CD storage sytem

Abstract

A compact disc (CD) storage system that includes a CD holder that may be pivotally snapped onto a CD plastic case, or pivotally attached to a display rack for easy viewing and “flipping” of CDs. The CD holder may be provided with a magnetic element for attachment to ferromagnetic strips. An adapter may be provided for mounting the CD display rack on to a mounting surface. A CD holder is also provided that permits easily and safely slipping CDs into and out of a pouch formed by two sheets joined together. A CD holder is also provided that is mountable in a disc storage recess of a computer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage systems for storing compact discs (CDs) and other video/audio storage media, such as DVD (digital video disc or digital versatile disc).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Compact discs are a well-known popular media for storing different kinds of information, such as audio, video and data. The discs themselves are relatively thin and are sold within a plastic protective case to prevent damage. Numerous compact discs can be quickly acquired by music enthusiasts and computer users, for example, which can lead to clutter and disorganization.

[0003] Various prior art compact disc storage racks are known in the art to provide a solution to this problem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,642 to Dardashti describes a CD storage tower having upright sides and slots for receiving individual compact disc cases. The upright tower configuration allows these racks to hold a large number of compact discs without requiring a large amount of floor space. However, a storage tower can be easily bumped or damaged by careless children playing near the storage tower. Another disadvantage is that only the narrow lateral surfaces of the CD cases are accessible or visible to the user, which can make quick and easy selection of a CD difficult. Furthermore, storage towers are not always particularly attractive, especially in rooms or offices that are also used to entertain guests or to meet with visitors or clients.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,007 to Beleckis et al. describes a filing unit for storage and retrieval of floppy discs. The unit includes a plurality of pockets or storage panels which can be removably stored in a modular holder and the holder itself can be combined with various other filing components, such as a storage binder having front and rear covers or a desk-top filing stand. The filing unit permits selection of a floppy disc by pivoting the holder about a bar. Although the filing unit could conceivably be used for storing CDs as well, nevertheless the unit suffers from several disadvantages. There are many parts, increasing cost and time of manufacture and assembly. It is cumbersome to add or remove filing units to or from the bar.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,953 to Bearth describes a CD storage device wherein CD cases are inserted into holder elements consisting of a flame and an interior inserting device. The holder elements are pivotally held in a hollow chamber of a stationary T-shaped profiled section. The CD storage device permits pivoting the CD cases while held in the T-shaped profiled section. However, the CD storage device suffers from a disadvantage in that the pivot member is slim and breakable. Moreover, if it is desired to add a CD in the middle of a row of CDs, it is required to spread apart the neighboring CDs by the width of the CD case, insert the new CD and its holder horizontally, and then turn the CD and holder until they are vertical. This is cumbersome and there is not always enough room to spread apart the neighboring CDs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide improved CD storage systems. The present invention may provide a CD holder that may be pivotally “clicked” or snapped onto a CD plastic case. This click-on CD holder may in turn be pivotally attached to a display rack for easy viewing and “flipping” of CDs. The CD holder may alternatively be provided with a magnetic element for attachment to ferromagnetic strips. The ferromagnetic strips may be easily mountable on a wall or other mounting surface, such as by a double-sided adhesive. The strips may be distanced from and aligned with each other by a separator, which may be provided in one convenient kit and sold for easy and quick do-it-yourself mounting.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, an adapter may be provided for mounting the CD display rack on to a computer monitor or any other desired mounting surface. The adapter may be provided with a rotary joint, which permits adjusting the angle of the CD display rack with respect to the computer monitor.

[0008] In an embodiment of the invention, a CD holder may permit easily and safely slipping CDs into and out of a pouch formed by two sheets joined together. An elongate aperture may be provided in the sheets to permit easy access to the CD stored in the pouch, and to permit quickly sliding the CD out of the pouch.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, a CD holder may be mountable in a disc storage recess of a computer. The CD holder may pivotally hold CDs therein. The CD holder may be coupled to a CD drive tray mechanism of the computer, wherein the CD drive tray mechanism moves the CD holder into and out of the disc storage recess.

