The present invention relates to storage devices, and more particularly to storage devices for optical storage media.
Optical storage media such as compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and optical media for future data formats store digital content such as music, video, still pictures, software and other data. Playback devices such as CD players/recorders, DVD players/recorders, computers, and gaming devices use a laser to read back digital content that is stored on the optical storage media. Optical storage media such as CDs and DVDs are meant to be stored in jewel cases or other protective storage devices such as CD and DVD wallets and/or albums. However, users tend to leave the optical storage media outside of the jewel cases or other protective storage devices.
For example, uncased CDs are often left sitting in a vehicle, on top of a computer desk and/or near an entertainment center where they are played. When the user removes the CD from the player, it takes time to locate the correct jewel case for the CD. During busy times, it may be inconvenient to locate the correct jewel case or other protective storage devices. Sometimes, a user will temporarily store the CD in the incorrect jewel case, which often makes it difficult to find the CD later. As a result, the CDs may be left unprotected, stacked on top of each other, etc. The failure to properly care for the CDs may damage the CDs. In addition, the loose CDs may clutter the area around the computer desk or entertainment center. It also may be difficult for the user to locate a particular CD quickly.
Referring now to
The program portion (from the radius at 25 mm to the radius at 58 mm) contains data that divided into tracks. A lead-out portion contains zero data and defines the end of the program portion. Optical media is typically rotated at a constant linear velocity (CLV). The angular velocity (rpm) reduces from the lead-in portion to the lead-out portion. In other words, pits retain the same geometry wherever they reside on the CD.
A storage device according to the present invention for optical media comprises a body defining an upper surface. A plurality of adjacent slots formed in the upper surface of the body extend in a first direction from the upper surface and define upper guiding cavities and lower engaging cavities. The upper guiding cavities guide optical media into the lower engaging cavities, which have openings to the upper cavities. The lower engaging cavities engage lower arcuate portions of the optical media.
In other features, the lower engaging cavities independently support the optical media in the adjacent slots in a parallel relationship when the storage device is located on a flat supporting surface. The lower engaging cavities have a trapezoidal-shaped cross section. The plurality of slots are generally parallel to each other.
In still other features, a first width of the upper guiding cavities generally decreases with a depth of the upper guiding cavities. A second width of the lower engaging cavities generally decreases with a depth of the lower engaging cavities. A third width of the lower engaging cavities adjacent to the opening is greater than a fourth width adjacent to a bottom surface of the lower engaging cavities. The fourth width is between 1.25 mm and 1.5 mm. The slots are spaced at a fifth width that is greater than 10 mm and less than 25 mm.
In yet other features, the upper cavities have a generally “U”-shaped cross section. The optical media includes at least one of compact discs and digital versatile discs. Opposite sides of the body include a generally “C”-shaped recess. Opposite side walls of the trapezoidal-shaped cavities are sloped at an angle that is greater than 0° relative to a line that is perpendicular to the flat supporting surface. The lower engaging cavities have a depth that is between 10 mm and 14 mm at a center of the body and wherein the depth decreases towards opposite sides of the body.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.
Referring now to
The storage device 20 defines a plurality of slots 44-1, 44-2, 44-3, . . . 44-N (collectively slots 44), which are arranged in a generally parallel relationship. Each slot 44 is adapted to receive an optical medium 10 such as a CD, DVD, and optical media having future data formats. As will be described further below, the slots 44 support the optical media 10 in a spaced apart relationship. The slots 44 are preferably spaced apart by a sufficient distance to allow the user to easily grab the optical medium 10 without grabbing or otherwise disturbing the optical media 10 stored in adjacent slots. In one embodiment, the slots are spaced between 10 mm and 25 mm apart. In a preferred embodiment, the slots are spaced 15 mm to 18 mm.
The slots 44 define an upper generally “U”-shaped cavity 60 and a lower trapezoidal-shaped cavity 64. The “U”-shaped cavity 60 has a width that decreases with the depth of the “U”-shaped cavity 60. The lower trapezoidal-shaped cavity 64 also has a width that decreases with the depth of the lower trapezoidal-shaped cavity 64. The lower cavity 64 has a depth of approximately 2 mm. In one embodiment, side walls of the lower trapezoidal-shaped cavity form an angle with respect to a line perpendicular to the plane 50 that is greater than 0° and less than 5°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle is greater than 0° and less than 1°. In the embodiment in
Referring now to
The storage device 120 defines a plurality of slots 144-1, 144-2, 144-3, . . . 144-N (collectively slots 144), which are arranged in a generally parallel relationship. Each slot 144 is adapted to receive an optical medium 10 such as a CD, DVD, and optical media having future data formats. As will be described further below, the slots 144 support the optical media in a spaced apart relationship. The slots 144 are preferably spaced apart by a sufficient distance to allow a user to easily grab the optical medium 10 without grabbing or otherwise disturbing the optical media 10 stored in adjacent slots. The body 102 defines an elliptical surface 156 that meets with a groove 158 that receives and guides the optical media 10. In this embodiment, the upwardly facing surface 124 is defined by the body 102 between the slots 144.
Referring now to
The storage devices 20 and 100 provide an easy-to-use temporary storage location for optical media 10. The storage devices 20 and 100 protect the optical media 10 as well as eliminate location clutter around the computer desk, entertainment center and other locations. The optical media 10 is protected until returned to permanent storage devices such as jewel cases, CD albums, etc. The storage device 20 is also ideally suited for staging optical media for the copying and/or software installation. For example, when installing software such as an operating system, the optical media may be lined up in order in successive slots. When copying optical media 10, two storage devices may be used to further simplify the copying process. One storage device 20 is used to hold the blanks and another storage device holds the originals. Using this approach makes it easier to track.
The storage device is molded from plastic and has a thickness between 1 mm and 3 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the body has a thickness of 2 mm. The plastic material may polycarbonate, acrylic or similar materials. One or more bumpers 180 for example shown in
Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims.