Media Storage Device

Abstract

A media disc storage device according to the present invention includes a first and second vertical wall with a shelf attached to the first and second vertical walls and extending therebetween in a generally horizontal configuration. The shelf defines a plurality of slots each capable of receiving a media disc therein.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application makes reference to provisional patent application No. 60/850,516, filed Oct. 10, 2006, and titled Audio/Visual/Data Media Storage Apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to media storage devices and, more particularly, to a media storage device for storing audio, visual, and data media discs in an organized, easily accessible, and protective device.

Compact discs are used to store digital information such as music, movies, games, software, pictures, and the like. They are used daily, but are somewhat fragile and subject to being scratched or otherwise damaged. Typically, media discs are protected by plastic cases or jackets. However, these cases often become lost or damaged and discs simply get stacked on top of one another, placed in incorrect cases or jackets, or lost themselves.

Various devices have been proposed in the prior art for organizing or storing compact discs and DVD's. Although assumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing devices do not provide an organized and protective structure that also positions the discs in an easily readable and accessible configuration convenient for a user's access.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a media storage device for holding media discs in a readily readable and accessible position. Further, it would be desirable to have a media storage device that separates each disc from contact with other discs, desk surfaces, and the like. In addition, it would be desirable to have a media storage device that protects each disc from being scratched by the storage device itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a media disc storage device according to the present invention includes a first and second vertical wall with a shelf attached to the first and second vertical walls and extending therebetween in a generally horizontal configuration. The shelf defines a plurality of slots each capable of receiving a media disc therein.

A general object of this invention is to provide a media storage device for holding and storage a plurality of media discs.

Another object of this invention is to provide a media storage device, as aforesaid, for holding respective media discs in a generally reclined and separated manner so that each disc is readable and conveniently accessible to a user.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a media storage device, as aforesaid, that protects each disc stored therein from scratches or other damage that would otherwise be caused by contact with another disc, contact with a desk surface, or contact with the storage device itself.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a media storage device, as aforesaid, that is stackable when empty.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a media storage device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the media storage device as in FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two media storage devices in a stackable storage configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A media storage device 10 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1a through 2 of the accompanying drawings. More particularly, the media storage device 10 includes a generally “H” shaped configuration having a first 12 and second 16 upstanding/vertical wall. Each vertical wall 14, 16 includes upper 12a, 14a and lower 12b, 14b edges, respectively. It should be appreciated that upper and lower edges have complementary configurations such that multiple storage devices 10 may be stacked atop one another as shown in FIG. 2. At least one vertical wall defines an aperture 16 by which the device may be mounted to a wall with a fastener.

A shelf 20 having opposed sides is attached to inner surfaces of the first 12 and second 16 vertical walls and extends therebetween in a generally horizontal configuration. The shelf 20 defines a plurality of slots 22. Preferably, each slot extends substantially between the first 12 and second 16 vertical walls and is spaced apart and generally parallel to each other slot 22 and perpendicular to the vertical walls. Preferably, the shelf 20 includes ten slots although it is understood that more or less slots would also be suitable. It is also understood that the slots 22 may be arranged parallel to the vertical walls. Other slot arrangements are also possible, such as some slots being parallel and others being perpendicular relative to the vertical walls.

Each respective slot 22 includes a size dimension so as to receive a media disc 4, it being understood that its length must be smaller than a diameter of a disc so that the disc 4 is not completely able to fall through the slot. Further, each respective slot 22 includes an angular configuration that enables a disc received therein to be held and displayed in a generally recumbent or reclined configuration (FIG. 1a). More particularly, each slot 22 includes a first end adjacent said first vertical wall 12 and a second end adjacent said second vertical wall 14. A rear wall 24 extends longitudinally along each respective slot 22 between the first 12 and second 16 ends, the rear wall 24 having an angled or sloped configuration for supporting respective media discs 4 in a reclined configuration. Preferably, the slope angle of the rear wall is 20 degrees, although other slope angles would also be suitable.

Preferably, the media storage device will include 10 slots that are about ¾ inches apart, the entire device is about 5.5 inches wide, about 3 inches in height, and about 4⅛ inches long, Each slot is preferably about ⅛ inches wide. It is understood, of course, that the dimensions recited herein are just illustrative and other suitable dimensions would presumably be suitable as well. Preferably, the shelf 20 is attached to each vertical wall at a point generally midway between upper 12a, 12b and lower 14a, 14b edges of each wall, respectively. This configuration is desirable in that a portion of each vertical wall extends upward of the shelf 20 so that media discs 4 inserted into respective slots are laterally bounded by the upwardly extended portions.

The media storage device 10 also includes means along each of the plurality of slots 22 for protecting media discs 4 inserted therein. More particularly, a felt 26 or similar material may be situated along each rear wall 24 against which an inserted disc 4 may rest. Alternatively, the rear wall 24 may be constructed of another smooth, low friction material such as Teflon® or simply include an abrasion resistant coating.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding a plurality of media discs, comprising:

a first and second vertical wall; and

a shelf attached to said first and second vertical walls and extending therebetween in a generally horizontal configuration, said shelf defining a plurality of slots.

2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein at least one of said vertical walls defines an aperture, whereby said apparatus may be mounted to a wall.

3. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each slot of said plurality of slots is generally parallel to each other slot.

4. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein some of said plurality of slots are generally parallel to each other slot.

5. The apparatus as in claim 2, wherein each slot of said plurality of slots is generally perpendicular to said first and second vertical walls.

6. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each slot of said plurality of slots is generally perpendicular to said first and second vertical walls.

7. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each respective slot of said plurality of slots is sized to receive a single media disc, said respective slot having a length smaller than a diameter of a respective media disc so that said respective media disc is received partially but not completely in said respective slot.

8. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each slot includes a wall having an angular configuration that is not perpendicular to said shelf.

9. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each slot includes:

a first end adjacent said first vertical wall;

a second end adjacent said second vertical wall;

a rear wall extending longitudinally along a respective slot between said first and second ends, said rear wall having an angled configuration for supporting respective media discs at generally recumbent configurations.

10. The apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising means situated along each of said plurality of slots for protecting inserted media discs from abrasion.

11. The apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said protecting means includes a felt material positioned along a rear wall of each slot.

12. An apparatus for holding a plurality of media discs, comprising:

a first and second vertical wall;

a shelf attached to said first and second vertical walls and extending therebetween in a generally horizontal configuration, said shelf defining a plurality of slots;

wherein each slots includes: a first end adjacent said first vertical wall; a second end adjacent said second vertical wall; a rear wall extending longitudinally along a respective slot between said first and second ends thereof, said rear wall having an angled configuration for supporting respective media discs inserted therein at generally recumbent configurations; and

means situated along each of said plurality of slots for protecting inserted media discs from abrasion.

13. The apparatus as in claim 12 wherein at least one of said vertical walls defines an aperture, whereby said apparatus may be mounted to a wall.

14. The apparatus as in claim 12, wherein each slot of said plurality of slots is generally parallel to each other slot.

15. The apparatus as in claim 12, wherein some of said plurality of slots are generally parallel to each other slot.

16. The apparatus as in claim 14, wherein each slot of said plurality of slots is generally perpendicular to said first and second vertical walls.

17. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each respective slot of said plurality of slots is sized to receive a single media disc, said respective slot having a length smaller than a diameter of a respective media disc so that said respective media disc is received partially but not completely in said respective slot.

18. The apparatus as in claim 12, wherein said protecting means includes a felt material positioned along said rear wall of each slot.

19. The apparatus as in claim 12 wherein:

said first and second vertical walls each include upper and lower edges, respectively;

each said upper edge includes a configuration complementary to each said lower edge.

20. The apparatus as in claim 19, wherein said shelf is attached to said first and second vertical walls intermediate upper and lower edges, respectively, such that a portion of each vertical wall extends upwardly of said shelf, whereby media discs are laterally bounded by said vertical wall portions when inserted into respective slots.