A thin film data storage carrier (e.g., a flexible thin film compact disc) is
described.
The thin film data storage carrier (e.g., 111 of FIG. 8) has a cruciform
aperture (114) therein, which is defined in part by two pairs of opposed
arcuate sides (117, 117 and 120, 120) and at least
one tab (118 and 121). The tabs (118 and 121) each
have a triangular shape. The thin film data storage carrier may be used as part
of a digital data storage assembly (2) that includes a rigid support (29)
having an aperture (30) therein. The assembly (2) further includes,
a locking device (41) positioned at least partially around aperture (30)
of rigid support (29). Locking device (41) includes at least one
shelf (44, 47) extending out over a portion of the first surface (32)
of rigid support (29). The shelf (e.g., 44) and a portion (e.g.,
53) of the first surface (32) of rigid support (29) residing
thereunder together define a tapered slot (e.g., 62), having an open end
(59) and a closed end (56). Thin film data storage carrier (e.g.,
111) is reversibly fixed to rigid support (29) by means of the tab
(e.g., 118 and 121) of data storage carrier (111) being reversibly
received within the tapered slot (e.g., 62 and 62), when
the thin film data storage carrier is in abutting relationship with the rigid support (29).