WO1998011542A1 - Protective cover for an optical disc - Google Patents
Protective cover for an optical disc Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998011542A1 WO1998011542A1 PCT/CA1997/000662 CA9700662W WO9811542A1 WO 1998011542 A1 WO1998011542 A1 WO 1998011542A1 CA 9700662 W CA9700662 W CA 9700662W WO 9811542 A1 WO9811542 A1 WO 9811542A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- disc
- film
- clasps
- cover
- protective cover
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 48
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims 6
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920004142 LEXAN™ Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004418 Lexan Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/03—Containers for flat record carriers
- G11B23/032—Containers for flat record carriers for rigid discs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/03—Containers for flat record carriers
- G11B23/0301—Details
- G11B23/0313—Container cases
- G11B23/0316—Constructional details, e.g. shape
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/03—Containers for flat record carriers
- G11B23/0326—Assembling of containers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B7/00—Recording or reproducing by optical means, e.g. recording using a thermal beam of optical radiation by modifying optical properties or the physical structure, reproducing using an optical beam at lower power by sensing optical properties; Record carriers therefor
- G11B7/24—Record carriers characterised by shape, structure or physical properties, or by the selection of the material
- G11B7/24097—Structures for detection, control, recording operation or replay operation; Special shapes or structures for centering or eccentricity prevention; Arrangements for testing, inspecting or evaluating; Containers, cartridges or cassettes
Definitions
- This invention relates to a protective cover for an optical disc.
- optical discs offer a compact, efficient and cost-effective means of storing data and transmitting that stored data on request. Indeed, optical discs are the fastest growing form of digital data storage in the world today.
- Such common applications include compact discs (CD's) for music, CD ROM's for computer programs and information retrieval, such as encyclopedias and digital versatile discs (DVD's) for audio-visual entertainment as well as recording purposes.
- An optical disc is comprised of a number of discrete layers.
- the data layer will store the data in the form of a number of microscopic pits to be read by the laser of the optical disc reader. That data layer is enclosed within a series of protective layers, top and bottom.
- the bottom layers, commonly referred to as the "read-side" of the disc are transparent substrates which allow the laser to pass through to read the data. Scratches to this read-side surface may affect the laser beam path, however, the manner in which data is stored on an optical disc allows for an amount of read-side imperfections without preventing the playing device from reading the disc. Nonetheless, the thickness of the read-side layer of the disc is typically in the order of 1.2 mm and this portion comprises the bulk of a conventional CD, for example.
- the reflective layer On the top side of the disc, there is a reflective layer which is in turn protected by a discrete protective layer and a graphical layer, which normally supports the label and information pertaining to the product of the disc.
- the reflective layer is crucial to the successful use of an optical disc in that it reflects the data enriched laser beam to the playing device receiver where the data is read and interpreted for the user. Any breach or damage to this layer will result in the laser beam passing directly through the disc at the point of the breach or damage, thereby losing the data stored at that point. Notwithstanding the importance of maintaining the integrity of this layer, the combined thickness of the layers which comprise the top-half of a conventional CD is typically in the order of 0.3 mm (one-quarter the thickness of the read-side layers).
- a removable protective cover for use with an optical disc of circular configuration having a circular aperture centred therein and having an outer edge
- the protective cover comprising a sheet of film of generally circular configuration corresponding to the configuration of the disc, the film of a material that will not interfere with the read process of the disc when the cover is in place about the disc, and a plurality of clasps spaced about a circumferential edge of the film to engage the disc about its outer edge in a snap fit.
- a protective cover comprising a further sheet of film of generally circular configuration corresponding to the configuration of the disc, the film of a material that will not interfere with the read process of the disc when the cover is in place about the disc, and a plurality of clasps spaced about a circumferential edge of the film to engage the disc about its outer edge in a snap fit, the sheet to engage the disc on one side in a single-sided embodiment and on opposite faces of the disc in a two-sided embodiment wherein the clasps of one of the oppositely facing sheets are alternating and offset relative to the clasps of the other of the opposite facing sheets about the edge of said disc.
- a method of applying such a protective cover to such an optical disc comprising the steps of holding the cover with the clasps in a closed position oriented relative to the plastic film toward said disc, expanding the clasps to an open position wider than an outside diameter of the disc, placing the disc within the expanded clasps, concentric with the cover and returning the clasps to the closed position whereby they engage the disc about the outer edge in a snap fit.
- FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of a protective cover and a CD in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIGURE 2 is a side section view of a clasp of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;
- FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of an example embodiment of an applicator for applying protective covers in accordance with the present invention;
- FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an expansion ring used in the applicator of Figure 3;
- FIGURE 5 is a series of cross-sectional views of the application method of a protective cover to a CD in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGURE 6 is a series of detail views of the cross-sectional views of Figure 5. While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Figure 1 illustrates a protective cover 2 for use with an optical disc 4 of circular configuration having an aperture 6 centred therein and having an outer edge 8.
- the protective cover 2 comprises a sheet of film 10 of generally circular configuration corresponding to the configuration of the disc 4 and of a material that will not interfere with the read process of the disc when the cover 2 is in place about the disc 4.
- the film 10 will be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque.
- the material of the film should be chosen from plastics having a refractive index comparable to the refractive index of the protective layer of the disc 4 so that there is no interference with the read operation of the disc 4 when the cover 2 is in place.
- Plastics chosen from the group consisting of polyester and polycarbonate, such as polycarbonate sold under the trade-mark Lexan, are well-suited to the application of the present invention.
- clasps 12 spaced about a circumferential edge 14 of the film 10 to engage the disc 4 about its outer edge 8 in a snap fit.
- the clasps 12 could be spaced about an entirety of the circumferential edge 14, or be on only a portion of that circumference.
- the thickness of the film 10 is typically in the range of 0.001 and 0.02 inches and is preferably about 0.007 inches thick.
- the cover 2 may have one single continuous clasp 15 about the circumferential edge 14 of film 10, which clasp 15 encompasses the entire outer edge 8 of disc 4 in a single enclosure.
- the protective cover 2 may also comprise a further sheet 16 of the film similar to the first sheet 10 and having a plurality of clasps 20 spaced about the circumferential edge 22 of the film 16.
- the sheets 10, 16 engage opposite faces 24, 26 respectively of the disc 4, such that the clasps 12 of sheet 10 are alternating and offset relative to the clasps 20 of the second sheet 16 about the outer edge 8 of the disc 4.
- This thus enables a complete, single layer encasement of the disc 4, both top and bottom, and around the outer edge 8.
- the single continuous clasp 15 is used, as shown in Figure la, the second sheet 16 will not have any clasps and will be of a size and configuration sufficient to cover face 24 of disc 2 and fit within continuous clasp 15 of first sheet 10.
- This single continuous clasp may be of either the first sheet 10 or second sheet 16 wherein the opposing sheet will not have any clasps.
- the sheets 10, 16 are each provided with an aperture 28, 29 respectively centred therein, which aperture is as least as big as aperture 6 in disc 4, such that aperture 28 will not interfere with the function of aperture 6 when the cover 2 is in position around the disc 4.
- the clasps 12 may be positioned about a circumferential edge of aperture 28, 29 to engage an edge of aperture 6 of disc 4 in alternating, offset arrangement.
- the clasps 12 comprise a first leg 30 which extends downwardly from the sheet 10 and inwardly at acute angle a and a second leg 32 which extends from an end of leg 30, radially inward relative to the film 10 such that each of the clasps 12 as a whole depends from the circumferential edge 14 in an imperfect "L" configuration.
- the angle a between the film 10 and the first leg 30 works with the natural resiliency of the film to provide an improved holding force of the cover 2 about the edge 8 of the disc 4; this angle is preferably in the order of 70 to 85 degrees, and preferably 81 degrees.
- the clasps 20 of the second sheet 16 are similarly oriented.
- an applicator 34 for use in securing the cover 2 to the disc 4.
- the applicator 34 comprises a top plate 36 which operates as a press means depressing on the disc 4 within the applicator 34, a first centering pin 38 to hold the cover 2 in place and a smaller second centering pin 39, concentric with the first pin 38, to hold the disc 4 in place, an expanding ring 40, a base 41 and an optional storage tray 42 for holding additional covers.
- the expanding ring 40 comprises a plurality of resilient fingers 44 which operate on the clasps 12 of cover 2 when in use. In use, the cover 2 and disc 4 are placed in position on the centering pins
- the disc 4 is inserted inside the perimeter of the expanding ring 40.
- the resilient fingers 44 of the expanding ring 40 meet with the clasps 12 in their closed position 46.
- the clasps 12 are oriented relative to the film 10 toward the disc 4.
- the disc 4 passes through the expanding ring 40 such that the fingers 44 push the clasps 12 into their open position 48.
- the diameter of the cover 2 defined by the clasps 12 is greater than the outside diameter of the disc 4 as defined by the outer edge 8.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP97939915A EP1012835A1 (en) | 1996-09-13 | 1997-09-15 | Protective cover for an optical disc |
AU41963/97A AU4196397A (en) | 1996-09-13 | 1997-09-15 | Protective cover for an optical disc |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA 2185477 CA2185477A1 (en) | 1996-09-13 | 1996-09-13 | Protective cover for an optical disc |
CA2,185,477 | 1996-09-13 | ||
US08/713,523 US5787069A (en) | 1996-09-13 | 1996-09-13 | Protective cover for an optical disc |
US08/713,523 | 1996-09-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1998011542A1 true WO1998011542A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 |
Family
ID=25678675
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/CA1997/000662 WO1998011542A1 (en) | 1996-09-13 | 1997-09-15 | Protective cover for an optical disc |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1012835A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU4196397A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1998011542A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2000016333A1 (en) * | 1998-09-15 | 2000-03-23 | Stefan Michalski | Data carrier system for durably attaching a material layer which can be provided with an identification marking |
EP1003171A1 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2000-05-24 | Staar Societe Anonyme | Cartridge for data carrier |
US6874158B2 (en) | 2001-04-24 | 2005-03-29 | Chak Sang Simon Chan | Holder for an optically readable information disc |
EP1552524A1 (en) * | 2002-10-02 | 2005-07-13 | Daniel L. Poole | Protective cover for optically read digital disks |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4482903A (en) * | 1983-06-20 | 1984-11-13 | Eastman Kodak Company | Disk unit with retaining ring |
US4556968A (en) * | 1983-03-31 | 1985-12-03 | Storage Technology Partners Ii | Unconstrained removable protective cover for optical disk |
US4561086A (en) * | 1983-05-12 | 1985-12-24 | Eastman Kodak Company | Optical write/read unit with selective-transparency cover |
WO1994014161A1 (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1994-06-23 | Doukas Robert Fonias | Protective covers for optical discs |
WO1996021928A1 (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1996-07-18 | Trevor Alan Burroughs | Semi-permanent enclosure for optical data storage device |
WO1997005609A1 (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-02-13 | Neuner Paul J | Optical disc protector and method for applying same |
-
1997
- 1997-09-15 EP EP97939915A patent/EP1012835A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-09-15 AU AU41963/97A patent/AU4196397A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-09-15 WO PCT/CA1997/000662 patent/WO1998011542A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4556968A (en) * | 1983-03-31 | 1985-12-03 | Storage Technology Partners Ii | Unconstrained removable protective cover for optical disk |
US4561086A (en) * | 1983-05-12 | 1985-12-24 | Eastman Kodak Company | Optical write/read unit with selective-transparency cover |
US4482903A (en) * | 1983-06-20 | 1984-11-13 | Eastman Kodak Company | Disk unit with retaining ring |
WO1994014161A1 (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1994-06-23 | Doukas Robert Fonias | Protective covers for optical discs |
WO1996021928A1 (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1996-07-18 | Trevor Alan Burroughs | Semi-permanent enclosure for optical data storage device |
WO1997005609A1 (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-02-13 | Neuner Paul J | Optical disc protector and method for applying same |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2000016333A1 (en) * | 1998-09-15 | 2000-03-23 | Stefan Michalski | Data carrier system for durably attaching a material layer which can be provided with an identification marking |
EP1003171A1 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2000-05-24 | Staar Societe Anonyme | Cartridge for data carrier |
BE1012279A3 (en) * | 1998-11-18 | 2000-08-01 | Staar Sa | Cases for data carrier. |
US6874158B2 (en) | 2001-04-24 | 2005-03-29 | Chak Sang Simon Chan | Holder for an optically readable information disc |
EP1552524A1 (en) * | 2002-10-02 | 2005-07-13 | Daniel L. Poole | Protective cover for optically read digital disks |
EP1552524A4 (en) * | 2002-10-02 | 2008-08-27 | Daniel L Poole | Protective cover for optically read digital disks |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU4196397A (en) | 1998-04-02 |
EP1012835A1 (en) | 2000-06-28 |
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