Storage Device

Abstract

A storage device for securing and readily displaying multi-media items generally including protective packaging. The storage device has a plurality of elongated recesses including a first elongated slot having a first width and depth and a second elongated slot having a second width and depth occurring along the same recess so that each recess including multiple elongated slots can host different sized multi-media items and associated protective packaging.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage device for multi-media items and associated protective packaging wherein a plurality of different sizes can be retained and displayed by the device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many storage devices exist for hosting multi-media items such as, CDs, DVDs and computer game disks, for example. However, the known storage devices are generally designed to host a single type of multi-media item such as a CD stack. Of the few known devices intended for hosting various multi-media items, either the items do not fit securely within the device or the devices require the manipulation of various dividers to accommodate different sized items. Still further, many of the known storage devices are in the form of trays which are concealed during periods of non-use making it less convenient to access the items of interest.

[0003] What is needed is a universal multi-media storage device, which readily accommodates items of different sizes. Other desirable features for such a storage device would be one that provides ready access to the items of interest and one that does not interfere with the user's field of vision when selecting an item hosted by the device.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention discloses a multi-media storage device for securing and displaying such items including, but not limited to, CDs, DVDs, computer game disks, for example. These types of items are typically maintained within protective packaging that includes some indication as to the contents of the packaging. As the packaging for multi-media items tends to have standard dimensions whereby CD packaging tends to be narrower than DVD packaging, for example, it is desirable to have a universal storage device that can accommodate either type of packaging. As such, present invention offers multi-media storage devices that can host various types of multi-media packaging, wherein the storage device is easy to use and has decorative appeal. Advantages of the storage device include side or top down entry of the item inserted which offers added convenience. Further, at least under certain embodiments, multi-media items can be readily interchanged and secured by the storage device without having to manipulate the apparatus to accommodate different sized items.

[0005] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the storage device of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 including a backstop;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 including certain optional features such as a handle and size adjusting insert;

[0010] FIG. 4 is an end view of a storage device showing insertable strips used to optionally fill hosting slots;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing inserts sized and shaped to provide different slot configurations;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage device including a rotatable base shown in phantom; and

[0013] FIG. 7 is an end view of a storage device including an oversized elongated slot.

[0014] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a first embodiment of the storage device of the present invention. The storage device 10 which is primarily intended to host multi-media items such as CDs, DVDs and computer game disks includes a body 12 defined by a bottom surface 14, a top surface 16 and at least one end wall 18. According to this embodiment, the end wall includes a first end wall 18a and opposing second end wall 18b and first and second transverse end walls 18c and 18d thereby defining a structure having a generally rectangular shape.

[0017] Formed into the top surface 16 are a plurality of recesses 22 which are designed to accommodate multi-media items and/or packaging including multi-media items of various size. In this regard, at least one of the recesses and preferably a plurality of the recesses include first and second elongated slots 26 occurring along the same recess such that any given recess can accommodate multi-media items of at least two different sizes.

[0018] As shown, a first slot 26a defined by first and second spaced apart sidewalls 28a and 28b and a transverse step 30 is sized to accommodate larger items such as a DVD case. Extending below the first slot 26a is a second slot 26b also defined by first and second spaced apart sidewalls 32a and 32b and a bottom wall 34. The second slot is intended to secure a multi-media item that is narrower such as a CD package, or the like.

[0019] As should be appreciated, each recess including both first and second slot portions as described can accommodate either a DVD or a CD package depending upon the user's needs.

[0020] Unlike other storage devices for multi-media items, the storage device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is intended to have an open configuration whereby the device can be positioned upon a tabletop or other similar support structure so that the items can be displayed and readily accessed by a user.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, a similar multi-media device embodiment is presented whereby a backstop 40 is positioned adjacent one end of the device so that as items are inserted into the slots, they are precluded from passing therethrough. While the backstop may be integrally formed with the body structure, generally, the backstop is mechanically fastened along one end of the device via bolts, screws and/or adhesives. The backstop may include indicia 42 of a particular set of items that can be maintained by the storage device. By way of non-limiting example, compact disks and DVDs are often sold in box sets where the user can view or listen to an entire series of performances by a given artist or artists. Thus, the storage devices of the present invention are ideal for hosting box sets.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, various optional features are demonstrated in association with a storage device such as that disclosed according to FIG. 2. According to this design, the storage device 10 may include a handle portion 44 generally extending along an end opposite of the backstop. An additional optional feature includes elongated inserts 46 that can be disposed in one or more recesses 22 to modify the size of the slot for hosting a multi-media item.

[0023] As shown in the cut-away side view of FIG. 5, such an insert may itself include a first slot portion 48a and a second slot portion 48b whereby the first slot potion is wider than the second slot portion and can accommodate a multi-media item or its packaging having a larger size than the second slot portion. Thus, when the insert is removed from the body 12 of the storage device a still larger item (not shown) can be maintained within a given recess 22.

[0024] While not shown in all of the embodiments, as is shown in phantom in FIG. 6, the bottom surface of the storage device may include a rotatable base 50, i.e., lazy susan-type, thereby making it easy to reposition the storage device for better viewing and access to the multi-media items contained thereby.

[0025] While not intended to be limited to particular dimensions, for certain applications, the storage device, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, would preferably be approximately 6 inches in length, i.e., along the first and second end walls, 61/2 to 7 inches wide, i.e., along the first and second lateral end walls, and 13/4 to about 2 inches in height from the bottom surface to the top surface as measured along any of the end walls. The first slot portion would be approximately 5/8 of an inch wide and a second slot portion would be approximately 7/16 inch wide. The first slot portion would have an average height of approximately 1/2 inch and the second slot portion would also have an average height of approximately 1/2 inch. The storage device can be formed from various materials such as metals, plastic or wood.

[0026] While the total number of recesses 22 provided along the storage device may vary, it is preferable that the device include five or six recesses which correspond with the number of multi-media items, such as CDs or DVDs that can be accommodated by most commercial CD and DVD playing apparatus. As such, each of the recesses 26 can be provided with a number, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 as shown in FIG. 2, making it easy for the user to put the associated packaging in the recess number corresponding to the disk receptacle number at the multi-media playing apparatus. This, in turn, allows the user to merely retrieve the packaging positioned upon the storage device in the recess which corresponds to the number of disk receptacle of CD or DVD playing apparatus from which the disk is being removed. CDs and DVDs therefore do not become disassociated with the packaging when it becomes time to return the multi-media item to the packaging.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a storage device 10 wherein an oversized elongated recess 22A provided in proximity to an end wall 18. By "oversized" it is meant that the recess 22A has a width dimension which is substantially larger than the width of the other recesses 22 such that the recess 22A can accommodate items associated with multi-media players such as a remote control device (not shown) by way of non-limiting example. Thus, the recess 22A will generally be at least three times wider than the other recesses.

[0028] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A storage device comprising: an open body structure including at least one end wall; a top surface; a bottom surface; and a plurality of elongated recesses extending from said top surface wherein one or more of said elongated recesses include: a first elongated slot having a first depth and width; and a second elongated slot occurring along the same recess as said first slot, said second slot being narrower and deeper than said first slot whereby different sized items can be securely received within said first and second slots.

2. The storage device of claim 1 having a plurality of spaced apart elongated recesses including first and second slots.

3. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said body includes at least one handle.

4. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said at least one end wall includes first and second end walls and first and second transverse end walls.

5. The storage device of claim 4 wherein said at least one elongated recess extends from said first end wall to said second end wall.

6. The storage device of claim 5 wherein a backstop is provided adjacent said second end wall.

7. The storage device of claim 1 wherein said body structure includes a rotatable base disposed along said bottom surface.

8. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising an insert having an elongated slot for receiving a disk package, said insert sized to fit within said recess.

9. The storage device of claim 1 further comprising at least one elongated recess having a substantially larger width dimension than the other recesses.

10. A storage device for CD/DVD packaging comprising: an open body defined by first and second end walls and first and second transverse end walls; a top surface; a bottom surface; and a plurality of elongated recesses extending into said body from said to surface, said at least one elongated recess including: a first elongated slot having a first depth and width; and a second slot occurring along the same recess as said first slot having a depth greater than said first slot and a width narrower than said first slot whereby each recess including both first and second elongated slots is capable of hosting CD/DVD packaging of different widths.

11. The storage device of claim 10 wherein said first slot is defined by first and second side walls, said first slot having sufficient depth such that said first and second sidewalls are able to maintain the CD/DVD package in a substantially upright position.

12. The storage device of claim 11 wherein said second slot is defined by first and second side walls, said second slot having sufficient depth such that said first and second sidewalls are able to maintain the CD/DVD package in a substantially upright position.

13. The storage device of claim 10 having a plurality of spaced apart elongated recesses including first and second slots.

14. The storage device of claim 10 wherein said body includes at least one handle.

15. The storage device of claim 10 wherein said at least one elongated recess extends from said first end wall to said second end wall.

16. The storage device of claim 15 wherein a backstop is provided adjacent said second end wall.

17. The storage device of claim 16 wherein said at least one elongated recess extends substantially across the entire body from said first end wall toward said second end wall.

18. The storage device of claim 10 wherein said body structure includes a rotatable base disposed along said bottom surface.

19. The storage device of claim 10 further comprising an insert having an elongated slot for receiving a disk package, said insert sized to fit within said recess.

20. The storage device of claim 10 further comprising at least one elongated recess having a substantially larger width dimension than the other recesses.