MULTI-STEP STORAGE APPARATUS FOR ADAPTABLY HOLDING DISCS AND DISC STORAGE DEVICES
An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for holding computer disks with or without a case in a manner that displays the label side of the disk to the user. In one or more instances, the apparatus embodying the invention comprises an open-faced housing having a plurality of grooves of multiple depths recessed into one or more portions of the housing. Each groove is configured to hold disks and/or their cases so that the user may easily insert and retrieve disks via the grooves. Embodiments of the invention allow the storage of a jewel case or a disk, a mini-jewel case or a disk, a jewel case or a mini-jewel case or a mini-jewel case and a disk at the same time or a jewel case in place of both a mini-jewel case and a disk. The grooves holding a disk may or may not overlap the data carrying portion of the disk depending upon the embodiment of the invention. The open-faced housing may comprise a uniform piece that is formed via an injection mold or any other type of housing that may contain recessed grooves without inhibiting the function of the housing. A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other place where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may be adapted to incorporate embodiments of the invention. For instance, a bundle of disks could have an open-faced housing placed on top where the open-faced housing contains grooves configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Latest DISC DEALER INC. Patents:
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/292,269, filed on Nov. 11, 2002 entitled “APPARATUS FOR HOLDING DISKS”, which in turn is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/108,065, filed on Mar. 27, 2002 entitled “APPARATUS FOR STORING DISKS” which is a non-provisional of provisional application 60/278,964 filed on Mar. 27, 2001 the specifications of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. No. D462,863, filed on Jan. 19, 2001 entitled “DISK HOLDER”, U.S. Pat. No. D463,190, filed on Jul. 10, 2001 entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACT DISKS”, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/169,479, entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACT DISKS”, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/169,480, entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACT DISKS”, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/169,481 entitled “HOLDER FOR COMPACT DISKS.” all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of computer disk storage solutions and provides mechanisms for storing computer disks such as DVDs, disks or any other type of computer readable data and their accompanying storage case.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the present discussion about current systems, the problems and limitations set forth as existent in the prior art are provided for exemplarily purposes. It should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that these problems also exist in other contexts or professions and that the invention may have application in situations other than the ones described herein.
There are many different ways to store data holding disks such as CD-ROM, audio disks, and DVDs. The most prominent storage solutions are known by those of ordinary skill in the art as “Jewel Box”, “Jewel Case”, “Slim Case”, “DVD Case” and “Mini-Jewel Case”. Although bulky and inconvenient to use, a jewel box is an excellent long-term storage case for a disk because it provides protection from dust, scratches, and breakage. Most storage solutions currently on the market claim to provide equal protection as the jewel box. However, there are many disadvantages with jewel boxes and other types of storage solutions. A jewel box is meant for long term disk storage. Although jewel boxes protect the disk, they do not provide quick and convenient access for placement to and from playback or recording apparatuses such as audio or computer equipment. Furthermore, jewel boxes, sleeves, and other containers that hold disks generally only provide storage and protection for one disk.
Because of these disadvantages, consumers tend to leave disks out of their cases to save time for quick access. This can potentially harm the disks by increasing odds of scratching the disk or causing other imperfections. Furthermore, consumers that are worried about scratching their disk, yet require quick access, will lay the disk upside down to prevent the “play” side from touching any surface. Since logos and/or other identifying information are not printed on the “play” side, placing the disk upside down makes it impossible for the user to see the area of the disk that identifies the content of the disk.
Thus, there is a need for a disk holding apparatus that enables users to easily access the disk without having to endure the process of removing the disk from a case. However, it is also important that disk storage solutions minimize damage from occurring to the “play” side of the disk. Therefore what is desired is a storage apparatus that provides temporary housing for several disks, which adequately protects the disks from scratching and provides quick and convenient access to the disks for easy placement and removal, as well as the ability to view the disk of choice.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONAn embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for holding disks with or without a case in a manner that displays the label side of the disk to the user. In one or more instances, the apparatus embodying the invention comprises an open-faced housing having a plurality of grooves of multiple depths recessed into one or more portions of the housing. Each groove is configured to hold disks and/or their cases so that the user may easily insert and retrieve disks via the grooves. Many different case sizes for disks exist. Cases that hold DVDs are generally slightly wider than cases that hold CDs. There are however many types of cases that hold CDs, including jewel cases and slim cases. Cases that much thicker than the physical width dimension of a disk are termed “thick cases” and cases that are minimally larger than a disk are termed “thin case” herein. Other embodiments of the invention allow the multiple items to be stored within a single outer slot configured to hold a thick case. This may include the combinations of a thick case or a disk, a thin case or a disk, a thick case or a thin case or a thin case and a disk, or a thick case in place of both a thin case and a disk. The grooves holding a disk may or may not overlap the data carrying portion of a disk depending upon the embodiment of the invention. The open-faced housing may comprise a uniform piece that is formed via an injection mold or any other type of housing that may contain recessed grooves without inhibiting the function of the housing. A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other place where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may be adapted to incorporate embodiments of the invention. For instance, a cylindrical bundle package of disks could have an open-faced housing formed into the top of the package where the open-faced housing contains grooves configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
In the event that the open-faced housing is configured with multiple grooves, each groove may be separated from the other by a distance greater than the thickness of the disks the apparatus is designed to hold. If, for instance, the apparatus is configured to hold disks, the second groove is proximally located a distance from the first that is greater than the thickness of the disk. However, the invention is not limited to spacing the grooves at any particular distance and may contain grooves that are separated by more or less than the thickness of the medium the apparatus is intended to hold. In one embodiment of the invention, each groove acts as a repository for holding disks in a specific position. A groove that is recessed into the top portion of the housing may, for example, be configured to hold CD-ROMs, DVDs, audio CDs, or any other form of data storage in an upright position. In other instances the grooves are configured to hold disks in alternative positions. If the grooves are recessed into the side portion of the housing, the grooves may hold disks in a sideways or other angled position.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, one or more grooves are configured to hold the disks in position by frictionally engaging disks placed into the groove. Each groove may, for example, comprise an insert that holds the disk in place without damaging the surface of the disk. The insert may be made felt, rubber, foam, or any other substance that can be utilized to provide a protective layer between the disk and the housing in which the disk may be placed. The width of each insert depends upon the type of media the apparatus is intended to hold. In one embodiment of the invention, each insert is minimally greater than the thickness of the media the insert will frictionally engage. If, for example, a DVD or CD-ROM is to be held by the insert, the insert comprises an opening large enough to allow the disk to be easily removed, but narrow enough to firmly hold the disk in place. The reader should note however, that not all versions of the invention require an insert and that grooves may be adapted to holds disks by incorporating grooves having an upper and a lower portion into the apparatus. For instance, concave shaped grooves or other angular forms of groove designs are contemplated.
In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus for holding at least one disk containing digital media is configured to comprise an open-faced housing and at least one of semicircular disk-hold portion shaped to engage a disk on a non-recordable or recorded portion of the disk when the disk is inserted into said semi-circular disk-hold portion without a protective disk cover. The apparatus described herein may also contain an angled-guide portion connected to the semi-circular disk-hold portion for guiding an edge of the disk into the groove associated with the semi-circular disk-hold portion. The semi-circular disk-hold portion is typically recessed into said open-faced housing but could also extrude from the open-faced housing. The open-faced housing can be made of a single continuous portion (e.g., via injection molding) or multiple elements and each of the semi-circular disk hold portions can be positioned at an incline. For purpose of marketing each open-faced housing may comprises a portion for placement of a graphics image. The open-faced housing may also contain at least one pair of a successively narrower protective-case-hold portion interposed with a corresponding successively narrower angled-guide portion the last pair of which ultimately leads into the semicircular disk-hold portion. The protective-case-hold portion can fit a protective cover narrower than a DVD case or a jewel case. The outermost protective-case-hold portion typically fits a jewel case and the next innermost protective-case-hold portion fits a protective cover narrower than a jewel case, such as a slim case. Other variations on this theme are a thick case slot for DVD cases with a disk slot indented deeper into the outermost slot.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, a disk, thin case and thick case width slots are combined with one of the other two width slots. One embodiment combines a DVD case width slot with a further indented disk width slot. One embodiment combines a jewel case width slot with a further indented disk width slot. One embodiment combines a slim case width slot with a further indented disk width slot. One embodiment combines a jewel case width slot with a slim case width slot. Another embodiment is created by combining all three width slots together. This embodiment combines a jewel case width slot at the outer level with a slim case width and disk width slot both at an inner level thereby providing a slot that can hold either a jewel case, or both a slim case and disk in the same slot when the jewel case is not present. Another embodiment could have a DVD case width slot as the outermost slot and employ a jewel or slim width slot with a disk width slot.
In one embodiment of the invention the open-faced housing is formed into the top cover of a cylindrical bundle package and contains a conical indentation to hold a writing implement. Alternatively, the open-faced-housing can be formed into a vertically oriented configuration for mounting on a vertical surface such as a wall or computer monitor. The vertically oriented configuration may have a paper holder mounted on the reverse side. The open-faced housing may also contains semi-circular disk-hold portions arranged substantially parallel to the longest axis of the open-faced housing and contain a means for modularly connecting a plurality of the open-faced housings to one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A multi-step storage apparatus for holding disks and disk storage devices is described. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure embodiments of the invention.
The multi-step storage apparatus described herein is designed to house a disk (e.g., a compact disk) of any size or shape in a functional manner. Embodiments of the invention comprise an apparatus for holding disks with or without a case in a manner that displays the label bearing side of the disk to the user. In one or more instances the apparatus embodying the invention comprises an open-faced housing having a plurality of grooves recessed into a portion of the housing. Any conventional or unconventional Compact Disk (disk), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD containing, for example, any audio or visual information including music, movies, software or any combination thereof can be stored by embodiments of the invention. The term “disk” is utilized to represent circular disk 120 in
Open-faced housing 100 may comprise a uniform piece that is formed via an injection mold process. In this instance the open-faced housing is made of plastic or some other type of polymer based compound. However, the invention contemplates the use of any substance that can be molded to form a shape having recessed grooves (e.g., wood, metal, etc.). In one embodiment of the invention the uniform piece that forms the open-faced housing is a single piece molded into a shape that contains recessed grooves although it is important to note that the invention is not limited to instances where one uniform piece forms the open-faced housing. Any number of pieces may be coupled together to form a shape that has a plurality of grooves recessed into a portion of the structure. However, a single piece may also form open-faced housing. For instance, a single piece of plastic could be shaped to form the apparatus embodying aspects of the invention.
In some instances the open-faced housing is integrated into devices having a purpose other than the storage of disks. For example, the open-faced housing may be part of any other type of device or housing adaptable to contain recessed grooves for holding data storage solutions without inhibiting the function of the housing. A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other item where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may be adapted to become an open-faced housing having recessed grooves configured to hold a disk in an extended position. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that open-faced housing 100 may take on any size and shape, as well as house any number of disk's to be stored vertically, horizontally, or in any other position. In each instance, open-faced housing may hold any form of digital media without requiring any additional storage solutions. For instance, a jewel case or any other form of disk packaging is not required in order to hold the data storage solutions. In one embodiment of the invention open-faced housing 100 is designed to look “sleek” and “high-tech” by rounding the edges to enhance consumer appeal and encourage impulse buying. However, the invention may take other forms or shapes that incorporate the functionality described herein.
In the event that the open-faced housing is configured with multiple grooves, each groove 102-112 may be separated from the other by a distance greater than the thickness of the disks the apparatus is designed to hold. If, for instance, the apparatus embodying the invention is configured to hold disk 120 and disk 120 represents a disk, the second groove is proximally located a distance from the first that is greater than the thickness of the disk. Thus, the distance between groove 102 and groove 104 is typically greater than the thickness of disk 120. However, the invention is not limited to spacing the grooves at any particular distance and may contain grooves that are separated by more or less than the thickness of the medium the apparatus is intended to hold.
In one embodiment of the invention, each groove 102-112 acts as a receptacle for holding disk 120 in a specific position. A groove that is recessed into the top portion of the housing may, for example, be configured to hold CD-ROMs, DVDs, or CD-Rs in an upright or extended position (see e.g., groove 102). In other instances grooves 102-112 are configured to hold disks in alternative positions. If the open-faced housing is positioned upright (e.g., where groove 112 is located closet to the portion of the housing that is in contact with a physical surface) grooves 102-112 are considered recessed into the top portion of the housing. However, grooves may be adapted to hold disks in a sideways or other angled position. Open-faced housing 100 may have a portion 122 designed to display identifying information such as a company logo or other graphic image. Identifying information may be attached to the area in the form of a sticker, engraving, or other printing method. It should also be noted that any company could use this area to brand the product by placing their company logo in its place.
It is important to note that although the term open-faced housing is used for illustrative purposes, an embodiment of the invention also contemplates the use of housings that may be covered so as to provide further protection for disks held within the recessed grooves of the housing. Thus, for example, open-faced housing 100 may be configured to also include a cover that protects the surface of the disks placed in grooves 102-112. Open-face housing 100 is typically positioned so that the user can view the front portion (non-play side) of disk 120. The top portion of the open-faced housing may be positioned at an angle that allows the user to see a front portion of each disk. The apparatus may, for instance, sit at an angle that positions each groove on a plane that is approximately 30 degrees different from the surface upon which the apparatus is placed. However, the invention contemplates embodiments using various other positions and may, for example, be adapted so that the plane each groove sits at is any angle. Embodiments of the invention may sit vertically, horizontally, upside down, or at any position in-between.
Grooves 210, 212, 214 and 216 may be recessed at varying depths. For example, groove 216 located toward the back portion of open-faced housing 220 may have a depth less than groove 214. In some instances however, each groove is approximately the same depth but open-faced housing is positioned at an angle so that the top portion of each disk sits above the preceding disk. Referring back to
As used in this description, the terms “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., refer to housing 100 when in the orientation illustrated in
In one embodiment of the invention inserts 201-206 are not removable and are part of the housing itself. However, in other instances inserts 201-206 are incorporated into a removable portion that snugly sits in open-faced housing 100 within portion 150. An example of a removable set of inserts 600 is shown in
Different embodiments of the invention can by combinatorially created by combining these different protective-case-hold portions with the semi-circular disk-hold portion. For example another embodiment of the invention would include a groove that is configured to hold a jewel case or a disk without a protective case. Another embodiment could hold a mini jewel case or a disk without a protective case, and yet another embodiment could hold a jewel case or a mini jewel case in the next inner protective case portion, without providing a hold portion for a disk without a protective cover. The groove widths of the various portions are such that the apparatus can hold a disk with or without a protective cover by providing substantially parallel planes of minimally greater than the corresponding width of the item to be held. The depths of the grooves are any depth which can provide the sides of the grooves enough support to hold the item in place. In the case of holding a disk without a protective cover, the grooves can be minimally wider than the width of the disk, and deep enough to not engage the non-recordable or recorded portion of the disk. However, the grooves can be constructed deeper or shallower than this depth so long as the sides of the groove hold the item substantially upright. The grooves for the portions that hold the protective cases can also be minimally wider that the items to be held, and as deep as is necessary to hold the item substantially upright. These depths can be the same as the width of the item, deeper, or shallower than the item's width so long as the item is properly held in place.
As this description has already detailed other integration points for the invention, such as a computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other item where it would be convenient for a user to store disks, an example of such an embodiment is displayed in
Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown in
The term “outer width slot” is defined as the widest and shallowest slot of the apparatus (see e.g., the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
The means and method for storing disks should be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure. For example, one skilled in the art would recognize that the ramps described herein may be on the front, back or both portions of each of the indented slots for all embodiments described. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting and that those of ordinary skill in the art may make obvious modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made primarily to the accompanying claims and the full scope of their equivalents, rather than the foregoing specification, to determine the scope of the invention. Thus an apparatus for storing and holding disks has been described.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an open-faced housing configured to hold at least one disk containing digital media; and,
- said open-faced housing having an outer width slot comprising at least one further indented width slot.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer width slot is configured to hold a thick case and at least one further indented width slot comprises a first further indented width slot configured to hold a disk and a second further indented width slot configured to hold a thin case.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said disk width slot is deep enough to engage a data holding portion of said at least one disk.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said disk width slot is deeper on a side portion configured to hold a label side of said at least one disk and shallower on a data holding side of said at least one disk.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one ramp configured to guide said at least one disk into place as said at least one disk descends into said open faced housing.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one ramp comprises a straight ramp.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one ramp comprises a curved ramp.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one further indented width slot is positioned against an outer wall of said outer width slot.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one further indented width slot is positioned away from an outer wall of said outer width slot.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer width slot is wider than a thick case.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer width slot is wider than a thin case.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one further indented width slot is wider than a disk.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one further indented width slot is wider than a thin case.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a disk bundle package.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a conical indentation to hold a writing implement.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a vertically oriented configuration.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a computer monitor mount open-faced housing.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a modular component.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said computer monitor mount open-faced housing is located on the reverse side of a monitor mounted paper holder.
20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a mailer.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said mailer is positioned horizontally.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said mailer is positioned vertically.
23. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a disk storage indentation covering said outer width slot.
24. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a disk storage location positioned on a reverse side of said outer width slot.
25. An apparatus comprising:
- an open-faced housing formed into a mailer wherein said open-faced housing is configured to transport at least one disk containing digital media; and,
- said open-faced housing having at least one slot configured to hold said at least one disk.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said mailer is positioned horizontally.
27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said mailer is positioned vertically.
28. The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a disk storage indentation covering said slot.
29. The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a disk storage location positioned on a reverse side of said slot.
30. A method comprising:
- placing a disk in a disk width slot wherein said disk width slot is further indented into an outer width slot; and,
- placing a thin case in a thin case width slot wherein said thin case width slot is further indented into said outer width slot.
31. The method of claim 30 further comprising:
- removing said disk from said disk width slot;
- removing said thin case from said thin case width slot; and,
- placing a thick case in said outer width slot.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 5, 2003
Publication Date: May 12, 2005
Applicant: DISC DEALER INC. (San Diego, CA)
Inventors: Les Kollegian (San Diego, CA), Carlo Smith (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 10/605,072