Compression disc holder

Abstract

Storage devices or holders for discs are described which provide for ease of insertion and removal and which protect the optical surface of the stored compact disc from scratches and dust accumulation. The devices provide for compression of a preferably soft fabric-like material upon insertion of a disc into the holder and frictional engagement between the surfaces of the disc and the inner material which is capable of cleaning the disc surfaces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to cases for holding discs, and, more particularly, to such cases which slidably receive discs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Discs have become the dominant recording medium in music, video, computer programming and data storage. Typically a digitally encoded rendering of the audio, video or data signal is transferred onto a disc of polycarbonate plastic. The encoded surface is then uniformly coated with aluminum and coated with a sealant such as lacquer. The aluminum on the stamped surface creates a reflective surface which is read by a laser beam through the opposite side of the polycarbonate disc. The laser reflection is converted to an audio, video or data signal.

[0003] The use of a laser beam as the transducer results in little if any degradation of the disc playing surface during playback. The playback properties of the disc will thus remain essentially unchanged, even after extensive use. However, there are factors which interfere with the reflection of the laser beam from the aluminum sputtered surface and adversely affect CD playback performance. Several such factors are scratches, dust, and fingerprints.

[0004] Because of the need to protect the surface of the compact disc through which the laser reflects, i.e., the optical surface, various compact disc storage devices have been developed. Compact discs typically are supplied to consumers in some kind of storage case to protect the disc's optical layer from scratches. The case seeks to allow for easy stocking, transportation, display, home storage and use.

[0005] The most prevalent storage device is a package known as the jewel box. The jewel box typically consists of two pieces of molded polycarbonate which are hinged along a common side to permit the opening of the box as one would open a book. Snap fit inside one of the polycarbonate pieces is a styrene tray with a center hub which engages the center aperture of the compact disc. The jewel box is slightly larger than the 4.7″ diameter of the compact disc. Though the jewel box serves to protect the compact disc, the box itself suffers from the following disadvantages.

[0006] The jewel box is difficult to open and is virtually impossible to open with one hand. The box is relatively fragile which leads to breakage of the hinges or the polycarbonate pieces themselves when manipulated during opening, or when accidentally dropped.

[0007] Once opened, this type of box does not reliably hold discs. The center hub piece is notoriously weak and ceases to clasp the disc through use because its plastic prongs break or bend out of clasping position. For newer boxes, the prongs typically hold the disc so tightly that the disc must be bent to be grasped for removal. The prongs are also typically sensitive to adverse temperatures encountered during shipping or during storage in an automobile. When adverse temperatures typically do not affect the actual disc, the prongs of the gripping hub can shrink and cease to hold the disc in place.

[0008] Once the center hub fails to hold the disc in place, the prongs and other hard surfaces of the box become barbs which can scratch the disc. In addition, because the user cannot tell if the disc is held securely within the box he may open the box without taking particular care for the disc. If the disc is not securely held it can slide off of the interior surface fall to the ground leading to further damage.

[0009] Beyond protection concerns, the jewel box also lacks convenience for the user. In order to determine if a disc is in a jewel box, the case typically must be opened. While this may seem to be a minor annoyance, such a limitation is significant when a user attempts to find a disc among numerous boxes.

[0010] Another problem with jewel boxes is the rattling encountered when such boxes are transported in an automobile. Because the discs are not completely engaged by the box (being engaged only at the center hub) vibration of the disc results in contact between the outer edge of the disc and the box and a rattling sound. Transportation of a number of boxes can result in a cacophony which irritates the driver and passengers. The vibration of the disc can also lead to damage of the outer edge of the disc and sufficiently shorten the disc's lifetime.

[0011] Jewel boxes typically include a tabbed cover portion which holds an informational booklet relating to the enclosed disc. Due to the construction of these tabs it is very difficult to remove the booklet. Typically, the booklet must be damaged to be removed or reinserted into the tabbed portion.

[0012] There have been attempts to provide compact disc holders that overcome the disadvantages of the jewel box. Several alternate cases include versions of envelope and sleeve type enclosures which involve a simple folded cardboard or similar paper-type material to enclose the disc. Although compact, these disc holders provide little room for printed information and any such information must be printed on the front and back covers only. In addition, the spines of these types of cases are typically too small to accommodate the industry standard for filing discs (like books) in shelves for easy access. Their size is also too small for industry standard displays which have adopted the dimensions of the jewel box.

