CA2491538A1 - Universal media storage frame - Google Patents
Universal media storage frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2491538A1 CA2491538A1 CA002491538A CA2491538A CA2491538A1 CA 2491538 A1 CA2491538 A1 CA 2491538A1 CA 002491538 A CA002491538 A CA 002491538A CA 2491538 A CA2491538 A CA 2491538A CA 2491538 A1 CA2491538 A1 CA 2491538A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- media storage
- secured
- support
- storage shelf
- media
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims 6
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 claims 2
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- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims 2
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B63/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, specially adapted for storing books, documents, forms, or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B57/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions
- A47B57/58—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting partitions horizontally
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
- A47B81/06—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets
- A47B81/068—Cassette cabinets or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/02—Shelves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/06—Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
- G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
- G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
- G11B33/0461—Disc storage racks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
- G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
- G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
- G11B33/0461—Disc storage racks
- G11B33/0483—Disc storage racks for single disc boxes
Landscapes
- Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)
Abstract
A media storage structure for storing media comprises a first support surface;
a second support surface positioned substantially parallel to and above said first support surface such that a media case can be supported at a tilted position by contacting two edges of the case with the first and second support surfaces;
and an article retaining member attached to at least one of said first or second support surfaces, said article retaining member comprising a lower member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches below a pivot line extending between the first and second surfaces, and an upper member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches above said pivot line, wherein said article retaining member is in a plane substantially perpendicular to both of said support surfaces.
a second support surface positioned substantially parallel to and above said first support surface such that a media case can be supported at a tilted position by contacting two edges of the case with the first and second support surfaces;
and an article retaining member attached to at least one of said first or second support surfaces, said article retaining member comprising a lower member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches below a pivot line extending between the first and second surfaces, and an upper member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches above said pivot line, wherein said article retaining member is in a plane substantially perpendicular to both of said support surfaces.
Description
Universal Media Storage Frame Field of Invention The present invention relates to the field of organized package Storage support, and more particularly it relates to a versatile structure for organized near-upright storage and display support of an Intermixture of several different sited packages containing audiolvideo home media such as compact discs, digital video discs, video tape cassettes, game video discs and other optical disc storage cases.
Background of the Invention The popularity of packaged audio-video media such as compact di&c and digital video disc has resulted in new unif<ed needs for storage support facilities for such packages. In particular, there is a wide spread need for lightweight, easily manufactured, economical structures that can provide intermixed storage and display of several different sized media packages in columns, supported in a nearly upright inclined disposition.
Media storage products have organized media cases in a number of different ways. Firstly, there is a category of products that has individual slots for each case, such as wire frame or plastic boxes with thin wall separators. Since media cases of different types have different dimensions, these product designs are typically to hold one type of media or another, and are not suited for universal storage. U.S. Patent number 5,558,235 shows a design for two types of cases in one slot but the cases are supported on their bottom edge arid the design is complex to make.
Another category of media storage products is an open bookshelf design, in that there is a wide shelf that various types of media can be stored in much like books stacked on a shelf. However, there is no way to prevent falling over and tilting of V90306WO~YAN t-AWW75327\t individual cases, although some of these designs have one "slider" baolcered per shelf, requiring that a!I cases be pushed against one end - this is cumbersome if media cases are frequently removed, as one's piece is lost and organization becomes more difficult.
A subset of tire bookshelf designs are storage racks where cases are supported on two or three lateral rods, allowing cases of differing heights and dimensions to be supported on the same rods, A ve~riation on this product is again a slider that moves vn the rods to push aft the stared cases to one side. This design requires numerous parts and thus is relatively expensive to manufacture. Also, this design does not prevent media cases from falling laterally over, when subjected to vibrations.
Summary of invention 1t is an object of the invention to provide an improved media storage device that solves at least some of the dei'iciencies of the known media storage devices.
In particular, the improved media storage device achieves at least one of the following specific objectives;
a) organizing small groups of media cases in place, without being either repositioned by sliders when cases are removed and reinserted or permitked to tilt and fall over;
b) providing a universal storage design that restricts the lateral tilt of all media placed in any supported position in the slot, irrespective of whether other cases are in the slot or not;
c) providing a two support point system that allows for all media cases to be securely stored, while restricting dimensions of the support points sa that no cases can slide through the support points by accident;
vso3o6wowaN ~.rv~ 17s32W
d) providing a universal shelf design that requires no repeated action by the user (slider) to organize and align the cases in individual slots;
e) providing a single piece universal shelf design that only requires two point support and can be supported by two wires;
f) providing a universal media storage product built with universal media shelves supported so that stored cases cannot be vibrated or knocked out of the shelves in normal use.
g) Using a minimized volume of material to support universal shelves while providing necessary support strength According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a media Storage structure for storing media, said storage structure comprising:
a) a frrst support surface;
b) a second support surtace, positioned substantlaily parallel to and above said first support surface such that a media case can be supported at a tilted position by contacting two edges of the case with the first and second support surtaces; and wherein a pivot line is created between said support surfaces in a plane parallel to both support surfaces; and c) an article retaining member attached to at least one of said first or second support surtaces, said article retaining member comprising a lower member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches beivw said pivot line, and an upper member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches above said pivot line, wherein said article retaining member is in a plane substantially perpendicular to both of said support surfaces;
whereby, the media case when positioned on both of said support surtaces and having one side surface of said case in contact with said article retaining member, is secured in a substantially upright position.
vao3oswowAN-r~v~n ms3zm 3 The media case can be selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there Is provided a media storage structure with universal slots on two point support which set a rotation angle and minimum energy position that prevents a CD or similar media from failing through the structure when subjected to common vibration or by a particular placement in the structure. This storage structure comprises:
l0 a) a first elongate support surface;
b) a second elongate support surface, substantially parallel to said first elongate support surface and located above said first elongate support surface with a spacing such that a media case selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets, is supportable in a tilted upright position in contact with both said surfaces and wherein a pivot line is defined between said support surtaces in a plane parallel to both support surtaces; and wherein, a rotation angle of the storage structure and the spacing between said first and second support surtaces are selected such that the minimum potential energy position of a supporked case locates the case's comer in contact with the upper support edge, said case's comer being located more than 0.1" above the second support surface;
c) a plurality of artlde retaining members spaceably attached to at least one of said first or second support surface, said amide retaining members comprising a lower retaining portion positioned more than 0.1 inches below said pivofi line, and an upper retaining portion spaced more than 0.1 inches above said pivot line; and wherein the gap between adjacent article retaining members is greater than a minimum gap suitable to retain a set of media cases chosen from V80306WO~VAIi LAW1175327~1 the group consisting of three CD's or two DVD's or one DVD with one CD, and one VHS, and less than a maximum gap, said maximum gap determined by the slot width at which a CD initially positioned between said support surfaces within 14 degrees rotation of the minimum potential energy position, fails through said support surfaces following vibration of said support surfaces at 1 mm amplitude at a non-resonant frequency between 20 and 100 Hz; and whereby, a media case is supported following movement of said frame and tolerant over a range of 20 degrees insertion angle of said media case relative to said minimum potential energy position.
i_ist of Figures The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;
Figure 1 illustrates a media storage shelf with universal slots having a lower side element extending below lower support surface, and Stored cases at a minimum energy position;
Figure 2 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal slots having a lower side element extending below the upper support surface:
Figure 3 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal Slots having both lower and upper side elements located between the upper and lower support surfaces;
V80306W0\VAN LAVJ\ 17532711 Figure 4 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal slots having a upper side elem~ant extending above an upper support surface;
Figure 5 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal slots having a upper side element extending below the upper support surface, and illustrating;
Figure 6 shows side views of both a media storage shelf (non-universal) Fig.6a 1 o and a media storage shelf illustrating position of a CD [Fig 6b] and DVD
[Fig 6c];
Figure 7 shows perspective view of a mEdia storage rack with shelves supported by wire rods;
Figure 8 shows perspective view of a media storage rack with shelves supported by wood panels;
Figure 9 shows perspective view of a high capacity media storage rack with shelves supported by wood panel assembly at the beam quarter points of the shelf;
Figure 1Q shows perspective view of an embodiment of a media storage rack with fastening features and attachable support feet to mount the rack either horizontally on a surtace or vertically on a wall;
Figure 11 shows perspective view of an embodiment of a media storage rack with universal slots, suspended on a wall support bar;
Figure 12 shows perspective view of an embodiment of a media storage rack with universal slots, supported on one or iwo wire frame supports;
V803Q6W0\VAN_LAVIn I753z7U 6 Figure 13 illustrates two methods of manufacturing the media storage shelves with universal slots, including a single metal stamping [Fig. 13a] or a formed wire element that is supported on two rods[Fig 93b];
Detailed Description Of Embodiments of the Inve~llon Figures 1-5 illustrate the preferned embodiment of a universal media storage shelf, designated as 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 respectively in accordance with the present invention. All embodiments provide a two point support for multimedia cases, supporting them on the bottom of the case and side of the case, as opposed to more than two point support or both support points being on the bottom of the case as is commonly found.
filgure 1 is a perspective view of media storage shelf 10, including a lower support surface 14 and an upper support surface 16. The side view of media storage shelf 10 shows a pivot line f 8 between the Power and upper support surtaces, lit, 16. The media storage shelf 10 shows 6 retaining ribs (not numbered incorporating a lower rib portion 20 extending from the lower support surface 14, and an upper rib portion 22 curved between the lower and upper support surfaces. The positioning of the rIb portions relative to the pivot line 18 provides anti- tilting stability to stored media cases illustrated as CD case 24 and DVD case 26. Specifically for this embodiment, the lower rib portion 20 is ideally located below the pivot line by more than one inch and the upper rib portion 22 is positioned above the pivot line 18 by more than three inches. The ribs are spaced by a slot width t2, suitable for holding 3 CD's or two DVD's. When media cases are mounted in the slats between ribs, as shown in side view, and resting at a minimum potential energy position befween the two supports, the cases are tilted at an angle a relative to a horizontal position. The Cb case 24 is the smallest structure to be supported, therefore the media storage shelf structure is designed specifically to prevent tilting and the case falling through the two supports during regular use. In the side view, the location of the comer of the v8o~wowAN_r.~m t7s~2m CDcase 24, closest to upper support surface 96 is representative ofi a minimum potential energy position of the case, for which the case doesn't rotate upwards or downwards when vibrated. When the CD is inserted below the minimum potential energy position but above the upper support surface, it has greater than minimum potential energy and will rotate upwards when vibrated or moved.
When the CD is inserted above the minimum potential energy position and still resting on the lower support surface, it has greater than minimum potential energy and will rotate downwards when vibrated or moved. The a angle of the shelf and the distance between upper and (ewer support surfaces determine the minimum energy position. In this embodiment the position of the CD case corner is more than 0.2 inches above the upper support point. A CD case stored in this media storage shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fall through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs_ Thus definition of vibration is typical of consumer product use of storage shelves. As the slat width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf. The Shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed 1n a curved C shape. The advantages of the media storage shelf 14 are that different media can be stored in slots and retained by positioned ribs and the support surfaces, such that tilting of the cases is significantly inhibited and CD cases do not fall through the two point supports.
Figure 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 30, configured to be self supporting for resting on a horizontal surface. Upper support surface 36 and lower support surface are shown with a spacing (not numbered) and defining a pivot line 38. Upper rib portion 44 is a curved segment between the upper and lower support surtaces. Lower rib portion 40 extends beyond the upper support surface 36 and the rib extends to the horizontal surface where it may optionally be terminated. In the side view CD case 42 and DVD case 46 are shown seated in media storage shelf 30 in the minimum V8U306WO~VAN LJtW~ 17532'1\1 potential energy posit~an, as previously described, and are supported at an angle a relative to the horizontal support surface. A CD case stored in this media ston~ge shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fail through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the slot width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD does fail through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 30. The shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed in a half-bean type curved shape.
The advantage of this embodiment is that it is self supporting and can be made from a single stamped piece of metal.
Figure 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 50, showing the upper and lower rib portions ( B2, 60) as one member secured between the upper support surtace 56 and lower support surface 54. The upper rib portion 62 is above the pivot line (not numbered - dashed line on side view) and the lower rib portion 60 is positioned below the pivot line. The slot width shown 52 is suitable to hold 3 CD's and 2DVDs, In the side view CD Gase 64 and DVD case 66 are shown seated in media storage shelf b0 in the minimum potential energy position, as previously described, and are supported at eon angle a relative to the horizontal support surface. At the given spacing between upper and cower support surfaces, a CD case stored in this media storage shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelt~, will not fall through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the slot width is increased, there wilt be a slot width that the CD
does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 50 in this configuration. The shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed in a sinusoidal shape. The additional advantage of this embodiment is that it uses less material than the other embodiments and can be made from a single stamped piece of metal.
V$0306WO~Vpt3-LAW\ 1753270 Figure 4 illustrates ,an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 70, showing the upper rib portions 82 extending outward from the region between support surfaces 74 and 76 and positioned above the pivot titre 78. The tower rib portion 80 is a portion of a rtb extending from upper support surface 76 to lower support surface 74 in a curve and below the pivot line 78. The slot width shown 72 is suitable to hold 3 CD's and 2DVDs. In the side view CD case 84 and DVD
case 86 are shown seated in media storage shelf 50 in the minimum potential energy position, as previously described, and are supported at an angle a t0 relative to the horizontal support surface (not numbered - dashed line). At the illustrated spacing between upper and lower support surfaces, a CD case stored in this media storage shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fait through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the riot width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 70 in this configuration.
The shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed in an inverted "C" shape.
Figure 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 90, similar to the media storage shelf 50 but with different curves and rib positions.
Upper and lower rib portions 106, 104 are shown extending between support surfaces 94 and 96 in a curved manner. Additional rib angers (not numbered) are shown attached to the upper support surface 96 and are only necessary at the outer ends of the shelf for preventing fall through of a CD (not DVD) under the vibration previously described. The slot width shown 92 is suitable to hold 3 GD's and 2DVDs. tn the side view CD case 108 and DVD case 110 are shown seated in media storage shelf 90 in the minimum potential energy position, as 34 previously described, and are supported at an angle a relative to the horizontal support surtace (not numbered - dashed line). At the illustrated spacing V80306W01vAti LAS i7s3zTt 10 between upper and lower support surfaces and with the rib fingers(not numbered) at, a CD case stored in this media storage shelf 90 within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude 2~t a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fall through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable far holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the slot width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD
does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 70 in this configuration. An advantage of this embodiment is that additional support material added below the upper support point 9~, allows for the shelfs to be structurally strong enough to be supported on only two supports at the rear of the shelf, for example two wire rods.
Figure 6a shows an example of a media storage shelf 71 that is not designed by the teachings of this invention for comparison and illustration of the design.
As is illustrated, the upper rib portion does not intErsect with the CD case shown positioned in the media storage shelf 71, and hence does not prevent tilting or fall-through of the case under typical use and vibration. The other 'figures respectively show media storage shelf 70 with a CD and DVD, supported to prevent tilting and fall-through of the CD case.
the upper and lower rib portions and rib members of media storage shelves 10,30, 50,70,90, are shown curved for esthetic reasons but are not restricted to those shapes, and may easily be formed as liner or complex non-curved shapes. The invention applies to any cross-sectional rib member that meets the requirements of having two rib portions positioned above and below the pivot line between the upper and lower supports, and in the same plane, perpendicular to the upper and Power supports. There are a number of methods of manufacturing the media storage shelves. As shown in Figure 13a, the shelves 300, 310 may be stamped and formed from a single piece of sheet metal. Alternatively, the 3o media storage shelves may be formed of injection molded thermoplastic.
Alternatively, the rib members may be made of metal and welded to metal upper and tower support surtace$ thus using less material than the stamped method, or vao~o~wrnvAta c.aurv msaim 1 t attach to the support surfaces by swaging instead ofi welding. Alternatively, the media storage shelves may be a combination of the materials, provided the materials meet suitable thickness and sfiffness requirements. Alternatively as shown in Fig 13b, a sliding rib element 306 can be positioned on two Support rods 304 so as to support media cases in the minimum energy position for restricted tilting and non~fall through of CD cases, The method of producing rib members may include, cutting round wire or square wire, punching metal ribs, spot welded attachment to metal, injection molded ribs bonded to support surfaces, or die cast ribs swaged onto support surfaces.
The media storage shelves described by 10,30, 50,70 and S0, may be mounted on supports to form a media storage rack capable of universal storage of CD
and DVD cases. The next figures describe arrangements of supporting the media is storage shelves.
Figure 7 illustrates a media storage rack 120, with two media storage shelves 122 secured to four wire rods 124, to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surface the supports are posifioned on. For example the wire rods could be welded to media storage shelves 122 or attached with fasteners as common in the industry. Alternatively, tube ends 126 may be attached to the wire rods 124 to allow for stacking multiple racks an top of each other, and for knock down assembly where the rods slide into the tubes and are secured.
Alternatively the media storage rack may be supported by two wire rods or three wire rods.
The assembly shown, may be what is calved knock down design where the shelves nest together for compact shipping. Figure 12a and 12b show alternate embodiments of universal media storage shelves supported on one wire rod or two wire rod supports.
Figure 8 illustrates a media storage rack 930 with media storage shelves 132 supported an two wood panels 134, to maintain the media storage shelves Y8U306W0\VArt LA's 1'15327a 12 similar to media storage shelf 14, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surface the supports are positioned on. Alternatively the wood supports may be frame wood or composite wood, or portions of wood assembled into one support panel. CD cases 136 and DVD cases 1313 are shown seated in the minimum potential energy posftian.
Figure 9 illustrates a media storage rack i4p with media storage shelves 144 supported on two wood support panels 142, to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle t'elatlve to the horizontal surface the supports are positioned on. Considering the media storage shelves as a mechanics! beam, the support panels 142 are positioned at the beam quarter points to allow for maximum width and number of slots of the media storage shelf without unsuitable bending of the beam as would occur if the wide shelf was supported at the ends only. Encaps 148 may be added to the ends of the media storage shelves. A double wide slot 146 is shown at the inner edges of the media storage racks, for supporting wider media like boxsets of CD's and DVDs. The wood support panels 142 may be composed of interlocking portions that fit each media storage shelf.
Figure 1 Q illustrates two media storage racks 150 and 160, with fastener features far positioning on a wall or a flat surface. The shelf 152 in fig 10a and 10b Side view is similar to media storage shelf 10 but has additional structures, including two tabs 164 near the upper support surface (not numbered) and two holes 15G
positioned near the lower support surface (not numbered). Two support feet 152 are shown attached to the two holes, such that the media storage shelf 152 is supported in position to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surtace the feet supports 152 are positioned on. The media storage rack 160 shows the same media storage shelf 152 with the same support feet 15$ attached to the two tabs 154 and the feet 158 secured to a wall with one finishing nail each (not shown), such that the media storage shelf 152 is supported in position to V~0306WO~VAN_LAW~ t75327~1 13 maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 10, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to fihe horizontal surface at 90 degrees to the vertical surtace the feat supports 152 are positioned on. The advantages of this embodiment are that the same universal shelf may be used in two orientations using the same supports 152 in both orientations.
Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of a media storage rack, suspended on a wall. Media storage shelves (not numbered) similar to shelf 50 are shown, but have two additional wall spacers 178 near the upper support surface to hold the shelf outwards from the waif surface such that a stored DVD does not hit the wall surface. The media storage shelves are supported on at least 3 wires or strings (4 wires shown here) such that the media storage shelf shown is supported in position to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage sheaf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surface at 90 degrees to the vertical surtace the feet supports 152 are positioned on The examples and embodiments are not intended to restrict the applicability of the invention to other forms and methods that could be applied.
V80306W0\VAN_LAW\ 17532711 1 L
Background of the Invention The popularity of packaged audio-video media such as compact di&c and digital video disc has resulted in new unif<ed needs for storage support facilities for such packages. In particular, there is a wide spread need for lightweight, easily manufactured, economical structures that can provide intermixed storage and display of several different sized media packages in columns, supported in a nearly upright inclined disposition.
Media storage products have organized media cases in a number of different ways. Firstly, there is a category of products that has individual slots for each case, such as wire frame or plastic boxes with thin wall separators. Since media cases of different types have different dimensions, these product designs are typically to hold one type of media or another, and are not suited for universal storage. U.S. Patent number 5,558,235 shows a design for two types of cases in one slot but the cases are supported on their bottom edge arid the design is complex to make.
Another category of media storage products is an open bookshelf design, in that there is a wide shelf that various types of media can be stored in much like books stacked on a shelf. However, there is no way to prevent falling over and tilting of V90306WO~YAN t-AWW75327\t individual cases, although some of these designs have one "slider" baolcered per shelf, requiring that a!I cases be pushed against one end - this is cumbersome if media cases are frequently removed, as one's piece is lost and organization becomes more difficult.
A subset of tire bookshelf designs are storage racks where cases are supported on two or three lateral rods, allowing cases of differing heights and dimensions to be supported on the same rods, A ve~riation on this product is again a slider that moves vn the rods to push aft the stared cases to one side. This design requires numerous parts and thus is relatively expensive to manufacture. Also, this design does not prevent media cases from falling laterally over, when subjected to vibrations.
Summary of invention 1t is an object of the invention to provide an improved media storage device that solves at least some of the dei'iciencies of the known media storage devices.
In particular, the improved media storage device achieves at least one of the following specific objectives;
a) organizing small groups of media cases in place, without being either repositioned by sliders when cases are removed and reinserted or permitked to tilt and fall over;
b) providing a universal storage design that restricts the lateral tilt of all media placed in any supported position in the slot, irrespective of whether other cases are in the slot or not;
c) providing a two support point system that allows for all media cases to be securely stored, while restricting dimensions of the support points sa that no cases can slide through the support points by accident;
vso3o6wowaN ~.rv~ 17s32W
d) providing a universal shelf design that requires no repeated action by the user (slider) to organize and align the cases in individual slots;
e) providing a single piece universal shelf design that only requires two point support and can be supported by two wires;
f) providing a universal media storage product built with universal media shelves supported so that stored cases cannot be vibrated or knocked out of the shelves in normal use.
g) Using a minimized volume of material to support universal shelves while providing necessary support strength According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a media Storage structure for storing media, said storage structure comprising:
a) a frrst support surface;
b) a second support surtace, positioned substantlaily parallel to and above said first support surface such that a media case can be supported at a tilted position by contacting two edges of the case with the first and second support surtaces; and wherein a pivot line is created between said support surfaces in a plane parallel to both support surfaces; and c) an article retaining member attached to at least one of said first or second support surtaces, said article retaining member comprising a lower member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches beivw said pivot line, and an upper member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches above said pivot line, wherein said article retaining member is in a plane substantially perpendicular to both of said support surfaces;
whereby, the media case when positioned on both of said support surtaces and having one side surface of said case in contact with said article retaining member, is secured in a substantially upright position.
vao3oswowAN-r~v~n ms3zm 3 The media case can be selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there Is provided a media storage structure with universal slots on two point support which set a rotation angle and minimum energy position that prevents a CD or similar media from failing through the structure when subjected to common vibration or by a particular placement in the structure. This storage structure comprises:
l0 a) a first elongate support surface;
b) a second elongate support surface, substantially parallel to said first elongate support surface and located above said first elongate support surface with a spacing such that a media case selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets, is supportable in a tilted upright position in contact with both said surfaces and wherein a pivot line is defined between said support surtaces in a plane parallel to both support surtaces; and wherein, a rotation angle of the storage structure and the spacing between said first and second support surtaces are selected such that the minimum potential energy position of a supporked case locates the case's comer in contact with the upper support edge, said case's comer being located more than 0.1" above the second support surface;
c) a plurality of artlde retaining members spaceably attached to at least one of said first or second support surface, said amide retaining members comprising a lower retaining portion positioned more than 0.1 inches below said pivofi line, and an upper retaining portion spaced more than 0.1 inches above said pivot line; and wherein the gap between adjacent article retaining members is greater than a minimum gap suitable to retain a set of media cases chosen from V80306WO~VAIi LAW1175327~1 the group consisting of three CD's or two DVD's or one DVD with one CD, and one VHS, and less than a maximum gap, said maximum gap determined by the slot width at which a CD initially positioned between said support surfaces within 14 degrees rotation of the minimum potential energy position, fails through said support surfaces following vibration of said support surfaces at 1 mm amplitude at a non-resonant frequency between 20 and 100 Hz; and whereby, a media case is supported following movement of said frame and tolerant over a range of 20 degrees insertion angle of said media case relative to said minimum potential energy position.
i_ist of Figures The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;
Figure 1 illustrates a media storage shelf with universal slots having a lower side element extending below lower support surface, and Stored cases at a minimum energy position;
Figure 2 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal slots having a lower side element extending below the upper support surface:
Figure 3 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal Slots having both lower and upper side elements located between the upper and lower support surfaces;
V80306W0\VAN LAVJ\ 17532711 Figure 4 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal slots having a upper side elem~ant extending above an upper support surface;
Figure 5 shows perspective and side views of a media storage shelf with universal slots having a upper side element extending below the upper support surface, and illustrating;
Figure 6 shows side views of both a media storage shelf (non-universal) Fig.6a 1 o and a media storage shelf illustrating position of a CD [Fig 6b] and DVD
[Fig 6c];
Figure 7 shows perspective view of a mEdia storage rack with shelves supported by wire rods;
Figure 8 shows perspective view of a media storage rack with shelves supported by wood panels;
Figure 9 shows perspective view of a high capacity media storage rack with shelves supported by wood panel assembly at the beam quarter points of the shelf;
Figure 1Q shows perspective view of an embodiment of a media storage rack with fastening features and attachable support feet to mount the rack either horizontally on a surtace or vertically on a wall;
Figure 11 shows perspective view of an embodiment of a media storage rack with universal slots, suspended on a wall support bar;
Figure 12 shows perspective view of an embodiment of a media storage rack with universal slots, supported on one or iwo wire frame supports;
V803Q6W0\VAN_LAVIn I753z7U 6 Figure 13 illustrates two methods of manufacturing the media storage shelves with universal slots, including a single metal stamping [Fig. 13a] or a formed wire element that is supported on two rods[Fig 93b];
Detailed Description Of Embodiments of the Inve~llon Figures 1-5 illustrate the preferned embodiment of a universal media storage shelf, designated as 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 respectively in accordance with the present invention. All embodiments provide a two point support for multimedia cases, supporting them on the bottom of the case and side of the case, as opposed to more than two point support or both support points being on the bottom of the case as is commonly found.
