US20060151344A1

US20060151344A1 - Compact disc wallet

Info

Publication number: US20060151344A1
Application number: US11/173,954
Authority: US
Inventors: Cache Mundy; Mark Phillips
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Case Logic Inc
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2005-07-01
Publication date: 2006-07-13

Abstract

The present invention is a storage device for securing a plurality of electronic media. The invention also includes a selectively interconnectable auxiliary storage device that is also adapted to secure electronic media, wherein a user is able to remove often used media such that the generally larger storage device does not require transportation. One embodiment of the present invention includes an auxiliary storage device that is adapted for selective interconnection to a visor of a vehicle thus providing a location for media storage to be more safely accessed by a driver of the vehicle.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/585,485, filed Jul. 2, 2004, and is related to U.S. Pat. Nos. D487,050; D474,732; D453,728; D432,490; D415,731; D381,947, and 5,762,246, all pending and issued patents are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to storage wallets that secure a plurality of electronic media. One embodiment of the present invention includes a removable auxiliary storage device for securing a number of the plurality of electronic media secured by the storage wallet. Herein, the term electronic media shall include compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), tapes, 8-track tapes, mini discs, MP3 data file storage devices, floppy discs, or any other electronic media storage device employed to store audio, video, data or other information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage wallets for securing and transporting electronic media are well known in the art. Electronic media purchased in stores are usually sold packaged in a rigid jewel box containers that are often prone to breakage and are cumbersome to transport. Thus, it is common to transport a large number of electronic media, such as CDs or DVDs, in wallets that provide a plurality of storage locations, usually embodied in sleeves or pockets. Storage wallets are generally comprised of a front cover and back cover that are hingedly interconnected similar to a book. In addition, some binding devices are adapted to secure a plurality of removable sheets with media storage compartments. Thus, the consumer is provided with the ability to selectively alter the amount of storage locations for the electronic media by adding or removing storage sheets.
It has become very common for consumers to use wallet-type storage containers to transport electronic media in their vehicles. However, accessing the electronic media while driving is potentially dangerous. For example, locating and accessing a favorite CD from the large media storage device, which may contain hundreds of CDs, will lead to potentially dangerous distractions. Similarly, trying to open a jewel box to disengage a disc from a securing hub is often difficult and may distract the driver. To substantially alleviate distractions, visor devices may be employed, wherein the storage device is selectively interconnected to a sun visor generally found in vehicles. Thus, the driver may easily view and identify their media of choice, disengage it from the storage device, and insert it into the vehicle's playing device without a great amount of distraction.
One drawback of large media storage devices is that they are often cumbersome to transport. More specifically, some media storage devices provide locations to store hundreds of discs. Accordingly, many consumers do not wish to constantly transport a large number of discs, which may store important data or their favorite music, wherein the theft of the storage device would be devastating. Thus, users often remove a few of their favorite CDs from the storage device for listening in their automobile or at work, thus exposing the new unprotected media to possible damage.
Thus, it is a long felt need in the field of electronic media storage to provide a device for the storage of a vast amount of electronic media, wherein a plurality of said electronic media may be selectively removed from the larger storage device and still be protected. It is also a long felt need to allow a consumer to easily select and access their electronic media while operating a vehicle that increases the general safety of the public at large. The following disclosure describes an improved media storage device that employs a selectively interconnecting auxiliary storage device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a device for securing and protecting a plurality of electronic media. One embodiment of the present invention is a wallet comprising a front cover hingedly interconnected to a rear cover that selectively opens to reveal a binding device that is adapted to selectively secure a plurality of storage sheets. The storage sheets of this embodiment of the present invention are adapted to secure a plurality of electronic media such as CDs, DVDs, tapes, etc. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention includes a closure that selectively secures the front cover to the back cover to prevent unwanted opening of the storage device. Closures may be zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clasps, zip lock type fasteners, etc.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an auxiliary storage device that selectively interconnects to the storage wallet. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a rigid or semi-rigid device with a plurality of media storage sheets. Preferably, the auxiliary storage device includes hook and loop fasteners for selective interconnection to the inner or outer surface of the front cover or the inner or outer surface of the rear cover. Alternatively, the auxiliary storage device may interconnect to individual storage sheets inside the wallet. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, many other selectively interconnecting mechanisms may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, such as clasps, zippers, snaps, buttons, latches, magnets, etc. Another related embodiment of the present invention employs pockets integrated into the front cover, rear cover, and/or sheets of the wallet that receive the auxiliary storage device.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide an auxiliary storage device that is adapted for selective interconnection to the binding mechanism of the storage device. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes a rigid panel that provides a location for a plurality of media storage compartments. The auxiliary storage device also includes a number of apertures positioned on an edge thereof such that the rings or straps of a binder may be threaded therethrough. This auxiliary storage device thus may be removed from the larger storage device and transported easily or transferred to another binder type storage device. In addition, a cover may be employed on the auxiliary storage device such that the discs stored therein will be protected once it is removed from the primary storage device. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the storage sheets of the present invention may be permanently affixed to the spine of the primary storage device without departing from the scope of the invention.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an auxiliary storage device that is adapted for selective interconnection to the sun visor of a vehicle. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention includes an auxiliary storage device that is generally rigid with a plurality of pockets for receiving electronic media. This embodiment of the present invention may also include mesh or other secondary pockets for storage of items generally used while driving. As will be shown in more detail later, the pockets employed to secure the electronic media may be straight, curved, arcuate or any other aesthetically pleasing or utilitarian shape. In addition, the device may interconnect to the visor in any fashion with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, clasps, magnets, bands, straps, etc.
It is still yet another aspect of the invention to provide an auxiliary storage device that may be selectively inserted and removed from a pocket in a binding device, and subsequently removed and transported for use at a different location. More specifically, one embodiment is a binder device that includes a front cover and a rear cover interconnected with a spine. The auxiliary storage device resides in a pocket integrated into the inner or outer surface of the front cover or the inner or outer surface of the rear cover. The auxiliary storage device may also include a mechanism for securing it into place, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, latches, etc. A closure device, such as a strap with a hook and loop fastener or snap attached thereto, maybe employed such that the media in the folded auxiliary storage device is substantially protected from the outside elements. Alternatively, a securing mechanism, such as a zipper may be employed around an outer edge of the auxiliary storage device to provide additional protection.
Thus it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a storage wallet comprising:
a front cover having an inner and outer surfaces;
a rear cover having inner and outer surfaces interconnected to said front cover;
a sheet binding device interconnected to said wallet between said front cover and said rear cover; and
an auxiliary storage compartment for selective interconnection to at least one of said inner surface of said front cover, said outer surface of said front cover, said inner surface of said rear surface, and said outer surface of said rear cover; wherein said auxiliary storage compartment is adapted to secure at least one electronic media device which can be selectively removed to facilitate transportation.
The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the auxiliary storage device selectively interconnected thereto;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in an open position showing a plurality of storage sheets and pockets integrated into a front cover for receiving the auxiliary storage device;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a right elevation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is the auxiliary storage device of one embodiment of the present invention that employs a plurality of apertures for operable interconnection to a binding device;
FIG. 10 is another embodiment of the auxiliary storage device that is adapted for selectively interconnection to a visor of a vehicle;
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of an auxiliary storage device;
FIG. 12 is a alternate embodiment of an embodiment of an auxiliary storage device;
FIG. 13 is a partial front elevation view of the storage device that includes an internal pocket for the auxiliary storage device;
FIG. 14 is a selectively foldable auxiliary storage device shown in a first position of use;
FIG. 15 is the selectively foldable auxiliary storage device of FIG. 14 shown in a second position of use;
FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a storage device with an exterior pocket for accommodating an auxiliary storage device; and
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a storage device with the auxiliary storage device hingedly interconnected to a front cover thereof.

To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:



	Component	#

	Electronic media storage device	2
	Storage sheet	4
	Binding device	6
	Front cover	8
	Rear Cover	10
	Closure device	12
	Auxiliary storage device	14
	Electronic media	16
	Outer surface of the front cover	18
	Inner surface of the front cover	20
	Electronic media storage compartment	22
	Visor	24
	Pocket	28
	Secondary storage location	32
	Visor attachment devices	34
	Front cover of the auxiliary storage device	36
	Rear cover of the auxiliary storage device	38
	Spine	40
	Closure	42
	Fastener	44
	Pull tab	46
	Hinge	48

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-17, one embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes an electronic media storage device 2 having a plurality of storage sheets 4 operatively interconnected to a binding device 6. The storage device 2 is generally constructed of a front cover 8 and a rear cover 10 hingedly interconnected to each other, perhaps via a spine. Some embodiments of the present invention also include a closure device 12, such as a zipper, that allows the storage device 2 to be secured to prevent unintended opening. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one auxiliary storage device 14 that is selectively interconnected to the storage device 2 to allow for transportation of a select few of the plurality of electronic media 16 stored therein.
Turning now to FIGS. 1-8, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, one embodiment includes the front cover 8 hingedly interconnected to the rear cover 10 to define the storage device 2. This embodiment also includes a closure device 12, such as a zipper that allows for the selective interconnection of the front cover 8 to the rear cover 10. The auxiliary storage device 14 is shown selectively interconnected to the outer surface 18 of the front cover 8. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the auxiliary storage device 14 may be selectively interconnected to an inner surface 20 of the front cover 8 or likewise to inner or the outer surfaces of the rear cover 10. Preferably, the auxiliary storage device 14 is generally planar with a plurality of storage compartments 22 integrated thereon that are adapted for securing electronic media 16. The auxiliary storage device 14 is selectively interconnected to the storage device 2 such that it may be removed and transported without having to transport the generally larger primary storage device 2.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, the plurality of electronic media storage sheets 4 is secured within the device 2 with a binding device 6, as employed in a three-ring binder for example. The auxiliary storage device 14 is a generally planar stiffened member with a plurality of storage compartments 22 adapted for securing electronic media that fits into a pocket 28 integrated into the inner surface 20 of the front cover 8. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the pocket 28 for storing the auxiliary storage device 14 may be integrated into the rear cover 10 on either surface thereof, or alternatively on one of the removable electronic media storage sheets 4.
Referring now to FIG. 9, one embodiment of a auxiliary storage device 14 is shown that is selectively interconnectable to the binding device 6 used to secure the storage sheets 4 through apertures integrated therein. As also seen in this figure, compartments 22 for securing the plurality of media 16 are arcuate. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any shape may be used for aesthetic or utilitarian reasons without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, one embodiment of the present invention employs slanted pockets 22, wherein one edge of the opening to the compartment 22 is oriented higher than the other. In addition, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that both sides of an auxiliary storage device 14 may be utilized for storage of electronic media 16. Further, in order to facilitate transportation of the auxiliary store device 14 additional carrying members may be employed, such as handles.
Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the auxiliary storage device 14 is shown that selectively interconnects to a vehicle visor 24. Here, the auxiliary storage device 14 is provided with a plurality of compartments 22 adapted to selectively secure electronic media 16. In addition, secondary storage locations 32 are provided for storing other items such as keys, money, parking passes, garage door openers, cigarettes, lighters, GPS devices, cell phones, writing devices, etc. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that any configuration of visor interconnecting device may be used. More specifically, a visor device that includes attachment devices 34 that are interconnected to the visor 24 maybe employed, wherein the auxiliary storage device 14 is capable of being selectively transitioned from a first position, that is generally parallel to the visor 24, to a second position, that is at an angle from the visor 24, in order to provide access to a mirror commonly integrated on the visor.
Alternate embodiments of the auxiliary storage device 14 known in the art may be employed that wraps around the sun visor 24 wherein both surfaces of the sun visor 24 provide media storage locations. More specifically, once deployed onto a visor 24 one side of the auxiliary storage device 14 is secured for storing a plurality of media 16, such as CDs, and the other side is provided with a plurality of secondary storage locations such as mesh pockets, zippered pockets, etc. It should be understood by one skilled in the art any combination of storage pockets is contemplated by the present invention.
The visor of the present invention may interconnect to the outer surface of a storage device 2, wherein half of the auxiliary storage device 14 selectively interconnects to the front cover 8 of the primary storage device 2 and a second portion of the auxiliary storage device 14 wraps around the primary storage device 2 and selectively interconnects to the rear cover 10. However, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that with the use of larger storage devices 2 that accommodate a large number of electronic media, the width and length of the covers may be such that the entire auxiliary storage device 14 may be capable of selectively interconnecting to one cover without having to wrap around. In addition, large storage devices 2 may provide location for interconnection of a plurality of auxiliary storage devices 14. Further, the inner and outer surfaces of the front cover 8 and rear cover 10 may be utilized in this fashion.
Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, another auxiliary storage device 14 for use with the present invention is shown that is adapted to fold upon itself. More specifically, the auxiliary storage device 14 may include a front cover 36, a rear cover 38 that are hingedly interconnected. In addition, a spine 40 may be utilized to interconnect the front cover 36 to the rear cover 38. The auxiliary storage device 14 thus is closable such that the electronic media stored therein is protected from the elements. A closure 42 maybe employed on either the front cover 36 or rear cover 38 to ensure that the storage device 14 remains in that configuration when it is not being used. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various closure mechanisms such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, ziplock type fasteners, etc., may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. In operation, the user stores a plurality of electronic media in the compartments 22 of the auxiliary storage device 14. To transport a few of the plurality of electronic media, the user selectively removes the auxiliary storage device 14 from a pocket 28 integrated on a cover of the primary storage device 2 and folds the auxiliary storage device 14 upon itself to protect the media stored therein.
Referring now to FIG. 16, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes an exterior storage pocket 28 for the securement of a removable auxiliary storage device 14. In this embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary storage device 14 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. However, this embodiment includes a pocket 28 integrated on the outside of the storage device 2. In operation, the auxiliary storage device 14 may be selectively inserted and removed from the pocket 28 of the storage device 2. A fastener 44 may also be employed on both of the storage devices, such as hook and loop fasteners or snaps, that prevent the auxiliary storage device 14 from being removed unintentionally. To facilitate removal of the auxiliary storage device 14, a pull tab 46 may also be employed that aids in the lifting and disconnection of the fastener 44 and removal of the auxiliary storage device 14.
Referring now to FIG. 17, it is still yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes a hingedly interconnected auxiliary storage device 14. Here, the auxiliary storage device is adapted to rotate about a hinged 48 axis integrated onto a cover of the storage device 2. More specifically, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the hinged interface 48 may be placed on either cover and on either side thereof. The hinged interface 48 allows both sides of the auxiliary storage device 14 to be available for storage of electronic media. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that a sliding groove interface may be employed for the hinge 48 such that the auxiliary storage device 14 may be slidingly removed, thus allowing it to be transported away from the primary storage device 2.
Referring again now to FIGS. 1-17, the process of using the present invention is described. In operation, the consumer generally stores a plurality of CDs or other electronic media 16 in a large primary media storage device 2. Various other electronic media 16 that are used more often are inserted into compartments 22 of the auxiliary storage device 14. The auxiliary storage device 14 is then selectively interconnected to the primary storage device 2. This interconnection may be achieved by way of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers, clasps, pockets, buttons, magnets, rails, latches, etc.
Often, users store vast amounts of CDs in large catalog type storage devices 2 for home or office use. It is often undesirable to carry such a cumbersome storage device 2 from work or home to one's vehicle, for example. Thus, the present invention allows the user to selectively remove the auxiliary storage device 14 that secures the electronic media that are being used frequently. Alternatively, other consumers tend to store large numbers of CDs in devices 2 as generally shown herein in their vehicles, wherein transportation of such a large storage wallet into the home, work place, or other vehicle may not be desirable, thus the disconnection of auxiliary storage device 14 is performed, wherein only a few of the plurality of electronic media 16 are transported.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-17, a manner of making one embodiment of the present invention is described. More specifically, CD wallets or other electronic media storage devices are common in the art, wherein many fabrication methods have been employed. Generally, the storage device 2 is comprised of a front cover 8 and a rear cover 10 of a rigid or semi-rigid material that is encapsulated by a compliant material, such as leather, nylon, koskin, plastic, etc., that protects the rigid covers and allows for easy cleaning of the device. Such outer coverings are also adapted to provide protection from the elements such as fluids. The covers are generally hingedly interconnected or otherwise operably interconnected. Often a spine provides locations for interconnection of these covers, and which also provide a location for interconnection of the binding device 6.
Generally, three ring binder type binding devices are used to selectively secure a plurality of storage sheets 4 that have at least one compartment 22 for the storage of electronic media. As shown in FIG. 2, two binding devices 6 are shown that interface with apertures generally found in such sheets 4. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any selective binding method or permanent binding method such as glue, stitching, heat welding, etc. is contemplated by the present invention.
Storage wallets of this type are generally included with a closure device 12 such as a zipper that selectively interconnects three of the four sides of a generally rectangular storage wallet, for example. It must be stressed that although a rectangular storage wallet 2 is shown herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may employ various shapes and styles without departing from the scope thereof.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wallet adapted to secure a plurality of electronic media, comprising:

a front cover having an inner and an outer surface;

a rear cover having inner and outer surfaces, said rear cover operably interconnected to said front cover;

a sheet binding device interconnected to said wallet between said front cover and said rear cover; and

an auxiliary storage device for selective interconnection to at least one of said inner surface of said front cover, said outer surface of said front cover, said inner surface of said rear surface, and said outer surface of said rear cover, wherein said auxiliary storage device is adapted to secure at least one electronic media device and is selectively removable to facilitate transportation.

2. The wallet of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary storage device is adapted for interconnection to a sun visor of a vehicle.

3. The wallet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of storage sheets interconnected to said sheet binding device, each of said plurality of storage sheets adapted for holding electronic media.

4. The wallet of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of storage sheets is comprised of a non-woven material.

5. The wallet of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary storage device is selectively interconnected to at least one of said front cover and said rear cover with at least one of a velcro, a snap, a zipper, and a pocket with a sufficient volume to receive said auxiliary storage device.

6. The wallet of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary storage device is operably sized to fit into a pocket for selective interconnection to said wallet.

7. A storage wallet adapted to store a plurality of electronic media discs, comprising:

a front cover;

a rear cover;

a spine interconnected to said front cover and said rear cover, wherein at least one of said front cover and said rear cover are hingedly interconnected to said spine;

a plurality of storage sleeves operatively interconnected to said spine; and

an auxiliary storage device removably interconnected to at least one of an inner surface or an outer surface of said front cover or said rear cover, said auxiliary storage device comprising a plurality of sleeves adapted to hold at least one of the plurality of electronic media discs.

8. The storage wallet of claim 7, wherein said auxiliary storage device includes a front panel hingedly interconnected to a rear panel that are capable of being positioned in a closed position.

9. The storage wallet of claim 7, wherein said auxiliary storage device is adapted for interconnection to a sun visor of a vehicle.

10. The storage wallet of claim 7, wherein said auxiliary storage device is selectively interconnected to at least one of said front with at least one of a velcro, a snap, a zipper, and a pocket with a sufficient volume to receive said storage device.

11. The storage wallet of claim 7, wherein said auxiliary storage device is operably sized for positioning within a pocket on said storage wallet.

12. The storage device of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said auxiliary storage device comprises a non-woven material.

13. A wallet adapted to secure a plurality of electronic media, comprising:

a front cover having an inner surface and an outer surface;

a rear cover having an inner surface and outer surface, said rear cover operably interconnected to said front cover;

a sheet binding means interconnected to said wallet between said front cover and said rear cover; and

an auxiliary storage means for selective interconnection to at least one of said inner surface of said front cover, said outer surface of said front cover, said inner surface of said rear surface, and said outer surface of said rear cover, wherein said auxiliary storage means is adapted to secure at least one electronic media device and is selectively removable to facilitate transportation.

14. The wallet of claim 13, wherein said auxiliary storage means comprises a panel with a plurality of storage sleeves for selective insertion into a pocket integrated on at least one of said front cover and said rear cover of said wallet.

15. The wallet of claim 13, wherein said auxiliary storage means comprises a panel having a plurality of storage pockets positioned thereon which is rotatably interconnected to at least one of said front cover and said rear cover.

16. The wallet of claim 13, wherein said auxiliary storage means is adapted for interconnection to a sun visor of a vehicle.

17. The wallet of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of storage sheets interconnected to said sheet binding device each of said plurality of storage sheets adapted for holding electronic media

18. The storage device of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of storage sheets are comprised of a non-woven material.

19. The wallet of claim 17, wherein said plurality of storage sheets are comprised of a flexible material.

20. The wallet of claim 13, wherein said auxiliary storage means is selectively interconnected to at least one of said front cover and said rear cover with at least one of a velcro, a snap, a zipper, and a pocket with a sufficient volume to receive said storage device.