Background of the Invention Compact disc storage and retrieval has become a significant factor for consideration in view of the proliferation of use of these discs for data storage in association with digitized information that must be readily available. While individual discs are capable of accepting relatively large amounts of data, the amount of data stored for many applications is immense and therefore requires a significant number of discs. In addition to requiring large data storage capacity, rapid retrieval of discs is also desired so that data from the discs can be accessed more quickly.

Because of the large number of discs stored in association with one computer installation, it is evident that a need is present for disc storage magazines that have a significant capacity for disc storage, yet are relatively compact in regard to size requirements. In accord with this need, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage magazine having individual shelves arranged to maximize disc storage capacity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage magazine wherein storage shelves thereof are arranged such that shelves of alternating horizontal rows are interleaved between and offset from shelves of next-adjacent horizontal rows to

thereby accommodate a greater number of discs within a given vertical space.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage magazine wherein a plurality of such magazines are associated with each other to provide a compact disc storage magazine system.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof which now follows.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is a compact disc storage magazine comprising a plurality of shelves preferably of substantially identical width dimensions and each able to accommodate one compact disc thereon for storage. The shelves are arranged in substantially horizontal rows, with respective centers of shelves of vertically alternating rows positioned to be between respective edges of vertically adjacent shelves of rows vertically adjacent these alternating rows. This interleaf configuration of shelves permits a closer vertical stacking of rows while still permitting adequate access space for a conventional disc engagement mechanism at the hub position of any disc stored on any shelf. Because of this arrangement of shelves, an engagement mechanism is able to fit within the space immediately above each such hub position since that space is equal in vertical dimension to that accommodating two horizontal rows of shelves. Simultaneously, the vertical dimension of the magazine structure itself is beneficially minimized in relation to the number of horizontal rows of shelves there present, resulting in increased storage capacity.

The present disc storage magazines can be incorporated into a compact disc storage magazine system comprising two opposing disc storage magazines and an access channel therebetween within which a conventional disc loader apparatus can be disposed for travel among

the shelves. Each of the magazines is accessible from the access channel such that the above-recited disc engagement mechanism extending from the loader apparatus can service each shelf through engagement of the hub position of a disc for retrieval or placement of that disc at its storage shelf location.

Brief Description of the Drawings An illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a compact disc storage magazine system having two opposing storage magazines; and Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a side elevation view of a storage magazine along line 2-2 of Figure 1, additionally having therein stored compact discs.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring first to Figure 1, a compact disc storage magazine system 10 is shown schematically. The system 10 includes two identical opposing disc storage magazines 12,14 disposed on either side of an access channel 16 within which a conventional disc loader apparatus (not shown) as known in the art can be disposed for retrieving and replacing compact discs 18 (Figure 2) at shelf locations within the magazines 12,14. Additionally referring to Figure 2, the disc storage magazine 12 is shown. As earlier noted, the two opposing storage magazines 12,14 are identical, thereby rendering the following description of the storage magazine 12 identical to a description of the storage magazine 14.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the storage magazine 12 has eight horizontal rows 20,22,24,26,28,30,32,34 of identical shelves 36a or 36b (depending upon row) each illustrated with a respective compact disc 18 there

stored. Each of rows 20,24,28 and 32 have three shelves 36a, while each of alternating rows 22,26,30 and 34 have two shelves 36b. As is shown, respective centers 40 of shelves 36b of vertically alternating rows 22,26,30,34 are positioned to be between respective edges 42,44 of adjacent shelves 36a of rows 20,24,28, 32 vertically adjacent the alternating rows 22,26,30, 34. Because of this positioning of shelves 36a, 36b, a conventional engagement mechanism (not shown) of the disc loader apparatus is able to fit within the space 45 immediately above each hub position 46 of each disc 18 since that space 45 is equal in vertical dimension to that accommodating two horizontal rows of shelves.

Concurrently, through interleaving of the shelves 36b between adjacent shelves 36a, the storage magazine 12 of the present invention is able to store five discs 18 in a vertical space normally accommodating only three such discs 18.

Each of the shelves 36a, 36b is accessible from the access channel 16 of the magazine system 10. Thus, in operation, a user directs the disc loader apparatus in the access channel 16 to the shelf 36a or 36b housing a disc 18 to be retrieved. Upon arrival at that site, the engagement mechanism of the loader apparatus engages the hub position 46 of that disc 18, usually by entering the center aperture 48 of the disc 18. Thereafter, the chosen disc 18 is removed from its storage shelf 36a or 36b and transported as known in the art to a disc reader system (not shown) for recall of stored information.

Return and replacement of the disc 18 to its storage shelf 36a or 36b is accomplished by reversal of the above procedure as would be apparent to the skilled artisan.

As is apparent, the disc storage magazine 12 of the present invention accomplishes storage of a greater number of discs within a given vertical space by providing shelf interleaving whereby space above the hub position of every stored disc is adequate at all times to

accommodate disc engagement mechanism for retrieval or replacement of a disc at its designated shelf site.

While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.