Case for disc-shaped optical recording medium such as CD, DVD or the like

6,276,524

09/381,023

September 14, 1999

A case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier having upper and lower faces, an outer edge, and an inner edge defining a central circular opening. The case includes a floor positioned within a frame. A plurality of spaced-apart segments are connected to the floor to form a cylindrical rim and cooperate with one another to engage the outer edge of the magnetic recording carrier. A first cylindrical raised seat is positioned in a central location on the floor and is adapted for receiving the recording carrier thereon. A second cylindrical raised seat is positioned in a central location on the first cylindrical raised seat. The second cylindrical raised seat includes a button positioned above the horizontal plane and on an upper face of the second cylindrical raised seat. The button includes polygonal sidewalls having upper and lower edges, and a face having an outer edge connected to the upper edge. A plurality of spaced-apart tabs are positioned adjacent the polygonal sidewalls and are movable toward the sidewall in response to radially-directed inward pressure against the tabs. Each of the tabs includes a vertical face having a wedge-shaped notch thereon. The notch is biased towards and engages the inner edge of the opening of the recording carrier in the absence of radially-directed inward pressure against the tab.

Cerda-Vilaplana, Gustavo (Ibi, ESX); Cerda-Torres, Ruben (Ibi, ESX)

Magnetic Imatge, S.A. (ESX), Cervic, S.A. (ESX)

What is claimed is

1. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier having upper and lower faces, an outer edge, and an inner edge defining a central circular opening, the case including a floor positioned within a frame, and a plurality of spaced-apart segments connected to the floor to form a cylindrical rim and cooperating with one another to engage the outer edge of the magnetic recording carrier, the improvement comprising

(a) a first cylindrical raised seat positioned on a central location on the floor and adapted for receiving the recording carrier thereon; and

(b) a second cylindrical raised seat positioned in a central location on said first cylindrical raised seat and including

(i) a button positioned above the horizontal plane and on an upper face of said second cylindrical raised seat and including a polygonal sidewall having upper and lower edges, and a face having an outer edge connected to said upper edge; and

(ii) a plurality of spaced-apart tabs positioned adjacent said polygonal sidewall and movable toward the sidewall in response to radially-directed inward pressure against said tabs, each of the tabs including a vertical face having a wedge-shaped notch thereon biased towards and engaging the inner edge of the opening of the recording carrier in the absence of radially-directed inward pressure against the tab.

2. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 1, wherein said polygonal sidewall comprises an even number of sidewall segments.

3. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 2, wherein said tabs are positioned adjacent alternating sidewall segments.

4. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 3, wherein said polygonal sidewall comprises six sidewall segments.

5. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart tabs comprises three spaced-apart tabs.

6. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 1, wherein said polygonal sidewall comprises three sidewall segments.

7. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 1, wherein said vertical face is carried on the second cylindrical raised seat by one arm having a first end formed with said upper face and a second free end extending inwardly toward the button for supporting the lower face of the recording carrier.

8. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 1, and including a flexible hinge connecting the first cylindrical raised seat to the floor for permitting the first and second cylindrical raised seats and the button to be moved toward the floor in response to downward pressure on the face of the button for releasing the recording carrier from the tabs.

9. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 8, wherein said polygonal sidewall comprises an even number of sidewall segments.

10. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 9, wherein said tabs are positioned adjacent alternating sidewall segments.

11. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 10, wherein said polygonal sidewall comprises six sidewall segments.

12. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart tabs comprises three spaced-apart tabs.

13. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 8, wherein said polygonal sidewall comprises three sidewall segments.

14. In a case for storing a disc-shaped magnetic recording carrier according to claim 8, wherein said vertical face is carried on the second cylindrical raised seat by an arm having a first end formed with said upper face and a second free end extending inwardly toward the button for supporting the lower face of the recording carrier.

2063/081; 206/310

B65D 8557

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