Recorded Music Type Patents (Class 211/40)
  • Patent number: 6050425
    Abstract: A storage rack, preferably for storage of computer diskettes and CD roms, includes a base, rear panel, and a pair of arms upon which the items to be stored are arrayed in a tiered, upright orientation. The arms are provided with a series of slots, the side walls of which support items of a first width. The slots have an intermediate wall which divides the slot into two smaller-width slots. The walls of the smaller-width slots support items of a second width. The storage rack may be fabricated from a unitary sheet of material. The rear panel, base and arms are joined as required by integral hinge areas, which allow the rack to be assembled from a flat configuration without separating the individual elements. In the flat, unassembled state the rack is especially well adapted for shipping, and can be bound into periodicals and the like for promotional purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kantek, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman Kappel, Gregory Carbonaro
  • Patent number: 6041946
    Abstract: An improved compact disc holder is disclosed for the safe and convenient temporary storage of a digital optical compact disc. The disc holder may be adhesive backed for conveniently mounting to a flat surface or alternately the disc holder may be incorporated into a weighted base to be self supporting. Advantageously, the disc holder provides one or more surfaces for the prominent display of an advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Kalvin Watson, Raymond White
  • Patent number: 6039190
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for adapting a media storage device to hold media of a size different than that for which the storage device was originally designed. The adapter apparatus is: (1) configured in the same general size and shape as a first substantially planar media unit which a media storage device was initially designed to store; (2) when in use disposed, within the media storage device in substantially the same position and manner as the first substantially planar media unit is designed to be disposed within the media storage device; and (3) configured to be capable of storing media: (a) of a size different than that for which the media storage device was originally designed; and (b) planarly oriented more or less substantially orthogonal to the planar orientation intended for the media for which the media storage device was originally designed. The currently preferred embodiment of the invention adapts a CD tower for storage of somewhat smaller minidisks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Allsop, Inc.
    Inventor: Eivind Clausen
  • Patent number: 6039413
    Abstract: A compact disk box structure that can automatically push out compact disks in a preset sequence and then return them to original positions. The box primarily comprises a box body, a push plate, a front lid, a plurality of push rods, and a back lid and is completed with a switch mechanism. The box body is provided with slide guide grooves on two opposite sides of the top face, a row of parallel elongated openings on the rear portion of the top face, a plurality of partition ribs each separately formed on the inner wall surface of the top and the bottom of the box body, and a plurality of push rods seated between adjacent partition ribs by means an axle rod and extending through the openings on the top face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Ted Ju
  • Patent number: 6016925
    Abstract: A CD rack comprised of a base and multiple separation plates and locking caps, wherein, multiple hollow puncheons are provided on the corners on the top of the separation plates. The hollow puncheons are provided each on both sides thereof facing outwardly and inwardly respectively with a first hook. The locking caps are each a hollow body, and are provided each with an engaging through slot exteriorly and a depressed engaging slot interiorly, In assembling, one separation plate is laid on the top surface of the base. Then the hollow locking caps are fitted over the hollow puncheons of the separation plate to make engagement of multiple hooks provided on the hollow puncheons with the engaging through slots. And the hollow locking caps are inserted in the interior of another separation plate to make engagement of multiple second hooks on the hollow puncheons with multiple second engaging through slots on the hollow locking caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kenmark Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Hwang
  • Patent number: 6015050
    Abstract: A modular storage system utilizes pluralities of mutually orthogonal members removably coupled to one another through cooperative male and female connectors to form a lattice structure with a plurality of receptacles for storing articles such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes and the like. First members include female connectors having at least one aperture through which are coupled a pair of coaxially-oriented second members extending orthogonal thereto. One of the second members includes a pin which is hollowed out to define an aperture suited for receiving the pin of the other second member such that both second members are coupled to one another as well as to the first member. In addition, the female connectors in the first members include a pair of apertures, with male connectors of the second members including pairs of pins suitable for engaging the apertures in the first members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mark D. Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 6010015
    Abstract: A decorative compact disc rack comprises partition boards, deck boards, supporters, a back board and connecting plates, wherein the partition boards and the deck boards are interconnected cross each other forming a rack with a plurality of partitions, the supporters are secured at two sides of the rack and the connecting plates are fastened to the top and the bottom ends of the rack and the back board is secured to the rear end of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yung Lin
  • Patent number: 6007167
    Abstract: A modular storage cabinet for compact disk jewel boxes that includes a plurality of connectible members to construct a cabinet of a desired architecture or configuration of choice. The cabinet of the invention will be provided to the user in disassembled form wherein the various parts or members can be assembled into a configuration of choice to hold a desired number of compact disk jewel boxes including both single and double boxes. The members include side, back, top, bottom and expander members for constructing an enclosure having a front opening into which jewel boxes may be inserted and withdrawn wherein the structure is in the form of a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Manifestation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gary M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 6003687
    Abstract: A rack for the storage and display of compact disc cases includes a grid of horizontal and vertical bars to form a plurality of cells each sized to receive a compact disc case for display. A lip extending laterally from a vertical bar of each cell which defines a recess in the cells for receiving edge portions of compact disc cases. A spring is mounted to the grid within each of the cells for biasing the compact disc case placed therein against the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Duance C. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 5996815
    Abstract: A storage unit for disk cases, photographs, or other display-oriented objects having a back plate, four side walls adjacent to the back plate, a first side member and a second side member adjacent to two side walls forming a lip-like structure for holding an object therein, a bias mechanism on the back plate for applying outward force to the object as the object is inserted into the storage unit and for applying that force to the object and against the two side members after the object has been seated into the storage unit and for facilitating removal of the object such that the object may easily be grasped. The back plate further has one or more fixed or removable pin-like members protruding therefrom for holding the storage unit onto an external surface after the pin-like members have been pushed into the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Drake R. Walters, Charles R. Schrall
  • Patent number: 5992647
    Abstract: A storage rack system comprises free standing modular units which are releasably joined and secured together. Each modular unit has identical parallel end frames separated by at least two parallel support tubes fitted into sockets in the front face of the frames. End frames of the units may be joined in a back to back relationship to extend the storage rack system lengthwise end to end to occupy available horizontal space and may also be releasably engaged bottom to top to occupy available vertical space. Holes for joining the frames together are within each of the sockets. The support tubes may be telescoping to assist in occupying the available horizontal space. The modular units may be optionally joined in a vertically offset relationship. The modular units of the storage rack system may be separated and rejoined in another configuration without unloading the items stored on the individual units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Vijay S. Malik
  • Patent number: 5988405
    Abstract: A wall display unit has multiple compartments for displaying the covers of multiple media cases. The wall unit includes a flat planer panel, a plurality of vertically-spaced horizontal partitions integral with the panel, a plurality of horizontally-spaced vertical partitions integral with the panel and intersecting the horizontal partitions, the horizontal and vertical partitions being spaced to form multiple compartments on one surface of the panel for containing the media cases disposed parallel to the panel so that the covers of the cases are displayed. Preferably the compartments are each evenly spaced and have the same size as the periphery of a media case to receive the case in a pressure fit about the periphery of the case. The display rack also preferably includes a notch in one of the partition members for exposing at least a portion of the edge of each media case for easy access to remove the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Smart Guy, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy D. Weisenburger
  • Patent number: 5984115
    Abstract: A compact disc case system that includes at least one case unit provided with two biased support plates for supporting and gripping a number of compact disc cases therebetween. When additional case units are included the case units are interconnectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Erik D. Koestenblatt, Ken T. Doan
  • Patent number: 5975316
    Abstract: A compact disc storage structure or rack is provided for storing and displaying a plurality of compact discs cases. The structure resembles a skyscraper type building and includes a base and an upright elongated housing secured to the base. The housing has sidewalls defining an interior chamber therewithin. One of the sidewalls has a vertical and generally rectangular shaped slot formed therein. The slot is sized for receiving a plurality of compact disc cases and has opposite upright slot sidewalls. The slot sidewalls have a plurality of support structures with each support structure adapted for holding and supporting a compact disc case. The elongated housing has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. A light source is mounted within the interior chamber for illuminating the interior chamber and transmitting light through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: James O. Harris
  • Patent number: 5971164
    Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible and extendable modular CD case of which each module forming the CD case includes a base member and two side members all having a plurality of parallel partitions on their inner surfaces to provide many open compartments for each receiving a CD therein. The base member has joint arms projecting from four corners and complementary engaging means formed on a front and a rear edge. Each of the joint arms is provided on an inner surface at predetermined positions with a pivotal hole and a retaining hole to respectively receive a stud and a retaining boss correspondingly formed on an outer end surface of each side member, so that each side member is pivotally connected to and between two of the joint arms at the same side of the base member by engagement of the pivotal holes with the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: CMC Magnetics Corporation
    Inventor: M. S. Wong
  • Patent number: 5971169
    Abstract: A display unit for media such as books, audio and video cassettes, etc. includes a rotating tower-type array of shelves and a supporting framework which is mountable to a rigid, vertically oriented panel, such as the end panel of a bookcase. The rotatable tower is mounted between the free ends of a pair of horizontal support arms which are fixedly supported at their other ends by a vertical column and a cross-arm which extends across and is fixedly attached at its mid-point to the upper end of the vertical column. A pair of U-shaped members are mounted to opposite ends of the cross-arm and are rotatable with respect thereto about the horizontal, longitudinal axis of the cross-arm. The unit is mounted to the panel by the U-shaped members passing around the side edges of the panel so that one of the legs of each member contacts the rear side of the panel while the remainder of the unit rests against the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Croydon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry C. Orr, Eric Ludewig, Donald Crispin, Robert K. Scherzer, James Dokoupil
  • Patent number: 5971144
    Abstract: The invention provides a container for at least one information carrier, particularly for CDs. Each information carrier has opposed major surfaces substantially defining a plane therebetween, and also has an outer edge which includes perimeter portions of both the major surfaces. The container comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portion rotatable relative to the first cover portion between a closed position and an open position. When the second cover portion is in the closed position, the first and second cover portions define a substantially enclosed information carrier storage volume. At least one information carrier holder is disposed within this storage volume, the holder comprising clamping elements on either side of a slot. The slot is capable of receiving a portion of the edge of the information carrier, so that the clamping elements releasably grip the information carrier along each of its major surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Joennes Hermuns Heiligers
  • Patent number: 5967337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage structure and hook system for securing recording media storage devices and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Brian P. Fitzburgh
  • Patent number: 5967338
    Abstract: An entertainment storage stand for storing entertainment objects such as video cassette tapes, audio cassette tapes, compact discs, and other entertainment items that appeal to children, made up of a three dimensional character having a chest area in which a series of paired shelf supports are provided extending from opposing side walls at a fixed distance, having a width corresponding to a length or width of an object to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Rosario
  • Patent number: 5964356
    Abstract: A series of add-on modular clips are serially hinged to one another to hold the disc containing cases in staggered position for storage. The face of any selected disc can be accessed for easy identification and disc retrieval by opening the cover of the selected disc case without removing the case from the clip. Each clip has a resilient unitary U-shaped member with legs of unequal width and of a shape for easy case insertion. A double clip member is also provided to hold two series of single clips, the clips of each series progressively more spaced to permit case opening of any selected disc of one stack of cases without interference from the other stack of cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: David Gareau, Sylvain Bouchard
  • Patent number: 5947301
    Abstract: Standard compact disk boxes (1) are provided on their longitudinal sides with openings. The invention uses these openings for fixing hooks or a member (12) provided with hooks (11) by means of which the boxes can be hung in a hanging file (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Spichtig AG Kunststoffwerk Steinen
    Inventor: Peter Kunz
  • Patent number: 5931315
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: Hilel Lorentz, Rony Levy
  • Patent number: 5921404
    Abstract: A block of material rectangular in form, with a number of shaped slots running the length of the block that accommodate the insertion of the common cases which hold a compact disc (FIG. 1). At opposite ends of the block rest complementing joints (24, 30)for union of consecutive units. In addition a couple (38) allowing union of units at an angle for a separate application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Raymond J Cooke, Joseph J. Franzino
  • Patent number: 5921405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for storing and arranging a plurality of compact disks against a wall. The device includes a metal channel which has a substantially C-shaped cross-section and which is dimensioned to receive an integral number of compact disk storage cases along its length. Mounting means are included to enable the channel member to be mounted against a wall. Furthermore, a plurality of magnets are provided. Each of these magnets are adhesively secured at approximately one-half inch from a top edge of a storage case for a compact disk. This magnet enables the individual storage case to be magnetically secured upon the front side of the channel member such that the rear surface of the storage case is positioned against the front side of the channel member. Furthermore, the distance between the magnet and the top edge of the storage case enables the case to be pivoted out of the channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Ray Dumas
  • Patent number: 5911328
    Abstract: A modular Christmas tree shaped card and compact disc case holder having a first triangularly shaped member and a second triangularly shaped member which are interconnected to create four sidewalls. The outer vertically tapering surfaces of the first and second triangularly shaped member have formed therein a plurality of limbs wherein an elongated recess is formed between every two adjacent limbs. Each recess has fixedly coupled to the top and lower surfaces thereof inwardly slanted saw teeth which are made of flexibly resilient material, such as, without limitation, flexible plastic or rubber, and which serve to flexibly friction fit couple within the recess, alternately, a card and compact disc case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Jessie Shampo
  • Patent number: 5908118
    Abstract: A media storage container is constructed from a first universal molded plastic component that is mated with a selected one of a plurality of other components each customized to hold media items of a particular type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Core Technolgies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Tyler
  • Patent number: 5865320
    Abstract: A rack for holding a plurality of flat articles includes three elongated supports each having a longitudinal axis and each having longitudinal ends. Linking elements are connected to the elongated supports for supporting the elongated supports in a position in which the longitudinal axes of the elongated supports are parallel to one another and in which the longitudinal ends of the elongated supports are disposed at the apexes of a triangle. A pivotal mounting pivotably mounts at least one of the linking elements on at least one of the elongated supports to enable changing the relative position between the at least one elongated support and the at least one other elongated support. A plurality of spaced and parallel flange members are provided on each of the elongated supports for supporting edge portions of the flat articles in the spaces between the flange members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Elecom Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Hamada
  • Patent number: 5865321
    Abstract: Vertical rack for supporting semiconductor wafers, the rack having either continuously upward angled arms or horizontal arms for providing near center support of the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corp.
    Inventor: John A. Tomanovich
  • Patent number: 5857575
    Abstract: An improved compact disc holder is disclosed for the safe and convenient temporary storage of a digital optical compact disc. The disc holder may be adhesive backed for conveniently mounting to a flat surface or alternately the disc holder may be incorporated into a weighted base to be self supporting. Advantageously, the disc holder provides one or more surfaces for the prominent display of an advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Kalvin Watson, Raymond White
  • Patent number: 5853091
    Abstract: A display frame/interlocking storage rack component adaptable to receive and display a box and being stackable. The component includes a top with a throughopening for viewing a decorative top of the box. A back wall extends downwardly from the top. A pair of side walls extend downwardly from the top and form with the top an open front for insertion and removal of the box and for viewing a decorative front of the box. A back guide rail extends downwardly from the throughopening in the top and terminates below the back wall in a back guide rail supporting platform that supports the box. The top further includes a back notch for receiving the back guide rail supporting platform of a next stacked display frame/interlocking storage rack component. A pair of side guide rails extend downwardly from the throughopening in the top and terminate below the pair of side walls in a pair of side guide rail supporting platforms that further support the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Carl D. Luenser
  • Patent number: 5848688
    Abstract: The present cover has a connector configuration that allows several identical covers to be joined together on top of each other to form a cover system.The covers can be turned with respect to each other so that a label on the cover on the item inside the cover can be easily seen. The connector includes a cylindrical portion which, when mated to an identical cylindrical portion on another cover, permits a pivotable connection. The covers, when joined, can be rotated only in a direction parallel to main surfaces of the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Doppler Oy
