Record holder system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a record holder system. The record holder system includes a frame having two ends and two sides, a fixed end attached to one of the ends of the frame, and an adjustable end slidably connected to the frame and selectively adjustable. The frame is connected to a track. The adjustable end includes a clamp that engages with the track to hold the adjustable end at a selected position along the track. A handle is connected to the clamp. The handle can be manually depressed to disengage the clamp from the track, thereby changing the position of the adjustable end relative to the fixed end. Records or other items can be stacked upright and held within the system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to organizers for records, and more particularly to a holder system and method for holding records, as well as books and similar items, in an upright or standing, organized manner. [Background technology]

[0002] Vinyl records have historically been a desirable form of recording media, and there has been a recent resurgence in collecting and "favoriting" such media. Vinyl records are typically housed in rectangular cardboard jackets. The jackets often have text and graphics. The spine of the jacket often includes the name of the musical band / artist and album for each record. These records, and other similar flat books and other items, are often stacked in various ways. Stacking has not been ideal because stacking often limits organization and can result in warping or other damage to the stacked items. Organizing devices for records also often have limited ability to vary according to collection size and similar dimensional aspects.

[0003] It would be a significant improvement in the field and art to provide an organizing device for records and other items. It would also be an improvement for such a device to have variable capacity for items. This would also be an improvement for displaying items in a desired orientation. It would also be an improvement for specific orientations of organized items, which would help maintain and protect the integrity of the items. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes a frame body, a track connected to the frame body, a fixed end fixedly connected to the frame body and the track, and an adjustable end selectively slidably connected to the track and guided by the frame body.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention is a record holder system that includes a frame having two ends and two sides, a fixed end attached to one of the two ends of the frame, and an adjustable end slidably connected to the frame and selectively adjustable.

[0006] Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method that includes forming a frame having two ends and two sides, connecting a fixed end to one end of the frame, connecting a track to the frame, and connecting an adjustable end to the track.

[0007] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top and right perspective view of a system including an adjustable end and a fixed end for holding items, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are perspective views from above and right of a system including an adjustable end and a fixed end, showing the adjustable end in different positions, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a system including an adjustable end and a fixed end, showing the adjustable end separated from the fixed end, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a system including an adjustable end and a fixed end, showing the adjustable end separated from the fixed end, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an end view of the system looking towards the outer surface of the adjustable end and the angled surface of the fixed end, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a system including an adjustable end taken along line AA' of FIG. 5, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a right-side cross-sectional view of a system including an adjustable end, a fixed end and a frame, and a track, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of section "I" of the system including the adjustable end of FIG. 7, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of section "II" of the system including the adjustable end of FIG. 7, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an end view of the system looking towards the outer surface of the adjustable end and the angled surface of the fixed end, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a system including an adjustable end taken along line BB' of FIG. 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1 , system 100 includes a frame body 102. A fixed end 104 is connected within frame body 102. An adjustable end 106 is connected to frame body 110 for slidable interaction with frame body 102. Frame body 102 is interposedly connected to track 110. Adjustable end 106 is slidably connected to and engageable with track 110 to retain adjustable end 106 relative to fixed end 104. A ledge 108 is connected to one side of frame body 102 along the direction of movement of adjustable end 106. Adjustable end 106 may include a recess 112 on the opposite side from fixed end 104.

[0010] 2, system 200 includes a frame 102 connected to a fixed end 104 and a track 110. An adjustable end 106 is slid along the track 110 toward the fixed end 104 to an intermediate position along the extent of the frame 102. The adjustable end 106 includes a gripping means (not shown in detail) selectively engageable with the track 110. In this manner, the adjustable end 106 can remain in relatively fixed engagement along the direction of movement of the track 110. The spacing between the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106 can be varied as desired, and the adjustable end 106 can be selectively stopped and held at a desired spacing from the fixed end 104.

[0011] In use, the adjustable end 106 is positioned along the track 110 in a desired spaced relationship relative to the fixed end 104. A record album or other item may be held (e.g., in an upright position, as a non-exclusive example) between the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106. The adjustable end 106 is movable to a desired spaced position relative to the fixed end 104 and then engages the track 110 to maintain the spacing between the adjustable end 106 and the fixed end 104.

[0012] 3-5 in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 102 includes a trailing edge 102a and a leading edge 102b. The trailing edge 102a and the leading edge 102b are in a substantially parallel relationship and extend transversely relative to the lateral dimensions of the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106, respectively. The trailing edge 102a and the leading edge 102b are connected by a right side 102d and a left side 102c. The right side 102d and the left side 102c are substantially parallel and connect the trailing edge 102a and the leading edge 102b. A track 110 is interposed between the trailing edge 102a and the leading edge 102b intermediate the right side 102d and the left side 102c.

[0013] The fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106 are each connected to (i.e., upstanding from) the frame body 102 substantially perpendicularly. The adjustable end 106 may extend and upstanding from the frame body 102 for a shorter distance than the fixed end 104, although this is not required in all embodiments. A shelf 108 is connected to and extends along at least a portion of the left side 102c. The shelf 108 includes a lateral extension 108a and an upstanding side 108b. The shelf 108 may optionally be knurled.

[0014] The fixed end 104 includes a downward slope on an angled surface 306 that extends toward the adjustable end 106. The adjustable end 106 also includes a sloped surface 304 that extends at an angle downward facing the fixed end 104. At the downward slope of the sloped surface 306, near the top of the adjustable end 106, the adjustable end 106 has a handle 302 that actuates the adjustable end 106 to disengage from the track 110 and move along the track.

[0015] In use, the adjustable end 106 is grasped by the handle 302, and the handle 302 is pushed inward toward the adjustable end 106. The pushed handle 302 releases the adjustable end 106 from its grip on the track 110. The adjustable end 106 is slid along the track 110 from the fixed end 104 to a desired movement position of the adjustable end 106. The recess 112 can assist in gripping the handle 302.

[0016] A record or other item may be stacked upright between the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106 either before or after the adjustable end 106 is selectively positioned along the track 110. As a non-exclusive example, a record (not shown) may be positioned upright against the fixed end 104. The adjustable end 106 can then be moved along the track 110 to contact the record by pushing the handle 302. The shelf 108 holds the record or other item in place laterally relative to the frame 102. The abutting adjustable end 106 cooperates with the fixed end 104 to position the record or other item in an upright position for display, storage, or other purposes.

[0017] 5 and 6 in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 5 details clamp 602 of adjustable end 106 connected to handle 302 in FIG. 6. Handle 302 is positioned in a recess 604 formed in angled surface 306 of adjustable end 106. Shield 606 orients handle 302 outward within recess 604. The biasing force of shield 606 on handle 302 is counteracted by manually pushing handle 302 inward toward adjustable end 106.

[0018] The handle 302 is connected to the clamp 602 by a pin 608. The clamp 602 is, by way of a non-exclusive example, a strut 610 having oppositely bent portions 612, 614 in the direction of extension. The strut 610 includes a hole 616 toward the end opposite the handle 302. The hole 616 is sized to receive the track 110 of the frame 102, allowing it to be crimped onto the track 110, and is slightly larger to release the crimp when the handle 302 is pressed.

[0019] The strut 610 passes through a throughway 618 at the bottom of the adjustable end 106. The throughway 618 is sized to allow the strut 610 to move sufficiently relative to the track 110 to allow the strut 610 to be crimped into and out of engagement with the track 110 when the handle 302 is positioned outwardly and inwardly, respectively. Adjacent to the bend 614, a finger 622 is connected to the adjustable end 106 and engages the end of the strut 610 opposite the handle 302.

[0020] At the area of ​​the strut 610 opposite the handle 302, the strut 610 abuts against a finger 622 against a spring 620. The spring device 622 holds the strut 610 disengaged from the track 110 when the handle 302 is pressed to move the adjustable end 106. The sides of the throughway 618 engage the track 110 when the handle 302 is not pressed to compress against the track 110 and hold the adjustable end 106 in place along the track 110. The sides of the throughway 618 disengage from the track 110 when the handle 302 is pressed, removing the compression against the track 110 and allowing the adjustable end 106 to be repositioned along the track 110 and in a desired relationship relative to the fixed end 104.

[0021] In use, the frame 102 is placed on a surface such as a tabletop, floor, or other surface. The adjustable end 106 and fixed end 104 protrude upward. A record or other item is stacked upright against the fixed end 104 along the space between the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106. As a non-exclusive example, the record may be placed horizontally against the shelf 108. The handle 302 of the adjustable end 106 is manually depressed, thereby disengaging the adjustable end 106 from the track 110. The adjustable end 106 is moved along the track 110 until it abuts against a record or other item on the opposite face / side from the fixed end 104. Once the adjustable end 106 is so positioned, the handle 302 is released and the clamp 602 of the adjustable end 106 engages the track 110 to hold the adjustable end 106 in place.

[0022] 7-9 in conjunction with FIGS. 1-6, a detailed view of clamp 602 shows handle 302 connected by pin 608 to strut 610. Shield 606 biases handle 302 into an outward position within recess 604 in ramp 304. Spring 620 biases strut 610 toward ramp 304. Spring 622 on adjustable end 106 holds strut 610 in position along track 110, which passes through throughway 618.

[0023] In use, the handle 302 remains biased outward within the recess 604 unless and until the handle 302 is pressed. The spring 620 creates friction along the track 110 where the sides of the hole 616 contact the track 110 unless and until the handle 302 is pressed. When the handle 302 is pressed, the strut 610 moves slightly away from the direction of the angled surface 304, which repositions the hole 616 for sliding passage of the strut 610 along the track.

[0024] 9 in conjunction with FIGS. 1-8, strut 610 is clampingly engaged to track 110. When handle 302 is pressed, strut 610 moves (to the left in the figure) causing hole 616 to move more substantially around track 110. Thus, the clamping engagement of strut 610 to track 110 is reduced and adjustable end 106 can be slid along track 110 for positioning relative to fixed end 104.

[0025] 10 and 11 in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9, an outer surface 1002 of the adjustable end 106 opposite the angled surface 304 has a recess 112. The outer surface 1002 rises relatively perpendicular to the frame body 102. The upper portion of the adjustable end 106 is relatively flat and perpendicular to the outer surface 1002. The angled surface 304 extends at an angle close to the track 110 and slidably connects to the frame body 102 as a guide.

[0026] The clamp 602 of the adjustable end 106 is connected to the handle 302. The handle 302 resides within a recess 604 in the angled surface 306. The handle 302 is biased outward within the recess 604 when the clamp 602 engages the adjustable end 106 with the track 110. When the handle 302 is pushed inward within the recess 604, the clamp 602 disengages from the track 110 and the adjustable end 106 can slide along the track 110, guided by the frame 102.

[0027] Clamp 602 includes strut 610. Strut 610 includes opposing bends 612, 614. Spring 620 engages and biases strut 610, which in turn biases handle 302 outward within recess 604, causing strut 610 to engage track 110. When strut 610 is engaged with track 110 in this manner, it holds adjustable end 106 in place along track 110.

[0028] Pressing the handle 302 into the recess 604 pushes the strut 610 against the finger 622, slightly deforming it. This disengages the clamp 602 of the adjustable end 106 from the track 110, allowing the adjustable end 106 to slide along the track 110, guided by the frame 102. When the handle 302 is not pressed, the spring 620 presses the strut 610 against the finger 622, and the sides of the hole 616 engage the track 110, limiting the movement of the adjustable end 106 along the track 110 and the frame 102.

[0029] In use, the frame 102 rests on a surface. The adjustable end 106 and the fixed end 104 project upward from the frame 102. A record or other item is placed between the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106, upright relative to the fixed end 104. The shelf 108 can hold the record evenly along its edge. The handle 302 of the adjustable end 106 is manually depressed to disengage the adjustable end 106 from engagement with the track 110, allowing the adjustable end 106 to slide along the track 110, guided by the frame 102. Once so disengaged, the adjustable end 106 moves along the track 110, overlapping the record between the fixed end 104 and the adjustable end 106. Releasing pressure on the handle 302 clamps the adjustable end 106 to the track 110, holding the adjustable end 106 in place relative to the fixed end 104.

[0030] As will be appreciated, numerous variations of the foregoing embodiments are possible. Various clamping arrangements are possible for the adjustable ends. Additionally, the sloped or angled surfaces of each end may be configured differently, such as, but not limited to, being relatively perpendicular to the frame and track. Handles may be located at other locations on the adjustable ends. Various surface features are possible on the faces and sides of the ends. Various materials and manufacturing methods are possible in various embodiments, including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, polymer, wood, etc., and various elements may be formed from different or the same materials, and manufacturing may include, but is not limited to, molding, gluing, attaching, etc.

[0031] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, substitutions, deletions, and additions may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be considered in an illustrative and not a restrictive sense, and all such modifications, substitutions, deletions, and additions are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that may be described above with respect to specific embodiments, and devices, connections, steps, and elements that may give rise to or make more pronounced any benefits, advantages, or solutions, should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements.

Claims

1. A frame body, a guide track connected to the frame; a fixed end fixedly connected to the frame and the guide track; an adjustable end selectively slidably connected to the guide track and guided by the frame; The handle and a clamp at the adjustable end selectively disengageable from the guide track; a strut connected to the handle; Equipped with the frame is rectangular and includes first and second ends connected by side rails; the guide track is interposed between the first end and the second end, the clamp selectively engages the guide track to hold the adjustable end in position relative to the fixed end; The strut includes a hole through which the guide track passes. system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the handle is biased, and the struts engage the guide tracks when the handle is biased.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein when the handle is depressed, the bias is overcome and the strut is disengaged from the guide track.

4. The system of claim 3 , further comprising a spring connected to the strut and the adjustable end for biasing the handle and engaging the strut with the guide track.

5. a frame including two ends and two sides; a fixed end attached to one of the two ends of the frame; an adjustable end slidably connected to the frame and selectively adjustable; a guide track connected to the two ends; a clamp at the adjustable end slidably connected to the guide track, the clamp being biased into engagement with the guide track; The handle and a shelf connected to one of the sides of the frame; Equipped with The record holder system, wherein the clamp includes a strut connected to the handle, the strut including a hole through which the guide track passes, and a side of the hole engages with the guide track when the handle is not pressed.

6. 6. The record holder system of claim 5, wherein pushing the handle disengages the side of the hole in the strut from the guide track.

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