WO2005020240A1

WO2005020240A1 - A disc holder

Info

Publication number: WO2005020240A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/003586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marina Nudelman-Klepfish
Original assignee: Marina Nudelman-Klepfish
Priority date: 2003-08-26
Filing date: 2004-08-23
Publication date: 2005-03-03
Also published as: GB0319961D0; GB2419875A; GB2419875B; GB0603466D0

Abstract

A disc storage and transport assembly comprising two or more inter-connected disc retaining units characterised in that; the disc retaining units are hinged and the hinges incorporate locking means to form an assembly of parallel spaced compartments in which the discs are stored and wherein the hinged sections of the disc retaining units are designed to encourage the disc retaining units to be readily detached and re-attached to allow the insertion and/or removal of the disc retaining units.

Description

A DISC HOLDER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to disc holders.

Review of the Art known to the Applicant

The designed add-on portable CD holder relates to portable holders/cases to carry and store a disc-like information-recording medium such as CD, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM, MD DVD and the like.

Since carrying around several single-CD cases is not convenient, multiple CD carrier holders were developed with either envelopes or trays.

All existing carrier holders are of fixed capacity of discs: two, four, six, ten, twenty, etc, which means that if the user wants to take one CD more than the holder can accommodate, the user has to acquire a bigger holder or take a "jewel case" and in the worst case to put the CD in-between trays or wallets. Alternatively, if the number of discs is half the capacity of the holder, a smaller holder is needed, since a bigger box talces more space. It is clear that CD holder users have to possess a number of holders, each of different capacity to meet the needs for various occasions. When only some of the CDs are needed, the user has to remove the essential CDs from one holder and transfer them into another. Once one or more components are broken, the whole holder becomes partially or completely non functional.

Another problem is that with existing designs, the removal of a CD from a holder may require additional leverage, a fingernail or an edged object. The discs, commonly located on both sides of the tray, are so close to each other or to the surface of the tray, that it is difficult sometimes to separate them from the tray. The removal of the disc often involves touching its readable side, staining and scratching of the discs, which in general is not recommended.

Principal objects of the present invention are:

— To provide a modular CD holder of flexible capacity by enabling the user to add or remove the trays on demand — To provide a multi-CD holder in which a damaged components is easily replaced

- To provide a component enabling easy removal of the disc from the tray without touching the recordable/readable surface of the disc

Summary of the Invention

In its broadest aspect, the invention provides a disc storage and transport assembly comprising two or more inter-connected disc retaining units characterised in that; the disc retaining units are hinged and the hinges incorporate locking means to form an assembly of parallel spaced compartments in which the discs are stored and wherein the hinged sections of the disc retaining units are designed to encourage the disc retaniing units to be readily detached and re-attached to allow the insertion and/or removal of the disc retaining units.

Preferably the hinges of each disc retaining unit allow it to be detached and reattached to any other disc retaining unit in the assembly. Preferably the interconnected units are connected at two or more points by hinges, adjacent units being able to pivot about axes which correspond to the location of such hinges such that the assembly can be opened in more than one direction.

Preferably the hinge comprises a ball and socket mechanism which incorporates a recess to assist the insertion and removal of the ball from the socket.

Preferably the disc shaped periphery of the disc retaining units incorporate an appropriately shaped section which allows the assembly to be stood on the shaped section.

More preferably the shaped section provided is incorporated into one or more hinge(s).

Preferably one or more face(s) of the disc retaining unit incorporate a disc fastener which retains a disc, and which also functions as a disc releasing and lifting mechanism such that when pressure is applied to the disc fastener, by a user, a clip is released which is then located beneath the disc such that upon release of the applied pressure a user can insert a finger below the disc fastener and lift the disc fastener which elevates the disc above its original retained position facilitating removal of the disc from the disc retaining unit.

Preferably the disc retaining units retain a disc on each face of the units and the discs are retained in position by disc fasteners which are asymmetrically located within the disc retaining units, thus providing space to facilitate the process of a user applying pressure to the disc fastener to release the disc and to then elevate the disc above its original retained position.

More preferably the disc fastener incorporates voids to improve the flexibility of disc fastener

Brief Description of the Drawings

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows an assembly of several units (trays),

Figure 2 illustrates the opening of the assembly like a book,

Figure 3 illustrates the opening of the assembly in zigzag configuration,

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the double-sided tray in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5a represents front, side and top views of the double-sided tray in Fig.4.

Figure 5b is a sectional view of the clip-in disc fastener,

Figure 5c is a sectional view of the outside edges of the border-like protrusion,

Figure 6 shows the position of the disc within the clip-in disc fastener.

FFiigguurree 77 ; shows a pair of the hinge-lock engagement.

Figure 8 shows the two separate lids designed to protect the first and the last disc,

Figure 9 ; shows the fully assembled holder with lids and its position for storage on a flat surface.