    Inventor: Markus Arvo Hjalmar Paloheimo
  • Patent number: 5848709
    Abstract: A storage container (10) for storing, transporting and displaying various information and entertainment storage media, the container (10) including a floor panel (12) having a front edge (16) and a rear edge (17), and right and left edges (18, 19), a back wall (13) which attaches to the rear edge of the floor panel (17), left and right side panels (14, 15), which are attached to the left and right edges (18, 19) respectively of the floor panel (12), each side panel (14, 15) having a lower portion which terminates in a front foot (32) and the back wall (13) including a vertebra (50) which has a lower portion which terminates in a rear foot (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Point, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Gelphman, Christopher G. Palmer, Peter J. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5833062
    Abstract: A disk organizer adapted to receive various types of disks includes a base, a cover pivotally connected to the base such that the cover is liftable from the base; and a plurality of disk clamps. Each disk clamp has a protrudent block projecting from either bottom end thereof. At least a row of clamp grooves are formed in the base. The lateral side walls of each clamp groove form multiple steps the thickness of which enlarges towards the bottom such that the space between opposite steps receives and holds the bottom angles at both ends of a disk inserted therein. Pairs of fastening recesses are formed at both sides of the base adjacent to the clamp grooves. The distance of any pair of fastening recess is identical to the distance between the protrudent blocks of the disk clamp so that the disk clamp may have the protrudent blocks thereof retained in the fastening recesses of the base and may slightly swing forwardly or rearwardly according to the positions of the fastening recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Sheng-Fu Yeh
  • Patent number: 5826729
    Abstract: An attractive design for a cabinet or a storage rack for CD cassettes that makes it possible for the CD cassettes to be stored toward the left or toward the right in tilted, stand-in adjacent compartments, wherein each case is partitioneed into a number of rectangular compartments positioned in the housing in such a way that as a result, the CD cassettes are maintained by their own weight in a tilted arrangement in respective compartments or in the CD storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Cornelis Oosterom
  • Patent number: 5828545
    Abstract: A tower type CPU unit portion of a computer system has a housing with a top side wall in which a spaced series of parallel, elongated support wells are formed. The wells are sized and configured to removably receive relatively small lower edge portions of portable media storage devices, such as compact discs in their protective cases, and support the devices in generally upright positions atop the CPU unit. When the CPU unit is positioned on the floor to one side of the desk upon which the balance of the computer system is placed, the compact discs are conveniently stored in an easily seen, readily accessible and otherwise unused location without requiring a space-consuming storage area on the desktop work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: John H. Loudenslager
  • Patent number: 5806694
    Abstract: A storage rack for CD-cassettes, intended for vertical mounting. The rack includes two rails, together with a number of holder members for releasably receiving a corresponding number of cassettes, and pivots for pivotally securing the holder members at two opposite ends thereof in relation to the rails. The rails include corresponding fasteners. Each holder member includes a set of two separate guide shoes. Each guide shoe includes a pivot part for the pivotally securing thereof to one of the rails and a holder part including an inner cut-out corresponding substantially to the dimensions of the corners of the actual cassettes. The guide shoes are intended for mutual co-operation by receiving one each of two opposite corners of the cassette. A resilient member is connected to at least one of the guide shoes for exerting a compressive pressure upon the cassette. A non-skid surface may be provided on the inner surface of the guide shoes. The pivot part of the guide shoes is preferably generally cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Karsten Selmer-Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5794796
    Abstract: A storage rack for retaining software devices having a variety of configurations. A one-piece body is formed with a central platform having a pair of side support racks with aligned grooves for receiving an edge of a CD ROM package. A central support rack is positioned below the grooves and intermediate the side support racks such that CD ROM packages supported within the grooves of the side support racks are suspended over the central support rack. The central support rack is formed with a plurality of equally spaced dividers, with each divider having an elongated slot extending transversely along its length and on either side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Weisburn
  • Patent number: 5791748
