WO2006052987A2 - Disk retainer for package - Google Patents

Abstract

The disk retainer (10) includes a base unit (11) defining a generally circular disk recess (20). A center platform (24) and center post (26) are supported within the disk recess (20) to center an apertured media disk (40). An edge clasp (30) supported at the outer edge of the disk recess (20) secured the media disk (40) on the center post (26).

Description

DISK RETAINER FOR PACKAGE SPECIFICATION

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 USC

119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/626,385 entitled DISK RETAINER FOR PACKAGE filed November 8, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to product packaging and particularly for apparatus used in packaging disk items such as compact discs or digital video data discs (DVD).

Background of the Invention

[0003] The development of disk media available for low-cost, mass production use in computer-powered audio and video systems as provided extremely low-cost and effective media for selling and distributing audio material, video material and computer software. Such discs are varied somewhat in format and in fabrication. However, all generally comprise relatively thin circular plastic discs having at least one surface suitable for receiving digital data information. Often the remaining side of the disk material is used to carry various images for identification, trademarking and appearance enhancement. While such discs have been proven to be extremely valuable assets for distributing information in a mass market consumer system, the tendency of the discs themselves to become damaged through abrasion or physical impact during storage and shipment has raised new problems for packaging designers. For the most part, such discs are typically stored and shipped within a protective hard plastic unit often formed into a "book-like" package which opens and closes to provide access to the supported discs. The majority of such packages rely upon the use of a retaining mechanism operative upon the center aperture of the disk media. For example, U.S. Patent 6,502,694 issued to Pijanowski et al sets forth an APPARATUS FOR HOLDING A COMPACT DISK in which a center post structure includes at least two resiliently cantilevered resiliently supported arms. The inner ends of the arms form a button-like member while the outer edges thereof support a projection for engaging the surface of a compact disk held on the apparatus.

[0004] U.S. Patent 5,251 ,750 issued to Jelardi et al sets forth a MOLDED

CD TRAY AND POP UP ROSETTE THEREFORE in which a package includes a center rosette molded to a surrounding planar surface. The central rosette engages the inner center hole of a CD and includes arms molded to and extending upwardly from the rosette from engaging the center hole.

[0005] U.S. Patent 5,402,882 issued to Bandy et al sets forth a COMPACT DISK HOLDER INCLUDING DISK EXTRACTOR having a center hub supported by a package base within which a disk media may be frictionally retained. A lid pivotally mounted on the base includes an extractor for disengaging the disk from the hub as the lid is moved from the closed position to its open position.

[0006] U.S. Patent 5,494, 156 issued to Nies sets forth a DISK RETAINER

FOR STORAGE DEVICE having a center hub and surrounding base within which a plurality of radially extending serrations are formed to provide radially extending resilient arm members within the hub.

[0007] U.S. Patent 5,526,926 issued to Deja sets forth a STORAGE CASE FOR COMPACT DISKS having a receptacle member and a base which are fitted to the outline of a disc. The base member is provided with a central retaining element which passes through the clearance of the center of a compact disk and has spring catches developed as a locking element which overlap the inner edge of the clearance of the disk for securing within the case.

[0008] Several issued U.S. Patents set forth center hubs for disk media packages which utilize a plurality of radially fitted resilient arms within the center hubs. Examples of such structures are set forth in U.S. Patents 6,729,469 issued to Yau et al; 5,511,659 issued to Bosworth; 5,896,986 issued to Bolognia et al and 5,944,181 issued to Lau.

[0009] Further variations of disk media packaging and particularly center hubs therefore are set forth in U.S. Patents 6,085,900 issued to Wong; 6,170,656 issued to Cerda-Vilaplana et al; 6,196,384 issued to Belden, Jr. and 6,364,108 issued to Bin.

[0010] By way of further variation, a number of issued U.S. Patents set forth center hub structures for disk media packaging in which a snap release type apparatus is provided. Examples of such devices are set forth in U.S. Patents 6,347,702 issued to Bruderer et al; 6,041,943 issued to Furutsu; 5,685,427 issued to Kuitems et al.; 5,586,651 issued to Krurnmenacher and 6,547,069 issued to Chang.

[0011] Further examples of center hub structures for CD packages are set forth in U.S. Patents 6,415,918 issued to Wong et al; 6,726,008 issued to Lee; 6,732,862 issued to Hu; 6,779,659 issued to Marsilio et al; 6,123,192 issued to Rufo, Jr.; 6,311,835 issued to Okuhara et al and 6,467,616 issued to Hegarty et al.