[0010] Throughout the specification and claims the term CD not only refers to a compact disc but also to any other video/audio storage medium, such as but not limited to, DVDs and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a CD storage system, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a CD holder that snaps into pivoted engagement with a CD case;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a simplified exploded illustration of a slightly different version of the CD holder that snaps into pivoted engagement with a CD case;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a CD storage system, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising two spaced-apart ferromagnetic strips to which the CD holder of FIG. 1 may be magnetically attached;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a CD storage system, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a folded-open CD holder into which a CD may be inserted;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the CD holder of FIG. 4 in a fully-assembled closed configuration;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a simplified pictorial illustration of slipping a CD into the CD holder of FIG. 4;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the CD holder of FIG. 4 with the CD fully inserted therein;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a CD storage system, constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a rack to which CD holders of the present invention may be pivotally attached;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a CD holder useful with the rack of FIG. 8, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an adapter for the CD storage system of FIG. 8, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adapter permitting the rack to be mounted on a computer monitor and the like;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the adapter and rack mounted on a computer monitor; and

[0023] FIG. 12 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a CD storage system, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising a CD holder mounted in a disc storage recess of a computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a CD storage system 10, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a CD holder 12 is provided, preferably with a yoke-like shape with one or more lugs 14 protruding inwards from a pair of arms 16. Lugs 14 are adapted to snap into pivoted engagement with a pair of recesses 18 formed in a CD case 20, such as a familiar plastic jewel case. The pivoted engagement of lugs 14 in CD case 20 forms a rotary joint about which holder 12 may pivot.

[0025] Arms 16 preferably extend from a spine portion 22 of CD holder 12. One or more magnetic elements 24 are preferably secured to spine portion 22 of holder 12.

[0026] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a slightly different version of CD holder 12, with like elements being designated by like reference numerals. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, an intermediate element 15 is provided that snaps into fixed engagement with CD case 20. Intermediate element 15 preferably includes a pair of inwardly facing, oblong protrusions 19 that snap into engagement with elongate apertures 18′ of CD case 20. Intermediate element 15 has a pair of holes 17 formed therein, which receive lugs 14 of CD holder 12. Thus, intermediate element 15 is fixedly secured to CD case 20 and is pivotally engaged with CD holder 12. A narrow magnetic element 24′ may be affixed to spine portion 22 of CD holder 12, such as by bonding thereto, for example. It is appreciated that this is just one example of the construction and attachment of intermediate element 15 and CD holder 12, and other constructions are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, lugs 14 may be provided on intermediate element 15 and corresponding holes 17 may be formed on CD holder 12.

[0027] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates an addition to the CD storage system 10, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, two ferromagnetic strips 26 are provided to which the magnetic elements 24 or 24′ of CD holder 12 may be magnetically attached. Ferromagnetic strips 26 may be made of any suitable ferromagnetic material, such as iron or certain stainless steels. As seen in FIG. 1, magnetic elements 24 are spaced form each other by a certain distance. Accordingly, ferromagnetic strips 26 are preferably spaced apart from each other by the same distance. To facilitate the correct spacing apart of strips 26, a spacer element 28 may be provided that is sized to separate strips 26 from each other in alignment with the distance by which the magnetic elements 24 are spaced from each other. Spacer element 28, which may span part or all of the length of strips 26, may be sold together with the rest of CD storage system 10 as an easy and quick do-it-yourself kit.

[0028] Ferromagnetic strips 26 may include an adhesive for bonding to a mounting surface 30. For example, strips 26 may include a double-sided adhesive 32 for bonding to mounting surface 30.

[0029] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5, which illustrate a CD storage system 40, constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. CD storage system 40 includes a CD holder 42 comprising a pair of sheets 44 joined together at peripheral edges 46 thereof to form a pouch 48 with an opening 50. The term joining in the present invention includes snap fitting, sonic welding, bonding, attaching with VELCRO strips, or sewing, for example, or any other suitable method of joining sheets together. By way of example only, in the illustrated embodiment, protrusions 52 formed on edges of sheets 44 snap fit with corresponding recesses 54. Sheets 44 are preferably hinged together at an edge 56.