    Abstract: A collapsible compact disc holder comprises a housing with a lower wall, an upper wall, a pair of opposing side walls, and a pair of opposing open ends. Each of the upper and lower walls has a pair of opposing side edges. Each of the side edges of the upper wall is hingedly connected to a different one of the side walls and each of the side edges of the lower wall is hingedly connected to a different one of the side walls. The housing is adapted to be moved between an upright rectangular configuration, wherein each of the side walls of the housing extends perpendicularly from corresponding side edges of the upper and lower walls, to a collapsed configuration, wherein the upper wall extends from one of the side walls along the same plane and the lower wall extends from the other of the side walls along the same plane. First and second curved support members are provided. Each of the curved support members is insertable into one of the ends of the housing when the same is in the upright configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Computer Expressions Incorporated
    Inventor: Matthew D. Marhefka
  • Patent number: 5788088
    Abstract: A stackable CD rack including a base body, a cylindrical back column, two cylindrical front columns and multiple support plates. The base body is a substantially equiangular triangle body. Each corner of the base body is formed with a downward dented column hole for the cylindrical columns to insert therein. Each supporting plate has three arch notches with each notch having a T-shaped projection. The T-shaped projections of multiple supporting plates are sequentially stacked in the column holes of the base body and then the cylindrical columns are inserted into the column holes of the base body with the vertical channels facing inward. The T-shaped projections of the supporting plates are engaged in the vertical channels of the cylindrical column bodies to form the CD rack with multiple layers of inclined spaces for containing the CD boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Kuo-Ming Kao
  • Patent number: 5769244
    Abstract: A rack for the storage and display of compact disc cases includes a backboard to which horizontal and vertical bars are mounted to form a grid defining a plurality of cells each sized to receive a compact disc case for display. A lip extending laterally from the vertical bars defines recesses in the cells for receiving edge portions of compact disc cases. A spring is mounted to the backboard within each of the cells for securing against the compact disc case placed therein at an acute angle with respect to the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Duane C. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 5765697
    Abstract: A desktop organizer, particularly for CD's and computer discs, comprises an elongated base having a track with a slot extending axially therealong, end walls supporting the base and a rear wall extending perpendicularly between the end walls and parallel to the base. A support member includes a coiled spring mounted within an upper recess and affixed at its lower end within the base slot for spring urged movement of the support member to and fro along the base. The coiled spring provides a resilient force to the upwardly extending support member to maintain objects on the base between the support member and one of the end walls. The support member and associated track are detachable and may be reassembled along the rear wall or in the opposite direction along the base. The organizer may be mounted on a turntable and includes a plurality of legs mounted to the end members which permit stacking of several organizers or positioning of the organizer at a particular height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: David Soong
  • Patent number: 5765695
    Abstract: A wall mounted compact disc case holder assembly for use in association with a wall and compact disc cases, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of case holders each having a front surface and a rear surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, an open side wall, a closed side wall and a hollow interior, in an operative orientation a user positioning a compact disc within the hollow interior of each case holder; the upper and lower edges of each case holder including a plurality of hinge members, each hinge member including a canal extending therethrough; a plurality of pins each being positioned within the canal of the hinge members thereby pivotally coupling the hinge members together; and a mounting clip being affixed to a case holder, an in operative orientation the mounting clip being coupled to a wall thereby suspending the apparatus in a vertical position, in a stored orientation the apparatus being folded whereby the case holders being positioned in a stacked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: David J. Picciallo
  • Patent number: 5762208
    Abstract: An adjustable disc rack including multiple rack units which are slidably and interlacedly serially assembled to form a length-adjustable disc rack or stacked to form a multi-layer disc rack. Each rack unit includes two clamping panels each of which is formed with multiple bottom latch holes and lateral latch holes and multiple connecting levers each of which is formed with two latch sections at two ends latched in the latch holes of the clamping panels so as to secure the clamping panels to two ends of the respective connecting levers. The connecting levers of several rack units can be latched in the bottom latch holes and lateral latch holes of the clamping panels of adjacent rack units, whereby the rack units can be interlacedly and slidably assembled to expand the capacity for containing different classifications of discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Morgen Yeh
  • Patent number: 5749636
