Audio equipment storage device

Abstract

Modifications to the structural elements of racks/shelves for component shelves, and in particular, audio components are provided in order to improve the sound produced by the system by minimizing the effects of vibration on the equipment positioned on the shelves. In particular, adding a series of grooves to the lower surface of each shelf was found to be of assistance in attenuating the vibration measured on the shelf surface. Additionally, using vertical supports manufactured of a tube of a composite fibre material, such as a carbon fibre/graphite reinforced plastic (GRP) or a solid metallatic support, such as a support made of an aluminum rod, was also found to attenuate the vibrations measured on the shelf surface. As such, a method and device for ameliorating the effects of vibration on vibration sensitive equipment is provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of vibration isolation mechanisms in a shelving unit or cabinet, and, more particularly, to vibration control devices which provide improved inherent vibration control in a shelving unit or cabinet in an economical fashion. The shelving unit or cabinet is well suited for use with, for example, audio equipment or other vibration sensitive equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] People who spend a significant amount of time listening to music often become particularly astute to hearing extraneous variations, which can be caused by a number of factors. One of the main causes of such performance variations in such equipment is vibration, particularly that which is referred to as “micro” vibration within the audio equipment, such as with compact disk (“CD”) players, preamplifiers, amplifiers, phonograph stages, and turntables. [0003] A primary source of vibration in audio equipment is caused by the s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] With the above problems and limitations of the known art in mind, the present invention was developed with the goals of providing a vibration isolating device which inherently provided in the cabinet or support shelf on which the vibration equipment rests, so as reduce, ameliorate, or eliminate the deleterious effects caused by vibration in vibration sensitive equipment. It is further among the advantages of the present invention that the new vibration reduction devices be suitable for manufacture in a variety of sizes or models so as to be capable of handling various sizes of loads and a variety of applications.

Problems solved by technology

One of the main causes of such performance variations in such equipment is vibration, particularly that which is referred to as “micro” vibration within the audio equipment, such as with compact disk (“CD”) players, preamplifiers, amplifiers, phonograph stages, and turntables.

A primary source of vibration in audio equipment is caused by the sound waves generated by the audio equipment, particularly if the equipment is operated at louder volumes, or repeatedly generates audio frequencies at selected harmonic frequencies.

Other, “macro” vibrations may also happen when a door is slammed, the equipment is bumped, or even from floor movement caused by a person walking in the room.

The irregularities in sound or visual quality of the product caused by the vibration are very distracting to the experienced observer significantly decrease the quality of the listening or viewing experience for these individuals.

Similarly high technology and laboratory equipment such as microscopes, scales, etc. may likewise be negatively affected by vibrations, even to the extent of causing data produced or collected thereon to be unreliable.

However, each of these different methods has certain limitations or disadvantages.

Some of the known methods, such as air isolation devices and some seismic sinks are quite expensive and also require a source of pressurized air.

Vibration absorbing materials are limited in the capability to attenuate vibration.

Spikes and cones “drain” vibration to the ground or other support surface, rather than actually isolating the performance device from the vibration; and sand boxes, by definition, include the use of sand, which can be very messy and necessarily creates the risk of inadvertent introduction of sand particles and dust into expensive performance equipment, accessories, tapes, compact disks, and anything else in the vicinity of use of the sand.

However, little has been done in the area of providing a shelf structure or cabinet structure which aids in the reduction of vibration.

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