U.S. patent application number 10/613408 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-06 for space-saving compact disk holder.
Invention is credited to Adams, Richard L..
Application Number | 20050000923 10/613408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33552690 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050000923 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams, Richard L. |
January 6, 2005 |
Space-saving compact disk holder
Abstract
A space-saving compact disk holder holds compact disks in thin,
transparent sheaths without jewel cases. Each compact disk fits in
a sheath that is connected to a stack segment by a connector. The
stack segments have annular bodies that rotate about a common axis.
In one embodiment, the stack segments are modular and interlock
with one another. In another embodiment, a shaft passes through an
axial core of each stack segment, such that the stack segments form
a column. The stack segments rotate about a common axis such that
compact disks above a selected compact disk can be moved out of the
way to view and/or remove the selected compact disk from the
column. The compact disk holder is a base for a desk lamp.
Inventors: |
Adams, Richard L.; (Fremont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Darien K. Wallace
Silicon Edge Law Group LLP
Ste 245
6601 Koll Center Pkwy
Pleasanton
CA
94566
US
|
Family ID: |
33552690 |
Appl. No.: |
10/613408 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/40 ; 211/163;
211/168; G9B/33.019 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0472
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/040 ;
211/163; 211/168 |
International
Class: |
A47G 029/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a stack segment, the stack segment
having an annular body and an axial core; a sheath, the sheath
having a large pocket, the large pocket being approximately as
large as a compact disc; and a connector, the connector having a
distal end and a proximal end, the distal end connected to the
sheath and the proximal end connected to the stack segment.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheath is adapted to
receive and retain a compact disk.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is detachably
connected to the sheath, wherein the sheath has a small pocket, and
wherein the distal end of the connector fits into the small
pocket.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is detachably
connected to the stack segment, wherein the stack segment has a
female coupling, and wherein the proximal end of the connector fits
into the female coupling.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is detachably
connected to the stack segment, the stack segment having an outer
circumferential grove, the proximal end of the connector having an
open-ring coupling, the open-ring coupling snapping into the outer
circumferential grove and wrapping more than halfway around the
outer circumferential groove.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the axial core of the stack
segment has an axis, wherein the sheath is approximately planar,
and wherein the axis of the axial core is approximately orthogonal
to the sheath.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second stack
segment having a second annular body and a second axial core, the
axial core of the first-mentioned stack segment being aligned with
the second axial core such that the second stack segment is
rotatable relative to the first-mentioned stack segment about the
axial core.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second stack segment is
stacked on the first-mentioned stack segment to form a column of
stack segments.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a lamp is disposed atop the
column of stack segments.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a shaft, the
shaft passing through the axial core of the first-mentioned stack
segment and the second axial core.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheath is formed of clear
plastic.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is a flat, hard
piece of plastic.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stack segment and the
connector are integrally formed.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheath and the connector
are integrally formed.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheath includes a rigid
surface upon which the compact disc rests.
16. A method, comprising: (a) stacking a first stack segment on a
second stack segment to form a column of stack segments, wherein
the first stack segment has a first annular body and a first axial
core and the second stack segment has a second annular body and a
second axial core, the first axial core being aligned with the
second axial core such that the second stack segment is rotatable
relative to the first stack segment about the first axial core; and
(b) connecting a compact disk to the first stack segment such that
the compact disk is substantially orthogonal to the first axial
core.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: (c) inserting a
shaft through the first axial core and the second axial core such
that the first stack segment and the second stack segment are
rotatable about the shaft.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: (c) placing a lamp
atop the column of stack segments.
19. An apparatus, comprising: a plurality of modular stack
segments, each of said plurality of modular stack segments
rotatable about a central axis; and means for attaching a plurality
of compact disks to the plurality of modular stack segments, each
of said plurality of compact disks having a thickness and being
orthogonal to the central axis, each of said plurality of compact
disks being separated in a dimension of the central axis from
another of said plurality of compact disks by less than four times
the thickness.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the means employs a sheath.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage of
compact disks, and more specifically to a space-saving apparatus
for storing compact disks.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Compact disks have become a common medium for storing data,
such as computer programs, music files and motion pictures. Digital
video disks are a similar medium used to store data in a
higher-density format. A person today commonly possesses many
digital video disks and compact disks and must find a place to
store the many disks.
[0003] There are several conventional means of storing digital
video disks and compact disks (herein together referred to as CDs).
Conventional CD storage units are often intended to store
pre-recorded CDs and hold the CDs in their original jewel cases.
Even the newer, thinner jewel cases are many times thicker than the
CDs themselves. Thus, storing CDs in their jewel cases takes up
more space than storing the CDs alone. CDs can be stored by
stacking them on a rod that passes through the holes in the CDs. It
is difficult, however, to identify individual CDs in a stack of
CDs.
