Multi-step storage apparatus for adaptably holding discs and disc storage devices

Abstract

An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus for holding computer disks with or without a case in a manner that displays the label side of the disk to the user. In one or more instances, the apparatus embodying the invention comprises an open-faced housing having a plurality of grooves of multiple depths recessed into one or more portions of the housing. Each groove is configured to hold disks and/or their cases so that the user may easily insert and retrieve disks via the grooves. Embodiments of the invention allow the storage of a jewel case or a disk, a mini-jewel case or a disk, a jewel case or a mini-jewel case or a mini-jewel case and a disk at the same time or a jewel case in place of both a mini-jewel case and a disk. The grooves holding a disk may or may not overlap the data carrying portion of the disk depending upon the embodiment of the invention. The open-faced housing may comprise a uniform piece that is formed via an injection mold or any other type of housing that may contain recessed grooves without inhibiting the function of the housing. A computer monitor, computer case, desk, computer printer, or any other place where it would be convenient for a user to store disks may be adapted to incorporate embodiments of the invention. For instance, a bundle of disks could have an open-faced housing placed on top where the open-faced housing contains grooves configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 an open-faced housing configured to hold at least one disk containing digital media; and,    said open-faced housing having an outer width slot comprising at least one further indented width slot.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said outer width slot is configured to hold a thick case and at least one further indented width slot comprises a first further indented width slot configured to hold a disk and a second further indented width slot configured to hold a thin case.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said disk width slot is deep enough to engage a data holding portion of said at least one disk.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said disk width slot is deeper on a side portion configured to hold a label side of said at least one disk and shallower on a data holding side of said at least one disk.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 at least one ramp configured to guide said at least one disk into place as said at least one disk descends into said open faced housing.    
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said at least one ramp comprises a straight ramp.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said at least one ramp comprises a curved ramp.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one further indented width slot is positioned against an outer wall of said outer width slot.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one further indented width slot is positioned away from an outer wall of said outer width slot.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said outer width slot is wider than a thick case.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said outer width slot is wider than a thin case.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one further indented width slot is wider than a disk.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one further indented width slot is wider than a thin case.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a disk bundle package.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a conical indentation to hold a writing implement.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a vertically oriented configuration.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a computer monitor mount open-faced housing.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a modular component.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein said computer monitor mount open-faced housing is located on the reverse side of a monitor mounted paper holder.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said open-faced housing is formed into a mailer.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein said mailer is positioned horizontally.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein said mailer is positioned vertically.  
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 20  further comprising a disk storage indentation covering said outer width slot.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 20  further comprising a disk storage location positioned on a reverse side of said outer width slot.  
   
   
       25 . An apparatus comprising: 
 an open-faced housing formed into a mailer wherein said open-faced housing is configured to transport at least one disk containing digital media; and,    said open-faced housing having at least one slot configured to hold said at least one disk.    
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 25  wherein said mailer is positioned horizontally.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 25  wherein said mailer is positioned vertically.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 25  further comprising a disk storage indentation covering said slot.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 25  further comprising a disk storage location positioned on a reverse side of said slot.  
   
   
       30 . A method comprising: 
 placing a disk in a disk width slot wherein said disk width slot is further indented into an outer width slot; and,    placing a thin case in a thin case width slot wherein said thin case width slot is further indented into said outer width slot.    
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30  further comprising: 
 removing said disk from said disk width slot;    removing said thin case from said thin case width slot; and,    placing a thick case in said outer width slot.