[0012] Several issued design patents set forth further variations of center hub design for disk media packages. Examples of such designs are set forth in U.S. Design patents D488,000 issued to Chen; D485,698 issued to Yu; D426,978 issued to Beldin, Jr. et al and D441,212 issued to Pijanowski et al. [0013] A substantial number of published U.S. Patent Applications set forth further variations of disk holding apparatus and packaging.

[0014] UK Patent Applications 2,261,210 and 2,359,540 set forth early examples of disk media packaging.

[0015] European Patent Applications 1,049,091 and 1,100,088 set forth further variations of disk media packaging.

[0016] German Patents 19723969; 19917454 and 19919465 set forth further variations of center post construction in disk media packaging.

[0017] While such packages have been proven to be commercially acceptable and in some instances functionally effective, they are often expensive to manufacture and difficult to utilize. In particular, the process of inserting a disk into the package or removing it there from proves in many cases to be a difficult process which subjects the disk surface to damage. There remains therefore a continuing need in the art for evermore improved, secure and effective packages for retaining disk media

Summary of the Invention

[0018] The present invention disk retainer for package provides a base unit which is preferably formed of a relatively rigid plastic material or the like. The base defines a circular disk recess within which a circular platform and center post are formed. The center post and platform are generally concentric with the platform defining a substantially smaller dimension than the typical disc. A plurality of finger access facilitate handling of the disk edges. The retaining mechanism operative within the disk recess utilizes at least one tab extending inwardly from the edge portion of the disk recess together with an edge clasp mechanism preferably positioned in opposition to the tab. The edge clasp mechanism includes a pivoting or depressible lever button which supports an extending tab. The edge clasp mechanism and the tab cooperate to engage the disk edge at opposite sides while the center post and platform secure the disk in a raised position within the disk recess.

More specifically, the present invention provides a disk retainer for holding a media disk having a center aperture, the disk retainer comprising: a base unit defining a disk recess for receiving a media disk, the disk recess defining a generally circular outer edge; a center post generally centered within the disk recess; a center base encircling the center post having a surface raised from the disk recess; and an edge clasp supported proximate the circular outer edge of the disk recess having a resiliently supported lever button and an inwardly extending tab supported on the lever button, the lever button normally supporting the tab so as to overly the outer edge of a disk received within the disk recess and being resiliently movable to withdraw the tab from overlying the disk media outer edge.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

[0020] Figure 1 sets forth a top view of a disk retainer for package constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 sets forth a partially sectioned end view of the disk retainer shown in Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 3 sets forth a partial top view of the edge clasp mechanism of the disk retainer shown in Figure 1 ; [0023] Figure 4 sets forth a partial section view of the edge clasp mechanism of Figure 3 taken along section lines 4-4 therein;

[0024] Figure 5 sets forth a partial section view of the opposed tab portion of the disk retainer shown in Figure 6 taken along section lines 5-5 therein;

[0025] Figure 6 sets forth a partial top view of the opposed tab of the disk retainer shown in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 7 sets forth a partial perspective view of the opposed tab portion of the disk retainer of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 8 sets forth a partial perspective view of the edge clasp mechanism shown in Figure 3;

[0028] Figure 9 sets forth a partial top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention disk retainer;

[0029] Figure 10 sets forth a partial section view of the alternate embodiment of Figure 9 taken along section lines 10-10 therein;

[0030] Figure 11 sets forth a partial section view of the alternate embodiment of Figure 9 taken along section lines 11-11 therein;

[0031] Figure 12 sets forth a partial section view of the alternate embodiment of Figure 9 taken along section lines 12-12 therein.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0032] By way of overview, the present invention disk retainer provides a rigid base unit preferably fabricated of a rigid material such as molded plastic or the like which defines a center recess for receiving a circular disk such as a compact disk or the DVD. A center post and raised platform within the center of disk recess centers the disk within the recess while the platform raises the undersurface thereof away from contact with the surface of the disk recess. A cooperating set of tabs one of which is fixed to the recess edge while the other is moveable between positions of release and engagement cooperate to grip the disk material edges and maintain the disk upon the center post and platform.