[0030] At least one of sheets 44 has an elongate aperture 58 formed therein. Elongate aperture 58 is useful for pushing out a CD 60 from pouch 48, as is now explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As seen in FIG. 6, CD 60 is introduced into pouch 48 through opening 50. Sheets 44 are preferably formed with a pair of opposing constriction members 62 aligned on opposing sides of elongate aperture 58. Constriction members 62 abut the periphery of CD 60 as it is pushed into pouch 48, thereby providing a positive locking effect once CD 60 is fully pushed into pouch 48 (FIG. 7). When CD 60 is fully pushed into pouch 48, the center 64 of CD 60 is generally at the end of elongate aperture 58. Elongate aperture 58 provides access to physically contact CD 60, which is placed in pouch 48, For example, a user (not shown) can place his/her finger through elongate aperture 58 and push or slip CD 60 out of pouch 48 with a pushing motion directed generally along a longitudinal axis 66 of elongate aperture 58, as indicated by an arrow 68 in FIG. 7. Thus, CD storage system 40 provides an easy, quick and convenient way of storing and retrieving CDs.

[0031] Sheets 44 may be formed with one or more lugs 70 extending from the peripheral edge 46, preferably near hinged edge 56. Lugs 70 may be pivotingly snapped into a CD display rack 82, described further in detail hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 8. Additionally or alternatively, sheets 44 may be formed with one or more holes 72, so that CD holder 42 may be received in a ring binder 74 used to store CDs.

[0032] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which illustrates a CD storage system 80, constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. CD storage system 80 includes a display rack 82 with a plurality of inner apertures 83 formed therein. Apertures 83 are arranged and adapted to pivotally receive therein lugs extending from a CD holder of the present invention. For example, lugs 70 of CD holder 42 may be inserted into apertures 83, thereby enabling CD holder 42 to be pivoted about apertures 83. Accordingly, two generally parallel rows (upper and lower) of apertures 83 are preferably formed in display rack 82 to receive lugs 70. The display rack 82 may be provided with one or more legs 85 for placement upon a mounting surface.

[0033] As another alternative, a CD holder 86 may be provided (shown in FIG. 9) which is similar in construction to intermediate element 15 or CD holder 12, described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2. CD holder 86 preferably includes a pair of inwardly facing, oblong protrusions 87 that snap into engagement with elongate apertures of a CD case, such as elongate apertures 18′ of CD case 20 in FIG. 2. CD holder 86 preferably has one or more lugs 88 protruding inwards from a pair of arms 89. Lugs 88 are adapted to snap into pivoted engagement with a plurality of outer apertures 84 formed in display rack 82. Accordingly, two generally parallel rows (upper and lower) of apertures 84 are preferably formed in display rack 82 to receive lugs 88. (Inner apertures 83 do not necessarily have to be aligned with outer apertures 84.) The pivoted engagement of lugs 88 in rack 82 forms a rotary joint about which holder 86 may pivot.

[0034] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10 and 11, which illustrate an adapter 90 for the CD storage system 80 of FIG. 8, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Adapter 90 preferably comprises a swivel base 92 and a carrier member 94 pivotally attached to swivel base 92 with a rotary joint 96. Swivel base 92 includes a mounting device 98, such as one or more VELCRO strips, that permit mounting adapter 90 on a computer monitor 100 (FIG. 11). It is readily appreciated that VELCRO strips are just one example of a suitable mounting device, and many other kinds of mounting devices or bonding means may be used as well. Carrier member 94 may be attached in any suitable manner to display rack 82, such as by snap fit, mechanical fasteners, adhesive and the like, for example. The rotary joint 96 permits adjusting the angular attitude of the CD storage systems 90 and 80 with respect to computer monitor 100, making the CDs stored in the system readily accessible.

[0035] Reference is now made to FIGS. 12 and 13, which illustrate a CD storage system 120, constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. CD storage system 120 includes a CD holder 122 that may be mounted in a disc storage recess 124 of a computer 126. As seen best in FIG. 13, CD holder 122 preferably comprises a box-like structure with side walls 128 formed with apertures, recesses or grooves 130 to pivotally receive therein lugs extending from a CD holder of the present invention. For example, as described similarly hereinabove for the display rack 82 with reference to FIG. 8, lugs 70 of CD holder 42 may be inserted into apertures 130, thereby enabling CD holder 42 to be pivoted about apertures 130. CD holder 122 may have a cover door 132 (omitted in FIG. 12 for the sake of clarity), which may be opened about a hinge 134 by grasping and pulling on a handle 136.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, CD holder 122 is simply manually pushed in or pulled out of storage recess 124 of a computer 126. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, CD holder 122 is attached to a CD drive tray mechanism 138. CD holder 122 may be brought out of or inserted into disc storage recess 124 of computer 126 by actuation of CD drive tray mechanism 138. Cover door 132 may be coupled to CD drive tray mechanism 138, so that cover door 132 is automatically opened by the action of CD drive tray mechanism 138 moving out CD holder 122 from disc storage recess 124. CD holder 122 not only enables storing CDs, but also floppy discs and stationery items and the like in a convenient manner.

[0037] It will be appreciated by person skilled in the art, that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims that follow:

Claims

1. A compact disc (CD) storage system comprising: a display rack with a plurality of apertures formed therein, said apertures being arranged and adapted to pivotally receive therein lugs extending from a holder member for a CD.

2. The system according to claim 1 and further comprising an adapter attachable to said display rack and mountable on a computer monitor.

3. The system according to claim 2 wherein said adapter comprises a rotary joint, wherein said adapter is pivotable about said rotary joint.

4. The system according to claim 2 wherein said adapter comprises a swivel base and a carrier member attached to said swivel base with said rotary joint, said swivel base comprising a mounting device mountable on a computer monitor and said carrier member being attachable to said display rack.

5. A compact disc (CD) storage system comprising: a CD holder comprising a pair of sheets joined together at peripheral edges thereof to form a pouch with an opening adapted for inserting therethrough a CD into said pouch, wherein at least one of said sheets has an elongate aperture formed therein adapted for gaining access through said aperture to physically contact a CD placed in said pouch and push said CD out of said pouch with a pushing motion directed generally along a longitudinal axis of said aperture.

6. The system according to claim 5 wherein said sheets are formed with a pair of opposing constriction members aligned on opposing sides of said elongate aperture, said constriction members being adapted to abut a periphery of a CD passing into said pouch.

7. The system according to claim 5 wherein said sheets are formed with at least one lug extending from a peripheral edge of said sheets.

8. The system according to claim 5 wherein said sheets are formed with at least one hole adapted to be received in a ring binder used to store CDs.

9. A compact disc (CD) storage system comprising: a holder attachable to a CD case, said holder comprising a rotary joint; at least one magnetic element secured to said holder; and a pair of ferromagnetic strips spaced apart from each other, said strips being adapted to magnetically secure said holder thereto and being attachable to a mounting surface.

10. The system according to claim 9 wherein said strips comprise an adhesive for bonding to a mounting surface.

11. The system according to claim 9 wherein said strips comprise double-sided adhesive for bonding to a mounting surface.

12. The system according to claim 9 wherein said holder comprises a pair of said magnetic elements spaced apart from each other by a distance, and further comprising a spacer element adapted to separate said strips from each other in alignment with the distance by which the magnetic elements are spaced from each other.

13. A compact disc (CD) storage system comprising: a CD holder mountable in a disc storage recess of a computer.

14. The system according to claim 13 and further comprising a CD drive tray mechanism to which said CD holder is coupled, wherein said CD drive tray mechanism is adapted to move said CD holder into and out of said disc storage recess.

15. The system according to claim 13 wherein said CD holder comprises a box-like structure with side walls formed with apertures.

16. The system according to claim 14 wherein said CD holder comprises a cover door.

17. The system according to claim 16 wherein said cover door is coupled to said CD drive tray mechanism.