JP2002104564A - Storage box - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a storage box which can stably hold a flat disk and can be quickly and easily removed from a cradle when desired. A storage box (10) includes a cradle (22) on which a disk (12) is mounted. The cradle includes a button (24) that includes a plurality of button pieces adapted to hold the disc. Each button strip is circumferentially separated from the other button strips and includes a lip for capturing the disc and a side surface (46). The cradle further includes a base (38). The base is divided into a plurality of base pieces, each base piece being circumferentially separated from the other base pieces, an opening (44) around which the side of the button piece is mounted on the base piece around the channel (42); Side to provide support for the piece to the bottom. The cradle further includes a plurality of supports for holding the disc. Each support includes an arm in the channel and an upright at the distal end of the arm that contacts an adjacent area of the disc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to storage bins for DVDs and similar flat discs having a central hole, and more particularly to a cradle for stably holding a flat disc in place. A flat disk storage box having a flat disk that easily releases the flat disk when a force is applied to the outer edge of the flat disk.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many prior art devices are provided for holding and storing discs, such as DVD discs and other such flat discs having a central hole.
However, many of these prior storage devices have problems with stably retaining the disk while still allowing easy removal when desired.

[0003]

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a storage box or the like is provided for storing or holding a flat disc having a central hole, such as a DVD or CD. The storage box includes a flat bottom that extends over all the sides of the received flat disk, and a lid that is typically hinged thereto. Extending upwardly from the central portion of the bottom is a cradle on which a flat disk is mounted. The cradle includes a central button, which is adapted to hold a flat disk below the top portion of the button. This button is generally cylindrical and includes a plurality of button pieces. Each button strip is radially wedge-shaped and circumferentially separated from the other button strips, and includes a radially outer circumferential edge below which a flat disk is elastically captured, with an additional edge between them. Includes sides provided.
The cradle also includes a base surrounding the button. The base is divided into a plurality of base pieces so that one base piece is provided for each button piece. Each base piece is circumferentially separated from the other base pieces and includes a channel and an opening;
The side of each button piece is resiliently mounted on each base piece around its opening and further includes a side,
A channel is formed between the sides so that the sides of the base piece provide the bottom with elastic support for the button pieces.
The cradle further includes a plurality of supports surrounding the button, which resiliently support the flat disk above the bottom when the flat disk is held below the top portion of the button. Each support includes a resilient arm mounted to a respective base piece at its proximal end within a respective channel, whereby the arm is adapted to be resiliently pushed into the channel. The support further includes an upstanding piece at the distal end of the arm that contacts an adjacent area of the flat disk.

In a preferred embodiment, the top portion of the button has a rounded outer edge to easily pass through the center hole of the flat disk, and the uprights engage the flat area of the flat disk. The arm has an arcuate shape about a button.

[0005] Preferably, the storage box also includes a ring that stands upright from the bottom. The ring includes a series of openings in (a) whereby the outer edge of the flat disk is engaged,
And (b) including a circumferential shelf adapted to rest on an adjacent outer edge of the flat disk when the flat disk is held by the button.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a storage box for flat disks where the flat disks are stably held in the box.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the flat disk is quickly and easily removed from the cradle, which holds when desired.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention are described in, or will be apparent from, the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the figures, reference is made to a DVD, CD or such flat disk 12 having a central hole 14 of standard dimensions.
A storage box 10 is shown that is used to store and protect the storage boxes. The storage box 10 is made of a hard plastic material which is well known in the art of this type of storage box. As best shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
2, a fitting lid 18 that mates with the bottom 16, and a hinge 2 that connects the lid 18 and the bottom 16.
0, but elements such as these are also generally well known in the art.

Extending upwardly from the central portion of the bottom 16 is a cradle 22, to which the flat disk 12 is adapted to be mounted. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cradle 22 includes a central button 24 adapted to hold the flat disk 12 below a top portion 26 thereof. The button 24 is generally cylindrical and includes a plurality of button pieces 28. Each button strip 28 is radially wedge-shaped and is circumferentially separated from other button strips by a gap 30. As shown, each button strip 2
8 includes a radially circumferential edge 32, below which the flat disk 12 is positioned, as best seen in FIG.
Are elastically captured. Each button strip 28 also includes a side surface 34 between which the rim 32 is provided. The top portion 26 of the button 24 has a rounded outer edge 36 so that the top portion 26 can easily pass through the central hole 14 of the flat disk 12, as will be described later.

