US 6,959,822 B2 · CD rack with CD holder having CD engaging projections

Abstract

A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A rack that is adapted to retain and a rotate a plurality of CD cases or cases containing other items which case has first and second major planar surfaces and edges connecting the first and second major surfaces, the rack comprising:

a loop comprised of a plurality of holders that are each adapted to receive one or more cases, each said holder including:
a base with a holder-engaging mechanism that can interlock to an adjacent similar holder;
first and second fingers extending from said base and adapted to receive a case;
first and second walls extending from said base and between the first and second fingers, the first and second walls adapted to receive the case wherein the first and second walls further include a lower wall extending therefrom;
first and second projections extending from said lower walls, with the first and second projections directed toward each other such that said first and second projections are adapted to frictionally engage the first and second major surfaces of the case;
a structure to support said loop;
and
a motor to cause said loop to rotate.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

CD rack with CD holder having CD engaging projections

Life of this patent

CD rack with CD holder having CD engaging projections

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims5