GB2183454A

GB2183454A - Laser disc storage unit

Info

Publication number: GB2183454A
Application number: GB08530042A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Woodcock; David Marshall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-12-05
Filing date: 1985-12-05
Publication date: 1987-06-10
Also published as: GB8530042D0

Abstract

A storage unit specifically for accommodating compact laser disc cases which has 20 keys that are used to hold the disc cases in place. The keys (5) are pivoted on a rod (6) that is supported in the base unit which consists of two end supports (1), back panel (2), a base (3) and a detachable lid (4) that fits to the top of the base unit and can be removed to facilitate the stacking of further storage units. Removal of a desired disc case is achieved by depressing the key holding that disc case; this pressure causes the key to tilt forward to a position from where the disc case can be easily removed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Compact disc storage unit This invention relates to a storage unitforSingle Compact Laser Discs.

A Compact Laser Disk is a circular. normally plastic, disc which is packaged in a plastic case. Each case bears the title of the enclosed disc on its two narrow edges. When using no storage medium these disc cases are normally stored side by side on edge, attempting to remove a single case from among other cases you invariably have difficulty in doing so due to their narrow width.

There are two types of storage unit currently available. One has drawers which store disc cases in a similarfashion to files in a filing cabinet drawer. This prevents the user from scanning the titles of the discs without opening the drawer, with the draw open the unit is prone to topple forward.

The second type available stores the disc cases in a ho izontal position, one on top ofthe other, in a slotted vertical unit. With this type of unit it is not easy to grip the disc and therefore makes removal and replace ment awkward. The heightofthis unit can make it unstable.

According to the present invention 20 individual channel section keys, are provided, each ofwhich accommodates a single disc case in the vertical position. The keys are individually pivoted on a single rod which is fitted between the end supports of the unit. A desired disc case is selected by pressing the front of the key in a downwards direction, this elevates the portion ofthe key holding the disc sufficiently to enablethediscto be gripped and removed easily.

The units can be stacked one on top ofthe other.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:~ Figure 1 shows the assembled storage unit in perspective.

Figure 2 shows the storage unit in perspective, with several keys omitted and the lid detached for clarity.

Figure 3 shows a section through the unit with the key in the rest position and a disc case in the fully inserted position.

Figure 4shows a section through the unit with the key in the depressed position showing how a disc case is elevated for removal.

Figure shows an end view oftwo units illustrating the stacking method using the locating pins.

Refering to the drawing Figure 2, the storage unit consists of two end supports (1), a back panel (2), a base (3), and a detachable lid (4). It contains 20 individual keys (5) pivoted on a single metal rod (6) which is fitted between the end supports (1). Incorporated in the back panel (2) is the rest bar (7) and travel limit bar (8).

Fortheoption of stacking four locating pins (9) are provided. See Figure 5.

A disc case is located into the key (5) by a sliding motion until the case is fully inserted and held in place by the vertical rear section walls of the key as shown in Figure (3).

In order to remove a specific disc case the appropriate key is selected. The key is then pressed down until it is stopped by the travel limit bar (8) as shown in Figure 4.

This action tilts the keyforward and exposes the top cornerofthedisccasewhich can then be gripped and removed with the opposite sliding motion as describedfor insertion. After the disc case has been removed and pressure to the key released the key will then return to the rest position on the rest bar (7). As shown in Figure 3.

To stackthestorage units one on top ofanotherthe lid (4) is removed. Two locating pins (9) are then inserted into the top of each end support (1), as shown in Figure 5. The second orsubsequentstorage unit, to be stacked, is then positioned on top of the locating pins so thatthe pins enterthe holes provided in the bottom of its end supports (1).

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Astorage unit comprising of a base, end supports, a rear panel, lid and keys, to store twenty compact laser disc cases, and a method of easily removing anydisccasefrom within the storage unit.

2. A storage unit as in claim wherein a detachable lid is provided which is removed when stacking.

3. Astorageunitasinclaim 1 wherein holes are provided in the base unit to accommodate locating pins when stacking the unit.

4. Astorage unit as in claim 1 wherein 20 keys are individually pivoted on a rod.

5. A storage unit as in claim 1 and claim 4wherein a travel limit bar provides a method of limiting the upward movementofthe key.

6. A storage unit as in claim 1 and claim 4wherein a rest bar provides a method of limiting the downward movement of the key.