Recorded Music Type Patents (Class 211/40)
  • Patent number: 5725105
    Abstract: A CD storage rack and carrier are disclosed for use in storing CD-cases and presenting them for use. The rack 40 (FIG. 3 ) is an open-fronted rectilinear frame or cabinet 42 with a series of horizontal guide rails 50 on the inside face of each side panel 44 to slidably locate a stack of carriers 52, each carrier being adapted to mount one CD-case 10. Each carrier has a front thumb-tab 54 and is in the form of a tray having a base platform 56, raised side-guides 58 and rear hook-shape stops 60. Tab 54 also forms an integral rear-facing catch 62 adapted to engage the front lip 24 of CD-case 10a. Side-guides 58, rear stops 60 and front catch 62 act together to releasibly retain a CD-case in accurate location on carrier 52. Short, upstanding side walls 64 are formed at the rear of carrier tray 56 to support the carrier in cantilever fashion from guide rails 50. A pair of side-arms 70 joined together by a cross-bar 72 are pivotally mounted on trunnions 68 for resiliently gripping the CD-case therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Brian Timothy Boland
  • Patent number: 5715948
    Abstract: A CD rack includes at least two parts and each of the two parts has four connections, a first connection, a second connection, a third connection and a fourth connection. Each of the connections has a first tube extending upwardly therefrom and each of the first tubes has an inserting portion extending downwardly therefrom so that the inserting portions of one part are sized to be received in the first tubes of another part. The first connection and the second connection are located on one of two sides of the respective part and the third connection and the fourth connection are located on the other side of the respective part. Each of the first connection and the second connection has a second tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof and each of the third connection and the fourth connection has a third tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof so that the third tubes in one part are sized to be received in the second tubes of another part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chun-jen Hung
  • Patent number: 5713475
    Abstract: A multi-purpose displaying stand including a body portion having a rectangular opening at an upper portion thereof, an electrical receptacle arranged within a lower portion of the body portion, a power switch electrically connected with the electrical receptacle and fitted at one side of the body portion, an electrical socket installed at another side of the body portion, a transparent frame fixedly fitted within the rectangular opening of the body portion, a neon light mounted within the transparent frame, and a rotatable holder pivotally fitted within the transparent frame and having an inverted U-shaped top panel, a U-shaped bottom panel, a first and a second vertical panels between the top and bottom panels, whereby an article such a poster, compact disk or the like can be attractively displayed in the rotatable holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Enhance Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Johnny Wang
  • Patent number: 5706955
    Abstract: Device (16) for mounting and exposing on a substantially vertical surface CD-boxes (11) of the type comprising a bottom part (26) with a hinged cover (27), the bottom part (26) comprising a lower part (28) and an upper part (29) attached to the lower part by snap action, the bottom part (26) forming at one of the two opposite edges a gap (30) between the lower part and the upper part and at the other one of these opposite edges a projecting rib (31). The device comprises two limbs (19, 20) projecting from said surface mutually spaced a distance corresponding to the width of the box. One limb (19) has an edge flange (21) pointing towards the other limb, while said other limb (20) has at least one projection (23). The box is mounted between the limbs (19, 20) by the flange (21) being inserted into the gap (30) and the projection then being allowed to snap over the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Bengt Andersson
  • Patent number: 5707124
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing unit for a plurality of compact disks in their disk cases in the opened position, the unit including two side wall is that are connected to each other and spaced from each other by a distance greater than the case width, and a plurality of pairs of opposed rails extending toward each other from the side walls so that the inner edges of the rails are spaced from each other by less than the case width, the rails being spaced from adjacent rails on the side wall by a distance greater than the maximum case thickness, the side walls having a length of at least about twice the case width so that a case can be contained within the unit on a respective pair of rails with the case opened, and the base of the case can be extracted by sliding on the opposed rails to move the case to a disk extraction position in which the case base extends beyond the side walls and the disk is exposed to permit extraction of the disk from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Scott M. Johnson, James T. Schoonmaker, Joshua M. Kornfeld
  • Patent number: 5697684
