WO2004010434A1

WO2004010434A1 - Disc handling and storage

Info

Publication number: WO2004010434A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/003232
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Hipgrave
Original assignee: Mark Hipgrave
Priority date: 2002-07-24
Filing date: 2003-07-17
Publication date: 2004-01-29
Also published as: GB0217094D0; AU2003246966A1

Abstract

A case, preferably for a DVD Disc (20), but also usable for any type of disc having a central hole (38), comprises a first case portion (12) and a second case portion (14), hinged by a spine (16), and having, on the planar inside surface of the first case portion (12), a circular disc retaining ring (30) surrounding a disc retaining edge (32) and a disc support ring (34). An elastic disc holder retaining pin (50) is at the centre of the rings (30 32 34). A disc holder (52) having a flange (54), a disc holder clip (56), a disc holder retaining aperture (58) and a disc holder spacing ring (60) has the disc holder clip (56) inserted into the central hole (38) of a disc (20) and pushed home for the flange (54) to be separated from the disc (20) by the spacer ring (60), the disc holder (52) and the disc (20) being together liftable and moveable by the user's fingertips on the edge of the flange (54). A disc (20) can be lifted from a DVD case (10) by the disc holder clip (56) depressing an elastic disc holding clip (36) in a DVD case (10) or DVD player, and deposited back thereon by the same mechanism, the fingertips of the user being employable to provide a dislodging push if needed. The DVD disc (20) can be stored, held on the disc holder with the disc holder retaining pin (50) in the disc holder retaining aperture (58), the first case portion (12) being closed against the second case portion (14) to retain the disc (20) and the disc holder (52) in the DVD case (10). A modified disc holder (100) and an auto assembly disc holder (104) are also provided.

Description

DISC HANDLING AND STORAGE

The present invention relates to handling and storage of optical discs, particularly, but not restricted to, Digital Video Discs (DVD's) . The invention relates to the storage and handling of any type of discs, such as Compact Discs (CD's) and mini discs in all of their pre-recorded and singly and multiply recordable manifestations .

The world of digital recording has taken a quantum leap in recent years . Advances in laser techniques have meant that semiconductor lasers have risen in frequency and fallen in price, offering the possibility of considerably increased capacity per optical disc accessible at ever lower cost. Improvements in signal compression, de-compression, analysis and synthesis techniques have added their benefits, with the amount of playing time on any optical disc medium showing steady increase. This has resulted in a proliferation of media, including mini discs for music, DVD's for movies, and CD's for data and, really, any material.

The increased storage density on the optical medium renders the optical medium ever more sensitive to reading surface damage or contamination. The near legendary resistance of optical discs to surface damage or contamination causing reading errors has declined to the point where handling of the optical medium is to be discouraged for fear of the reading surface acquiring scratches, fingerprints or other undesirable additions which may cause uncorrectable reading errors with ever longer enduring consequences to the recovered signal.

Although the disclosure of the present invention is directed towards providing improvement to the techniques currently used with DVD's, it is to be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to the handling of and to the storage of any type of optical disc. DVD's became popular when it became possible to store a complete cinematographic work thereon and to replay the DVD on a machine with a publically accessible price. DVD's are set rapidly to become the favoured medium for distribution of pre-recorded cinematographic works, overtaking the use of video tapes. DVD's are also popular for the distribution and storage of computer games.

DVD's are stored and distributed in DVD cases. The DVD itself is a slim disc, a little over one millimetre in thickness and 120 millimetres in diameter, having a central hole 15 millimetres in diameter by which the DVD can be retained in the DVD case and can also be rotatably held on a turntable in a playing apparatus. The DVD comprises a data face, an apparently uniform reflective area whereon the program material or data is stored, and a display face, where, in general, visual indication of and advertising for the content of the data face is provided. DVD's are generally placed into a player with the data surface "down" on the spindle for the laser reader to gain access to the data surface, exactly the opposite way around to the custom with traditional gramophonic recordings.

The DVD case has first and second side members and a spine, each side member having edge defining walls which meet when the side members are brought together about the spine to define a closed box with the side members substantially planarly parallel. The outside surfaces of the side members generally carry visual indication of the content of the DVD case.

