Device for releasably retaining a compact disc

Abstract

A device for releasably retaining a disc to a surface is provided. The device comprises a base and an attachment mechanism mounted to the base with the attachment mechanism releasably receiving the disc. A securing mechanism is associated with the base for releasably securing the base plate to the surface wherein upon securement of the base to a surface having an angle between zero (0°) degrees and three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees from horizontal, the disc remains releasably retained to the attachment means such that the releasably retained disc contacts the attachment means.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation of pending patent application Ser. No. 09/592,406, filed on Jun. 13, 2000, entitled “Device for Releasably Retaining a Compact Disc”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to device for releasably retaining a compact disc and, more particularly, it relates to a device for releasably retaining a compact disc which is securable to any surface, including vertical surfaces, to allow a user to display his or her compact discs for storage, convenience, and quick accessibility in a safe manner.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] In recent years, it is well recognized that “compact discs”, including DVD's, mini-discs, CD-ROM's, etc., have come into wide spread use for a variety of different purposes. Compact discs are circular, flat plastic discs having a standard diameter and thickness on which audio, video, or text information is recorded. In fact, compact discs are commonly used to distribute music, computer software, and research information and are preferred by consumers over other types of removable storage media.

[0006] Compact discs sold to consumers are typically contained in a standardized type of storage case. The types of storage cases for compact discs include cardboard envelopes, plastic jackets with pockets for receiving discs, and plastic boxes or cases. For example, computer software is typically, but not always, provided in a cardboard envelope or jacket. On the other hand, in the fields of music, computer research materials, and computer games, compact disc recordings are often contained in plastic boxes (or cases) having a hinge along one side. These cases are generally referred to as jewel box-style compact disc cases.

[0007] While many persons prefer to store the compact discs within the jewel box due to the protection offered the compact disc, it is often inconvenient for the person to switch between compact discs on a regular basis. For instance, if a person is consistently using two or more compact discs, only one of the compact discs at a time can be positioned within his or her computer or CD player while the other, for maximum protection, is stored in the jewel box. To alternate between the first compact disc and the second compact disc, a tedious procedure must be followed. The first compact disc is removed from the computer or CD player, the jewel box for the first compact disc is opened, the first compact disc is placed within the first jewel box, the first jewel box is closed, the second jewel box is opened, the second compact disc is removed, and the second compact disc is inserted into the computer or CD player. The procedure as described above can be very tiresome and time consuming for the user.

[0008] Furthermore, oftentimes in an office environment, a compact disc which is used on a daily basis must be removed from the user's computer every evening at the end of the work day. The compact disc must then be stored in its jewel case over night and then removed the next day. Once again, the procedure can be time consuming and requires additional handling of the compact disc thereby increasing the chance of accidental damage to the compact disc during handling.

[0009] Accordingly, there exists a need for a device for releasably retaining a compact disc which allows a user to easily and conveniently alternate between multiple compact discs. Additionally, a need exists for a device for releasably retaining a compact disc which allows the compact disc to be stored on a vertical surface while maintaining the integrity of the compact disc. Furthermore, there exists a need for a device for releasably retaining a compact disc which allows a user to display his or her compact discs on a vertical surface for an aesthetically pleasing effect and giving the user a safe temporary place to store is or her discs.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present invention is a device for releasably retaining a disc to a surface. The device comprises a base and attachment means mounted to the base with the attachment means releasably receiving the disc. Securing means are associated with the base for releasably securing the base plate to the surface wherein upon securement of the base to a surface having an angle between zero (0°) degrees and three-hundred and sixty (360°) degrees from horizontal, the disc remains releasably retained to the attachment means such that the releasably retained disc contacts only the attachment means.

[0011] In addition, the present invention includes an assembly for maintaining at least one disc. The assembly comprises a disc having a diameter and a base member with the base member having a length and a width less than the diameter of the disc. At least one attachment mechanism is mounted to the base member for releasably attaching at least one disc to the base member wherein the releasably attached disc contacts only the attachment mechanism.

[0012] The present invention further includes a method for releasably retaining at least one disc to a surface. The method comprises providing a disc having a diameter, providing a base member having a length and a width less than the diameter of the disc, mounting an attachment mechanism to the base member, securing the base member to the surface, and releasably securing at least one disc to the base member such that the disc contacts only the attachment mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view illustrating a device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base having a substantially circular shape and a front side of the base having a compact disc attachment mechanism for releasably retaining the compact disc thereto;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective back view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a back side of the base having an adhesive securing mechanism for securing the device to a desired surface;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective back view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the back side of the base having a hook and loop fastener securing mechanism for securing the device to a desired surface;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective back view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the back side of the base having a suction cup securing mechanism for securing the device to a desired surface;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an elevational side view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective front view illustrating another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base having a flower shape;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view illustrating still another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base having a substantially triangular shape;

[0020] FIG. 8 is an elevational front view illustrating yet another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base being formed in an elongated strip with multiple compact disc attachment mechanisms being mounted therealong;

[0021] FIGS. 9a-9e are elevational back views illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 8, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with various different securing mechanisms mounted to the base;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating still yet another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base being adapted for receiving a car visor or the like;

[0023] FIG. 11 is an elevational side view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 9, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 13 is another front view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 9, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a bottom view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 9, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 15 is an elevational side view illustrating another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base having a hook and loop fastener for releasably securing the device to a car visor or the like;

[0028] FIG. 16 is an elevational side view illustrating an embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the base having snaps for releasably securing the device to a car visor or the like;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective back view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the back side of the base having a magnet securing mechanism for securing the device to a desired surface;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective back view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the back side of the base having hooks for securing the device to a desired surface;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective back view illustrating the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the back side of the base having a plurality of apertures for securing the device to a desired surface;

[0032] FIG. 20 is a back view illustrating a plurality of devices for releasably retaining a compact disc being secured to a strap or the like;

[0033] FIG. 21 is a front elevational view illustrating another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, which retains two or more compact discs;

[0034] FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating the embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 21, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with two or more compact discs;

[0035] FIG. 23 is a front elevational view illustrating another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for receiving a compact disc having an irregular, i.e., a cross-shaped, hole;

[0036] FIG. 24 is a front elevational view illustrating another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for receiving a compact disc having an irregular, i.e., a diamond-shaped, hole;

[0037] FIG. 25 is a side view illustrating the embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 24, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for receiving compact discs having an irregular hole;

[0038] FIG. 26 is a front elevational view illustrating still another embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc, constructed in accordance with the present invention, having an attachment mechanism mounted to a suction cup securing mechanism; and

[0039] FIG. 27 is a side view illustrating the embodiment of the device for releasably retaining a compact disc as illustrated in FIG. 26, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention is a compact disc securing device, indicated generally at 10, for releasably retaining a compact disc 12 to a surface 14. The surface 14 can be any type of surface 14 including, but not limited to, a wall, a partition divider for a cubical, a side of a piece of furniture, a stereo system, a computer system, a computer monitor, a computer tower, car visors, and car dashboards. In fact, the securing device 10 of the present invention allows a user to safely secure his or her compact discs 12 to any type of surface 14, regardless of whether the surface 14 is horizontal, vertical, or upside down, while allowing the user easy and convenient access to the compact discs 12. The compact disc 12 remains releasably retained to the securing device 10 for any angle between zero (0°) degrees and three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees from horizontal.

[0041] Throughout the application, for ease of discussion, Applicants will refer to the present invention as being a securing device 10 for compact discs 12. A person skilled in the art will understand and appreciate, however, that the securing device 10 of the present invention can be used for a variety of removable storage media types including, but not limited to, compact discs, mini discs, DVD's, CD ROM's, record albums, etc.

[0042] The securing device 10 of the present invention includes a base 16 having a front side 18 and a back side 20, at least one attachment mechanism 22 mounted to the front side 18 of the base 16, and a surface securing mechanism 24 mounted to the back side 20 of the base 16. The front side 18 and/or the back side 20 of the base 16 can be either textured or smooth depending on the desires of the user and manufacturer.

[0043] The base 16 can also have a variety of shapes and colors, including clear for attachment of promotional slogans and designs, depending on the desires of the user and/or manufacturer. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 16 has a substantially circular shape. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the base 16 has a substantially flower shaped colored in the colors of a sunflower, for instance. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the base 16 has a substantially triangular shape. Of course, a base 12 having other shapes and colors, while not specifically described or illustrated herein, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] The inventors of the present application have determined that a base 16 having a diameter of approximately two (2″) inches and a thickness of approximately 0.125 inch is optimum for easy handling and manipulation of the securing device 10. It should noted, however, that a base 16 having a diameter of greater than approximately two (2″) inches and less than approximately two (2″) inches and a thickness of greater than approximately 0.125 inch and less than approximately 0.125 inch is within the scope of the present invention. In fact, the minimum dimensions of the base 16 are dictated by the diameter of the hole 26 formed in the compact disc 12 which receives the attachment mechanism 22 secured to the base 16. Since the hole 26 formed in the compact disc 12 has a predetermined diameter, it follows that the preferred diameter of the base 16 would be equal to or greater than the diameter of the hole 26.

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 23-25, it should be noted that the hole 26 in the compact disc 12 may not be round. In fact, the hole 26 could be irregular shaped or have a known geometrical shape including, but not limited to, oval, triangular, diamond, square, rectangular, cross, etc. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the attachment mechanism 22 of the securing device 10 can have a corresponding shape to accommodate and releasably secure the compact disc 12 having the non-round hole 26.

[0046] As mentioned above, the attachment mechanism 22 of the securing device 10 of the present invention is mounted to the front side 18 of the base 16. The attachment mechanism 22 is sized and shaped for releasably receiving the hole 26 of the compact disc 12, regardless of the shape of the hole 26 of the compact disc 12, thereby releasably securing the compact disc 12 to the base 16 such that the releasably retained disc contacts only the attachment means and is free from contact with the base. The actual construction of the attachment mechanism 22 is not a critical feature of the present invention so long as the attachment mechanism 22 accomplishes the required releasable securement of the compact disc 12 when the securing device 10 is mounted to the surface 14. In fact, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, it is within the scope of the present invention to secure multiple compact discs 12 to the same attachment mechanism 22 in a stacking fashion. This allows added convenience to a user to store and display multiple compact discs. Actual mounting of the securing device 10 to the surface 14 will be described in further detail below.

[0047] Preferably, the attachment mechanism 22 and the base 16 are formed from a plastic material and are integrally formed together in an injection molding process. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to form the attachment mechanism 22 and base from different materials including, but not limited to, metal, wood, ceramic, Fiberglas, leather, cloth, synthetic, rubber, etc.

[0048] As discussed above, the surface securing mechanism 24 of the securing device 10 of the present invention is mounted to the back side 20 of the base 16. The surface securing mechanism 24 can be a variety of different types of securing mechanisms either releasable or other types. As illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the base 16 and the surface securing mechanism 24 can be integrated into a single suction cup with the attachment mechanism 22 be attached to the combined base 16 and the surface securing mechanism 24.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the surface securing mechanism 24 is an adhesive coating applied to the back side of the base. The adhesive coating 24 includes, but is not limited to, tape, double-sided adhesive foam tape, glue, paste, adhesive gels, and temporary glues and gels. The adhesive coating can cover substantially the entire back side 20 of the base 16 or only cover a portion of the back side 20 of the base 16.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the surface securing mechanism 24 is a hook and loop fastener with the hook portion being secured to the back side 20 of the base 16 and the loop portion being secured to the surface 14 or the loop portion being secured to the back side 20 of the base 16 and the hook portion being secured to the surface 14. Similar to the adhesive coating, the hook and loop fastener can cover substantially the entire back side 20 of the base 16 or only cover a portion of the back side 20 of the base 16.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the surface securing mechanism 24 includes at least one suction cup mounted to the back side 20 of the base 16. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the surface securing mechanism 24 is at least one magnet mounted to the back side 20 of the base 16. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the surface securing mechanism 24 is at least one hook mounted to the back side 20 of the base 16. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the surface securing mechanism 24 is at least one aperture 28 formed through the base 16 for receiving a push pin, thumb tack, or the like (not shown) for securing the securing device 10 to a cloth cover cubicle wall, for instance. Of course, other surface securing mechanisms, while not specifically described or illustrated herein, are within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] The operation of the securing device 10 of the present invention will now be described. A person skilled in the art will understand that the description of operation which follows is only one method of operation and that other methods of operation are within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] First, to releasably retain the compact disc 12 to the surface 14, the surface securing mechanism 24 is activated and the back side 20 of the base 16 is positioned against the surface 14. The surface securing mechanism 24 secures the base 16 to the surface 14 in a convenient and reliable fashion. Next, the hole 26 of the compact disc 12 is positioned over the attachment mechanism 22 and maneuvered in a direction generally toward the base 16 until the attachment mechanism 22 releasably retains the compact disc 12 such that the releasably retained disc contacts only the attachment means. By releasably retaining the disc 12 such that the disc contacts only the attachment means allows the user to easily grasp the disc 12 and protects the disc 12 from being scratched or otherwise compromised. At that point, the compact disc 12 is releasably retained to the surface 14 by the securing device 10 of the present invention.

[0054] Other embodiments of the securing device 10 of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the securing device 10 includes the base 16, the attachment mechanism 22, and the surface securing mechanism 24. Preferably, the base 16 is an elongated strip base 30 having at least one attachment mechanism 24 mounted to the front side 20 of the elongated strip base 30. The attachment mechanisms 24 are preferably spaced along the elongated strip base 30 such that each compact disc 12, when releasably retained thereto, does not overlap the adjacent compact disc 12. Overlapping of the compact discs 12, however, is permitted if so desired by the user.

[0055] The elongated strip base 30 of the securing device 10 can be constructed from a variety of materials. Preferably, the elongated strip base 30 is constructed from a woven nylon material. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the elongated strip base 30 from other materials including, but not limited to, cloth, leather, plastic, wood, metal, ceramic, etc. Not only can the elongated strip base 30 have attachment mechanisms 22 along the length thereof, multiple attachment mechanisms 22 can be positioned along the width of the elongated strip base 30.

[0056] In this embodiment, the surface securing mechanism 24 can include a variety of types. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9a, the surface securing mechanism 24 includes a pair of magnets preferably mounted on opposing ends of the elongated strip base 30. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to mount the magnets on any part of the elongated strip base 30. As illustrated in FIG. 9b, the surface securing mechanism 24 includes an adhesive layer deposited along the length of the elongated strip base 30 or on only certain portions of the elongated strip base 30. As illustrated in FIG. 9c, the surface securing mechanism 24 includes a hook and loop fastener along the entire length of the elongated strip base 30 or on only certain portions of the elongated strip base 30. As illustrated in FIG. 9d, the surface securing mechanism 24 includes a plurality of hooks along the entire length of the elongated strip base 30 or on only certain portions of the elongated strip base 30. The hooks allow a user to releasably retain a compact disc 12 to a substantially vertical cloth covered cubicle wall, for instance. As illustrated in FIG. 9e, the surface securing mechanism 24 includes a plurality of apertures 28 formed through the elongated strip base 30. The apertures are preferably sized and shaped for receiving push pins, thumb tacks, nails, adhesives, or the like.

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, the securing device 10 is perfectly suited for mounting about a car visor 32 or other object. The securing device 10 still includes the base 16 having the attachment mechanism 22 mounted thereto. In this embodiment, the base 16 includes an elongated strap 34 and the surface securing device 24 includes an elastic band 36. The attachment mechanism 22 is mounted to the elongated strap 34 with the elastic band 36 extending about the car visor 32 to releasably retain the compact disc 12 to the car visor 32.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 15, instead of the surface securing device 34 being an elastic band 36, the surface securing device 24 includes a hook and loop fastener which allows the elongated strap 34 to extend around the car visor 32 and to be releasably secured to the car visor 32 upon activation of the hook and loop fastener. Once again, this embodiment allows a user to releasably retain a compact disc 12 about an object such as a car visor 32 or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 16, instead of the surface securing device 24 being an elastic band 36, the surface securing device 24 includes a snap which allows the elongated strap 34 to extend around the car visor 32 and to be releasably secured to the car visor 32 upon activation of the hook and loop fastener. Once again, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, this embodiment allows a user to releasably retain a compact disc 12 about an object such as a car visor 32 or the like.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 20, it is within the scope of the present invention to attach a plurality of individual securing devices 10 along the length and/or width of a strap 38 having a hook and loop fastener or the like. In a preferred embodiment, there are three (3) securing devices 10 mounted along the strap 38 although any number of securing devices 10 can be attached based on the length and/or width of the strap 38.

[0061] The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for releasably retaining a disc to a surface, the device comprising:

a base;

attachment means mounted to the base, the attachment means releasably receiving the disc; and

securing means associated with the base for releasably securing the base plate to the surface;

wherein upon securement of the base to a surface having an angle between zero (0°) degrees and three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees from horizontal, the disc remains releasably retained to the attachment means such that the releasably retained disc contacts only the attachment means.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the base is configured in a shape selected from the group consisting of round, circular, triangular, square, regular, rectangular, irregular, fruit-shaped, animal-shaped, vegetable-shaped, insect-shaped, and flower-shaped.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the base and attachment means are integrally formed.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the base is a flexible elongated strip.

5. The device of claim 4 and further comprising a plurality of attachment means spaced along the elongated strip.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the base is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, acrylic, resin, metal, cloth, woven nylon, wood, Fiberglas, fiberglass, synthetic, rubber, and ceramic.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the securing means is selected from the group consisting of adhesive coating, tape, double-sided adhesive foam tape, glue, paste, adhesive gels, temporary glues and gels, suction cups, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, and apertures.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment means receives two or more discs.

9. An assembly for maintaining at least one disc, the assembly comprising:

a disc having a diameter;

a base member, the base member having a length and a width less than the diameter of the disc; and

at least one attachment mechanism mounted to the base member for releasably attaching at least one disc to the base member;

wherein the releasably attached disc contacts only the attachment mechanism.

10. The assembly of claim 9 and further comprising:

a securing mechanism for securing the base member to a surface.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the securing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an adhesive coating, tape, double-sided adhesive foam tape, glue, paste, adhesive gels, temporary glues and gels, suction cups, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, and apertures.

12. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the attachment mechanism is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, acrylic, resin, metal, cloth, woven nylon, wood, Fiberglas, fiberglass, synthetic, and ceramic.

13. A method for releasably retaining at least one disc to a surface, the method comprising:

providing a disc having a diameter;

providing a base member having a length and a width less than the diameter of the disc;

mounting an attachment mechanism to the base member;

securing the base member to the surface; and

releasably securing at least one disc to the base member such that the disc contacts only the attachment mechanism.

14. The method of claim 13 and further comprising:

configuring the base in a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, triangular, square, regular, rectangular, irregular, fruit-shaped, animal-shaped, vegetable-shaped, insect-shaped, and flower-shaped.

15. The method of claim 13 and further comprising:

configuring the base in a substantially round shape.

16. The method of claim 13 and further comprising:

integrally forming the base and the attachment mechanism.

17. The method of claim 13 and further comprising:

constructing the base from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, acrylic, resin, metal, cloth, woven nylon, wood, rubber, Fiberglas, fiberglass, and ceramic.

18. The method of claim 13 and further comprising:

selecting the securing means from the group consisting of adhesive coating, tape, double-sided adhesive foam tape, glue, paste, adhesive gels, temporary glues and gels, suction cups, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, and apertures.

19. The method of claim 13 and further comprising:

securing the base to a surface having an angle between zero (0°) degrees and three hundred and sixty (360°) degrees from horizontal.