U.S. patent application number 10/448956 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for pivotable disc holder.
Invention is credited to Schulz, Eric.
Application Number | 20040238462 10/448956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33451649 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040238462 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulz, Eric |
December 2, 2004 |
Pivotable disc holder
Abstract
The present invention relates to a disc storage device with a
horizontal base platform, which supports at least one platform
support post rigidly attached to the base platform. The device also
has rotatable disc-holding platforms with tubular spacers rotatably
mounted on each post in a stacked spaced array. The stacked
rotatable disc platforms rotate into a stacked storage array and
pivot out of the array for easy access to and return of the discs.
Each disc fits securely over a center post on the platform with the
post friction fit into the center hole of the disc. More than one
disc may be placed on each disc holding platform. The tubular
spacers located between the disc platforms space apart the disc
platforms to prevent the discs from contacting each other and
contacting other disc holding platforms. The disc storage device
may hold discs of different sizes.
Inventors: |
Schulz, Eric; (Cerritos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald W. Meeker
Patent Agent
924 East Ocean Front #E
Newport Beach
CA
92661
US
|
Family ID: |
33451649 |
Appl. No.: |
10/448956 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/40 ; 211/163;
211/168; G9B/33.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0477
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/040 ;
211/163; 211/168 |
International
Class: |
A47G 029/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disc storage device for storing and retrieving flat circular
discs with center openings having electronic information storage
capability, the disc storage device comprising: a horizontal base
platform supporting at least one platform support post rigidly
attached to the base platform; a series of disc holding platforms
each individually mounted by a pivotable means in a spaced stacked
array along the length of the at least one platform support post,
each of the disc holding platforms having at least one flat storage
surface with at least one upwardly protruding disc support post,
each of the disc holding platforms capable of pivoting out of the
spaced stacked array for receiving at least one flat circular disc
mounted thereon with the disc support post in a center opening of
the flat circular disc and each of the disc holding platforms
further capable pivoting back into the spaced stacked array for
storage.
2. The disc storage device of claim 1 wherein each of the disc
holding platforms has a platform opening therethrough capable of
fitting on the at least one vertical post, the platform opening
comprising the pivotable means.
3. The disc storage device of claim 2 wherein each of the disc
holding platforms further comprises at least one vertical tubular
extension attached to the disc holding platform in communication
with the platform opening and the at least one tubular extension is
capable of fitting pivotally over the at least one vertical post
and the at least one vertical extension spaces each of the disc
holding platforms apart from an adjacent disc holding platform.
4. The disc storage device of claim 3 wherein each of the disc
holding platforms is formed of molded synthetic material with the
at least one tubular extension formed in the molding process.
5. The disc storage device of claim 2 further comprising a series
of tubular elements, each of the tubular elements capable of
fitting pivotally over the at least one vertical post and each of
the tubular elements positioned between two adjacent disc storage
platforms to space apart the two adjacent disc storage
platforms.
6. The disc storage device of claim 2 wherein each of the at least
one flat storage surfaces comprises a smooth circular plane
defining at least one outer portion of the disc holding platform
with the at least one upwardly protruding disc support post in the
center of the smooth circular plane, the smooth circular plane
configured with a smaller diameter than the circular disc so that
the circular disc protrudes beyond an outer edge of the disc
holding platform and the circular disc is easily grasped and
removed from the circular plane.
7. The disc storage device of claim 6 wherein the smooth circular
plane comprises the main structure of the disc support platform and
further comprising a protruding tab extending from the smooth
circular plane, the protruding tab having the platform opening
therethrough.
8. The disc storage device of claim 6 comprising two spaced apart
smooth circular planes comprising the main structure of the disc
support platform and further comprising a connecting tab between
the two smooth circular planes, the connecting tab having the
platform opening therethrough.
9. The disc storage device of claim 1 further comprising a cover
means attached to a top end of the at least one platform support
post to retain the series of disc holding platforms thereon.
10. The disc storage device of claim 9 wherein the cover means
covers at least a portion of the series of the disc holding
platforms in a stacked storage position, the cover means being
configured to match the configuration of the horizontal base
platform.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a device for storing and
displaying electronic storage media and, in particular, to a method
and apparatus for convenient storage and display of circular
electronic storage discs having central openings.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] 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.