[0013] In addition, these enclosures typically do not offer sufficient protection to the surface of the discs. For instance, the cavity of the sleeve typically has a maximum width which is similar to the thickness of the disc. However, the cavity is necessarily tighter at its extremities and looser in its center. Therefore, the edges of the disc undergo increased friction and increased wear over the center portion of the disc. Furthermore, upon use of the enclosure, the disc “breaks in” the sleeve and is less securely held in position. Even when brand new, such sleeve enclosures typically fail to sufficiently grasp the disc since they are not intended to hold discs when upside-down, i.e., when the opening to the sleeve cavity faces the ground.

[0014] Such sleeve enclosures also lead to increased scratching and damage to discs since any foreign substance on the disc comes into contact with the sleeve and it pressed or dragged between the disc and the sleeve. Because these sleeve enclosures typically require the user to squeeze the sides of the sleeve to allow the disc to be grasped between the opposing surfaces of the sleeve, the foreign substance falls more deeply into the sleeve where it accumulates and does further damage.

[0015] An improved disc holder which addresses the problems of disc cases and holders would be an important advance in the art. The present invention is directed to a disc holder which overcomes the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide a disc holder which overcomes some of the problems and shortcomings of prior art disc cases and holders.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which allows for easy insertion and withdrawal of discs.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a durable disc holder which cannot be broken by normal use.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which utilizes friction on the disc's surfaces to prevent the disc from being dislodged from the holder.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which utilizes balanced friction on the disc's surfaces to prevent the disc from being dislodged from the holder.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which eliminates relative movement between the disc and holder to reduce damage and rattling.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which cleans and protects the surfaces of the disc during insertion and withdrawal of the disc.

[0023] Still another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which allows visual determination of the presence of a disc in the holder without any physical manipulation of the holder.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which allows for easy insertion and removal of printed material related to the disc.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which slidably receives a disc.

[0026] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a disc holder which is suited for use with industry standard case racks.

[0027] How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent from the following descriptions and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] This invention is an improved disc holder for slidably receiving, storing, protecting and cleaning a disc, including a compact disc, digital versatile/video disc, cd-rom, or the like. The invention represents a significant advance over the state of the art by providing novel elements, including a material for frictionally holding the disc within the holder.

[0029] The disc holder includes a top panel, a bottom panel which is connected with respect to the top panel to form a cavity, and a material positioned in the cavity and forming a disc-receiving slot which is substantially in alignment with the cavity. The disc-receiving slot is preferably dimensioned such that the material frictionally holds the top and bottom surfaces of the disc when the disc is received within the slot so that the disc is not unintentionally removed. The disc is preferably engaged by the top and bottom surfaces in a balanced manner such that no portion of the disc experiences a relatively high compression force.

[0030] The cavity is preferably defined by inner faces of the top and bottom panels. The material is preferably positioned along both inner faces. The material is also preferably compressible, and is more preferably fabric or similar material. The fabric may include fibers which extend away from the inner face toward the center of the cavity. The fabric preferably fills most of the cavity between the inner faces such that when the disc is received in the slot the fabric is compressed. The compression offers increased friction between the surfaces of the disc and the fabric to prevent the disc from being unintentionally dislodged from the holder.

[0031] The fabric is preferably soft so that the disc is not damaged during insertion or removal. Furthermore, the fabric preferably serves to dust or clean the disc during insertion and removal. The fabric contacts the surfaces of the disc so that no dust or dirt may reach the disc while being stored (except for the portion of the disc adjacent to the slot). In a highly preferred embodiment, the fabric is comprised of polymeric microfiber. The fabric may also be polyester or the like.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment the disc holder includes a first side panel connected the top and bottom panels at their first side, a second side panel connected the top and bottom panels at their second side, and a rear panel connecting the top and bottom panels at their rear. Each panel is preferably rigid so as to protect a stored disc from damage.

[0033] In this preferred embodiment, the top and bottom panels each include a front side where an opening leads to the cavity such that the disc passes through the opening when received in the cavity. It is also preferred that at least a portion of the disc received within the slot is visible from the outside of the holder so that a person can visually determine whether a disc is in the slot.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the top and bottom panels includes a notch extending from the front side toward the center of the panel. The notch is defined by an inner edge along the panel and it provides access to the slot to enable a person to remove the disc from the slot, preferably by engaging the spindle hole in the disc. In this embodiment it is preferred that the fabric on the inner face of the notched panel includes a void corresponding to the notch in the panel so that the disc can be freely grasped by the user. To offer protection to the disc, it is preferred that the holder include a shield extending across the notch and allowing access to the slot. The shield may include resilient bristles which extend from the inner edge of the panel and terminate at a position at the notch, preferably near the center of the notch.

[0035] The invention can alternatively be described as a disc holder which includes a top panel and a bottom panel having inner faces and being connected with respect to one another such that the inner faces form a cavity. In this description the cavity is preferably dimensioned to slidably receive a disc and frictionally hold the surfaces of the disc to prevent the unintentional removal of the disc from the cavity.

[0036] The inner faces of the top and bottom panels are preferably non-rigid, more preferably fabric, and most preferably polymeric microfiber which cleans the disc when inserted or removed from the cavity. The top and bottom panels preferably have an outer edge and further include a slot along the outer edge which leads to the cavity. A fabric slot face is preferably positioned at the slot along the outer edge

[0037] The invention can also be alternatively described as a disc holder which includes a rigid top panel and bottom panel connected to form a cavity, and a compressible material positioned in the cavity and forming a slot. The slot is preferably dimensioned to slidably receive a disc and frictionally hold the surfaces of the disc. The compressible material is selected such that the material cleans the disc when the disc slides into and out of the slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the disc holder in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top side of the disc holder in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of the disc holder without the inner material in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the disc holder without the inner material in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top side of an alternative embodiment of the disc holder in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the disc holder as the disc holder receives a disc in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] FIG. 1 shows the disc holder 10 as viewed from below. Disc holder 10 includes a bottom panel 20, front end 40, first side panel 60, rear panel 50 (shown in FIG. 5) and top panel 30 and second side panel 70 (shown in FIG. 2). Bottom panel 20 and top panel 30 include inner faces, 24 and 34 respectively, which define cavity 14 (FIG. 4). Bottom panel 20 and top panel 30 are interconnected by first side panel 60, second side panel 70 and rear panel 50, all of which include inner faces which further define cavity 14.

[0045] Bottom panel 20 and top panel 30 each include a front side, 22, 32 respectively. Front sides 22, 32 are substantially unconnected and define opening 12 (FIG. 4). Opening 12 leads to cavity 14.

[0046] Bottom panel 20 further includes notch 25 which extends from front side 22 toward the center of bottom panel 20. Notch 25 is defined by inner edge 26. Notch 25 provides access to cavity 14 to allow a user to grasp a disc contained therein for removal. Shield 80 may extend from inner edge 26 across notch 25 to provide protection against unintended contact between a disc contained therein and the outside environment. Shield 80 is preferably a soft rubber or polymeric material which can be in bristle form or other flexible and resilient construction to allow a user's finger to contact a disc 100 (FIG. 6) contained in cavity 14 and draw disc 100 out of the cavity 14 through opening 12.

[0047] Bottom panel 20 and top panel 30 are preferably rigid and are dimensioned such that disc holder 10 is substantially the same size as an industry standard jewel box. A disc 100 contained within cavity 14 is well protected from the outside environment due to this rigidity.

[0048] Along the inner faces 24, 34 of panels 20, 30 is a material 45 which is able to hold disc 100 within disc holder 10 via friction. Material 45 may be fabric, microfiber or a similar compressible material. Material 45 preferably has cleaning properties which help to keep disc 100 clean and scratch-free. Material 45 is positioned in the cavity and forms a disc-receiving slot 42. Slot 42 extends from opening 12 to near rear panel 50 to allow complete receipt of disc 100 within holder 10.

[0049] In alternative embodiment, bottom and top panels 20, 30 may include inner faces 24, 34 which are comprised of material 45. In such an embodiment slot faces 27, 37 are positioned along the front sides 22, 32.

[0050] When received within disc holder 10, disc 100 is at least partially visible from the outside environment. Disc 100 may be viewed through slot 42 at front end 40, or it may be viewed through one of the panels 20, 30, 50, 60, 70. To enable such viewing, panels 20, 30, 50, 60, 70 may be at least partially transparent or translucent.

[0051] FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view which more clearly shows the details of the panels 20, 30, 50, 60, 70. FIG. 4 shows the elements of FIG. 3 positioned for use, but without including inner material 40 to facilitate understanding. As shown, cavity 14 is defined by the inner faces of panels 20, 30, 50, 60, 70. Opening 12 is defined by panels 20, 30, 60, 70 at front side 40. Opening 12 and cavity 14 are dimensioned such that a disc of standard size can be received therein. When inner compressible material 45 is positioned in disc holder 10, opening 12 and cavity 14 are substantially filled such that insertion of a disc 100 into slot 42 causes material 45 to be compressed and to exert a strong force against top and bottom surfaces 101, 102 of disc 100 (see FIG. 6). The strong compression force causes increased friction between top and bottom surfaces 101, 102 of disc 100 and prevent unintentionally removal of disc 100 from disc holder 10, even when held upside-down (with opening 12 facing the ground).

[0052] FIG. 5 displays an alternative embodiment in which top panel 30 includes a booklet-receiving gap 38 for receiving a booklet of the type commonly distributed with audio or video discs. The arrow shows how a booklet (not shown) can be inserted beneath top panel 30. The booklet may be positioned between top panel 30 and inner material 45 or simply between two portions of top panel 30. This alternative embodiment allows for efficient storage of such booklets without tearing or otherwise damaging the booklet since these is no use of tabs which engage only a portion of the booklet.

[0053] FIG. 6 demonstrates the insertion into or removal from holder 10 of a disc 100 which has an outer edge 103 and top and bottom surfaces 101, 102. As can be seen, central bore 104 can be engaged through notch 25 when disc 100 is received within slot 42. At the same time, disc 100 is substantially protected from the environment by shield 80. Insertion into slot 42 is very easy and can be performed using only one hand. If disc 100 is forced into slot 42 with sufficient force, disc 100 will reach the end of slot 42 and cause a “pop” sound which notifies the user that the disc is fully received within slot 42. Such a noise is caused by the compression of inner material 45 at the end of slot 42 against rear panel 50.

[0054] Inner material 45 prevents vibration of disc 100 or any unintended relative movement between disc 100 and holder 10. The user may rotate disc 100 within holder 10 to allow inner material 45 to thoroughly clean disc 100. While inner material 45 is engineered to provide sufficient resilience, compression and cleaning capabilities for the lifetime of a disc's use, it is contemplated that a back-up material used to replace inner material 45 will fits snugly within cavity 14.

[0055] Thus, it should be apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a disc holder for slidably receiving, storing and protecting discs by frictionally engaging the surfaces of the disc to prevent inadvertent removal that fully satisfies the objectives and advantages set forth above.

[0056] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A disc holder for holding a disc having two surfaces and an edge, the holder comprising:

a top panel;

a bottom panel connected with respect to the top panel to form a cavity; and

a material positioned in the cavity, the material forming a disc-receiving slot;

whereby the holder is able to slidably receive a disc in the slot and the material is able to hold the disc within the slot through friction with at least one of the surfaces.

2. The disc holder of claim 1 wherein the material is compressible.

3. The disc holder of claim 2 wherein the material is fabric.

4. The disc holder of claim 1 wherein the top and bottom panels are interconnected by a first side panel, a second side panel and a rear panel.

5. The disc holder of claim 4 wherein each panel is rigid.

6. The disc holder of claim 4 wherein the top and bottom panels each include a front side, the holder further comprising an opening at the front sides, the opening leading to the cavity and the disc passing through the opening when received in the cavity.

7. The disc holder of claim 6 wherein at least one of the top and bottom panels includes a notch extending from the front side, the notch defined by an inner edge and providing access to the slot to enable a person to remove the disc from the slot.

8. The disc holder of claim 7 further comprising a shield extending across the notch for protecting a disc received in the slot, the shield allowing access to the slot.

9. The disc holder of claim 8 wherein the shield includes resilient bristles extending from the inner edge and terminating at a position at the notch.

10. The disc holder of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of a disc received within the slot is visible so that a person can visually determine whether a disc is in the slot.

11. A disc holder for holding a disc having two surfaces and an edge, the holder comprising:

a top panel having an inner face; and

bottom panel having an inner face, the bottom panel connected with respect to the top panel such that the inner faces form a cavity, the cavity being dimensioned to slidably receive a disc, the inner faces frictionally holding the surfaces of the disc;

whereby the disc holder prevents the unintentional removal of the disc from the cavity.

12. The disc holder of claim 11 wherein the inner faces are non-rigid.

13. The disc holder of claim 12 wherein the inner faces are fabric.

14. The disc holder of claim 13 wherein the fabric is comprised of polymeric microfiber which cleans the disc when inserted or removed from the cavity.

15. The disc holder of claim 11 wherein the top and bottom panels have an outer edge and further including a slot along the outer edge, the slot leading to the cavity.

16. The disc holder of claim 15 wherein at least one of the top and bottom panels includes a notch extending from the outer edge, the notch defined by an inner edge and providing access to the cavity to enable a person to remove the disc from the cavity.

17. The disc holder of claim 15 wherein the top and bottom panels include a slot face at the slot along the outer edge, the slot face being fabric.

18. A disc holder for holding a disc having two surfaces and an edge, the holder comprising:

a rigid top panel;

a rigid bottom panel connected with respect to the top panel to form a cavity;

a compressible material positioned in the cavity and forming a slot, the slot being dimensioned to slidably receive the disc and frictionally hold the surfaces of the disc; the compressible material being selected such that the material cleans the surfaces of the disc when the disc slides into and out of the slot.

19. The disc holder of claim 18 wherein one of the top and bottom panels includes a notch to allow access to the slot to enable a person to remove a disc from the slot.

20. The disc holder of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of a disc received within the slot is visible so that a person is able to visually determine whether the holder is holding a disc.