[0033] More specifically, Figure 1 sets forth a top view of a disk retainer constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Disk retainer 10 includes a base 11 preferably fabricated of a rigid plastic material or the like having a pair of opposed sides 13 and 14 together with opposed ends 15 and 16. Base 11 is shown generally rectangular in shape. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the outer periphery of base 11 may be shaped in any suitable shape to meet various packaging and aesthetic needs. Base 11 further defines a circular disk recess 20 defining a generally circular edge 27. Within disk recess 20, base 11 supports a circular raised platform 24 having a surface 25 together with a raised upwardly extending cylindrical post 26. Post 26 is sized and shaped to receive the center aperture of a disk such as a compact disk or DVD (not shown) in a relatively close but freely moveable fit. Disk retainer 10 further includes an inwardly extending tab 23 which extends inwardly from edge 27 and is generally coplanar with top surface 12 of base 11. Base 11 further defines a pair of finger recesses 21 and 22 which facilitate gripping the edge of a disk retained within base 11. Disk retainer 10 further includes a moveable lever button 32 which is resiliently supported in general alignment with top surface 12. Lever button 32 is depressible and moveable and supports an inwardly extending tab 31. Tab 31 extends above disk recess 20. A clearance aperture 34 is formed within disk recess 20 to facilitate the edge clasp operation of the present invention disk retainer.

[0034] Figure 2 sets forth a partially sectioned end view of disk retainer 10.

As described above, disk retainer 10 includes a base 11 defining a top surface 12, a pair of opposed sides 13 and 14 together with a disk recess 20. End 16 of disk retainer 10 is shown partially sectioned to reveal the thin wall structure of base 11. A bottom edge 17 extends about the lower portion of base 11 and is utilized in attachment to a suitable surface within the remainder of the disk material package such as the conventional book-like packages or other suitable material. Attachment of edge 17 within the package remainder (not shown) may be accomplished by conventional attachment such as sonic welding or the like.

[0035] Figure 3 sets forth a partial top view of edge clasp mechanism 30.

As described above, edge clasp mechanism 30 is situated along edge 27 of disk recess 20 and is generally coextensive with top surface 12 of base 11. A lever button 32 is separated from top surface 12 by a U-Shaped slot 33. Slot 33 allows lever button 32 to be depressed downwardly relative to top surface 12.

[0036] Edge clasp mechanism 30 further includes a clearance aperture which facilitates the extension of a disk edge toward edge 27 of disk recess 20. Edge clasp mechanism 30 further includes a tab 31 which extends beyond the edge portion of lever button 32.

[0037] Figure 4 sets forth a partial section view of edge clasp mechanism

30 taken along section lines 4-4 in Figure 3. As described above, edge clasp mechanism 30 is situated along the edge of disk recess 20 and includes a depressible lever button 32 together with a tab 31. A clearance aperture 34 facilitates the extension of the edge portion of a disk to an extent that tab 31 is able to engage. For purposes of illustration, a typical edge portion of a disk 40 is shown extending beneath tab 31 and secured thereby. It will be noted that aperture 34 permits the edge portion of disk 40 to extend to a point at which tab

31 engages the upper surface of disk 40.

[0038] With concurrent to Figures 3 and 4, the operation of edge clasp mechanism 30 will be explained. In the relaxed position shown in Figures 3 and 4, edge clasp mechanism 30 allows the resilient material of edge 27 supporting lever button 32 and tab 31 to position tab 31 in extension into disk recess 20. In this position, the edge portion of disk 40 is engaged and retained. When the user depresses lever button 32 in the direction indicated by arrow 35 however, the resilient material of edge 27 facilitates the downward pivoting of lever button 32 which moves tab 31 upwardly and away from the edge portion of disk 40. With button 32 depressed sufficiently, tab 31 no longer engages the edge portion of disk 40 and the disk may be removed.

[0039] Figure 5 sets forth a partial section view of the fixed tab portion of the present invention disk retainer. As mentioned above, tab 23 is formed as an inward extension of surface 12 of base 11 and projects inwardly into disk recess 20. A clearance aperture 28 is formed on edge 27 of recess 20 to facilitate the extension of a disk 40 beneath tab 23. Disk 40 is shown in phantom line depiction to illustrate the engagement of tab 23 against the outer edge portion of disk 40. The function of tab 23 is to provide a grip of the edge portion of disk 40 which is on the opposite side from the grip provided by tab 31 (seen in Figure 3).

[0040] Figure 6 sets forth a partial perspective top view of tab 23 extending into disk recess 20 along edge 27.