[0004] FIG. 1A (prior art) shows a storage rack assembly 10 for
CDs. Rack assembly 10 stacks CDs using clips that are rotatably
mounted to a rod 11. A jewel case 12 containing a CD clips into a
rack unit 13. Rack unit 13 has a lug 14 with a cylindrical hole and
a clip portion 15. Rod 11 passes through the cylindrical hole, and
rack unit 13 rotates about the axis of rod 11.
[0005] FIG. 1B (prior art) shows rack unit 13 in more detail. A
side of jewel case 12 clips into rack clip portion 15 of rack unit
13. Jewel case 12 holds a CD 16 that is many times thinner than
jewel case 12. CD 16 rests on a base 17 within jewel case 12. Rack
assembly 10 allows an individual jewel case within a stack of jewel
cases to be to be viewed by rotating the individual jewel case out
from under jewel cases above the individual jewel case. Where a
large number of CDs are stored, however, it is difficult to make a
selection because a limited number of jewel cases fit on rod 11. A
search for a particular CD would cover multiple storage rack
assemblies on multiple rods. Storing a large number of CDs in
storage rack assembly 10 requires space to store the associated
jewel cases.
[0006] Thus, a holder for CDs is sought that saves space by storing
CDs without their jewel cases but nevertheless allows an individual
CD within a stack of CDs to be to be viewed.
SUMMARY
[0007] A space-saving compact disk holder holds compact disks in
thin, transparent sheaths without jewel cases. Each compact disk
fits in a sheath that is connected to a stack segment by a
connector. The stack segments have annular bodies that are
rotatable about a common axis. In one embodiment, the stack
segments are modular and interlock with one another. In another
embodiment, a shaft passes through an axial core of each stack
segment, such that the stack segments form a column.
[0008] The stack segments are rotatable about a common axis such
that compact disks above a selected compact disk can be moved out
of the way to view and/or remove the selected compact disk from the
column. The compact disk holder is a base for a desk lamp.
[0009] Other embodiments and advantages are described in the
detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define
the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like
components, illustrate embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1A (prior art) is a side view of a prior art storage
rack assembly for CDs.
[0012] FIG. 1B (prior art) is a partial cross-sectional view of a
rack unit of the storage rack assembly of FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a side view of one embodiment of a stack segment
used to hold CDs.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the stack segment
of FIG. 2A.
[0015] FIG. 2C is a top-down view of the stack segment of FIG.
2A.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top-down view of a connector with an open-ring
coupling used to hold CDs.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of five stack segments
stacked to form a column of stack segments.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of five stacked stack segments each
holding a CD.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top-down view of a stack segment connected to a
sheath by a connector.
[0020] FIG. 7A is a side view of another embodiment of a stack
segment used to hold CDs.
[0021] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side view of the stack segment
of FIG. 7A.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of three stacked stack
segments of the type shown in FIG. 7A.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top-down view of a sheath connected by a
connector to a stack segment of the type shown in FIG. 7A.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a stack
segment used to hold CDs.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of the stack
segment of FIG. 10 aligned with a shaft.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a CD holder with stack segments and a lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of
the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0028] FIG. 2A shows a stack segment 19 according to a first
embodiment of a CD holder. Stack segment 19 has a spool-shaped,
annular body 20, with an upper disk 21, a lower disk 22 and a
circumferential groove 23 between upper disk 21 and lower disk 22.
Stack segment 19 has a barrel-shaped extension 24. Barrel-shaped
extension 24 has a ring snap fitting 25.
[0029] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of stack segment 19
showing annular body 20 and an axial core 26 with a snap groove 27.
Axial core 26 functions as a receiving chamber. A barrel-shaped
extension of a stack segment disposed immediately above stack
segment 19 fits into axial core 26. A ring snap fitting of a stack
segment disposed immediately above stack segment 19 fits into snap
groove 27.
[0030] FIG. 2C is a top-down view of stack segment 19 showing upper
disk 21. Circumferential groove 23 is shown with a dashed line.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a connector 28 with a
proximal end 29 and a distal end 30. Proximal end 29 of connector
28 has an open-ring coupling 31.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of stack segment 19
stacked on four other stack segments to form a column 32 of stack
segments. Stack segment 19 is stacked on top of a second stack
segment 33 such that ring snap fitting 25 of stack segment 19 fits
into a snap groove 34 of second stack segment 33. Axial core 26 of
stack segment 19 is centered around axis 35. Each of the stack
segments of column 32 can rotate about axis 35.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a side view of column 32 of stack segments, also
showing a cross section of five associated connectors and five CDs
in sheaths. Stack segment 19 is stacked on top of column 32.
