Modular panel and storage system for flat items such as media discs and holders therefor

Abstract

A modular panel includes a plate having a surrounding edge and opposite surfaces. A pair of side walls project form a first surface and terminate in an outer edge portion that is generally parallel to the plate. A first connecting structure, such as a male rib, is located along the outer edge portions of the side walls. A pair of second connecting structures, such as female channels, are located on the second surface to interlock with the first connecting structures so that adjacent panels may be fastened together in a snap-fit manner to form a storage system. A selected item, such as a computer disc, DVD, CD and the like, may be stored between the panels.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to storage systems for containing and providing access to various selected items, especially flat items, either alone or received in a holder therefor. The exemplary embodiments described herein are particularly adapted for use in storing disc media. “Disc media” includes, by way of example but not limited to, computer discs, CDs, DVDs and the like.

Data storage has increasingly become an interest to individuals, companies and other organizations. One early data storage techniques employed vinyl discs on which data was physically stored by creating grooves with perturbations corresponding to the data. Another early data storage media was magnetic tape which could be placed either on reel-to-reel tapes, cassette, and the like. Magnetic tape media utilized a read/write recording head to magnetically encode or retrieve data from an elongated ribbon of the magnetic media.

More recently, these data storage media have been replaced by magnetic discs (sometimes referred to as floppy discs) and by optically recorded discs, such as compact discs and the digital versatile disc (DVD). These discs provide for the optical storage of digital data wherein a polished metal disc with a protective plastic coating is digitally encoded so that data stored thereon can be retrieved by a suitable high intensity scanning light source, such as a laser. Typical compact discs can hold approximately 783 megabytes of digital data which equates to approximately 74 minutes of high fidelity recorded sound.

On the other hand, a digital versatile disc (also sometimes referred to as a digital video disc) is a high capacity optical disc that is similar to the CD, but which can store more data. DVD's are usually used for full-length movies or other very large capacity data storage requirements. The amount of data storage capacity of a DVD depends upon the number of sides and layers it has.

Prior to the introduction of CD/DVD storage discs, some sectors of in the computer industry utilized either a ZIP or JAZZ discs for backup data storage. Indeed, some computer users still opt to use these formats. However, such discs store less data, are more bulky and are more expensive than either CD or DVD discs. Most computer users now use an optical disc to store data due to their convenience and relatively low cost.

Regardless of the type of storage media, however, there is a need for convenient storage in a manner that organizes and readily identifies the discs as well as contains the discs in an organized manner. While most computer users are able to save substantially all of their data on a hard drive associated with a computer, many users still desire to have various media discs available. The use of media discs has also increased where the user has created music files which have been stored on such media discs. In addition, more and more photographic data is being stored digitally, and the creation of optical storage discs having such digital files are particularly convenient. Such digital files on disc media allow the user to listen to music not only on the computer but also on home stereos and allow the viewing of digital photographs on home television sets or monitors.

Naturally, as a computer user creates more optical files and stores them either in CD or DVD formats, organizing and storing such files can be difficult. Commonly, CDs and DVDs may be misplaced by the user without an adequate storage and organization system.

The actual optical disc which contains digital data may, itself, be contained in a variety of manners. Typically, music CDs and movie DVDs are sold in a holder that is in the form of a hard plastic case formed by two hinged sections so that the surfaces of the optical disc are protected against scratches, dust and the like. Typically such cases are on the order of 0.5 to 1.0 centimeters in thickness. As such, these cases are substantially greater in thickness then the actual thickness of the optical disc, which thickness is on the order of several millimeters. It is also known to store media discs in protective envelopes. These envelopes have the advantage of reduced thickness but have the disadvantage in that identifying information cannot typically be placed on the edge of the envelope in a manner that it may easily accessed.

Accordingly, at least one system has been developed to provide a device and method for labeling and storing such optical discs with this system being described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/419,670 entitled Device and Method for Labeling and Storing Computer Discs filed Apr. 21, 2003 and issued Jan. 31, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,101 to David W. Bennett. In this patent, a device and method for creating a stackable disc storage unit is described as well as a method and structure for creating an envelope-type holder for a media disc. A fold down tab is provided that may be imprinted with identification information so that the user may identify the contents of the stored disc from an edge view.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that there is a need for storage systems and structures wherein a plurality of disc holders containing disc media may be stored when not in use yet which may be easily accessed by the user. Such storage systems should be convenient and, versatile and take up a minimum amount of space, such as on a desk, bookshelf or the like. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful storage system for flat items such as disc media and/or disc holders therefor.

One aspect of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is the use of modular panels which may be connected to one another in a stacked array so as to form a storage system of selected variable capacity for different numbers of discs and disc holders.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage system wherein various stacked arrays may be positioned relative to one another in differing configurations.

It is another aspect of the exemplary embodiments to provide modular pieces which may be assembled into a storage system wherein the modular pieces may be manufactured by plastic extrusion process thereby to reduce costs thereof.

According to the present invention, then, a storage system is provided which may include a plurality of module panels adapted to be connected to one another. Further, the present invention is directed to such modular panels that may be so assembled.

The modular panels according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention each include a base plate that has a surrounding edge. The base plate may be generally rectangular so as to have spaced apart front and back edges, a pair of spaced apart side edges and opposite first and second surfaces. A pair of generally parallel sidewalls project from the first surface of the base plate, for example, along each of the side edges. The sidewalls terminate at an outer edge portion that is generally parallel to the base plate. A first connecting structure is disposed along the outer edge portion of each of the sidewalls and a second connecting structure is disposed along each side edge of the base plate on a second surface opposite the first surface. The first and second connecting structures are constructed so as to interconnect with one another manner thereby to join a pair of modular panels together to define an assembled array. The sidewalls have sufficient height as measured between the base plate and the outer edge portions thereof so that there is sufficient distance between adjacent modular panels, when in the assembled array, to allow the selected flat item, such as a holder containing a disc, to be inserted and stored therebetween.

In the exemplary embodiments, the first and second connecting structures are formed as a combination male rib and female channel which may be snap-fit together to form the assembled array. The female channel elements are formed by arcuate flanges projecting from a respective sidewall proximate to the outer portion thereof. The male ribs include a web portion and an enlarged head portion disposed on the web portion. This enlarged head portion is generally cylindrical in shape.

In one embodiment of the modular panel, each of the sidewalls is sized so that a plurality of discs and holders therefor may be inserted and stored between adjacent base plates when in the assembled state. Here, each of the sidewalls includes one or more ledges projecting therefrom. The ledges on the sidewalls are in opposed facing relation to one another whereby a respective item may be supported on a pair of facing ledges.

The exemplary embodiments are also directed to a storage system that includes a plurality of the modular panels as described above. In addition, the storage system can include an optional connector piece that is adapted to engage the back edges of two base panels that are respectively disposed and two of the assembled arrays that are placed adjacent to one another. The connector piece may be used as a back panel that is sized and adapted to engage the back edges of a pair of base plates when in the assembled state so as to form a backing to prevent inadvertent passage of an optical disc holder from moving therethrough. When used on side-by-side arrays, the connector piece resists their lateral separation. The the connector pieces each include a plate and two pair of grips with each pair being laterally spaced apart from one another. Each of the grips is formed by a pair of jaw members which may optionally be provided with gripping teeth. The connector piece may also be provided with connecting structures to mate with respective first and second connecting structures on the modular panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage system for selected generally flat items, such as media discs and holders therefor, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first type of modular panel that may be used to create the storage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of the modular panels of FIG. 2 connected together according to the storage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second type of modular panel that may be used to create the storage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an end view in elevation of the modular panel of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an end view in elevation, similar to FIG. 5, but showing a modular panel of FIG. 2 assembled with the modular panel of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7(a)-7(c) are end views in elevation showing the interconnection of a pair of modular panels of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a side view in elevation showing the detachment of the modular panels of FIGS. 7(a)-7(c);

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector pieces optionally used with the storage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an end view in elevation of a storage system employing a plurality of modular panels such as shown in FIG. 2 with connector pieces of FIG. 9 incorporated therein; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connector piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention broadly relates to storage modules that may be selectively assembled in different configurations by the user. As such, the present disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of such storage systems. In addition, this disclosure describes the modular panels and other pieces used to assemble such modular systems. The exemplary embodiments described herein are for generally flat items, especially media discs and holders for such media discs. It should be understood, however, that the scope of the claims is not limited to these particular flat items.

Moreover, the storage system of this invention may be used with the disc holders disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/419,670 entitled Device and Method for Labeling and Storing Computer Discs filed Apr. 21, 2003 and issued Jan. 31, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,101 to David W. Bennett. The disclosure of this patent is specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Accordingly, an exemplary embodiment in this storage system 10 is introduced in FIG. 1 where it may be seen that storage system 10 includes three modules 11-13, each of which are assembled, as an assembled array, from a plurality of modular panels, as described below. Module 11 is formed by a plurality of first modular panels 20 in an interconnected and stacked array so as to provide a plurality of compartments 14 that may be used to store flat items, such as media discs and holders for such discs. Here, holders 16 are illustrated to contain the stored recorded media. Similarly, module 12 includes a plurality of modular panels 20 again in an assembled and stacked array to create a plurality of compartments 14. Module 13 includes a pair of second modular panels 60 in assembled and stacked array to create compartment 15 again to the selected items, such as holders 16. Module 13 also includes a modular panel 20 and provides a top cover for module 13 and also provides structure so that other modules and other module panels may be assembled therewith.

Modular panel 20 is best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 where it may be seen that modular panel 20 includes a generally rectangular base plate 22 having a front edge 24 and a spaced apart back edge 26 and a pair of spaced apart side edges 28. A pair of generally parallel sidewalls 30 project outwardly from a first surface 32 with there being one of these sidewalls 30 located along each of the side edges 28. Each of the sidewalls terminate in an outer edge portion 34 that is generally parallel to base plate 22. It may be appreciated that such modular panel could include a non-rectangular base plate, however.

A first connecting structure is disposed along the outer edge portion 34 and a second connecting structure is disposed on a second surface 36 of base plate 22 along each of side edges 28. As is illustrated in this exemplary embodiment of modular panel 20, the first connecting structures are in the form of a general channel 38 formed by an arcuate flange 40 projecting from a respective sidewall proximately to the outer edge portion 34 thereof. The second connecting structure in this exemplary embodiment is formed as a male rib 42 formed by a rib portion 44 and an enlarged head portion 46 with enlarged head portion 46 to be generally elongated and cylindrical in shape. As illustrated in FIG. 3, female channels 38 are parallel to one another as are male ribs 42.

Female channels 38 and male ribs 42 are sized, constructed and oriented so that respective ones on adjacent modular panels may interlock with one another to create a storage module such as storage module 12. To this end, a plurality of modular panels 20 may be assembled in a stacked array with the male ribs 42 on one modular panel 20 interlocking with the female channels 38 of an adjacent modular panel 20. This assembly, then, creates the plurality of compartments 14 noted above. Accordingly, sidewalls 30 are constructed to have a sufficient height, as measured between the base plate 22 and the outer edge portion 34 such that there is a sufficient distance between the base plates 22 of modular panels 20 such that at least one flat item, such as a media and data disc and holder for the same, may be inserted and stored therebetween. It should be understood, however, that should the storage system of the present invention be designed to store items other than media and data discs, the dimensions of the modular panels may be varied as should be understood by an ordinarily skilled artisan.

A second modular panel 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Here, again, it may be seen that second modular panels 60 include a generally rectangular base plate 62 having a front edge 64 and a spaced apart parallel back edge 66. Base plate 62 has a pair of side edges 68 and opposite first and second surfaces 72 and 76, respectively. A pair of generally parallel side walls 70 project away from first surface 72 with there being a sidewall 70 along each of the side edges 68. Side walls 70 terminate in outer edge portions 74 and it should be appreciated that the second modular panel 60, side walls 70 have a height as measured between base plate 72 and outer edge portion 74 that is substantially greater than the height of outside 30 and modular panel 20.

Similarly to modular panel 20, a first connecting structure is disposed along the outer edge portion 74 of its sidewall 70 of modular panel 60. Likewise, a second connecting structure is disposed on the second surface 76 of base plate 62 along side edges 68 thereof. As is illustrated in modular panel 60, the first connecting structure in the form of a female channel 78 is formed by an arcuate flange 80. The second connecting structure, in a manner similar to that described with respect to modular panel 20, is in the form of a male rib 82 that includes a web portion 84 and an enlarged head portion 86. With head portion 86 being in the form of a generally elongated cylinder. Head portion 86 and web portion 84 are dimensioned so that head portion 86 may be snap fit into female channel 78.

As noted above, sidewalls 70 have a height that is greater than sidewalls 30. This allows the placement of a plurality of items, such as disc and holders, to be placed in the region between side panels 70. In order to separate such items, sidewalls 70 are each provided with a plurality of ledges 88 that are generally parallel to base plate 62 and project inwardly from sidewalls 70 in opposed facing relation to one another. Accordingly, ledges 88 form a plurality of cavities 90 that have a height, as defined by the distance between adjacent ledges, that is sized sufficiently to accommodate the thickness of a standard disc case.

As is shown in FIG. 6, the modular panel 20 may be mated with a modular panel 60 in order to enclose an interior 92 that forms compartment 15 such that, in this exemplary embodiment, five disc cases may be stored therein and supported by base plate 62 and ledges 88. This is accomplished by mating male ribs 42 in female channels 78. Similarly, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 13, plurality of modular panels 60 may be assembled in a stacked array so as to create a storage module, such as storage module 13. Here, it male ribs 82 on one modular panel 60 are mated with female channels 78 of an adjacent modular panel 60.

Turning now to FIGS. 7(a)-7(c), the assembly of two modular panels may be more fully appreciated. This assembly is illustrated with respect to modular panels 20, but it should be understood that it would identical assembly for modular panels 60. In FIGS. 7(a)-7(c), it may be first seen that one of male ribs 42 is first snap fit into a respective female channel 78 (FIG. 7(b)). After which the other male rib 42 is snap fit into the other female channel 78 (FIG. 7(c)). Accordingly, it is desired that modular panels 20 (and modular panels 60) be constructed of a suitable stiff plastic material which still may flex enough to all the snap fit engagement. An example of a suitable plastic material is polyvinylchloride although other suitable plastic materials may be used. Naturally, any number of panels may be selectively snap fit together to create the assembled array, depending upon the users desires. Moreover, the construction as describe above allows for formation of the modular panels by an inexpensive plastic extrusion process with the panels being cut from a continuous extruded piece.

While the snap fit engagement of a male rib with a female channel is accomplished fairly readily, it is more difficult to disassemble the modular panels by snapping them apart. Accordingly, in order to disassemble the array, adjacent modular panels may be easily slid apart by sliding adjacent panels in the direction of arrows “A” and “B” so that a male rib 42 is simply slid out of female channel 38.

When a plurality of modular panels 20, 60 are assembled into a stacked array to form a storage module, it may be appreciated that both the front and back of the storage module is exposed such that a disc case may be inserted either from the front or the back. In addition, a plurality of arrays may be arranged in various desired configurations. Sometimes it is advantageous to prevent relative movement of the arrays either laterally with respect to one another or vertically. Also, it is sometimes desirable to prevent a disc holder from sliding through the interior of the storage module or to otherwise cause a forward portion of the disc case to project out of the storage module.

To this end, it is optionally advantageous to provide a connector piece that can both provide a limit stop for the insertion of a disc case therein as well as to interconnect adjacent modules to one another. An exemplary connector piece 110 is therefore illustrated in FIG. 9. Here, it may be seen that connector piece 110 is formed by a connector plate 112 having a top edge 114 a bottom edge 116 and a pair of side edges 118. A female channel 120 formed by arcuate web 122 extends along top edge 114, and a male rib 124 extends along bottom edge 116 of back plate 112. A pair of first grips 126 project forwardly of connector plate 112 and, similarly, a pair of second grips 128 project forwardly of back plate 112. Each of grips 126, 128 are formed by a pair of jaw members 130 which are generally parallel to one another and are spaced apart a distance slightly less than the thickness of base plates 22 and 62 as well as ledges 88. Each pair of jaw members 130 are in opposed facing relation to one another with their facing surfaces provided with triangular jaw teeth 132 so that each of the grips 126, 128 may frictionally grip a respective base plate or ledge.

Thus, as is shown in FIG. 10, a connector pieces 110 may be mounted on an assembly of modular panels 20 to form a back wall for the corresponding module. Alternatively, a connector pieces 110′ may be used to connect two such modules 134 and 136 together to prevent lateral separation thereof. To this end, the two jaw pairs 126 and the two jaw pairs 128 are separated from one another by a gap 138 to allow the placement of the ends of the modular panel sidewalls, male ribs and female channels therebetween. Gap 138 is created from the plastic extrusion by removing a portion of the continuous webs that form jaw members 130. Moreover, it may be appreciated that back panel 110′ also provides a partial back wall for modules 134 and 136.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.

Claims

1. A modular panel wherein a plurality of such modular panels may be connected to one another to create a storage module for generally flat selected items to be stored, comprising:

(A) a plate having a surrounding edge and opposite first and second surfaces;

(B) a pair of side walls projecting from the first surface and terminating in an outer edge portion that is generally parallel to said base plate;

(C) a first connecting structure disposed along the outer edge portion of each of said side walls; and

(D) a pair of second connecting structures disposed on the second surface of said base plate, said first and second connecting structures sized, configured and oriented such that a pair of modular panels may be joined with one another to define an assembled array with respective first and second connecting structures engaged with one another in a snap-fit manner, said side walls having sufficient height as measured between said base plate and the outer edge portion thereof so that there is sufficient distance between adjacent modular panels when in the assembled array whereby at least one of the selected items may be inserted and stored therebetween.

2. A modular panel according to claim 1 wherein one of said first and second connecting structures is a male rib and wherein another of said first and second connecting structures is a female channel element.

3. A modular panel according to claim 2 wherein said first connecting structures are female channel elements and said second connection structures are male ribs.

4. A modular panel according to claim 3 wherein each said female channel element is formed by an arcuate flange projecting from a respective side wall proximately to the outer edge portion thereof.

5. A modular panel according to claim 3 wherein each of said male ribs includes a web portion and an enlarged head portion disposed on said web portion.

6. A modular panel according to claim 5 wherein said enlarged head portion is generally cylindrical in shape.

7. A modular panel according to claim 1 wherein the height of said side walls is such whereby a plurality of selected items may be inserted and stored between adjacent said base plates when in the assembled state.

8. A modular panel according to claim 7 wherein each of said side walls includes at least one ledge projecting therefrom with the ledges on said side walls in facing opposed relation to one another whereby a selected item may be supported thereby.

9. A modular panel wherein a plurality of such modular panels may be connected to one another to create a storage module for storage discs and holders therefor, comprising:

(A) a generally rectangular base plate having spaced-apart front and back edges, a pair of spaced-apart side edges and opposite first and second surfaces;

(B) a pair of generally parallel side walls projecting from the first surface with there being one of said side walls along each of said side edges, said side walls terminating in an outer edge portion that is generally parallel to said base plate;

(C) a first connecting structure disposed along the outer edge portion of each of said side walls; and

(D) a pair of second connecting structures disposed on the second surface of said base plate with there being one of said second connecting structures proximate to each of said side edges, said first and second connecting structures operative to interconnect with one another whereby a pair of modular panels may be joined with one another to define an assembled array, said side walls having sufficient height as measured between said base plate and the outer edge portion thereof so that there is sufficient distance between adjacent modular panels when in the assembled array whereby at least one disc and holder therefor may be inserted and stored therebetween.

10. A modular panel according to claim 9 wherein one of said first and second connecting structures is a male rib and wherein another of said first and second connecting structures is a female channel element.

11. A modular panel according to claim 10 wherein said first connecting structures are female channel elements and said second connection structures are male ribs.

12. A modular panel according to claim 9 wherein the height of said side walls is such whereby a plurality of discs and holders therefor may be inserted and stored between adjacent said base plates when in the assembled state.

13. A modular panel according to claim 12 wherein each of said side walls includes at least one ledge projecting therefrom with the ledges on said side walls in facing opposed relation to one another whereby a disc and holder therefor may be supported thereby.

14. A storage system for generally flat selected items, comprising a plurality of modular panels adapted to be connected to one another, each said modular panel including

(1) a generally rectangular base plate having spaced-apart front and back edges, a pair of spaced-apart side edges and opposite first and second surfaces,

(2) a pair of generally parallel side walls projecting from the first surface with there being one of said side walls along each of said side edges, said side walls terminating in an outer edge portion that is generally parallel to said base plate, (3) a first connecting structure disposed along the outer edge portion of each of said side walls, and (4) a pair of second connecting structures disposed on the second surface of said base panel with there being one of said second connecting structures proximate to each of said side edges, said first and second connecting structures operative to interconnect with one another whereby said modular panels may be joined with one another to define an assembled array, said side walls having sufficient height as measured between said base plate and the outer edge portion thereof so that there is sufficient distance between adjacent modular plates when in the assembled array whereby at least one of the selected items may be inserted and stored therebetween.

15. A storage system according to claim 14 wherein one of said first and second connecting structures is a male rib and wherein another of said first and second connecting structures is a female channel element sized and adapted such that said male rib can be mated therewith in a snap-fit engagement.

16. A storage system according to claim 15 wherein said first connecting structures are female channel elements and said second connection structures are male ribs.

17. A storage system according to claim 16 wherein each said female channel element is formed by an arcuate flange projecting from a respective side wall proximately to the outer edge portion thereof.

18. A storage system according to claim 16 wherein each of said male ribs includes a web portion and an enlarged head portion disposed on said web portion.

19. A storage system according to claim 14 wherein the height of said side walls of at least one of said modular panels is such whereby a plurality of selected items may be inserted and stored between the base plate thereof and the base plate of an adjacent modular panel when in the assembled state.

20. A storage system according to claim 19 wherein each of said side walls of said at least one of said modular panels including at least one ledge projecting therefrom with the ledges on the side walls thereof being in opposed facing relation to one another whereby a selected item may be supported thereby.

21. A storage system according to claim 14 including at least one connector piece sized and adapted to engage the back edges of two base panels that are respectively disposed in two of said assembled arrays that are placed in side-by-side abutting relation.

22. A storage system according to claim 21 wherein said connector piece includes a connector plate and first and second pluralities of grips projecting from a surface of said connector plate.

23. A storage system according to claim 19 wherein a first pair of grips are laterally spaced apart from a second pair of grips.

24. A storage system according to claim 21 wherein said connector piece includes spaced-apart third and fourth connecting structures sized and adapted to interconnect with respective ones of said first and second connecting structures.