WO2009132080A1

WO2009132080A1 - Apparatus for holding a disk

Info

Publication number: WO2009132080A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/041375
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter A. Farrar; Anthony Fraser
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2008-04-24
Filing date: 2009-04-22
Publication date: 2009-10-29
Also published as: GB0807417D0

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a disk, comprising a holding portion with one or more overlapping portions overlapping the disk periphery and inhibiting removal of the disk in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the disk, and having one or more blocking portions adjacent an edge of the disk to inhibit sliding in a direction parallel to the plane of the disk. To remove the disk, a leading portion of the disk is lifted to disengage it from the blocking portions whereupon the disk can be slid to disengage it from the overlapping portions.

Description

APPARATUS FOR HOLDING A DISK

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of UK patent application serial number GB0807417.1, filed on April 24, 2008.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to apparatus for holding a disk, for example a CD (compact disk) or DVD (digital versatile disk).

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Many types of apparatus for holding a disk via a central aperture therein are known. Apparatus in which a disk is held by retaining members at its periphery is also known. WO2006/005851 discloses apparatus in which peripheral retaining members are designed to retain the disk in an axial direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the disk, within a recess, until the retaining members are moved out of engagement with the disk so it can be lifted from the apparatus in an axial direction. WO2006/134383 discloses apparatus in which one or more disks are held at their periphery by a holding portion which simulates the function of a pocket, the disks being removable by sliding in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide an improvement over such prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for holding a disk, the apparatus comprising a holding portion having one or more overlapping portions for overlapping the upper surface of the disk at the periphery thereof, the periphery of a disk being receivable beneath the overlapping portions so as to inhibit removal of the disk from the apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the disk, and having one or more blocking portions adjacent an edge of the disk to inhibit sliding of the disk in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk, the arrangement being such that, to remove the disk, a leading portion of the disk must be lifted to disengage it from the blocking action of the blocking portion(s) whereupon the disk can then be slid in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk to disengage it from said one or more overlapping portions.

[0006] The blocking portion(s) and the overlapping portion(s) together ensure the disk is retained in the apparatus, even when subject to shock loads, yet the disk can still be easily removed from the apparatus. The arrangement is preferably such that lifting the leading edge of the disk to disengage it from the blocking action of the blocking portion is achieved by flexing the disk.

[0007] The thickness of the sheet material from which the holding portion is formed is preferably 0.5 mm or less. Substantially less material is thus used compared to an injection moulded apparatus in which the disk holder typically has a thickness of around 1.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the sheet member is in the range 0.25 to 0.35 mm. Use of a sheet member 0.30 mm in thickness, for example, represents a 70% reduction in the material used to form the disk holder compared to a conventional injection moulded tray.

[0008] Preferably, the overlapping portions retain the disk in the manner of a pocket. Preferably, the disk has to be slid in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk by at least 5 mm, preferably by at least 10 mm, and most preferably by at least 20 mm, before it is free to be lifted out of the apparatus.

[0009] The or each disk is preferably located within a recess and supported only at its circular periphery by a ledge or by an inclined wall around the edge of the recess.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises at least two overlapping portions between which the periphery of a disk is receivable so as to inhibit removal of the disk from the apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the disk.

[0011] The overlapping portions may comprise one or more lips for overlapping the upper surface of the disk. The overlapping portions may be provided continuously or spaced apart around a portion of at least 180 degrees of the periphery of the disk, e.g. around a 180 degree portion of the periphery of the disk. In a preferred arrangement, the apparatus comprises a pair of overlapping portions, which are angularly spaced from each other by around 170-190 degrees, relative to the centre of a disk.

[0012] The overlapping portions preferably cover or engage only peripheral areas of the disk, e.g. up to 5 mm from the edge of the disk, and preferably only up to 3 mm from the edge of the disk. In some cases, the overlap may be limited to only about 1.0 mm of the upper surface of the disk from the periphery thereof.

[0013] The apparatus may be arranged to hold two or more disks, and preferably the disks at least partially overlap with each other.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus holds two or three disks. The apparatus may be arranged such that all the disks slide out in the same direction. Preferably, the arrangement is such that as one disk is slid out of the apparatus its edges move away from the disk below to avoid or reduce the risk of scraping against this disk.

[0015] Preferably, the disks are held substantially parallel to each other but with each disk being inclined to the horizontal, e.g. by between 5 and 10 degrees. Preferably, the or each disk is located within a recess and supported only at its periphery by a wall or ledge around the edge of the recess.

