U.S. patent application number 10/052290 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-24 for cd clip.
Invention is credited to Bentzler, Jeffrey, Holbrook, Richard M..
Application Number | 20030135963 10/052290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21976633 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030135963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holbrook, Richard M. ; et
al. |
July 24, 2003 |
CD clip
Abstract
A clip having a first fixation device capable of attaching to a
rail, a second fixation device attached to the first fixation
device, for releasably engaging a slot in a compact disc case and a
loop attached to the first fixation device such that one or more
documents may be secured between the loop and the second fixation
device.
Inventors: |
Holbrook, Richard M.;
(Altadena, CA) ; Bentzler, Jeffrey; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Family ID: |
21976633 |
Appl. No.: |
10/052290 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/343 ;
G9B/33.008 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/3449 20150115;
G11B 33/0411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/343 |
International
Class: |
A44B 021/00 |
Claims
1. A clip comprising: a first fixation device capable of attaching
to a rail; a second fixation device attached to the first fixation
device, for releasably engaging a slot in a compact disc case; and
a loop attached to the first fixation device such that one or more
documents may be secured between the loop and the second fixation
device.
2. The clip of claim 1, wherein the second fixation device
comprises at least two prongs.
3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the second fixation device
comprises a first and second prong, each prong having a lateral
shoulder, such that when the lateral shoulders are engaged with the
slot, the prongs are prevented from moving upwardly.
4. The clip of claim 3, wherein each prong has a protruding
shoulder, such that when the protruding shoulders are engaged with
the slot, the prongs are prevented from moving downwardly.
5. The clip of claim 1, wherein the first and second fixation
devices are substantially coplanar.
6. The clip of claim 5, wherein the loop comprises upper and lower
ends, such that the upper end is in a different vertical plane with
respect to the second fixation device.
7. The clip of claim 6, wherein the loop is angled with respect to
the second fixation device, such that the lower end of the loop
intersects the vertical plane of the second fixation device.
8. The clip of claim 6, wherein the lower end of the loop comprises
an extension arm which protrudes in a direction towards the second
fixation device and wherein the loop is angled with respect to the
second fixation device, such that the extension arm intersects the
vertical plane of the second fixation device.
9. The clip of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the loop comprises
an extension arm which protrudes in a direction towards the second
fixation device, providing a gripping surface when the one or more
documents are secured between the loop and the second fixation
device.
10. The clip of claim 1, wherein the second fixation device
comprises a plate having a wedge hingably attached thereto.
11. The clip of claim 10, wherein the plate further comprises an
opening, such that when the wedge is compressed, the wedge enters
the opening.
12. The clip of claim 10, wherein the wedge comprises an upper
edge, such that when the upper edge is engaged with the slot, the
plate is prevented from moving upwardly.
13. The clip of claim 12, wherein the plate further comprises a
shoulder, such that when the shoulder is engaged with the slot, the
plate is prevented from moving downwardly.
14. A clip comprising: a hook for engaging a rail; a first and
second prong, each attached to the hook, for releasably engaging a
slot in a compact disc case; and a loop attached to the hook such
that one or more documents may be secured between the loop and the
prongs.
15. The clip of claim 14, wherein each prong comprises a lateral
shoulder, such that when the lateral shoulders are engaged with the
slot, the prongs are prevented from moving upwardly.
16. The clip of claim 15, wherein each prong has a protruding
shoulder, such that when the protruding shoulders are engaged with
the slot, the prongs are prevented from moving downwardly.
17. The clip of claim 14, wherein the hook and the prongs are
substantially coplanar.
18. The clip of claim 17, wherein the loop comprises upper and
lower ends, such that the upper end is in a different vertical
plane with respect to prongs and wherein the loop is angled with
respect to the prongs such that the lower end intersects the
vertical plane of the prongs.
19. The clip of claim 1, wherein the loop comprises upper and lower
ends, and wherein the lower end comprises an extension arm which
protrudes in a direction towards the prongs to provide a gripping
surface when the one or more documents are secured between the loop
and the prongs.
