Abstract:
A self-illuminated storage and carrying case for storage and transportation of generally laminar stored objects is described. The case includes at least one, but usually several, storage sheets, each sheet having pockets which are generally inclusive of the outline of the stored objects and adapted to retain the objects securely and in position. The pockets are adapted to allow any matter printed on the stored object to be read. Each sheet is secured by one edge into a cover having a front and back portion, and is retained between the front and back covers. On the front and/or back cover, illuminating elements having a generally cable-like form factor are affixed. The illuminating elements may be electro-luminescent filaments, fiber optic strands, or other illuminating elements of similar form. The light from each illuminating element is caused to fall onto the broad surface of the storage sheets, thereby illuminating the surface of those sheets and the contents of their pockets. The case is particularly useful in low light situations where increasing the general illumination may be impractical or undesirable. Additionally, the illuminated means provide a novel, striking, ornamental effect.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a filing of the ideas expressed in provisional patent application No. 60/570,415. This application is also related to patent application Ser. No. 10/463,621. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to storage and carrying cases, and in particular to storage and carrying cases having self-contained illuminating means for illuminating the contents of the cases.  
         [0004]     2. Prior Art  
         [0005]     Disc players of various formats and configurations, for playing prerecorded music and other audio and video programs, are commonly found and used in both stationary living environments and in automobiles. To employ the players, it is of course necessary to provide a selection of discs containing the desired programs. If the user seeks variety in the programs available, a large number of discs may be required. The discs in turn are required to be carried to the vicinity of the player and at least temporarily stored there.  
         [0006]     Most players are capable of playing a single disc that is manually selected and inserted into the player. The automobile style of player is usually mounted in the dashboard inside the passenger compartment, so that when it is desired to play a specific disc, the disc may be inserted through the front panel of the player. This single play function may be the sole means of playing a disc, or may be provided in conjunction with and as a supplement to an automatic disc changer. In the case of players having automatic disc changing capability, the changer may be located remote from the in-dash player, and may require that a stack of discs be selected and installed before beginning a trip. The changer then changes discs automatically in response to user requests. There is nonetheless a need to change the content of the stacks from time to time, and therefore a need for storage and carrying of discs to the vicinity of the changer.  
         [0007]     Whether the player in use is a single disc player or an automatic changer, to use either type of player, discs containing the desired programs must be transported and stored in the vicinity of the player. For automobile mounted players, discs containing the desired programs must be transported to and stored in the automobile. Indeed, for most convenience, the discs must be stored inside the passenger compartment, available within the reach of the compartment occupants and in the vicinity of the player. If it is desired to have a great number of individual program choices, numerous discs will be carried. In consequence, there will be greater potential difficulty in locating the exact disc desired.  
         [0008]     It is well known to the prior art to use storage and carrying devices to store generally flat objects—such as compact discs, digital video discs, and similar data storage discs of the type that would be used in stationary, portable or automobile mounted players. These storage and carrying devices are frequently in the form of a small case, comprised of a book-like folder in which individual, pocketed storage sheets are secured by a common edge, as are pages in a book. Each of the sheets contained in the book has pockets adapted to the form of the stored objects, enabling it to securely contain one or more of the stored objects on each individual sheet. It is common that such storage cases contain multiple-pocket sheets. It is also common to store and carry other generally flat objects, including printed matter, such as individual printed pages, business cards, display cards, photographs and the like, in similar storage cases.  
         [0009]     It is also well known to use transparent or translucent sheets so that the contents of the pockets are visible to the user without necessitating their removal from the storage and carrying case.  
         [0010]     To make the desired selection, the user of the discs must be able to discern the graphic content, or to read the titles and insignia printed on the faces of the discs. Selection of a particular disc under adverse lighting conditions is especially difficult if the specific objects being sought are labeled with small fonts, as may be necessitated by the limited physical space available on the object itself.  
         [0011]     The prior art storage and carrying case, of which many varieties are on the market, works well enough in ordinary bright illumination, such as is found outdoors in daylight hours, and in normally lighted interiors. However, in low level lighting and in the dark, it is frequently difficult to locate the desired disc from among the many that may be stored.  
