Abstract: A storage case for a compact optical disc retains trays for the disc in a spring loaded arrangement that is released by a latch mechanism easily activated using one hand. The case is formed by top and bottom portions of alternative configurations. A storage system is provided for storing and displaying the trays. The storage system has a base, and rails which engage slots in the tray. A shipping container is provided for shipping either the tray or the individual compact disc.

Abstract: A convenient versatile telephone handset has one set of telephone activating keys and another set of computer control keys. The special telephone handset can also have a card-receiving slot and a recessed mouthpiece. Advantageously, the flexible telephone handset is particularly useful for business travelers in airplanes, trains, and buses to link up to reservation systems and other data bases.

Abstract: A storage case for a compact optical disc retains trays for the disc in a spring loaded arrangement that is released by a latch mechanism easily activated using one hand. The case is formed by top and bottom portions of alternative configurations. By selecting different combinations of configurations, the case provides storage for two, four or six compact discs.

Abstract: A convenient versatile telephone handset and holder assembly are provided, which are particularly useful for business travelers in airplanes, trains, ships, and buses to link up to reservation systems and other data bases. The telephone handset preferably has one set of telephone activating keys and another set of computer control keys. The special telephone handset can also have a card-receiving slot and a recessed mouthpiece. The handset holder assembly has a sloping bottom portion and an elastomeric biasing member to facilitate quick removal fo the telephone handset. An overhead lock assembly can be provided to engage the credit card-receiving slot of the telephone handset in order to secure the handset when the handset is stored in the holder. A special reversible mount plate and bracket can also be provided to quickly and securely mount the handset to the left, right, or other portions of a chair, bulkhead, or other surface.

Abstract: A rotary connector, for preventing the tangling of a telephone cord, comprises a housing carrying within it a female modular connector. Also located within the housing is a sub-assembly comprising a spindle and a connector member which engages a shank of the spindle. The sub-assembly comprises structure for electrically connecting a plurality of peripheral spindle rings to one end of a cable extending from within the connector member outwardly to a male modular connector remote from the housing. The spindle rings are engaged by wipers electrically connected to contact elements on the female modular connector, which carries the wipers. The housing and the female modular connector rotate as a unit relative to the sub-assembly.

Abstract: An optical data disc is enclosed in a protective cartridge including a pair of interlocking plastic shells. The shells have integral resilient fastening hooks which are locked by plugs to prevent disassembly. A two-piece sliding door is opened for exposing the disc during a read operation. In one embodiment, the sliding door includes two metal shutters having forward portions stamped with resilient hooks which are permanently retained in an undercut groove formed in a plastic slider engaged in a track defined by two plastic shells. The rear portions of the metal shutters are overlapped by respective shutter retainer strips secured to ledges formed in the shells. The door is urged towards a closed position by a double coil torsion spring providing a substantially constant closing force along the range of travel of the slider. A pivot having detent positions is provided for selectible blocking of a write protect hole formed through the shells.

Abstract: An optical data disc is enclosed in a protective cartridge including a pair of interlocking plastic shells. The shells have integral resilient fastening hooks which are locked by plugs to prevent disassembly. A two-piece sliding door is opened for exposing the disc during a read operation. In one embodiment, the sliding door includes two metal shutters having forward portions stamped with resilient hooks which are permanently retained in an undercut groove formed in a plastic slider engaged in a track defined by two plastic shells. The rear portions of the metal shutters are overlapped by respective shutter retainer strips secured to ledges formed in the shells. The door is urged towards a closed position by a double coil torsion spring providing a substantially constant closing force along the range of travel of the slider. A pivot having detent positions is provided for selectible blocking of a write protect hole formed through the shells.

Abstract: An embodiment of a rotary connector assembly, permanently connected to a telephone cord, is attachable to a telephone handset. The assembly prevents tangling of the cord. The assembly includes a spindle partially enclosed within a cylindrical bearing and in mutually rotatable relation therewith. The spindle mounts external conducting rings engaged by wipers mounted on a guide element in turn mounted on a base member which also mounts the cylindrical bearing. Structure is provided to retain all the elements of the assembly in place to facilitate attachment to the handset as a single, integral unit.Another embodiment of a rotary connector assembly removably engages a telephone handset within the interior thereof. A latch element, depressible to disengage the assembly from the handset, is normally inaccessible from the exterior of the handset, and structure is provided to enable depression of the latch element.

Abstract: A rotary electrical connector for a telephone or the like comprises a spindle assembly and a housing mounted in rotating relation to each other. A first male or female connector element is fixed to the spindle assembly, and a second male or female connector element rotates with the housing. Electrical contact elements extend from the first connector element and engage rings disposed in peripheral grooves of a spindle body. The rings are electrically connected to the second connector element by conducting elements extending through channels or grooves in the spindle body or in holders carried by the spindle body. Another embodiment of spindle assembly has flat planar conducting elements embedded therein. Methods for producing various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A specially arranged, display jacket and protective casing is attached to a video cassette storage case to provide transparent pockets for holding identification labels and promotional material to identify, advertise, and promote the movie or program recorded on the video tape cassette housed in the storage case and to identify, advertise, and promote the products and services of others.

Abstract: A rotary electrical connector apparatus for receiving and transmitting electrical energy. The apparatus comprises a hollow housing having opposite ends and a centrally located longitudinal axis of rotation and each opposite end has an opening. A spindle has a first section and a second section. Means on the housing and spindle cooperate to mount the spindle and housing for rotation about the longitudinal axis independently of each other. A plurality of electrical conducting means through the spindle rotate with the spindle. Each of the electrical conducting means comprises a first portion contiguous to the outer surface of the spindle's first section and a second portion extending longitudinally through the spindle's second section. A plurality of electrical contact means each having opposite ends is mounted for rotational movement with the housing. Means at one end of each electrical contact means engage the contact means with electrical energy receiving means.