Universal compact disc storage unit

#The present invention relates to a storage system for disks and, more particularly, to an improved compact disc storage system that provides reliable clamping and instant push-button release.

#In the recording medium industry, the ubiquitous "compact disc" has replaced most other forms in a space of only ten or so years. The term compact disc is commonly shortened to CD. CDs are made of a rigid plastic resin and have optical information encoded on one side. Typically, the flat discs have a diameter of about 120 mm with a center hole of about 15 mm in diameter to facilitate the exact mounting on a spindle of a compact disc player or read-out instrument. Scratches on the encoded side can alter, and in some cases ruin, the playback characteristics of CDs. Therefore, when not in use, CDs are usually stored in rigid plastic boxes to protect the encoded side.

#Commonly used storage units for CDs, sometimes known as "jewel boxes", include an upper cover pivotally mounted on a lower cover and a CD retaining apparatus integrally formed in the center of an insert tray fastened within the peripheral edges of the lower cover. In an alternative design, CDs are held on a wide plastic tray with a central CD retaining apparatus, the tray being adhered to a folded cardboard jacket or cover. The components of CD storage units are uniformly made of molded plastic. The CD retaining apparatus generally comprises a plurality of raised cantilevered fingers separated by slits and arranged circumferentially around a central hole. The fingers are positioned in a circle slightly larger than the center hole diameter of the CD so that the CD can be pressed onto the fingers and frictionally held thereon. Unfortunately, the cantilevered fingers are subject to snapping off if too great a pressure is applied as there is no support underneath them.

#FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional CD storage unit, known as "jewel box", made of molded plastic with the CD insert-release system of the present invention mounted therein;

#FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 2--2 of FIG. 1, showing the elements of the insert-release system with a CD in a position prior to storage.

#FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the insert-release system showing a CD in a stored position;

#As seen in FIG. 1, the CD "jewel box" or storage unit of the present invention comprises a lower cover 22 (FIG. 2) having a hinge region 24 at one end and a central CD insert-release system 26 mounted to or integral with an insert tray 28 held within the lower cover. An upper cover 30 is pivotally mounted to the lower cover 22 at the hinge 28 region 24. The following description could apply to a tray adhered to a folded cardboard cover, in an alternative design. Furthermore, the tray 28 could conceivably be held in an "upper" cover, the present orientation being used simply as the accepted convention. In either case, the CD 31 is protectively placed with the encoded side facing the tray 28 to which the central throughhole is mounted.

#A CD, shown in outline at 31, is placed over the insert-release system 26 and pressed downwardly to mount it firmly thereon, at which point the upper cover 30 is closed and the CD storage unit 20 can be transported without fear of damaging the CD. Even if the upper cover 30 is opened and the CD storage unit 20 inverted, the CD remains held firmly to the central insert-release system 26, as will be more fully understood upon reading the description below.

#Now referring to FIGS. 1-4, the central CD insert-release system 26 comprises a central release button 32, a cross-shaped spring 34, and a plurality of clamp arms 36 integrally formed in the lower cover insert tray 28. The button 32 is generally bobbin-shaped, with an upper flange 38, an intermediate shaft region 40, a lower flange 42, and a bottom boss 44. The button 32 fits within the insert-release system 26 so that the intermediate shaft region 40 is positioned within a cylinder defined by the clamp arms 36. In this respect, the button 32 is free to translate vertically within the cylinder defined by the clamp arms 36 with the lower flange 42 extending outwardly a sufficient distance to retain the button within the clamp arms. Although not illustrated, the lower rim of the flange 42 may be rounded to facilitate camming past the clamp arms 36 during assembly of the button 32 into the system 26.