         [0012]     In the past, the usual method of viewing the disc faces when the users and the discs are located in low ambient light has been to supply external lighting, usually local permanent or semi-permanent task lighting to supplement the low ambient light, or hand-held portable lighting, such as a flashlight. Inside a stationary living structure, such as a home or apartment, the overall level of the ambient light may also be raised, or a separate task light provided to make the graphics or text readable. In an automobile, the user may rely on the passenger compartment lights, either dome or other passenger compartment lights.  
         [0013]     As the use of these discs has become more common in automobiles, the potential for distraction from the more important task of safely operating the vehicle has become an issue. In an automobile, it is preferred that the user stop the car before making a selection from the storage case.  
         [0014]     In other low light situations, though the use of an external light does not provide the same safety issue as would use in a moving automobile, it is an inconvenience nonetheless.  
         [0015]     The previous method of using the dome or under-dash passenger compartment lights can be distracting to an automobile driver. Use of a portable external light is even more distracting, perhaps requiring that a driver&#39;s free hand be used both to hold the light and to position the stored objects for viewing. Relying on supplemental lighting in the more benign living space environment poses no safety issue, but may be less convenient than self-contained illumination, which also has the virtue of maintaining a low ambient light environment, should that be desired for decorative or atmospheric effects.  
         [0016]     The present invention provides a solution to these problems by incorporating the use of lighting means into the storage case itself. The invention thereby provides self-illuminating storage, in a compact case that has a plurality of storage positions illuminated by light, eliminating some of the disadvantages of the usual method of viewing the disc labels in low ambient light.  
         [0017]     Though many examples of storage and carrying cases exist in the prior art, most of the prior art storage and carrying cases do not aim to achieve, and are not designed to allow for self-illumination of the contents. However, some which do have this aim have appeared. U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,545, issued on Apr. 3, 1990 to Price, discloses a lighting device suitable for illuminating cassette cases stored in files in a rectangular container. U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,802, issued on May 28, 1996 to Edington, aims to solve the display and readability problem by providing a lighting means that illuminates the “jewel cases” in which the discs are stored, but not the discs themselves.  
         [0018]     It is also well known in the prior art to use small battery powered lighting devices for illuminating and locating keys, and for assisting in use of the keys in their associated locks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,360 B2, issued on Jun. 25, 2002 to Contant et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,436 B2, issued on Mar. 18, 2003 to Krietzman et al., disclose small lighting devices for carrying in purses or pockets, and the like, and which serve to illuminate the task while manually selecting objects from among a plurality of articles in the container. These devices do not however provide for storage of the discs or the like within the case, and would not in any case illuminate the discs if they were contained therein.  
         [0019]     A need exists therefore for a storage and carrying case having a simple construction which allows the user to find and select for use the desired copy of the disc being sought, even though the case and its contents are located in less than adequate lighting conditions.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     It is one object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case for generally flat objects that contains its own source of illumination.  
         [0021]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case, having storage sheets for generally flat objects, that illuminates the broad surface of each storage sheet when the sheets are opened.  
         [0022]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case having an illuminating source that is compact and self-contained.  
         [0023]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case that is economical in construction and readily adaptable to storage of various generally flat objects.  
         [0024]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case that is a rugged, durable and relatively foolproof design.  
         [0025]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case that is relatively easy to use in low light conditions.  
         [0026]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage and carrying case that is illuminated without requiring use of a second hand to hold an external light.  
         [0027]     These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing an improved design of storage and carrying case for storage and transportation of generally flat stored objects, which allows users to read labels on stored flat objects, such as compact discs, digital video discs, flat magnetic data storage discs, and the like, in limited or unfavorable lighting. The case preferably includes a plurality of generally transparent or translucent storage sheets, each sheet having pockets which are adapted to retain the objects securely in position. The sheets are retained between the front and back covers. On the front and back covers, illuminating elements having a generally cable-like form factor, are affixed. The illuminating elements may be electro-luminescent filaments, fiber optic strands, or other illuminating elements of similar, elongated form. Preferably the illuminating elements are affixed to the periphery of the individual sheets within the case. Current is applied as needed, when it is desired to energize the illuminating elements. For that purpose, the storage and carrying case is provided with a switchable power source in the form of a dry cell storage battery, thereby producing the current necessary to produce light.  
         [0028]     The light from each illuminating element is caused to fall onto the storage sheets, thereby illuminating the surface of those sheets and the contents of their pockets. The case is particularly useful in low light situations where increasing the general illumination level may be impractical or undesirable, and provides in addition a novel, ornamental appearance.  
         [0029]     Other objects, features, functions and advantages of the present invention will become known from study of this specification and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0030]      FIG. 1  depicts a basic design for media storage cases. The invention is not limited to this exact type of media storage case. In this figure, the media storage case is opened and several pages are depicted. The pages depicted are holding their intended media, in this case CDs or DVDs.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts the cover of the media storage case shown in  FIG. 1 . The remaining figures will be based off of this illustration in the sense that the pages will be absent (as they are in this figure) because it is easier to illustrate the important parts of the invention this way. The invention is the addition of a luminescent object or objects to the cover of a media storage case; therefore depicting the pages of the media storage case is not necessary. The remaining drawing figures will also be depicted without pages for the same reason described above. Let it be noted that the invention is not limited to having a cover of this particular form. Let a cover be defined as that which encloses the pages of a storage case.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  depicts the placement, within the storage case, of the illuminating elements. As is illustrated, it is advantageous to place the illuminating elements near the “lip” of the cover. It is the intent of this invention to take advantage of this placement. However, in practice, other placements of the illuminating elements may be preferred.  
         [0033]      FIGS. 4-16  depict alternative embodiments of the invention. More detailed descriptions will follow. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0034]      FIG. 1 , as stated earlier, is a view of an opened media storage case. The cover  20  encloses any number of pages  22 . The pages  22  have pockets  23  that hold their intended media  24 . As stated previously,  FIG. 1  depicts a basic media storage case. The spirit of the invention applies to all forms of media storage cases and is not limited by the example shown in  FIG. 1 . The pages  22  depicted are only an example of the preferred embodiment. In practice the pages  22  may hold media on one or both sides of the page. In practice, each side of the page  22  may have any number of pockets  23 .  
         [0035]     In  FIG. 1 , the pages  22  are shown as being adapted for storage of compact discs (“CDs”) or digital video discs (“DVDs”), or similar media (hereinafter “discs”), and has pockets  23  dimensioned to accommodate that media. The pockets will be preferably made to have a snug but slidable fit to the objects that are being stored, as determined by well known practices and techniques. The pages  22  and pockets  23  may be adapted to hold other forms of media that are of a generally flat design.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2 , as stated earlier, is a view of the cover  20  in  FIG. 1  without the pages  22 . The portions of the cover that stand vertically (relative to this view) may be referred to as the lip or the walls of the cover  20  throughout the remainder of this document. The purpose of  FIG. 2  is to depict the cover  20  absent of the pages  22 . The reader will recognize that despite the pages  22  not being depicted, it is implied that they are included as part of the invention. The pages  22  will be absent in  FIG. 2  and the remaining figures because it is easier to depict the illuminating elements in this manner. The reader should not infer that the invention is altogether absent of pages  22 .  
         [0037]     The invention, depicted in  FIG. 3 , utilizes electro-luminescent wire (el-wire)  26 . El-wire illuminates when its phosphorous contents are stimulated by electricity. Those that are familiar with el-wire will be familiar with the way that it is powered. The el-wire  26  is attached to the interior of the media storage case cover  20 . The el-wire  26  is strategically positioned high, near or at the top of the walls of the opened cover  20 . Experiments have shown that this position is better for casting light over the pages  22  of the media storage case.  
         [0038]     In an effective embodiment, the sheets  22  will preferably be employed in multiples, multiplied as necessary in order to achieve the desired capacity.  
         [0039]     The necessary equipment to power the el-wire  26  will be placed in a favorable position on the interior or exterior of the media storage case. In a poorly lighted situation, a user would open the media storage case and activate the el-wire  26  to illuminate the contents of the media storage case. The el-wire  26  will cast light upon the pages  22 , thus allowing a user to locate the desired media. As the user flips through the pages  22 , each page will be lighted by the el-wire  26 .  
         [0040]     Further research will show whether it is best to have the el-wire  26  illuminate upon the opening of the cover  20  or if it is best to have the user regulate the activation of the el-wire  26  via a switching mechanism. Once activated, the user will be able to locate the desired media using the light from the el-wire  26 .  
         [0041]     Let it be noted that any illuminating product of cable-like or ribbon-like form factor can be substituted in place of el-wire  26  without departing from the spirit of this invention. Some products that come to mind are side-emitting fiber optic cable, a string of LEDs encased in cabling that allows light to escape and el-tape. Those who are familiar with electro-luminescent products will know the difference between el-wire  26  and el-tape. An internet search will help to differentiate the two.  
         [0042]     Although the description above is primarily concerned with the utilitarian function of providing access and readability in a low light environment, it will also be appreciated that decorative display is inherent in the present invention and that it is useful for that purpose, whether alone or in combination with its low light readability improvement; the present invention not only allows a viewer to read labeling, it also provides the user with an attractive, novel glowing storage case, which may appeal to the user seeking a different appearance in storage cases, whether or not the case is being used in sufficient ambient light  
         [0043]     Although the present invention has been described in connection with an example of the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited merely to those embodiments shown. Many variations and modifications can be made without departure from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the materials, the particular shapes, and the arrangement and affixation of the sheets may be varied. In one of the many possible variations of shape, the sheets may be linked edge to edge, may have folds or pleats that define each sheet, and may have the illuminating elements  26  attached elsewhere. Such a configuration may be attached to a cover containing the sheets at the extreme ends of the linked sheets. It may also be attached to the cover at any point along the length of the linked sheets. The linked sheets may also be formed as a continuous web, with stored object retaining means applied to the web.  
         [0044]     If translucent, the material from which the pages  22  are made, regardless of their shape, should be sufficiently light transmitting such that light can penetrate it, to illuminate the stored objects, and return with sufficient intensity to be readily seen by the user. The degree of translucency required may be readily determined in practice, by experimental means, to optimize the degree of translucency to the strength of the light source. Although the image seen by the user viewed through the translucent sheet will be partially obscured by the sheet, the legibility of the characters or of the graphic images on the media will be sufficient, provided the sheet lies flat against the media.  
         [0045]     Although it is generally preferable from the standpoint of function to locate the illuminating elements  26  at the lip of the cover  20 , it will be appreciated that for reasons of aesthetics, convenience of design, or economy, the elements may be placed elsewhere on the cover  20 .  
         [0046]     In addition to the alternative methods stated above, there are other ways to add luminescence to the cover of a media storage case. I have included  FIGS. 4-16  to depict other alternative embodiments of the invention. Let it be noted that people familiar with the technology used in each of the alternative embodiments will also be familiar with the way that the respective embodiment is powered. Also, all necessary equipment for powering the illuminating objects depicted in  FIGS. 4-16  will be favorably placed on the interior or exterior of the media storage case.  
       DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0047]      FIG. 4  shows two tubes  28  attached to the interior of the cover  20 . The tubes  28  can be LED tubes, cold cathodes, neon lights or any type of elongated product that emits light (tubular or not).  FIG. 4  shows the tubes  28  running vertically near the side walls of the cover  20 . It is also possible to place a single tube  28  vertically along the interior of the spine  29 . It is also possible to use a single tube  28 , (rather than two tubes), running vertically along either side wall.  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  shows the same type of tubes  28 , but in different positions.  FIG. 5  depicts a direct top or bottom view of the opened cover  20 . The tubes  28  are on the interior of the cover  20  and positioned horizontally next to the top walls or bottom walls. It is also possible to use a single tube  28  running horizontally along either of the top (left or right) or bottom (left or right) walls  
         [0049]      FIG. 6  shows a tube  30  that can be swiveled up via a hinge  32 . The tube  30  can be an LED tube, cold cathode, neon light, or any type of elongated product that emits light (tubular or not). The cover  20  can have one or more of these hinging tubes  30  in various positions near the walls. The idea is that in an upright position, the tube  30  can more easily cast light upon the pages of the media storage case.  
         [0050]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative position along the top or bottom wall for the hinge  32  and tube  30  to be placed. Again, the cover  20  can have one or more of these hinging tubes  30  in various positions.  
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is a direct side view of an opened media storage case. A small housing  34  is attached to a type of stick  36 . The stick  36  is attached to a hinging mechanism  38 .  38  is attached to the interior of the cover  20  near the side wall. The housing  34  contains a suitable light source. The light source may be one or more LEDs, one or more incandescent bulbs, one or more halogen lights or anything else that is small and suitable to the application.  34  and  36  rest in the down position and when called upon are hinged upright to help locate media in poorly lit situations. Let it be noted that the housing  34  aims its light source over the pages of the opened media storage case. Also, the cover  20  can have one or more of these illuminating-hinging-mechanisms in various positions.  
         [0052]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative position along the top or bottom wall for the same illuminating-hinging-mechanism  34 ,  36  and  38  depicted in  FIG. 8 . The cover  20  can have one or more of these illuminating-hinging-mechanisms in various positions.  
         [0053]      FIG. 10  is a direct side view of an opened media storage case. A small housing  40  is attached to gooseneck tubing  42 . The housing  40  contains a suitable light source. The light source may be one or more LEDs, one or more incandescent bulbs, one or more halogen light bulbs or anything else that is small and suitable to the application. The gooseneck tubing  42  is attached to a hinging mechanism  44 .  44  is attached to the interior of the cover  20  near the side wall. The principle is the same as depicted in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . The difference is that the housing  40  can be directed to a suitable lighting position by bending the gooseneck tubing  42 . The cover  20  can have one or more of these gooseneck tubing-mechanisms in various positions.  
         [0054]      FIG. 11  shows an alternative position along the top or bottom wall for the same gooseneck tubing-mechanism  40 ,  42  and  44  depicted in  FIG. 10 . The cover  20  can have one or more of these gooseneck tubing-mechanisms in various positions.  
         [0055]      FIG. 12  shows illuminating flaps  46  that flip up. Side  46   a  of the flap  46  is the illuminating side. Ideally side  46   a  would be made of, or have attached to it, a flat, light-emitting product. One product that comes to mind is an electro-luminescent sheet (el-sheet), though any flat, light-emitting product will suffice. Those familiar with electro-luminescent products will know what an el-sheet is and how it is used. An internet search, will also help to clarify. For this embodiment, a user would open the media storage case. Side  46   b  of the flap  46  would be facing upwards. The user would flip up the flap(s)  46 . Once activated, side(s)  46   a  will face the pages of the media storage case and provide illumination. The flaps  46  can be any size. It is also possible to use a single flap  46  in various positions. It is also possible to use more than two flaps  46  in various positions.  
         [0056]      FIG. 13  embodies the same principle as  FIG. 12 . Here we see a side view and the flaps  46  are located along the interior of the top or bottom wall of the cover  20 .  50  is a hinging mechanism that was not expressly depicted in  FIG. 12 , but can also be applied to  FIG. 12 . The flaps  46  can be any size. It is also possible to use a single flap  46  in various positions. It is also possible to use more than two flaps  46  in various positions.  
         [0057]      FIG. 14   a  shows an overhead view of the interior of an opened cover  20 . In each of the corners of the opened cover  20 , a laser LED  52  is depicted.  FIG. 14   b  shows a side view of the same embodiment. There can be more or less than the four laser LEDs  52  that are depicted. In addition the laser LEDs  52  can be placed in various positions within the cover  20 . For those that are unfamiliar with laser LEDs  52 , an internet search can help to clarify. This embodiment is not limited to laser LEDs  52 . Any type of small light can be substituted for the laser LEDs  52 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 15  shows an overhead view of the interior of an opened cover  20 . The cross-hatching depicts an el-sheet  54 .  FIG. 15  is not limited to the use of el-sheets; any flat, light-emitting product will suffice in place of an el-sheet  54 .  FIG. 15  is similar to  FIG. 12  except the el-sheet  54  in  FIG. 15  does not flip up. The illuminating side(s) of  54  faces upwards.  54  is attached to the cover  20 . The actual size of the attached product  54  will be determined by practice.  FIG. 16  makes this point more clear by depicting nearly the entire interior surface of the cover  20  adorned with el-sheets  56 .  FIG. 16  is also not limited to the use of el-sheets  56 . Any flat, light-emitting product will do.  
         [0059]     Although the preferred embodiment shown is for generally flat objects, and the utility of the invention is at its greatest for objects that may be stored in a more or less flat, face to face position, the principle of applying the illuminating element to the cover  20  of the storage case will also work for objects that are not generally flat, and are more bulky than compact discs. This may require that the storage and carrying case itself be modified.  
         [0060]     These and other variations are specifically contemplated. Accordingly, variation of the preferred form and of the particulars of structure and materials described as preferred for the present invention may be undertaken without departure from the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the claims which follow.