GB2522560A

GB2522560A - A storage device with an attachment means and related system

Info

Publication number: GB2522560A
Application number: GB1501393.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Earl
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-28
Filing date: 2015-01-28
Publication date: 2015-07-29
Also published as: GB201401440D0; GB201501393D0

Abstract

A storage device 4 in the form of a box shaped container that has at least two sets of parallel walls 1, each wall having an inner face 3 and an outer face; the outer faces has at least one attachment means 7 for connecting one device to the outer wall of another device. The inner faces may comprise raised and lowered parts 2 which provide slots; opposing horizontal inner faces may be arranged to receive of one type of media format and opposing vertical inner faces may be arranged to accept another type of media format. The different types of media format may have different dimensions; examples of which may include compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and computer games.

Description

A STORAGE DEVICE WITH AN ATTACHMENT MEANS AND RELATED SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage device for storing items, in particular a storage device with an attachment means and a related system.

Background

There is often requirement to store multiple items of different sizes and different quantities. Many types of storage devices are of a fixed size or shape and therefore further separate storage devices may need to be purchased to accommodate different items.

For example increasing digitization of media storage does not appear to have precluded the use and necessity for physical storage of items on which the data is stored. Many users often prefer to have a physical item to handle even where the data on those items is held elsewhere on servers or backups.

Through the years a number of different item dimensions exist for similar products and therefore devices adapted for storage on one particular device aie no longer suitable, for example differing between compact discs (CDs), Blu-ray (RTM) discs, digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), console games or even analogue storage such as VHS cassettes, audio cassettes or long player or 12 inch records.

Each and all of these need storage and ideally need storage together, for ease of access for those preferring physical contact, however this is not possible with standard storage device.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of devices have been developed in an attempt to resolve the problem. Some of these devices are described in the following: United States patent US 6 039 190 (CLAUSEN) discloses an apparatus for adapting media storage devices comprising: a base platform comprising: left and right edges having a height of dimension substantially equivalent to a thickness of a first substantially planar media unit; -a width and depth of dimension substantially equivalent to a width and depth of the first substantially planar media unit; -an upper surface; and -a plurality of substantially parallel receptacles affixed to the upper surface of the base platform for receiving a second substantially planar media unit.

United States patent US 5 211 292 (PAOLUCCI) discloses an apparatus for storing audio/video cassettes and compact discs which comprises; a) a plurality of shelf units, each said shelf unit is sized to hold only one size of the audio/video cassettes and compact discs in a vertical position therein so that each of said shelf units will carry a different sized audio/video cassette and compact disc.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a storage device in the form of a box shaped container having at least two sets of substantially parallel walls, each wall has an inner face and an outer face; the outer faces have at least one attachment means for connecting one device to the outer wall of another device.

The invention enables a plurality of storage devices to be interconnected; for simultaneous storage of a different items.

Preferably the sets of walls are arranged to form a cuboid structure for receiving items.

Ideally the walls are fixed in arrangement, wherein the device describes a cuboid structure; or a series of cuboid structures in use wherein each cuboid structure is interlinked through the attachment means.

Optionally an insert is included on one or more inner walls in order to locate an item.

Advantageously the insert is provided in the form of a corrugated flexible strip.

It is appreciated that a number arrangements of the walls may be possible for example the cuboid structures may be arranged in an elongate chain, a stepped arrangement or to fit a bespoke space such as an alcove or cupboard.

In some embodiments the walls may be connected by interconnecting means so as to allow the walls to be readily connected and disconnected. In this way the sets of walls can be readily arranged in various arrangements.

Preferably each cuboid structure is subdivided, for example having at least one wall with no outer face. In this way preferably each structure is arranged to hold more than one form or dimension of item simultaneously, in different or dedicated sections, repetitively or according to area.

Preferably each wall's outer face has at least two attachment means wherein the attachment means allow two outer faces to be joined together when arranged adjacent to one another.

Ideally the attachment means may comprise at least one inset or countersunk hole, preferably a round hole, arranged to accept and hide fixings, such as screw-fit rivets and/or grommets.

Such rivets and grommets ideally pass thiough the at least one hole in use and are supplied as a part with the device, in order that the rivet heads and grommets form flush surfaces on either side of the walls, wherein the grommets cover the holes when not in use by the rivets. Ideally the rivets and/or grommets are supplied in plural packs to accompany the device.

Preferably the holes have inset collars or countersink portions, for example arranged to cooperate with rivets with a detent or tolerance fit mechanism.

The attachment means may enable two outer faces to be screwed together. In some other embodiments the attachment means may comprise a detent mechanism, clips, catches, press-studs or hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RIM) or hooks and eyes.

In some embodiments a combination of any of the before mention attachment means may be used to enable a more secure means of attaching outer walls together.

In some embodiments the inner faces may have raised and lowered parts arranged to provide at least one divider so as to be able to separate items within the device.

In some preferred embodiments the inner faces may include a plurality of raised and lower portions to provide plurality of parallel slots.

Preferably each wall is arranged with a plurality of inner faces, which inner faces differ such that a plurality of different slots are provided on any wall. The different slots are advantageously arranged to hold different dimensions of items such as cases or holders, for example to accommodate digital versatile disc (DVD), compact disc (CD), computers game or other foimat discs, namely at least two sizes of electronic media.

In some embodiments the inner faces have a variety of raised and lowered parts thereon on a single inner face, or more particularly raised and lowered parts arranged on the walls describe a variety of different slots; so as to allow use of the device with different width and dimensions of items such as discs; or disc storage holders or cases.

In some embodiments some positioning or separation of inner faces may be varied or variable in proximity, wherein at manufacture, retail or in use the distance between the inner faces may be adjusted, so as to accommodate smaller or larger dimension cases.

In some embodiments the raised and lowered parts may be arranged in plural ways, for example wherein parts may be displaced or moved to create different arrangements.

Preferably the device is formed in moulded synthetic plastics, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polypropylene. The device may be transparent or translucent in order for a user to peruse cases or discs held within the device. Ideally any fixings between units of the device are also transparent or translucent.

Preferably the walls may include placement aiding means, for example pegs, guides, countersinking, and/or magnetic portions for aiding with locating the attachment means in tandem.

Preferably the walls are moulded as a whole with inner faces having integral raised and lowered parts. For example in some embodiments the device comprises a single device formed as a whole in manufacture, wherein all walls and faces and parts are fixed in arrangement.

In some further embodiments inner faces may be lined with raised and lowered parts, for example wherein at least some walls comprise carcasses with inner face fastening mechanisms, or wherein such mechanism comprises a tolerance fit between a single or continuous inner face and the wall.

In some embodiments the outer faces and associated attachment means may be separate to or separable from the wall or inner face(s).

Ideally the inner faces comprise raised and/or lowered parts arranged for receipt of jewel compact disc cases, DVD cases, videogame cases and BluRay disc (RIM) cases. In some embodiments the inner faces and/or parts may be simultaneously arranged for receipt of more than one type of case or format.

Preferably for example opposing horizontal inner faces may be arranged for receipt of DVD cases and opposing vertical inner faces may be arranged for receipt of CD cases; wherein the inner faces describe a rectangular space for at least two uses.

In some embodiments blanks or spacers may be provided to fill any sections made unnecessary by this rectangular space. Such spacers may be adjustable so as to separate or approximate the inner faces for different usages.

Preferably said spacer(s) is formed from the wall, in embodiments where the wall is partly or wholly a moulded whole. In such embodiments in particular the spacer may provide a space or lacuna for receipt of ancillary items, for example rivets, grommets or fittings or connectors, for example where the lacuna is accessible to rear of the structure; or user selected items where the lacuna is accessible to fore of the structure.

The parts ideally act to separate the cases in order that each is easily accessible.

The walls in turn are ideally of a thickness lending solidity to the structure and avoiding warpage in embodiments constructed in part or whole from organic materials.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a structure according to a preferred embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in use with other structures, and compact disc cases.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown a single structure according to a preferred embodiment of the device, comprising four walls 4 dovetail-jointed at corners in order to provide a robust carcass and three inner walls subdividing the carcass. The walls and inner walls slot together to form the device in use, at manufacture, retail or use.

This carcass has four outer faces 1 with integral attachment means 8.

The carcass has 16 inner faces 3. The inner faces 3 are provided on displaceable plates in some embodiments but the pictured embodiment includes the inner faces 3 as pads of the walls 4. The inner faces have raised and lowered pads 2.

The centre vertical wall is dovetail jointed to the top and bottom or as pictured a single wall forming a central divider. In some further embodiments the different walls, or pads thereof are able to interact with the parts 2 so as to allow multiple placement possibilities.

The carcass has a back panel 5, which panel is fastened to the walls in use. The back panel has a lacuna 66 to correspond with the spacer 6, wherein the spacer may be accessible for storage of fixings, grommets or rivets, from the rear in use. The back panel may include magnetic portions holding the panel on, be clipped or otherwise temporarily attached in use.

The device is shown in use with items 10.

The attachment means are inset arranged to tolerance fit with disc-shaped grommets 7, which grommets act to cap the attachment means when not in use. The grommets may be envisaged to screw into the perforations in addition or the alternative.

When in use bolts, screws, rivets, other fastening means (not shown) act to pull two walls together and the grommets may be used to fit over these bolts. In this way the bolts typically engage at a lower height than the surface of the wall or faces.

The grommets, walls and plates providing the inner faces are formed in plastic.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A storage device in the form of a box shaped container having at least two sets of substantially parallel walls, each wall has an inner face and an outer face; the outer faces have at least one attachment means for connecting one device to the outer wall of another device.
2. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the inner faces have raised and lowered parts arranged to provide at least one slots.
3. A storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each wall is arranged so as to have a plurality of inner recesses or faces.
4. A storage device according to claim 3 wherein position of raised and lowered parts of recesses is variable.
5. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein walls can be arranged to hold different dimensions of items.
6. A storage device according to any preceding claim having a substantially cuboid structure.
7. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein each wall's outer face has at least two attachment means that permits attachment of each outer face to an independent structure.
8. A storage device according to any preceding claim comprising a series of cuboid structures in use, interlinked by the attachment means.
9. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means include inset or countersunk holes to accept and hide fixings.
10. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is formed from moulded synthetic plastic.
11. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the walls include magnetic portions for aiding with locating the holes.
12. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein the walls are moulded as a whole with inner faces having integral raised and lowered parts.
13. A storage device according to claims 2 to 12 wherein the inner faces are inserted in use into the walls.
14. A storage device according to claims 2 to 12 wherein opposing horizontal inner faces may be arranged for receipt of one type of media format and opposing vertical inner faces may be arranged for another type of media format.
15. A storage device according to any preceding claim wherein spacers are provided to fill any empty sections.
16. A storage device according to claim 15 wherein said spacers have an open cavity for storage.
17. A storage device according to claim 16 wherein the cavity is accessed from a rear face of the device in use.
18. A storage device according to any preceding claim comprising more than one independent structure.
19. A storage device as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.