U.S. patent application number 10/996110 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for storage system for storing, accessing and transporting planar media.
Invention is credited to Frankeny, Richard F..
Application Number | 20050109647 10/996110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34595156 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050109647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frankeny, Richard F. |
May 26, 2005 |
Storage system for storing, accessing and transporting planar
media
Abstract
A storage system comprises multiple units with combined features
for storing, transporting and accessing planar media. The system
comprises a container (library unit), modules, and a transport
case. The module has expandable linked pockets for separating and
protecting planar media elements. The modules allow a library of
the planar media to be partitioned and stored into identifiable
units. The container has particular features for guiding modules
into parallel locations and retaining the modules in a
substantially upright and closed position. Each container is
configured to accept a plurality of the modules for storage.
Removed modules may be fanned open in an accordian fashion exposing
stored media for access. The modules are adapted to operate stand
alone and adapted for inserting into and coupling to the covers of
the transport case such that opening the transport case in-turn
fans open the module allowing access for media retrieval or
storage.
Inventors: |
Frankeny, Richard F.; (Cedar
Park, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROSS SPENCER GARSSON
WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.
P. O. BOX 50784
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Family ID: |
34595156 |
Appl. No.: |
10/996110 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60524608 |
Nov 24, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
211/40; 312/9.1; G9B/33.013; G9B/33.016 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42F 17/08 20130101;
G11B 33/0438 20130101; G11B 33/0455 20130101; B42F 7/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 ;
211/040; 312/009.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage system for planar media comprising: a plurality of
modules each having opposing first and second cover sides with top
and bottom edges and first and second side edges and a plurality of
series linked pockets disposed between the first and second cover
sides of each module with a planar side of a first pocket of the
linked pockets coupled to the first cover side and a planar side of
a last pocket of the linked pockets coupled to the second cover
side, wherein each of the linked pockets is fanned open when the
top edges of the first and second cover sides are rotated apart and
the bottom edges of the first and second cover sides are rotated
together thus exposing the top pocket openings of the linked
pockets for access; and a library unit (container) having a
plurality of first features for receiving and guiding the plurality
of the modules into essentially a parallel alignment and a second
feature, corresponding to each first feature, for coupling to and
retaining each of the plurality of modules in the parallel
alignment.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a transport case having
opposing first and second covers with latch coupled latch edges and
laterally opposing and hingedly coupled hinge edges, the transport
case adapted to receive at least one of the plurality of modules as
a received module such that the first cover side of the received
module couples to the first cover of the transport case and the
second cover side of the module couples to the second cover of the
transport case, wherein the linked pockets of the received module
are fanned open when the transport case is opened by pivoting the
first and second covers about the hinged edge.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein each module has a first module
feature for engaging a selected first feature of the library unit
so the module is guided into contact with a selected second feature
of the library unit corresponding to the selected first feature of
the library unit.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein each module has a second module
feature that couples to the selected second feature of the library
unit when a particular module is guided by the selected first
feature into the library unit, thereby holding the particular
module as a retained module in a substantially vertical and upright
orientation.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein coupling the selected second
feature of the library unit to the second module feature holds the
retained module in a closed position with the first and second
cover sides substantially parallel to each other.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second cover sides
of a first module of the plurality of modules are hingedly coupled
along its bottom edges.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first module has a latch for
holding the first and second cover sides together along the top
edges of the first and second cover sides.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second cover sides
of a first module of the plurality of modules are hingedly coupled
along their top edges with a first hinge/latch and hingedly coupled
with a second hinge/latch along their bottom edges with a second
hinge/latch.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the linked pockets of the first
module comprise bilateral pockets with a first set of pocket
openings at the top edge of the first and second cover sides and a
laterally opposing second set of pocket openings at the bottom edge
of the first and second cover sides.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein rotating the first and second
cover sides of the first module about the first hinge/latch fans
opens access to the second pocket openings when the first
hinge/latch is latched closed and rotating the first and second
cover sides about the second hinge/latch fans opens access to the
first pocket openings when the second hinge/latch is latched
closed.
11. The system of claim 3, wherein the first module feature of each
of the plurality of module comprises an angled edge extension of
the first cover side at the bottom edge directed toward the second
cover side at the bottom edge, an angled edge extension of the
second cover side directed toward the first cover side, and an
extension of the angled edge extension of the first cover side
orthogonal to the first cover side that hingedly couples to an
extension of the angled edge extension of the second cover side
orthogonal to the second cover side, thus forming a "V" shaped
taper with a flat section as the first module feature.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the first features are
"V" shaped and configured to receive the "V" shaped taper of the
first module feature.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein adjacent of the first features
of the library unit terminate in a line where an arm of the "V"
shape of one first feature joins the arm of the "V" of an second
adjacent feature, thereby allowing inserted modules to be retained
vertical and upright in the library unit with substantially no
required separating space.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the library unit is enclosed
with first and second side sections, a back section and a top
section thereby forming an enclosed library unit with only an
opening area for accessing the plurality modules placed in the
library unit for storage.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the opening area is covered
with a door that is hingedly coupled to the library unit, the door
having an open position exposing the opening area for accessing
stored modules of the plurality of modules and a closed position
for securing the stored modules within the library unit.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the door is hingedly coupled
the bottom section the library unit and has a latch coupled to the
top section for latching the door the closed position.
17. The system of claim 2, wherein a means for hingedly coupling
the first and second covers of the transport case forming the
hinged edge and latching the latch edges comprises a zipper having
a first zipper part coupled to the first cover and a mating second
zipper part coupled to the second cover.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of modules
has an extraction feature for aiding in extracting each stored
module from the library unit that is stored between adjacent
modules.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of modules
has a label feature on at least one edge for visual
identification.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the library unit has a storage
feature for visually identifying each first feature of the library
unit.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein a label feature of a first
module matches a storage feature of the library unit indicating a
storage location reserved for the first module.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein a portion of the door of the
library unit is clear allowing the label feature of a stored module
to be viewed without opening the door.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the linked pockets comprise
pockets formed by Z folding a width of fabric thus forming
overlaying fabric planes between folded edges and non-folded edges,
wherein adjacent of the non-folded edges of one fabric plane are
joined to non-folded edges of an adjacent fabric plane forming
sides of the linked pockets.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the linked pockets are
non-expanding linked pockets with laterally opposing pocket
openings that primarily separate when fanned open for access.
25. The system of claim 23, wherein the linked pockets have a slot
extending a slot distance orthogonal to and toward an opposing
non-folded edge thus forming expanding linked pockets with
laterally opposing pocket openings that expand and separate when
fanned open.
26. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second cover sides
of the received module each has a first attachment element of an
attachment system comprising mating first and second attachment
elements.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the first and second covers of
the transport case each have the second attachment element of the
attachment system and the first and second cover sides of the
module in turn couple to the first and second covers of the
transport case, respectively, when the corresponding first
attachment element engages and couples to the corresponding second
attachment element.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the attachment system comprises
a hook and loop system or a magnetic system.
29. A storage system for planar media comprising: a plurality of
modules each having opposing first and second cover sides with top
and bottom edges and first and second side edges and a plurality of
series linked pockets disposed between the first and second cover
sides of each module with a planar side of a first pocket of the
linked pockets coupled to the first cover side and a planar side of
a last pocket of the linked pockets coupled to the second cover
side, wherein each of the linked pockets is fanned open when the
top edges of the first and second cover sides are rotated apart and
the bottom edges of the first and second cover sides are rotated
together thus exposing the top pocket openings of the linked
pockets for access; and a transport case having opposing first and
second covers with open edges and laterally opposing and hingedly
coupled hinge edges, the transport case adapted to receive at least
one of the plurality of modules as a received module such that one
of first and second cover sides of the received module couples to
the first cover of the transport case.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the transport case is a
notebook folder having a sleeve for storing paper planar media that
couples to one of the first and second sides of the received
module.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the first module has a first
flap with a first end fixedly coupled to the first module and a
second end which is temporarily attached to the second cover side
of the first module, the first flap securing planar media stored in
linked pockets of the first module.
32. The storage system of claim 29 further comprising a library
unit (container) having a plurality of first features for receiving
and guiding the plurality of modules into essentially a parallel
alignment within the library unit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to the commonly owned copending
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/524,608, "Storage
System for Storing, Accessing and Transporting Planar Media," filed
Nov. 24, 2003, and claims the benefit of its earlier filing date
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates in general to systems for
storing, retrieving, and transporting planar media comprising paper
documents, business cards, credit cards, compact disks (CDs) and
digital versatile disks (DVDs).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] "Planar media" means media for storing information on a two
dimensional plane surface in a human or machine readable form,
wherein the dimension of the plane surface is substantially larger
than a thickness dimension of the media, such as CDs, DVDs, sheets
of printed material, and plastic cards having magnetic strips. For
example, compact disks (CDs) are a popular planar media for storing
audio information in machine readable form. Likewise digital
versatile disks (DVDs) are a popular planar media for storing audio
and video information in machine readable form. Typewriter or
notebook paper may be used to record written or printed letters to
store and convey information in human or in some cases machine
readable form. Since individuals may accumulate large amounts of
these planar media elements, devices have been developed to store
the planar media and to provide means for indexing and accessing
the planar media. For paper planar media or documents, file
folders, hanging files, note books, etc. have been developed to aid
in storing, finding, and accessing paper documents. Likewise, units
have been developed for storing individual CDs and DVDs, for
example, the "jewel" case that is used to store and to distribute
CDs. Jewel cases are units that have a hinged side and a side that
latches so that stored CDs may be protected while allowing the case
to be opened for access. Jewel cases are difficult to open and take
up considerable space when used to store a single CD. Special units
have been developed to store large numbers of CDs in jewel cases.
Units have also been developed to store large numbers of individual
CDs in slots, sleeves, etc. Portable units have also be developed
wherein an individual can place a series of CDs, taken from their
library of CDs, into the portable unit to transport them safely for
use at location remote form their library. While there is a
proliferation of storage units for individual there has been no
systems approach for organizing, transporting and storing CDs and
DVDs. Likewise there has been no systems approach for storing the
general class of planar media including other elements such as
paper, credit cards, business cards, recipe cards, etc.
[0004] There is, therefore, a need for a system for storing,
accessing and transporting planar media wherein the system has
features for permanent storage, temporary transport, and features
for secure transport of the planar media while retaining the
functions of easy location, access, and storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A module for storing planar media contains a plurality of
series linked pockets. The pockets are arranged so that when one
pocket is separated from the other the linking pulls the next
pocket causing the pockets to fan open allowing access to the
openings of the pockets for media access and storage. In one
embodiment, material is Z-folded forming folded and non-folded
edges. The pockets are formed by coupling adjacent the non-folded
edges together to within a distance "X" from the center line
halfway between the folded edges to form the sides of the linked
pockets so that each pocket has a common planar side with each
adjacent pocket. In this embodiment, the linked pockets are
separable but do not expand when the pockets are separated. The
linked pockets have bilateral pocket openings which may be used for
single sided or bilateral storage. The same feature that forms the
bilateral (separable and non-expanding) pockets causes the pockets
to be linked.
[0006] In another embodiment, material is again Z-folded forming
folded and non-folded edges. The pockets are formed by coupling
adjacent of the non-folded edges together to the center line
halfway between the folded edges to form the sides of the linked
pockets so that each pocket has a common planar side with each
adjacent pocket. In this embodiment, the linked pockets are
separable but do not expand when the pockets are separated.
Additionally, slots are added extending orthogonal from each joined
non-folded side towards the other joined non-folded side halfway
between the folded sides. In this embodiment, the pockets so formed
are separable and expand when the pockets are separated. Again, the
linked pockets have bilateral pocket openings which may be used for
singled sided or bilateral storage. The same feature that forms the
bilateral (separable and expanding) pockets causes the pockets to
be linked
[0007] In either case, the two end pockets have their outside
planar surface coupled to an inside surface of the stiff planer
side of the module. The module thus has two stiff planar sections
that may be rectangular or circular in shape with bottom, top, and
two side edges. The two stiff planar sections may be hingedly
coupled along the bottom edges forming a hinged side (bottom) of
the module. The hinge may be realized with a fixed hinge, a
hinge/latch, or a flap that covers pocket openings on one side
while be flexible enough to act as a hinge. When the two top edges
(opposing the bottom edges) are moved away from each other, the
hinging action of the bottom side causes the module to fan open the
linked pockets such that their pocket openings are accessible for
storing and retrieving planar media. When the two top edges are
moved towards each other, the linked pockets stack (with or without
stored planar media) together such that the module attains a
minimum thickness. The module has features that allow at least two
of the side edges of the stiff planar sections to couple for
temporarily holding the module in a closed position. In one
embodiment, the module has a cap that fits over the top edges of
the module when closed and secures to a portion of at least one of
the stiff planar sections. This allows the module to be used for
short term transport of the media while preventing planar media
from inadvertently sliding from the pocket opening. In another
embodiment, the outside surfaces of the stiff planar sections have
attachment features that allow them to be temporarily attached to
the inside surfaces of a transport case. The transport case is of a
clam shell design with at least two of its edges hingedly coupled.
The module fits inside of the transport case so that the attachment
features couple to the inside surfaces of the shell of the
transport case. The transport case has latching features that allow
the clam shell to be held closed protecting the planar media in the
module. When the transport case is opened, the clam shell (which is
attached to the module) opens the module so that the linked pockets
are fanned open for planar media access. The system has a container
(library unit) for long term storage and access of the modules and
thus the planar media stored in the modules. For rectangular
modules, the container has a substantially rectangular
cross-section having two sides sections, a back section, a bottom
section, a top section and a front section that is hingedly coupled
to the bottom section to allow access. The front section operates
as a door and may also have a latching feature for retaining the
door in the closed position. When the door is opened, modules
stored in the container may be removed and fanned open to access
stored planar media. Other embodiments of the present invention may
use a module and linked pockets with a substantially circular
profile to fit circular planar media such as CDs and DVDs. In this
embodiment, the container may also have a cylindrical
cross-section.
[0008] The bottom of each the modules has a guiding feature. The
bottom of the container has a corresponding mating feature that
allows the modules to be guided into the container to insure that
placement of the modules in a desired position in the container is
repeatable. The mating features in the container define
identifiable locations for module placement. The container
additionally has retaining features along the back section that
couples to a module placed in one of the identifiable locations.
The retaining features hold a so coupled module in a substantially
vertical and upright position and keeps the stiff planar sections
of the module from hinging open. Thus the container alone may keep
a single stored module in an upright, closed position when inserted
and retained. In one embodiment, the stiff planar sections of the
module are hingedly coupled with a living hinge and the bottom of
the module is configured in the shape of a "V" having sloped
portions and a flat bottom portion at the tip of the "V" for
placing the living hinge and providing a flat surface for the
bottom of the module. In this embodiment, the bottom of the
container has a corresponding "V" shaped slot extending from the
front side to the back side of the container. In this manner, the
modules may be stacked parallel and upright in the container with
no additional space between modules required to retain the modules
in a vertical position. The combination of the V shaped slot and
the corresponding V shaped bottom of the modules allow one or all
of the modules to be placed in an identifiable location, retained
in an upright position, and held closed for storage without
requiring a latch on the modules.
[0009] In one embodiment, the container also has storage features
that allow the individual V shaped slots to be identified with a
label which has one side visible when the door is opened and
another side when the door is closed. The door has a window that
allows a portion of the stored modules to be viewed when the door
is closed. Likewise, the modules have label features that allow
individual modules to be labeled for identification. In this
manner, a module may be labeled the same as a mating slot for
organization of groups of stored planar media. The modules stack in
the container with little or no space between modules. To
facilitate module removal from the container, the modules may have
an addition finger hold feature that allows a module to be grasped
from the front when it is stored between adjacent modules for easy
removal from the container.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may store a variety of
planar media including CDs, DVDs, notebook paper, typewritten
paper, business cards, index cards, legal papers, etc. The
container has features that allow multiple containers to be stacked
for increased storage. Since the door is hingedly coupled to the
bottom section the door opens away from the modules and no
additional space is needed above the container and the modules are
clearly exposed for access.
[0011] In another embodiment, the modules have guiding features on
the side edges of the stiff planar section that allow the modules
to be guided into mating features in the container that has a top
section that opens. In this embodiment the container may be placed
in a drawer that is best accessed from the top. The modules may
then be guided into the container in this embodiment with the
guiding features and the pocket openings face upwards such that
stored planar media will not slip from the pocket when accessing
and storing the modules in the container. Since the features are on
the side edges of the modules, they do not interfere with the
pocket openings in any way when storing and accessing planar media.
In this embodiment, the features that allow a module to be grasped
for removal from the container are placed on the top edges of the
module. Once the module is partially extracted, the stiff planar
sides may be grasped further for removing the module from the
container. The container mating features for guiding the module
also hold the module in a closed position a stored module with no
adjacent modules will not fan open keeping the modules upright and
closed. In other embodiments, the container has a handle that is
recessed allowing the container to be easily transported.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the modules may have features
that allow them to hang from parallel rails placed in a top loading
container like a drawer. In this embodiment, the modules may be
free open allowing the linked pockets to expand and separate for
medial access much like a Pendaflex.RTM. hanging files. However,
this embodiment of the present invention allows a module to have
multiple pockets for organizing planar media. For example, a module
may have 12 pockets, one for each month, where the module stores a
year's worth of receipts. Multiple modules covering multiple years
may be placed in a single container (drawer). Likewise, the modules
may be closed, latched and placed in a long term storage unit for
safe keeping.
