The present disclosure relates to a storage device for multi-media items and associated protective packaging wherein a plurality of different sizes can be retained and displayed by the device.
Many storage devices exist for hosting multi-media items such as, CDs, DVDs and computer game disks, for example. However, the known storage devices are generally designed to host a single type of multi-media item such as a CD stack. Of the few known devices intended for hosting various multi-media items, either the items do not fit securely within the device or the devices require the manipulation of various dividers to accommodate different sized items. Still further, many of the known storage devices are in the form of trays which are concealed during periods of non-use making it less convenient to access the items of interest.
What is needed is a universal multi-media storage device, which readily accommodates items of different sizes. Other desirable features for such a storage device would be one that provides ready access to the items of interest and one that does not interfere with the user's field of vision when selecting an item hosted by the device.
The present invention discloses a multi-media storage device for securing and displaying such items including, but not limited to, CDs, DVDs, computer game disks, for example. These types of items are typically maintained within protective packaging that includes some indication as to the contents of the packaging. As the packaging for multi-media items tends to have standard dimensions whereby CD packaging tends to be narrower than DVD packaging, for example, it is desirable to have a universal storage device that can accommodate either type of packaging. As such, present invention offers multi-media storage devices that can host various types of multi-media packaging, wherein the storage device is easy to use and has decorative appeal. Advantages of the storage device include side or top down entry of the item inserted which offers added convenience. Further, at least under certain embodiments, multi-media items can be readily interchanged and secured by the storage device without having to manipulate the apparatus to accommodate different sized items.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
Formed into the top surface 16 are a plurality of recesses 22 which are designed to accommodate multi-media items and/or packaging including multi-media items of various size. In this regard, at least one of the recesses and preferably a plurality of the recesses include first and second elongated slots 26 occurring along the same recess such that any given recess can accommodate multi-media items of at least two different sizes.
As shown, a first slot 26a defined by first and second spaced apart sidewalls 28a and 28b and a transverse step 30 is sized to accommodate larger items such as a DVD case. Extending below the first slot 26a is a second slot 26b also defined by first and second spaced apart sidewalls 32a and 32b and a bottom wall 34. The second slot is intended to secure a multi-media item that is narrower such as a CD package, or the like.
As should be appreciated, each recess including both first and second slot portions as described can accommodate either a DVD or a CD package depending upon the user's needs.
Unlike other storage devices for multi-media items, the storage device as shown in
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As shown in the cut-away side view of
While not shown in all of the embodiments, as is shown in phantom in
While not intended to be limited to particular dimensions, for certain applications, the storage device, as shown in
While the total number of recesses 22 provided along the storage device may vary, it is preferable that the device include five or six recesses which correspond with the number of multi-media items, such as CDs or DVDs that can be accommodated by most commercial CD and DVD playing apparatus. As such, each of the recesses 26 can be provided with a number, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 as shown in
Referring to
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.