    Abstract: A storage for retaining CD cassettes or the like includes at least two opposed towers that are hingedly connected along adjacent upright peripheral segments of the towers. The towers include a plurality of aligned ribbed portions that retain the cassettes when the towers are moved to a first locked position. The storage rack permits ready hand access to the cassettes when moved to a second unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Nabil Boury
  • Patent number: 5749477
    Abstract: A video/audio medium rack at least including four connecting rods, four wall boards and a back board. The wall boards are disposed with tenons interlacedly engaged with engaging slots of the connecting rods so as to assemble the wall boards with the connecting rods. The back board is formed with peripheral stopper edge for fitting into channels of the wall boards so as to assemble the back board with the wall boards. CDs and VHS tapes can be both rested in the rack. Several racks can be stacked or assembled to enlarge the capacity of the rack. A base is disposed under the bottom of the rack and rotatably fitted with a bottom dish, whereby the base together with the rack can be rotated relative to the bottom dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: I-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 5746325
    Abstract: Disclosed is a knockdown CD/audio tape storage rack mainly including at least two supporting plates and a plurality of connecting blocks. Each of the supporting plate has a push means provided thereon near a rear end thereof and two side rails of which each is formed with cuts for the connecting blocks to slidably mount on the rails. The connecting block has two side receiving channels to engage with the side rails of the supporting plates and a top engaging piece and a bottom receiving channel having complementary profiles to allow two superposed connecting blocks to engage with each other. Thereby, unlimited number of supporting plates can be connected by the connecting blocks to define multiple layers and/or multiple lines of continuous compartments forming the knockdown CD/audio tape storage rack. The number of lines and layers of the compartments can be freely increased or decreased as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Yu-jong Lee
  • Patent number: 5740924
    Abstract: The organizer rack component includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart elongated rails for engaging an item of furniture, and a series of parallel, spaced apart cross members or ribs connected integrally at their opposite ends to the rails for defining a series of elongated access openings or apertures to receive boxlike articles therein. The ribs are spaced apart by a given distance sufficiently larger than the corresponding dimension of the article to enable the ribs to receive and retain the article therebetween. Pegs or ears extending outwardly from the rails are received in spaced apart openings in the furniture item to enable the organizer rack component to be held securely thereto in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Spectrum Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 5730300
    Abstract: A compact disk shelf assembly comprises a first and second top plates, a first and second transverse middle plates, a first and second bottom plates, a first and second left lateral plates, a first and second right lateral plates, and a first and second longitudinal middle plates. The first transverse middle plate is disposed between the first and second left lateral plates and the first and second longitudinal middle plates. The second transverse middle plate is disposed between the first and second right lateral plates and the first and second longitudinal middle plates. The first top plate is disposed between the first longitudinal middle plate and the first left lateral plate. The second top plate is disposed between the first longitudinal middle plate and the first right lateral plate. The first bottom plate is disposed between the second longitudinal middle plate and the second left lateral plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Shern Diau Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Teng Chen
  • Patent number: 5727695
    Abstract: A space-saving storage rack for compact discs in individual boxes. The rack has two parallel rows of alternately positioned corner brackets and spacers. Each corner bracket in one row has an opposite spacer in the other row and vice versa. The distance between the corner bracket and its opposite spacer is slightly longer than an edge of a compact disc box. The spacers in each row extends horizontally by an offset distance ranging from 10 mm to 25 mm nearer to the other row than the respective adjacent corner brackets. The widths of each spacer and corner bracket are approximately equal to the thickness of a CD box. The rack enables a stack of compact disc boxes to be stored in a vertical position in which each box is held by a corner bracket at one lower corner and a spacer at the other lower corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: James A. English, II
  • Patent number: RE35761
    Abstract: A display or storage unit used to hold compact or laser disc cases, video or audio tapes or cassettes, or the like. The unit may be made from a number or modular units attached to each other. Each modular unit has a number of openings used to hold cases, tapes or cassettes. The openings may be angled to facilitate holding the cases, tapes, or cassettes in place. Apertures are provided in side portions, back portions, and top or bottom plates of the modular units, which allow the modular units to be attached to each other in order to build different configurations for the display or storage unit, or to be hung on a supporting structure such as a wall. Upright units formed by the modular units may be mounted on bases using bolts to fasten bottom plates of the units to the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Shahriar Dardashti