    Abstract: A storage device for flat objects includes a main body inform of a stack of overlying support members between a base and a cover. Each support member is formed by a tray for storing a flat object and a mounting part secured to the tray and swingably mounted to a vertical rod that extends eccentrically to a center axis of the main body between the cover and the base. Thus, the support members can be swung in substantial horizontal direction between a closed position and an open position in which the tray is accessible for depositing or removing a flat object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Geza Gyovai
  • Patent number: 5690399
    Abstract: A compact disk storage cabinet adapted for use in association with single and double compact disk cases, the apparatus comprises an outer shell including a rear wall, two side walls, a roof, a floor and a hingedly attached door, a central shaft being formed in a cylindrical configuration with an upper end affixed to the roof and a lower end affixed to the floor; and a plurality of compact disk carrier racks each comprising a vertical member and a plurality of horizontal arms, each vertical member including side walls, each horizontal arm having an upper surface and a lower surface, each arm including side walls extending above and below the upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface, upper surface and vertical member between adjacent arms defining individual compact disk carrier units, each vertical member including at least one hinge extending therefrom, the hinges adapted to be coupled to the central shaft of the apparatus, the racks being positioned in a circumferential orientation around the central shaf
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Randal H. Davis
  • Patent number: 5685439
    Abstract: An interlocking storage component with viewing capabilities that includes a top portion, a pair of side portions, a back portion, and a pair of tracks. The top portion contains a top portion opening and has a top portion back and a pair of top portion sides. Each of the pair of side portions are disposed at a side of the pair of top portion sides and extend downwardly therefrom. The back portion is disposed at the top portion back and extends downwardly therefrom. The back portion connects the pair of side portions. The top portion and the pair of side portions and the back portion define a housing that has a housing open front, a housing open bottom and contains a housing chamber. The pair of tracks are attached to the top portion and are contained within the housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Carl D. Luenser
  • Patent number: 5683153
    Abstract: A disc container includes: a casing having an opening; a plurality of disc holders arranged in a specified direction, each disc holder being formed with a disc holding portion for removably holding a disc and a pivot member at a depth portion thereof; and a plurality of guide passages provided on the casing and extending in a depthwise direction of the casing for allowing the pivot member to be slid from a first position where the disc holder is entirely accommodated in the casing to a second position where the disc holder is projected from the casing and is rotatable about the pivot member, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Elecom Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mineko Ohta
  • Patent number: 5680937
    Abstract: Horizontal facing slots for receiving CD cases or other objects are formed in a rotatable vertical post. The slots face radially outwardly and they are arranged in vertical columns. At each elevation, there is a pair of diametrically opposed slots. The slots of each pair are at a same elevation, and the slots in four consecutive pairs are all in different vertical columns. Preferably, there are eight columns and they are offset from each other by horizontal angles of 45.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: William H. Palmer
    Inventor: James Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 5676260
    Abstract: A storage arrangement for storing a plurality of video cassettes includes a storage rack and a physical object of an appealing appearance for holding the storage rack in an upright position in which it is capable of holding the cassettes at spaced locations for individual cassette removal and insertion. The physical object includes a base portion for supporting the object on any substantially horizontal surface, a superstructure secured to the base portion and extending upwardly from the base portion in a use position of the object, and elastically yieldable connecting portions engaging the storage rack to hold it in its upright position when the object is in its use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Ken Schneidermesser
  • Patent number: 5669494
    Abstract: A novel and improved rotatable CD and other cartridge storage carousel having a cylindrical shape that rotates about a vertical axis to display the CDs or other cartridges in a horizontal plane for easy identification and selective removal by the user. The carousel consists of a number of tiers formed by spacers each containing several storage compartments; the tiers are mounted on a rotating base turntable. The depth of each spacer and tier may be varied to allow for storage of varying size cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Full Circle Company
    Inventor: Benjamin Geffen
  • Patent number: 5647487
    Abstract: A device for the storage of cassettes, specifically CD-cassettes, formed of a wall assembly of a plurality of identical bar elements (1) with plug and bores at their planar end areas (5) and pin for connecting the bar elements in a staggered manner having gaps. The bar elements (1) form in a preferred kind at a rack-like arrangement of respective two pairs of bar elements (1) transversely over two bar elements (1) located below and at a stacking above each other in several layers a tower-like rack (10) with slide-in compartments (11) formed by the gaps for one respective cassette (9) between two respective bar elements (1) located above each other. Each bar element includes at the steplike stepped inner longitudinal side (6) at the center an abutment (7) formed by the step for limiting the slide-in path of the cassettes to be slid in from the opposite side. By way of the bar elements any arbitrary frame height for an optimal utilization of given space condition can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Alfred Reinhard
  • Patent number: 5642815
    Abstract: A device for storing and displaying a plurality of flat articles, and, in particular, recorded media such as compact discs, either in a self-supporting manner on a horizontal support surface or secured by fasteners to a vertical support surface. The device is composed of three main components, a rack, base and cover plate. The rack has a plurality of vertically spaced shelves forming slots therebetween for receiving and supporting an edge of a compact disc therein, wherein the compact disc extends in a cantilever fashion outwardly from the rack. A plurality of flexible detents on the bottom of the rack are snap-fitted into mating engagement with projections formed on the base to attach the rack to the base in a vertical upright position. A recessed channel is formed in a back wall of the rack and includes holes for receiving fasteners to secure the rack to a vertical surface when the base is removed to provide an alternate mounting arrangement for the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry K. Mundorf, Christopher G. Gallagher, John P. Hoerger, James T. Weisburn
  • Patent number: 5638962
    Abstract: A tape cartridge storage assembly includes a housing having a pair of opposite end walls, a back wall and a floor connected to the end walls and back wall so as to define an interior cavity having an open front end and a storage arrangement disposed in the housing. The storage arrangement includes a plurality of upright divider walls connected to and rising from the floor of the housing and dividing the interior cavity of the housing into separate compartments extending from the open front end of the housing to the back wall of the housing for receiving tape cartridges standing on edge therein and also includes a plurality of retention tabs for releasably interfitting with respective notches defined on the tape cartridges when inserted into the compartments with the retention tabs being attached to the divider walls and protruding laterally into the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Engineered Data Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Macy J. Price, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5634563
    Abstract: A CD storage rack including a casing, and a plurality of individual sliding CD carriers slidably mounted in the casing at different elevations to carry a respective individual CD, wherein each individual sliding CD carrier has spring means fastened to the top cover of the individual CD case carried thereon so that the top cover of the respective individual CD case is automatically opened by the spring means when the respective individual sliding CD carrier is pulled out of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Jung-Ching Peng
  • Patent number: 5632374
    Abstract: A holder for temporarily storing and displaying compact discs has a front, a back and a disc-receiving base sloping downward from the back to the front. The disc-receiving base has molded pockets or slots for receiving and vertically supporting the compact discs. Each pocket has a lead-in for quick drop-off of a disc and for guiding it to a trough at the bottom. The trough contacts the flat sides of the disc but does not touch the information containing regions on the programmed side. Three bumps extend inward from the walls of the trough for orienting the disc at a rearward leaning angle to enhance visual identification and to prevent the discs from tilting forward and becoming dislodged. Effective disc orientation is achieved by providing a straight slot, with no bumps, that is molded at the desired angle of disc tilt or inclination. The pockets have openings that are wider than the thicknesses of standard compact discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Microplas, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Fitzsimmons, Steven E. Callahan, Todd K. Dyment, Jon Noce
  • Patent number: 5628414