[0005] Jewel boxes and other cases for holding discs are often
difficult to open and not easily accessed when stored together in a
case or cabinet.
[0006] Prior art patents have not adequately addressed the problem
of disc storage and retrieval.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,703, issued Jan. 7, 2003 to Scherer,
provides a method and apparatus for storing and displaying
electronic storage media that includes a longitudinally extending
rod and a storage media container adapted to receive the rod. A
bore is provided in the storage media container through which the
rod engages the storage media container. A hinge provided such that
the storage media container can be opened while in engagement with
the rod. An end bulb adapted to pass through the bore in the
storage media container and be in interference contact with the
bore at a point during the passing and a base adapted to removably
engage an end of the rod is also included. The longitudinally
extending rod is mounted such that the rod is able to engage a
plurality of storage media containers concurrently. The storage
media container is adapted to hingedly open while in engagement
with the longitudinally extending rod.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,119, issued Aug. 8, 1995 to Chow,
indicates a storage rack that consists of a base, a substantially
vertical support rod and a plurality of storage clips rotatably
mounted on the rod. Each clip is adapted to retain the corner of a
CD-case lying in a predetermined first plane relative thereto and
to permit the CD-case so retained to be opened. The clip is
arranged so that the retained CD-case and the axis of rotation of
the clip about the support rod are positioned relative to one
another that rotation by no more than about 90-degrees is
sufficient to remove a CD-case from the stack and enable it to be
opened. The clips consist of a support shelf, first and second
retaining walls that engage the edges of the CD-case and a
cantilevered gripping member which grips the hinge region of the
case. Rotation by no more than about 90-degrees enables the rack to
be used where space is at a premium and also means that the printed
matter in a swung-out CD-case runs, from a user's point of view,
from left to right, enabling convenient verification that the
correct choice has been made.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,315, issued Aug. 3, 1999 to Lorentz,
shows a modular storage and display device for essentially flat
containers. The display device has a vertically retained column and
a plurality of connecting members mounted on the column. The
connecting members have a pair of resiliently displaceable gripping
arms integrally formed at one portion of the connecting members.
The arms are adapted to snap fit around the column so the
connecting member is rotatable around and slidable along the
longitudinal axis of the column. A system for gripping an edge
portion of the container is disposed on another portion of the
connecting member.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,684, issued Dec. 16, 1997 to Gyovai,
claims a storage device for flat objects that includes a main body
inform of a stack of overlying support members between a base and a
cover. Each support member is formed by a tray for storing a flat
object and a mounting part secured to the tray and swingably
mounted to a vertical rod that extends eccentrically to a center
axis of the main body between the cover and the base. Thus, the
support members can be swung in substantial horizontal direction
between a closed position and an open position in which the tray is
accessible for depositing or removing a flat object.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,397, issued Jan. 31, 1995 to Chow,
illustrates a stackable storage rack that receives thin, flat
objects such as compact disc cases. The rack includes a turntable
with radially extending grooves for receiving the objects. The base
has portions thereof extending radially outwards beyond the
turntable. There is a spindle and bearing for rotatably mounting
the turntable on the base. A plurality of elongated rods extend
perpendicularly from the top of the base on the portions thereof.
