Apparatus for holding a media storage disk having a resilient hub

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a media storage disk that may include a front and base cover connected in a hinged relationship. A base panel of the base cover may include a centrally located hub formed of a high-pressure elastic material capable of elastic deformation when the center hole of the disk is urged over the hub. The hub may have a diameter that is sufficient to create a friction engagement between the circumference of the hub and the inside diameter of the center hole. At least one stem may be provided that extends from the inside of a spine connecting the front and base covers such that the stem will extend just above or abut a portion of the disk's peripheral edge when the apparatus is closed to hold the disk in place. A plate extending from the inside of the front cover may be provided such that a portion of the plate will extend just above or abut a portion of the disk's peripheral edge when the apparatus is closed to hold the disk in place. A pair of concentric rings may be provided in the base cover to support portions of the underside of the disk when placed on the hub.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for holding a media storage disk comprising: 
 a base panel; and    a substantially cylindrical elastic hub disposed within the base panel, the hub having a diameter that is sufficiently larger than an inside diameter of a center hole of the disk so that a friction engagement is established between the hub and the center hole when the disk is urged onto the hub.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a front cover;  
 a base cover, the base panel being disposed within the base cover;  
 a spine connecting the front cover with the base cover in a hinged relationship so that the front cover and base cover are moveable between an open position and a closed position; and  
 means for securing the disk within the apparatus when the front cover and the base cover are in the closed position.  
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , the means for securing the disk comprising: 
 at least one stem extending substantially perpendicularly from the spine, the at least one stem having a distal end adapted to extend above an upper surface of the disk at a peripheral edge of the disk.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , the means for securing the disk further comprising: 
 at least one plate affixed to the front cover and extending substantially parallel to a planar surface defined by the front cover, the at least one plate adapted to extend above the upper surface of the disk at the peripheral edge of the disk.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , the at least one plate comprising at least one protuberance extending from an upper surface of the at least one plate.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , the at least one plate comprising a plurality of protuberances extending from an upper surface of the at least one plate, the plurality of protuberances defining a radius of curvature that is substantially the same as a radius of curvature defined by a peripheral edge of the disk.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising: 
 a support ring disposed within the base panel; and  
 a stabilizing shoulder disposed within the support ring.  
 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the hub has a diameter of between about 15.2 and 15.4 millimeters.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the hub has a height of between about 7.9 and 8.1 millimeters.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the hub has a height of approximately 8.0 millimeters and a diameter of approximately 15.3 millimeters.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for holding a media storage disk comprising: 
 a front cover;    a base cover;    a spine connecting the front cover and the base cover so that the front cover and the base cover are moveable between an open position and a closed position;    a support ring disposed within the base cover; and    means for securing the disk within the support ring when the front cover and the base cover are in the closed position.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 a stabilizing shoulder disposed within the support ring; and  
 the means for securing the disk comprising: 
 at least one stem extending substantially perpendicularly from the spine, the at least one stem having a distal end adapted to extend above an upper surface of the disk at a peripheral edge of the disk when the disk is seated on the stabilizing shoulder.  
 
 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 a stabilizing shoulder disposed within the support ring; and  
 the means for securing the disk comprising: 
 at least one plate extending substantially parallel to a planar surface defined by the front cover, the at least one plate adapted to extend above an upper surface of the disk at a peripheral edge of the disk when the disk is seated on the stabilizing shoulder.  
 
 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , the at least one plate comprising a plurality of protuberances extending from an upper surface of the at least one plate, the plurality of protuberances defining a radius of curvature that is substantially the same as a radius of curvature defined by the disk.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 a base panel formed within the base cover; and  
 a substantially cylindrical elastic hub disposed within the base panel, the hub having a diameter that is sufficiently larger than an inside diameter of a center hole of the disk so that a friction engagement is established between the hub and the center hole when the disk is urged onto the hub.  
 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the hub has a diameter of between about 15.2 and 15.4 millimeters.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the hub has a height of between about 7.9 and 8.1 millimeters.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 a guide ring disposed within the base panel, the guide ring formed around a base of the hub and adapted to support a first portion of an underside of the disk when the disk is urged over the hub.  
 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 an intermediate ring disposed within the base panel, the intermediate ring formed concentrically with the guide ring and having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the guide ring, the intermediate ring adapted to support a second portion of an underside of the disk when the disk is urged over the hub.  
 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the hub has a height of approximately 8.0 millimeters and a diameter of approximately 15.3 millimeters.