20. The clip of claim 19, wherein the upper end of the loop is in a
different vertical plane with respect to prongs and wherein the
loop is angled with respect to the prongs such that the protruding
arm extends into the vertical plane of the prongs.
21. A clip comprising: a hook for engaging a rail; a first and
second prong, each attached to the hook, for releasably engaging a
slot in a compact disc case; and at least two loops attached to the
hook such that one or more documents may be secured between the
loops.
22. The clip of claim 21, wherein the at least two loops are
substantially coplanar.
23. The clip of claim 22, wherein the at least two loops are in a
different vertical plane with respect the at least two prongs.
24. The clip of claim 22, wherein the at least two loops comprises
a first loop attached to the hook and a second loop secured within
the first loop.
25. A method for storing a compact disc case comprising: releasably
securing a clip to the compact disc case by inserting a second
fixation device of the clip into a slot in the compact disc case;
and releasably securing the clip to a rail by coupling a first
fixation device of the clip to the rail.
26. The method for storing a compact disc case of claim 25, wherein
the second fixation device comprises at least two prongs.
27. The method for storing a compact disc case of claim 25, wherein
the second fixation device comprises a first and second prong, each
prong having a lateral shoulder, such that when the lateral
shoulders are engaged with the slot, the prongs are prevented from
moving upwardly.
28. The method for storing a compact disc case of claim 26, wherein
each prong has a protruding shoulder, such that when the protruding
shoulders are engaged with the slot, the prongs are prevented from
moving downwardly.
29. The method for storing a compact disc case of claim 25, further
comprising releasably securing a document to the clip by inserting
an edge of the document between the compact disc case and a loop of
the clip.
30. The method for storing a compact disc case of claim 25, further
comprising releasably securing a document to the clip by inserting
an edge of the document between a first loop and a second loop of
the clip.
31. A method for storing a document comprising: releasably securing
an edge of the document to a clip by inserting the edge into the
clip, between a loop and a second fixation device of the clip; and
releasably securing the clip to a rail by coupling a first fixation
device of the clip to a rail.
32. The method for storing a document of claim 31, wherein the
first and second fixation devices are substantially coplanar.
33. The method for storing a document of claim 32, wherein the loop
comprises upper and lower ends, such that the upper end is in a
different vertical plane with respect to the second fixation
device.
34. The method for storing a document of claim 33, wherein the loop
is angled with respect to the second fixation device, such that the
lower end of the loop intersects the vertical plane of the second
fixation device.
35. The method for storing a document of claim 33, wherein the
lower end of the loop comprises an extension arm which protrudes in
a direction towards the second fixation device and wherein the loop
is angled with respect to the second fixation device, such that the
extension arm intersects the vertical plane of the second fixation
device.
36. The method for storing a document of claim 31, wherein the
lower end of the loop comprises an extension arm which protrudes in
a direction towards the second fixation device, providing a
gripping surface when the one or more documents are secured between
the loop and the second fixation device.
37. The method for storing a document of claim 31, further
comprising releasably securing a compact disc case to the clip by
inserting the second fixation device into a slot in the compact
disc case.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a clip capable of releasably
engaging a slot in a CD case and capable of attaching to one or
more documents. More particularly, this invention relates to a clip
capable of attaching to a rail for suspending a CD case or
suspending one or more documents.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Since the advent of commercially available compact discs
(CDs), it has been conventional to store CDs in specially
constructed cases. A typical CD case comprises a main housing
having a protrusion for receiving a CD and a second housing
hingably connected to the main housing. The second housing forms a
lid for the main housing and can be pivoted into a closed position
for totally confining the CD within the CD case.
[0003] A problem with typical CD cases arises when one owns
multiple CD cases, such as tens or even hundreds or more, and
desires to store the cases in a manner which conserves space while
at the same time permitting free access to each CD case. Multiple
CD cases can be stored simply by stacking the cases in a vertical
column. However, retrieving a case towards the bottom of such an
arrangement can be cumbersome and time consuming and might result
in collapsing the column. Multiple CD cases can also be stored by
simply arranging the CDs in a horizontal row. However, due to the
narrow dimensions of the cases, it can be difficult to grasp a
single case and retrieve it without displacing adjacent cases and
possibly knocking down all of the cases to the right or the left of
the desired case.
[0004] As a result, various CD case storage devices have been
developed. Typically, these storage devices include spacers, rails
or individual compartments for separately storing each case. While
these devices usually facilitate retrieval of desired cases, the
spacers, rails or individual compartments can also occupy a large
amount of space. In addition, many users like to arrange their CD
cases in particular arrangements, such as alphabetically. While an
initial arranging or alphabetizing may be easily accomplished using
the above described devices, when it is desired to insert a new CD
case into the arrangement, it may become burdensome. For example,
inserting a CD case having a title starting with an "M" would
require either removing all of the CD cases having an alphabetical
title which precedes "M" or removing all of the CD cases having an
alphabetical title which follows "M" and reinserting them into an
adjacent compartment in order to provide a space for the new CD
case to be inserted.
[0005] In addition, some CD cases are similar to the CD case
construction above, but comprise two main housings, each having a
protrusion for receiving a CD. Such double CD cases are
approximately twice as wide as the previously described single CD
cases. However, many CD case storage devices contain spacers, rails
or individual compartments having openings only large enough for
single CD cases and, as a result, cannot accommodate double CD
cases. Consequently, an improved device for storing multiple CD
cases is needed to address the problems of the prior art.
[0006] In addition to CD case storage devices, many devices exist
for the grouping and storing of documents, such as conventional
file cabinets. However, using conventional file cabinets, once a
document is stored within the file cabinet it is no longer clearly
visible. Also, to separate each document or groups of documents
within the file cabinet, a separate device, such as a file folder
is typically required. Consequently, an improved device for
grouping and storing documents is needed to address the problems of
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention addresses the above-referenced
problems by providing a clip comprising a first fixation device
capable of attaching to a rail, a second fixation device attached
to the first fixation device, for releasably engaging a slot in a
compact disc case and a loop attached to the first fixation device
such that one or more documents may be secured between the loop and
the second fixation device.
[0008] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a back view of a clip of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a side view of the clip of FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a back view of an alternative embodiment of a
clip of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a side view of the clip of FIG. 2A;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1A and a CD
case having a slot into which the clip may be inserted;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a back view of another alternative embodiment of
a clip of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a side view of the clip of FIG. 4A;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1A and a
document to which the clip may be attached;
[0017] FIG. 6A is a back view of another alternative embodiment of
a clip of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6B is a side view of the clip of FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The invention is directed to a clip having a first fixation
device capable of attaching to a rail, and a second fixation
device, attached to the first fixation device, capable of
releasably engaging a slot in a CD case, such that when the second
fixation device is attached to the slot, the first fixation device
may be attached to the rail to suspended the CD case from the rail.
In addition, the clip comprises a loop, attached to the first
fixation device, such that one or more documents may be secured
between the loop and the second fixation device.
[0020] A clip 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B. The clip 10 comprises a first fixation device capable of
attaching to a rail (not shown). For example, in the depicted
embodiment, the first fixation device is a hook 12. The hook 12 is
substantially circular and has an opening therein for releasably
engaging the rail (not shown). Alternatively, the hook 12 may have
other suitable shapes, such as elliptical or ovular, among
others.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 2A
and 2B, the first fixation device is a ring 14, having a
deflectable portion 16 which, when deflected, forms an opening in
the ring, allowing the ring to releasably engage a rail (not
shown). The deflectable portion 16 may be deflected, for example,
by moving a lever (not shown) which retracts the deflectable
portion 16 into an internal opening (not shown) in the ring 14.