[0041] Figure 7 sets forth a partial perspective view of tab 23 supported by surface 12 of base 11 and extending inwardly into disk recess 20. Also shown in Figure 7 is portion of a typical disk 40 supported within disk recess 20. A clearance aperture 28 facilitates the proper positioning of disk 40. As can be seen, edge 41 extends beneath tab 23 to retain the edge portion thereof.

[0042] Figure 8 sets forth a partial perspective view of edge clasp mechanism 30. Also shown in Figure 8 is a phantom line depiction of a typical disk 40 engaging mechanism 30. As described above, base 11 of disk retainer 10 defines a top surface 12 having a generally U-Shaped clearance slot 33 formed therein. A depressible lever button 32 is supported in general alignment with surface 12 and is resiliently movable in the direction indicated by arrow 36. Disk recess 20 of base 11 defines an outer edge 27. A tab 31 is supported upon lever button 32 and extends inwardly above disk recess 20. A clearance aperture 28 is formed in disk recess 20 to facilitate the bending and flexing of the supporting portion of edge 27 as lever button 32 is depressed and released.

[0043] Figure 9 through 12 set forth an alternate embodiment of present invention disk retainer. The majority of structure of the alternate embodiment of Figures 9 through 12 is substantially identical to disk retainer 10 described above with the differences being found in the edge clasp mechanism. Thus, the remainder of descriptions set forth above in Figures 1 through 8 apart from the edge clasp mechanism will be understood to apply equally well to the embodiment of Figures 9 through 12.

[0044] More specifically, Figure 9 sets forth a partial top view of an alternate embodiment disk retainer constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 50. Disk retainer 50 includes a molded plastic base 57 defining a circular disk recess 51 and an outer edge wall 52. Base 51 further defines a raised platform 53 and a concentric center post 55. Platform 53 defines a disk supporting surface 54. While not seen in Figure 9, it will be understood that edge 52 of disk recess 51 defines an inwardly extending fixed tab substantially identical to tab 23 of disk retainer 10.

[0045] An edge clasp mechanism 60 which functions is substantially the same manner as the above-described edge clasp mechanism 30 shown in Figures 1 through 8 includes a depressible lever button 70 formed in general alignment with top surface 56 of base 57. Lever button 70 is separated from surface 56 by a circular segment clearance slot 71. Edge 52 supports a tab 74 which extends inwardly above disk recess 51. A pair of clearance slots 72 and 73 are formed in edge 52 to provide flexing of lever button 70.

[0046] Figure 10 sets forth a partial section view of edge clasp mechanism

60. Mechanism 60 includes a depressible lever button 70 having a tab 74 extending inwardly above disk recess 51. A clearance slot 71 separates lever button 70 from top surface 56 of base 11. Tab 74 is pulled out of engagement with disk 40 by pressing lever button 70 downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow 75.

[0047] Figure 11 sets forth a partial side view of base 11 showing center platform 53 having supporting surface 54 and center post 55. A typical disk having a center aperture 42 is supported upon surface 54.

[0048] Figure 12 sets forth a partial section view of edge clasp mechanism

60 taken along section lines 12-12 in Figure 9. Of importance to note is the positioning of clearance slots 72 and 73 within edge 52 of disk recess 51.

[0049] What has been shown is a low-cost, easy to manufacture and effective disk retainer suitable for securing disk material such as compact disks and DVDs within a product package.

[0050] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A disk retainer for holding a media disk having a center aperture, said disk retainer comprising:

a base unit defining a disk recess for receiving a media disk, said disk recess defining a generally circular outer edge;

a center post generally centered within said disk recess;

a center base encircling said center post having a surface raised from said disk recess; and

an edge clasp supported proximate said circular outer edge of said disk recess having a resiliently supported lever button and an inwardly extending tab supported on said lever button, said lever button normally supporting said tab so as to overly the outer edge of a disk received within said disk recess and being resiliently movable to withdraw said tab from overlying the disk media outer edge.

2. The disk retainer set forth in claim 1 wherein said outer edge of said disk recess defines a fixed tab, positioned in general opposition to said edge clasp, extending inwardly from said outer edge of said disk recess.

3. The disk retainer set forth in claim 2 wherein said edge clasp includes a generally U-shaped slot surrounding said inwardly extending tab.

4. The disk retainer set forth in claim 2 wherein said disk recess defines a first clearance aperture beneath said inwardly extending tab.

5. The disk retainer set forth in claim 4 wherein said disk recess defines a second clearance aperture beneath said fixed tab.