The inside surface of the first side member comprises a disc locating ring of slightly greater diameter that of the DVD, and a disc support ring having an element of smaller diameter than that of the DVD and concentric with the disc locating ring, the two rings being co-operational to hold a DVD, data face towards the inside surface, spaced from the inside surface of the first side member when the central hole is clipped onto a clip, situated at the centre of the rings. The second side member generally comprises one or more document clips for removably affixing literature against the inner surface of the second side member. The rings contain gaps which allow the user to reach around the edge of the DVD to grip its edge to insert or remove the DVD. The gaps mean that fingers are free to contaminate at least the edges of the data surface of the DVD. The present , invention seeks to provide means whereby contact with the data surface can be avoided.

In general handling, the risk of data surface contamination is high. The present invention provides for handling, movement, player insertion and removal of a DVD, without need for or risk of contact of any kind with its data surface. Further, the present invention offers DVD storage and presentation case means where there are no gaps in the rings and where insertion and removal is guaranteed to avoid any need for contact with the data surface.

The present invention consists in an apparatus for releasably retaining a disc, the disc possessing a central, circular hole, said apparatus comprising: a disc holder comprising a flange, extending from a central axis,- said flange being grippable by a user; an elastic clip, situated on said axis, extending from said flange in the direction of said axis; said clip being operative to hold a disc when inserted through the circular hole; and said clip bei g operative to release a disc when retracted from the central hole.

The invention further provides that the apparatus can comprise a spacer, between the flange and the clip, to space the disc from the flange .

The invention further provides that the spacer can comprise a coaxial circular ring extending from the flange towards the clip, the clip being spaced from the flange.

The invention further provides that the flange can be a circular flange.

The invention further provides that the flange can be of a smaller diameter than the disc. The invention further provides that the apparatus can comprise a case, said case comprising; a disc retaining side having a planar interior face; a disc locating ring on said planar face; a disc positioning ring on that part of the locating ring furthest from said planar face, said disc positioning ring having a diameter marginally grater than that of the disc; a disc support ring, a lesser distance from the planar face than said positioning ring and said support ring having a diameter marginally less than the diameter of the disc; and disc holder retaining means, situated at the centre of said locating ring on said planar face and operative to releasably hold said disc holder.

The invention further provides that the case can comprise a second side, closable over said first side to enclose a disc within said case.

The invention further provides that the disc holder is operative to deposit a disc onto depressible retaining clips.

The invention further provides that the disc holder is operative to retrieve a disc from depressible retaining clips.

The invention further provides that the disc holder is operative to deposit a disc onto non-depressible retaining clips.

The invention further provides that the disc holder can incorporate a finger guard to prevent inadvertent digital contact with the display surface of a disc causing unwanted detachment of a disc from the disc holder.

The invention also provides an, auto-assembly disc holder where the hole in a disc can provide an interference fit on the disc holder clip.

The invention further provides that the auto-assembly disc holder can be assembled into a case and that a disc can automatically be dispensed onto the auto-assembly disc holder in an automated process for assembling discs into cases.

The invention is further explained, by way of example, by the following description, to be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a plan view of an open, prior art, DVD case, featuring a depressible disc retaining clip, with which the present invention is able to function.

Figure IB is a cross sectional view of Figure 1A, taken along the line A A' and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 2A is a plan view of an open, prior art, DVD case, featuring a non-depressible disc retaining clip, with which the present invention is able to function.

Figure 2B is a cross sectional view of Figure 2A, taken along the line B B' and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 3A is a plan view of an open DVD case, featuring a disc retaining system according to the present invention.

Figure 3B is a cross sectional view of Figure 3A, taken along the line B B' and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a disc holder according to the present invention.

Figures 5A to 50 show how the disc holder of Figure 4 can be used to lift a disc from a flat surface.

Figures 6A to 60 show how the disc holder of Figure 4 can be used to lift a disc from a depressible disc retaining clip, such as is shown in Figure 1. Figures 7A to 7C show how the disc holder of Figure 4 can be used to deposit a disc onto a depressible disc retaining clip, such as is shown in Figure 1.

Figures 8A to 8D show how the disc holder of Figure 4 can be used to deposit a disc onto a non-depressible disc holder, such as is shown in Figure 2.

Figures 9A to 9B show how the disc holder of Figure 4 can be used to lift a disc from a DVD case which is in accord with the present invention, such as is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 10 shows detail of how the disc holder of Figure 4 and a DVD disc are held in a closed case like that shown in Figure 3.

Figure 11 shows a modified disc holder incorporating a finger guard.

Figures 12A and 12B show, respectively, a side view and a view from beneath of an auto-assembly disc holder.

And

Figures 13A, 13B and 13C show the three stages of an automated assembly process for inserting a disc into a case, incorporating the auto-assembly disc holder of Figures 12A and 12B

Attention is first drawn to Figure 1A, which shows a plan view of an open DVD case, according to the prior art, but with which the present invention is capable of operating. Attention is also drawn to Figure IB which shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 1A taken along the line A A' looking in the direction of the arrows.

A DVD case 10 comprises a first case portion 12 joined to a second case portion 14 by a spine 16. The first case portion 12, the second case portion 14 and the spine 16 comprise wall portions 18 which, when the first case portion 12 and the second case portion 14 are folded on the spine 16, cause the case 10 to form a closed container for a DVD disc 20 (only shown, for clarity in Figure IB) .

The first case portion 12 and the second case portion 14 are substantially planar and, when the case 10 is closed, lie spaced apart and substantially planarly parallel to one another. Case closure catches 22 permit the first case portion 12 and the second case portion 14 to remain attached together when the case 10 is closed.

The second case portion 14 comprises, on its inner surface 24 document retaining clips 26 which allow literature to be held on the inner surface 24 of the second case portion.

The first case portion 12 is, on its inner surface 28, a disc retaining side portion having a disc retaining ring 30 comprising a disc locating edge 32 a little lower than the top of the disc retaining ring 30 and of a marginally larger diameter than that of the disc 20. At the base of the disc locating edge 32 is a disc support ring 34 on which the disc 20 rests. The inner diameter of the disc support ring 34 is less than that of the disc 20.

The disc retaining ring 30 comprises a plurality of finger gaps 35 which extend from the top of the disc retaining ring 30 to the planar inner surface 28 of the first disc portion 12, enabling an individual to extend his or her fingertips around the edge of the disc 20 to remove the disc 20 from the disc retaining ring 30.

A depressible case elastic clip 36 is provided on the planar inner surface 28 of the first case portion 12 and retains the disc 20 in the disc retaining ring 30 by engagement with the inside of the central hole 38 of the disc 20.

The spine 16 can comprise a projection 40 which serves to hold a disc 20 in the disc retaining ring 30 when the case 10 is closed. When a user wishes to remove a disc 20, the user depresses the case depressible elastic clip 26 which releases the disc 20 which can then be gripped by the user's fingertips via the finger gaps 35 for the disc 20 to be removed from the case 10. The precise manner of operation of the case depressible elastic clip 36 is explained in more detail in connection with Figures 6A - 60.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 2A and 2B, showing a prior art solution employing a non-depressible case clip 42 instead of the depressible case clip 36 shown in Figure 1A and IB. The non- depressible case clip 42 comprises a number of elements which protrude from the inner surface 28 of the first case portion 12 and have voids there-between permitting of there being urged into closer proximity one with another. A user locates the central hole 38 of the disc 20 over the non-depressible case clip 40 and pushes the disc 20 with his fingertips on the display surface 44 of the disc 20 to urge the disc 20 on to the disc supporting ring 34. A disc clip spacer ring 46 protrudes from the inner surface 28 of the first portion 12 at a diameter around twice that of the non-depressible case clip 40 and serves to support the disc 20 against being pushed too far on to the inner surface 28 of the first case portion 12. When the user wishes to remove a disc 20 from the case 10 he opens the case and employs the finger gaps 35 to grip the edge (and inevitably, a portion of the data surface 48 of the disc 20) to pull the disc 20 from the non-depressible case clip 42.

Otherwise, Figures 2A and 2B are identical to Figures 1A and IB and like numbers indicate like items.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 3 showing a case 10 for use in the present invention. With the exceptions stated, everything is as in Figures 1A and IB or 2A and 2B and like numbers indicate like items. Figure 3B is a view of Figure 3A taken along the line Figure 3A looking in the direction of the arrows.

The first difference to notice is that the finger gaps 35 are omitted. With the present invention, there is no need for a user to touch a disc 20 with their hands in any way. The disc retaining ring 30 is, in this example, a complete circle except for where portions are omitted where the disc retaining ring 30 encounters the fold with the spine 16 and the outermost edge of the first case portion 12.

