Data storage cartridge having a restraining mechanism

A data storage cartridge for use with a drive having a drive spindle, the data storage cartridge comprising:

• a shell defined by a cover and a base;
• a data storage disc maintained within the shell between the cover and the base, the data storage disc including a central portion;
• and
• a restraining mechanism which operates to restrain the central portion of the data storage disc against the shell when the data storage disc is in a non-operating position;
• and wherein when the data storage disc is in an operating position, the restraining mechanism is disengaged from restraining the disc by the drive spindle independent of a shutter mechanism, wherein the restraining mechanism includes a spring mechanism operably positioned between the shell and the data storage disc for biasing the data storage disc against the shell when the data storage disk is in the non-operating position, the restraining mechanism further including a retention mechanism positioned over the spring mechanism, wherein the spring mechanism biases the retention mechanism against the data storage disc when the data storage disk is in the non-operating position, wherein the retention mechanism is generally cup-shaped and includes outer walls surrounding the spring mechanism, and wherein the drive spindle continuously contacts the retention mechanism during operation of the drive spindle.

A data storage cartridge for use in a disc drive having a drive spindle to store information on a data storage disc, the data storage cartridge comprising:

• a shell defined by a cover and a base;
• a data storage disc maintained within the shell, the data storage disc having a top surface and a bottom surface;
• a retention plate positioned within the shell, wherein the retention plate is configured to selectively contact the data storage disc, wherein the retention plate is generally cup-shaped and including outer walls;
• and
• spring means operably coupled to the retention plate for biasing the retention plate into contact with the data storage disc such that in a first, non-operating position, the retention plate secures the disc substrate to the base and in a second, operating position, the retention plate releases the data storage disc from the base independent of a shutter mechanism, wherein the spring means is operably positioned within the generally cup-shaped retention plate and the outer walls surround the spring means.

An improved data storage cartridge for interacting with a disc drive having a drive spindle, the data storage cartridge having a shell defined by a cover and a base, a data storage disc maintained within the shell, the data storage disc having a center hole, and a hub positioned at the center hole of the data storage disc and including an axial passage aligned with the center hole, the improvement comprising:

• a restraining mechanism which operates to restrain the central portion of the data storage disc against the shell when the data storage disc is in a non-operating position;
• and wherein when the data storage disc is in an operating position, the restraining mechanism is disengaged from restraining the data storage disc by the drive spindle independent of a shutter mechanism, the restraining mechanism further including a retention plate selectively secured to a top surface of the data storage disc, wherein a portion of the retention plate is configured to selectively extend into the center hole of the data storage disc, wherein the retention plate is generally cup-shaped and including outer walls;
• and
• spring means mounted to the retention plate for axially biasing the retention plate into selective engagement with the data storage disc, wherein the spring means is operably positioned within the generally cup-shaped retention plate, wherein the outer walls surround the spring means.

A data storage system comprising:

• a data storage cartridge including a shell defined by a cover and a base, a data storage disc maintained within the shell between the cover and the base, the data storage disc including a central portion, and a restraining mechanism which operates to restrain the central portion of the data storage disc against the shell when the data storage disc is in a non-operating position, wherein the restraining mechanism includes a spring mechanism operably positioned between the shell and the data storage disc for biasing the data storage disc against the shell when the data storage disc is in the non-operating position, the restraining mechanism further including a retention mechanism positioned over the spring mechanism, wherein the spring mechanism biases the retention mechanism against the data storage disc when the data storage disc is in the non-operating position, wherein the retention mechanism is generally cup-shaped and including outer walls surrounding the spring mechanism;
• and
• a disc drive including a drive spindle, wherein when the data storage disc is in an operating position the restraining mechanism is disengaged from restraining the data storage disc by the drive spindle independent of a shutter mechanism, and wherein the disc drive spindle further comprises a first member and a second member, wherein when the data storage disc is in the operating position, the first member disengages the restraining mechanism and the second member is operably coupled to the data storage disc.

A data storage system comprising:

• a data storage cartridge including a shell defined by a cover and a base, a data storage disc maintained within the shell between the cover and the base, the data storage disc including a central portion, and a restraining mechanism which operates to restrain the central portion of the data storage disc against the shell when the data storage disc is in a non-operating position;
• and
• a disc drive including a drive spindle, wherein when the data storage disc is in an operating position the restraining mechanism is disengaged from restraining the data storage disc by the drive spindle independent of a shutter mechanism, wherein the disc drive spindle further comprises a first member and a second member positioned circumferentially surrounding the first member, wherein when the data storage disc is in an operating position, the first member disengages the restraining mechanism and the second member is operably coupled to the data storage disc at the central portion and is rotated about the first member;
• wherein when the data storage disc is in the operating position, the first member does not rotate, and wherein the first member continuously contacts the restraining mechanism during operation of the drive spindle.