1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to media storage containers and disc retaining hubs and, more particularly, to a media storage container adapted to hold multiple disc-shaped items of recorded media. The present invention more particularly relates to media storage containers having disc-holding pages that pivot with respect to the body of the storage container.
2. Background Information
A single consumer media title, such as a feature film, is now frequently large enough to require multiple media storage discs to hold the media. Some features are sold with two versions of the same film such as widescreen and full screen. Most feature films are also sold with a “bonus material” disc which contains material related to the feature film. Three media discs, such as DVDs, are often required to store this information. Both consumers and retailers desire to fit these three media discs in a single standard-sized media storage container. One industry standard that has gained widespread acceptance in the industry is the 15 mm container.
In one configuration, the invention provides a hub for holding at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media wherein two of the discs are disposed on opposite sides of a base wall. The hub has alternating retaining fingers that project from the base wall in opposite directions. This hub holds at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media in a coaxial configuration.
In another configuration, the invention provides a hub for holding at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media wherein two of the discs are disposed on opposite sides of a base wall. The hub has alternating retaining fingers that project from the base wall in opposite directions. This hub holds at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media in a coaxial configuration. An opening is disposed in the center of the retaining fingers with extensions of the opening extending between each pair of retaining fingers.
In another configuration, the invention provides a multiple disc hub disposed on an add-on disc-holding page for a disc storage container that has its own base hub for holding a disc-shaped item of recorded media. The multiple disc hub is aligned with the base hub of the storage container when the lid is closed to enclose the page within the container.
In another configuration, the invention provides an add-on page for a disc storage container having a nest wall that cooperates with a container peripheral wall to define a slot. The add-on page includes an outer flange that slides into the slot between the nest and peripheral wall of the storage container when the container is closed. This configuration helps to securely retain the page within the storage container when the lid is closed to enclose the page within the container. This configuration also may be used to fit an add-on page inside a standard 15 mm media storage container.
In another configuration, the invention provides a multiple disc hub disposed on an add-on disc-holding page for a disc storage container that has its own base hub for holding a disc-shaped item of recorded media. Both hubs have central openings. The multiple disc hub is aligned with the base hub of the storage container when the lid is closed to enclose the page within the container. The aligned hubs also align the central openings of the hubs to allow a lock to be fit through the hubs to lock the discs to the hubs within the container.
The features of these configurations may be used alone or in combination.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
The hub of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 2 in
In the exemplary embodiment of shown in the drawings, base wall 4 may be part of an add-on page 6 as shown in
Page 6 includes at least a partial rim 30 disposed near or at the outer perimeter edge of base wall 4. In the exemplary configuration, rim 30 projects from both the upper and lower sides of base wall 4 as shown in
Hub 2 includes first 50, second 52, third 54, and fourth 56 retaining fingers with fingers 50 and 52 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the first side of wall 4 and fingers 54 and 56 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the second side of wall 4. The fingers are in alternating positions on opposite sides of wall 4 while disposed on a common reference circle. Each finger is curved along an arc that extends 75 to 105 degrees about the common reference circle. The fingers may extend along a 90 degree arc. The total circumferential arc of the fingers may thus be greater than 360 degrees. Each finger is thus C-shaped when viewed from above with the open sides of the C's facing each other. The radially inner and outer walls of the fingers are concentric to each other. A raised support projection 62 is disposed concentric to the fingers and projects from both sides of wall 4.
Each finger includes a locking projection 58 adapted to be disposed over the edge of media disc 28 to retain disc 28 on hub 2. Locking projections 58 are sized and configured to allow disc 28 to be forced over opposed locking projection 58 with a snap fit connection. Projections 58 may have angled upper surfaces with opposed underlying locking surfaces disposed perpendicular to the finger to lock discs 28 in place. Projections 58 have a height that is less than half of the thickness of disc 28. Hub 2 also defines an opening 60 disposed adjacent each finger disposed under projection 58 to allow projection 58 to be molded. The central portion of hub 2 is a flat disc-shaped portion of wall 4 disposed inside projection 62. This disc is solid unless page 6 is designed to be used with lock 26.
An alternative configuration for the hub of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 102 in
Hub 102 includes first 50, second 52, third 54, and fourth 56 retaining fingers with fingers 50 and 52 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the first side of wall 4 and fingers 54 and 56 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the second side of wall 4. The fingers are in alternating positions on opposite sides of wall 4 while disposed on a common reference circle. Each finger is curved along an arc that extends 75 to 105 degrees about the common reference circle. The fingers may extend along a 90 degree arc. The total circumferential arc of the fingers may thus be greater than 360 degrees. Each finger is thus C-shaped when viewed from above with the open sides of the C's facing each other. The radially inner and outer walls of the fingers are concentric to each other. A series of raised support projections 62 are disposed concentric to the fingers and projects from both sides of wall 4.
Each finger includes a locking projection 58 adapted to be disposed over the edge of a media disc to retain the disc on hub 102. Locking projections 58 are sized and configured to allow the disc to be forced over opposed locking projection 58 with a snap fit connection. Projections 58 may have angled upper surfaces with opposed underlying locking surfaces disposed perpendicular to the finger to lock discs 28 in place. Projections 58 have a height that is less than half of the thickness of disc 28. Hub 102 also defines an opening 60 disposed adjacent each finger disposed under projection 58 to allow projection 58 to be molded.
The central portion of hub 102 defines an opening 104 having four extensions 106 that are each disposed between a pair of adjacent retaining fingers. Each extension 106 extends through the location of support projection 62. Opening 104 and extensions 106 allow the page to work with a lock as described above. The openings may also allow the retaining fingers to flex when a disc is snapped onto and off of hub 102.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. 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 an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
This application claims the benefit of to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/723,529, filed Oct. 4, 2005, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/742,862, filed Dec. 6, 2005. The disclosures of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60723529 | Oct 2005 | US | |
60742862 | Dec 2005 | US |