Disc Storage Device

The invention relates to a module for holding and storing computer floppy discs, audio compact discs and other small disk-like storage media such as photographic slides. The invention finds its greatest use in holding and storing magnetic media storage devices, such as 31/2" computer floppy discs in a format which allows the storage of 12 discs on a standard 81/2 by 11" page format in either a 3 ring binder notebook form or a standard 12" rail hanging file drawer.

The proliferation of the 31/2" computer floppy disc as a means for data storage has resulted in a number of storage devices with which to organize and store the discs during non-use and transportation. The storage devices currently used can be classified in one of three categories: (1) soft, page oriented storage; (2) hard, file oriented storage; and (3) customized notebook oriented storage. The disadvantage of the 1st type is that the discs are difficult to remove, they fall out if the page is inverted, they fall out if the notebook is dropped, the pages tend to flop around due to a lack of rigidity, and the pages can easily be torn or otherwise destroyed. The disadvantages of the 2nd type of storage device is that transportability is awkward since the boxes are not easily carried or fit into a briefcase, suitcase, etc., only one disc at any one time is visible as a user pages through the filed discs, if the box is dropped in its open position all of the discs fall out, and the entire box can be stolen and offers security only if placed inside a locked desk drawer. The third type of storage device has the disadvantage of higher costs associated with storage since a customized notebook must additionally be purchased, storage is limited since the notebooks are smaller than the standard 9 by 12" size, and internal space is not optimized within the devices.

The invention disclosed herein solves the problems associated with the three types of storage devices. Specifically, the invention discloses a one-piece molded plastic module comprised of a planar surface and four perpendicular walls for holding the disc-like storage media in place. It further comprises means to easily eject the disc from the module. The module fits into a standard 81/2 by 11" page format or a 12" rail hanging file storage format.

One objective of the invention is to provide a disc storage device which securely holds the disc(s) in place without rattling or fear of dropping out of the device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which allows easy removal of the disc(s) from the device.

Yet, another object of the invention is to provide a device which is adaptable in both a standard 81/2 by 11" page format or a 12" rail hanging file format.

Additional objects of the invention will become evident upon reading of the specification and claims with respect to the drawings, all appended hereto .

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the disc storage device on an 81/2" by 11" page or a 12" file format.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are opposite side views of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is sectional view along the line A--A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of a single module of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along the line B--B of the module depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along the line C--C of the module depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a module and disc of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the disc storage device as substantially shown in FIGS. 1-3.

The disc storage device is shown generally in FIG. 1 by the numeral 1. The device comprises individual modules 2 for holding discs. There are six modules on the front side of the device and six additional modules (not shown) on the back side of the device that are capable of holding 12 discs total. The device is capable of being stored in a standard 3 ring notebook in 81/2 by 11" page format through provision of three perforated ring holes along an edge 15 of the device. Furthermore, the device is capable of being stored in a file cabinet through the provision of hooks 4 along edge 15 which conform to standard 12" rail hanging file form for easy filing. The hooks may be broken off if the device is strictly to be used in a 3 ring notebook. The device is further provided with integral tabs 5 along edge 15 which are capable of holding a label for identifying the individual discs which are stored within the device. FIG. 4 clearly shows a cross-sectional view of these tabs which are arranged opposite from each other to hold a label in place. Also, adhesive backed labels may be inserted into recesses 16 along th opposite edge from edge 15 (or right hand edge as viewed in FIG. 1).

FIGS. 5-7 clearly show the features of an individual module 2 for holding a pair of discs (one on either side) within the device. The module 2 comprises a planar surface 6 and four opposing perpendicular walls 7, 8, 9, and 10 for holding a pair of discs in place. Walls 7 and 8 act as a guide for inserting a disc into the module and constrain the disc's movement in an up an down direction relative to the page as shown in FIG. 5. Walls 9 and 10 hold and constrain the disc from movement in a right or left direction relative to the page as shown in FIG. 5. Clips 11 and 12 extending outwardly from walls 9 and 10, respectively, further restrain the disc from moving in a direction out of the page as shown in FIG. 5. The disc is held firmly within the module through the provision of a leaf spring 13 extending outwardly from wall 10 and presentation spring 14 extending outwardly from the planar surface 6. Leaf spring 13 forces the disc to lie firm against wall 9 while presentation spring 14 forces the disc to lie firmly against clips 11 and 12.

In operation, a disc 17 is inserted into a module as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 by sliding one edge of the disc along the planar surface 6 and beneath the pair of clips 12. As the disc is slid beneath the clips, the disc's edge presses against leaf spring 13. Once the disc is pushed all the way against wall 10 it may be pushed downwardly against presentation spring 14. In pushing the disc downwardly the disc's opposite edge clears the edges of clips 11 on wall 9. Once the disc lies firmly against planar surface 6, then leaf spring 13 forces the disc back beneath the clips 11 and the disc is stored. In this position the disc 17 is firmly held in place, as shown in FIG. 8, and will not rattle within the module due to pressure from springs 13 and 14. Furthermore, if the storage device is dropped the discs will not fall out due to clips 11 and 12 holding the disc in place.

Removal of the disc from the module is easily facilitated by the ejector means of the module. One merely pushes on the edge of the disc adjacent to wall 9 and springs 13 and 14 automatically eject the disc up and out of the module past clips 11 and 12. The storage device has six modules on either side as shown in FIG. 1 and up to twelve discs may be inserted and removed one at a time from the twelve modules, best shown in FIG. 9, in a manner as described above.

The storage device is made of one-piece molded plastic for ease in manufacturing and for low cost manufacturing. The thickness of the device is clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 which is slightly greater than the thickness of a pair of discs faced back-to-back. This enables the device to be stored easily and conveniently in a 3 ring binder, and a plurality of storage devices may be stored in a medium-sized notebook due to the optimal storage of the discs within the device.

It is noted that other variation and embodiments of the disc storage device are encompassed by the scope of this invention which is to be determined by the appended claims.