[0016] When two or more disks are held on the apparatus, the disks may be of different types and/or different sizes. One may, for example, be a CD or DVD with a diameter of approximately 120 mm and the other a mini disk with a diameter of about 80 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the holding portion comprises an externally projecting flange around the perimeter thereof, e.g. extending laterally 2-6 mm from side portion of the holding portion. This flange may be used to bond the holding portions to a cover member, e.g. a cardboard cover. In a preferred arrangement the flange is bonded to the cover member by means of bonding material provided as a coating on the cover member, e.g. around the periphery thereof. When the cover member is bonded to the holding portion, it provides structural rigidity to the apparatus. The holding portion alone may be relatively flexible (due to the thickness of the sheet from which it is formed) but once bonded to a cover member, the holding portion becomes substantially rigid, in particular it remains substantially planar and is less liable to bending or warping. Nevertheless, as will be described below, edge portions of the holding portion are able to flex by a sufficient degree to facilitate insertion and removal of a disk.

[0018] In a preferred arrangement, two holding portions are provided on a cover member such that the cover member can be opened and closed about a hinge part and the two holding portions engage each other face to face when the cover member is in the closed position. Preferably, the two holding portions are arranged to inter-engage to prevent sliding therebetween and may be releasably fastened together when pressed face to face.

[0019] Further preferred and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the subsidiary claims of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the application according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment taken from a different angle to Figure 1 and showing two disks being held in the apparatus; Figure 4 is a plan view of the first embodiment showing two disks held therein; Figure 5 is a perspective, part-sectional view of the first embodiment showing two disks held therein; Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the first embodiment from one end thereof; Figure 7 is an enlarged, perspective view similar to that of Figure 6 but showing two disks held in the apparatus; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view similar to Figure 8 but showing three disks held in the apparatus; Figure 11 is a perspective, part-sectional view of the second embodiment showing three disks held therein; Figure 12 is an enlarged, perspective view of part of the second embodiment; and Figure 13 is an enlarged, perspective view similar to Figure 12 but showing three disks held in the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Figures 1-7 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. The apparatus comprises a holding portion 1 in the form of a plastic tray which is formed from a sheet of resilient plastics material by a vacuum moulding process and/or by pressure moulding and having a thickness of about 0.3 mm. The holding portion 1 has recesses IA, IB therein shaped to receive and retain disks 2A, 2B therein (see figure 3).

[0022] The tray is secured to a cover member (not shown). This may comprise a front cover portion, a rear cover portion and a spine portion. A tray may be secured to each of the front and rear cover portions (as described in WO2006/134383). The cover member is formed from a cardboard sheet (although other sheet material can be used) and is of a thickness such as to provide structural rigidity to the apparatus when bonded to one or more trays 1.

[0023] The trays 1 have an externally projecting flange IK around the perimeter thereof by means of which the tray is bonded, or otherwise secured, to the cover member. A wide variety of bonding techniques are known and can be used to secure the tray 1 to the cover member. Preferably, the bond line extends around the periphery of each tray, i.e. substantially the entire lengths of the flanges IK are bonded to the cover member in order to provide structural rigidity to the assembly. In some embodiments, the underside of the trays (e.g. in the corners 1C thereof and/or in the region of recesses IA and IB) may also be bonded to the cover member.

[0024] Bonding material may be provided on the cover member as a coating thereon (either just on the areas to be bonded to the tray or across the entire surface thereof). In some cases, bonding may be achieved with the assistance of pressure and/or heat applied to the flanges IK and the cover member, the thickness of the flanges IK (typically 0.3 mm or less) permitting the application of pressure and/or heat therethrough.

[0025] A plurality of overlapping portions 5, 6 are provided around the periphery of the recesses IA, IB for retaining a disk therein. The embodiment shown has a pair of substantially rigid arcuate projections 5 on opposite sides of recess IA for retaining a disk therein and a pair of substantially rigid arcuate projections 6 on opposite sides of recess IB for retaining a disk therein. The projections 5 are angularly spaced from each other by around 170-190 degrees, i.e. substantially diametrically opposite each other.

[0026] The overlapping portions 5, 6 overlap the periphery of the disks and inhibit their removal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the disk. Each of the overlapping portions 5, 6 extends approximately 20- 30 mm around the periphery of the disk, the overlap gradually tapering off further around the perimeter of the disk.

[0027] A pair of blocking portions 7 are also provided adjacent the edge of the first disk 2 A and a pair of blocking portions 8 are provided adjacent the edge of the second disk 2B.

[0028] The blocking portions 7 lie in the plane of the disk and thus inhibit sliding movement of the disk in a direction parallel to the plane of the disk. The pair of blocking portions 7 are spaced from each other by a distance smaller than the diameter D of a disk, the gap therebetween preferably being at least 5 mm smaller than the diameter D and preferably at least 10 mm smaller than the said diameter. In the embodiment shown, the distance between the pair of blocking portions is around 15 mm smaller than the diameter of the disk.

[0029] The blocking portions 7 are sufficiently rigid and spaced apart by a distance such that the disk cannot be slid out between the blocking portions 7 without substantial change to the apparatus and/or to the disk.

[0030] Each of the blocking portions 7 comprises a substantially arcuate wall positioned immediately adjacent the periphery of the disk and which extends 5-20 mm around the periphery of the disk. [0031] Whilst this embodiment has two blocking portions 7, one on each side of the recess IA, embodiments are also envisaged in which a single blocking portion 7 is used to prevent the disk from sliding.

[0032] This disk 2 A is supported in the apparatus by an inclined wall IF which extends around at least part of the periphery of the recess IA for receiving the disk. Portions of the wall IF supporting the leading portion of the disk are positioned higher than portions supporting the trailing portion of the disk so the disk 2A is supported at an angle, e.g. of 5-10 degrees, to the horizontal base of the recess IA (as shown in figure 5). The trailing edge of the disk 2A preferably rests on the base IA of the recess where the inclined wall IF tapers away to nothing.

[0033] The pair of blocking portions 8 adjacent the edge of the second disk 2B are essentially the same as the pair of blocking portions 7.

[0034] Each of the blocking portions also has an overhanging corner or shoulder 7 A, 8 A which projects a small distance over the top of the disk, e.g. by 1 mm or less or 0.5 mm or less (as best illustrated in Figures 6 and 7).

[0035] The second disk 2B is also supported by an inclined wall IG around part of the periphery of the recess IB and is, again, supported at an angle of 5-10 degrees to the horizontal base of the recess IB. Preferably, disks 2 A and 2B are supported at the same angle so they lie parallel to each other (as shown in Figure 5). The inclined wall IG around the periphery of recess IB continues along two arcuate upstands IH which extend to some extent into recess IA. The disk is supported by the inclined wall of this upstand so it is supported at the desired angle and cannot tilt. The upstands IH also help to ensure that the underside of the first disk 2A does not engage the periphery of the trailing portion of the second disk 2B; the periphery of the disk 2 A being supported by the upstand IH where the upstand IH meets the side wall of the recess IA.

[0036] It will be seen that the arcuate walls forming the blocking means 7 for the first disk 2 A meet with the arcuate projections 6 for the second disk 2B at the overhanging corner 7 A. [0037] In order to remove a disk, two separate actions are required. First, it is necessary to lift a leading portion of the disk so the edges of the disk are lifted above the level of the blocking portions 7, 8 and thus disengaged from their blocking action. In the illustrated embodiments, this is effected by lifting the leading edge of the disk upwards so the leading half of the disk is flexed upwards. As the trailing half of the disk is prevented from moving axially (i.e. perpendicular to its plane) by its location under the overlapping portions 5 and 6, and the trailing portion of the disk is supported by the inclined wall IF around the base of the recess IA, the periphery of the disk around the leading half of the disk can only be raised above the level of the blocking portions 7, 8 by flexing the disk itself (about a line extending across the disk between the overlapping portions 5, 6 on opposite sides of the apparatus).

Typically, the part of the leading edge of the disk located on the centre line of the apparatus, would be lifted by around 5-10 mm so that the parts of the leading edge immediately adjacent the blocking portions 7, 8 are lifted by around 1-3 mm to lift them above the level of the blocking portions 7, 8.

[0038] Once a leading portion of the disk has been flexed upwards to move it above the line of action of the blocking portions 7, 8, the disk can be slid in a direction substantially parallel to its own plane so as to disengage it from the overlapping portions 5, 6. It is only when the disk has been slid out by a sufficient distance (typically 5-10 mm or more, and preferably 15- 20 mm or more) that its edges are disengaged from the overlapping portions 5, 6 so it is free to be lifted out of the apparatus.

[0039] It will be appreciated from the above that the leading portion of the disk is flexed upwards when the disk starts to be slid out. The degree of flexing of the disk generally decreases the further it is slid out as the upwards force applied to the leading edge can be relaxed once the leading edge of the disk has moved past the position of the blocking means 7 and more of the disk has been slid out from beneath the overlapping portions 5.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the leading edge of the disk is initially flexed upwards, edges of the disk ride up sloped surfaces beneath the overhanging corners 7 A. This causes the overhanging corners 7A to be flexed upwardly and/or outwardly until the disk is able to pass between the corners 7A on opposite sides of the apparatus after which the corners 'snap-in' beneath the disk. This provides a positive snap action which indicates to the user that the leading edge of the disk has been disengaged from the blocking portions 7 and so can now be slid out.

[0041] In other embodiments, the overhanging corners 7A may not provide this 'snap-in' feature, the disk just passing between the corners 7A as it is flexed upwards The corners 7A may also help reduce the risk that the disk is inadvertently disengaged from the blocking portions 7, e.g. if the apparatus is dropped or otherwise subjected to shock loads.

[0042] The second disk is held in recess IB by overhanging portions 6 and blocking portions 8 in essentially the same manner. The leading edge of the disk, however, is seated in recess IB so its upper surface is substantially co-planar with an upper surface ID of the tray 1. It is therefore difficult for a user's finger to gain a purchase on this leading edge in order to flex the disk upwards above the level of blocking portions 8. Finger recesses IE are therefore provided in one or both corners of the tray adjacent the leading edge of the disk to provide finger access to the edge of the leading portion of the disk.

[0043] Each of the disks can be re-installed into the apparatus by sliding it over the corners 7A, 8A and back under projections 5, 6. This action flexes the disk slightly but once it is in place, it is positioned beneath the overhanging corners 7A, 8A and reverts to an unstressed condition.

[0044] Figures 8-13 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-7 but is designed to hold three disks 12 A, 12B, and 12C, in each tray rather than two.

[0045] The manner in which each disk is held is substantially as described above in relation to the first embodiment. The second embodiment comprises a tray 11 with recesses 1 IA, 1 IB and 11C for receiving three disks. Overlapping portions 15, 16 and 17 are provided at the periphery of the respective recesses, together with blocking portions 18, 19 and 20, and overhanging corners 18 A, 19A, 2OA. The disks are supported by inclined walls 1 ID, 1 IE and 1 IF around the respective recesses 1 IA, 1 IB and 11C. As in the first embodiment, the inclined walls 1 IE and 1 IF continues along arcuate upstands 1 IG and 1 IH. [0046] Figures 8-13 illustrate the above features and show how the three disks interact with these features. It will be seen that these correspond to the respective features of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-7.

[0047] The arrangements described above simulate a series of pockets in that each disk has to be slid in a direction substantially parallel to its plane in order to remove it from the apparatus in the manner described above and the leading edge of each disk has to be lifted clear of a blocking portion before it is free to be slid out. As above, the disks are engaged only at their edges and are prevented from scraping against the base of the tray or another disk held therein.

[0048] The security is further enhanced over the arrangement shown in WO2006/13483 in that the leading edge of the disk has to be raised typically by flexing, above the level of blocking portions before the disk can be slid out.

[0049] Whilst the features of a vacuum moulded product are generally less precise than those of an injection moulded product and it is not generally possible to form well-defined undercuts by a vacuum-moulding process, it has been found that overlapping projections such as those described herein can be formed sufficiently accurately and with sufficient overhang by a vacuum moulding process to provide secure retention of a disk via its circular periphery (as distinct from retaining the disk via its central aperture).

[0050] It will be appreciated that a vacuum moulded product generally has no holes or apertures therein (unless formed by cut-outs after the moulding process). In contrast, an injection moulded product usually has holes or apertures to provide core-throughs in the moulding process (for the formation of undercuts, etc.)

[0051] The use of vacuum and/or pressure moulding techniques provides a number of advantages. First, the tools used are generally less complex and hence less expensive than injection moulding tools. Secondly, the volume of material (i.e. plastic) used for forming a product such as the trays described herein can be significantly reduced. A tray formed from a 0.3 mm sheet, for example, uses about 70% less plastic than a corresponding injection moulded product having a wall thickness of 1.0 mm. [0052] A potential disadvantage of using a thin- walled tray is that it is inherently less rigid than a thicker walled tray. This disadvantage can, however, be overcome or significantly reduced, by bonding the plastic tray to a more rigid cover member, e.g. formed of cardboard sheet. Also, by forming features (such as walls or angled corners) which extend around the periphery of the tray, the rigidity of the tray can also be increased.