Alternatively, the deflectable portion 16 may be hingably connected
to the ring 14, such that pivoting the deflectable portion with
respect to the ring produces an opening in the ring. In another
alternative embodiment, the first fixation device may be a clamp or
any other structure capable of releasably attaching to a rail.
[0022] Attached to the first fixation device is a second fixation
device for releasably engaging a slot in a CD case. FIG. 3 shows a
typical CD case 20, which comprises a main housing 22 having a
protrusion 24 for receiving a CD and a second housing 26 hingably
connected to the main housing 22. The second housing 26 forms a lid
for the main housing 22 and can be pivoted into a closed position
for totally confining the CD within the CD case 20. The second
housing 26 contains a plurality of slots 18.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the second fixation device, in this
embodiment a first and second prong 28 and 30, releasably engages
the slot 18. Each prong 28 and 30 comprises an elastic material
having shape memory, such as polycarbonate plastic or acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. Each prong 28 and 30 also
comprises a laterally extending shoulder 38 and 40 and a protruding
shoulder 48 and 50. The width of the prongs 28 and 30 below the
lateral shoulders 38 and 40, a lower width 42, is greater than the
slot length 46, and the width of the prongs above the lateral
shoulders, an upper width 44, is less than the slot length. The
prongs 28 and 30 also have converging lower ends 34 and 36, to
enable the prongs to be inserted into the slot 18. When the prongs
28 and 30 are inserted into and travel downwardly within the slot
18, the slot laterally compresses the prongs such that the lower
width 42 of the prongs is less than the slot length 46. When the
lateral shoulders 38 and 40 travel to a position below the slot 18,
the lateral shoulders spring back laterally away from each other,
such that the lower width 42 is again larger than the slot length
46. In this position, the lateral shoulders 38 and 40 engage the
slot 18, and prevent the prongs 28 and 30 from moving upwardly
within the slot.
[0024] Positioned above the lateral shoulders 38 and 40 are the
protruding shoulders 48 and 50. The protruding shoulders 48 and 50
are disposed on the prongs 28 and 30, such that when the lateral
shoulders 38 and 40 are positioned below the slot 18, the
protruding shoulders 48 and 50 abut against a facing 52 on the side
of the second housing 26 of the CD case 20. In this position, the
protruding shoulders 48 and 50 prevent the prongs 28 and 30 from
moving downwardly in the slot 18.
[0025] When the lateral shoulders 38 and 40 are engaged with the
slot 18 and the protruding shoulders 48 and 50 are engaged with the
facing 52 on the side of the second housing 26 of the CD case 20,
the prongs 28 and 30 are locked within the slot 18. In this locked
position, the CD case 20 can be suspended on a rail (not shown) by
attaching the first fixation device, such as a hook 12, to the
rail. The prongs 28 and 30 may be released from the locked position
by applying a compression force to the prongs and sliding the
prongs upwardly in the slot 18.
[0026] In an alternative embodiment, such as that shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4B the second fixation device is a plate 53, comprising a wedge
54 and a shoulder 62. In the depicted embodiment, the wedge 54 is
hingably connected to a first plate surface 58 and the shoulder 62
extends from a second plate surface 64. The wedge 54 may be biased
in a direction away from the first plate surface 58, such that when
the wedge is uncompressed (as shown), it protrudes from the first
plate surface, and when the wedge is compressed (not shown), it
enters a plate opening 56. The plate opening 56 may have a
sufficient depth, such that when the wedge 54 is fully compressed,
its outer surface 59 is flush with the first plate surface 58.
[0027] The plate 53 has a width 60 which is less than the length 46
of the slot 18, thus allowing the plate to be inserted into the
slot. When the plate 53 is inserted into and travels downwardly
within the slot 18, the slot compresses the wedge 54, forcing the
wedge into the plate opening 56. When the plate travels to a
position where an upper edge 66 of the wedge 54 is positioned below
the slot 18, the wedge springs back away from the first plate
surface 58, such that the wedge again protrudes from the first
plate surface. In this position, the upper edge 66 of the wedge 54
engages the slot 18, and prevents the plate 53 from moving upwardly
within the slot.
