Supports: racks – Special article – Recorded music type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-08
2001-04-10
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Special article
Recorded music type
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213312
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a new storage and retrieval (i.e. filing) system designed specifically for compact disks (CD's) of various sizes. Compact disks can be audio, video or data (i.e. computer) disks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Unlike CD storage systems now available, the new system of the present invention does not use predetermined slots where the crystal cases or boxes for CD's must reside. The use of predetermined slots does not allow for easy expansion when more disks are purchased. To illustrate; if a predetermined slot system has 50 slots available for CD storage, the purchaser may own 10 CD's whose titles begin with the letter “A”, 5 CD'S beginning with the letter “B”, 2 CD's with the Letter “C”, and so on, until the filing system is partially filled. “Partially filled” assumes the purchaser would not buy a storage system with no room for expansion.
The dilemma occurs when the purchaser buys another CD and there is no slot left to accommodate another “A” CD, for example. However, there are slots available in the “D” and “F” range. The purchaser must then move a significant number of CD's to open up the slot into which he wishes to insert the new CD, until all CD's can then be accommodated without disrupting the alphabetical sequence.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Since the new system does not use predetermined slots, the purchase of new CD's does not present any such problem, because the old CD's are simply adapted to slide along the system to make room for the new. This result is accomplished through the use of hanging CD carriers or hanging crystal case carriers.
By way of summary, the invention may comprise filing apparatus for filing and storing compact disks (CD's). The apparatus may comprise means affording a pair of substantially parallel slide rails or the equivalent, with support means for the rails. A plurality of carriers are provided including plates having slot means therein for slidably and removably hanging the plates on the rails for sliding movement therealong. The plates may have storage means thereon for removably receiving and storing individual CD's.
The storage means may comprise individual pouches on the individual carrier plates for removably receiving individual CD's. The pouches preferably comprise transparent material. The carrier plates also preferably have additional storage means for receiving descriptive material or the like. The additional storage means preferably comprise additional pouches mounted on the carrier plates for receiving the descriptive material. The additional pouches preferably comprise transparent material for revealing the descriptive material.
The slot means in the carrier plates may comprise entrance portions for receiving the rails with an interference fit for removably retaining the carrier plates on the rails. The slot means may also comprise guide portions connecting with the entrance portions for receiving the rails with a sliding fit. The slide rails are preferably generally cylindrical. The guide portions of the slot means are preferably generally circular for receiving the rails with a sliding fit. The entrance portions of the slot means are slightly smaller than the rails for receiving the rails with an interference fit.
In a modified construction, the slot means comprise a pair of L-shaped slots for hanging the carrier plates on the slide rails.
Each carrier plate preferably comprises first storage means on one side of each carrier plate for removably receiving and storing a CD, and second storage means on the opposite side of each plate for receiving printed matter regarding the CD. The first and second storage means preferably comprise storage pouches on opposite sides of each carrier plate. The first and second storage means preferably comprise first and second transparent storage pouches on opposite sides of each carrier plate.
The filing apparatus may also comprise index plates having slot means therein for slidably and removably hanging the index plates on the rails for sliding movement therealong. The filing apparatus may also include a CD OUT plate having slot means therein for slidably and removably hanging it on the rails for sliding movement therealong.
The filing apparatus may comprise support means comprising a cabinet for supporting the rails. In a modified construction, the rails are generally circular in shape and are generally horizontal. The support means for the rails may comprise a stand for rotatably supporting the rails for rotation about a generally vertical axis.
In a modified construction, the carrier plates for storing CD's are replaced or supplemented by modified carriers for receiving and storing cases for individual CD's. Each CD box carrier preferably has a plate portion with slot means therein for slidably and removably hanging the plate portion on the rails for sliding movement therealong. Each of such carriers has a hollow housing portion connected to the plate portion and having a generally rectangular cavity therein for snugly receiving and frictionally retaining a storage box for a CD. As before, the slot means may be generally L-shaped for removably and slidably hooking each of the carriers on the rails. Alternatively, the slot means may comprise entrance portions for receiving the rails with an interference fit for removably retaining the carrier on the rails, and guide portions connecting with the entrance portions for receiving the rails with a sliding fit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2804212 (1957-08-01), Spitzig
patent: 2983387 (1961-05-01), Klein
patent: 3017999 (1962-01-01), Cano
patent: 3258126 (1966-06-01), Frey
patent: 5160050 (1992-11-01), Russo
patent: 5176264 (1993-01-01), De Palma
Chin-Shue Alvin
Palmatier Francois N.
Palmatier & Zummer
Purol Sarah
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