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.

1 . A vibration control support structure for use with vibration sensitive equipment, wherein said support structure comprises a shelf and a shelf support device and either or both of said shelf and said shelf support device comprise a vibration attenuating structure.  
   
   
       2 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said shelf comprises at least one surface feature which attenuates the vibration resonant in the shelf structure.  
   
   
       3 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said shelf has a zone of a vibration absorbing structure or materials,  
   
   
       4 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said shelf comprises a plurality of grooves or ridges which have preferably been created on at least a portion of one side of said shelf.  
   
   
       5 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said shelf comprises a series of grooves which have been cut or milled into the lower surface of the shelf.  
   
   
       6 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said shelf comprises a series of regularly spaced, parallel grooves which have been cut or milled into the lower surface of the shelf.  
   
   
       7 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said regularly space, parallel grooves have been milled or cut into the lower surface of the shelf at an angle to a front face of the shelf.  
   
   
       8 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said grooves are triangular or “V” shaped, in cross section.  
   
   
       9 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said grooves extend over an area of over 70% of the shelf lower surface area.  
   
   
       10 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support shelf device comprises a vibration attenuating structure.  
   
   
       11 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said support shelf device is made of a vibration absorbing material.  
   
   
       12 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 11  wherein said support shelf device is a composite fiber material.  
   
   
       13 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said support shelf device is one or a plurality of hollow tubes which have been fabricated from a carbon fibre material.  
   
   
       14 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said support shelf device is a vibration dissipative material.  
   
   
       15 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said support shelf device is one or a plurality of solid metallic rods.  
   
   
       16 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support shelf device is one or a plurality of solid aluminium rods.  
   
   
       17 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support shelf and shelf support device are free standing.  
   
   
       18 . A support structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support shelf and said support device are part of a complete cabinet structure.  
   
   
       19 . A vibration control support structure for use with vibration sensitive equipment as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said support structure comprises a shelf and a shelf support device and both of said shelf and said shelf support device comprise a vibration attenuating structure.  
   
   
       20 . A vibration control support structure as claimed in  claim 19  wherein said shelf comprises a plurality of grooves or ridges which have preferably been created on at least a portion of one side of said shelf, and said shelf support device comprises a vibration absorbing material or a vibration dissipative material.  
   
   
       21 . A vibration control support structure as claimed in  claim 19  wherein said shelf comprises a series of regularly spaced, parallel grooves which have been cut or milled into the lower surface of the shelf, and said shelf support device comprises one or a plurality of hollow tubes which have been fabricated from a carbon fibre material, or is one or a plurality of solid metallic rods.