There are sockets on the bottom of the base for releasibly
receiving tops of rods of another rack. A plurality of racks can
thereby be stacked one upon the other.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,244, issued Dec. 6, 1994 to Peng,
describes a compact disk container storage device that comprises a
bracket which has a left edge and a right edge, a plurality of
horizontal arms extending from the left edge, and a plurality of
tubular portions corresponding to the horizontal arms provided at
the right edge. A plurality of spring clips are each pivotally
connected between every two of the tubular portions of said
bracket. Each of said spring clips are formed with a left side limb
and a right side limb, each has an inwardly curved portion at the
end. A central limb is located between the two side limbs and has a
front lug at the end, a first rear lug between the central limb and
the right side limb, a second rear lug between the central limb and
the left side limb, and a loop portion between the right side limb
and the first rear lug.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,028, issued Sep. 6, 1994 to Angele,
discloses a storage apparatus particularly for compact discs that
are arranged in hinge boxes that include a clip means. The clip
means has a U-shaped bracket. There are at least two legs spaced to
correspond to the depth of the box. The brackets include a hole
with a ring extension for receiving a rod insertable to hold the
clip means and thereby stack the CDs on the rod.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,397, issued Dec. 17, 1996 to Cheng,
concerns a compact disk storage and dispensing rack that includes a
base and, rising from the base in a use position of the rack, a
support rod. A plurality of storage receptacles each for
accommodating one of a plurality of compact disks is mounted on
successive sections of the support rod for pivoting about mutually
parallel axes along movement planes that are parallel to one
another and inclined to a predetermined extent with respect to the
horizontal as considered in the use position of the rack. Each of
the storage receptacles is hollow and has a region that is remote
from the support rod and is open to permit egress and ingress of
the respective compact disk out of and into the respective
receptacle. Each of the storage receptacles is movable between its
storage position in which the remote region is situated higher and
a dispensing position in which it is situated lower than the region
surrounding the support rod. Each of the storage receptacles
accommodates the respective compact disk with freedom of at least
limited movement out of the other region and back so that the
compact disk tends to slide out of the respective storage
receptacle in the course of its movement towards its dispensing
position. This movement is limited by respective detaining portions
of the respective storage rack that are to be forced out of the
path of movement of the disk during its ingress and particularly
during its egress. A vertical wall serves as an abutment retaining
the storage receptacles in their storage positions.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,743 issued Oct. 24, 1989 to Gelardi,
depicts an apparatus for storing a plurality of disc-shaped
recording media that includes a housing and a plurality of thin,
substantially C-shaped lever members, each of which has an inner
circumferential surface for holding a disc-shaped recording media
by an outer circumferential surface of the recording media. Each
lever member is pivotally connected to the housing by a pivot post
and is pivotally movable into and out of the housing. A lock
mechanism prevents the lever members from pivoting out of the
housing, while a detent mechanism holds the unlocked lever members
in either a closed or open position. The inner circumferential
surface of the C-shaped lever members subtends an angle greater
than 180-degrees in order to create a spring force in two arms of
the lever member, the spring force acting to hold the disc-shaped
recording media on the circumferential surface of the lever
member.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 3,337,059, issued Aug. 22, 1967 to LeHoy,
provides a disc holder that includes a series of peripheral frames
pivotally mounted on a central holder; adjacent horizontal members
that have upper and lower opposed grooves. The lower groove of each
has a resilient, deformable foam plastic strip mounted therein. The
adjacent horizontal members are closer together than the diameter
of the disc or the width of a phonograph album so that when placed
in the lower groove pressing on the disc depresses the plastic and
the top of the disc may be placed in the upper groove. On release
of pressure the plastic resumes its natural shape and the disc is
releasably held in vertical position in the upper and lower
grooves.
[0017] What is needed is a disc storage device that allows easy
access and return of discs to the storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide rotatable
disc-holding platforms with spacers rotatably mounted to posts for
a disc storage device that allows easy access and return of discs
to storage.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide
stacked rotatable disc platforms that rotate into a stacked storage
array and pivot out of the array for easy access to the discs each
of which fits securely over a center post on the platform with the
post friction fit into the center hole of the disc.
[0020] One more object of the present invention is to provide
tubular spacers between disc platforms spacing apart the disc
platforms to prevent the discs from contacting each other and
prevent the discs from contacting other disc holding platforms to
prevent damage or scratching of the discs.
[0021] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
stacked rotatable disc platforms that may hold different sized
discs, such as GameCube.TM. size or standard uniform sizes.
[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide
stacked rotatable disc platforms that may hold more than one disc
on each disc support platform.
[0023] A contributory object of the present invention is to provide
stacked rotatable disc platforms that may be provided with plastic
dust sleeves.
[0024] An added object of the present invention is to provide
stacked rotatable disc platforms that may have a portion or
portions made from a glow-in-the-dark material.
[0025] In brief, a disc storage device that has a horizontal base
platform that supports at least one platform support post rigidly
attached to the base platform. The disc storage device has
rotatable disc-holding platforms with spacers rotatably mounted to
one or more posts for a disc storage device that allows easy access
and return of discs to the storage.
[0026] The stacked rotatable disc platforms rotate into a stacked
storage array and pivot out of the array for easy access to the
discs each of which fits securely over a center post on the
platform with the post friction fit into the center hole of the
disc. The tubular spacers located between the disc platforms space
apart the disc platforms to prevent the discs from contacting each
other and prevent the discs from contacting other disc holding
platforms. The disc storage device may hold different sized discs,
such as GameCube.TM. size or standard uniform sizes. The stacked
rotatable disc platforms of the disc storage device may hold more
than one disc on each disc support post.
[0027] An advantage of the present invention is that it allows easy
access and return of the discs to storage.
[0028] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a neat and orderly way to store discs.
[0029] A still further advantage of the present invention is that
it prevents damage and scratching of the discs.
[0030] An additional advantage of the present invention is that it
may be used for different sizes of discs.
[0031] One more advantage of the present invention is that it is
inexpensive to manufacture.
[0032] A further advantage of the present invention is that it may
be broken down for compact shipping.
[0033] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is
easily assembled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] These and other details of my invention will be described in
connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only
by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and
in which drawings:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the disc holder of the present invention having an X-shaped base
and top and four vertical posts with spaced horizontal disc storage
platforms each with a center post to receive a disc, the disc
platforms shown pivoted in various orientations to indicate the 360
degree rotation capability of each platform on each post;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
disc holder of FIG. 1 with all of the disc platforms in the stored
position;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the disc holder of FIG. 1 with all of the disc
platforms in the stored position;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the disc holder of the present invention having a FIG. 8-shaped
base and top caps on each of two vertical posts with spaced
horizontal disc storage platforms each with a center post to
receive a disc, the disc platforms shown in the stored position
with two disc platforms on the left post pivoted out for disc
access;
[0039] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an underside of one of the
disc platforms with an attached tubular extension showing the
circular platform opening;
[0040] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an underside of one of the
disc platforms with no attached tubular extension, showing the
circular platform opening and a separate tubular element;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the alternate embodiment of the
disc holder of FIG. 4 with all of the disc platforms in the stored
position;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the disc holder of FIG. 4 with all of the disc
platforms in the stored position;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the disc holder of the present invention having double horizontal
disc storage platforms pivotable on each of two vertical posts,
each platform with two circular disc storage spaces each with a
center post to receive a disc, the disc platforms shown pivoted in
various orientations to indicate the 360 degree rotation capability
of each platform on each post;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the alternate embodiment of the
disc holder of FIG. 7 with all of the disc platforms in the stored
position;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the disc holder of FIG. 7 with all of the disc
platforms in the stored position.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0046] In FIGS. 1-9, a disc storage device 20A, 20B, and 20C is
shown that is for storing and retrieving flat circular discs 30
with center openings 31, which have electronic information storage
capability. The discs 30 may be CD's, DVD's, ROM's, game discs,
etc. and may be of different sizes, such as GameCube.TM. size or
normal uniform size. The disc storage device 20A, 20B, and 20C
comprises a horizontal base platform 21A, 21B and 21C that supports
at least one platform support post 22 which is rigidly attached to
the base platform 21A, 21B and 21C.
[0047] The disc storage device 20A, 20B, and 20C also comprises a
series of disc holding platforms 23 and 23A each has a pivotable
means, preferably a circular platform opening 27 which is
preferably formed in communication with a tubular extension 25
protruding orthogonally from the disc holding platform 23 and 23A.
Each disc holding platforms 23 and 23A is individually mounted in a
spaced stacked array along the length of the at least one platform
support post 22. Each of the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A has
at least one flat circular storage surface 28 with at least one
upwardly protruding disc support post 24 in the center. The
upwardly protruding disc support post 24 is capable of holding more
than one disc 30. Each of the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A is
capable of pivoting out of the spaced stacked array for receiving
at least one flat circular disc 30 mounted thereon with the disc
support post 24 in a center opening 31 of the flat circular disc
30. Each of the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A is further
capable pivoting back into the spaced stacked array for storage, as
shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9.
[0048] Each of the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A has a platform
opening 27 therethrough and is capable of fitting on the at least
one vertical post 22, the platform opening 27 comprises the
pivotable means. Each of the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A may
further comprise at least one vertical tubular extension 25
attached to the disc holding platform 23 and 23A in communication
with the platform opening 27. The at least one tubular extension 25
is capable of fitting pivotally over the at least one vertical post
22 and the at least one vertical extension 25 spaces each of the
disc holding platforms 23 and 23A apart from an adjacent disc
holding platform 23 and 23A.