As required, certain embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the skilled in the art of variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

The presented invention is an add-on (flexible-capacity), portable multi-CD holder. It consists of two lids (Fig. 8) and plural units of double-sided trays (Fig.4). A user can assemble as many units as is required (Fig.1). At the same time, the units detach completely and easily or open at one end and remain attached the other end (Fig. 2 and 3). The attached end acts as a hinge-lock making possible to remove/insert the CD. The triple action (lock - open — turn) of the hinge-lock allows the opening of the assembly either way like a book (Fig. 2) or in zigzag configuration (Fig.3).

The add-on portable CD holder consists of identical asymmetrical units (trays), allowing the assembly of the product without the elaborate matching of one side to another, the very shape of the tray guiding the user (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5a). The add-on tray is composed of a flat CD resting portion ([1] - Fig. 4) and a border-like perpendicular protrusion ([2] - Fig. 4) on its circumference. The outside edges of the border-like protrusion (Fig. 5c section B-B) are angled ([12] - Fig. 5c), in order to prevent contamination of the discs. To disguise a possible mismatch in the assembled product, a reset bead ([13] - Fig. 5c) is introduced.

Several cuts ([3] - Fig. 4) are introduced in the CD resting portion for the material saving and weight reduction.

A special clip-in disc fastener ([4-4a] - Fig. 4) incorporated in the tray, acts also as a disc- lifting device. Its tip ([4a] - Fig. 4 and Fig. 5b) is slightly bent upwards to provide space for the finger. The cut in the clip-in disc fastener ([5] - Fig. 4) provides flexibility to the disc-lifting device. The CD is secured on its outside edge by a clip ([6] - Fig.4, Fig. 5b and Fig. 6) in the clip-in disc fastener. The disc is placed onto one of the protruded rings ([7] - Fig. 4, Fig. 5b and Fig. 6), situated on the projections ([8] - Fig. 4) on both sides of the tray, and clipped in by the clip ([6] - Fig.4, Fig. 5b and Fig. 6). The clip presses the disc downward and against the wall of the ring ([7] - Fig.4 and Fig. 5b section A-A) holding it in place (Fig.6).

The clip-in disc fastener acting as the disc-lifting device ([4-4a] - Fig.4) allows easy removal and lifting of the disc without touching its readable side. The disc is freed by pressing the tip ([4a] - Fig.4) of the disc-lifting device ([4-4a] - Fig.4) downward (Fig.

10). The return of the tip ([4a] - Fig.4) of the disc-lifting device ([4-4a] - Fig.4) to the original position will place the disc on top of the clip. The disc is free and can be removed. For further ease of the removal of the disc, the finger is inserted underneath the tip ([4a] - Fig.4), and the disc-lifting device ([4-4a] - Fig.4) lifted upwards (Fig. 11).

This action removes the disc from the ring ([7] - Fig.4) freeing the disc completely from the tray.

Two pairs of hinge-lock engagements ([9 and 9a] - Fig.4) are situated reciprocally on the straight portions of the border-like protrusion ([2] - Fig.4). The hinge-lock engagement allows to lock, open and turn the trays in the assembly either way like a book (Fig. 2) or in zigzag (Fig. 3) configuration for removal/incretion or viewing of the discs. The hinge pairs are of a half-ball 22 and socket like structure 23 (Fig. 7). In order to ease the insertion and release of the hinges, a recess ([10a] - Fig.4 and Fig. 7) is introduced into the loop part ([10] - Fig.4 and Fig. 7) of the hinge (Fig.7). This recess eases the opening of the hinges and helps to locate them at closing. It is small enough to allow the hinges to remain together when closed. To maintain the strength of the loop [10], the uniform cross-section is maintained by introduction of the convexity ([10b] - Fig. 7) opposite to the recess ([10a] - Fig.4 and Fig. 7). For the sake of convenience of the opening of the assembly, a grip protrusion ([11] - Fig.4) is placed between each pair of the hinge-lock engagements.

Two separate lids protect the top and the bottom discs. Each lid is designed (Fig.8) such that ball ([14] - Fig.8) and the loop ([15] - Fig.8) of the hinge engagements are placed on its different sides.

The assembled holder can be stored standing on its hinges (Fig. 9).

The add-on portable holder (Figs. 1-3) is made from relatively flexible plastic or plastic like material of uniform cross section ([1] and [2] Fig.4).

The geometry of the tray and the lid does not have undercuts except the hinge engagement. A sprung core manufactured from spring steel and designed for releasing small undercuts can be used for the hinge engagement.

A set of several trays with two lids or separate components of the assembly can be purchased, providing users with the flexibility to customise their add-on portable CD holder on demand and add (also by buying more) or remove the trays with discs attached. In case when one of the trays or its parts is damaged, the tray could be removed and replaced by another one.

The disc fasteners (4-4a) are manufactured from a resiliently deformable material such as suitable plastics material. Summary of the Disclosure

An add-on portable CD holder comprising two lids and one or more plural units of double-sided add-on trays with incorporated new clip-in disc fastener, being assembled together to carry the discs.

An add-on portable CD holder, which allows the user to open the assembly either way like a book or in zigzag configuration.

Double-sided trays in the add-on portable CD holder can be added or removed to the assembly by demand and in case of one of the trays or its parts is damaged, the tray can be removed and replaced by a new one.

The add-on double-sided tray comprise a flat CD resting portion with a border-like either way peφendicular protrusion on its circumference; a protruded rings situated on the projections on each side of the tray to place a disc-like members; a clip-in disc fastener also acting as a disc-lifting device; two pairs of hinge-lock engagements which situated reciprocally on the straight portions of the border-like protrusion; a grip protrusion incoφorated into hinge-lock engagements.

The resting portion of the trays contain several cuts for the material saving and price reduction.

The outside edges of the border-like protrusion are angled in order to prevent contamination of the discs in the assembled product and for better fit; have a reset bead to disguise a possible mismatch in the assembled product. The protruded rings for disc-like members situated on the projections on each side of 1 double-sided tray are shifted against each other and the centre of the tray; this

enough space for the disc- lifting feature on both sides of the tray.

The disc is placed onto a protruded ring on one side of the tray and clipped by the clip disc fastener, securing the disc on the outside edge and pressing the disc downward a against the wall of the ring holding it in place

The tip of the disc-lifting device is slightly bent upwards to give guidance and space : finger, which makes it easier to grip the disc-lifting device.

The action of removing the disc is performed by pressing the clip-in disc fastener / dii lifting devise downwards freeing the disc from the secured position and then, if needi the disc could be lifted slightly by the same disc-lifting device for easier removal of 1 disc as described herein.

The cuts inside the disc-lifting feature are introduced for better flexibility of 1 component.

Two mirror images of the hinge-lock engagements are positioned on the opposite straij portions of the tray's border-like protrusion.

The hinge-lock engagements are self-reciprocal - two adjacent back-to-back halves o: hinge on each straight portions of the border-like protrusion.

The closing and opening of the assembly either way like a book or in zigzag configurati means that the engagement between the trays should be a triple action (lock - open - tur hinge-lock engagements. , In order to ease the insertion and release of the hinges, a recess is introduced in the loop part of the hinge, which helps to locate in place the hinges when opened or closed and still allows the hinges to remain together when closed.

A grip protrusion is placed between the hinge engagements, for the sake of convenience of the opening of the assembly.

In addition to the tray assembly, two separate lids produced to protect the top and bottom discs from accidental damage and contamination.

The trays are designed such that corresponding halves of the hinge-lock engagements are placed on the opposite straight portions of the border-like protrusion.

The add-on portable CD holder is made of relatively flexible plastic or plastic like material of a uniform cross section of any texture, colour and decoration.

A set of several double-sided add-on trays with two lids or separate components of the assembly can be purchased, providing users with the flexibility to customise their add-on portable CD holder on demand and add (also by buying more) or remove the trays with discs attached.

The proposed assembly of portable CD holder can be put on any flat surface standing on its hinged side for storage when not carried outside.

Claims

1. A disc storage and transport assembly comprising two or more inter-connected disc retaining units characterised in that; the disc retaining units are hinged and the hinges incorporate locking means to form an assembly of parallel spaced compartments in which the discs are stored and wherein the hinged sections of the disc retaining units are designed to encourage the disc retaining units to be readily detached and re-attached to allow the insertion and/or removal of the disc retaining units.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hinges of each disc retaining unit allow it to be detached and reattached to any other disc retaining unit in the assembly.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the interconnected units are connected at two or more points by hinges, adjacent units being able to pivot about axes which correspond to the location of such hinges such that the assembly can be opened in more than one direction.

4. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the hinge comprises a ball and socket mechanism which incorporates a recess to assist the insertion and removal of the ball from the socket.

5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the disc shaped periphery of the disc retaining units incorporate an appropriately shaped section which allows the assembly to be stood on the shaped section.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the shaped section provided is incorporated into one or more hinge(s).

7. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more face(s) of the disc retaining unit incorporate a disc fastener which retains a disc, and which also functions as a disc releasing and lifting mechanism such that when pressure is applied to the disc fastener, by a user, a clip is released which is then located beneath the disc such that upon release of the applied pressure a user can insert a finger below the disc fastener and lift the disc fastener which elevates the disc above its original retained position facilitating removal of the disc from the disc retaining unit.

8. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the disc retaining units retain a disc on each face of the units and the discs are retained in position by disc fasteners which are asymmetrically located within the disc retaining units, thus providing space to facilitate the process of a user applying pressure to the disc fastener to release the disc and to then elevate the disc above its original retained position.

9. An assembly as claimed in either of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the disc fastener incorporates voids to improve the flexibility of disc fastener.