U.S. patent application number 11/017152 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for media storage disc case.
This patent application is currently assigned to Forward Electronics Manufacturing Company Limited. Invention is credited to Chung Fai Cheung.
Application Number | 20060131191 11/017152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36594337 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060131191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheung; Chung Fai |
June 22, 2006 |
Media storage disc case
Abstract
A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs comprises a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a
flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially
perpendicular thereto, each flange comprises a connecting member
for engaging with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray
to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each
flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for
supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture
and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the
complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge.
Inventors: |
Cheung; Chung Fai;
(Aberdeen, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Assignee: |
Forward Electronics Manufacturing
Company Limited
|
Family ID: |
36594337 |
Appl. No.: |
11/017152 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 ;
G9B/33.015 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/045 20130101;
B65D 85/544 20130101; B65D 77/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/30 20060101
B65D085/30 |
Claims
1. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs comprising a hinge comprising an elongate spine with
a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially
perpendicular thereto, each flange including a connecting member
for engaging with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray
to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each
flange, and at least one tray comprising a central aperture for
supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture
and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the
complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge.
2. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 1 wherein each tray includes a
protrusion positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge.
3. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 2 wherein each flange on the
hinge includes a recess for each tray that complements the
protrusion on the tray so that when the hinge and trays are
connected together the tray may rotate about an axis between the
recesses on the flanges and the protrusions on the tray(s).
4. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 1 wherein each tray includes a
recess positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge.
5. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 4 wherein each flange on the
hinge includes a protrusion for each tray that complements the
recess on the tray so that when the hinge and trays are connected
together the tray may rotate about an axis between the protrusions
on the flanges and the recesses on the tray(s).
6. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 1 wherein each hinge is adapted
to fit a pair of trays.
7. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 1 wherein each tray further
comprises a central aperture for retaining a digital media storage
disc on a rosette within the central aperture.
8. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 1 wherein each tray is arranged
to retain the digital media storage disc on the outer side of the
tray when connected to the hinge.
9. A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media
storage discs as claimed in claim 6 wherein each tray further
comprises side walls that engage with the side walls of another
tray to form a central enclosure between the trays when
engaged.
10. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs comprising a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange
at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular
thereto, each flange including a connecting member for engaging
with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate
about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, at
least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a
recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least
one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary
connecting member on each flange of the hinge, and a cover
comprising a first face and a second face joined by a spine, the
cover partially housed between the hinge and the at least one
tray.
11. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein each tray includes a
protrusion positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge.
12. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 11 wherein each flange on the hinge
includes a recess for each tray that complements the protrusion on
the tray so that when the hinge and trays are connected together
the tray may rotate about an axis between the recesses on the
flanges and the protrusions on the tray(s).
13. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein each tray includes a recess
positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge.
14. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 13 wherein each flange on the hinge
includes a protrusion for each tray that complements the recess on
the tray so that when the hinge and trays are connected together
the tray may rotate about an axis between the protrusions on the
flanges and the recesses on the tray(s).
15. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein each hinge is adapted to fit a
pair of trays.
16. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein each tray further comprises a
central aperture for retaining a digital media storage disc on a
rosette within the central aperture.
17. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein each tray is arranged to
retain the digital media storage disc on the outer side of the tray
when connected to the hinge.
18. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 15 wherein each tray further comprises
side walls that engage with the side walls of another tray to form
a central enclosure between the trays when engaged.
19. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein the cover includes two flaps
extending from the ends of the spine.
20. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 19 wherein the hinge includes two
apertures, one near each of the flanges through which the flaps of
the cover may extend. In this embodiment the flaps of the cover are
housed between the hinge and the tray(s) of the case.
21. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein the spine of the cover is
housed between the hinge and tray(s) of the case.
22. A case for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs as claimed in claim 10 wherein the cover includes third and
fourth faces that provide a lock arrangement to hold the cover in a
closed position about the trays.
23. A method for forming a case for containing recorded or
recordable media storage discs comprising the steps of providing a
hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the
spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each
flange including a connecting member for engaging with a
complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an
axis between the connecting member on each flange, at least one
tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a recorded or
recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least one
connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary
connecting member on each flange of the hinge, a cover comprising a
first face and a second face joined by a spine, positioning the
spine of the cover between the spine of the hinge and the at least
one tray and bringing the hinge and at least one tray together so
that the complementary members on the hinge and tray(s)
connect.
24. A method for forming a case for containing recorded or
recordable media storage discs comprising the steps of providing a
hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the
spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each
flange including a connecting member for engaging with a
complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an
axis between the connecting member on each flange, the spine of the
hinge further including two apertures one near each flange, at
least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a
recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least
one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary
connecting member on each flange of the hinge, a cover comprising a
first face and a second face joined by a spine, the spine including
two flaps, one at each end of the spine, the cover partially housed
between the hinge and the at least one tray, positioning the cover
around the outside of the hinge with the flaps of the cover
projecting through the apertures on the spine of the hinge, folding
the flaps towards the hinge, and bringing the hinge and at least
one tray together so that the complementary members on the hinge
and tray(s) connect.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to cases for media storage
discs and in particular to cases where the hinge and trays assist
in retention of a cover.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Recorded digital media such as digital versatile discs (DVD)
and similar recorded media are typically stored and presented in
cases. Many of these cases are of a book or wallet type design
where the discs are retained on a central rosette. When multiple
digital media storage discs need to be stored these are either
located on hinged trays dependant to the inside of the case or the
case folds out into a plurality of sections each of which provides
for a disc.
[0005] Digital media storage cases typically house a digital media
storage disc on a central rosette inside the back face, a front
face and a spine. The front and back faces have side walls that can
be releasingly engaged to open and shut the case. The front and
back walls can be moved together and apart by folding of the case
about the spine. The areas between the spine and the front and back
faces of the case are typically formed from weaker or more flexible
areas than the spine and faces of the case.
[0006] There is, however, no way of making use of the external
front or back of the case for containing more discs or of easily
and scalably arraying such cases together to make a large or
multiple disc storage assembly.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
digital media storage case that goes at least some way to meeting
the shortcomings of the prior art, or to at least provide the
public with a useful choice.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly to the present invention there is provided a
hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media storage
discs comprising a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange
at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular
thereto, each flange including a connecting member for engaging
with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate
about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, and at
least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a
recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least
one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary
connecting member on each flange of the hinge.
[0009] Preferably each tray includes a protrusion positioned to
engage with each flange on the hinge. In this embodiment preferably
each flange on the hinge includes a recess for each tray that
complements the protrusion on the tray so that when the hinge and
trays are connected together the tray may rotate about an axis
between the recesses on the flanges and the protrusions on the
tray(s).
[0010] In an alternative embodiment each tray includes a recess
positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge. In this
embodiment preferably each flange on the hinge includes a
protrusion for each tray that complements the recess on the tray so
that when the hinge and trays are connected together the tray may
rotate about an axis between the protrusions on the flanges and the
recesses on the tray(s).
[0011] Preferably each hinge is adapted to fit a pair of trays.
[0012] Preferably each tray further comprises a central aperture
for retaining a digital media storage disc on a rosette within the
central aperture.
[0013] Preferably each tray is arranged to retain the digital media
storage disc on the outer side of the tray when connected to the
hinge.
[0014] Preferably each tray further comprises side walls that
engage with the side walls of another tray to form a central
enclosure between the trays when engaged.
[0015] Accordingly to the present invention, in another embodiment,
there is provided a case for containing recorded or recordable
media storage discs comprising a hinge comprising an elongate spine
with a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially
perpendicular thereto, each flange including a connecting member
for engaging with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray
to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each
flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for
supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture
and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the
complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge, and a
cover comprising a first face and a second face joined by a spine,
the cover partially housed between the hinge and the at least one
tray.
[0016] In one embodiment the cover includes two flaps extending
from the ends of the spine.
[0017] In one embodiment the hinge includes two apertures, one near
each of the flanges through which the flaps of the cover may
extend. In this embodiment the flaps of the cover are housed
between the hinge and the tray(s) of the case.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment the spine of the cover is
housed between the hinge and tray(s) of the case.
[0019] In one embodiment the cover includes third and fourth faces
that provide a lock arrangement to hold the cover in a closed
position about the trays.
[0020] Accordingly to the present invention, in another embodiment,
there is provided a method for forming a case for containing
recorded or recordable media storage discs comprising the steps of
providing a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at
each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular
thereto, each flange including a connecting member for engaging
with a complementary member of a tray to allow a tray to rotate
about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, at
least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a
recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least
one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary
connecting member on each flange of the hinge, a cover comprising a
first face and a second face joined by a spine, positioning the
spine of the cover between the spine of the hinge and the at least
one tray and bringing the hinge and at least one tray together so
that the complementary members on the hinge and tray(s)
connect.
[0021] Accordingly to the present invention, in another embodiment,
there is provided a method for forming a case for containing
recorded or recordable media storage discs comprising the steps of
providing a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at
each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular
thereto, each flange comprising a connecting member for engaging
with a complementary member of a tray to allow a tray to rotate
about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, the
spine of the hinge further including two apertures, one near each
flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for
supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture
and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the
complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge, a
cover comprising a first face and a second face joined by a spine,
the spine including two flaps, one at each end of the spine, the
cover partially housed between the hinge and the at least one tray,
positioning the cover around the outside of the hinge with the
flaps of the cover projecting through the apertures on the spine of
the hinge, folding the flaps towards the hinge, and bringing the
hinge and at least one tray together so that the complementary
members on the hinge and tray(s) connect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention will be further described by way of example
only and without intending to be limiting with reference to the
following drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of hinge and
trays for retaining digital storage media discs;
[0024] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of part of one embodiment of
hinge including a flange and trays;
[0025] FIG. 2B is a view of a rosette on one tray for retaining
digital storage media discs;
[0026] FIG. 2C is a view of a closing device for a pair of
trays;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separated hinge and trays
for retaining digital storage media discs;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of hinge,
cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage
media discs;
[0029] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital
storage media discs;
[0030] FIG. 5B is another perspective view of a second embodiment
of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital
storage media discs;
[0031] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a multi-hinge and tray case
for retaining digital storage media discs;
[0032] FIG. 6B shows one embodiment of cover that may be used with
the multi-hinge and tray case for retaining digital storage media
discs;
[0033] FIG. 6C shows a second embodiment of cover that may be used
with the multi-hinge and tray case for retaining digital storage
media discs;
[0034] FIG. 7A shows a lock that may form part of a cover;
[0035] FIG. 7B shows one embodiment of cover including the lock of
FIG. 7A;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of hinge
and trays for retaining digital storage media discs;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a separated hinge and trays
for retaining digital storage media discs;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of hinge,
cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage
media discs;
[0039] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital
storage media discs;
[0040] FIG. 11B is another perspective view of a second embodiment
of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital
storage media discs; and
[0041] FIG. 11C is a close up view of a portion of one embodiment
of cover and hinge of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of hinge 1 and trays 2, 3 for
retaining digital storage media discs. The digital media storage
discs may be CD (compact discs), VCD (video compact discs), DVD
(digital versatile discs) or the like.
[0043] While FIG. 1 shows the invention applied to a set of two
trays the hinge and cover of the invention may be combined with
only a single tray or a plurality of trays.
[0044] Trays 2 and 3 include a means for retaining a digital media
storage disc provided by a rosette member 9 as shown in FIG. 2B
adapted to engage with the central aperture of a disc. The rosette
member is normally of a flexible kind so that it can be moved to
assume a position where the disc can be released. The rosette
however is normally in a retaining condition so that when a disc is
engaged with the rosette the rosette will securely retain the disc
and prevent the disc from moving off the rosette.
[0045] The rosette in the preferred form of the invention is
provided substantially centrally in an aperture on the trays 2, 3
and in a manner so that when it is retaining a disc it holds the
disc substantially parallel to the trays 2, 3. The rosette will
support a disc on a platform raised above the major surface of the
tray so that the recorded region of the disc (which will normally
be the surface of the disc facing the base) is held in a manner so
that it does not touch any part of the tray. The disc is hence
normally suspended above the inwardly facing major surface of the
tray.
[0046] The rosette member 9 will engage at the perimeter of the
central aperture of a disc and will also extend through the
aperture and may for example include a catch or lip feature which
will engage with part of the upwardly facing surface (the surface
facing away from the base) of the disc. The catch or lip will
locate on top of the disc and prevent it from moving axially off
the rosette. The rosette 9 may for example be a push release like
rosette where a person pushing down (towards the base) on the
rosette will then release the disc therefrom.
[0047] Trays 2 and 3 may also include finger inserts arrayed around
the periphery of the central aperture to allow access and removal
of a disc easily from the central aperture. The trays are arranged
so that the digital media storage discs are retained in the outer
faces of the trays.
[0048] Trays 2 and 3 also include perimeter wall upstands 7 and 8
which define a central enclosure when the trays are brought
together. The central enclosure may be used to store information,
for example printed information about the content stored on the
digital storage discs.
[0049] In preferred embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2C, on the outer
surface of the perimeter wall upstand 8 of tray 3 there are
provided means 5 to engage with a portion 6 of the perimeter wall
upstand 7 of tray 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 these means
include protrusions on portion 5 and corresponding recesses or
apertures in portion 6. Pushing on portion 5 will push the portions
inwards and release tray 3 from tray 2. In alternative embodiments
other engagement means may be provided to engage the trays. These
engagement means could include but are not limited to perimeter
wall upstands, magnets and clasps.
[0050] Trays 2 and 3 further include connecting means 10 and 11 one
embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 3. In the tray embodiment
shown in FIG. 3 the connecting means 10 and 11 on trays 2 and 3 are
protrusions that connect with complementary recesses 12 and 13 on
hinge 1. In alternative embodiment different connecting means may
be used to connect the trays and hinge. For example, the connecting
means may be recesses on the trays and protrusions on the hinge. It
should be noted that the recesses when provided on the hinge are
shown as holes in FIG. 3. The recesses could instead extend only
partially through the hinge.
[0051] As can further be seen in FIG. 3 trays 2 and 3 include
rounded ends extending between the connecting members. These
rounded ends assist in allowing rotation of the trays about the
hinge when connected thereto and when the trays are not engaged
together.
[0052] FIG. 2A shows a portion of the hinge connected to the trays.
This shows that the trays can rotate about the hinge when connected
to the hinge. If the trays are engaged together in preferred
embodiments they will not rotate about the hinge.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of hinge 1. Hinge 1
comprises a spine 14, upper flange 15, lower flange 16 and
connecting members 12 and 13. Hinge 1 further comprises
corresponding connecting members (not shown) on lower flange 16.
The connecting members on the upper and lower flanges are arranged
to connect with complementary connecting members on trays arranged
to retain digital media storage discs. The number of connecting
means provided on the hinge will depend on the number of trays to
be connected to the hinge.
[0054] In some embodiments hinge 1 includes apertures 17 and 18
that extend through the hinge and assist in retaining a cover as
will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of case for retaining digital
media storage discs in its component parts. The case includes a
hinge, two trays and a cover 19. The cover includes a front face
20, a back face 21 and a spine 22. The cover may be fabricated from
paper, plastics or a combination of paper and plastics. In one
embodiment the cover is formed from polypropylene. The front and
back faces of the cover are substantially the same size as an outer
face of a tray.
[0056] In the embodiment of case shown in FIG. 4 the case is formed
by first engaging the trays 2 and 3 with each other. After the
trays are engaged the cover is positioned around the trays so that
the front face of the cover covers tray 3 and the back face of the
cover covers tray 2. Alternatively the cover could be aligned with
hinge 1 so that the spine of the cover abuts hinge 1 between the
flanges of the hinge. In either arrangement the trays and hinge are
then connected by pushing the trays and hinge together. This
results in a case where the front and back faces of the cover
covers the trays and the cover is retained in position between the
trays and the hinge.
[0057] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a second embodiment of case. In this
embodiment cover 19 includes a front face, 20, back face 21 and
spine 22 as before. In addition cover 19 includes flaps 23 and 24
that extend from the spine.
[0058] The case is formed as shown in FIG. 5B. In this embodiment
the case is formed by folding flaps 23 and 24 of the cover and
inserting the flaps through apertures 17 and 18 in hinge 1. The
flaps are then folded over to lie flat against the hinge. The trays
are also engaged with each other. After inserting the flaps of the
cover though the apertures of the hinge and engaging the trays
together the hinge is connected to the trays by pushing the hinge
and trays together.
[0059] The present invention can also be used to connect multiple
sets of trays and hinges together with a single cover. FIG. 6A
shows an example of this with six hinges and six sets of trays. As
can be seen in FIG. 6A the spine of the cover has been extended to
the width of the hinges so that the front and back faces of the
cover still cover the outer faces of the outer trays.
[0060] FIGS. 6B and 6C show covers for the different embodiments of
the invention adapted to fit a set of six cases. The cover shown in
FIG. 6B will fit between the hinges and the sets of trays and the
cover shown in FIG. 6C includes flaps that will fit through
apertures on the hinges.
[0061] It should be noted that although the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C include six sets of hinges and
trays the invention is not limited to number and any number of
hinges and sets of trays may be provided in the invention.
[0062] When multiple trays are to be arranged together in an array
in preferred embodiments a cover is included to form a case. This
allows a plurality of hinges to be used. In this embodiment the
cover keeps the array together. In alternative embodiments a single
hinge with a connecting means on each flange for each tray may be
used. In this embodiment a cover is not essential as the hinge will
keep the array of trays together.
[0063] FIGS. 7A and 7B show an embodiment of cover including a
lock. As can be seen in FIG. 7B the cover 19 includes extensions 25
and 26 from the sides. These extensions are arranged to protrude
past the ends of trays in use and be folded around the front of the
trays. One extension includes a tab 27 and the other extension
includes a slot 28. In use the cover is formed with the hinge and
trays into a case. When required the extensions of the cover can be
folded over the front of the trays and the tab 27 can be fitted
through slot 28 to hold the sides of the cover in position.
[0064] It should be noted that the lock described above can be
provided with either embodiment of cover previously described and
whether or not the cover is arranged for a single tray, a pair of
trays or an array of trays.
[0065] FIGS. 8 to 11 show the invention applied to smaller hinges,
covers and trays as may be provided when the digital media storage
disc is a CD.
[0066] The foregoing describes the invention including preferred
forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated in the
scope hereof as defined by the accompanying claims.
* * * * *