STORAGE DEIVICE FOR DISK Background of the invention Technical field The present invention relates to a storage device for a disc-shaped member which contains electronic readable information the reon, such as a compact disc (CDs) or optically readable video discs. More particularly the invention relates to a cd carrier- base and device which stores the disc within the container by gripping and supporting the central hole of the disc which is free of recorded information without any contact of the disc surface with his/her fingers or any other part of the skin.

Background information Various discs, usually formed of a synthetic plastic material, such as CDs and video discs contain stored information on one or more surfaces of the disc and have a peripheral edge free of information. These discs usually have a central hole which is utilized when the disc is inserted into a player for retrieving the information stored on the disc surface. Various containers have been developed for storing and displaying these discs which prevent damage to the disc and which eliminate or reduce contact with the information containing areas thereof. Most of these known storage support the disc within the container by a raised center hub which extends through the center opening of the disc.

DESCRIPTION The"compact disc"or"CD"or"DVD"a 4.7 inch diameter metal record containing laser-readable information, is rapidly becoming a significant consumer product in the field of recorded music. With the advent of the compact disc and compact disc players, there is a concomitant need for an attractive, durable package in which to display, sell and store the compact disc.

Until the advent of the present invention, the package of choice was the so-called "jewel box,"generally comprising three separate pieces of plastic, including clear front and back package panels and an opaque compact disc holder which snap-fits into the back package panel. The panels of the jewel box are normally hingedly connected along one edge so as to open like a book. However, as thus assembled, the package is devoid of promotional material. Thus, at least one, and more usually two, preprinted inserts are included in the jewel box, one being held between the compact disc holder and the back panel so as to be displayed through the clear plastic of the panel, and the other being inserted between the clear plastic front panel and specially provided tabs projecting from the depending side walls of the front panel, which tabs are generally parallel to the front panel and provide support to hold the preprinted insert against the inside of the panel. Upon opening the jewel box, the customer can readily slide the front panel insert out, if desired, and examine it. Often, the front panel insert comprises a multi-page pamphlet or booklet which provides more information than could comfortably be included on just two sides of a single sheet insert.

The present invention relates to a storage device for a disc-shaped member which contains electronic readable information the reon, such as a compact disc (CDs) or optically readable video discs (DVD). More particularly the invention relates to a cd carrier-base and device which stores the disc within the container by gripping and supporting the central hole of the disc which is free of recorded information without any contact of the disc surface with his/her fingers or any other part of the skin.

The invention will be further appreciated from the following detailed description, in which: FIG. 1 shows the"base back panel"2 and the"cd carrier"1 FIG. 2 shows the"base back panel"2 containing the central hole 3 and retainable means 5 FIG. 3 shows the"cd carrier"1 comprising hinge handle 11 and The retainable means for holding the disc on the carrier 9 FIG. 3a is a cross section of one of the pliable plastic tabs witch comprise" : cd carrier"1 FIG. 4 shows the"cd carrier"1 with the hinge handle 11 lowered FIG. 5 shows the"cd carrier"1 with the hinge handle 11 lowered FIG. 6 shows the"cd carrier"1 with the hinge handle 11 raised FIG. 7 shows the"base back panel"2 comprising the central hole 3 and retaining elements 5 and the"cd carrier"1 with the disk 7 ready to lock into the"base back panel"2 FIG. 8 shows the"base back panel"2 comprising the central hole and retaining elements 5 for snap-fitting into any conventional jewel box Referring to FIG. 3 the"cd carrier"1 comprises an injection molded plastic element, similar in size and construction to the CD holder, found in the prior art jewel box.

Thus, any of the conventional means for providing frictional engagement between "cd carrier"1 and the circumference of the central hole of the CD can be used.

Preferably, upstanding pliable plastic tabs 9 comprise"cd carrier"1, such as those used in the conventional jewel box. The tabs 9 frictionally engage the circumference of the central hole of the CD and hold it in place. It also has a hinge handle 11 for holding support. Hinge 11 preferably is relatively thinner strip of plastic material which are integrally molded with"cd carrier"1.

If desired, the tabs can include detent means 10 to removable"lock"the CD into the recess provided in the"cd carrier"1, as for storage. Detent means 10 comprise a bead molded onto a vertical section of tab 9.. The force of the user's fingers when pulling the hinge handle 11 will slightly deform the upstanding tabs radially toward the center of the CD holder, thus permitting the detent means 10 to pass through the central hole in the CD, allowing the user to disengage the CD from"cd carrier"1 for removal.

Referring to FIG. 2 the"base back panel"preferably comprises an injection molded plastic element, similar in size and construction to the CD holder, or CD spider found in the prior art jewel box. One skilled in the art of injection molding would readily appreciate how to construct the"base back panel, once knowing the dimensions of the CD (approximately 4.7 inches in outer diameter) and the desired dimensions of the holder (approximately 4.9 inches long by 5.5 inches wide by 0.15 inches thick).

The central hole in the CD is approximately 0.6 inches in diameter and the CD holder is constructed so that the thickness of the"base back panel"2 outside the circumference 8 is approximately 0.15 inches. The portion of the"base back panel" 2 within the circumference 8 is preferably of reduced thickness so as to provide a recess into which the CD fits. As will be appreciated, the circumference of the CD itself will be approximately, but slightly smaller than, circumference 44. Thus, when the CD is in place in the package, the surface of the CD preferably does not protrude above the surface of"base back panel"2.

"Base back panel"2 also includes a central hole 3 that is slightly smaller the central opening of the cd and has the function to lock the"cd carrier"1 with the cd onto the"base back panel"2 In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described Summary of the invention Objectives of the invention include providing an improved disk storage device which can be formed relatively inexpensively as a two-piece plastic injection molded members.

A further objective of the invention is to provide such a disc storage unit which securely holds the disc within the storage compartment by supporting the non information bearing hole of the disc to maintain the disc above and out of contact with the base of the container.

A still further objective of the invention is to provide such a disc storage unit in which the disc is automatically clamped and secured in a stored position without requiring any other manipulation of the disc once it is placed onto the supporting base of the container.

Still another objective of the invention is to provide such a disc storage unit which is of a simple, rugged and inexpensive construction and witch achieves the stated objectives in a simple manner.

These objectives and advantages are obtained by the improved disc storage unit which can snap fit into the back panel of any conventional jewel box.