The second difference is that the clips 36, 42 are replaced with a disc holder retaining pin 50 extending through the central hole 38 of a disc 20. The disc holder retaining pin 50 is usable with one form of the disc holder, next to be described in this disclosure. However, as will become clear, the present invention can also encompass use of a depressible case elastic clip 36 similar to that shown in Figures 1A and IB.

Attention is next drawn to Figure 4 which shows an isometric projection of one example a disc holder 52 according to the present invention.

The disc holder 52 comprises a flange 54 to be gripped by the fingers of a user. The flange supports a disc holder clip 56. In the example shown, the flange 54 is circular and the disc holder clip 56 lies at the centre of the circular flange 54. It is to be appreciated that the flange 54 can be non-circular and can comprise any elements which can be gripped by the fingertips of a user.

The disc holder clip 56 is of a non-depressible variety such as the non-depressible case clip 42 shown in Figure 2A and in Figure 2B, or can be any squeezable type. While one particular variety is shown, it is to be appreciated that the case holder clip 56 can be of any non-depressible type.

In the centre of the disc holder clip 56 is a disc holder retaining aperture 58 whose purpose is to engage and be retained on the disc holder retaining pin 50.

The flange 52 also supports a disc holder spacing ring 60, in the region of twice the diameter as that of the disc holder clip 56 and not as extensive along the axis of the flange 52 as the disc holder clip 56.

Figures 5A - 50 show how the holder of Figure 4 can be used to recover a disc lying on a flat surface.

Figure 5A shows how the holder 52 can be moved towards the central hole in a disc 20 lying on a flat surface 62 as indicated by arrow 64. Figure 5B shows the next stage where the disc holder 52 is urged as indicated by arrow 66 through the central hole of the disc 20 so that the distal end of the disc holder clip 56 sits against the flat surface 64 with the disc holder clip 56 within the central hole 38.

Figure 50 shows the final stage where the disc holder 52 is withdrawn from the flat surface 62 as indicated by arrow 68 with the disc 20 held on the disc holder clip 56 to be moved around by the user gripping the flange 54 avoiding all direct personal contact with any portion of the data surface 48 of the disc 20.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 6A - 60 which show how the disc holder 52 of Figure 4 can be used to retrieve a disc 20 from a depressible case elastic clip 36 similar to that shown in Figures 1A and IB.

The disc holder 52 is moved, as indicated by arrow 70, towards the case elastic clip 36 which retains a disc 20 above the planar inner surface 28 of the first case portion 12 for the disc holder clip 56 to be positioned instantly above the case depressible elastic clip 36.

Figure 6B shows the next stage where the disc holder 52 is urged as indicated by arrow 72 for the disc holder clip 56 to depress the parts of the case depressible elastic clip 36 for the tips thereof 74 to move as indicated by arrows 76 to fall beneath the level of the disc 20 supported on the disc supporting ring 34 for the disc holder clip 56 to be urged into the central hole 38 on the disc 20. Figure 6C shows the final stage where the disc holder 52 is moved away from the case depressible elastic clip 36 as indicated by arrow 78 with the disc 20 held on the disc holder clip 56 while the case depressible elastic clip 36 elastically recovers to its former position by the tips 74 returning to their original position as indicated by arrows 80.

Attention is drawn to Figures 6A, 6B and 6C which show the sequence whereby the disc holder 52 may be used to deposit a disc 20 on to a case depressible elastic clip 36 similar to that shown in Figures 1A and IB.

As a first stage of the operation the disc holder 52 holding a disc 20 on the disc holder clip 56 is moved towards the case depressible elastic clip 36 as indicated by arrow 82.

Figure 7B shows a second stage where the disc holder 52 continues to be moved towards and against the case depressible elastic clip 36 bringing the tips 74 thereof together. The conjoined resistance of the tips 74 causes contraction of the diameter of the disc holder clip 46 which allows the disc 20 to fall from the disc holder clip. If falling is likely to take place, it is also possible for light digital pressure to be applied to the display surface 44 of the disc 20 to encourage the disc 20 to leave the disc holder clip 56.

Finally, Figure 7C shows the final stage where the disc holder 52 is withdrawn as indicated by arrow 86 leaving the disc 20 held at its correct distance from the inner surface 28 of the first case portion 12 by the elastically recovered case depressible elastic clip 36. The edges of the disc 20, of course, are supported by the disc supporting ring 34 so that the elasticity of the disc material itself serves to restore the disc 20 to its correct position for the case depressible elastic clip 36 to hold it.

Should the case depressible elastic clip 36 not fully engage the central hole 38 in the disc 20, leaving the disc lying on top of the case depressible elastic clip 36, simple application of light digital pressure will cause the disc 20 to become clipped on to the case depressible elastic clip 36.

Figures 8A - 8D show the sequence whereby the disc holder 52 may be used to deposit a disc on to a non-depressible case clip 42 similar to that shown in Figure 2 and Figure 2A. In Figures 8A - 8D like numbers indicate like items with Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 8A shows the disc holder 52 holding a disc 20 on the disc holder clip 56 being moved towards the non-depressible case clip 42 as indicated by arrow 88.

Figure 8B shows the next stage of the sequence where the disc holder 52 has been moved as indicated by arrow 90 for the disc holding clip 56 and the disc 20 to be centred over the non-depressible case clip 42.

Figure 80 shows the next stage of the sequence where the flange 54 has pressure applied thereto as indicated by arrows 92 bringing corresponding pressure to bear on the disc holding clip 56 against the non-depressible case clip 42 allowing the disc holder clip 56 to reduce slightly in diameter and permit the disc 20 to fall^' from the disc holder clip 56 for the central hole 38 to encompass the non- depressible case clip 42 (which also has a slightly reduced diameter as a consequence of the applied pressure) to be supported upon the disc clip spacer ring 46.

Figure 8D shows the final portion of the sequence where the now- empty disc holder 52 is withdrawn as indicated by arrow 94 leaving the disc 20 supported by the disc clip spacer ring 46 and held by the non-depressible case clip 42.

If the disc 20 should show reluctance to disengage from the disc holder clip 56 light digital pressure on the display surface 44 of the disc 20 will cause the disc 20 to detach from the disc holder clip 56. Also, should there be any problem with centering the central hole 38 of the disc 20 on to the non-depressible case clip 40, minor digital manipulation and pressure on the display surface 44 of the disc 20 will rectify that situation.

Attention is drawn to Figures 9A - 90 showing how the whole invention comes together when the disc holder is used to withdraw a disc from the disc case shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

The disc holder 52 is moved as indicated by arrow 96 towards the disc holder retaining pin 50 about which the central hole 38 of a disc 20 supported on the disc supporting ring 34 is disposed.

Figure 9B shows the next stage of the sequence where the disc holder 52 continues to be moved as indicated by arrow 98 until the disc holder retaining pin 50 enters the disc holder retaining aperture 58 in the disc holder clip 56 for the disc holder clip 56 to enter and grip the central hole 38 of the disc 20.

Figure 9C shows the final stage where the disc holder 52 is withdrawn as indicated by arrow 100 bearing the disc 20 on the disc holder clip 56.

Figure 10 shows how a disc 20 is deposited and retained in' the case of Figures 3A and 3B. The disc 20 of the disc holder 52 is simply inserted into the case with the disc holder 52 on the disc holder retaining pin 50 and the case 10 is closed enclosing the disc holder 52, still on its disc 20 between the disc 20 and the second case portion 14.

To summarise the disclosure, a disc holder 52 has been disclosed which can pick up a disc 20 from a flat surface, from a case depressible elastic clip 36 or from its own case (shown in Figures 3A and 3B) . The disc holder 52 can also deposit a disc 20 on to a case depressible elastic clip 36, a non-depressible . case clip 42 or on to its own case (Figures 3A and 3B) . The disc holder 52 is also capable of depositing a disc 20 on to a turntable where, if the turntable loading mechanism involved a retractable loading tray, the disc holder 52 can be removed from a disc 20 by slight digital pressure on the display surface 44 of the disc. The disc holder can equally be used to retrieve a disc 20 from a turntable. When returned, in a disc 20, to its own case 10 as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the disc holder 52 is enclosed within the case 10 when the case is shut.

The invention, as disclosed, shows a disc holder for beneficial use in conjunction with its own specific style of case which ensures that no personal contact with the data surface 48 of a disc 20 is necessary.

The disc holder 52 need not be provided in conjunction with any case 10, but is capable of independent use.

Attention is drawn to Figure 11, showing a modified disc holder 100, like the disc holder 52 in every way, but with the addition of a finger guard 102, designed to prevent inadvertent contact by a user's fingers with the display surface 44 of a DVD disc 20 breaking the connection with the disc holder clip 56 and causing the DVD disc 20 to fall unbidden from the modified disc holder 100, but still retaining the possibility of deliberate digital engagement to disengage a DVD disc 20 which might prove reluctant to depart. Asv before, the modified disc holder 100 is capable of independent use and need not be provided in conjunction with any case 10. The finger guard is shown, in this example, as being generally circular, and of a diameter less than the diameter of a DVD disc 20. It is to be appreciated that any other shape and dimensions, capable of providing the function of the finger guard 102, as described can be applied.

Attention is next drawn to Figures 12A and 12B which show, respectively, a side view and a view from below of an auto-assembly disc holder 104 capable of being incorporated in a DVD case 10 where the DVD disc 20 is automatically dispensed into the DVD case 20 by machinery, such as, but not limited to, an assembly line. The auto-assembly disc holder 104 comprises a disc holder clip 56 which provides a transition (very close) fit inside the central hole 38 on a DVD disc 20. A disc holder retaining aperture 58 is provided in the disc holder clip 56. A lifting loop 106 (or any other lifting device with diametric dimensions less that of the central hole 38 in a DVD disc 20 and axial dimensions allowing accommodation within a closed DVD case 10) is provided on the surface of auto-assembly disc holder, opposite from the disc holder clip 56. Just below the lifting loop 106 is a circular platform 108 which supports the disc holder clip 56 and is of a diameter slightly less that of the disc holder clip 56.

Figures 13A to 13C show three stages of automated assembly of a DVD disc 20 into a DVD case 10 employing an auto-assembly disc holder 104.

In Figure 13A a case 10, similar to that shown in Figure 3B, is ready to receive an auto-assembly disc holder, and is sent on its way down an automated assembly line.

In Figure 13B, an automated assembly disc holder 104 is affixed onto the DVD case 10 by the disc holder retaining aperture 58 of the automated assembly disc holder 104 being affixed onto the disc holder retaining pin 50, with the lifting loop 106 uppermost, in an automated process.

In Figure 130, a DVD disc 20 is automatically inserted into the DVD case 10, over the lifting loop 106 and the circular platform 108 of the auto-assembly disc holder for the central hole 38 of the DVD disc 20 to be engaged by the disc holder clip 56.

In a final operation, the DVD case 10 is closed and the top of the lifting loop 106 pushes against the inner surface of the second case portion 14 to ensure secure retention of the DVD disc 10 in the closed DVD case 10. When the DVD case 10 is opened the DVD disc 20 can immediately be removed from the DVD case 10 by a user grasping and moving the lifting loop 106 to transport the DVD disc 20 to be used in whatever equipment or to be in whatever place the DVD disc 20 is required.

In addition to its ability to be employed and included in an automated DVD case 10 filling process, the auto-assembly disc holder 104 enjoys all of the uses and utilities earlier described for the disc holder 52 and the modified disc holder 100.

Claims

1. An apparatus for releasably retaining a disc which possesses a central, circular hole, said apparatus comprising: a disc holder comprising a flange, extending from a central axis, said flange being grippable by a user; an elastic clip, situated on said axis, extending from said flange in the direction of said axis; said clip being operative to hold a disc when inserted through the circular hole; and said clip being operative to release a disc when retracted from the central hole.

2. An apparatus, according to claim 1, comprise a spacer, between said flange and said clip, to space the disc from said flange.

3. An apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said spacer comprises a coaxial circular ring, extending from the flange towards the clip, the clip being spaced from the flange.

4. An apparatus, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said flange is a circular flange.

5. An apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said flange is of a smaller diameter than the disc.

6. An apparatus, according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a case, said case comprising: a disc retaining side having a planar interior face; a disc locating ring on said planar face; a disc positioning ring on that part of the locating ring furthest from said planar face, said disc positioning ring having a diameter marginally greater than that of the disc; a disc support ring, a lesser distance from the planar face than said positioning ring, said support ring having a diameter marginally less than the diameter of the disc; and disc holder retaining means, situated at the centre of said locating ring on said planar face and operative to releasably hold said disc holder.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said case comprises a second side, closable over said first side to enclose a disc within said case.

8. An apparatus, according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said disc holder is operative to deposit a disc onto depressible retaining clips .

9. An apparatus, according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said disc holder is operative to retrieve a disc from depressible retaining clips .

10, An apparatus, according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said disc holder is operative to deposit a disc onto non depressible retaining clips.