    Abstract: A visual display rack apparatus includes a main support member, at least one lower support member, and at least one retention member. In a preferred embodiment, pairs of upper retention members and lower support members provide retaining spaces for holding containers adapted to store media on which music is recorded. One embodiment of the visual display rack apparatus is mountable to a portion of a upstanding wall. Another embodiment of the visual display rack apparatus allows it to stand alone on a substantially horizontal surface. The display rack apparatus can be made to hold all known types of music containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Donald I. Heathcote
  • Patent number: 5622270
    Abstract: A modular system is capable of storing and displaying up to N compact disk cases or other types of similarly sized, cases having at least one slot on each of two spaced apart, parallel peripheral edges. A modular unit includes a frame supporting N pairs of spaced cantilevers projecting outward from a front side of the frame, N being at least one. Each of the N pairs of cantilevers includes a first cantilever and a second cantilever, each of the first cantilever and second cantilever having a stop surface facing the stop surface of the other and a tab projecting from the stop surface, wherein the first and second cantilever can cooperatively grip one of the cases when the tabs are inserted in the first slot and the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Marcelo Bezos
  • Patent number: 5615779
    Abstract: A rack for storing and displaying a plurality of recorded media, such as compact discs, in a vertical array. The rack has upper and lower sections, each of which has a plurality of vertical spaced compartments for slidably receiving the recorded media therein. The lower section is mounted on and extends upwardly from the base. Latching detents are formed on the top of the lower section and provide a snap-fit engagement with the bottom of the upper section to join the sections in a vertical stacked relationship. The upper and lower sections are substantially equal in length and can be placed in a disassembled knockdown condition juxtaposed to each other for storage and shipment to reduce the size of the storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Marsilio, James T. Weisburn, James K. Sankey, Larry K. Mundorf
  • Patent number: 5611426
    Abstract: A packaging assembly for both packaging and displaying a plurality of compact discs. The packaging assembly includes a support structure having tiered depressions formed into at least one row. Each depression in a row is sized to accept a compact disc and includes a retaining mechanism for selectively engaging a compact disc at each tier level. As a result, the support structure is capable of retaining multiple compact discs in each row, wherein each compact disc is retained at a different tier level. This enables the various compact discs to overlay over another without contacting one another. The tiered orientation also enables any one of the compact discs to be accessed without having to remove any other compact disc contained in the packaging assembly. The support structure itself is contained within a box, wherein the box has a forward surface that defines a large window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Point Group Corporation
    Inventor: Ian R. Warfield
  • Patent number: 5609258
    Abstract: A wall hanger adapted to display an array of compact discs which together constitute a collection of recordings. The hanger includes a backboard mountable on the wall and a layer of sponge-like compressible material laminated to the face of the backboard. Adhered to the face of the layer is a panel of flexible material provided with an array of circular wells in each of which is snugly nested a respective compact disc having a matching diameter whereby the disc is normally retained in the well. To remove any disc on display so that it can be played, the operator has only to press the panel region surrounding the disc with his fingers, thereby compressing the corresponding region of the layer and causing the disc which overlies an uncompressed zone to pop out of its well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 5607065
    Abstract: A shelving storage unit (10) for supporting at least one of recorded-media and boxes (12) or the like containing recorded-media having a width (W) of greater dimension than thickness (T) of opposing side edges (14) and opposing ends (16) having an axis (18) extending through opposing side edges (14) which includes base (20) and frame member (22) supported by and extending upwardly from base (20) in which first support assembly (24) is secured to frame member (22) adapted for supporting first box (26) and second support assembly (28) secured to frame member (22) adapted to support second box (30), in which first and second support assemblies (24,28) are positioned at substantially the same elevation above base (20), to align opposing side edges (14) of first box (26) in substantial parallel relationship to opposing side edges (14) of second box (30) and to align at least a portion of end (16) of first box (26) with end (16) of second box (30) and member (32) supported by base (20) and interposed and spaced apa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Michael L. Todd
  • Patent number: 5603415
    Abstract: A device for storing and displaying compact disc jewel cases comprising a series of interconnecting identical modular units. Each unit includes a backwall of two vertically adjacent panels, a upper portion comprised of two identical dogs of trapezoid shape, each dog incorporates a stop of trapezoid shape descending downward from the front lower surface and a recess of dovetail cross-section integrated into the back edge, a lower portion comprised of two identical dogs of trapezoid shape, each dog incorporates a stop of trapezoid shape ascending upward from the front upper surface and a recess of dovetail cross-section integrated into the back edge, a right sidewall portion comprised of a rib of trapezoid shape incorporating two recesses of dovetail cross-section, a left sidewall portion comprised of a rib of trapezoid shape incorporating two recesses of dovetail cross-section, and a key of bow-tie shape to couple together two vertically, horizontally or diagonally adjacent units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur J. Balnis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5597216
    Abstract: A multi-media storage drawer assembly that may be mounted in an entertainment cabinet, a combination coffee table and cabinet, a combination end table and cabinet, etc. The drawer has a plurality of multi-media storage cells and each storage cell can removably receive either a CD, an audio cassette, or a VHS cassette. The storage cells extend from the front wall of the drawer to its rear wall in a column formation. The drawer may have multiple side by side columns of multi-media storage cells. The drawer is integrally formed from plastic material and it has horizontal rails extending from the outer surfaces of its left and right side walls. A roller wheel is mounted adjacent the rear end of the respective side walls. Plastic molded tracks are mounted inside the cabinets and they have roller wheels that functionally engage the bottom surface of the rails extending from the opposite lateral sides of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: Frank Real, Francisco Real
  • Patent number: 5595308
    Abstract: A compact disc box container assembly for holding a number of compact disc container boxes and for displaying, illuminating, and viewing the facial informational indicia of the disc boxes. The holder comprises a pair of opposing longitudinal sides defining a structure with angularly disposed channels, at least two tray members, and at least a pair of end caps slidably engaged to the longitudinal sides. The composition of the composing material includes a fluorescent dyestuff for the illumination of the disc boxes, especially from the edges of the elements that make-up the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventors: Douglas A. King, Ryan Nelson
  • Patent number: 5593032
    Abstract: A device is provided for retaining flat, substantially round discs therein, including compact discs, laser discs and vinyl discs, in a manner which facilitates insertion and removal of a disc from the retainer device with a single hand. The device provides means for inserting and removing discs therefrom in a manner which avoids touching the recorded or encoded portion of the disc. The device is configured to facilitate conjoining or stacking of a multiple number of the devices together while maintaining the discs in a spaced apart arrangement thereby avoiding damage to the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Leland Staley
  • Patent number: 5584397
    Abstract: A compact disk storage and dispensing rack includes a base and, rising from the base in a use position of the rack, a support rod. A plurality of storage receptacles each for accommodating one of a plurality of compact disks is mounted on successive sections of the support rod for pivoting about mutually parallel axes along movement planes that are parallel to one another and inclined to a predetermined extent with respect to the horizontal as considered in the use position of the rack. Each of the storage receptacles is hollow and has a region that is remote from the support rod and is open to permit egress and ingress of the respective compact disk out of and into the respective receptacle. Each of the storage receptacles is movable between its storage position in which the remote region is situated higher and a dispensing position in which it is situated lower than the region surrounding the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Peter S. C. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5584391
    Abstract: A container for storing and displaying recorded media, such as compact discs, video cassettes, audio cassettes, etc., has a support surface, preferably rotatably mounted. A plurality of spaced ribs are formed on the support surface and extend upwardly therefrom, forming individual storage slots for receiving storage boxes containing the recorded media. A small area of serrated teeth is formed on the support surface adjacent a front end opening of each of the slots. The serrated teeth engage a side of the storage box and retard the outward sliding movement of the box as the container is rotated for review of the various recorded media stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Weisburn
  • Patent number: 5584398
    Abstract: A CD storage rack and lamp assembly including a base, a base covering covered on the base, four sets of connecting rods respectively connected in series by connectors, a lamp stand connected to the base and the base covering by the connecting rods, a plurality of telescopic arms connected between the lamp holder and the lamp stand, and a plurality of CD carrier plates fastened to the connecting rods at different elevations between the lamp stand and the base covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 5579925
    Abstract: A compact disk container storage and dispensing device including: a bracket having a left edge and a right edge, a plurality of horizontal arms extending from the left edge and having a tubular portion at an end, and a plurality of tubular portions corresponding to the horizontal arms provided at the right edge; and a plurality of holders each pivotally connected between every two of the tubular portions at the right edge of said bracket, each of said holders being a a rectangular member formed with two rear lugs at a first side, a front lug at a second side opposite to the first side, a first ear at a third side, a second ear at a fourth side, and a tubular member at the first side, said first ear and second ear being provided with a plurality of protuberances at the inner side thereof, said front lug being provided with a hook-like edge at the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Jung-Ching Peng
  • Patent number: 5577620
    Abstract: A storage rack for storing compact disc, cassette and videotape cases in a vertical stack. The storage rack consists of a base having a tower support with a top surface set at a predetermined oblique angle. Modular components are stacked on top of the base to form a storage tower. The modular components and the corresponding storage slots are also oriented at the predetermined oblique angle. The stored cases disposed in the slots display their title at an upwardly turned angle which makes them easy to view. The base may be equipped with several tower supports to support several storage towers facing in similar or different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Arista Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Jacob
  • Patent number: 5570791
    Abstract: A compact disc tack display device comprising a cylindrical receptacle having an open top. A component is for cushioning a compact disc within the cylindrical receptacle. An element is for protecting the compact disc when placed within the cylindrical receptacle. An assembly is for retaining the protecting element over the cylindrical receptacle. A tack centrally extends from the rear of the cylindrical receptacle, for mounting the cylindrical receptacle to a vertical flat surface, so as to be visually seen therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: William Sommi
  • Patent number: 5568873
    Abstract: A height expandable rack for compact discs comprising a plurality of plates. A structure is for storing a plurality of the compact discs in a horizontal plane on each plate. A facility is for stacking the plates together in an interconnected manner in a limited area space on a flat horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: H. Thomas Gioscia
  • Patent number: 5566839
    Abstract: A stand for holding compact discs and/or tape cassettes preferably has a rotatably mounted part (1) made up of a multiplicity of bar-shaped elements (7, 8) of two different types. These elements have transverse grooves enabling them to be fitted one on the other in parallel pairs, with alternate pairs at right angles to each other, thus giving two pairs of parallel walls. The elements (7, 8) also have longitudinal ribs (9) located opposite each other in pairs, thus providing lateral supports for the objects. The individual components can be provided as a kit which enables the stand to be transported and distributed in unassembled form. A second, smaller, part (2), can be mounted on the first (1) and connected to it. This second part is designed to hold differently shaped objects, such as audio cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Muller
  • Patent number: 5564801
    Abstract: The combination system for holding compact disk boxes includes combination plates (1) which can be joined together by linear and angled connecting strips (3,3') fastened on their rear sides to form flat and cuboid combinations for holding and displaying CD boxes. On a front side, a combination plate (1) has a rectangular mounting area (1b) used to hold a CD box (2) which is secured in place by means of an angled projection (1d) and a snap-catch (1e) so that a compact disk (5) can be removed without displacing the CD box (2). Magazines (30) can be inserted for additional storage of CD boxes (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: Walter Hesener, Ursula Hesener
  • Patent number: 5560499
    Abstract: An assembly for storing and displaying compact discs and the like, including two elongated storage units, each having a column of case-receiving slots, the units being secured in upright parallel relation. Top members are secured to the tops of the units and side members are secured to the lower outside sides. The top and side members together with the storage units form the outline of a readily-recognizable, non-storage unit object. The object is preferably a double-neck guitar with the slots (or slot-defining ribs) forming the frets thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Shahriar Dardashti
  • Patent number: 5558235
    Abstract: An audio/video media package storage structure is formed using side rails, partition rails and spacer tubes. The side rail inner surface contains: a bottom flange; a row of interleaved long and short posts; a shelf beneath the posts and above the bottom flange, the shelf having notches centered between adjacent long posts. The rail can support packages of up to three different sizes at one time. Thin packages are supported between adjacent long and short posts and rest on the shelf. Thick packages are supported between adjacent long posts and rest on the bottom flange. Medium-sized packages fit within the notch on the shelf and rest on the bottom flange. The shelf and the bottom flange have protuberances centered between adjacent long and short posts and adjacent posts, respectively, to allow the packages to shift from a forwardly to a rearwardly-oriented display position. Each end of the side rail has a tunnel adjoining the bottom flange for inserting a spacer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Spectrum Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 5555986
    Abstract: An accommodation cartridge for a CD rack includes a base having a U-shaped wall defining an entrance, a plurality of guides extending from a central portion of the base to the wall opposite to the entrance and formed on a bottom of the base, a pin protruding from the bottom of the base near the wall opposite to the entrance, a pliable piece formed near the entrance of the base with a tab protruding from the bottom of the base, a spring mounted onto the pin within the base, and a CD tray having a plate, a wall provided at an end facing the entrance for defining a space for receiving a CD case and an actuating plate for the spring, a corresponding number of teeth extending from an end opposite to the entrance each having a foot protruding from a bottom of the plate for slidably engaging with the guides, an aperture defined in the plate facing the tab for the tab to extend through when the tray is received with the base, and a slot defined in the plate for the tab to extend through and slide within the slot when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 5553720
    Abstract: An assembly for storing and displaying discs, cassettes, game cartridges, tapes or the like, including an elongated straight side-walled storage unit forming a column of longitudinally-spaced storage slots. First and second side members are secured to the opposite lower sides of the storage unit and extend out from it. A top member is secured to the storage unit and extends up from it. The side members and top member are configured such that together with the storage unit they define in front view a readily-recognizable outline of a common (non-storage unit) object, such as a guitar or other musical instrument. The slots or rib spaces of the storage unit define, when the object is a stringed musical instrument, the frets thereof. An interesting, attractive and readily identifiable storage and display assembly is thereby defined. The side and/or top members can also provide surfaces to which holders for holding special tapes or cases are face mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Shahriar Dardashti
  • Patent number: 5551577
    Abstract: A merchandise display system includes a support structure; at least one display bar mounted substantially vertically on the support structure and a plurality of merchandise holders or enclosures disposed in a column along the display bar. Each enclosure includes an end portion having a bore for receiving the display bar and a display portion extending from the end portion and having a bottom panel, side walls and an open upper end. Each holder or enclosure further includes a retaining member configured to engage an adjacent enclosure in the column and permit alignment of the enclosures. The retaining member may be a peripheral flange extending around the bottom of the enclosure, permitting nesting of enclosures in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: KCS Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald M. Hagopian
  • Patent number: 5547086
    Abstract: A video compact disk storage rack including a first end member, a second end member, an open frame connected between the first end member and the second end member at the top, two connecting rods bilaterally connected between the first end member and the second end member at the bottom, two expansion springs mounted inside the open frame at two opposite sides, and two T-blocks respectively supported on the expansion springs and moved along two longitudinal sliding slots on the open frame at two opposite sides for holding down video compact disks within the open frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Hui-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 5547085
    Abstract: Compact recording disc storage carousels each of which includes at least two circular platforms separated by fixed vertical pillars and having therebetween a pair of movable pillars each of which is so juxtaposed to a pair of said fixed pillars as to be capable of maintaining an array of compact recording disc cases between them in face-to-face contacting relationship, and a backstop arrangement capable of preventing said compact recording disc cases of said array from passing so far between said platforms that their spines are spaced from the peripheries of the lower ones of said platforms by more than a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas M. Gaus
  • Patent number: 5542550
    Abstract: A storage rack for articles having predetermined, substantially identical thicknesses comprises a body having opposite ends and at least one generally horizontal slot formed in the enclosure for receiving at least one edge of one of the articles to releasably hold the article generally horizontally. The slot having opposing first and second edges, portions of which lie in first and second boundary planes to releasably hold the article. The remainder portions of the first and second edges lie outside the first and second boundary planes and provide for easy initial insertion of the edge of the article in the slot. The body is adapted to stand erect on one of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Dionisis Kakavoulis-Perera
    Inventors: Dionisis Kakavoulis-Perera, Chris Minichiello
  • Patent number: 5533630
    Abstract: A compact disk assembly rack structure includes two elongated strips, a lower frame, two rods, two support frames and an upper frame as well as a multiplicity of screws. Each of the strips have an upper groove for receiving a longer side of the lower frame which is squeezed through a gap into a circular portion below to be positioned therein. A rod is then fitted into the upper groove of the strip. The support frames each have a clamp for fastening onto a corresponding narrow portion of a shorter side of the lower frame. The upper frame has flat surfaces formed at two shorter sides thereof corresponding to flat surfaces formed at the top of the support frames. Each of the shorter sides of the upper frame is fastened to each of the support frames by screws passing through the flat surfaces of the upper frame into the flat surfaces of the support frames. A number of compact disk racks may be placed one on top of the other for storage or transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Hui-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 5533614
    Abstract: A wall mounted display holder for optically read discs, preferably compact discs. A rigid main panel (12) has one or more recesses (20) formed in its forward surface. Clasps (16) are affixed to projections (14) which are in turn affixed to the inner surface of recesses (20). Discs (30) are removably mounted on clasps (16) in a plane approximately parallel to forward surface of display holder (10). Recesses (20), and projections (14) are of sufficient size to allow user's fingers to easily grasp the outer edge of a disc (30) without interference from the main panel (12). Pressure may be applied to clasp (16) through central aperture (22) of disc (30), to prevent display holder (10) being pulled from wall during removal of disc (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Joshua J. Walker
  • Patent number: 5531516
    Abstract: A cabinet for compact disc containers including a stand provided with an upper plate and a lower plate and formed with a vertical slot, a plurality of holders each being a U-shaped member with a cross member and two legs each leg extending from an end of the cross member, a stud extending downwardly through the hole of the upper plate to engage the recess of one of the holders at an upper position, and a plurality of retainers each formed with a circular portion, a rectangular portion and a neck portion between the circular portion and the rectangular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Jung-Ching Peng
  • Patent number: 5524976
    Abstract: A cabinet for storing cassette tape containers including a base provided with a center with a vertical axle having an annular groove engaged with a retainer ring, a rotating member having four radial legs each formed at an outer end with a conical through hole with a large diameter at an upper end and a small diameter at a lower end, a plurality of balls having a diameter slightly larger than the small diameter of the conical through hole but smaller than the large diameter of the conical through hole, a plurality of plugs each disposed within the conical through hole and having a spherical recess at a lower end thereof located on one of the balls, a plurality of supporting rods having lower ends each vertically mounted in the conical through hole, a plurality of arms having a U-shaped portion and pivotally connected with the supporting rods, and a cover engaged with upper ends of the supporting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Jung-Ching Peng
  • Patent number: 5518125
    Abstract: A CD wall frame for the storage of compact discs (CD's) and the display of compact disc jewel boxes (CDJB's) including interconnected horizontal and vertical beams with protrusions from the horizontal beams for supporting CDJB's standing on edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Colosimo
  • Patent number: 5518112
    Abstract: A software disk holder holds in a coupled state a plurality of software disk cases each having a case body and a lid such that the lid of each case can be opened and closed. Holder plates are each interposed between an upper and a lower software disk case. Each plate has upper case coupling structure to be coupled to the case body of an upper software disk case and lower case coupling structure to be coupled to the lid of a lower software disk case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Hatakeyama Seisakusho CO., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuo Ono, Shigeo Sano