Disk holder

Abstract

A storage case for compact disks rotatably mounted inside a housing. The cradle preferably comprises a base, an outwardly angled side wall extending upward from the base, and at least one lobe extending upward from the opposite side of the base. A slot is formed between the lobe and the side wall for storing the disk. The tabs, preferably located within the lobe, secure the disk inside the cradle, preventing the disk from inadvertently falling out of the cradle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cradle for storing a disc containing readable data, comprising: 
 a base comprising a vertically upstanding outwardly angled side wall and at least one lobe opposite the side wall, whereby a slot is formed between the side wall and the lobe for storing the disc;    a tab located within the lobe and adjacent the base, the tab operable to engage the disc when the disc is placed in the slot for storage;    a rear wall; and    a vertically upstanding front wall.    
     
     
         2 . The cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the side wall is taller than the lobe allowing easy insertion of the disc into the slot.  
     
     
         3 . The cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle of the side wall is three to four degrees.  
     
     
         4 . The cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the tabs are positioned to engage the unreadable outer edge of the disc, forcing the disc against the bottom portion of the side wall and securing the disc within the cradle.  
     
     
         5 . The cradle according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of lobes.  
     
     
         6 . The cradle according to  claim 1 , wherein the side wall is generally C-shaped.  
     
     
         7 . The cradle according to  claim 1 , further comprising a ledge between the side wall and the lobe for supporting the outer edge of the disc, the ledge comprising a ramp along the front wall of the cradle.  
     
     
         8 . A storage case for discs containing readable data comprising: 
 a housing;    a storage cradle pivotally mounted within the housing, the cradle comprising a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a vertically upstanding outwardly angled side wall extending from the base and at lease one lobe extending from the base whereby a slot is formed between the side wall and the lobe for storing the disc;    a tab located within the lobe adjacent the base of the cradle operable to engage the disc when placed in the slot and force the disc against the bottom portion of the side wall securing the disc within the cradle;    a rear wall; and    a vertically upstanding front wall.    
     
     
         9 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , further comprising a finger tab attached to the front wall of the cradle to facilitate pivoting the cradle within the housing.  
     
     
         10 . The storage case according to  claim 9 , further comprising a latch arm extending from the rear wall of the cradle, the latch arm engaging a locking tab extending from the rear wall of the housing when the cradle is pivoted in the closed position, the latch arm and locking tab creating a positive lock when the storage case is closed.  
     
     
         11 . The storage case according to  claim 10 , wherein the latch arm further comprises a notch which engages the locking tab creating the positive lock when the storage case is closed.  
     
     
         12 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , further comprising storage rails for storing a booklet.  
     
     
         13 . The storage case according to  claim 12 , wherein the storage rails extend approximately the entire width of the housing.  
     
     
         14 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , wherein the side wall of the cradle is taller than the lobe allowing easy insertion of the disc into the slot.  
     
     
         15 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , wherein the angle of the side wall of the cradle is three to four degrees.  
     
     
         16 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , wherein the tab located on the lobe is positioned to engage the unreadable outer edge of the disc.  
     
     
         17 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , wherein the cradle further comprises a plurality of lobes.  
     
     
         18 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , wherein the side wall of the cradle is generally C-shaped.  
     
     
         19 . The storage case according to  claim 8 , wherein the cradle further comprises a stop notch preventing the cradle from rotating more than approximately 90° when opened.  
     
     
         20 . The storage case according to  claim 1 , further comprising a ledge between the side wall and the lobe for supporting the outer edge of the disc, the ledge comprising a ramp along the front wall of the cradle preventing the disc from inadvertently rolling out of the case when the cradle is rotated to the open position.  
     
     
         21 . A cradle for storing a disc containing readable data, comprising: 
 a base comprising a vertically upstanding outwardly angled side wall and at least one tab opposite the side wall, whereby a slot is formed between the side wall and the tab for storing the disc, the tab operable to engage the disc when the disc is placed in the slot for storage;    a rear wall; and    a vertically upstanding front wall.    
     
     
         22 . The cradle according to  claim 21 , wherein the tabs are positioned to engage the unreadable outer edge of the disc, forcing the disc against the bottom portion of the side wall and securing the disc within the cradle.  
     
     
         23 . The cradle according to  claim 22 , further comprising a plurality of tabs.  
     
     
         24 . The cradle according to  claim 24 , further comprising a ledge between the side wall and the lobe for supporting the outer edge of the disc, the ledge comprising a ramp along the front wall of the cradle.