[0049] The disc holding platforms 23 and 23A may be formed of
molded synthetic material with the at least one tubular extension
25 formed in the molding process, as shown in FIG. 4A. Alternately,
the disc storage device 20A, 20B, and 20C may further comprise a
series of tubular elements 15, as shown in FIG. 4B. Each of the
tubular elements 15 are capable of fitting pivotally over the at
least one vertical post 22 and each of the tubular elements 15
positioned between two adjacent disc storage platforms 23 and 23A
to space apart the two adjacent disc storage platforms 23 and 23A.
The tubular elements 15 may be used between disc holding platforms
23 with tubular extensions 25, as in FIG. 4A or disc holding
platforms 23 without tubular extensions, as in FIG. 4B.
[0050] The at least one flat storage surfaces comprises a smooth
circular plane 28 that defines at least one outer portion of the
disc holding platform 23 and 23A with the at least one upwardly
protruding disc support post 24 in the center of the smooth
circular plane 28. The smooth circular plane 28 is configured with
a smaller diameter than the circular disc 30 so that the circular
disc 30 protrudes beyond an outer edge of the disc holding platform
23 and 23A and the circular disc 30 is easily grasped and removed
from the circular plane 28, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7.
[0051] The smooth circular plane 28 comprises the main structure of
the disc support platform 23 and 23A and further comprising a
protruding tab 19 extending from the smooth circular plane 28. The
protruding tab 19 has the platform opening 27 therethrough, as
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0052] In FIGS. 7-9, the disc storage device 20C includes two
spaced apart smooth circular planes 28 that comprise the main
structure of the disc support platform 23A and further comprise a
connecting tab 18 between the two smooth circular planes 28. The
connecting tab 18 has the platform opening 27 therethrough, not
shown.
[0053] In FIGS. 4, 7 and 9, the disc storage device 20B and 20C
further comprise a cover means 26B attached to a top end of the at
least one platform support post 22 to retain the series of disc
holding platforms 23 and 23A thereon.
[0054] In FIGS. 1-3, the disc storage device 20A comprises a cover
means 26A that covers at least a portion of the series of the disc
holding platforms 23 in a stacked storage position, as shown in
FIG. 2. The cover means 26A is configured to match the
configuration of the horizontal base platform 21A, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0055] In FIG. 5, retention posts 29 may be used to limit the
movement of the disc holding platforms and align them evenly in a
storage array.
[0056] The disc storage device 20A, 20B and 20C may be manufactured
from a glow-in-the-dark material, and may be further provided with
dust sleeves with each unit.
[0057] In practice, the disc storage device 20A, 20B or 20C would
be assembled by affixing the vertical posts 22 to the base 21A, 21B
or 21C. The disc holding platforms 23 and 23A would then be stacked
onto the vertical posts 22 by aligning the platform openings 27 and
tubular extensions 25 with the vertical posts 22 and lowering the
disc holding platforms down onto the vertical posts 22 in a stacked
array with the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A separated by the
tubular extensions 25 and tubular elements 15.
[0058] The disc holding platforms 23 and 23A may be formed of
molded synthetic material with the at least one tubular extension
25 formed in the molding process, attached to the disc holding
platforms 23 and 23A. Alternately, tubular elements 15 may be used
as spacers. Each of the tubular elements 15 may fit pivotally over
the at least one vertical post 22 and positioned between two
adjacent disc storage platforms 23 and 23A to space them apart.
After the desired number of disc storage platforms 23 and 23A are
stacked onto the vertical posts 22, a cover means 26A or 26B is
attached to a top end of the vertical posts 22 to retain the series
of disc holding platforms 23 and 23A, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and
7.
[0059] Once assembled, each of the disc holding platforms 23 and
23A is capable of pivoting out of the spaced stacked array for
receiving at least one flat circular disc 30 mounted thereon with
the disc support post 24 in a center opening 31 of the flat
circular disc 30. The circular disc 30, which overlaps the circular
edge of the circular plane 28 may also be easily grasped and
removed from the disc holding platforms 23 and 23A. Each of the
disc holding platforms 23 and 23A is further capable pivoting back
into the spaced stacked array for storage, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6
and 9.
[0060] It is understood that the preceding description is given
merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the
invention and that various modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *