Disc storage container

Abstract

A storage container for storing optical discs, the storage container having a rectangular frame that includes a first ledge, a second ledge, a third ledge and a fourth ledge that creates a recess with the frame for supporting a disc. Two latches securely retain the disc in the recess, each latch having a lip that limits the movement of the disc when the disc is placed in the disc storage area. The latch being flexible so as to facilitate the insertion and removal of a disc from the disc storage area.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A disc storage container comprising: 
 a frame;    at least two ledges formed upon the frame defining a recess configured to receive a disc;    a first latch and a second latch formed upon the frame; and    wherein the first and second latches are configured to bend out of the way when a disc is inserted into the frame from above.    
     
     
         2 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second latches are disposed so as to generally define a semicircle about a disc disposed upon the frame.  
     
     
         3 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bottom of the frame has at least two cylindrical pillars mounted therein.  
     
     
         4 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first latch has an open position and a closed position, wherein removal of a disc from the recess is inhibited by the first latch when the first latch is in the closed position and wherein removal of the disc from the recess is facilitated by the first latch when the first latch is in the open position; 
 wherein the second latch has an open position and a closed position, wherein removal of the disc from the recess is inhibited by the second latch when the second latch is in the closed position and wherein removal of the disc from the recess is facilitated by the second latch when the second latch is in the open position; and    wherein a disc disposed within the recess is removable when only one of the first latch and the second latch is in the open position, thus facilitating both right and left handed operation of the latches.    
     
     
         5 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second latches are configured to facilitate both right and left handed operation of one thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second latches are disposed at opposed positions with respect to the recess.  
     
     
         7 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each ledge further comprises a taper configured to facilitate self-centering of a disc being inserted into the recess.  
     
     
         8 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second latches are configured to contact the disc only at an unrecorded portion thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second latches are formed integrally with the frame.  
     
     
         10 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the frame is substantially rectangular.  
     
     
         11 . A disc storage container comprising: 
 a frame; and    at least two ledges formed upon the frame defining a recess configured to receive a disc, the recess comprising a taper formed substantially upon the recess and configured to facilitate self-centering of a disc inserted into the recess.    
     
     
         12 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a first latch and a second latch formed upon the frame, wherein the first and second latches are configured to bend out of the way when a disc is inserted into the frame from above.  
     
     
         13 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the first and second latches are disposed so as to generally define a semicircle about a disc disposed upon the frame.  
     
     
         14 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the bottom of the frame has at least two cylindrical pillars mounted therein.  
     
     
         15 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the first latch has an open position and a closed position, wherein removal of a disc from the recess is inhibited by the first latch when the first latch is in the closed position and wherein removal of the disc from the recess is facilitated by the first latch when the first latch is in the open position; 
 wherein the second latch has an open position and a closed position, wherein removal of the disc from the recess is inhibited by the second latch when the second latch is in the closed position and wherein removal of the disc from the recess is facilitated by the second latch when the second latch is in the open position; and    wherein a disc disposed within the recess is removable when only one of the first latch and the second latch is in the open position, thus facilitating both right and left handed operation of the latches.    
     
     
         16 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the first and second latches are configured to facilitate both right and left handed operation thereof.  
     
     
         17 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the first and second latches are configured disposed at opposed positions with respect to the recess.  
     
     
         18 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the first and second latches are configured to contact the disc only at an unrecorded portion thereof.  
     
     
         19 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the first and second latches are formed integrally with the frame.  
     
     
         20 . The disc storage container as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the frame is substantially rectangular.