Connector 28 connects stack segment 19 to a sheath 36 holding a CD
37. Sheath 36 holds CD 37 in a large pocket 38. Distal end 30 of
connector 28 fits into a small pocket 39 of sheath 36. Open-ring
coupling 31 on proximal end 29 of connector 28 snaps into
circumferential groove 23 and wraps more than halfway around
circumferential groove 23. The bottom stack segment of column 32
can be snapped into a stable base to support column 32. Each of the
five sheaths is planar and each is orthogonal to axis 35.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a top-down view of stack segment 19 connected to
sheath 36 by connector 28. Circumferential groove 23 is shown as a
dashed line. Open-ring coupling 31 on proximal end 29 of connector
28 snaps around circumferential groove 23. Distal end 30 of
connector 28 fits snuggly into small pocket 39 of sheath 36. CD 37
is shown as a dashed line within large pocket 38 of sheath 36. The
diameter of CD 37 is approximately 12 centimeters. The annular body
20 of stack segment 19 has a diameter of approximately 10
centimeters. Column 32 is stabilized by the relatively large
diameter of its component stack segments.
[0035] In the first embodiment, sheath 36 is made of a stiff, clear
plastic, such as that used to make liner sleeves of loose-leaf
notebooks. CD 37, as well as writing and pictures on the face of CD
37, can be seen through the clear plastic. Upper and lower flaps of
large pocket 38 are bonded together by annealing at a high
temperature. The upper and lower flaps are connected at seam 40. An
additional flap is connected to the upper flap of large pocket 38
at seam 41 and forms small pocket 39.
[0036] In other embodiments, sheath 36, connector 28 and stack
segment 19 are integrally formed of one piece of rigid plastic.
[0037] FIG. 7A is a side view of a second embodiment of a CD
holder. Stack segment 42 has a washer-shaped, annular body 43 and a
barrel-shaped extension 44. Barrel-shaped extension 44 has a ring
snap fitting 45. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of stack segment
42 showing annular body 43 and an axial core 46 with a snap groove
47. A female coupling 48 is formed in annular body 43. Female
coupling 48 has a semi-spherical groove 49.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows stack segment 42 stacked on two other similar
stack segments. FIG. 8 also shows a cross section of three
associated connectors and three CDs in sheaths. Ring snap fitting
45 of stack segment 42 fits into a snap groove of a stack segment
below stack segment 42. Axial core 46 of stack segment 42, as well
as the axial cores of the other two stack segments, can rotate
about an axis 50. Sheath 36 holding CD 37 is shown connected to
stack segment 42 by a rectangular connector 51. A distal end 52 of
connector 51 fits into small pocket 39 of sheath 36. A proximal end
53 of connector 51 snaps into female coupling 48. Connector 51 has
a ball snap fitting 54 that snaps into semi-spherical groove
49.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a top-down view of sheath 36 connected to stack
segment 42 by connector 51. Ball snap fitting 54 fits into
semi-spherical groove 49. A second ball snap fitting on connector
51 opposite ball snap fitting 54 snaps into a second semi-spherical
groove within female coupling 48. The annular body 43 of stack
segment 42 has a diameter of about 15 centimeters.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment
of a CD holder. Stack segment 55 is washer-shaped and has an axial
core 56. Stack segment 55 has a female coupling 57 with a
semi-spherical groove 58.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows axial core 56 of stack segment 55 aligned with
a shaft 59 and an axial core 60 of a second stack segment 61. Stack
segment 55, second stack segment 61 and rod 59 are aligned such
that shaft 59 can pass through axial core 60 and then through axial
core 56. Female coupling 57 within stack segment 55 is shown with
dashed lines. Second stack segment 61 is shown with a female
coupling 62.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a CD holder 63 that comprises a plurality of
stack segments, including stack segment 55. The plurality of stack
segments form a column 64 of stack segments. Sheath 36 contains CD
37. Sheath 36 is connected by connector 51 to a stack segment at
the bottom of column 64. A shaft 65 passes through an axial core of
each of the plurality of stack segments of column 64. A lamp 66 is
disposed at the top of shaft 65. A heavy, stable base 67 supports
shaft 65. A cord 68 attached to base 67 provides CD holder 63 and
lamp 66 with a power supply.
[0043] In one embodiment, lamp 66 includes a bundle of optical
fibers. The bundle extends upward from a light source in base 67
and through the central core of the stack segments. The upper ends
of the fibers fan out from one another above the top most stack
segment of the column. The light source in the base emits light
that travels up the optical fibers and is transmitted out of the
upper ends of the optical fibers. The light source may be a
kaleidoscope type source that changes the colors of light
transmitted through the optical fibers. Light from the optical
fibers may, for example, be made to move and dance on the ceiling
of a darkened room when the optical fibers are moved, for example
by a hand or wind currents.
[0044] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with certain specific embodiments for instructional
purposes, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one
embodiment, a stack segment and a compact disc holder are
integrally formed from a single piece of rigid plastic. The compact
disc holder may be a rigid surface upon which the compact disc
rests. The compact disc holder may have a central protruding peg
that friction fits into the axial hole in a compact disc such that
the compact disc is removably fixed onto the rigid compact disc
holder. Although stack segments are described above that interlock
with one another, stack segments in accordance with some
embodiments are smooth washer-shaped structures that can slide over
each other such that the axial cores of successive stack segments
going up the column are slightly displaced with respect to one
another. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and
combinations of various features of the described embodiments can
be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as
set forth in the claims.
* * * * *