NO20230686A1 - Music or video storage and display rack - Google Patents

Description

MUSIC OR VIDEO STORAGE AND DISPLAY RACK

The present invention is related to a music or video storage and display rack. More particularly, the present invention concerns a music or video storage and display rack for displaying the covers of multiple media cases in adjacent compartments on the surface of a wall mountable rack.

BACKGROUND

Music and video medias such as compact discs (CD), audio tapes, vinyl plates and video tapes are typically packaged in plastic cases with colourful images and information provided on the front surface.

Traditionally, they are stored in a compact manner in which the cases are stacked side by side or on top of each other with their wide faces facing each other, where the information of each media can be found at the small end of the cases. Such storage units are provided primarily for the purpose of compactly stacking the media cases without concern for displaying the colourful and decorative covers. In addition, such displays make is difficult to locate and access a desired media case.

The present invention is directed to music or video storage and display rack for storing a plurality of media cases such that the front side of the media cases are displayed.

Publication US 5988405A discloses a wall display unit having multiple compartments for displaying the covers of multiple media cases. The wall unit includes a flat planer panel, a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal partitions integral with the panel, a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical partitions integral with the panel and intersecting the horizontal partitions, the horizontal and vertical partitions being spaced to form multiple compartments on one surface of the panel for containing the media cases disposed parallel to the panel so that the covers of the cases are displayed.

Publication US 5462177A compact disc (CD) storage and display rack for storing a collection of individually cased compact discs in a wall mountable rack which provides an attractive display of the CD case covers. The compact disc storage and display rack comprises a rigid panel having a plurality of identical shallow cavities formed therein. Each cavity is adapted to releasably retain a conventional compact disc storage case.

Publication US 4951826 A1 discloses a compact disc storage and display board which includes a rigid panel which will support a plurality of compact disc cases. The frame includes upper and lower edges and a pair of side edges which form a boundary surrounding a display surface. Compact disc cases may be removably connected to the display surface utilizing hook and loop fasteners with one half of the fastener mounted on the rearward face of the compact disc case and the other half of the fastener mounted on the forward surface of the rigid panel. Compact disc cases mounted on the display board may be opened so as to allow access to the compact disc therein.

The above-mentioned publications display the media cases in a proper manner, according to the present invention. However, the display units have a complicated construction, requiring additional fastening means, and are thus difficult to assemble and produce, and therefore also costly to manufacture.

An objective of the present invention is thus to improve the devices for storing music or video medias in a manner that is they are aesthetically pleasing but have a simpler construction and less complicated to manufacture and thereby more economical.

SUMMARY

The present invention is related to a music or video storage and display rack for storing a collection of individually cased music or video covers. The storage and display rack comprises a flat planer panel having an upper surface for supporting the individually cased music or video covers, a first abutting list connected directly to the flat planar panel, and a second abutting list connected directly to the flat planer panel at a distance from the first abutting list. Each of the first abutting list and the second abutting list comprises a protruding section protruding from the upper surface of the flat planer panel, and wherein at least one of the protruding sections comprises a resilient material.

The music or video cover is wedged between the protruding sections of the first and second abutting lists, and such that the entire music or video cover is retained onto the upper surface of the flat planer panel by the first and second abutting lists only.

The term music or video cover may also be referred to as media cover. The terms will be used interchangeably throughout the application.

The resilience of the material to be the amount of energy the material can absorb and still return to its original state. Resilience is the ability of a material to deform elastically. Resilient material is thus a material that can return to its original state after being exposed to an energy, so that it remains in the elastic region of the stress-strain curve.

In use, when the music or video cover is squeezed between the protruding sections of the first and second abutting lists, the resilient material absorbs the pressure energy of said cover and holds it in place so that the cover is retained in its desired position between the lists. When the cover is removed from its position, the resilient material returns to its original state.

The resilient material may be a rubber material. The rubber material can have different density.

The first and second abutting lists may be arranged vertically and in parallel so that their facing edges provide a pressure fit to edges of the music or video cover placed between the first and second lists. The term vertically, is directed to the direction of the lists when the music or video cover is mounted on a wall or in its standing and in-use position.

The protruding section of the first and second abutting lists constitutes the abutting area abutting the edge of the music or video cover. The cover is held in position entirety by the protruding sections of the first and second abutting lists. The protruding sections may be made from a rubber material. The protruding section may be connected directly onto the surface of the flat planer panel, or it may be a protruding section of a list.

In embodiment, at least one of the first or the second abutting lists is a longitudinal list of a resilient material, or the protruding section of the first and second abutting lists is a section with a resilient material. The lists may be in one material, or they may be a combination of one or more materials. It may comprise a combination of different elastically material, for example different density of rubber. The first and second abutting lists may be made from same material, or they may be made from different materials.

The distance between the first and second abutting lists may correspond to the size (length) of the media cover such that the cover can be secured between the lists. Preferably, the distance is slightly smaller than the size of the media cover, so that the resilient material of the first and/or second lists deforms elastically (compresses) for tight fitting of the media cover between said lists.

For a CD cover, it may be preferable that the cover lid can be opened while the CD cover is secured between the first and second abutting lists. To allow this feature, the first and second abutting lists may have lengths shorter than the lengths of the abutting edge of the media cover, thereby allowing the cover lid to be opened while the media cover is retained between the first and second abutting lists. This means that the corners of the media cover are not abutting against the abutting lists, allowing a rotational movement of the cover lid at its point of attachment to the media cover end.

The flat planer panel may be made from any suitable material that is flat, rigid and plane, ideally it can be a lightweight material and have smooth surface. Suitable materials may be composite material, plexiglass, wood, lightweight metal, etc. or any combinations thereof.

The first and/or second abutting lists may be attached directly to the upper surface of the flat planer panel and constitutes the protruding section. The lists may be screwed, nailed or glued onto the surface of the flat planer panel.

The flat planer panel may comprise openings provided on the upper surface and arranged for receiving a holding section of the first and/or second abutting lists. The opening may be a through opening or a cut-in/recess in on the flat planer panel. In this embodiment, a longitudinal section of the lists is received into an opening/slot provided on the upper surface of the flat planer panel. The lists may be fastened by glue or tightly wedged into the opening/slot. The protruding section of the lists will protrude from the upper surface of the flat planer panel, allowing the media cover to be secured between the lists.

The music cover storage display of the present invention may comprise a plurality of evenly spaced pair of protruding sections of first and second abutting lists, to for uniformly sized compartments or spaces to store a collection of individually cased music or video covers.

FIGURES

The description above, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig.1 Shows the music or video storage and display rack for storing a collection of individually cased music or video covers. The cover lid of the media cover can be opened to gain access to the media.

Fig.2 Shows the music or video storage and display rack comprising a plurality of evenly spaced pair of protruding sections of first and second abutting lists, to for uniformly sized compartments/spaces to store a collection of individually cased media covers.

Fig.3 Shows a perspective view of the music or video storage and display rack and a closeup of the first and second abutting lists.

Fig.4 Shows a media cover and the protruding sections of first and second abutting lists from two different angles.

Fig.5 Shows different embodiments of the first and second abutting lists.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is related to a music or video storage and display rack 10 for storing a collection of individually cased music or video (media) covers 21. The rack can be mounted onto a wall for showcasing the collection and allowing easy access to the media 21.

Figure 1 shows a CD storage and display rack 10 for storing 20 pcs of individually cased CD covers. The rack 10 can have any size and store any number of CDs. The rack 10 can easily be expanded by adding one or more racks 10.

The space/distance between the individual pair of first and second abutting lists 13,14 may vary according to preferences. It may for example be necessary to add some more space to the illustration in figure 1, to allow more easy access to the covers 21.

As shown in figure 1, the CD cover lid can be opened individually without having to remove the entire CD cover from the rack 10. This feature allows easy access to the CD stored inside the CD cover.

Figure 2 shows that the storage and display rack 10 comprises a flat planer panel 11 having an upper surface 12 for supporting the individually cased media covers 21, a first abutting list 13 connected onto the surface of the flat planar panel 11, and a second abutting list 14 connected onto the surface of the flat planer panel 11 at a distance from the first abutting list 13. The distance corresponding to the size of the media cover 21 for securing it between the abutting lists 13,14.

Each of the first abutting list 13 and the second abutting list 14 comprises a protruding section 15 protruding from the upper surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. At least one of the protruding sections 15 of the first abutting list 13 and/or the second abutting list 14 comprises a resilient material adapted to deform elastically when the media cover 12 is squeezed between the first abutting list 13 and the second abutting list 14. Thus, the media cover 21 is wedged between the protruding sections 15 of the first and second abutting lists 13,14, and such that the entire music or video cover 21 is retained onto the upper surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11 by the first and second abutting lists 13,14 only.

The first- and/or the second abutting lists 13,14 may comprise the protruding section 15, or they may constitute the protruding section 15. This means that the abutting lists 13,14 can be mounted into or through the flat planer panel 11, or it can be mounted onto the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. The protruding section 15 is the section of the first- and/or the second abutting lists 13,14 that protrudes from the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11.

Shown in figs 2 and 3, the first and second abutting lists 13,14 are arranged vertically and in parallel so that their facing edges provide a pressure fit, provided by the resilient material, to edges of the music cover 21 placed between them.

As shown in figure 2, the storage and display rack 10 comprises one single flat planer panel 11. The first and second abutting lists 13,14 are provided directly onto the surface of the flat planer panel 11, so that it protrudes from the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. This system requires a minimum number of parts and is easy to produce and assemble. The one planer panel 11 can be made in any size to store and display the desired number of media covers 21, and it can be easily expanded by adding another panel 11.

Figure 3 shows a 3x4 music or video storage and display rack 10 for storing a collection of 12 individually cased music or video covers 21. Twelve pair of first-and second abutting lists 13,14 are arranged in a row one after another, 4 vertically and 3 horizontally, to form the 3x4 music or video storage and display rack 10.

Any number of rows in horizontal direction or vertical direction may be possible within the size of the flat planer panel 11. One music or video storage and display rack 10 may also be placed next to another display rack 10 on a wall, so that the size of the storage system can be built in any size and extent on the wall.

Figure 3 also shows a detailed view of the protruding section 15 of the first and second abutting lists 13,14. The abutting section 15 is defined as the section of the first and second abutting lists 13,14 that extends above the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. The protruding section 15 may have any shape, but it may be preferable that it has a rectangular shape with or without cut ins.

The detailed figures in fig.3 shows that the first and second abutting lists 13,14 are inserted into an opening provided in the flat planer panel 11. The lists 13,14 consists of a holding section, introduced into the opening of the flat planer panel 11, which secures the lists 13,14 to the flat planer panel 11. The upper part of the lists 13,14 that protrudes from the surface of the flat planer panel 11 constitutes the protruding sections 15. The opening in the flat planer panel 11 may be a through opening, or it may be a recess or a cut-in of the flat planer panel 11 shaped to receive the holding section of the first and second abutting lists 13,14.

Figure 4 shows the media cover and the protruding sections of first and second abutting lists from two different angles. The protruding section 15 of the first abutting list 13 has a slightly shorter length than the length of the abutting end of the media cover 21. This for allowing the lid 22 of the media cover 21 to revolve at the rotational point, so that the lid 22 of the media cover 21 is openable and close able while the media cover 21 is abutting against the abutting lists 13,14.

At opposite side, the protruding section 15 of the second abutting list 14 may have a cut-in at the lower part towards the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11 (see small figure). This provides a grip section, that is complementary to an edge of the media cover 21, for holding the media cover 21 and allows for easier opening and closing of the media lid 22. In use, the cut in receives an edge of the media cover 21 and holds in position by the resilient material of the second abutting list 14, thereby providing better holding and gripping properties.

Figure 5 a)-j) shows different embodiments and shapes of the first and second abutting lists 13,14. Figs. a)-e) may be different embodiments of the first abutting list 13 and figs. f)-h) may be different embodiments of the second abutting list 14. Whitin the scope of the present invention, any combination of first abutting list 13 shown in a)-e) with second abutting list 14 shown in f)-h) is possible. In addition, any combination of features of list a)-e) is possible, and any combination of features of list f)-h) is possible.

The first and second abutting lists 13,14 may comprise a holding section that is configured to be inserted into an opening of the flat planer panel 11, and a protruding section 15 that protrudes from the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. Embodiments a)-c) and f)-h) shows that the first and/or the second abutting lists 13,14 can be mounted into an opening or recess provided in the plat planer panel 11. This embodiment requires that the openings/recesses/holes to be pre-cut onto the flat planer panel 11 and allows for easier assembly or mounting of the first and second lists 13,14 and for proper strength for securing the abutting lists 13,14.

The first and second abutting list 13,14 may consist of the protruding section 15 fixed to the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. As shown in d), e), i), and j) the lists 13,14 may be secured directly onto the surface 12 of the flat planer panel 11. The lists 13,14 can be secured by welding, gluing, nails or by screws (not shown). Any fastening method can be appropriate for securing the lists 13,14 onto the flat planer surface 11.

The first and second lists 13,14 may be made from one or more rubber materials. The rubber materials may have different density for optimal gripping, wedging and holding properties. Figure 5 b),c) and g),h) shows a small section of the list 13 and 14 comprising a different rubber material with different density. The small section may be a higher density rubber for maintaining the shape of the list 13,14 making it more compact and thus easier to assemble into the opening/slot. The softer section rubber material is more resilient and has properties that are more suitable for holding and gripping the media cover and are thus preferable for the part abutting against the media cover 21.

To allow easier insert of a media cover between the butting lists 13,14, it may be preferable that one of the first or the second lists 13 or 14 have a higher density than the other. In operation, the first step will be to insert one end of the media cover 21 against the abutting list 13 or 14 having the lowest density material which thereby deforms elastically, thus allowing the media cover 21 to be introduced into the space between the abutting lists 13,14 and abut against the opposite list (higher density). The lower density abutting list 13 or 14 while returning to it original state transforms its energy to the media cover 21 such that it is retained between the abutting lists 13,14.

The second abutting list 14 may have a density higher than the density of the first abutting list 13.

Claims (7)

1. A music or video storage and display rack (10) for storing a collection of individually cased music or video covers (21),

wherein the storage and display rack (10) comprises:

- a flat planer panel (11) having an upper surface (12) for supporting the individually cased music or video covers (21),

- a first abutting list (13) connected directly to the flat planar panel (11), and

- a second abutting list (14) connected directly to the flat planer panel (11) at a distance from the first abutting list (13),

wherein each of the first abutting list (13) and the second abutting list (14) comprises a protruding section (15) protruding from the upper surface (12) of the flat planer panel (11), and wherein at least one of the protruding sections (15) comprises a resilient material,

wherein the music or video cover (21) is wedged between the protruding sections (15) of the first and second abutting lists (13,14), and such that the entire music or video cover (21) is retained onto the upper surface (12) of the flat planer panel (11) by the first and second abutting lists (13,14) only.

2. The music or video storage and display rack (10) according to claim 1,

wherein the first and second abutting lists (13,14) are arranged vertically and in parallel so that their facing edges provide a pressure fit to edges of the music or video cover (21) placed between the first and second lists (13,14).

3. The music or video storage and display rack (10) according to claim 2,

wherein the first abutting list (13) have a length shorter than the length of the edge of the music or video cover (12), thereby allowing a cover lid (22) of the music or video cover (21) to be opened while the cover (21) is retained between the first and second abutting lists (13,14).

4. The music or video storage and display rack (10) according to any one of claim 1-3, wherein the first and/or second abutting lists (13,14) are attached to the upper surface (12) of the flat planer panel (11) and constitutes the protruding section (15).

5. The music or video storage and display rack (10) according to any one of claim 1-3, wherein the flat planer panel (11) comprises openings arranged for receiving a holding section of the first and/or second abutting lists (13,14).

6. The music cover storage display rack (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient material is a rubber material.

7. The music cover storage display rack (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein music cover storage display rack (10) comprises a plurality of evenly spaced pair of protruding sections (15) of first and second abutting lists (13,14), to for uniformly sized spaces to store a collection of individually cased music or video covers (21).