Movable load ramps and crash stop for a disc drive

A method of parking an actuator arm assembly having an actuator arm carrying a transducer over a data storage disc in a disc drive upon drive shutdown such that the transducer is removed from the disc during shutdown conditions, wherein the disc has an inner diameter and an outer diameter and a peripheral portion adjacent the outer diameter, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an elongated parking member pivotally supported adjacent the data storage disc, the parking member having a central pivot portion, an elongated pickup portion extending from the central pivot portion in one direction and an elongated crash stop portion extending from the central pivot portion in another direction, the parking member being operable between a first position during drive shutdown and a second position during drive operation having the pickup portion of the parking member positioned beyond the outer diameter of the disc and the crash stop portion positioned to prevent movement of the actuator arm beyond the outer diameter of the disc;
• (b) moving the parking member to the first position wherein the pickup portion of the parking member ends over a peripheral portion of the disc to receive and carry the transducer beyond the outer diameter of the disc;
• (c) moving the crash stop portion of the parking member away from the actuator arm to permit the actuator arm to rotate the transducer beyond the outer diameter of the disc;
• and
• (d) rotating the actor assembly outward onto the pickup portion of the parking member.