Game cartridge storage and dispensing system and method for the same

Abstract

A system for storing and dispensing game cartridges and a method for the same. A housing system that requires a user to store a game cartridge in the apparatus before another game cartridge in the apparatus can be dispensed. Thus, insuring that game cartridges will be returned to a storage apparatus before another game cartridge is removed thereby preventing game cartridges from being lost and keeping all game cartridges not being played in one storage container.

1 . A storage apparatus for housing and dispensing game cartridges comprising:
 a housing for housing a plurality of game cartridges along a longitudinal axis of said housing so that said cartridges are aligned serially therein so that only one game cartridge is dispensed at one end of said housing when another game cartridge is returned to the housing at another end of the housing.   
     
     
         2 . The housing according to  claim 1  wherein the housing has springs, and ribs on each side to control the movement of the cartridges along the path of the interior of the casing. 
     
     
         3 . The housing according to  claim 2  wherein said ribs and said springs serve to guide said cartridges as the cartridges slide along a track within the housing along said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The housing according to  claim 2  further including ribs located on each side of said interior of said housing and a lens covering a top surface of said housing so that said ribs prevent the lens from being damaged when said game cartridges slide through said housing. 
     
     
         5 . The housing according to  claim 1  wherein the housing is formed of plastic. 
     
     
         6 . The housing according to  claim 1  wherein the housing is formed of metal. 
     
     
         7 . The housing according to  claim 1  wherein said housing has ramp stops to prevent a game cartridge from being inserted into the housing when a track of the housing is filled with game cartridges to insure that the game cartridges can only be inserted and move in one direction along said longitudinal axis of said housing and so that said springs permit said game cartridges to ride up and over the ramp stops and held in place. 
     
     
         8 . A method for storage and dispensing game cartridges comprising:
 housing a plurality of game cartridges along a longitudinal axis of a housing so that said cartridges are aligned serially therein so as to dispense only one game cartridge at one end of said housing when returning another game cartridge to the housing at another end of the housing.