[0053] In addition, two trays can be provided on the cover member so they engage face-to- face when the cover member is closed. The trays are preferably arranged so as to engage each other, e.g. a projection on one tray may engage a recess on the other tray. A press-fit fastening may also be provided between the trays so they are releasably secured to each other when pressed face-to face.

[0054] A wide variety of plastics material can be used to form a tray by a vacuum moulding process as described above. Amorphous polyethylene teraphthalate (APET) is one suitable material and has the advantage that it can be made transparent (so graphics provided on the cover member can be seen though the trays). Other, more environmentally-friendly materials can also be used.

[0055] In a further embodiment (not shown) the base of the recesses IA, IB could be cutout and removed (for recycling) to reduce further the material content of the apparatus. In this case, it may be desirable to bond the trays to the cover member around the periphery of the cut-out as well as around the periphery of the tray.

[0056] The arrangement described simulates a pocket in that the disk has to be slid in a direction substantially parallel to its plane in order to remove it from the apparatus but, in addition, the leading edge of the disk has first to be flexed upwards before it is free to be slid out in this manner. The disk is engaged only at its periphery and is prevented from scraping against the base of the tray or the other disk(s) held therein.

[0057] The apparatus described above provides a way of holding one or more disks, such as a CD or DVD, other than via its central aperture. Instead, the disk are held by features which simulate a pocket yet can be easily mass-produced by vacuum and/or pressure moulding techniques, and which provide a robust container for securely retaining one or more disks. The disk can be removed and installed in a manner in which it only engages the apparatus at its periphery so the recorded surface thereof is not subject to damage. Thus, in the preferred embodiments, the disk are securely held so as to be able to pass the industry 'drop test', i.e. the disk remain held even when the apparatus is subject to shock loads.

[0058] As indicated above, these embodiments enable one or more disks to be securely held via their peripheral edge in a vacuum moulded tray. The advantages of lower cost and lower material consumption inherent in vacuum moulded products can thus be gained whilst being able to retain one or more CDs in the product more securely than in known vacuum moulded products.

Claims

1. Apparatus for holding a disk, the apparatus comprising a holding portion having one or more overlapping portions for overlapping the upper surface of the disk at the periphery thereof, the periphery of a disk being receivable beneath the overlapping portions so as to inhibit removal of the disk from the apparatus in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the disk, and having one or more blocking portions adjacent an edge of the disk to inhibit sliding of the disk in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk, the arrangement being such that, to remove the disk, a leading portion of the disk must be lifted to disengage it from the blocking action of the blocking portion(s) whereupon the disk can then be slid in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk to disengage it from said one or more overlapping portions.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 having support means for supporting the periphery of a trailing portion of the disk, the arrangement being such that lifting the leading portion of the disk to disengage it from the blocking action of the blocking means results in flexing of the disk.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which at least two overlapping portions are provided and are positioned to overlap substantially diametrically opposite portions of the disk.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the two overlapping portions are angularly spaced from each other (relative to the centre of the disk) by an angle in the range 170 to 190 degrees.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which one or more of the overlapping portions extends for 20-30 mm around the periphery of the disk.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which said one or more blocking portions comprise an arcuate wall positioned to lie immediately adjacent the peripheral edge of a disk.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim having at least two blocking portions which are spaced from each other by a distance smaller than the diameter of the disk, e.g. by a distance 5-10 mm smaller than the diameter of the disk.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which each blocking portion comprises an overhanging corner or shoulder arranged to project over the periphery of the disk such that, when the leading portion of the disk is lifted to disengage it from the action of the blocking means, it engages the overhanging portions so as to flex these upwards and/or outwards to enable the disk to pass through the space therebetween.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the arrangement is such that the disk has to be slid in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the disk by at least 5 mm, preferably by at least 10 mm, and most preferably by at least 20 mm, to disengage it from the action of the overlapping portions and is free to be lifted out of the apparatus.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim arranged to hold two, three or more disks, the disks at least partially overlapping with each other.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the or each disk is located within a recess and supported only at its periphery by a wall or ledge around the edge of the recess, each of the disks being inclined to a base of the holding portion.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the holding portion comprises an externally projecting flange around the perimeter thereof.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which said flange is bonded to a cover member.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims having one or more disks installed therein.

15. Apparatus for holding a disk substantially as hereinbefore described with reference or as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.