Storage device for compact disk box

Abstract

A storage device for computer data disk (CDs) boxes comprises a U-shaped unit. A constant tension spring is mounted in the unit to generate a substantially constant force against a CD stored in the unit regardless of the position of the CD in the unit. A resilient tongue is formed in the storage device and functions in cooperation with the constant tension spring to stabilize the base portion of CD box (when the lid has been removed) in an extended or open operative position. The resilient tongue also permits the storage device to be used to store CD boxes that have not had the lid removed from the CD box.

1 . A compact disk storage system including 
 (a) a storage device including 
 (i) atop and a bottom,  
 (ii) a first side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iii) a second side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iv) at least one flat spring member including a proximate end attached to said storage device and including a distal end, said distal end movable between two operative positions, 
 a first operative position with said distal end coiled, and a second distended operative position with said distal end at least partially uncoiled from said first operative position; and,  
 
   (b) a compact disk box including 
 (i) a bottom,  
 (ii) first and second side walls upwardly projecting from the bottom,  
 (iii) a back wall, and  
 (iv) a front wall;  
 said compact disk box being inserted in said storage device such that said back wall contacts said distal end of said spring member and moves said distal end to said second distended operative position.  
   
   
   
       2 . A method for storing a media record box including 
 a bottom,    first and second side walls upwardly projecting from the bottom,    a back wall, and    a front wall,    the method including the steps of    (a) providing a storage device to slidably receive the media record box and including 
 (i) a top and a bottom,  
 (ii) a first side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iii) a second side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iv) a front opening,  
 (iv) at least one flat spring member including a proximate end attached to said storage device and including a distal end, said distal end movable between two operative positions, 
 a first normal at rest operative position with said distal end coiled, and  
 a second distended operative position with said distal end at least partially uncoiled from said first operative position in a direction of travel away from said front opening; and,  
 
   (b) sliding the media record box into said front opening to contact said distal end of said spring member with said back wall to move said distal end from said first normal at rest operative position to said second distended operative position.    
   
   
       3 . A method for storing a compact disk box including 
 a first portion including 
 a bottom,  
 first and second side walls upwardly projecting from the bottom,  
 a back wall,  
 a front wall, and  
   a cover movably attached to the first portion,    the method including the steps of    (a) providing a storage device including 
 (i) a top and a bottom,  
 (ii) a first side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iii) a second side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iv) a front opening;  
   (b) removing the cover from the first portion of the compact disk box; and,    (c) sliding the first portion of the compact disk box through the front opening into the storage device.    
   
   
       4 . Apparatus for storing a compact disk box including 
 a first portion including 
 a bottom,  
 first and second side walls upwardly projecting from the bottom,  
 a back,  
 a front wall, and  
 a cover movably attached to the first portion,  
 said apparatus including  
   (a) a top and a bottom,    (b) a first side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,    (c) a second side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,    (d) a front opening;    (e) displaceable latch means shaped and dimensioned to 
 (i) permit the compact disk box to be slidably inserted in and removed from the apparatus when the cover is closed, and  
 (ii) when the cover is removed from the compact disk box, 
 the first portion to be slidably inserted in the apparatus, and  
 after the first portion is slidably inserted in the apparatus and an attempt is made to withdraw the first portion from the apparatus, to engage the back of the first portion to prevent the first portion from being withdrawn from the apparatus.  
 
   
   
   
       5 . A media record storage system including 
 (a) a storage device including 
 (i) a top and a bottom,  
 (ii) a first side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iii) a second side wall intermediate said top and said bottom,  
 (iv) a front opening,  
 (v) at least one spring member including a proximate end attached to said storage device and including a distal end, said distal end movable between two operative positions, 
 a first operative position, and  
 a second distended operative position with said spring distended in a direction away from said front opening; and,  
 
   (b) a media record box including 
 (i) a bottom,  
 (ii) first and second side walls upwardly projecting from the bottom,  
 (iii) a back wall, and  
 (iv) a front wall;  
 said media record box being slidably inserted through said front opening of said storage device such that said spring member is moved from said first operative position to said second operative position.  
   
   
   
       6 . In combination with a horizontally oriented support surface having a vertically oriented edge, a media record storage system including 
 (a) a storage device including 
 (i) a plurality of compartments for receiving media record boxes, and  
 (ii) a bottom contacting the horizontally oriented support surface; and,  
   (b) a finger extending downwardly from said bottom and engaging the vertically oriented edge to prevent said storage device from being pushed over the horizontally oriented surface in a direction of travel away from the edge over and generally parallel to the horizontally oriented surface.