Dispensing and storage unit for disc and like

Abstract

A system for the storage and retrieval of optical discs (e.g., CDs) and the like. An outer housing contains a tiltable inner housing having grooves on upper and lower walls for holding discs by their edges in a vertical orientation. A portal element, formed with a vertical slot for loading and retrieving dics, is movable across the front of the outer housing into alignment with individual disc positions of the inner housing. Flexible shutters are attached to the portal element, maintaining the entire front of the outer housing closed, except for the portal opening. The inner housing has a stable position, tilted slightly to the rear, causing the discs to roll to storage position at the back. A selected disc can be retrieved by tilting the inner housing forwardly, causing the discs to roll forwardly. All discs except the selected disc, aligned with the portal slot, are held back by the flexible shutter, while the selected disc is allowed to roll through the portal slot to an exposed retrieval position. Provision is also made for storing tray cards for retrieval along with discs associated therewith. The discs, which are contained in a compact, dust-free environment, are easily stored and retrieved. Direct indexing is enabled by a bottom hinged door panel provided with a plurality of angled surfaces for mounting title strips associated with the discs. By aligning the movable portal with a title strip, the corresponding disc may be retrieved.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention particularly relates to the storage and retrieval of optical discs, although the principles of the invention are also applicable to the storage and retrieval of other items such as cards, photographs, and the like. Background technique [0002] Optically readable discs, such as audio compact discs, digital video discs, etc., are in widespread use and it has been recognized that suitable means are needed to facilitate their storage and retrieval. Many different systems and devices have been proposed, but they all suffer from drawbacks and deficiencies. [0003] Discs are often sold in what is known as a "jewel case," a flat case usually made of transparent material that contains the disc along with a tray-style card with information about the disc's contents and a title strip , sometimes with a small information booklet. The most common storage method is to use a storage rack to keep discs in their original jewel case. US Patent...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Loading and retrieving discs is somewhat cumbersome as the disc needs to be loaded onto the tray first and then moved to the side of the container

Also, indexes are inconvenient

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