U.S. patent application number 10/185596 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-02 for storage case.
This patent application is currently assigned to Autronic Plastics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lax, Michael, Libohova, Agjah I..
Application Number | 20030000856 10/185596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26881276 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030000856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lax, Michael ; et
al. |
January 2, 2003 |
Storage case
Abstract
A software storage case for storing optically readable
information or software storage media such as CD-ROMs having an
enclosure for receiving literature related to the software and a
brace disposed over the enclosure to hinder the movement of the
literature so received. The storage case also includes a retainer
for retaining optically readable information or software storage
media and a biasing element to assist in securing the recording
media retained by the retainer.
Inventors: |
Lax, Michael; (Westbury,
NY) ; Libohova, Agjah I.; (Bronx, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
|
Assignee: |
Autronic Plastics, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26881276 |
Appl. No.: |
10/185596 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60301383 |
Jun 27, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/310 ;
206/308.1; G9B/33.011 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427 20130101;
E05B 73/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/310 ;
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage case comprising: a first cover; a second cover, said
first and second covers being relatively movable between an open
position and a closed position; a recording media retainer adapted
to receive at least one recording media when said first and second
covers are in the open position, said recording media retainer
being disposed on a major surface of said first cover; and a
biasing element for making contact with a recording media retained
by said recording media retainer to hinder the motion of the same
when said first and second covers are in the closed position.
2. A storage case according to claim 1, further comprising an
enclosure for receiving literature.
3. A storage case according to claim 2, wherein said enclosure is
disposed on said second cover.
4. A storage case according to claim 2, further comprising a brace
disposed over said enclosure, wherein literature is received
between said brace and said second cover.
5. A storage case according to claim 4, wherein said brace includes
a first portion that is substantially parallel to a major surface
of said second cover and a second portion that extends at an angle
away from said first portion.
6. A storage case according to claim 4, wherein said biasing
element is disposed on said brace.
7. A storage case according to claim 1, wherein said biasing
element comprises a spring.
8. A storage case according to claim 1, further comprising another
biasing element, said biasing element being spaced at least as wide
as the diameter of the central opening of a conventional recording
media.
9. A storage case according to claim 8, wherein said recording
media retainer will be disposed between said springs when said
first and second covers are in the closed position.
10. A storage case according to claim 2, wherein said enclosure
comprises a plurality of walls each parallel to an edge of said
second cover and extending perpendicular from a major surface
thereof.
11. A storage case according to claim 1, further comprising a spine
flexibly attached at opposing edges thereof to an edge of said
cover and an edge of said second cover, respectively.
12. A storage device according to claim 11, wherein each of said
first cover and said second cover is flexibly connected to said
spine at a proximal edge thereof, and wherein each cover includes a
pair of spaced vertical walls positioned parallel to a distal edge
thereof, further comprising a plurality of spaced loops disposed
between each pair of said spaced walls, each loop having an
opening, wherein said loops are arranged so that their respective
openings register with one another when said first and second
covers are in the closed position to provide a free path for
receiving a locking member.
13. A storage case according to claim 12, wherein said first cover
includes a pair of opposing vertical walls extending parallel to
edges adjacent to said proximal edge thereof, and said second cover
includes a pair of opposing vertical walls extending parallel to
edges adjacent to said proximal edge thereof, said pair of opposing
walls of said first cover being spaced wider than said pair of
opposing walls of said second cover so that when said first and
second covers are in the closed position said pair of opposing
walls on said first cover receive said pair of opposing walls of
said second cover.
14. A storage case according to claim 1, wherein said recording
media retainer comprises a plurality of tabs arranged around a
circle having a diameter that is substantially equal to the
diameter of the central opening of a recording media.
15. A storage case according to claim 14, wherein each of said tabs
includes an enlarged free end having a curved exterior, and wherein
each tab is flexibly attached to said first cover.
16. A storage case according to claim 14, further comprising an
annular ring disposed around said recording media retainer and
extending from said first cover.
17. A storage case according to claim 14, further comprising a
plurality of spaced arcuate walls disposed about said recording
media retainer, said walls being arranged about a circle having a
diameter that is larger than the diameter of a recording media.
18. A storage case according to claim 17, further comprising raised
portions disposed between said spaced vertical arcuate walls, said
raised portions extending from said first cover to a height that is
lower than a height of said spaced arcuate walls.
19. A storage case according to claim 1, wherein said second cover
includes an opening that serves as a window into an interior of
said recording media storage device.
20. A storage case comprising: a first cover; a second cover, said
first and second covers being relatively movable between an open
position and a closed position; a recording media retainer adapted
to receive at least one recording media when said first and second
covers are in the open position and said recording media having a
central opening, said recording media retainer being disposed on a
major surface of said first cover; an enclosure disposed on said
second cover for receiving literature; and a brace disposed over
said enclosure to hinder the movement of literature received in
said enclosure.
21. A storage case according to claim 20, wherein said brace
includes a first portion that is substantially parallel to a major
surface of said second cover and a second portion that extends at
an angle away from said first portion.
22. A storage device according to claim 20, wherein said enclosure
comprises of a plurality of walls each parallel to an edge of said
second cover and extending perpendicular from a major surface
thereof.
23. A storage case according to claim 19, further comprising a
spine flexibly attached at opposing edges thereof to an edge of
said cover and an edge of said second cover, respectively.
24. A storage device according to claim 23, wherein each of said
first cover and said second cover is flexibly connected to said
spine at a proximal edge thereof, and wherein each cover includes a
pair of spaced vertical walls positioned parallel to a distal edge
thereof, further comprising a plurality of spaced loops disposed
between each pair of said spaced walls, wherein said loops are
arranged so that their respective openings register with one
another when said first and second covers are in the closed
position to provide a free path for receiving a locking member.
25. A storage case according to claim 24, wherein said first cover
includes a pair of opposing vertical walls extending parallel to
edges adjacent to said proximal edge thereof, and said second cover
includes a pair of opposing vertical walls extending parallel to
edges adjacent to said proximal edge thereof, said pair of opposing
walls of said first cover being spaced wider than said pair of
opposing walls of said second cover so that when said first and
second covers are in the closed position said pair of opposing
walls on said first cover receive said pair of opposing walls of
said second cover.
26. A storage case according to claim 20, wherein said recording
media retainer comprises a plurality of tabs arranged around a
circle having a diameter that is substantially equal to the
diameter of the central opening of a recording media.
27. A storage case according to claim 26, wherein each of said tabs
includes an enlarged free end having a curved exterior surface, and
wherein each tab is flexibly attached to said first cover.
28. A storage case according to claim 26, further comprising an
annular ring disposed around said recording media retainer and
extending from said first cover.
29. A storage case according to claim 26, further comprising a
plurality of spaced arcuate walls disposed about said recording
media retainer, said walls being arranged about a circle having a
diameter that is larger than the diameter of a recording media.
30. A storage case according to claim 29, further comprising raised
portions disposed between said spaced vertical arcuate walls, said
raised portions extending from said first cover to a height that is
lower than a height of said spaced arcuate walls.
31. A storage case according to claim 20, wherein said second cover
includes an opening that serves as a window into an interior of
said recording media storage device.
32. A storage case according to claim 20, further comprising a
biasing element, wherein said biasing element is oriented opposite
to said major surface of said first cover and makes contact with a
recording media retained by said recording media retainer to hinder
the motion of the same when said first and second covers are in the
closed position.
33. A storage case according to claim 32, wherein said biasing
element is disposed on said brace.
34. A storage case according to claim 33, wherein said biasing
element comprises a spring.
35. A storage case according to claim 32, further comprising
another biasing element, said biasing element being spaced at least
as wide as the diameter of the central opening of a conventional
recording media.
36. A storage case according to claim 35, wherein said recording
media retainer will be disposed between said springs when said
first and second covers are in the closed position.
37. A storage case according to claim 20, wherein said brace is
structured and arranged to hold literature that is at least about
one-half inch thick.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/301,383, filed on Jun. 27, 2001, by
Michael Lax and Agjah I. Libohova, entitled "Software Storage
Case", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a storage case for storing
a recording media such as optically readable information storage
media and associated literature and more particularly to a storage
case for holding computer software and its related literature.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] As the sale of recording media, such as software that is
stored on a CD, CD-ROM or DVD continues to grow, retailers are
being faced with the opportunity to increase their profits by
increasing the volume of their sales. Two major factors, however,
affect the potential for profits which may be obtained by an
increase in the volume of sales in this field. The first factor
concerns loss due to theft. The second factor is the inefficient
use of retail space which limits the number of items that may be
displayed for sale on the retail floor.
[0006] To address the first problem, at times, retailers display
their products behind locked glass windows. While such a practice
may reduce theft, it tends to retard sales as it requires the
assistance of sales attendants as opposed to allowing the shoppers
to help themselves thereby speeding up the sales process.
[0007] To prevent theft, the products such as a CD-ROM and its
associated literature, have been packaged in large display boxes.
Such packaging may hinder theft by making it more complicated for a
thief to gain access to the contents of the package, but reduces
the density of products that can be put on the shelves as it
increases the size of each package.
[0008] It is thus highly desirable to reduce the size of packaging
of interactive media, such as software, while maintaining or
improving its security so as to retard or prevent loss due to theft
and increase sales by increasing the density of products on the
shelves.
[0009] Of course, the size of a storage case may depend on the
products that it stores. Today's software products often include
more than recording media, e.g., up to three or more CD-ROMs, on
which computer readable software instructions are stored, and
associated literature such as a user manual, warranty information
etc. The associated literature also tends to be thick and bulky.
Thus, it is necessary to have a storage case that can accommodate a
plurality of recording media and associated literature, even if
bulky.
[0010] It is, therefore, desirable to have a storage case that can
accommodate software products that is as small as possible to
increase the density of products on the retail floor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
storage case that is reduced in size compared to conventional
packages.
[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a storage
case that is more secure so that it may be displayed on the retail
floor without theft.
[0013] A storage case according to the present invention can store
recording media, such as CD-ROMs, and includes an enclosure which
may receive literature even if bulky that is related to the media
which is stored therein such as a user manual, warranty information
etc.
[0014] A storage case according to the present invention also
includes security features that retard theft.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a storage case according to the
present invention utilizes locking systems which have been
described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/696,614
entitled "Case and Lock with Improved Disc Protection", filed on
Oct. 25, 2000, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/858,457
entitled "Case With Internal Lock", filed May 6, 2001, the entire
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Such
locking systems are highly secure and space efficient. Also, such
locking systems can be equipped with tags- which may be readable by
sensors to prevent theft.
[0016] A storage case according to the present invention includes a
hub or retainer member for holding conventional recording media
such as CD-ROMs, and a biasing element which assists in securing
the media in place when received by the retainer. The biasing
element helps to reduce the size of the storage case because it
provides the ability to secure more than one recording media on the
retainer.
[0017] A preferred embodiment of a storage case according to the
present invention includes a first cover; a second cover; a spine
flexibly attached at opposing edges thereof to an edge of the first
cover and an edge of the second cover respectively; and a recording
media retainer adapted to receive at least one recording media, the
retainer being disposed on a major surface of the first cover.
[0018] According to one aspect of the invention an enclosure is
provided on the second cover to receive literature. A brace is
disposed over the enclosure to further secure the literature
received therein. According to one aspect of the invention the
brace includes a portion that is parallel to the second cover and
another portion that extends from the first portion at an angle so
that literature may be inserted between the brace and the second
cover more easily.
[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the brace is
raised sufficiently high above the second cover to receive and
retain bulky or thick literature therein.
[0020] According to another aspect of the invention the storage
case includes a biasing element which is oriented opposite to a
major surface of the first cover and makes contact with a recording
media held by the retainer to hinder the motion of the same when
the storage case is closed. The biasing element may be a spring and
may be disposed over the brace, if one is provided.
[0021] According to another aspect of the invention another biasing
element, which may also be a spring, can be provided. The second
biasing element may be spaced from the first biasing element at a
distance that is at least as wide as the diameter of the central
opening of a conventional recording media. The two biasing elements
will be positioned so that the recording media retainer will be
disposed between them when the storage case is closed.
[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of the invention
which refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a bottom plan view of a conventional recording
media.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the interior of a storage
case according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a retainer for retaining
a conventional recording media.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the exterior of a storage
case according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the interior of a
storage case according to the present invention showing literature
as received within the storage case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of a recording media 10 according
to a conventional design. According to the conventional design,
recording media 10 is circular and has a circular central opening
12. Typically, a concentric ring 14 is disposed around opening 12.
Concentric ring 14 is usually devoid of any optically readable
information. Optically readable information storage media such as
compact disks (CDs), CD-ROMs and DVDs are examples of such
recording media, although it should be realized by those skilled in
the art that the storage case of the present invention can be used
with any and all types of recording media. As is well known,
CD-ROMs are used for storage of computer readable information
and/or computer readable instructions (software). When sold,
software is often accompanied with literature pertaining to, for
example, the use of software, or other literature such as warranty
information.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a software storage case 16 according to the
present invention. Software storage case 16 includes first cover 18
and second cover 20, and spine 22 which is flexibly attached at
opposing longitudinal edges thereof to an edge of first cover 18
and an edge of second cover 20, respectively. Due to the flexible
attachment, first cover 18 may pivot toward second cover 20, and
second cover 20 may pivot toward first cover 18. Thus, the flexible
attachment of spine 22 to first cover 18 acts as a hinge between
spine 22 and first cover 18 and the flexible attachment of spine 22
to second cover 18 acts as a hinge between spine 22 and second
cover 20. This arrangement is commonly referred to as a living
hinge.
[0030] First cover 18 has disposed on a surface thereof a hub or
recording media retainer 24. Recording media retainer 24 may be
adapted to receive one or more recording media as desired.
Preferably, retainer 24 is adapted to receive three recording media
as schematically suggested in FIG. 5, although it can be adapted to
hold more than three.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of retainer 24. Referring to
FIG. 3, retainer 24 includes a plurality of spaced tabs 26. Tabs 26
are arranged around a circle having a diameter that is
substantially equal to the diameter of central opening 12 (FIG. 1)
of a conventional recording media 10 (FIG. 1). Each tab 26 includes
an enlarged free end 28 and an opposing end which is attached to
first cover 18. Each enlarged end 28 includes a curved exterior
surface. To utilize recording media retainer 24, central opening 12
of a conventional recording media 10 is substantially aligned with
tabs 26. When conventional recording media 10 is forced downwardly
toward first cover 18, each tab 26 is elastically deformed thereby
allowing its respective free end to slip into opening 12 (FIG. 1)
of conventional recording media 10. Once recording media 10 is
moved further toward first cover 18 past enlarged free ends 28 of
tabs 26, tabs 26 automatically return to their undeformed positions
and make contact with the annular wall 12'(FIG. 1) of opening 12
and due to friction, retain recording media 10 in a position
substantially parallel to first cover 18.
[0032] Cylinder 30 may be disposed on first cover 18 and within the
space created by tabs 26. Cylinder 30 is spaced from tabs 26 to
allow adequate room for each tab 26 to be deformed when recording
media 10 is being received by recording media retainer 24. However,
cylinder 30 is close enough so as not to allow tabs 26 to be
deformed too far inwardly to prevent breakage or permanent
deformation of tabs 26.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an annular ring 32 is disposed
on first cover 18 and about recording media retainer 24. Annular
ring 32 has a diameter which is preferably more than the diameter
of opening 12 and less than the diameter of concentric ring 14 of a
conventional recording media 10 (FIG. 1), and rises to a height so
as to space the bottom of recording media 10 that is received by
retainer 24 from first cover 18. Because the diameter of annular
ring 32 is smaller than the diameter of concentric ring 14 (FIG. 1)
of recording media 10, annular ring 32 will not make contact with
those portions of recording media 10 that contain optically
readable information, which portions are typically outside of
concentric ring 14 (FIG. 1).
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of spaced arcuate walls 34
are disposed on first cover 18 and about recording media retainer
24. Arcuate walls 34 are arranged around a circle having a slightly
larger diameter than the diameter of recording media 10 (FIG. 10).
Arcuate walls 34 rise to about the height of recording media
retainer 24. Once a recording media 10 is received by recording
media retainer 24, arcuate walls 34 hinder its lateral movement
thereby contributing to its secured retention.
[0035] Disposed between arcuate walls 34 and on first cover 18 are
a plurality of raised portions 36. Raised portions 36 rise to a
height below the height of arcuate walls 34 and equal to or
slightly below the height of annular ring 32. Raised portions 36
may make contact with the outer edge of recording media 10 (FIG. 1)
when it is received by retainer 24. Such contact may occur, for
example, when recording media 10 (FIG. 1) that is received by
recording media retainer 24 is removed.
[0036] A recording media 10 may be removed by two opposing fingers
of a user placed at opposing regions on the outer edge of a
recording media 10 (FIG. 1) that is received by recording media
retainer 24. The downward pressure applied to the retained
recording media 10 during this procedure may cause a slight
deformation of recording media 10, as it may be pressed against
annular ring 32. Raised portions 36 prevent recording media 10
(FIG. 1) from being pressed too far downwardly, thereby averting
accidental breakage of recording media 10 during its removal.
[0037] Storage case 16 may utilize a locking mechanism that is
described in detail in copending U.S. application Ser. No.
09/858,457 described above. For convenience, a brief description of
the locking mechanism follows. As described above, first cover 18
is flexibly attached at a proximal edge 19 thereof to spine 22,
while second cover 20 is flexibly attached at a proximal edge 21
thereof to spine 22. First cover 18 has disposed opposite and
parallel to its proximal edge a pair of spaced parallel walls 38,
40. Similarly, a pair of spaced parallel walls 42, 44 are disposed
on second cover 20 opposite and parallel to its proximal edge. A
plurality of spaced loops 46 are disposed between spaced parallel
walls 42, 44 on the second cover. Also, a plurality of spaced loops
48 are disposed between spaced parallel walls 38, 40 on first cover
18. Loops 46, which are disposed between spaced parallel walls 42,
44 on second cover 20, are longitudinally aligned with one another.
The longitudinal positions of the loops 46 and 48 are different
such that the loops 46 have a staggered relationship with respect
to the loops 48 and loops 48 which are disposed between spaced
parallel walls 38, 40 on first cover 18 are aligned with one
another. The longitudinal positions of the loops 46 and 48 are
different such that the loops 46 have a staggered relationship with
respect to the loops 48. When software storage case 16 is closed,
that is, when first cover 18 and second cover 20 are brought close
to one another, loops 48 which are disposed between spaced parallel
walls 38, 40 will be positioned between the loops 46 which are
disposed between spaced parallel walls 42, 44 and vice versa to
provide a free path 45 (FIG. 4). A locking member comprising a
substantially straight bar 47 (FIG. 4) is then received in free
path 45 by each loop 46, 48 to secure the first cover and the
second cover to one another.
[0038] First cover 18 has disposed thereon a pair of opposing
vertical walls 50, 52, which are disposed adjacent to its proximal
edge 19. Opposing vertical walls 50, 52 each have an extended
portion 50a, 52a. Second cover 20 also has disposed thereon a pair
of opposing vertical walls 54, 56 which are adjacent to its
proximal edge 21. The respective extended portions 50a, 50b of
opposing vertical walls 50, 52, on first cover 18 are spaced apart
slightly further than opposing vertical walls 54, 56 so that when
software storage case 16 is closed extended portions 50a, 52a of
opposing vertical walls 50, 52 will be positioned outside opposing
vertical walls 54, 56 of second cover 20 respectively as shown
schematically in FIG. 4. This arrangement improves the security of
software storage case 16 by providing a double-wall structure that
makes it more difficult to compromise software storage case 16, by,
for example, prying it open to gain access to its contents.
Optionally, filler layers 58 may be provided on exterior portions
of opposing vertical walls 54, 56 of second cover 20 to cover those
portions of the exterior of opposing vertical walls 54, 56 which
are not covered by extended portions 50a, 52a of respective
opposing vertical walls 50, 52. These and other security features
are described in more detail in copending U.S. application Ser. No.
09/696,614 described above.
[0039] The innermost one 42 of spaced parallel walls 42, 44 and
opposing vertical walls 54, 56 create an enclosure that can receive
literature, such as a booklet or other written material such as
warranty material, etc. An opening 59 in second cover 20 serves as
a window which may be used to display portions of literature that
is received in the literature enclosure. Optionally, a short wall
57 may be disposed on second cover 20 near and parallel to its
proximal edge 21. Short wall 57, when provided, will further
restrict the lateral movement of any literature received in the
enclosure that is created by opposing vertical walls 54, 56 and
innermost one 42 of spaced parallel walls 42, 44. First cover 18
also has disposed near its proximal edge a short vertical wall 51.
Short wall 51 ensures that first cover 18 will not pivot beyond a
vertical position relative to spine 22. The same function is
substantially performed by short wall 57 of second cover 20. Thus,
when software storage case 16 is closed, first cover 18 and second
cover 20 will be oriented substantially vertical to spine 22, and
thus parallel to one another as first cover 18 is pivoted about is
proximal edge 19 when, for example, software storage case 16 is
closed.
[0040] According to an aspect of the present invention, brace 60 is
provided over the literature enclosure. Brace 60 extends between
opposing vertical walls 54, 56 of second cover 20. Brace 60,
preferably includes first portion 60a which is substantially
parallel to second cover 20 and a second portion 60b which slopes
at an angle away from second cover 20 thereby providing a wide
opening for receiving literature in the literature enclosure. FIG.
5 shows software storage package 16 which has received in its
literature enclosure an item of literature. Preferably, brace 60 is
configured to receive thick or bulky literature that is at least
1/2" thick. Also, preferably software storage package 16 meets the
size requirements recommended by IEMA (Interactive Entertainment
Merchants Association) for a downsized software storage case. The
IEMA recommended dimensions are 71/2" by 51/4" by 11/8".
[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, at
least one biasing element (e.g. 62, 64) is provided to make contact
with at least one recording media, and preferably up to three, that
is retained by recording media retainer 24 when software storage
package 16 is closed. To make contact with a recording media
retained on recording media retainer 24, biasing element (e.g. 62,
64) is oriented in a direction opposite to first cover 18 when
software storage case 16 is closed. Biasing elements 62, 64 in the
preferred embodiment of the invention are springs and biased
towards the recording media when storage case 16 is closed. The
biasing elements 62, 64 should be sufficiently biased to securely
hold from one to three or more recording media on retainer 24 when
case 16 is closed. Preferably, biasing elements 62, 64 are
sufficiently resilient and contact the recording media on the
unrecorded portion, thereby preventing damage to the recording
media.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, biasing elements 62, 64 are
spaced at least as wide as the diameter of central opening 14 of a
conventional recording media 10 (FIG. 1). Also, according to an
aspect of the invention, biasing elements 62, 64 are disposed on
brace 60. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, recording
media retainer 24 will be disposed between biasing elements 62, 64
when software storage case 16 is closed, thus providing biasing
force evenly over a recording media retained by recording media
retainer 24.
[0043] A software case according to a preferred embodiment is made
from an environmentally friendly recyclable polypropylene copolymer
and is 71/2" by 41/4" by 1/2" when closed. A preferred embodiment
of the present invention is thus smaller than conventional
packages, which saves retail space thus allowing retailers to
display up to three times more products on the shelves. A software
case according to the preferred embodiment can accommodate a
booklet that is 63/4" by 41/4" by 1/2" up to a booklet that is
7{fraction (1/16)}" by 41/2" by 1/2".
[0044] A package according to the present invention is advantageous
in that it: conforms to the size standards set by IEMA and their
retailers; provides customers with compact and permanent storage
cases which are easy to use as opposed to boxes which are discarded
after use; provides customers with environmentally friendly
packaging as it is made from recyclable material and it is capable
of being reused to package other products when it is returned;
includes a reusable lock which further makes it environmentally
friendly; and furthers energy efficiency in that it can be produced
by low energy injection molding.
[0045] Preferably, a software case according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention can have a clear sleeve
disposed on its exterior to receive graphic inserts that can be
11{fraction (1/16)}" by 7{fraction (9/32)}".
[0046] A software case according to the present invention lends
itself easily to packaging automation such as the packaging
automation used for the packaging of DVDs in which the graphic
insert and the recording media are first automatically inserted
into the case and then the booklets are inserted in a
semi-automatic station.
[0047] A software case according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention utilizes: an internal lock system with double
acting catches that makes the case smaller; internal double
overlapping walls which hinders theft by spreading the case apart;
and a stronger body and particularly a reinforced spine which makes
it more difficult to compromise the case by cutting it. The lock
used in the preferred embodiment can have security tags placed
thereon or can accommodate coil technology.
[0048] Although the present invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present
invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but
only by the appended claims.
* * * * *