The cradle 22 includes a base 38 surrounding the button 24.
Including. The base 38 is divided into a plurality of base pieces 40 each, as shown, one for each button piece 28.
It has two base pieces 40. Each base piece 40 has a gap 30
Are separated therefrom in the circumferential direction from the other base piece 40. Each base piece 40 includes a hole or channel 42 therein and an opening 44 around which the associated side 34 of the button piece 28 is resiliently provided. Due to the dimensions and flexibility of the sides 34, the sides 34 thus elastically mount the button pieces 28 to the respective base pieces 40. Each base piece 40 also includes a side surface 46 between which the channel 42 is formed so that the side surface 46 of the base piece 40 provides resilient support to the bottom 16 for each base piece 40 and thus each associated button piece. 28 provides additional elastic support.

The cradle 22 further includes a plurality of supports 48 surrounding the button 24, which reduce the weight of the flat disk 12 to the bottom 16 when the flat disk 12 is held below the top portion 26 of the button 24. Elastically above it. Each support 48 includes a resilient arm 50 mounted at its proximal end 52 to a respective base piece 28 within a respective channel 42. Each arm 50 is arcuate about the button 24 and is resiliently pushed into the channel 42 to vertically support the weight of the flat disk 12 and retains below the rim 32. Adapted to secure and hold the flat disk 12 in position. Each arm 50 includes an upright piece 54 with a flat top at its distal end 56, which extends its contact with the adjacent area of the flat disk 12 to a larger area.

As best shown in FIG. 2, storage box 1
0 further includes a ring 58 upstanding from the bottom 16. Ring 58 includes a series of openings 60 therein, whereby outer edge 62 of flat disk 12 is engaged. The ring 58 also includes a circumferential cutout shelf 64 adapted to rest the adjacent outer edge 62 of the flat disk 12 thereon when the flat disk 12 is retained by the button 24.

In addition, with reference to FIGS.
The removal of the disk 12 from the holding position on the disk occurs as follows. First, the disk 12
Of the arm 50 by the engagement of the rim 32 around the hole 14 of the
It will be understood that the buckles resiliently push up the disc 12 to support the weight of the disc 12 and to stably maintain the edge 32 relative to the disc 12 around the hole 14. There will be. In this position, the outer edge 62 of the disk 12 is also supported and held against lateral movement by the location of the outer edge 62 above the cut-out shelf 64.
To remove the disk 12 from the bottom 16, a ring 58
The user's finger is typically placed on the opposite side of the disc 12 to engage the outer edge 62 of the disc 12 at the opening associated with the disc. The user's finger then lifts the outer edge 62 upward or away from the bottom 16. This causes the disk 12 to bow upward from the point where the finger and outer edge 62 engage, as shown in FIG. This lifting also causes each of the resiliently mounted button pieces 28 to be pressed radially inward (toward the center), allowing the rim 32 to begin to slide through the hole 14 in the disk 12. . Raising the outer edge 62 of the disk 12 into engagement with the finger allows the edge 32 to pass through the hole 14 and straighten the disk 12 as shown in FIG. At this time, the tip 54 of the arm 50 also pushes up the adjacent area of the disk 12. In FIG. 7, the disc 12 has already left the edge 32 of the button strip 28 and the tip 54 of the arm 50, so that the button strip 28 and the arm 50 can resiliently return to their rest positions as shown in FIG. Will be possible.

Pressing of the disc 12 onto the button 16 occurs in the reverse order, starting from the position in FIG. 8 where the user preferably presses down on the disc 12 adjacent the hole 14.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications may be effected within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the left, upper, and front sides of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the left, upper, and front surfaces of the cradle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cradle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the cradle shown in FIG. 1 with the flat disk secured.

5 is an elevation view of the cradle shown in FIG. 4 at various stages of removal of the fixed flat disk.

6 is an elevation view of the cradle shown in FIG. 4 at various stages of removal of the fixed flat disk.

7 is an elevation view of the cradle shown in FIG. 4 at various stages of removal of the fixed flat disk.

8 is an elevation view of the cradle shown in FIG. 4 at various stages of removal of the fixed flat disk.

FIG. 9 is a right side cross-sectional elevation view of the storage box shown in FIG. 1 with a flat disk mounted.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 storage box, 16 bottom, 18 lid, 20 hinge, 2
2 cradle, 24 buttons, 38 base, 42 channels, 46 sides, 50 arms, 58 rings.

