DE29710466U1 - All-round multi-layer hanging shelf for holding data carriers - Google Patents

Description

12 June 1997 Hans Peter Ebel
Rembrandtstrasse 11,26789 Leer

All-round multi-layer hanging shelf for storing data storage media.

The invention relates to a device for storing data carriers, in which several pendulum-shaped suspended shelves rotate on a circular path around a horizontally mounted axis.

Commercially available compact discs (CDs or CD-ROMs, hereinafter referred to as CDs), video cassettes or diskettes are generally stored with their protective covers on shelves, drawers or lockable containers. The covers are usually placed vertically, either directly next to each other, in special grooves or between side brackets.

In order to gain access to larger quantities of data storage media, vertical stands are also used, in which the encased data storage media can either be inserted into special compartments or placed in compartments or stacked (Arcbivbox PN 8708406, IC B 650085 - 57 with several vertical compartments); in some cases such stands can be rotated around a vertical axis (CD towers).

The disadvantage of using such towers is that the removal of data carriers must take place between heights close to the ground and the respective maximum height. However, because the titles or index symbols on the data carrier casings are hardly legible in the lower and upper areas,

are, data media must be repeatedly removed while bending or stretching out and put back again after finding out which title you are not looking for. Such towers or stands cannot be integrated into furniture and require a lot of space.

Other devices for storing CDs based on the paternoster principle have become known from DE 92 06 594.5 Ul and DE 296 01 235 Ul. The technical status of both designs lies essentially in the fact that the rotating system is set in motion by chains or drive belts. The designs are complex to manufacture, unsuitable for self-assembly and, because of the chains when they are redirected over the sprockets, they are prone to accidents, especially when used by children. The space required is relatively high and there is maintenance work involved in re-tightening the chains.

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem of creating a storage facility that allows access to large quantities of data storage media at a single, ergonomically selected height while requiring little space. The storage facility should be suitable for self-assembly, not contain wearing parts, be highly reliable even when operated by children, not require maintenance work, be integrated into standard furniture or be able to be mounted on a wall.

This problem is solved with the rotating, multi-layer hanging shelf with the features listed in claim 1.

The invention consists in several shelves being suspended between two perforated disks in a pendulum-like manner controlled by gravity. The perforated disks are firmly connected to a horizontally mounted axis and can be rotated around this axis.

The advantage is that this entire system can be integrated into existing furniture, attached to a wall, designed as a freestanding unit or in a housing as a separate unit. The invention ensures that the selected shelf can be easily and conveniently rotated to the required height using one of the perforated discs on the side.

The storage capacity of the system can be varied as required. On the one hand, the length of the shelves can be adapted to requirements, on the other hand, the number of shelves can be increased from three upwards.

Because of their pendulum suspension, the shelves are always in the same horizontal position and the data carrier covers can be inspected, removed from and replaced in the same position. The shape of the shelves is particularly useful here, as they are designed in such a way that the support surface for the data carriers represents the two sides of a right angle. The lowest point of the support surface is always the apex of the right angle during rotation. If the suspension point is chosen accordingly, the diagonal of a rectangular data carrier cover placed in the shelf is almost vertical and slipping out is reliably prevented. Small raised edges on the outer edges of the shelf legs help to ensure this.

The invention succeeded in creating a storage device that can be manufactured inexpensively from a few components. Perforated discs and hanging shelves can be made of plastic or metal, closed or in a delicately perforated design. The entire construction appears particularly advantageous for self-assembly due to the small number of parts.

Because the design contains neither chains, drive belts, gears nor electrical drive elements, it is highly reliable and maintenance-free.

The essence of the invention is explained schematically in Figures 1 to 6 using an exemplary example of a circumferential multi-layer - here four-layer - hanging shelf.

List of reference symbols

Perforated disc

Housing

axis

Hanging shelf

Bearing carrier

Side panels

Support surfaces

drilling

drilling

Bearing bolt

Upstand

Show it:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the housing (2), perforated disc (1) and hanging shelf (4) with a CD inserted;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the left half of the housing (2), the axle (3), two hanging shelves (4) and the left perforated disc (1) and its bearing carrier (5);

Figure 3 shows in perspective view both perforated disks (1) each with four holes (9), the axle (3) that firmly connects them and the lateral bearing supports (5) for receiving the axle (3) with its ends (3a and 3b);

Figure 4 in perspective view of one of the four hanging shelves (4), consisting of the rectangular support surfaces (7) and the side plates (6) with the high holes (8) for receiving the bearing bolts (10);

Figure 5 shows the side view of the perforated disk (1) with the four pendulum-shaped shelves (4) with sketched contents, here one CD each;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a hanging shelf (4) with an inserted CD, the two raised edges (11) for stabilizing the support surfaces (7) and the two perforated side panels (6).

The all-round multi-layer hanging shelf consists of the two perforated disks (1) that are firmly connected to the axle (3). The perforated disks each contain 4 holes (9) to accommodate the bearing bolts (10) for the hanging shelves (4). The axle (3) is mounted laterally with its ends (3a and 3b) on the bearing bracket (5) in the horizontal plane. The bearing brackets (5) and their connection are screwed to the housing (2) from the inside.

The hanging shelves (4) consist of the support surfaces (7), which are closed at the front with the side panels (6). Each side panel (6) contains a hole

(8) for receiving the bearing pin (10), which connects the bore

(9) in the perforated disc and enables the shelf to be suspended. The holes (8) in the side plates (6) are positioned so far above the center of gravity of the hanging shelf that it acts like a physical pendulum. This ensures that the apex of the support surfaces of each hanging shelf remains in the same position relative to the suspension point in every position of the perforated disc (6).

The two supporting surfaces (7) which are positioned at right angles to one another are provided with raised edges (11) for stabilization and can contain guide grooves for individual data carriers so that they can be combined in blocks, in units or inserted as individual pieces.

By rotating the perforated disks (1) around the axis (3), the hanging shelves (4) are moved in a circular path around the axis (3). The vertical axis of the hanging shelves (4) always maintains the same direction due to their pendulum effect. The perforated disks (1) can be provided with locking grids so that the shelves preferably remain in predetermined positions.

Claims (6)

7 Protection claims 1. All-round multi-layer hanging shelf for storing data media, consisting of two perforated discs firmly connected to a horizontally mounted axis of rotation, between which three or more hanging shelves are suspended in a rotatable manner, characterized, that the hanging shelves (4) are designed as two support surfaces (7) standing at right angles to one another, which are closed off and firmly connected on both sides by a side plate (6) provided with a bore (8) and
that each hanging shelf is suspended from the holes (8) of its side plates (6) by means of the bearing bolts (10) in the perforated discs (1) so as to be rotatable about their holes (9) in such a way that the shelf acts like a pendulum. 2. Device according to claim 1,
characterized, that the supporting surfaces (7) are finished with raised edges (11). 3. Device according to claim 1,
characterized, that the bearing supports (5) and their connection to a housing are designed to be screwed together. • I :': :: j * "&iacgr;&igr; 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing supports (5) and their connection are designed as a standing unit. 5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing supports (5) and their connection are designed as a wall bracket. 6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a locking device is provided for the perforated discs (1).