U.S. patent application number 11/009898 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for display and storage device.
Invention is credited to Crane, Larry Andrew.
Application Number | 20050150789 11/009898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34742324 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050150789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crane, Larry Andrew |
July 14, 2005 |
Display and storage device
Abstract
A device for holding, storing and displaying various media
articles, such as CDs, CD Cases, DVDs, DVD Cases, Audio Cassettes,
Audio Cassette Cases, Computer Mini-floppies, Video Cassette, Video
Cassette Cases, Books, Magazines, Pictures, Cards and the like. The
device is comprised of a single sheet of relatively thin pliable,
resilient material, such as a sheet of vinyl, plastic, and the
like, within and through said material are cut a plurality of
slits, in sets of two or more slits or slit sets. The lower ends of
slit sets are spaced apart by a distance which is less than the
transverse dimension of an article to be supported or held, while
the upper ends are spaced apart at a distance which is greater than
the transverse dimension of said article to be supported or held.
The lower ends and upper ends of slit sets are longitudinally
spaced apart by a distance that is less than the longitudinal
dimension of an article to be supported or held. The lower ends of
a slit set are even on the horizontal axis while the upper ends of
a slit set has at least one slit that is uneven, shorter or offset
from at least one other slit on the horizontal axis. When an
article is inserted into the space between slits in a slit set, the
material deforms to form a compartment that captures or holds a
portion of said article. Compartments are formed from a plurality
of slits and/or slit sets and are open-topped/top-loading and are
integrally formed with the sheet material. Compartments are capable
of receiving at least one article and maintaining the article in an
upright position, relatively parallel with the overall plane of the
device with at least one part of the article visible for viewing. A
slit sets size, shape and spacing is relatively proportional to the
size, shape and/or dimensions of the articles thereby forming
compatible compartments for the article. A portion of an article is
within the compartment and a portion is exposed so as to permit a
single article to be easily accessible and grasped by the fingers
for easy placement and/or removal there from. The device is
mountable to supports, such as a wall, door, and mirror or hung
from racks etc.
Inventors: |
Crane, Larry Andrew;
(Franklin, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Larry A. Crane
61 Pressley Rd.
Franklin
NC
28734
US
|
Family ID: |
34742324 |
Appl. No.: |
11/009898 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60528004 |
Dec 10, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/307.1 ;
211/41.12; G9B/23.017; G9B/33.017 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0461 20130101;
G11B 23/0236 20130101; G09F 1/10 20130101; A47F 7/0042 20130101;
A47F 7/146 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/307.1 ;
211/041.12 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for displaying and storing various articles comprising:
a single flexible planar sheet of relatively thin pliable,
resilient material, one or more cuts called slits, a plurality of
slits within and through said material, a plurality of cut slits,
in sets of two or more, within and through said material, two or
more slits called slit sets, slit sets that are generally
downwardly converging, at least one slit set, of two or more slits,
each said slit having a lower end and an upper end, and a section
between said ends, said lower ends are spaced apart at a first
distance, said upper ends are spaced apart at a second distance
which is greater than said first distance, said upper ends of each
slit set lying above and outside the corresponding lower ends, slit
sets allow articles to be held securely when inserted into the
device by allowing one side or portion of a slit to move opposite
relative to the other side or portion of slit, slit sets that have
end segments that allow a portion of the article to be inserted
into the device, without going completely through, to hold one or
more said portions or parts of the article securely, and thereby
singularly or collectively hold the article within the device, such
that the article remains at rest or stationary and does not fall
out under normal use and in the upright position, slit sets that
have upper end segments with lengths that allows for and
corresponds to the article's depth, and deformity of the device and
create a compartment when the article is inserted, slit sets that
have lower end segments with lengths that allows for and
corresponds to the article's depth, and deformity of the device and
create a compartment when the article is inserted, slit sets that
have segment lengths that allow for and correspond to the article's
width and/or height, and the deformity of the device created when
the article is inserted, slit sets spacing with the distance from
the bottom of one slit set to the bottom of another slit set which
allows for and corresponds to the article's height, and the
deformity of the device created when the article is inserted, slit
sets spacing consists of the distance from the outside of one side
of the article to the outside of the opposite side of the article
allows for and corresponds to the article's width, and the
deformity of the device created when the article is inserted. slit
sets having one slit offset to the other, where one is lower than
the other, thereby allowing the side distance between slit sets to
be minimized, thereby optimizing the device's space and saving
overall material, while maintaining the integral strength necessary
for the device to hold the weight of the load below, said spacing
or offset provides greater strength than lining up slits
side-by-side, which would put the stress of the weight below onto
an area with overall less material, slit sets whose overall shape
and spacing provide for the areas between the slits to work
together with the areas outside the slits to provide integral
strength to the device's other areas which also hold articles in a
like manner, slit sets whose shape and spacing relative to the
article's shape provide for the ease of use or taking the article
in and out easily, slit sets, two or more, capable of forming
compartments, slit sets having lower ends spaced apart by a
distance which is less than the transverse dimension of the article
to be supported or held, slit sets having upper ends spaced apart
at a distance which is greater than the transverse dimension of the
article to be supported or held, slit sets having vertical segments
in their upper ends which are longer than the depth of the article
that it is meant to hold, slit sets having horizontal segments in
their lower ends which are longer than the depth of the article
that it is meant to hold, slit sets having segments between their
upper and lower ends that continues from the bottom of the upper
vertical segment downward and inward toward the bottom and middle
of the compartment area meant to contain an article, slit sets
having segments between their upper and lower ends that continues
from the bottom of the upper vertical segment downward and inward
toward the bottom and middle of the compartment area meant to
contain an article, in a straight line, slit sets having segments
between their upper and lower ends that continues from the bottom
of the upper vertical segment downward and inward toward the bottom
and middle of the compartment area meant to contain an article, in
an arcuate or curved line, arcuate or curved segments slit sets for
greater capacity to hold an article more securely within the a
compartment, segments of slit sets that extends inwardly toward
where an article rests for increased capacity to hold article more
securely within the compartment, through increased mechanical
advantage, slit sets having lower ends spaced apart by a distance
which is less than the transverse dimension of the article to be
supported or held, slit sets having upper ends spaced apart by a
distance which is greater than the transverse dimension of the
article to be supported or held, slits of a set of two or more that
are located or placed such that at least one is on each side of the
article, slit sets having slit segments between their upper and
lower ends, slit sets having slit segments between their upper and
lower ends that continues from the bottom of the upper vertical
segment downward and inward toward the bottom and middle of the
compartment area meant to contain an article, slit sets whose size,
shape and spacing relate to the articles, they are meant to hold,
by forming compartments compatible for holding them, slit sets that
form compartments that hold a portion of an article and allow a
portion to be exposed for easy accessibility, slit sets that allow
a portion of the article to be exposed for easy placement and/or
removal, slit sets that form compartments that capture and hold the
article in an upright position, slit sets that form compartments
that capture and hold the article in an upright position and
relatively parallel with the overall plane of the device thereby
showing at least one face of the article for viewing, slit sets
that size, shape and spacing, varying with each article size and
shape, slit sets that allow the material to deform and form
compartments capable of holding articles when articles are
inserted, slit sets that allow articles to be captured and held
within the material when article is inserted into the space between
two or more slits, compartments derived from slit sets that capture
and hold articles in an upright position, compartments derived from
slit sets that serve to capture and hold article in an upright
position relatively parallel with the overall plane of the device,
compartments derived from slit sets that serve to capture and hold
article in an upright position relatively parallel with the overall
plane of the device, thereby showing at least one face of the
article to be viewed, slit sets, relative in size, shape and
spacing, to the articles they are to hold, thereby allowing
compartments to be compatible with the article it is to receive,
slit sets, relative in size, shape and spacing, to the articles
they are to hold, placed relative to a part of said article
allowing it to be held within the device when the article is
inserted into and between slit sets. slit sets, relative in size,
shape and spacing, to the articles they are to hold, that optimize
the device's material, slit sets, relative in size, shape and
spacing, to the articles they are to hold, that optimize the
device's space, slit sets, relative in size, shape and spacing, to
the articles they are to hold, that optimize the device's integral
strength, slit sets, relative in size, shape and spacing, to the
articles they are to hold, that optimize the device's effectiveness
holding articles, slit sets, relative in size, shape and spacing,
to the articles they are to hold, that optimize the device's
effectiveness displaying article for viewing, slit sets, relative
in size, shape and spacing, to the articles they are to hold, that
optimize the device's easy access to and/or removal of article,
slit sets, relative in size, shape and spacing, to the articles
they are to hold, that allow article to be moved into and out of
the device easily, slit sets, relative in size, shape and spacing,
to the articles they are to hold, that allow at least a portion of
each article enough exposure to have easy access for placement
and/or removal, slit sets, as described above such that at least
one article having a substantial thickness and a transverse
dimension that is greater than said first distance and less than
said second distance can be supported by each said slit sets
compartment when the device is in an upright position, slits size,
shape and placement are determined by the size and shape of the
article it is meant to contain, slit sets having upper segments
that are vertical, slit sets are located so that one vertical
segment is on each side of the article, slit sets that have
vertical slit segments that are offset on the horizontal axis such
that one is higher than the other, offset vertical slits segments
make it easier for the article to be accessed and moved both in an
out, offset vertical slits segments also allow for multiple
compartments to be moved closer together, multiple compartments
that are moved close together to economize material usage, by
allowing a maximum numbers of articles to occupy a given size
material, slit sets having horizontally offset vertical slits that
provide for closer spacing of multiple compartments, slit sets
having horizontally offset vertical slits also provide for closer
spacing of multiple compartments that saves on overall material,
slit sets that have segments that are vertical slits and are
horizontally offset, slit having a top vertical segment that is
longer than the thickness or depth of the media that it is meant to
hold and continue from the bottom of the vertical slits segment in
a downward and inward direction toward the bottom center of the
media article, said vertical line segments top point height, one on
each side of the media, are offset on the horizontal axis such that
at least one is higher than the other, the offsetting of at least
one slit of a slit set provides easier access to the media and more
easily allowing for the media to be moved both in and out, slits of
a slit set that are located so that at least one slit of a slit set
is on each side of the media, offset height of slits so as to allow
multiple compartments to be moved closer together, multiple
compartments located close together from the offset of the top
segment of at least one slit in a slit set, at least one slit of a
slit set has a top segment of that is a vertical line segment, at
least one slit of a slit set that has a top segment of that is a
vertical line segment and is offset horizontally form at least one
other slit of a slit set such that at least one is higher that at
least one other, said offsetting slits in a slit set that allows
for moving multiple compartments closer together which saves
overall material, offset vertical line segments in a slit set to
provide greater savings on overall material usage, as well as
greater structural integrity, vertical line segments that
correspond to the depth of an article allowing the material to
deform, such that a compartment is created, slits being configured
to fit or accept various specific media articles, a plurality of
individual, open-topped/top-loading compartments arranged on a
respective face of said sheet, each of said compartments being
capable of removably receiving a plurality of articles and
exhibiting substantially the front face of one of the articles
received therein and including a pair of side retainer means
effective to constrain movement of the articles received therein
and bottom support means for engaging a substantial mid-portion of
each of the bottom edges of the articles received therein to
support the same, each of said bottom support means lying generally
in the same plane to the plane containing said respective face, and
said side retainer means and bottom support means of each of said
compartment means being integrally formed with said sheet, one or
more slits having a top vertical segment that is longer than the
thickness or depth of the media that it is meant to hold and
continue from the bottom of the vertical slits segment in a
downward and inward direction toward the bottom center of the media
article, said vertical slit segments height, one on each side of
the media, are offset on the horizontal axis such that at least one
is higher than the other, the offsetting of at least one slit of a
slit set provides easier access to the media and more easily
allowing for the media to be moved both in and out, slit sets that
are located so that at least one is on each side of the media,
slits that are cut generally in a vertical direction, offset height
of slits that allow multiple compartments to be moved closer
together, multiple compartments located close together from the
offset of the top segment of at least one slit in a slit sets, at
least one slit of a slit set has a top segment that is a vertical
line segment, at least one slit of a slit set having a top segment
that is a vertical line segment and is offset horizontally form at
least one other slit of the slit set such that at least one is
taller that at least one other in the set, said offset slits in a
slit set allows for moving multiple compartments closer together
which saves overall material, offset vertical line segments to
provide greater savings on overall material usage, as well as
greater structural integrity, slits being pre-configured to fit or
accept various specific media articles, The devise is mountable to
supports, such as a wall, door, and mirror or hung from racks etc.,
The slits described can be part of a continuing pattern throughout
the device, The functionality of the slits shapes and spacing are
better understood from the drawing(s).
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the slit size, shape and spacing
partitions are evenly spaced to form uniformly sized
compartments.
3. The device of claim 1 comprising a plurality of slit sets
forming a plurality of compartments.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein at least some of said slit sets
are arranged in a row.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said slit sets are arranged in a
plurality of rows.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the lower ends of all of said slit
sets in each said row are horizontally aligned when said device is
in an upright position.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said slit sets are formed
integrally with said single flexible planar sheet of relatively
thin pliable, resilient material.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said slits of said slit
sets is discretely formed and subsequently cut into said
material.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is reversible, turn
backwards, to allow people to choose which way works best for their
particular, left-handed or right-handed, hand preference, to aid
their ease use--taking article in and out.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said compartment means
further includes, a pair of side means lying in a plane spaced and
substantially parallel with respect to said respective face of said
sheet, each of said side means being associated with and integrally
formed with a respective one of said side retainer means.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said compartment means
further includes bottom slit means lying substantially in said
plane containing said side slit means, said bottom slit means said
bottom slit means being integrally formed with said bottom support
means.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein said material is made of
transparent material and said retainer means and bottom support
means of each compartment means are integrally formed with said
material.
13. A display and storage device for holding and exhibiting media
articles and the like, comprising, a generally planar, relatively
thin material made of transparent material having substantially
straight and parallel side edges; and a plurality of individual,
open-topped compartment means arranged on a respective face of said
material, each of said compartment means being capable of removably
receiving a plurality of media articles in the form of a stack
therein and exhibiting substantially the entire front face of a
respective one of the media articles received therein and
including, a pair of elongated side retainer slits spaced and
substantially parallel with respect to each other and said side
edges of said material, each of said side retainer slits projecting
substantially normal from said respective face of said material and
being integrally formed with said material, said side retainer
slits being effective to constrain sideways movement of the media
articles received therein, and each of said compartment means
further including an connected bottom support portion between the
lower portion of a slit set for engaging the bottom edges of the
media articles received therein to support the same, said bottom
support portion extending in a direction substantially
perpendicular to and being disposed between said side retainer
slits, said bottom support ledge projecting substantially normal
from said respective face of said material and being integrally
formed with said material.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein each of said compartment means
further includes a pair of elongated side slits generally lying in
a plane spaced and substantially parallel with respect to said
respective face of said material, each of said elongated side slits
being associated with a respective one of said side retainer slits
and having a longitudinal edge thereof integrally formed with a
longitudinal edge of the side retainer slit associated therewith
and each of said elongated side slits projecting toward the other
elongated side slit from the respective side retainer slit
associated therewith.
15. The device of claim 13 wherein each of said compartment means
further includes an elongated bottom connecting portion lying
substantially in said plane containing said elongated side slits,
said elongated bottom connecting portion having a longitudinal
portion thereof, integrally formed with a longitudinal portion of
said bottom support connecting portion, and said elongated bottom
connecting portion projecting toward and between said side
slits.
16. A display and storage device for holding and exhibiting media
articles and the like, comprising, a generally planar, relatively
thin and rectangular-shaped material made of transparent material
having spaced and substantially parallel side edges and spaced and
substantially parallel top and bottom edges; and a plurality of
individual open-topped compartment means arranged in a plurality of
columns spaced and parallel with respect to the side edges of said
material, each of said columns comprising a plurality of
open-topped compartment means spaced with respect to each other and
the top and bottom edges of said material, each of said compartment
means being capable of removably receiving a plurality of media
articles in the form of a stack therein and exhibiting
substantially the entire front face of a respective one of the
media articles received therein and including, a pair of elongated
side retainer slits spaced and substantially parallel with respect
to each other and the side edges of said material, each of said
side retainer slits being integrally formed with said material and
projecting substantially normal from said respective face of said
material, said side retainer slits being effective to constrain
movement of the media articles received therein, a pair of
elongated side slits generally lying in a plane spaced and
substantially parallel with respect to said respective face of said
material, each of said elongated side slits being integrally formed
with a respective one of said side retainer slits along a
longitudinal fold line spaced and substantially parallel with
respect to the side edges of said material, each of said elongated
side slits projecting toward the other elongated side slit from the
respective side slit with which it is integrally formed, each of
said open-topped compartment means further including, an elongated
bottom support portion for engaging the bottom edges of the media
articles received therein to support the same, said bottom support
portion being integrally formed with said material and projecting
substantially normal from said respective face of said material,
said bottom support portion being disposed between said retaining
slits and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular
thereto, and an elongated bottom support portion integrally formed
with said support ledge along a longitudinal fold line extending
substantially perpendicular to the side edges of said material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a device for displaying various
media articles, CDs, CD Cases, DVDs, DVD Cases, Audio Cassettes,
Audio Cassette Cases, Computer Mini-floppies, Video Cassette, Video
Cassette Cases, Books, Magazines, Pictures, Cards and the like, for
generally flat rectangular articles, in particular an upright
storage display.
[0003] With the advent of the compact disc and the compact disc
player, the record industry has largely been replaced. The compact
disc is now preferred conventional records because of their smaller
dimensions, superior sound quality and more durable materials
utilized.
[0004] Conventionally, compact discs as well as many other media
come in a small storage case that protects them when not in use.
The compact disc storage case also serves as a holder for a graphic
work displaying the title of the disc and/or the performer.
[0005] The applicant herein has discovered that compact disc cases
as well multiple other media lend themselves to being conveniently
and aesthetically displayed as a wall hanging. In this way, the
graphic works on the front of the compact disc cases or other media
may be displayed as a decorative feature on a wall. The various
articles or media are removably held in the display device so that
a variety of artistic effects may be achieved.
[0006] One of the problems overcome by the use of such a display
device is, is in the savings of valuable shelf space for storage of
the media articles. Display of the any one of such media in the
display device is not only decorative, but allows the owner to
quickly scan all of the stored media articles for the particular
one desired.
[0007] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to
provide a new and novel multiple media article display and storage
device.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
multiple media device storage and display device which may be
readily hung from a wall.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
storage device in which the multiple media articles may be easily
removed for use.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to permit an
owner to display the graphic works on multiple media articles.
[0011] A related object of the present invention is to provide a
wall display of multiple media articles which may be conveniently
arranged as desired.
[0012] A related object of the present invention is to provide a
wall display of multiple media articles which may be conveniently
accessed for easy placement and/or removal of articles.
[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
efficient storage device for storing multiple media articles.
[0014] These and other objects will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0015] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,727, issued to Ozeki in Jan. 24, 1984,
discloses a sheet for holding transparencies with a plurality of
rectangular recesses in rows and columns for holding one
transparency in each recess, and an inclined surface portion is
formed substantially at the center of the bottom wall of each
rectangular recess, so that reflection from the center of the
bottom wall of the recess is angularly deviated from reflection
from the center of the transparency held by the recess.
[0017] Other prior art includes Compact disc display and storage
boards with display boards which includes a rigid panel which will
support a plurality of compact disc cases. Here too there is little
flexibility in either the board or the method of holding the
articles. As such the boards are relatively heavy and cannot be
stored in a rolled condition. Further they are not transparent and
do not provide any passage of light or visibility of background on
the side opposite the display. There is no possibility to form the
supporting mechanism without tools, and no suggestion that the
supporting material can be formed integrally with the board.
Indeed, there is no suggestion that they can even be formed of one
material. Most prior art for holding or displaying objects includes
rigid boards and custom formed supports that have little
flexibility.
[0018] This invention relates generally to a storage and display
device for multiple media articles such as CDs, CD Cases, DVDs, DVD
Cases, Audio Cassettes, Audio Cassette Cases, Computer
Mini-floppies, Video Cassette, Video Cassette Cases, Books,
Magazines, Pictures, Cards and the like, and more specifically to a
storage and display comprised of a single sheet of relatively thin
pliable, resilient material, such as a sheet of vinyl, plastic, and
the like, within and through said material are cut a plurality of
slits, in sets of two or more, which may hung to a wall.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The various media articles storage and display device of the
present invention includes a single sheet of relatively thin
pliable, resilient material, such as a sheet of vinyl, plastic, and
the like, within and through said material are cut a plurality of
slits, in sets of two or more. A set of slits allow the material to
deform and form compartments that capture or hold a portion of an
article when it is inserted into the space between them.
[0020] The compartments capture and hold the article in an upright
position relatively parallel with the overall plane of the device
thereby showing at least one face of the article for viewing.
[0021] Various media articles may utilize the compartments for
storage and display as well as its ease of access for their
placement therein and removal thereof.
[0022] Because most conventional media articles have a cover that
provides information and graphics prompting users to retrieve them
according to their interest, any media article within the device
may be easily accessed for placement or removal. In this fashion,
the graphic work and information on the forward cover of each
article may be displayed within the device and yet allow access to
the article therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] To better understand the invention, a more particular
description of the invention is rendered by reference to the
appended drawings. These drawings only provide information
concerning typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be
considered limiting of the scope of the invention. Reference is
made to the drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing a media article positioned in one of
the compartments of the Device;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing a user accessing a media article and
removing it from a compartment of the Device;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a planar front view of the present invention of
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a partial planar view showing one compartment of
Display and Storage Device of the present invention of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a partial planar view from the back of the present
invention of FIG. 1 showing one compartment containing a media
article;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a partial planar view of the present invention
showing multiple configurations of slit sets size as it relates to
the size of the media article it is intended to hold;
[0030] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention that
is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology may be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Reference is now made to the figures where the parts of the
preferred embodiment are each referred to by letters and numerals
as shown. With particular reference to FIG. 1, is a perspective
view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention generally
designated as 10, showing a media article designated as 11
positioned in one of the compartments of the Device. Unit 10 is a
single flexible planar sheet of relatively thin pliable, resilient
material, with a plurality of cut slits designated S1, S2, etc., in
sets of two or more, Slit sets consisting of slits S1 and S2 etc.
are cut within and through said material of Unit 10.
[0032] Slit sets consisting of slits like S1 and S2 are disposed
horizontal and vertically of Unit 10 and are being spaced from each
other evenly across the surface of the material of Unit 10.
[0033] Slits S1 and S2 form a slit set. Slit sets form compartments
12 such as the one the media article 11 is located within. Each
compartment has an opening at the top formed by the vertical
partition of the outer two slits of the slit sets. Each slit sets
vertical slit segment has a spacing distance A3 corresponding to
the size of the media articles that it is intended to hold.
[0034] A plurality of slit sets run parallel to the outer edges of
the unit 10 and form rows and columns and are spaced evenly
horizontally and vertically across the face of unit 10.
[0035] A media article 11 is positioned within compartment 12 as
shown. Preferably the size of compartment 12 is sized so as to form
a shape having the same size and shape as the periphery of the
media article 11 so that the media article 11 is positioned and
held in place in a pressure fit by the edges of the slit set
forming compartment 12.
[0036] Media article 11 is positioned so as to display its cover
outward from the display unit. Preferably 24 other media articles
are positioned in each of the 24 other compartments with their
covers displayed outward and being positioned and held in each
compartment by pressure fit around the periphery of each media
article. The result is an interesting and colorful display or
montage showing 25 different media display articles.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention unit 10 showing a user accessing a media
article 11 and removing it from a compartment 12 of the Device.
[0038] The offset E in height of at least one slit of a slit set
allows for the media article to be accessed by its top and/or top
corners, and the offset is at least large enough for an average
index finger to have access to the contents of the compartment 12.
Thereby the media articles are easily removed and exchanged with
other media articles to alter the display at will.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a planar front view of the present invention of
FIG. 1 showing a planer view of unit 10. It can be readily seen
that each of the slit set, S1 and S2, forming compartments are
evenly spaced from each other both horizontally and vertically.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a partial planar view showing one compartment 11
of the present invention of FIG. 1 with a media article 12 in the
compartment. The compartment 12 is made of a slit set such as S1
and S2 slit set. Distance A3 is the spacing of the upper part of
slits S1 and S2 of any given slit set and allows for and
corresponds to the media article's width, and the deformity of the
material created when the media article is inserted, and distance
B3 allows for and corresponds to the media article's height, and
the deformity of the material created when the media article is
inserted.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a partial planar view showing one compartment 12
of the present invention unit 10 of FIG. 1 from the back with a
media article 11 in the compartment 12. FIG. 5 is a back view of
unit 10 showing the back of media article 11. The unit 10 is
preferably cut with slits completely through the material, so that
the back is a reverse image of the front of unit 10. A single
compartment 12 is fully demonstrated.
[0042] However, it is understood that there are other similar
compartments on the unit, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a partial planar view of the present invention
showing multiple configurations of slit sets compartments as they
relate to the compartments intended media article size. FIG. 6
shows Slit(s) that allow one or more media article to be inserted
and held within the material.
[0044] Section(s) A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1, C2 of the Slit(s) S1, S2,
S3, etc. allow media article to be held securely when inserted into
the material unit 10 by allowing one side or portion of Slit(s) S1,
S2, S3 etc. to move opposite relative to the other side or portion
of Slit(s) S1, S2, S3 etc.
[0045] Section(s) A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1, C2 of Slit(s) S1, S2, S3
etc., allow the media article to be inserted into the material of
the unit 10, without going completely through, to hold one or more
parts of the media article securely, and thereby singularly or
collectively hold the media article within the material unit 10,
such that the media article remains at rest or stationary and does
not fall out under normal use.
[0046] The length of Section(s) A1, A2, B1, B2 allow for and
corresponds to the media article's depth, and the deformity of the
material created when the media article is inserted.
[0047] The length of Section(s) C1, C2 allows for and corresponds
to the media article's width and height, and the deformity of the
material created when the media article is inserted.
[0048] The distance A3 allows for and corresponds to the media
article's width and/or height, and the deformity of the material
created when the media article is inserted.
[0049] The distance B3 allows for and corresponds to the media
article's width and height, and the deformity of the material
created when the media article is inserted.
[0050] The shape of Section(s) C1, C2 can be relatively any shape
S7 (straight lines Slit(s) D, and 4, 6 or curved lines 1, 2, 3, 5
etc. however, the capacity to hold media articles more securely is
greater when Section(s) C1, and/or C2 is straight or convex where
the convex side basically extends inwardly toward where media
article rests, thereby adding more mechanical advantage than if it
were concave or curving away from where the media article rests.
Section C1's and C2's position relative to Section(s) A1 A2 and B1,
B2 provides relative mechanical advantage to increase the
material's capacity to hold media article securely.
[0051] Section A2 is lower by some distance E in relation to
section A1 thereby allowing distance G to be minimized, thereby
optimizing the material's space and saving overall material, while
maintaining the integral strength necessary for the material to
hold the weight of the load below. This spacing or offset E
provides greater strength than two Slit(s) lined up side-by-side
(which puts the stress of the weight below onto an area with
overall less material). The shape Section(s) A, B, C and spacing E,
G of Slit(s) S1, S2, S3 etc. provide for areas H, G, F etc., which
together, provides integral strength to the material's other areas
which also hold media articles in a like manner.
[0052] The shape and spacing of the Slit(s) within the material
relative to the media article's shape provide for the ease of
use--taking the media in and out easily. Additionally, the device
is easy reversibility to allow left-handed people to reverse (turn
backwards) the unit 10 to aid their ease use--taking media in and
out.
[0053] Another benefit of the preferred embodiment is that of the
compartment's 12 receiving opening or wider upper portion A1 and A2
of a slit set S1 and S2 gives the user a larger, more demarcated
position upon which to place an article for insertion.
[0054] The user of the device unit 10 constructed according to the
preferred embodiment can easily locate the corresponding upper
portions A1 and A2 of opposing slits S1 and S2 etc. for ease of
access and use.
[0055] Entrance to a compartment 12 is easily achieved by placing a
corner of an article on any slit sets, S1 and S2, corresponding
upper portions A1 and/or A2 and then directing the article downward
between them until the article comes to rest at the bottom F of a
slit set S1 and S2.
[0056] It is understood that it is within the scope of the
invention to employ other shapes of cut slits S1 and S2 to retain a
media article 11 in place within the compartment 12.
[0057] Although display device unit 10 is preferably cut slits, it
may be made by other means such as injection molding or die punch.
Likewise although unit 10 is preferably made of thin sheet plastic
or vinyl or other lightweight plastic or cloth, it may be made of
any other material that lends itself to manufacturing the unit.
Unit 10 may also be made of any color or combination of colors of
materials.
[0058] In one preferred embodiment, unit 10 is approximately 31 by
28 inches and about {fraction (1/32)} inch thick. Although the
present invention shows 25 evenly sized compartments, it is
understood that the unit may have any number of compartments and
the compartments may be of varying sizes and shapes to accommodate
a variety of different sized and shaped media articles. It should
also be understood that the media articles may be compact discs,
audio tapes, video tapes, software discs and digital video discs
(DVD), as well as any other type of media articles i.e. CDs, CD
Cases, DVDs, DVD Cases, Audio Cassettes, Audio Cassette Cases,
Computer Mini-floppies, Video Cassette, Video Cassette Cases,
Books, Magazines, Pictures, Cards and the like.
[0059] It will also be understood and appreciated that the display
device unit of the present invention provides an easy way to locate
and access a particular media article, since the cover of each
article is clearly displayed. Moreover, a multiple number of
display device units may be hung on a wall, effectively covering
the wall.
[0060] It should be appreciated that the apparatus of the present
invention is capable of being incorporated in the form of a variety
of other embodiments. The invention may be embodied in other forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of these embodiments are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0061] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various
modifications in its structure may be adopted without departing
from the spirit of the invention or scope of the following
claims.
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