[0013] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of the present
invention with front access to modules stored in the container;
[0016] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrates another embodiment of the
present invention with front access to modules stored in the
container;
[0017] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate one embodiment of the present
invention with top access to modules stored in the container;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a module for storing planar media
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates another module for storing planar media
using the bi-lateral features of linked pockets with two flaps for
securing the bi-lateral pocket openings that are retained to the
same stiff planar side of a module;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates another module for storing planar media
using the bi-lateral features of linked pockets with two flaps for
securing the bi-lateral pocket openings that are retained to
opposing stiff planar sides of a module;
[0021] FIG. 7A illustrates the module of FIG. 5 with both flaps
secured to the same stiff planar side of the module;
[0022] FIG. 7B with one flap acting as a hinge when secured to the
stiff planar module side and the other flap released allowing one
set of bi-lateral pockets to be fanned open for planar media
access;
[0023] FIG. 8A illustrates how a module for bi-lateral storage of
planar paper media is inserted into a particular transport
unit;
[0024] FIG. 8B illustrates the module of FIG. 8A opened in one
direction while retained in the particular transport unit;
[0025] FIG. 8C illustrates the module of FIG. 8A opened in the
opposite direction while retained in the particular transport
unit;
[0026] FIG. 9A illustrates the module of FIG. 2A adapted so its
sides coupled being inserted into a mating transport unit;
[0027] FIG. 9B illustrates the module of 9A partially secured in
the mating transport unit of FIG. 9A;
[0028] FIG. 9C illustrates the module fully attached into the
mating transport unit of FIG. 9A and fanned open by opening the
covers of the transport unit allowing planar media to be stored or
accessed;
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a module for storing planar media with a
lid that fits over and secures the module for transport;
[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates the system aspects of embodiments of the
present invention with a container and a module in various stages
of removal, fanning open for access to stored planar media, and
returning the module to the container for storage.
[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates the system aspects of embodiments of the
present invention with a container and a module in various stages
of removal, placement in a transport unit, fanning open for access
to stored planar media, removal of the module from the transport
case, and returning the module to the container for storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that the present invention may be practiced without such specific
details. In other instances, well-known mechanisms may be shown in
block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in
unnecessary detail. For the most part, details concerning
materials, processes and the like have been omitted inasmuch as
such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding
of the present invention and are within the skills of persons of
ordinary skill in the relevant art.
[0033] "Planar media" means media for storing information on a two
dimensional plane surface in a human or machine readable form,
wherein the dimension of the plane surface is substantially larger
than a thickness dimension of the media, such as CDs, DVDs, sheets
of printed material, and plastic cards having magnetic strips.
[0034] Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not
necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are
designated by the same reference numeral through the several
views.
[0035] FIG. 1A illustrates a container 100 and a module 107 for
storing, accessing and transporting planar media according to
embodiments of the present invention. Container 100 has sides 104,
top 103 and a door 101 for securing stored modules. The bottom of
container 100 has exemplary features 109 and 110 for guiding module
107 when it is inserted for storage. One of the features 108, along
the back of container 100, engage module 107 holding it closed and
in an upright position. Module 107 has a plurality of linked
pockets 113 for storing planar media. Module 107 also has a feature
111 that is used to identify module 107 as well as providing a
finger hold from sliding module 107 forward and out of container
100 for access. Top 103 has features 105 that engage mating
features on the bottom of another container (not shown) for
stacking of containers 100. Door 101 has a latch part 102 that
engages mating latch part 110 for securing door 101 closed. Door
101 also has a transparent section 112 that allows feature 111 of
stored modules (e.g., module 107) to be viewed when the door 101 is
closed. Door 101 also has a feature 120 that identifies which
module (e.g., module 107) that a user desires stored in a
particular location.
[0036] FIG. 1B is an edge view of module 107. Linked pockets 113
are encased with stiffened cover sides 121 and 122 such that the
module has a known thickness with or without stored media. This
allows module 107 to have the same size whether it is full or empty
of planar media. Feature 111 is shown with the optional label "A."
Feature 111 allows a user to put any desired label, space allowing,
on module 107 for identification. In one embodiment, feature 111 is
a piece coupled to stiffened cover side 122 and extending to
stiffened cover side 121. An additional element (not shown) may be
added to side 121 such that a user can cause feature 111 to couple
to and retain side 121 preventing module 107 from opening. Module
107 has feature 114 ("V" shaped) that allows module 107 to mate
with detail 109 and 110 of features to guide module 107 into
container 100. In one embodiment, module 107 has a "living" hinge
115 that allows stiffened cover sides 121 and 122 to rotate about
living hinge when module 107 is opened. Feature 108 of container
100 is shown engaged with module 107. Feature 108 prevents module
107 from opening when inserted in container 100 by preventing the
hinge from moving upwards as the cover sides 121 and 122 try to
rotate around hinge 115.
[0037] FIG. 2C illustrates another container 200 according to
embodiments of the present invention. Container 200 has sides 201,
top 203 and bottom section 210 with exemplary feature 240 for
guiding modules into container 200. Container 200 has four modules
204-207 inserted for storage. Module 204 has exemplary feature 209
used for identification of module 204. Container 200 also has
features 208 in the back for coupling to and retaining modules
(e.g., modules 204-207) upright and closed when inserted.
[0038] Exemplary module 230 with linked pockets 213 is shown in
FIG. 2A with an arrow indicating that module 230 is to be directed
to one of the features (e.g., feature 240) for guiding it into
container 200. The features 211 of module 230 fit in slot feature
240. Since features 208 engage and secure inserted modules, the
stiffened cover sides (e.g., 214) act to separate one module from
another. No additional retaining walls are needed in container 200.
A hinge 235 allows module 230 to be fanned open exposing stored
media.
[0039] FIG. 2B illustrates module 230 fanned open by rotating
stiffened cover sides 214 around a living hinge 235. (Other hinging
methods may be used and still be within the scope of the present
invention). When exemplary module 230 is fanned open, the linked
pockets acquire a regular pattern as each pocket is attached to the
next adjacent pocket and a planar surface of the two end pockets
are coupled to stiffened cover sides 214 and 244. Various portions
of linked pockets 213 are labeled as 213 in FIG. 2B to distinguish
the linked pockets from stored planar media. Planar media elements
215-226 are shown stored in a corresponding linked pocket. Various
linked pockets may be used in embodiments of the present invention.
Linked pockets are sometimes called accordion pockets indicating
their similarity to the portions of the accordion instrument. Some
linked or accordion pockets expand and separate when fanned open
(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,082) and some accordion pockets separate
but do not expand appreciably (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,992).
Other linked pockets may be designed and still be within the scope
of the present invention. Feature 212, used to label module 230, is
shown as it moves with cover side 244 as module 230 is fanned open.
Planar media 215-226 are retrieved by moving them in a radial
direction relative to the arc formed by the edges of the pockets
213 in illustration of FIG. 2B. Because of this, feature 212 does
not interfere with storing or accessing planar media from module
230. Living hinge 235 is shown pivoted in an upward direction when
module 230 is fully fanned open in FIG. 2B. When a closed module
(e.g., module 230) is inserted in a container (e.g., 200) according
to embodiments of the present invention, features 208 fit over and
press downward against living hinge 215. Since the hinge 215 cannot
pivot upward, module 230 cannot open and is held in a closed,
upright position when inserted in container 200 even if module has
no latching element of the edges laterally opposing hinge 235.
[0040] FIG. 3C illustrates another container 300 according to
embodiments of the present invention. Modules 305-308 are shown in
various stages of insertion in container 300. Container 300 has
sides 302, a back 301, and a bottom 303. In this embodiment,
container 300 is much like a file drawer. Each module 305-308 would
be guided into a slot in container 300. Exemplary linked or
accordion pockets 314 and 315 are only identified for modules 305
and 307, respectively.
[0041] In FIG. 3A, exemplary module 330 is shown with linked
pockets 333 and one of its stiffened cover sides 304. Module 330
has bottom feature 309 for conforming to mating features 303 in the
bottom section. In another embodiment, container 300 has slots in
back 301 and front 350 for guiding an individual module into
container 300. In this embodiment, the modules (e.g., module 330)
is like a file folder used for planar media.
[0042] FIG. 3B illustrates module 330 fanned open for accessing
stored planar media. Portions of the linked pockets are identified
as 333 in FIG. 3B. Planar media elements 311-322 are shown stored
in individual linked pockets 321. Modules (e.g., 330) according to
embodiments of the present invention may fan open 180.degree. with
sides 310 and 340 resting on a surface or living hinge 331 may be
designed to limit module 330 from fanning open beyond an angle less
than 180.degree.. Other hinge types may be used for hinge 331 and
are considered within the scope of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a module 400 according to embodiments of
the present invention where a series of linked pockets 401 are
sandwiched between stiffened cover sides 402 and 404. Since some
linked pocket designs allow bi-lateral access to pockets (e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,992 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,082) module 400 may
be used to store planar media bilaterally.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a module 500 according to embodiments of
the present invention with a series of linked pockets 501 between
stiffened cover sides 506 and 507. In this embodiment, retaining
flaps 505 and 502 are attached to stiffened cover side 506. Flaps
505 and 502 may be then folded over and attached to stiffened cover
side 507 with retaining elements 504 and 503. In this manner, any
stored planar media in linked pockets 501 may be secured.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a module 600 according to embodiments of
the present invention with a series of linked pockets 601 between
stiffened cover sides 606 and 607. In this embodiment retaining
flaps 602 and 605 are attached to stiffened cover sides 606 and 607
respectively. Flaps 605 and 602 may be then folded over in opposing
directions and attached to stiffened cover sides 606 and 607 with
retaining elements 604 and 603 (not shown). In this manner, any
stored planar media in linked pockets 601 may be secured within
module 600.
[0046] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a module 700 both opened and
closed. FIG. 7A illustrates module 700 in a closed orientation.
Linked pockets 710 are coupled to stiffened cover sides 701 and
702. Flaps 703 and 704 are used to secure stored planer media
711-722. Flap 703 has a feature 706 that allows flap 703 to be
secured to element 708 over one opening in linked pockets 710.
Likewise flap 704 has feature 707 that allows flap 704 to be
secured to element 709.
[0047] FIG. 7B illustrates module 700 fanned open when flap 703 is
released from feature 708. Since flap 704 is flexible it acts as a
hinge allowing linked pockets 710 to fan open. In a like manner,
flap 703 may be secured and flap 704 opened allowing bi-lateral
access to linked pockets 710. In this illustration, planar media
712-722 are each shown in individual linked pockets.
[0048] FIG. 8A illustrates a transport unit 800 and a corresponding
module 850 adapted for insertion into transport unit 800. In this
embodiment transport unit 800 is similar to a notebook that has
sides 810 and 811 coupled with hinge 813. Transport module 800 may
have a note pad 812 as well as a sleeve 809 normally used for
storing papers. Transport unit 800 is modified with an attachment
element 808 for coupling to a mating element 807 on module 850.
Module 850 has linked pockets 840 attached to stiffened cover sides
801 and 802. Mating element 807 and flap 803 are attached inside
the first pocket of linked pockets 840. In this manner, stiffened
cover side 802 may be inserted into sleeve 809 as shown by the
arrow 860. When this is done attachment element 808 may be brought
into contact with mating element 807 (for example these could be
Velcro pads). Module 850 is retained in transport unit 800 in this
manner, but may be removed for storing in a container (e.g.,
container 200). Flap 804 is attached to the outside of stiffened
cover side 802. Flaps 803 and 804 may be folded over openings 814
and 815 in linked pockets 840 respectively. Flaps 803 and 804 are
coupled to stiffened cover side 801 with elements 805 and 806
respectively.
[0049] FIG. 8B illustrates module 850 opened by releasing element
806 from stiffened cover side 801. This allows linked pockets 840
to be fanned open in one direction and exemplary planar media 831
and 830 to be accessed. Flap 803 attached with element 805 acts as
a hinge in this situation.
[0050] FIG. 8C illustrates module 850 opened by releasing element
805 from stiffened cover side 801. This allows linked pockets 840
to be fanned open in the opposite direction and exemplary planar
media 820-822 to be accessed. Flap 804 is attached with element 806
and acts as a hinge in this situation.
[0051] FIG. 9A illustrates the exemplary module 230 illustrated in
FIG. 2 to be inserted into a transport unit 950 according to
embodiments of the present invention. Module 230 has linked pockets
213 coupled to stiffened cover sides 214 and 244. Stiffened cover
sides 214 and 244 are coupled at one end with feature 214 and hinge
215. Feature 212 is used to identify module 230. Attachment
elements 901 and 902 are coupled to mating elements 906 and 905 on
stiffened cover sides 214 and 244, respectively. Transport unit 950
is a clam shell design with cover sections 903 and 904 (which are
shown transparent) coupled at one end with hinge 909 and at the
other end with latch elements 907 and 908. When latch elements 907
and 908 are opened, cover sections 903 and 904 pivot about hinge
909 to open. Cover section 903 has a mating element 906 for
attachment element 901 and cover section 904 has mating element 905
for attachment element 902. These attachment and mating elements
may be Velcro.RTM. elements or magnetic elements. Attachment
elements 901 and 902 and mating elements 905 and 906 are meant to
couple in such a way that they are secure but may be separated
allowing module 230 to be removed from transport unit 950.
[0052] FIG. 9B illustrates transport unit 950 with module 230
inserted and coupled with attachment element 902 and mating element
905. Attachment element 902 and mating element 906 are in position
to complete the action of receiving and attaching to module 230.
When cover section 903 is rotated closed, attachment element 901
will couple to mating element 906. If latch elements 907 and 908
are engaged, transport unit 950 is ready to use with module 230 to
transport stored planar media 920-930 (see FIG. 9C).
[0053] FIG. 9C illustrates transport unit 950 fanned open by
rotating cover sections 903 and 904 about hinge 909. Since the
stiffened cover sides 214 and 244 are coupled to cover sections 903
and 904, as transport unit 950 is opened module 230 likewise fans
open spreading linked pockets 213 and exposing stored planar media
920-930. Living hinge 235 is shown pivoting above hinge 909.
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention with a cap 1001 for fitting over the opening 1002 (shown
dotted) of module 230. Module 230 has stiffened cover sides 214 and
244 coupled at one end with feature 211 and hinge 235. Linked
pockets 213 are shown in this view. Cap 1001 has features (not
shown) for coupling to one or both of the stiffened cover sides 214
and 244 such that it is removable but secure preventing planar
media from inadvertent extraction from linked pockets 213. In this
manner, modules may be removed from a container (e.g. 100 or 200),
secured with a cap 1001 and transported without stored planar media
being inadvertently extracted from linked pockets 213.
[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates the system aspects of the present
invention. Planar media (not labeled) are stored in modules (e.g.,
module 230). The modules are indexed and stored in a container 200
with features that allow the modules to be aligned and guided into
slots and corresponding features that hold individual modules
upright and closed. A module 230 may be removed in step 1101 using
feature 212 (See FIG. 2). Then in step 1102 module 230 is fanned
open so that the linked or accordion pockets separate exposing
planar media stored in individual pockets. In 1103, when the linked
pockets are fanned open, planar media may be added or removed from
the linked pockets. When the user is finished accessing planar
media, then in step 1104 module 230 is closed and returned to
container 200 for long term storage.
[0056] FIG. 12 further illustrates the system aspect of the present
invention. Container 200 stores multiple modules (e.g., module
230). In step 1201, module 230 is removed from container 200. In
step 1202, module 230 is inserted into transport unit 950. In step
1203, the stiffened cover sides of module 230 are attached to the
cover sections of transport unit 950. In step 1204, the cover
sections of transport unit 950 are rotated apart while fanning open
module 230 separating the linked pockets 213 of module 230 exposing
store planar media. In step 1205, module 230 is removed from
transport unit 950 and in step 1206 module 230 is returned to
container 200 for long term storage.
[0057] The above detailed description describes a system for
storing, accessing, and transporting planar media. Each embodiment
employs a module with linked pockets that may be fanned open to
access planar medial from one side or bi-laterally (from pockets
formed in both sides). The modules have features that may be used
to identify individual modules, used to aid in extracting a module
from a container, or used to couple to the adjacent side for
holding the module closed. A transport unit is uniquely adapted to
receive one of the modules with linked pockets and coupled to its
stiffened cover sides such that when the transport unit is opened
it correspondingly fans open a stored module exposing stored planar
media. The modules may then be removed from a transport unit an
placed back in a container (e.g., 100) with features for guiding a
module to a desired location for coupling to features that hold an
inserted module in an upright and closed position. Users may label
and identify individual modules with selected media. These modules
may then be transported without removing stored media. The
synergism of the modules and the transport units allow the
transport units to fan open the modules for media access. Likewise
the modules are designed to fan open when removed from a container
for easy identification and access of stored media. Any planar
media, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, paper, business cards, etc. may be
used with embodiments of the present invention. The modules may be
made in sizes that fit the media to be stored. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the container, module and the transport
units are designed for a circular media like CDs and DVDs. The
indexing of the modules and the containers allow a used to label
modules and store CDs alphabetically by title, artist or type of
content. In another embodiment, the planar media may be typewriter
paper and the linked pockets are sized to hold the paper. In this
embodiment, the modules are similar to file folders except each
module acts like a expanding file for storing single or multiple
pieces of paper in each linked pocket. The modules (expanding file
folders) may be stored in a drawer much like Pendaflex.RTM. files.
The transport unit in this case may be a folding notebook adapted
to receive and retain a file folder module. The file folder modules
may be flaps that fold over the file openings for securing stored
media. When secured with flaps, the file folder modules may be
transported as such or placed into a transport unit for further
security and convenience.
[0058] The present invention and its advantages have been described
in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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