Method for storing and displaying data storage discs

Abstract

A device and method for storing and retrieving data storage discs, such as compact discs and computer discs. The device includes a carrousel that holds the data storage discs. The carrousel includes a continuous belt that turns when the carrousel is activated. Attached to the continuous belt are a plurality of suspension elements. The free end of each of the suspension elements is adapted to receive and retain a data storage disc. Consequently, as the continuous belt turns, the data storage discs supported by the belt also move. The path of movement for each of the data storage discs is specifically designed so that the face surface of each data storage disc can be readily viewed at at least one point.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of storing data storage disc cases, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a motorized carrousel;    providing a plurality of suspension elements on said motorized carrousel that are moved along a predetermined path by said motorized carrousel;    connecting the data storage disc cases on said suspension elements, wherein said data storage disc cases move with said plurality of suspension elements;    selectively rotating said motorized carrousel so that each of said data storage disc cases have a side surface thereof displayed at at least one display point on said predetermined path.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said motorized carrousel is contained within a housing and said method further includes the step of providing an access door in said housing proximate said at least one display point.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said access door is at least partially translucent.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of suspension elements have clips disposed thereon and said step of suspending the data storage disc discs includes clipping said data storage discs to said clips.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , further including the step of altering each suspension element orientation as it passes said at least one display point to cause each data storage disc case to protrude at said at least one display point.  
     
     
         6 . A method of displaying a plurality of compact disc cases at a display point, comprising the steps of: 
 connecting said compact disc cases to a carrousel that follows a continuous path, wherein said display point is located along said continuous path;    selectively rotating said compact disc cases around said continuous path so that each of said compact disc cases can be moved past said display point.    
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , further including the step of having each of said compact disc cases protrude from said carrousel at said display point.  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said carousel contains an electric motor that turns said carrousel, and said step of selectively rotating said compact disc cases includes selectively operating said electric motor.  
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said carousel has suspension elements that move along said continuous path, and said step of connecting said compact disc cases includes engaging said compact disc cases with said suspension elements.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said plurality of suspension elements have clips disposed thereon and said step of connecting the compact disc cases includes clipping said compact disc cases to said clips.