[0028] Positioned above the wedge 54 is the shoulder 62. The
shoulder 62 is disposed on the plate 53, such that when the upper
edge 66 of the wedge 54 is positioned below the slot 18, the
shoulder abuts against the facing 52 on the side of the second
housing 26 of the CD case 20. In this position, the shoulder 62
prevents the plate 53 from moving downwardly in the slot 18.
[0029] When the upper edge 66 of the wedge 54 is engaged with the
slot 18 and shoulder 62 is engaged with the facing 52 on the side
of the second housing 26 of the CD case 20, the plate 53 is locked
within the slot 18. In this locked position, the CD case 20 can be
suspended on a rail (not shown) by attaching the first fixation
device, such as a hook 12, to the rail. The plate 53 may be
released from the locked position by applying a compression force
to the wedge 54, such that the wedge is flush with the first plate
surface 58 and sliding the plate upwardly in the slot 18.
[0030] In addition to being capable of suspending CD cases, the
clip of the current invention is also capable of suspending
documents, as shown in FIG. 5. In the depicted embodiment, the
first fixation device, in this case a hook 12, is attached to the
second fixation device, in this case prongs 28 and 30. Below the
first fixation device is a loop 68, which comprises a bend 74, an
upper end 70 and a lower end 72. The bend 74 is attached to both
the first fixation device and the upper end 70, such that the upper
end is in a different vertical plane with respect to second
fixation device. The loop 68 is angled with respect to the second
fixation device such that the lower end 72 of the loop intersects
the vertical plane of the second fixation device. When a document
76 is inserted between the second fixation device and the loop 68,
the intersecting of the lower end 72 of the loop with the vertical
plane of the second fixation device allows the document to be
secured between the loop and the second fixation device.
[0031] In addition, the loop 68 may comprise an elastic material
having shape memory, for example polycarbonate plastic or ABS
plastic, such that if the document 76 forces the lower end 72 of
the loop out of intersection with the vertical plane of the second
fixation device, the elastic material biases the lower end back
towards the vertical plane of the second fixation device, causing
the lower end to apply a lateral force to the document, which
presses the document against the second fixation device, thus
securing the document between the loop and the second fixation
device. A plurality of documents may similarly be secured between
the loop 68 and the second fixation device.
[0032] The lower end 72 of the loop 68 may also comprise an
extension 78. The extension 78 protrudes from the lower end 72 of
the loop 68 and provides a gripping surface, which grasps the
document 76, when the document is secured between the loop and the
second fixation device.
[0033] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As in
previous embodiments, the first fixation device, such as a hook 12,
is attached to the second fixation device, such as prongs 28 and
30. Below the first fixation device is an outer loop 82, comprising
a bend 80 which attaches the outer loop to the first fixation
device, such that the outer loop is in a different vertical plane
with respect to the second fixation device. Secured within the
outer loop 82 is an inner loop 84 which is substantially coplanar
with the outer loop. In addition, one or both of the loops 82 and
84 may comprise an elastic material having shape memory, for
example polycarbonate plastic or ABS plastic, such that if a
document 76 (see FIG. 5) forces the loops out of the coplanar
arrangement, the elastic material biases the loops back towards the
coplanar arrangement, causing the loops to apply substantially
oppositely directed lateral forces to the document, thus clamping
the document within the loops. A plurality of documents may
similarly be secured between the loops 82 and 84.
[0034] The clip of the present invention may be manufactured by a
variety of techniques, uses a variety of materials. For example,
injection molding a plastic material, such as polycarbonate plastic
or ABS plastic, machining a plastic material such as polycarbonate
plastic or ABS plastic, or machining or casting a metal such as
spring steel.
[0035] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated with respect to various embodiments thereof, it is to
be understood that the invention is not to be limited since changes
and modifications are within the intended scope of the invention as
hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *