Compact disc container

Abstract

A DVD or CD case having a DVD nest which is sized and shaped to hold a DVD optical disc (or any similarly sized disc). The DVD nest is conical in shape and made from a flexible (or semi-rigid) material so that it functions as a bistable cone and therefore rests in either a down position (wherein the cone is directed downwardly) or an up position (wherein the cone is directed upwardly). Located centrally within the DVD nest is a hub assembly which may be conventional and includes a supportive ledge onto which a DVD may rest. The hub assembly is attached to and preferably integrally formed with the bistable cone in such a manner that the hub assembly (and any supported DVD located thereon) moves from a rest position wherein the DVD is recessed within the nest, and a raised position wherein the DVD is raised above the nest so that its edge may be grasped and the DVD removed from the case. According to another embodiment, locking arms are provides which are located within the hub assembly and which automatically move with movement of the bistable cone from a locked position (when the cone is down) wherein the locking arms lock the DVD in place about the hub, and an unlocked position (when the cone is up) wherein the locking arms allow free removal of the DVD from the hub assembly and the DVD case.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A case for holding a DVD or CD information storage disc having a central opening, said case comprising: 
 a body;    a recess formed within said body, said recess being sized and shaped to receive said disc, said recess having a rim whose perimeter is larger than the perimeter of said disc, said recess having a floor;    a hub assembly having a spindle which is sized and shaped to fit within said opening of said disc;    a bi-stable cone integrally formed between said floor and said hub, said bi-stable cone being stable in either a lower position, wherein said hub is positioned in a lower position for holding a disc on said hub within said recess with said disc perimeter being generally adjacent to said rim, and an upper position, wherein said hub is positioned in an upper position generally above said rim for holding a disc above said rim so that said disc perimeter is accessible above said rim.