filgure 1 is a perspective view of media storage shelf 10, including a lower support surface 14 and an upper support surface 16. The side view of media storage shelf 10 shows a pivot line f 8 between the Power and upper support surtaces, lit, 16. The media storage shelf 10 shows 6 retaining ribs (not numbered incorporating a lower rib portion 20 extending from the lower support surface 14, and an upper rib portion 22 curved between the lower and upper support surfaces. The positioning of the rIb portions relative to the pivot line 18 provides anti- tilting stability to stored media cases illustrated as CD case 24 and DVD case 26. Specifically for this embodiment, the lower rib portion 20 is ideally located below the pivot line by more than one inch and the upper rib portion 22 is positioned above the pivot line 18 by more than three inches. The ribs are spaced by a slot width t2, suitable for holding 3 CD's or two DVD's. When media cases are mounted in the slats between ribs, as shown in side view, and resting at a minimum potential energy position befween the two supports, the cases are tilted at an angle a relative to a horizontal position. The Cb case 24 is the smallest structure to be supported, therefore the media storage shelf structure is designed specifically to prevent tilting and the case falling through the two supports during regular use. In the side view, the location of the comer of the v8o~wowAN_r.~m t7s~2m CDcase 24, closest to upper support surface 96 is representative ofi a minimum potential energy position of the case, for which the case doesn't rotate upwards or downwards when vibrated. When the CD is inserted below the minimum potential energy position but above the upper support surface, it has greater than minimum potential energy and will rotate upwards when vibrated or moved.
When the CD is inserted above the minimum potential energy position and still resting on the lower support surface, it has greater than minimum potential energy and will rotate downwards when vibrated or moved. The a angle of the shelf and the distance between upper and (ewer support surfaces determine the minimum energy position. In this embodiment the position of the CD case corner is more than 0.2 inches above the upper support point. A CD case stored in this media storage shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fall through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs_ Thus definition of vibration is typical of consumer product use of storage shelves. As the slat width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf. The Shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed 1n a curved C shape. The advantages of the media storage shelf 14 are that different media can be stored in slots and retained by positioned ribs and the support surfaces, such that tilting of the cases is significantly inhibited and CD cases do not fall through the two point supports.
Figure 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 30, configured to be self supporting for resting on a horizontal surface. Upper support surface 36 and lower support surface are shown with a spacing (not numbered) and defining a pivot line 38. Upper rib portion 44 is a curved segment between the upper and lower support surtaces. Lower rib portion 40 extends beyond the upper support surface 36 and the rib extends to the horizontal surface where it may optionally be terminated. In the side view CD case 42 and DVD case 46 are shown seated in media storage shelf 30 in the minimum V8U306WO~VAN LJtW~ 17532'1\1 potential energy posit~an, as previously described, and are supported at an angle a relative to the horizontal support surface. A CD case stored in this media ston~ge shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fail through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the slot width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD does fail through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 30. The shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed in a half-bean type curved shape.
The advantage of this embodiment is that it is self supporting and can be made from a single stamped piece of metal.
Figure 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 50, showing the upper and lower rib portions ( B2, 60) as one member secured between the upper support surtace 56 and lower support surface 54. The upper rib portion 62 is above the pivot line (not numbered - dashed line on side view) and the lower rib portion 60 is positioned below the pivot line. The slot width shown 52 is suitable to hold 3 CD's and 2DVDs, In the side view CD Gase 64 and DVD case 66 are shown seated in media storage shelf b0 in the minimum potential energy position, as previously described, and are supported at eon angle a relative to the horizontal support surface. At the given spacing between upper and cower support surfaces, a CD case stored in this media storage shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelt~, will not fall through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the slot width is increased, there wilt be a slot width that the CD
does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 50 in this configuration. The shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed in a sinusoidal shape. The additional advantage of this embodiment is that it uses less material than the other embodiments and can be made from a single stamped piece of metal.
V$0306WO~Vpt3-LAW\ 1753270 Figure 4 illustrates ,an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 70, showing the upper rib portions 82 extending outward from the region between support surfaces 74 and 76 and positioned above the pivot titre 78. The tower rib portion 80 is a portion of a rtb extending from upper support surface 76 to lower support surface 74 in a curve and below the pivot line 78. The slot width shown 72 is suitable to hold 3 CD's and 2DVDs. In the side view CD case 84 and DVD
case 86 are shown seated in media storage shelf 50 in the minimum potential energy position, as previously described, and are supported at an angle a t0 relative to the horizontal support surface (not numbered - dashed line). At the illustrated spacing between upper and lower support surfaces, a CD case stored in this media storage shelf within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude at a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fait through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable for holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the riot width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 70 in this configuration.
The shape of the retaining ribs (not numbered) including rib portions is formed in an inverted "C" shape.
Figure 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the media storage shelf 90, similar to the media storage shelf 50 but with different curves and rib positions.
Upper and lower rib portions 106, 104 are shown extending between support surfaces 94 and 96 in a curved manner. Additional rib angers (not numbered) are shown attached to the upper support surface 96 and are only necessary at the outer ends of the shelf for preventing fall through of a CD (not DVD) under the vibration previously described. The slot width shown 92 is suitable to hold 3 GD's and 2DVDs. tn the side view CD case 108 and DVD case 110 are shown seated in media storage shelf 90 in the minimum potential energy position, as 34 previously described, and are supported at an angle a relative to the horizontal support surtace (not numbered - dashed line). At the illustrated spacing V80306W01vAti LAS i7s3zTt 10 between upper and lower support surfaces and with the rib fingers(not numbered) at, a CD case stored in this media storage shelf 90 within 10 degrees of the minimum energy position, and vibrated with 1 mm amplitude 2~t a frequency between 20-100Hz (non resonant with the shelf), will not fall through the two support surfaces, at the illustrated slot width suitable far holding 3CD's and 2 DVDs. As the slot width is increased, there will be a slot width that the CD
does fall through, defining a maximum slot width spacing for the media storage shelf 70 in this configuration. An advantage of this embodiment is that additional support material added below the upper support point 9~, allows for the shelfs to be structurally strong enough to be supported on only two supports at the rear of the shelf, for example two wire rods.
Figure 6a shows an example of a media storage shelf 71 that is not designed by the teachings of this invention for comparison and illustration of the design.
As is illustrated, the upper rib portion does not intErsect with the CD case shown positioned in the media storage shelf 71, and hence does not prevent tilting or fall-through of the case under typical use and vibration. The other 'figures respectively show media storage shelf 70 with a CD and DVD, supported to prevent tilting and fall-through of the CD case.
the upper and lower rib portions and rib members of media storage shelves 10,30, 50,70,90, are shown curved for esthetic reasons but are not restricted to those shapes, and may easily be formed as liner or complex non-curved shapes. The invention applies to any cross-sectional rib member that meets the requirements of having two rib portions positioned above and below the pivot line between the upper and lower supports, and in the same plane, perpendicular to the upper and Power supports. There are a number of methods of manufacturing the media storage shelves. As shown in Figure 13a, the shelves 300, 310 may be stamped and formed from a single piece of sheet metal. Alternatively, the 3o media storage shelves may be formed of injection molded thermoplastic.
Alternatively, the rib members may be made of metal and welded to metal upper and tower support surtace$ thus using less material than the stamped method, or vao~o~wrnvAta c.aurv msaim 1 t attach to the support surfaces by swaging instead ofi welding. Alternatively, the media storage shelves may be a combination of the materials, provided the materials meet suitable thickness and sfiffness requirements. Alternatively as shown in Fig 13b, a sliding rib element 306 can be positioned on two Support rods 304 so as to support media cases in the minimum energy position for restricted tilting and non~fall through of CD cases, The method of producing rib members may include, cutting round wire or square wire, punching metal ribs, spot welded attachment to metal, injection molded ribs bonded to support surfaces, or die cast ribs swaged onto support surfaces.
The media storage shelves described by 10,30, 50,70 and S0, may be mounted on supports to form a media storage rack capable of universal storage of CD
and DVD cases. The next figures describe arrangements of supporting the media is storage shelves.
Figure 7 illustrates a media storage rack 120, with two media storage shelves 122 secured to four wire rods 124, to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surface the supports are posifioned on. For example the wire rods could be welded to media storage shelves 122 or attached with fasteners as common in the industry. Alternatively, tube ends 126 may be attached to the wire rods 124 to allow for stacking multiple racks an top of each other, and for knock down assembly where the rods slide into the tubes and are secured.
Alternatively the media storage rack may be supported by two wire rods or three wire rods.
The assembly shown, may be what is calved knock down design where the shelves nest together for compact shipping. Figure 12a and 12b show alternate embodiments of universal media storage shelves supported on one wire rod or two wire rod supports.
Figure 8 illustrates a media storage rack 930 with media storage shelves 132 supported an two wood panels 134, to maintain the media storage shelves Y8U306W0\VArt LA's 1'15327a 12 similar to media storage shelf 14, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surface the supports are positioned on. Alternatively the wood supports may be frame wood or composite wood, or portions of wood assembled into one support panel. CD cases 136 and DVD cases 1313 are shown seated in the minimum potential energy posftian.
Figure 9 illustrates a media storage rack i4p with media storage shelves 144 supported on two wood support panels 142, to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle t'elatlve to the horizontal surface the supports are positioned on. Considering the media storage shelves as a mechanics! beam, the support panels 142 are positioned at the beam quarter points to allow for maximum width and number of slots of the media storage shelf without unsuitable bending of the beam as would occur if the wide shelf was supported at the ends only. Encaps 148 may be added to the ends of the media storage shelves. A double wide slot 146 is shown at the inner edges of the media storage racks, for supporting wider media like boxsets of CD's and DVDs. The wood support panels 142 may be composed of interlocking portions that fit each media storage shelf.
Figure 1 Q illustrates two media storage racks 150 and 160, with fastener features far positioning on a wall or a flat surface. The shelf 152 in fig 10a and 10b Side view is similar to media storage shelf 10 but has additional structures, including two tabs 164 near the upper support surface (not numbered) and two holes 15G
positioned near the lower support surface (not numbered). Two support feet 152 are shown attached to the two holes, such that the media storage shelf 152 is supported in position to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surtace the feet supports 152 are positioned on. The media storage rack 160 shows the same media storage shelf 152 with the same support feet 15$ attached to the two tabs 154 and the feet 158 secured to a wall with one finishing nail each (not shown), such that the media storage shelf 152 is supported in position to V~0306WO~VAN_LAW~ t75327~1 13 maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage shelf 10, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to fihe horizontal surface at 90 degrees to the vertical surtace the feat supports 152 are positioned on. The advantages of this embodiment are that the same universal shelf may be used in two orientations using the same supports 152 in both orientations.
Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of a media storage rack, suspended on a wall. Media storage shelves (not numbered) similar to shelf 50 are shown, but have two additional wall spacers 178 near the upper support surface to hold the shelf outwards from the waif surface such that a stored DVD does not hit the wall surface. The media storage shelves are supported on at least 3 wires or strings (4 wires shown here) such that the media storage shelf shown is supported in position to maintain the media storage shelves similar to media storage sheaf 50, at the prescribed rotation angle relative to the horizontal surface at 90 degrees to the vertical surtace the feet supports 152 are positioned on The examples and embodiments are not intended to restrict the applicability of the invention to other forms and methods that could be applied.
V80306W0\VAN_LAW\ 17532711 1 L
Claims (46)
1. A media storage structure for storing a plurality of different media, said storage structure comprising;
a) a first support surface;
b) a second support surface, substantially parallel to said first support surface and positioned above said first support surface such that a media case selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets, can be supported at a tilted position by the first and second support surfaces in contact with two edges of the case;
and wherein a pivot line is created between said support surfaces in a plane parallel to both support surfaces; and c) an article retaining member attached to at least one of said first or second support surface, said article retaining member comprising a lower member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches below said pivot line, and an upper member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches above said pivot line, wherein said article retaining member is in a plane substantially perpendicular to both of said support surfaces;
whereby, a media case positioned on both said support surfaces and having one side surface of said case in contact with said article retaining member, is secured in a substantially upright position.
a) a first support surface;
b) a second support surface, substantially parallel to said first support surface and positioned above said first support surface such that a media case selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets, can be supported at a tilted position by the first and second support surfaces in contact with two edges of the case;
and wherein a pivot line is created between said support surfaces in a plane parallel to both support surfaces; and c) an article retaining member attached to at least one of said first or second support surface, said article retaining member comprising a lower member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches below said pivot line, and an upper member portion positioned greater than 0.1 inches above said pivot line, wherein said article retaining member is in a plane substantially perpendicular to both of said support surfaces;
whereby, a media case positioned on both said support surfaces and having one side surface of said case in contact with said article retaining member, is secured in a substantially upright position.
2. The media storage structure of claim 1, further comprising:
Two or more article retaining members secured to at least one of said support surfaces in a parallel arrangement, to form at least one media storage shelf in which a plurality of different media is storable.
Two or more article retaining members secured to at least one of said support surfaces in a parallel arrangement, to form at least one media storage shelf in which a plurality of different media is storable.
3. The media storage structure of claim 2, wherein said media storage shelf is formed of steel metal.
4. The media storage structure of claim 2, wherein said media storage shelf is formed by injection molding of thermoplastic material.
5. The media storage structure of claim 2, wherein said media storage shelf is integrally and unitarily formed from a rigid sheet of metal in a single piece construction.
6. The media storage structure of claim 2, further comprising a vertical support assembly of at least one longitudinal member wherein said longitudinal member is formed from wire rod and is secured to said at least one media storage shelf to form a media storage rack.
7. The media storage rack of claim 6, wherein said vertical support assembly includes two wire rod members secured to said at least one media storage shelf to vertically support said at least one media storage shelf.
8. The media storage rack of claim 7, wherein said vertical support assembly includes three wire rod members secured to said at least one media storage shelf to vertically support said at least one media storage shelf.
9. The media storage rack of claim 8, wherein said vertical support assembly includes four wire rod members secured to the outer corners of said at feast one media storage shelf to vertically support said at least one media storage shelf.
10. The media storage structure of claim 2, further comprising a vertical support assembly of at least one longitudinal member, wherein said longitudinal member is formed from wood and is secured to said at least one media storage shelf to form a media storage rack.
11. The media storage rack of claim 10, wherein said vertical support assembly includes two longitudinal members each formed from one of a single wood panel construction and a composite wood panel construction having multiple wood portions.
12. The media storage rack of claim 10, wherein said vertical support assembly includes two longitudinal members each formed in a wood frame composed of smaller wood portions.
13. The media storage rack of claim 11, wherein said longitudinal members are secured at the beam quarter points of said at least one media storage shelf, whereby the capacity of said media storage rack may be increased by extending the width of said media storage shelf while providing maximum support to the said media storage shelf.
14. The media storage rack of claim 13, further comprising four securing rods wherein said securing rods are inserted through said longitudinal members and said at least one media storage shelf, and fastened at one end to secure said media storage shelf to said longitudinal members.
15. The media storage structure of claim 2, further comprising; a vertical support assembly incorporating i. a wall support bar secured to a wall surface;
ii. at least three elongate supports selected as one from the group of wire and string;
whereby said at least three elongate supports are secured to the outer border of said at least one media storage shelf and each support secured to said wall support bar, wherein said at least one media shelf suspends from said wall support bar.
ii. at least three elongate supports selected as one from the group of wire and string;
whereby said at least three elongate supports are secured to the outer border of said at least one media storage shelf and each support secured to said wall support bar, wherein said at least one media shelf suspends from said wall support bar.
16. The media storage shelf of claim 2, further comprising four fastener features, wherein two fastener features are positioned substantially at the lower portion of said shelf and two fastener features are positioned substantially at the upper portion of said shelf, suitable for securing said media storage shelf to two support feet such that said media storage shelf is supported on a wall or horizontal surface.
17. The media storage shelf of claim 16, further comprising two support feet suitable for securing to said fastener features of said media storage shelf.
18. A media storage structure for storing a plurality of different media, said storage structure comprising;
a) a first elongate support surface;
b) a second elongate support surface, substantially parallel to said first elongate support surface and located above said first elongate support surface with a spacing such that a media case selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets, is supportable in a tilted upright position in contact with both said surfaces and wherein a pivot line is defined between said support surfaces in a plane parallel to both support surfaces; and wherein, the rotation angle of the storage structure end the spacing between said first and second support surfaces are selected such that the minimum potential energy position of a supported CD case locates the CD case corner in contact with the upper support edge, said case corner being located more than 0.1"
above the second support surface;
c) a plurality of article retaining members spaceably attached to at least one of said first or second support surface, said article retaining members comprising a lower retaining portion positioned more than 0.1 inches below said pivot line, and an upper retaining portion spaced more than 0.1 inches above said pivot line; and wherein the gap between adjacent article retaining members is greater than a minimum gap suitable to retain a set of media cases chosen from the group consisting of 3 CD's or 2 DVD's or 1 DVD with 1 CD, and one VHS, and less than a maximum gap, said maximum gap determined by the slot width at which a CD initially positioned between said support surfaces within 10 degrees rotation of the minimum potential energy position, falls through said support surfaces following vibration of said support surfaces at 1mm amplitude at a non-resonant frequency between 20 and 100 Hz; and whereby, a media case is supported following movement of said frame and tolerant over a range of 20 degrees insertion angle of said media case relative to said minimum potential energy position.
a) a first elongate support surface;
b) a second elongate support surface, substantially parallel to said first elongate support surface and located above said first elongate support surface with a spacing such that a media case selected from the group consisting of CD, DVD, VHS, video games and boxsets, is supportable in a tilted upright position in contact with both said surfaces and wherein a pivot line is defined between said support surfaces in a plane parallel to both support surfaces; and wherein, the rotation angle of the storage structure end the spacing between said first and second support surfaces are selected such that the minimum potential energy position of a supported CD case locates the CD case corner in contact with the upper support edge, said case corner being located more than 0.1"
above the second support surface;
c) a plurality of article retaining members spaceably attached to at least one of said first or second support surface, said article retaining members comprising a lower retaining portion positioned more than 0.1 inches below said pivot line, and an upper retaining portion spaced more than 0.1 inches above said pivot line; and wherein the gap between adjacent article retaining members is greater than a minimum gap suitable to retain a set of media cases chosen from the group consisting of 3 CD's or 2 DVD's or 1 DVD with 1 CD, and one VHS, and less than a maximum gap, said maximum gap determined by the slot width at which a CD initially positioned between said support surfaces within 10 degrees rotation of the minimum potential energy position, falls through said support surfaces following vibration of said support surfaces at 1mm amplitude at a non-resonant frequency between 20 and 100 Hz; and whereby, a media case is supported following movement of said frame and tolerant over a range of 20 degrees insertion angle of said media case relative to said minimum potential energy position.
19. The media storage structure of claim 18, wherein said plurality of article retaining members are secured to at least one of said support surfaces in a parallel arrangement, to form at least one media storage shelf in which a plurality of different media is storable.
20. The media storage structure of claim 19, wherein said media storage shelf is formed of steel metal.
21. The media storage structure of claim 19, wherein said media storage shelf is formed by injection molding of thermoplastic material.
22. The media storage structure of claim 19, wherein said media storage shelf is integrally and unitarily formed from a rigid sheet of metal in a single piece construction.
23. The media storage structure of claim 19, further comprising a vertical support assembly of at least one longitudinal member wherein said longitudinal member is formed from wire rod and is secured to said at least one media storage shelf to form a media storage rack.
24. The media storage rack of claim 23 ,wherein said vertical support assembly includes two wire rod members secured to said at least one media storage shelf to vertically support said at least one media storage shelf.
25. The media storage rack of claim 24 ,wherein said vertical support assembly includes three wire rod members secured to said at least one media storage shelf to vertically support said at least one media storage shelf.
26. The media storage rack of claim 25 ,wherein said vertical support assembly includes four wire rod members secured to the outer corners of said at least one media storage shelf to vertically support said at least one media storage shelf.\
27. The media storage structure of claim 19, further comprising a vertical support assembly of at least one longitudinal member, wherein said longitudinal member is formed from wood and is secured to said at least one media storage shelf to form a media storage rack.
28. The media storage rack of claim 27, wherein said vertical support assembly includes two longitudinal members each formed from one of a single wood panel construction and a composite wood panel construction having multiple wood portions.
29. The media storage rack of claim 27, wherein said vertical support assembly includes two longitudinal members each formed in a wood frame composed of smaller wood portions.
30. The media storage rack of claim 29, wherein said longitudinal members are secured at the beam quarter points of said at least one media storage shelf, whereby the capacity of said media storage rack may be increased by extending the width of said media storage shelf while providing maximum support to the said media storage shelf.
31. The media storage rack of claim 30, further comprising four securing rods wherein said securing rods are inserted through said longitudinal members and said at least one media storage shelf, and fastened at one end to secure said media storage shelf to said longitudinal members.
32. The media storage structure of claim 19, further comprising; a vertical support assembly incorporating i. a wall support bar secured to a wall surface;
ii. at least three elongate supports selected as one from the group of wire and string;
whereby said at least three elongate supports are secured to the outer border of said at least one media storage shelf and each support secured to said wall support bar, wherein said at least one media shelf suspends from said wall support bar.
ii. at least three elongate supports selected as one from the group of wire and string;
whereby said at least three elongate supports are secured to the outer border of said at least one media storage shelf and each support secured to said wall support bar, wherein said at least one media shelf suspends from said wall support bar.
33. The media storage shelf of claim 19, further comprising four fastener features, wherein two fastener features are positioned substantially at the lower portion of said shelf and two fastener features are positioned substantially at the upper portion of said shelf, suitable for securing said media storage shelf to two support feet such that said media storage shelf is supported on a wall or horizontal surface.
34. The media storage shelf of claim 33, further comprising two support feet suitable for securing to said fastener features of said media storage shelf.
35. The media storage structure of claim 1, wherein said lower and upper member portions are separable, whereby when one is secured to one of said support surfaces, the other may be secured to the opposing support surface, and both portions are the same said plane perpendicular to said support surfaces.
36. The media storage structure of claim 18, wherein said lower and upper member portions are separable, whereby when one is secured to one of said support surfaces, the other may be secured to the opposing support surface, and both portions are in the same said plane perpendicular to said support surfaces.
37. The media storage shelf of claim 2, wherein said upper member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said lower member portion is secured to said lower support surface and extends outward from said lower support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a curved C shape.
38. The media storage shelf of claim 2, wherein both said upper and lower member portions are secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a curved sinusoidal shape.
39.The media storage shelf of claim 2, wherein said lower member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said upper member portion is secured to said upper support surface and extends outward from said upper support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in an inverted C shape.
40.The media storage shelf of claim 2, wherein said upper member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said lower member portion is secured to said upper support surface and extends outward from said upper support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a hook shape.
41.The media storage shelf of claim 2, further comprising a terminating support surface wherein said upper member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said lower member portion is secured to said upper support surface and extends outward from said upper support surface and is secured to said terminating support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a half-bean shape.
42.The media storage shelf of claim 19, wherein said upper member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said lower member portion is secured to said lower support surface and extends outward from said lower support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a curved C shape.
43.The media storage shelf of claim 19, wherein both said upper and lower member portions are secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a curved sinusoidal shape.
44. The media storage shelf of claim 19, wherein said lower member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said upper member portion is secured to said upper support surface and extends outward from said upper support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in an inverted C shape.
45. The media storage shelf of claim 19, wherein said upper member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said lower member portion is secured to said upper support surface and extends outward from said upper support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a hook shape.
46. The media storage shelf of claim 19, further comprising a terminating support surface wherein said upper member portion is secured to both said surfaces and located inwards between both said surfaces, and said lower member portion is secured to said upper support surface and extends outward from said. upper support surface and is secured to said terminating support surface, whereby the article retaining members are formed in a half-bean shape.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002491538A CA2491538A1 (en) | 2005-01-05 | 2005-01-05 | Universal media storage frame |
| GB0715080A GB2437874A (en) | 2005-01-05 | 2005-12-30 | Universal media storage frame |
| PCT/CA2005/001980 WO2006072164A1 (en) | 2005-01-05 | 2005-12-30 | Universal media storage frame |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002491538A CA2491538A1 (en) | 2005-01-05 | 2005-01-05 | Universal media storage frame |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2491538A1 true CA2491538A1 (en) | 2006-07-05 |
Family
ID=36646241
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002491538A Abandoned CA2491538A1 (en) | 2005-01-05 | 2005-01-05 | Universal media storage frame |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2491538A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2437874A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2006072164A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11324313B2 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2022-05-10 | Teri Kramer | Portable paper organizer |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4793665A (en) * | 1987-04-02 | 1988-12-27 | Wright Line Inc. | Storing and dispensing system |
| US5338108A (en) * | 1993-01-05 | 1994-08-16 | Hunt Ronald E | Disk storage device |
| JPH11225643A (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 1999-08-24 | Taiwa Kogyo Kk | Horseshoe |
| US6116436A (en) * | 1998-09-18 | 2000-09-12 | Metro Industries, Inc. | Modular shelving storage system |
| US6460710B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2002-10-08 | Shahriar Dardashti | Wire shelving with adjustable divider assembly for multimedia and the like |
-
2005
- 2005-01-05 CA CA002491538A patent/CA2491538A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-30 GB GB0715080A patent/GB2437874A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-12-30 WO PCT/CA2005/001980 patent/WO2006072164A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11324313B2 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2022-05-10 | Teri Kramer | Portable paper organizer |
| US20220312963A1 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2022-10-06 | Teri Kramer | Portable Paper Organizer |
| US11882933B2 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2024-01-30 | Teri Kramer | Portable paper organizer |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2437874A (en) | 2007-11-07 |
| GB0715080D0 (en) | 2007-09-12 |
| WO2006072164A1 (en) | 2006-07-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |