, its product (s) , its representatives or agents during initial client/customer contacts, at business meetings, at conventions, at society and trade organization meetings, and at social events. Business cards are usually made from heavy weight paper, and are imprinted with names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, company logos and other visually recognizable information. Due to their small size, usually 2" by 3 " , the information or data given on these business calling cards is very limited.
Presently, executives and sales persons, in order to provide detailed information, must use their business cards in conjunction with brochures and various electronic message devices such as videotapes, audio tapes, audio brochures and talking cards having a voice chip for depicting a company's product (s), celebrity or athletic stars, vacation destinations, real estate properties, and the like. They are used to provide detailed information about their advantages, usages, history, accomplishments, value, accommodations, or house locations, such that a potential client/customer can listen to and/or see the desired information needed to make an intelligent and informed choice and/or decision for that product or service.
There remains a need for another type of business card that provides more information than conventional business cards, in the form of a CD-ROM which is compact in size and can be placed in conventional CD-ROM trays for transmitting information by the CD-ROM player. Such a CD-ROM business card can be used in place of a conventional business card and other materials to convey detailed information about a company or product, such that company information or product data on the CD-ROM may be displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Electronic information and message transmitting devices in the form of business cards having various designs, structures, configurations and materials of construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, Swiss Patent No. CH 688 996 A5 discloses a CD-ROM calling card that can be read optically and acoustically upon insertion into a CD- drive. The calling card also includes a plurality of embossed dimples (4) arranged in a specific manner for centering the calling card within the centering base of the CD-drive of a mini-CD.
The disadvantages of the Swiss calling card are as follows :
1) The four dimples/posts on the media surface of the Swiss card provide very little surface area for proper nesting of the calling card in the CD drive. The present invention provides a substantial increase in contact surface area by using arc-shaped extension members, thus providing more positive contact when loaded into the CD-ROM tray. 2) The perforation or embossing action of the Swiss dimpling process creates gaps or breaks in the printed surface that cause the label artwork to flake and/or peel, which over time causes the data to become unreadable. The present invention provides a continuous, uninterrupted and unperforated printed surface for insuring that the printed information thereon does not flake or peel over time.
3) The perforations caused from the dimpling process of the Swiss card provide points/impressions on the media surface, which over time will fracture. The present invention has greater overall product integrity, as the arc-shaped extension members used for nesting are placed on the business card at the point of manufacturing the CD-ROM by a molder.
4) The dimples on the media surface of the Swiss card form four points that do damage to the media surface when the calling cards are nested, and the points will scratch the media surface of the discs directly below. In the present invention, the arc-shaped extension members do not damage the CD-ROM business cards when they are stacked with each other.
This aforementioned prior art patent does not teach or disclose a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM with pair of arc-shaped extension members thereon for securely nesting in a receptacle of a CD-ROM tray having the design, structure and configuration of the present invention.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM for nesting in the 8 cm receptacle of CD-ROM tray for transmitting information by the CD-ROM player.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card which is used as a business card/advertisement for a company or product, such that detailed company information or product data on the CD is displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes a pair of spaced-apart , opposing arc-shaped extension members for facilitating the media surface orientation in the CD-ROM tray for faster and better loading especially when an undersized CD product is used. (This is an important feature because when an optical disc is cut or reshaped to form a smaller shape and/or more irregular than a 12 cm round disc, the arcs or what is left of the arcs after shaping will ensure more accurate registration when loading the CD-ROM tray by the user) .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that have an increased surface area for contacting the CD-ROM player which gives more positive engagement and a nestable surface area to the CD-ROM when it is loaded into the CD-ROM tray or other types of CD readers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has a continuous, unblemished printed media surface having no perforations or breaks on the media surface. (This is another important feature of the present invention, because when perforations or breaks occur in the surface, this causes the label artwork to flake and/or peel, which over time deteriorates the data on the CD-ROM to become unreadable. Thus, any perforation or embossing action such as in the Swiss dimpling process detrimentally effects the printed information on the media surface) . Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes an uninterrupted top surface allowing seamless integration of magnetic storage strips, whereas embossing or perforating the top surface interferes with the ability to have an uninterrupted surface for placing a magnetic strip on the CD- ROM's top or underside (media) surfaces.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card wherein the arc-shaped extension members are integrated into the CD-ROM business card at the time of molding the structure by a molding manufacturer in order to provide greater overall product integrity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has no edge degradation, as the CD-ROM business card is cut to size. (This is still another important feature. The CD-ROM business card of the present invention is not die-stamped or die cut, so that it does not show any signs of shearing at its edges. All die cut or die-stamped products shear, whether they are made of metal, paper or plastic. When an optical disc product is die cut or die-stamped small pieces of aluminum and the polymer from the optical disc product tend to flake off. This is a real danger to the exposed circuitry inside most CD-ROM (optical disc) players because of the highly conductive properties of aluminum and the possibility that one of the aluminum fragments may fall onto the circuitry and make contact at two points, thus causing a short circuit within the optical disc player) .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that act as a modified stacking ring for the purpose of stacking a plurality of the CD-ROM business cards when not in use, as the extension members will not damage the media surface of the CD-ROM's when stacked. (The Swiss business card dimples form four points, which scratch the top surfaces of the CD-ROM discs stacked directly below) .
A further object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that is easy to use, durable and stackable for ease of storage.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular CD-ROM business card that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a business card in the form of a CD-ROM for being played in a CD-ROM player. The CD- ROM has a geometric shape with the CD-ROM being the size of a business card having a topside and an underside. The CD-ROM business card includes a central hole for being mounted on the spindle of a CD-ROM player; with the underside of the CD-ROM business card having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from the underside for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player. The CD-ROM business card includes information thereon that is read by the CD-ROM player. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the top surface or top side of a rectangular CD-ROM having printed indicia thereon, a label, an IC chip, a smart card chip and a magnetic strip thereon being in a rectangular shape, and having a spindle opening therein;
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the underside or bottom media surface of a CD-ROM having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from the underside, a magnetic strip thereon and having a spindle opening therein;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card being placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the CD-ROM business card of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 4-4 of Figures 1 and 3 showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the bottom media surface of a CD-ROM having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from the media surface underside, a stacking ring extending from the media surface underside; and having a spindle opening therein,■
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the CD-ROM business card of the alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 6 - 6 of Figure 5 showing the rectangular CD- ROM business card placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player;
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the CD-ROM business card of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card being placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM player; and
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the CD-ROM business card of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7 showing the rectangular CD-ROM business card placed within the nesting compartment area of a CD-ROM tray of a CD-ROM.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 10
The business card 10 and its component parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings. The business card 10 is in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM 20 for being played in a CD-ROM player device 12. The business card 10 being the size of a conventional business card and made from a plastic sheet for audio and video reproduction. The rectangular CD-ROM 20 includes a top surface 22, a bottom media surface 24, side perimeter edges 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d; and a spindle opening 28 being centrally located within the CD-ROM 20 for receiving therethrough CD spindle 18 of CD-ROM player 12, as depicted in Figures 1, 3 and 4 of the drawings. The top surface 22 of CD-ROM 20 includes printed indicia matter 50 thereon, as well as a label 52, a rectangular magnetic strip 60 thereon, and/or integrated circuit (IC) chips 80 or smart card chips 82 thereon, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The entire top surface 22 can include the aforementioned printed indicia matter 50 thereon, as well as a label 52 covering all of the top surface 22 of CD-ROM 20.
The bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 20 includes two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 which extend downwardly from the media surface 24 (underside) for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of the nesting compartment area 16 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings. Each of the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 include curved perimeter edges 32 and 34 for engaging the 8 cm receptacle circular wall 17 of the nesting compartment area 16 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings. Each of the two extension members 30 and 40 form a first arc 36 and a second arc 46 of the same circle 48, with each of the first and second arcs 36 and 46 forming arc angles oc 34 and 44 of at least 45° degrees, and having a preferred arc angle <x of at least 90° degrees, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. The first and second arcs 36 and 46 forming arc angles α 34 and 44 on the same circle 48 are in the range of 45° to 120°. Each extension member 30 and 40 has a height in the range of 0.10 mm to 2.00 mm, with a preferred height of 0.80 mm. The diameter of circle 48 is in the range of 60 mm to 100 mm, with a preferred circle diameter of 80 mm. The rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 can be made in various sizes that include a size of 2" by 3^", 3" by 5" or 4" by 7". The business card 10 of the present invention can be in the form of a variety of types of optical media disks that include standard/conventional CDs, CD-ROMs, DVD type disks and other types of optical disks. These aforementioned optical disks, such as the CD-ROM 20 of the present invention, can be used in the following manner:
1) Replicated media - meaning the data is placed on the disk at the time of manufacture, hence the disk may only be read and not written on.
2) Writable or WORM (write once, read many) - meaning the CD-R disk is sold blank and can be written on by the user one time or more than one time if the storage capacity on the media surface has not been reached. Once the disk has been filled with data it can never be written on again. 3) Re-writable media - meaning the CD-RW is sold blank and the user can write, erase, and rewrite many times . This allows the present invention to be used on any type of optical disk and in any shape as needed.
The addition of the magnetic strip 60 on the top surface 22 (indicia/label side) of the CD-ROM business card 10 or on other types of optical discs such as a DVD, a CD-R, a CD-RW, etc. allows for additional features and benefits in using the business card 10 of the present invention. Magnetic strip 60 contains information (magnetically stored) to be used by the user for various applications of doing business, such that the magnetic strip 60 can be read in swipe readers commonly found in credit card devices at point of sale terminals, money access machines, security systems, time clocks, door and garage entrances, etc. and the like.
The magnetic strip 60 may be placed anywhere on the top surface 22 of CD-ROM 20; and on the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 20, if the magnetic strip 60 does not interfere with the optical data on the bottom media surface 24. Most commonly, the magnetic strip 60 will be placed on the top and bottom areas 22a and 22b of the top surface 22 (the printed side having indicia 50 or labels 52 thereon) , similar to that of credit cards currently being used. Additionally, the magnetic strip 60 could also be placed on the right and/or left side areas 24 i and 24r. Multiple magnetic strips 60 may also be placed on the CD-ROM 20, for example, a first magnetic strip 60 may be placed on the top surface 22 (as in Figure 1) and a second magnetic strip 60' may be placed on the bottom media surface 24 (as in Figure 2) of the CD-ROM 20; or two magnetic strips 60 and 60' on the top surface 22 at opposing ends of the CD-ROM 20, or two magnetic strips 60 and 60' on the top surface 22 that connect with each other giving the user dual application usages by having two or more magnetic strips 60 and 60' on one CD-ROM business card 10.
Integrated circuit (IC) chips 80 or smart card chips 82 may be normally secured on the top surface 22 or embedded into the card structure of the CD-ROM 20 at the time of manufacture. These chips 80 and 82 provide an additional means for writing, re-writing, and storing information electronically on the CD-ROM business card 10 of the present invention. This information or data may be written and read in existing smart card readers, or in terminals not yet developed. These chips 80 and 82 may be placed anywhere on the top and bottom surfaces 22 and 24 of the CD-ROM 20; such that these multiple chips 80 and 82 (two or more chips) may be used on the same or opposing side areas 22a and 22b of top surface 22 or on the same or opposing side areas 24 i and 24r of bottom media surface, as well as on opposite top and bottom surfaces 22 and 24 of the CD-ROM 20.
The rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 and 100 of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured with either of two types of injection molding processes. The first type of injection molding process to be used is a modified CD injection-mold cavity, which produces a conventional disc with the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 thereon (modified stacking rings) . These discs are then cut or stamped to size. The second type of injection molding process to be used is a CD injection-mold cavity having the finished shape with the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 formed thereon, thus forming the finished rectangular CD-ROM 20. The CD-ROM 20 would then have labeling, printing, etc. subsequently performed to finish the manufacturing process in order to form the rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 or 100. The optical discs can be shaped or molded in various geometric shapes selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a polygon, and a circle.
FIRST ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT 100
The rectangular CD-ROM business card 100 and its component parts of the first alternate embodiment are represented in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. All aspects of the first alternate embodiment 100 of CD-ROM business card are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment of the CD-ROM business card 10, except for the addition of the stacking ring 70 to the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 100 for multiple stacking of CD-ROM business cards 100. Stacking ring 70 is centrally located and adjacently surrounds spindle opening 28, as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings .
SECOND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT 200
The rectangular CD-ROM business card 200 and its component parts of the second alternate embodiment are represented in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings. All aspects of the second alternate embodiment 200 of CD-ROM business card are exactly the same as the preferred embodiment of the CD-ROM business card 10, except for the addition of stacking ring 70 to the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 200 for multiple stacking of CD-ROM business cards 200; and the deletion of the two extension members 30 and 40 from the bottom media surface 24 of CD-ROM 200. Stacking ring 70 is centrally located and surrounds spindle opening 28, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings. CD-ROM business card 200 has a preferred size of 65mm by 110mm so that its four (4) corners engage the 12cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player, as depicted in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings . OPERATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The user has the options of pre-recording the company's information or data on the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 at the time of manufacture or alternatively recording the company's information or data on the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 at the company's place of business. The CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 could be used on a variety of optical disc apparatus such as a CD-ROM player, an optical disc reader/writer, an optical disc re-writer, an optical disc writer and the like. In using the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100, the user simply installs and places business card 10 or 100 into the 8 cm receptacle of the nesting compartment area 16 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6 of the patent drawings. The user then shuts and closes the CD-ROM tray 14 and actuates the play button to replay the information or data stored on the CD-ROM 20 of the rectangular CD-ROM business card 10 or 100. In using the present invention there is no movement of the CD-ROM business card 10 or 100 within the CD-ROM tray 14, as the arc-shaped extension members 30 and 40 facilitate the correct and proper nesting of the business card 10 or 100 within the CD-ROM tray 14. ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a business card in the form of a rectangular CD-ROM for nesting in the 8 cm receptacle of CD- ROM tray for transmitting information by the CD-ROM player.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card which is used as a business card/advertisement for a company or product, such that detailed company information or product data on the CD is displayed on a monitor of a PC or for audio transmission on a CD-ROM player. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes a pair of space-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members for facilitating the media surface orientation in the CD-ROM tray for faster and better loading especially when an undersized CD product is used. (This is an important feature because when an optical disc is cut or reshaped to form a smaller shape and/or more irregular than a 12 cm round disc, the arcs or what is left of the arcs after shaping will ensure more accurate registration when loading the CD-ROM tray by the user) .
Another advantage of the present invention is that provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that have an increased surface area for contacting the CD-ROM player which gives more positive engagement and a nestable surface area to the CD-ROM when it is loaded into and out of the CD-ROM tray or other types of CD readers .
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has a continuous, unblemished printed media surface having no perforations or breaks on the media surface.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that includes an uninterrupted top surface allowing seamless integration of magnetic storage strips, whereas embossing or perforating the top surface interferes with the ability to have an interrupted surface for placing a magnetic strip on the CD-ROM' s top or underside (media) surfaces.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card wherein the arc-shaped extension members are integrated into the CD-ROM business card at the time of molding the structure by a molding manufacturer in order to provide a greater overall product integrity.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that has no edge degradation, as the CD-ROM business card is cut to size.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card with a pair of arc-shaped extension members that act as a modified stacking ring for the purpose of stacking a plurality of the CD-ROM business cards when not in use, as the extension members will not damage the media surface of the CD-ROM's when stacked.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that is easy to use, durable and stackable for ease of storage.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a rectangular CD-ROM business card that can be mass produced in an automated manner and is readily affordable by the user.
A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A business card in the form of a CD-ROM for being played in a CD-ROM player, comprising: a) a CD-ROM being the size of a business card, and having a topside and an underside; b) said CD-ROM business card having a central hole for being mounted on the spindle of a CD-ROM player; c) said underside of said CD-ROM business card having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from said underside for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player; and d) said CD-ROM business card having information thereon that is read by the CD-ROM player.
2. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said two extension members each have a height in the range of 0.10 to 2.00 mm.
3. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said two extension members each have a height of 0.80 mm.
4. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said two extension members form a first arc and a second arc of the same circle, each of said first and second arcs forming an arc on said circle of at least 45°.
5. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said two extension members form a first arc and a second arc of the same circle, each of said first and second arcs forming an arc on said circle in the range of 45° to 120°.
6. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said two extension member form a first arc and a second arc of the same circle, each of said first and second arcs forming an arc on said circle of at least 90°.
7. A business card in accordance with Claim 4, wherein the diameter of said circle is between 60 mm and 100 mm.
8. A business card in accordance with Claim 4, wherein the diameter of said circle is 80 mm.
9. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said CD-ROM business card has a size of 2" by 3W .
10. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said CD-ROM business card has a size of 3" by 5".
11. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said CD-ROM business card has a size of 4" by 7".
12. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including the printing of indicia matter on said topside of said CD-ROM business card.
13. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including one or more labels attached to said topside of said CD-ROM business card.
14. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including a stacking ring surrounding said central hole and extending from said underside for acting as a spacer during stacking.
15. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including one or more magnetic information storage strips for use in a card swipe device being mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said CD-ROM business card.
16. A business card in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said one or more magnetic information storage strips are for use on applications selected from the group consisting of credit card devices at point of sales terminals, money access machines, security systems, time clocks, door and garage entrances and exits, library and food market checkouts and identification processing.
17. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including one or more integrated circuit chips for providing additional means for writing, re-writing and storing information electronically on said CD-ROM business card.
18. A business card in accordance with Claim 17, wherein said one or more integrated circuit chips are mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said CD-ROM business card.
19. A business card in accordance with Claim 17, wherein said one or more integrated circuit chips are embedded into the card structure of said CD-ROM business card.
20. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including one or more smart card chips for providing additional means for writing, re-writing and storing information electronically on said CD-ROM business card.
21. A business card in accordance with Claim 20, wherein said one or more smart card chips are mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said CD-ROM business card.
22. A business card in accordance with Claim 20, wherein said one or more smart card chips are embedded into the card structure of said CD-ROM business card.
23. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said CD-ROM business card having information thereon can be read, and/or written, and/or erased, and/or re-written on by a CD-ROM reader, a CD-ROM writer or a CD-ROM re-writer.
24. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, further including a business card in the form of an optical disc selected from the group consisting of a CD, a DVD, a CD-R, a CD-RW and a CD-ROM.
25. A business card in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said CD-ROM business card has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a polygon, and a circle.
26. A business card in the form of an optical disk for being played or written to in a CD-ROM player or an optical disk reader/writer, comprising: a) an optical disk being the size of a business card, and having a topside and an underside; b) said optical disk business card having a central hole for being mounted on the spindle of an optical disk reader/writer; c) said underside of said optical disk business card having two spaced-apart, opposing arc-shaped extension members extending from said underside for acting as a spacer during stacking and for engaging the 8 cm receptacle of an optical disk reader/writer; and d) said optical disk business card having information thereon that is read by the optical disk reader/writer .
27. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said two extension members each have a height in the range of 0.10 to 2.00 mm.
28. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said two extension members each have a height of 0.80 mm.
29. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said two extension members form a first arc and a second arc of the same circle, each of said first and second arcs forming an arc on said circle of at least 45°.
30. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said two extension members form a first arc and a second arc of the same circle, each of said first and second arcs forming an arc on said circle in the range of 45° to 120°.
31. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said two extension member form a first arc and a second arc of the same circle, each of said first and second arcs forming an arc on said circle of at least 90°.
32. A business card in accordance with Claim 29, wherein the diameter of said circle is between 60 mm and 100 mm.
33. A business card in accordance with Claim 29, wherein the diameter of said circle is 80 mm.
34. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said optical disk business card has a size of 2" by 3*K" .
35. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said optical disk business card has a size of 3" by 5".
36. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said optical disk business card has a size of 4" by 7".
37. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, further including the printing of indicia matter on said topside of said optical disk business card.
38. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, further including one or more labels attached to said topside of said optical disk business card.
39. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, further including a stacking ring surrounding said central hole and extending from said underside for acting as a spacer during stacking.
40. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, further including one or more magnetic information storage strips for use in a card swipe device being mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said optical disk business card.
41. A business card in accordance with Claim 40, wherein said one or more magnetic information storage strips are for use on applications selected from the group consisting of credit card devices at point of sales terminals, money access machines, security systems, time clocks, door and garage entrances and exits, library and food market checkouts and identification processing.
42. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, further including one or more integrated circuit chips for providing additional means for writing, re-writing and storing information electronically on said optical disk.
43. A business card in accordance with Claim 42, wherein said one or more integrated circuit chips are mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said optical disk.
44. A business card in accordance with Claim 42, wherein said one or more integrated circuit chips are embedded into the card structure of said optical disk.
45. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, further including one or more smart card chips for providing additional means for writing, re-writing and storing information electronically on said optical disk.
46. A business card in accordance with Claim 45, wherein said one or more smart card chips are mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said optical disk.
47. A business card in accordance with Claim 45, wherein said one or more smart card chips are embedded into the card structure of said optical disk.
48. A business card in accordance with Claim 26, wherein said optical disk business card having information thereon can be read, and/or written, and/or erased, and/or re-written on by an optical disk reader, a CD-ROM writer or a CD-RW reader/writer, or CDR reader/writer.
49. A business card m accordance with Claim 26, wherein said optical disk is selected from the group consisting of a CD, a DVD, a CD-R, a CD-RW and a CD-ROM.
50. A business card m accordance with Claim 26, wherein said optical disk has a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a polygon, and a circle.
51. A business card m the form of a CD-ROM for being played m a CD-ROM player, comprising: a) a rectangular-shaped CD-ROM being the size of a business card, and having a topside and an underside; b) said CD-ROM business card having a central hole for being mounted on the spindle of a CD-ROM player; c) said underside of said CD-ROM business card having a stacking ring extending from said underside for acting as a spacer during stacking and having four corners for engaging the 12 cm receptacle of a CD-ROM player; and d) said CD-ROM business card having information thereon that is read by the CD-ROM player.
52. A business card in accordance with Claim 51, wherein said stacking ring has a height m the range of 0.10mm to 2.00 mm.
53. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, wherein said stacking ring has a height of 0.80 mm.
54. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, wherein said CD-ROM business card has a size of 65mm by 110mm.
55. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, further including the printing of indicia matter on said topside of sa d CD-ROM business card.
56. A business card m accordance w th Claim 51, further include one or more labels attached to said topside of said CD-ROM business card.
57. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, further including one or more magnetic information storage strips for use m a card swipe device being mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said CD-ROM business card.
58. A business card m accordance with Claim 57, wherein said one or more magnetic information storage strips are for use on applications selected from the group consisting of credit card devices at point of sales terminals, money access machines, security systems, time clocks, door and garage entrances and exits, library and food market cneckouts and identification processing.
59. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, further including one or more integrated circuit chips for providing additional means for writing, re-wπtmg and storing information electronically on said CD-ROM business card.
60. A business card m accordance with Claim 59, wherein sa d one or more integrated circuit chips are mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said CD-ROM business card.
61. A business card m accordance with Claim 59, wherein said one or more integrated circuit chips are embedded into the card structure of said CD-ROM business card.
62. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, further including one or more smart card chips for providing additional means for writing, re-wπtmg and storing information electronically on said CD-ROM business card.
63. A business card m accordance with Claim 62, wnerein said one or more smart card chips are mounted on said topside and/or on said underside of said CD-ROM business card.
64 A business card m accordance witn Claim 62, wnerein said one or more smart card chips are embedded into the card structure of said CD-ROM business card.
65. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, wherein said CD-ROM business card having information thereon can be read, and/or written, and/or erased, and/or re-written on by a CD-ROM reader, a CD-ROM writer or a CD-ROM re-writer
66. A business card m accordance with Claim 51, further including a business card in the form of an optical disc selected from the group consisting of a CD, a DVD, a CD-R, a CD-RW and a CD-ROM.
PCT/US1999/010823 1999-03-05 1999-05-18 Business card in the form of a cd-rom WO2000052685A1 (en)

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US09/263,591 1999-03-05

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GB2353970A (en) * 1999-08-14 2001-03-14 Kevin Malcolm Austin CD business card attached to carrier
WO2003065304A1 (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-08-07 Khephren Sa Digital data support
EP1377927A1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2004-01-07 Erica Tsai Information card system
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GB2353970A (en) * 1999-08-14 2001-03-14 Kevin Malcolm Austin CD business card attached to carrier
EP1377927A1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2004-01-07 Erica Tsai Information card system
EP1377927B1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2006-10-04 Erica Tsai Information card
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