US 6,295,265 B1 · Unique tray geometry to allow for vertical loading of optical disc in optical drive

Abstract

Unique geometry is utilized within a disc receptacle of an optical drive to hold an optical disc within the receptacle when oriented vertically. In a preferred embodiment, rim projections strategically positioned along the rim of a cavity for receiving a disc within the receptacle maintain a disc within the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, a first rim projection is positioned on the rim at angle θ1 from 10-80 degrees from a horizontal diameter line of the cavity, and a second rim projection is positioned on the rim at angle θ2 from 10-80 degrees from a horizontal diameter line of the cavity. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment such rim projections are substantially wedge shaped and protrude from the rim at a strategic angle to maintain a disc within the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, such rim projections protrude from the rim at an angle α having a value selected from 2 to 20 degrees. In a most preferred embodiment, such rim projections are both radially and elevationally fixed on the rim. In a preferred embodiment, a user can easily place a disc into a vertically oriented receptacle with little effort and little potential for damaging the disc. Furthermore, utilizing such rim projections allows for an optical drive having an industrially desirable, low profile design. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the receptacle can be oriented either horizontally or vertically, and such rim projections allow for effective loading/unloading with either orientation.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An optical drive comprising:

a receptacle that is operable to transport an optical disc to said optical drive, wherein said receptacle comprises height, length and depth dimensions;
said receptacle comprising a cavity that receives said optical disc, wherein said cavity is at least partially surrounded by a rim;
and
said rim comprising at least two radially fixed rim projections that prevent said optical disc from falling out of said receptacle when said receptacle is oriented vertically, wherein said rim projections are each a wedge that projects from said rim at an angle α, wherein said α is a value selected from the range of values 2 to 20 degrees.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Unique tray geometry to allow for vertical loading of optical disc in optical drive

Life of this patent

Unique tray geometry to allow for vertical loading of optical disc in optical drive

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20