U.S. patent application number 09/215049 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-14 for compact disc container.
Invention is credited to SANDERS, JACARANDA A..
Application Number | 20010003327 09/215049 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22801429 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010003327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANDERS, JACARANDA A. |
June 14, 2001 |
COMPACT DISC CONTAINER
Abstract
A flexible book-like storage receptacle for a compact disc and
the printed material that typically accompanies such compact discs.
The storage receptacle includes a number of clear, pliable panels
movable between an open position for easy access to the contents,
and a closed position for storage. The storage receptacle includes
layered sidewalls designed as pockets for receiving printed
material, as well as for providing support to the compact disc. In
addition, the receptacle includes one of a number of different
retention post structures to securely hold the compact disc in
place. Variations for the retention post include a compressible
core, a compressible rectangle, a molded cradle, and strategically
placed compressible stoppers. Attached to the perimeter of each of
the panels of the receptacle is a flexible magnetic seal that
serves to maintain the package in a closed position until it is
intentionally forced apart to access the stored items.
Inventors: |
SANDERS, JACARANDA A.; (SAN
ANTONIO, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COX & SMITH INCORPORATED
SUITE 1800
112 EAST PECAN STREET
SAN ANTONIO
TX
782051536
|
Family ID: |
22801429 |
Appl. No.: |
09/215049 |
Filed: |
December 17, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
206/307.1; G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0494 20130101;
Y10S 206/818 20130101; G11B 33/0427 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 ;
206/307.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/30; B65D
085/57 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A container for retaining and storing a compact disc and
accompanying printed materials comprising: a back cover, said back
cover comprising an outside back panel and an inside back panel,
said outside and inside back panels sealed together at their
perimeters on at least one side thereof to form a unitary structure
for said back cover, said inside back panel and said outside back
panel defining a pocket therebetween; a front cover, said front
cover comprising an outside front panel and an inside front panel,
said outside and inside front panels sealed together at their
perimeters on at least one side thereof to form a unitary structure
for said front cover, said inside front panel and said outside
front panel defining a pocket therebetween, said front cover
foldably attached to said back cover along an edge thereof; a first
closure means component positioned on the perimeter of said inside
front panel at at least one point thereon; and a second closure
means component on the perimeter of said inside back panel at at
least one point thereon; wherein said compact disc may be
positioned between said back cover and said front cover and
retained within the confines of said container, surrounded by said
closure means components when said front cover is folded over said
back cover so as to match with said back cover at said closure
means components.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein said back cover and said front
cover are constructed from at least one sheet of clear, pliable
plastic.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein said back cover and said front
cover are constructed from at least one sheet of paperboard
material.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein said back cover and said front
cover are constructed from a single sheet of material, said sheet
folded back on itself to form said outside and inside back panels
and said outside and inside front panels.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein: said back cover further
comprises an interior panel positioned between said outside and
inside back panels; and said front cover further comprises an
interior panel positioned between said outside and inside front
panels.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein: said back cover further
comprises a retention strip positioned across said inside back
panel and sealed at a first and second end thereof to the perimeter
of said inside back panel; and said front cover further comprises a
retention strip positioned across said inside front panel and
sealed at a first and second end thereof to the perimeter of said
inside front panel.
7. The container of claim 1 further comprising means for
facilitating the separation of said back cover from said front
cover, said facilitating means comprising a first component
positioned on said front cover and a second mating component
positioned on said back cover.
8. The container of claim 1 further comprising means for
facilitating the separation of said back cover from said front
cover, said facilitating means comprising a first component
positioned on said front cover and extending said front cover
beyond the dimensions of said back cover.
9. The container of claim 1 further comprising a retention post
positioned on said inside back panel, said retention post
comprising a cylindrical pedestal having a height small in
comparison to its diameter, wherein the diameter of said
cylindrical pedestal is approximately equal to the inside diameter
of a standard compact disc.
10. The container of claim 1 comprising: a first retention post
positioned on said inside back panel, said retention post
comprising a cylindrical pedestal having a height small in
comparison to its diameter, wherein the diameter of said
cylindrical pedestal is approximately equal to the inside diameter
of a standard compact disc; and a second retention post positioned
on said inside front panel, said retention post comprising a
cylindrical pedestal having a height small in comparison to its
diameter, wherein the diameter of said cylindrical pedestal is
approximately equal to the inside diameter of a standard compact
disc.
11. The container of claim 1 wherein said back cover further
comprises a spacing layer, said spacing layer, in combination with
said back cover, defining a depression within which said compact
disc may be placed.
12. The container of claim 1 wherein: said front cover further
comprises a slit on said inside front panel generally parallel to
an edge of said front cover opposite said edge of foldable
attachment between said back cover and said front cover; and said
back cover further comprises a slit on said inside back panel
generally parallel to an edge of said back cover opposite said edge
of foldable attachment between said back cover and said front
cover.
13. The container of claim 1 wherein: said first closure means
component and second closure means component each comprise
elongated strips of material.
14. The container of claim 1 wherein: said first closure means
component comprises a magnetic element; and said second closure
means component comprises a magnetic element, said second closure
means component providing an attractive surface to said first
closure means component.
15. The container of claim 1 wherein: said first closure means
component comprises a magnetic element; and said second closure
means component comprises a metallic element, said second closure
means component providing an attractive surface to said first
closure means component.
16. The container of claim 1 wherein: said first closure means
component comprises a first electrostatic charge placed on the
perimeter of said inside back panel at at least one point thereon;
and said second closure means component comprises a second
electrostatic charge placed on the perimeter of said inside front
panel at at least one point thereon and electrostatically charged
so as to provide an attractive surface to said first electrostatic
charge placed on said inside back panel.
17. The container of claim 1 wherein: said first closure means
component comprises a first electrostatically charged element; and
said second closure means component comprises a second
electrostatically charged element electrostatically charged so as
to provide an attractive surface to said first electrostatically
charged element.
18. A container for retaining and storing a compact disc and
accompanying printed materials comprising: a back cover, said back
cover comprising an outside back panel and an inside back panel,
said outside and inside back panels sealed together at their
perimeters on at least one side thereof to form a unitary structure
for said back cover, said inside back panel and said outside back
panel defining a pocket therebetween; a front cover, said front
cover comprising an outside front panel and an inside front panel,
said outside and inside front panels sealed together at their
perimeters on at least one side thereof to form a unitary structure
for said front cover, said inside front panel and said outside
front panel defining a pocket therebetween, said front cover
foldably attached to said back cover along an edge thereof; and a
corner closure panel, said corner closure panel comprising a bowed
panel attached to said front cover at at least one corner thereof
and positioned to receive at least one corner of said back cover
when said front cover is folded over said back cover, so as to
retain said front cover and said back cover in a closed
configuration.
19. The container of claim 18 wherein said back cover and said
front cover are constructed from at least one sheet of clear,
pliable plastic.
20. The container of claim 18 wherein said back cover and said
front cover are constructed from at least one sheet of paperboard
material.
21. The container of claim 18 wherein said back cover and said
front cover are constructed from a single sheet of material, said
sheet folded back on itself to form said outside and inside back
panels and said outside and inside front panels.
22. The container of claim 18 wherein: said back cover further
comprises an interior panel positioned between said outside and
inside back panels; and said front cover further comprises an
interior panel positioned between said outside and inside front
panels.
23. The container of claim 18 wherein: said back cover further
comprises a retention strip positioned across said inside back
panel and sealed at a first and second end thereof to the perimeter
of said inside back panel; and said front cover further comprises a
retention strip positioned across said inside front panel and
sealed at a first and second end thereof to the perimeter of said
inside front panel.
24. The container of claim 18 further comprising means for
facilitating the separation of said back cover from said front
cover, said facilitating means comprising a first component
positioned on said front cover and a second mating component
positioned on said back cover.
25. The container of claim 18 further comprising means for
facilitating the separation of said back cover from said front
cover, said facilitating means comprising a first component
positioned on said front cover and extending said front cover
beyond the dimensions of said back cover.
26. The container of claim 18 further comprising a retention post
positioned on said inside back panel comprises a cylindrical
pedestal having a height small in comparison to its diameter,
wherein the diameter of said cylindrical pedestal is approximately
equal to the inside diameter of a standard compact disc.
27. The container of claim 18 comprising: a first retention post
positioned on said inside back panel, said retention post
comprising a cylindrical pedestal having a height small in
comparison to its diameter, wherein the diameter of said
cylindrical pedestal is approximately equal to the inside diameter
of a standard compact disc; and a second retention post positioned
on said inside front panel, said retention post comprising a
cylindrical pedestal having a height small in comparison to its
diameter, wherein the diameter of said cylindrical pedestal is
approximately equal to the inside diameter of a standard compact
disc.
28. The container of claim 18 wherein said back cover further
comprises a spacing layer, said spacing layer, in combination with
said back cover, defining a depression within which said compact
disc may be placed.
29. The container of claim 18 wherein: said front cover further
comprises a slit on said inside front panel generally parallel to
an edge of said front cover opposite said edge of foldable
attachment between said back cover and said front cover; and said
back cover further comprises a slit on said inside back panel
generally parallel to an edge of said back cover opposite said edge
of foldable attachment between said back cover and said front
cover.
30. A container for retaining and storing a compact disc and
accompanying printed materials comprising: a back cover, said back
cover comprising an outside back panel and an inside back panel,
said outside and inside back panels sealed together at their
perimeters on at least one side thereof to form a unitary structure
for said back cover, said inside back panel and said outside back
panel defining a pocket therebetween; a front cover, said front
cover comprising an outside front panel and an inside front panel,
said outside and inside front panels sealed together at their
perimeters on at least one side thereof to form a unitary structure
for said front cover, said inside front panel and said outside
front panel defining a pocket therebetween, said front cover
foldably attached to said back cover along one edge thereof; and a
cover flap, said cover flap comprising an outside flap panel
attached to said front cover along one edge thereof, said flap
panel folding around said back cover when said front cover is
folded over said back cover, so as to retain said front cover and
said back cover in a closed configuration.
31. The container of claim 30 wherein said back cover and said
front cover are constructed from at least one sheet of clear
pliable plastic.
32. The container of claim 30 wherein said back cover and said
front cover are constructed from at least one sheet of paperboard
material.
33. The container of claim 30 wherein said back cover and said
front cover are constructed from a single sheet of material, said
sheet folded back on itself to form said outside and inside back
panels and said outside and inside front panels.
34. The container of claim 30 wherein: said back cover further
comprises an interior panel positioned between said outside and
inside back panels; and said front cover further comprises an
interior panel positioned between said outside and inside front
panels.
35. The container of claim 30 wherein: said back cover further
comprises a retention strip positioned across said inside back
panel and sealed at a first and second end thereof to the perimeter
of said inside back panel; and said front cover further comprises a
retention strip positioned across said inside front panel and
sealed at a first and second end thereof to the perimeter of said
inside front panel.
36. The container of claim 30 further comprising means for
facilitating the separation of said back cover from said front
cover, said facilitating means comprising a first component
positioned on said front cover and a second mating component
positioned on said back cover.
37. The container of claim 30 further comprising means for
facilitating the separation of said back cover from said front
cover, said facilitating means comprising a first component
positioned on said front cover and extending said front cover
beyond the dimensions of said back cover.
38. The container of claim 30 further comprising a retention post
positioned on said inside back panel, said retention post
comprising a cylindrical pedestal having a height small in
comparison to its diameter, wherein the diameter of said
cylindrical pedestal is approximately equal to the inside diameter
of a standard compact disc.
39. The container of claim 30 comprising: a first retention post
positioned on said inside back panel, said retention post
comprising a cylindrical pedestal having a height small in
comparison to its diameter, wherein the diameter of said
cylindrical pedestal is approximately equal to the inside diameter
of a standard compact disc; and a second retention post positioned
on said inside front panel, said retention post comprising a
cylindrical pedestal having a height small in comparison to its
diameter, wherein the diameter of said cylindrical pedestal is
approximately equal to the inside diameter of a standard compact
disc.
40. The container of claim 30 wherein said back cover further
comprises a spacing layer, said spacing layer, in combination with
said back cover, defining a depression within which said compact
disc may be placed.
41. The container of claim 30 wherein: said front cover further
comprises a slit on said inside front panel generally parallel to
an edge of said front cover opposite said edge of foldable
attachment between said back cover and said front cover; and said
back cover further comprises a slit on said inside back panel
generally parallel to an edge of said back cover opposite said edge
of foldable attachment between said back cover and said front
cover.
42. The container of claim 30 wherein said cover flap is
electrostatically charged.
43. A retention post for retaining a compact disc within a
container comprising: a cylindrical pedestal having a height small
in comparison to its diameter; and a thin, pliable element
positioned on and attached to a circular face of said cylindrical
pedestal, said pliable element extending incrementally beyond the
diameter of said cylindrical pedestal; wherein the diameter of said
cylindrical pedestal is approximately equal to the inside diameter
of a standard compact disc.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers made
of transparent material for storing both a compact disc and its
accompanying printed material. The invention relates more
specifically to an improved container for storing a compact disc
and printed material, that provides a releasable magnetic or
electrostatic means for maintaining the container in a closed
configuration.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] With the proliferation of the digital compact disc, there
has developed a need for a package design that will protect the
disc from scratches, abrasion, dust particles, and the like. The
most commonly used package at the present time is a hard plastic
container often referred to as a "jewel box". More recently, as a
result of the need to find a more economical and compact container,
several new compact disc storage devices have been introduced.
[0005] One alternative to the "jewel box" is a book-like cover with
pockets to hold both the printed material and the compact disc. An
example of such a design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,717
issued to Manning on Jun. 15, 1993. There are several drawbacks to
such designs. First, inserting and removing the compact disc from
the pocket can be quite difficult and often abrasive to the disc
surface. In addition, there is no specific mechanism for keeping
the cover closed once the compact disc has been inserted and the
container has been folded into a collapsed position. And thirdly,
in order for one to read the table of contents, typically on the
backside of the pamphlet insert, the cover must be opened.
[0006] A second attempt to produce a more economical and compact
container is a package constructed of paper with a central post to
hold the compact disc and further with an adhesive on the top of
the post to hold the package closed when the compact disc has been
inserted. An example of such a design is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,332,089 issued to Tillett et al. on Jul. 26, 1994. There are
three main disadvantages with this package design. First, the
adhesive used to hold the package closed has a limited life, with
dust and other particles rendering it useless within a short period
of time. Second, the package has no pockets for separate printed
materials as most often accompany a compact disc. And third,
because the cover is not completely sealed when in a closed
condition, dust and other particles can still settle on the surface
of the compact disc
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a flexible book-like cover
preferably made of transparent material for storing both a compact
disc and its accompanying printed material. A transparent pliable
plastic is preferably utilized for the basic components of the
cover. Other pliable or semi-rigid, planar materials such as paper,
paperboard, or cardboard, may also be used. The cover includes two
or more pockets that allow for insertion of printed material in a
manner that permits an individual to read every page of the
material without removing it from the cover. In addition, because
the cover has two pockets (at a minimum) for the printed material,
the table of contents of the compact disc (which is typically
printed on the back of the last page of the material) can be read
without opening up the cover.
[0008] The cover is constructed from a single rectangular strip of
transparent material which is folded back on itself at each end,
sealed on at least the three outer edges of the cover, and then
folded in half to form the book-like cover. The size of the
material to make the pockets is preferably smaller in width than
the outside face of the cover to form the pocket, but could be of
any size or shape. The inside layer of each pocket includes a slit
parallel to the spine and approximately 1/8" to 1/4" from the outer
edges to slip printed material through, and thus eliminate the need
to remove the printed material in order to read all pages of a
pamphlet. This is especially useful when the printed material is a
rectangular piece of paper folded into thirds with two separate
fold lines as is sometimes used in the recording industry. This is
also appropriate when there are multiple pages in the pamphlet
whereby the front and back pages are each inserted into the pockets
of the cover to secure the pamphlet in place. The remaining pages
can be temporarily secured by slipping them under the slit and are
easily freed to flip through for reading or viewing.
[0009] In order to reduce the amount of plastic utilized, instead
of full pockets, strips of transparent plastic (rather than a full
sheet) can be attached to the front and back inside of the covers.
These strips may be placed directly adjacent and parallel to the
spine, positioned directly in the center of each panel, directly
opposite but parallel to the spine, or diagonally across each
panel. In addition, a curved pocket in the shape of the CD, but
slightly larger, can be utilized.
[0010] A retention post is attached to the inside panel of either
the front or back cover, or both, and preferably includes a layer
of pliable material to hold the compact disc (or discs) in place,
requiring limited force to snap the compact disc into place and
also to remove it. One such retention post structure is an oblong
strip having the same thickness as the compact disc. Other more
conventional retention posts can be used, such as a round core or
pliable plastic tabs as are commonly used in the "jewel box"
design.
[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the spindle-like post is made
of a sponge-like, pliable but resilient material, preferably
transparent, and is used to hold the compact disc in place. The
post is slightly larger in diameter than the hole of the compact
disc and can be of a variety of shapes, i.e. round, oblong,
rectangular, etc. The thickness of the post is preferred to be the
same as the thickness of the compact disc so as to avoid any
creases or indentions. In addition, a paper-thin piece of plastic
(in one embodiment) is attached to the post, the plastic "cap"
being slightly larger in diameter than the post, thereby holding
the compact disc in place, but flexible enough to allow for easy
removal with minimum force.
[0012] To eliminate the creases often created by the shape of the
disc, a single sheet of transparent, non-pliable material can be
inserted in each of the pockets. A second alternative embodiment
involves doubling the thickness of the inside of the back and front
panels by extending the length of the rectangular plastic sheet
material and creating an additional fold prior to sealing. A third
method of preventing cover creasing involves constructing a cradle
(molded to shape of the compact disc) within which to set the
compact disc. When the cover is in a collapsed position, the cradle
provides a flat surface, thereby eliminating any depressions that
might cause creases or indentions. With such an embodiment, the
cradle could also double as a locking device to secure the CD into
place.
[0013] Flexible magnets are used to seal the cover closed in a
collapsed position. Alternatively, the cover may be held closed
using a combination of flexible magnets and flexible metallic
strips. The strips, when placed together to form the seal, are the
same thickness as the compact disc, thereby creating a flat
surface.
[0014] Other closures include the following which are applied to
the inside of the front cover so that the front cover adheres to
the back cover when in a closed position:
[0015] magnetic strips/strips of material containing metallic
particles;
[0016] electrostatic surfaces;
[0017] light adhesives;
[0018] velcro;
[0019] snaps;
[0020] plastic sealing strips (plastic food storage bags);
[0021] additional flap that folds over the closed cover.
[0022] To make opening the cover easier, the top portion of the
cover may be fractionally larger in width than the bottom portion
of the cover so as to allow the cover to be easily gripped. In a
second embodiment, a small section of a corner, such as a triangle,
is cut out of the top right hand corner of the backside of the
cover. In a third embodiment, a half moon shape is cut out of the
backside panel about the side of a human finger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the container of the
present invention shown in its open configuration.
[0024] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the layers of the
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1a.
[0025] FIG. 2a is plan view of the components of a first embodiment
of the present invention prior to construction.
[0026] FIG. 2b is perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
2a during construction.
[0027] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention shown prior to construction.
[0028] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the present invention shown in FIG. 3a during construction.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention shown with pocket slits on each cover.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention disclosing a partial pocket on the
cover.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention showing a plastic strip retainer on the
cover.
[0032] FIG. 7a is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention showing two plastic strips on the cover
centrally positioned.
[0033] FIG. 7b is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention showing two plastic strips in alternative
positions on the cover.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention showing two diagonal plastic retention
slips on the cover.
[0035] FIG. 9a is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention showing a finger grip cut-out on the back
cover.
[0036] FIG. 9b is a plan view of a partially constructed preferred
embodiment of the present invention showing a corner cut grip
configuration.
[0037] FIG. 9c is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention without the magnetic closures.
[0038] FIG. 9d is a plan view of a partially constructed embodiment
of the present invention showing an extended upper lip on the front
cover.
[0039] FIG. 9e is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment
of the present invention without the magnetic closures.
[0040] FIG. 9f is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment
of the present invention without the magnetic closures.
[0041] FIG. 10a is a plan view of the general structure for
retention of the compact disc in the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 10b-10f are detailed views of alternative means for
retaining the compact disc within the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] Reference is made first to FIG. 1a which is a perspective
view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
1a shows compact disc container (10) in its open configuration with
compact disc (20) positioned within. CD container (10) is comprised
primarily of back cover (12) to front cover (14). Connecting back
cover (12) and front cover (14) is flexible spine (22). Compact
disc (20) is positioned on back cover (12) by attachment to center
post (28) as described in more detail below.
[0044] The perimeters of both back cover (12) and front cover (14)
have flexible magnetic strips (32a) and (32b) as shown. Magnetic
strips (32a) and (32b) are positioned on the perimeter of back
cover (12) and front cover (14) with the exception of the edge of
each immediately adjacent to spine (22). Magnetic strips (32a) and
(32b) are oriented such that there is a magnetic attraction between
the strips when front cover (14) is closed over back cover (12).
Magnetic strips (32a) and (32b) may be adhesively positioned on the
inside surfaces of inside back panel (16) and inside front panel
(18), or as in the preferred embodiment, may be adhesively
positioned between the panel layers from which back cover (12) and
front cover (14) are constructed The manner in which magnetic
strips (32a) and (32b) may be positioned between these cover layers
will be understood from the description of the construction of back
cover (12) and front cover (14) as shown and described with respect
to FIGS. 2a-2b and 3a-3b below.
[0045] There are a number of additional features to CD container
(10), disclosed in FIG. 1a, that are described in greater detail
below. Inside back panel (16) and inside front panel (18) each
provide one wall of an envelope suitable for insertion of various
types of printed material. Inside back panel (16) retains both
pocket opening (34b) and slit (30b) suitable for the insertion of
printed material. Likewise, inside front panel (18) includes pocket
(34a) into which rigid plastic insert (26), shown in FIG. 1a, may
be inserted, as well as slit (30a) for insertion of additional
printed material. Finally, extended edge (24) is provided on front
cover (14) to facilitate the separation of front cover (14) from
back cover (12) when container (10) is in a closed condition.
[0046] FIG. 1b discloses a cross-sectional view of the embodiment
shown generally in FIG. 1a providing greater detail of the various
layers associated with the construction of CD container (10). In
FIG. 1b, back cover (12) and front cover (14) are shown in a closed
configuration. Spine (22) retains front cover (14) and back cover
(12) in close association in the closed condition. At an opposite
end, magnetic strips (32a) and (32b) retain the covers together. As
indicated above, magnetic strips (32a) and (32b) could alternately
be positioned between the layers of front cover (14) and back cover
(12) respectively.
[0047] Inside panels (16) and (18) are shown as they are positioned
coplanar with, and part of, covers (12) and (14) , respectively.
Slits (30a) and (30b) are shown in their appropriate positions on
panels (18) and (16).
[0048] Compact disc (20) is shown centered in the cross-sectional
view of FIG. 1b, positioned as it would be on retention post (28).
Compact disc (20) is retained on retention post (28) by any of a
number of different retention mechanisms described in more detail
below.
[0049] It should be noted that FIG. 1b is schematic in nature and
is not intended to represent the actual dimensions or geometries of
the cross-sectional structure of the present invention. It is
anticipated that little or no extra space would be present within
the container once in a closed condition. It is anticipated, for
example, that the separation provided by spine (22) and magnetic
strips (32a) and (32b) would be of a dimension approximately equal
to the thickness of compact disc (20) so as to provide as thin a
profile as possible from the constructed materials. It is also
anticipated that with certain embodiments, spine (22) could be
eliminated as a separate piece altogether through the attachment of
front cover (14) directly to back cover (12) as described in more
detail below.
[0050] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention
incorporates clear, pliable plastic material for the planar
components of the container, it is possible to substitute for such
plastic components, similar components constructed from other
pliable materials. Examples include paper, paperboard, and
cardboard sheets that are cut and configured in the same manner as
the plastic sheets described in the preferred embodiment. One of
the advantages provided by clear plastic sheet material is its
transparency for the purpose of exposing printed material that may
be contained within. Many components of the present invention,
however, do not require, and are not positioned appropriately for
the purpose of exposing contained printed material. It is therefore
possible to replace the clear plastic pliable material with other
sheetlike materials that may or may not be transparent. These could
include opaque plastic sheets as well as the above mentioned paper
products.
[0051] It should also be understood with the substitution of paper
products and the like for the pliable plastic material described in
the preferred embodiment, that alternative adhesive mechanisms
would be required for both the construction of the container and
the placement of various attachments to the container. For example,
whereas the clear plastic, pliable sheets might be heat sealed at
their perimeters in order to form the pockets described, paper
product sheet materials would require alternative forms of
adhesives to be placed between the layers in order to appropriately
seal the container covers and form the pockets described. Likewise,
alternative adhesives would be required for adhering the various
additional components of the container to the surfaces of the paper
product covers. Such adhesives and their ability to seal such paper
products are well known in the art.
[0052] While the use of opaque plastic sheet material and paper
products would eliminate the ability of the covers to be
transparent to printed material placed within the pockets therein,
such materials would have the added advantage of being generally
more "printable" in a manner that could ultimately replace the need
for the insertion of printed materials. Such printing directly on
the container of the present invention could be an alternative to,
or an addition to, printed materials placed within the container in
conjunction with the compact disc. Semi-transparent configurations
are also anticipated wherein designs or text are printed on the
surfaces of the clear plastic material. It is also anticipated that
combinations of plastic and paper product sheets could be utilized
for the various layers involved in the construction of the
container of the present invention. The rigid panel, for example,
inserted between the layers of the basic front and back cover
constructions could be made of a cardboard material while the cover
construction itself would be from a clear, pliable plastic. Other
combinations of materials are additionally anticipated.
[0053] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2a and 2b for a description
of the structure and the method of construction for a first
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a discloses a single
rectangular sheet of clear plastic material of a thickness
sufficient to be durable through repeated use, but pliable enough
to be folded and creased as indicated. The rectangular section of
plastic material is generally divided into four components along
three fold lines (40), (42) , and (44). Fold line (40) divides
inside back panel (16) from outside back panel (15), which together
make up back cover (12). Likewise, fold (42) separates inside front
panel (18) from outside front panel (17), which together make up
front cover (14). The spine of the container in this embodiment is
provided by fold (44) which separates front cover (14) from back
cover (12). Also shown in FIG. 2a are slits (30a) and (30b) cut
where appropriate in panels (16) and (18) so as to be positioned
for insertion of printed material when the container is
constructed.
[0054] As an alternative, the configuration shown in FIG. 2a could
be constructed from individual panels that are welded together
(instead of folded) at the seams indicated. In addition, panels
(15) - (18) could be comprised of plastic sheets of varying
thickness and rigidity. Panels (15) and (17), for example, could be
made of hard plastic to provide greater protection and a more rigid
shape.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 2b, the basic container is constructed
by folding the rectangular sheet of plastic as indicated above to
form back cover (12) and front cover (14). Once panel (16) is
closed over top of panel (15), and panel (18) closed over (17), the
edges of each panel may be adhesively sealed or heat sealed so as
to form pockets with the primary openings being slits (30a) and
(30b). The process of adhesively sealing or heat sealing the
perimeters of the panels as described serves to strengthen and
support the structure of the cover when complete. Subsequent
additions of the magnetic materials and the center posts are
described in more detail below.
[0056] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3a and 3b for a second
embodiment of the present invention incorporating an additional
length of clear plastic material to further strengthen the
container and to prevent the appearance of creases and indentations
on the outside covers as a result of impressions made by the
retained compact disc. In this embodiment additional panels (19)
and (21) are folded where indicated back over on panels (16) and
(18), prior to folding over panels (15) and (17), respectively. In
this manner a pocket is formed between panels (16) and (19)
accessible through slit (30b), as well as between panels (18) and
(21) accessible through slit (30a). Construction of the container,
shown in FIG. 3b, is accomplished much in the same manner as with
the "four panel" construction described above in FIGS. 2a and 2b.
Each cover now contains three layers of panels, which are
adhesively sealed or thermally sealed to form appropriate pockets.
In this configuration (FIG. 3b) a total of four pockets might
easily be constructed, the first two accessible through slits (30a)
and (30b), and a second two accessible by means of the open edges
of the panels along spine fold line (44). This would be similar to
the construction described in FIG. 1a providing for pockets (34a)
and (34b).
[0057] The configuration described in FIGS. 3a and 3b provides the
additional advantage of increased layering to prevent the formation
of creases and indentations visible on the outside surfaces of the
back and front covers. This is an alternative to or an addition to
the use of a thin but rigid clear plastic insert as shown in FIG.
1a for preventing the formation of creases and indentations. Such a
clear plastic rigid insert could be utilized in conjunction with
either the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b or the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.
[0058] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4-8 for detailed descriptions
of various methods and structures for retaining printed materials
within the compact disc container. Each of the figures show the
compact disc in its open configuration with back cover (12) on one
side and front cover (14) on the other. Magnetic strips (32a) and
(32b) are shown as they are positioned around the perimeters of
back cover (12) and front cover (14). Inside panels (16) and (18)
are shown as they would be exposed in this open configuration.
[0059] In FIG. 4, the simplest construction would include the
components as described in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The result comprises
two layers for each cover with access between the layers provided
by slits (50a) and (50b) . In this manner appropriate printed
material can be slipped between the layers of the covers in order
that they may be exposed to both the inside and outside of the
container.
[0060] In FIG. 5, half pocket (52) replaces slit (50a) on front
cover (14) as a means for insertion and retention of printed
material. Alternatively, half pocket (52) could be sized and shaped
so as to retain a second compact disc within the holder. In
addition, half pocket (52) should be slightly oversized so as to
bow outward from panel (18) to easily receive the compact disc or
printed material. Likewise in FIG. 6, plastic strip (54) replaces
slit (50a) as a means for retaining printed material within the
confines of magnetic strips (32a) and against front panel (18). In
each case (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) slit (50) remains on back panel (16)
for the insertion of printed material therein.
[0061] In FIGS. 7a and 7b, both slits (50a) and (50b) are replaced
with plastic strips (54a) and (54b) centered on panels (18) and
(16) as shown (FIG. 7a), or otherwise positioned to facilitate the
insertion of printed materials (FIG. 7b). Finally, in FIG. 8,
diagonal plastic strips (56a) and (56b) are positioned on front
cover (14) and back cover (12) for the retention of printed
materials.
[0062] In each case where a strip of plastic replaces some portion
of the basic cover construction, such strips are adhered to the
covers in the same manner as the cover layers are sealed together.
In other words, half pocket (52) shown in FIG. 5, as well as
plastic strips (54) shown in FIGS. 6, 7a, and 7b, are adhered at
their end points where they contact the perimeters of panel (18)
for the front cover, and (16) for the back cover. In each case the
center retention post suitable for retaining the compact disc, has
been removed from the drawings for clarity.
[0063] In FIGS. 4-8, the positioning of magnetic strips (32a) and
(32b) about the perimeters of back cover (12) and front cover (14)
is clearly shown. The construction of these magnetic strips could
take a number of forms depending upon the raw material used for the
magnetic surfaces. It is anticipated that the thickness of the
material could be as little as half the thickness of a standard
compact disc such that the combined thicknesses of two layers of
the magnetic material would equal that of the compact disc. It is
typical to acquire such magnetic strips in long, narrow sections
such as are shown in the drawing, and to construct a perimeter seal
by piecing together three such long, narrow sections as
indicated.
[0064] Alternative embodiments of the present invention could
include more or less magnetic material, depending upon the
tightness with which the container needs to be closed. In a simpler
construction, for example, small magnetic discs could be positioned
on the front cover and back cover at the corners as a means for
retaining the covers closed together. The preferred embodiment,
however, is to provide a magnetic seal fully around the perimeter
of the container so as to prevent the intrusion of dust and other
particles. In yet another embodiment, a metallic strip might be
substituted for one of the two sections of magnetic material so as
to further reduce the cost and/or the thickness of the construction
of the container.
[0065] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9a through 9f for alternative
structures for facilitating the opening and closing of the
container. In FIG. 9a, a half moon shaped cut-out (60) is made in
back cover (12) so as to facilitate the separation of front cover
(14) from back cover (12) when magnetic strips (32a) and (32b) are
engaged in maintaining the covers closed. Cut-out (60) permits the
user to insert either a finger or thumb against an exposed inside
surface of front cover (14) and thereby separate it from back cover
(12). This may be in addition to or as an alternative to edge (24)
shown in FIG. 1a, also provided to facilitate the separation of the
covers.
[0066] FIG. 9b discloses an alternative whereby corner (62) is cut
from back cover (12) and matches with raised corner (64) positioned
on front cover (14). This configuration has the advantage of
providing a flat profile both back and front and still provides a
point at which the front cover may be grasped and separated from
the back cover.
[0067] FIG. 9c discloses an even simpler construction of the basic
invention, eliminating the need for the use of magnetic strips
altogether. In FIG. 9c, back cover (12) is constructed of a
pliable, clear plastic material as described above. Compact disc
(20) is positioned as shown, and back panel (16) folds against
front panel (18) as described with the previous embodiments.
Retaining the covers together, however, involves slipping corner
(66) of back cover (12) under corner pocket (64), positioned and
attached to front panel (18) of front cover (14). Since the
material of back cover (12) is flexible, corner (66) may bend
around the edge of compact disc (20) sufficiently to permit the
insertion of corner (66) into pocket (64) in a manner that retains
back cover (12) closed against front cover (14).
[0068] FIG. 9d discloses an embodiment wherein an extended lip (65)
is provided on front panel (18) to facilitate separation of front
cover (14) from back cover (12) in the process of opening the
container. Extended lip (65) may be constructed of a more rigid
material in order to allow the user an area to grip and thereby
"pry apart" the two covers (14) and (12).
[0069] FIGS. 9e and 9f show two alternative configurations of the
basic invention, each of which, like the structure shown in FIG.
9c, eliminates the need for magnetic strips. In FIG. 9e, flap (67)
is either an extension of front panel (18) or is a separate segment
welded to front panel (18). In either case, flap (67) is positioned
such that when front cover (14) is closed against back cover (12),
flap (67) may fold around the back of back cover (12) to secure the
container in a closed configuration. FIG. 9f shows a similar
embodiment with flap (69) extending from a top (orthogonal) edge of
front panel (18). The embodiments shown in FIGS. 9e and 9f do not
require the use of an additional means for maintaining the
container closed but do lend themselves to the use of the above
mentioned electrostatic means for closure. In this case, the inside
surface of flaps (67) and (69) are electrostatically charged so as
to be attracted to the outside surface of back cover (12).
[0070] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10a-10d for a detailed
description of various mechanisms for positioning and retaining
compact disc (20) within the confines of container (10). In
general, compact disc (20) is to be positioned centrally on back
panel (16) of back cover (12), generally as described with respect
to FIG. 1a. As indicated above, however, it is anticipated that a
mechanism for positioning and retaining a compact disc could
alternately or additionally be placed on inside panel (18) of front
cover (14). The structure and function of the retention mechanisms
described herein for positioning on inside back panel (16) are
likewise applicable to such mechanisms positioned on inside front
panel (18). The present invention could therefore serve to retain
two compact discs within the confines of the container. Various
combinations of attachment means are anticipated. These
combinations include variations for both center post (28), shown in
FIG. 10a, and variations on the construction of inside back panel
(16). In one configuration inside back panel (16) is comprised of
either a multi-layer panel with a full rectangular sheet of clear
plastic material and a partial sheet of spacing material with a
portion cut out to the dimensions of compact disc (20).
Alternately, back panel (16) could be a formed sheet of material
providing a depression (70) suitable for retaining compact disc
(20). In either case, the primary structural component serving to
retain and position compact disc (20) is center post (28).
[0071] FIGS. 10b-10d disclose three alternative mechanisms for
retaining compact disc (20) on center post (28). The goal of each
of these mechanisms is to provide a secure means of attaching
compact disc (20) to center post (28) and yet still permit its easy
removal for use. FIG. 10b discloses a center post (28) constructed
of pedestal (72) and circular cap (74). Pedestal (72) is typically
a thin, dense foam material cut into a disc and adhesively
positioned on inside back panel (16) in a central location. On top
of pedestal (72) is positioned a pliable, thin, plastic sheet (74)
having a diameter slightly greater than that of pedestal (72).
Pedestal (72) has a diameter approximately equal to or slightly
less than the diameter of the hole found in most compact discs. In
this manner, pressure on the compact disc down around center post
(28) pushes the compact disc past pliable cap (74) to a position
surrounding pedestal (72). Cap (74), once the compact disc pushes
past it, snaps back into a position that partially retains the
compact disc in place.
[0072] FIG. 10c discloses a mechanism similar to that shown in FIG.
10b but with a pliable retention material only partially extending
from the pedestal. In FIG. 10c, pedestal (76), again typically a
dense, firm rubber disc or the like having a diameter equal to or
slightly less than the diameter of the central hole in a compact
disc, retains tab (78) on its upper surface. Post (76) is
adhesively positioned on inside back panel (16) so as to receive
compact disc (20). Once again, compact disc (20) pushes past or
over flexible tab (78) to a point surrounding post (76). Tab (78)
snaps back into position once compact disc (20) has pushed past it
in a manner that allows tab (78) to partially retain compact disc
(20) in place.
[0073] FIG. 10d discloses a structure well known in the art for
retaining compact discs in place in such configurations as the
above described "jewel boxes". This hard plastic twelve point star
configuration provides a plurality of flexible star point posts
(80) which each have a raised portion (82) defining a circular rim
having a diameter equal to the inside diameter of the hole in the
compact disc.
[0074] FIGS. 10e and 10f disclose two additional configurations
possible for retaining compact disc (20) on center post (28). In
FIG. 10e, center post (28) is comprised of pedestal (72) and a
plurality of star point tabs (84). In a manner similar to the
configuration shown in FIG. 10c, tabs (84) serve to hold the CD in
place once it is pushed down over pedestal (72) past tabs (84).
FIG. 10f is a modification of the structure shown in FIG. 10b with
only a crescent shaped tab (86) extending beyond the diameter of
pedestal (72).
[0075] Each of the above described mechanisms for retaining the
compact disc on a center post could be implemented with the basic
features of the present invention. The preferred embodiment
utilizes the construction shown in FIG. 10c because of its
simplicity and ease of use. The pliable materials utilized in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 10c are consistent with the materials
utilized in the construction of the container as a whole. Although
not critical to the construction of the container, it is desirable
to eliminate as many hard plastic components as possible. It is
believed that the protection to be afforded a compact disc lies
less with the need to provide rigidity to the container and more
with the need to adequately retain the compact disc in place and
provide a sufficiently enclosing seal to prevent dust particles and
the like from intruding into the container, and further to provide
a durable surface to prevent scratching and abrasion to the compact
disc.
[0076] Although the present invention has been described with
respect to a number of preferred embodiments, it is anticipated
that those skilled in the art will become aware of alternative
embodiments not described here that fall within the scope of the
invention. Although the basic material utilized for constructing
the present invention is preferably a clear, plastic, pliable
material, alternative non-clear, and in some instances non-plastic
sheets, might be utilized under certain conditions. It is possible,
for example, that instead of having printed paper material to be
inserted into the container, the container panels themselves could
be constructed of opaque plastic material that may be directly
printed on. Colored, transparent, or semi-transparent panels are
also anticipated by the present invention.
[0077] Those skilled in the art will also anticipate variations on
the mechanisms for maintaining the covers closed against one
another. In addition to the various configurations described for
the magnetic strips, electrostatic attraction could be utilized to
maintain the covers closed. There are, for example, plastic
materials suitable for forming dielectric surfaces that adhere one
to another when properly positioned. Such could be the construction
of the inside back and front panels so that positioning them in
close proximity provides an electrostatic attraction that
temporarily and partially seals the covers closed.
[0078] Finally, those skilled in the art will anticipate a number
of variations on the mechanism for centrally supporting the compact
disc within the container. While one goal of the present invention
is to eliminate the use of pockets for retaining the compact disc
(primarily to eliminate the need to slide the compact disc in and
out of a potentially abrasive envelope), there are yet a variety of
mechanisms for both retaining the compact disc on a center post and
surrounding it with a molded back panel to prevent its slippage
from side to side.
[0079] The primary features of the present invention include its
simplified construction from a pliable yet durable material in a
manner that provides both for the placement of the compact disc and
the placement of printed materials within the container. The
container itself is maintained closed by magnetic or electrostatic
forces in a manner that eliminates the need for most if not all of
the mechanical closure components of the heretofore typical jewel
box container.
* * * * *