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventors Chi Man Ricky Wong Hong Kong, Chen Sha Wan, Thai Nan West Street, 609, Easy Tower, Twenty Sixth Floor, Flat Flat A F term (reference) 3E036 AA09 CA01 EA01 FA02 FB01

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A storage box for a flat disc having a central hole, comprising: a flat bottom extending over all faces of the received flat disc; and an upward extending from a central portion of the bottom. A pedestal, the pedestal comprising a central button adapted to pass through a central hole in the flat disk and to hold the flat disk below a top portion of the button; and And a plurality of supports surrounding the flat disk resiliently above the bottom when the flat disk is held below the top portion of the button.
Storage box. 2. The storage box of claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a base surrounding the button, and wherein the button is formed from a plurality of button pieces resiliently fixed to the base. 3. The button is generally cylindrical in shape, and each button piece is (a) radially wedge-shaped, (b) circumferentially separated from the other button pieces, and (c). 3. The storage box according to claim 2, including a radially circumferential edge, below which the flat disk is elastically captured. 4. Each of the button pieces includes a side face with the edge provided therebetween, each of the button pieces is mounted on the base only by the side face, and an opening is provided in the base for each of the button pieces. The storage box according to claim 3, wherein each of the button pieces is elastically mounted on the base by being provided between the side surfaces. 5. The storage box of claim 4, wherein the top portion of the button has an outer edge that is rounded so that the top portion easily passes through a central hole in a flat disk. 6. The pedestal includes a base surrounding the button, wherein each of the supports includes a resilient arm mounted on the base at a proximal end thereof, and a distal end of the arm. The storage box of claim 1 including an upright strip that contacts an adjacent area of the flat disk. 7. The storage box of claim 6, wherein said uprights have a flat top for engaging an area of a flat disc. 8. The storage box of claim 6, wherein the base includes a respective channel provided below each of the arms, such that the arms are adapted to be pushed into the channels. . 9. The storage box according to claim 8, wherein the arm is arched about the button. 10. The base is each divided into a plurality of base pieces, each of the channels is formed in one of the base pieces, each of the arms is mounted, and the button is attached to each of the base pieces. The base piece is formed from a plurality of button pieces that are resiliently fixed, and each of the base pieces includes a side face, and the channel is formed between the side faces so that the side face of the base piece has the bottom portion for the button piece. 9. The storage box of claim 8, wherein the storage box provides resilient support to the storage box. 11. Each of said supports comprises a resilient arm mounted on said base at its proximal end and an upstanding piece at the distal end of said arm contacting an adjacent area of a flat disk. The storage box according to claim 4, comprising: 12. The storage box according to claim 11, wherein said base includes a respective channel provided below each said arm, whereby said arm is adapted to be pushed into said channel. . 13. The base is divided into a plurality of base pieces, each of the channels is formed in one base piece, each of the arms is mounted, and each of the button pieces is each of the base pieces. Each base piece includes a side surface, and the channel is formed between the side surfaces so that the side surface of the base piece provides elastic support to the bottom for the button piece. 13. The storage box of claim 12, wherein the storage box is provided. 14. The top portion of the button has an outer edge that is rounded so that the top portion easily passes through the center hole of the flat disc, and the upright piece is a flat disc area. Having a flat top for engaging with the arm, wherein the arm is arched about the button,
The storage box according to claim 13. 15. The apparatus further includes a ring erecting from the bottom, the ring including a series of openings in (a) whereby the outer edge of a flat disc is engaged, and (b) by the button. 14. The storage bin of claim 13, including a circumferential shelf adapted to overlie an adjacent outer edge of the flat disk when the flat disk is held. 16. A storage box for a flat disc having a central hole, wherein the flat bottom extends over all of the planes of the received flat disc, and extends upwardly from a central portion of the bottom. A pedestal comprising a central button adapted to hold a flat disc below a top portion of the button, the button being generally cylindrical and having a plurality of buttons. And each of said button pieces is (a) radially wedge-shaped, (b) circumferentially separated from the other button pieces, and (c) including radially circumferentially located edges and flat below. (D) further comprising: a side surface on which the edge is provided; and the cradle further comprises a base surrounding the button.
The base is divided into a plurality of base pieces, one base piece for each button piece, each base piece circumferentially separated from the other base pieces, and (a) a channel; b) an opening, wherein the side of each of the button pieces is resiliently mounted on the respective base piece around the opening, and (c) further comprising a side, the channel between the sides. By being formed, the sides of the base piece provide resilient support to the bottom for the button pieces, and the pedestal is positioned when a flat disc is held below the top portion of the button. The device further includes a plurality of supports surrounding the button for resiliently supporting a flat disk above the bottom, each of the supports being at its proximal end at a respective one of the base pieces within a respective one of the channels. In the department A resilient arm mounted thereon, the arm being adapted to be resiliently pushed into the channel, the upstanding piece at the distal end of the arm being in the adjacent area of the flat disk Contact, storage box. 17. The flat portion of the button has a rounded outer edge for facilitating the passage of a central hole in the flat disk, and the uprights engage the flat area of the flat disk. 17. The storage box of claim 16, having a flat top for mating, and wherein said arms are arcuate about said button. 18. The apparatus further comprising a ring erecting from the bottom, the ring including a series of apertures in (a) whereby the outer edge of a flat disc is engaged, and (b) by the button 18. The storage box of claim 17, including a circumferential shelf adapted to rest on an adjacent outer edge of the flat disk when the flat disk is held.