U.S. patent application number 12/227033 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for media package.
This patent application is currently assigned to MeadWestvaco Corporation. Invention is credited to John A. Gelardi, Richard Roth.
Application Number | 20090159473 12/227033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38694453 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090159473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roth; Richard ; et
al. |
June 25, 2009 |
Media Package
Abstract
Disclosed is a media package that includes a media tray assembly
and a protective cover. The media tray assembly includes at least
one media-carrying component and a first latching element. The
protective cover is configured to receive the media tray assembly
and has a second latching element that engages the first latching
element, thereby securing the media tray assembly with the
protective cover.
Inventors: |
Roth; Richard; (New York,
NY) ; Gelardi; John A.; (Wake Forest, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION;ATTN: IP LEGAL DEPARTMENT
1021 MAIN CAMPUS DRIVE
RALEIGH
NC
27606
US
|
Assignee: |
MeadWestvaco Corporation
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
38694453 |
Appl. No.: |
12/227033 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 9, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/11217 |
371 Date: |
November 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60799072 |
May 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0427
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/57 20060101
B65D085/57 |
Claims
1) A package for carrying media comprising: a) an assembly of
media-carrying components, each of the media-carrying components
being adapted and configured for engaging media, the assembly
having a first latching element associated therewith; b) a
protective cover adapted and configured for receiving and covering
at least a portion of the assembly of media-carrying components,
the protective cover having a second latching element associated
therewith, c) wherein when the assembly of media-carrying
components is inserted into the protective cover, the first
latching element engages with the second latching element to
inhibit removal of the assembly from the protective cover.
2) The package of claim 1, wherein the media is a recorded disc
medium.
3) The package of claim 1, wherein the media is a printed
medium.
4) The package of claim 1, wherein the media-carrying components
are trays.
5) The package of claim 1, wherein each of the media-carrying
components is adapted and configured to interlock with adjacent
media-carrying components.
6) The package of claim 1, wherein the media-carrying components of
the assembly are attached along a common edge thereof.
7) The package of claim 6, wherein the media-carrying components
are mutually attached with a flexible binding.
8) The package of claim 6, wherein the media-carrying components
are mutually attached with an intermediate element having a hinge
element.
9) The package of claim 6, wherein each media-carrying component is
mutually attached to at least one other adjacent media-carrying
component by way of a hinge element integrated therein.
10) The package of claim 1, wherein the first latching element is a
pawl or button and the second latching element is an aperture or
recess defined by the protective cover.
11) The package of claim 1, wherein the first latching element is
an aperture or recess defined by a wall of the media-carrying
component and the second latching element is a pawl or button.
12) The package of claim 1, wherein the first latching element is
carried by, formed in or formed on one of the media-carrying
components.
13) The package of claim 1, wherein the first latching element is
carried by, formed in or formed on a plurality of the
media-carrying components.
14) The package of claim 1, wherein the first latching element is
formed near a plurality of sides of the assembly to enable
insertion and latching of the assembly into the protective cover in
a plurality of orientations.
15) The package of claim 1, wherein either the assembly or
protective cover further comprises a stop to prevent the assembly
from entering the protective cover beyond a predetermined
point.
16) The package of claim 15, wherein the protective cover comprises
said stop.
17) The package of claim 15, wherein the stop is provided on the
assembly, near a hinge of the assembly.
18) The package of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is a
sleeve.
19) The package of claim 18, the protective cover further
comprising an end cap secured to one end of the sleeve to define an
internal recess for receiving the assembly.
20) The package of claim 19, wherein the second latching element is
positioned in the end cap.
21) The package of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is shaped
to resemble an object based on a theme related to the media
contained within the package.
22) The package of claim 1, wherein the protective cover is formed
to include a contoured surface.
23) A package for carrying media comprising: a) an assembly
including a plurality of media-carrying components, the
media-carrying components including one or more trays configured
for carrying media, the assembly further including a first latching
element; and b) a protective sleeve configured for receiving the
assembly, the sleeve having a second latching element capable of
engaging the first latching element and preventing the removal of
the assembly from within the protective sleeve.
24) A package for carrying media comprising: a) an assembly having:
i) at least one media-carrying component; and ii) a first latching
element; and b) a protective cover configured for receiving the
assembly, the protective cover having a second latching element
capable of engaging the first latching element.
25) The package of claim 24, the assembly further comprising at
least one cover element hingedly attached thereto.
26) A method for packaging media, the method comprising: a)
providing an assembly of media-carrying components, each of the
media-carrying components being adapted and configured for engaging
media, the assembly having a first latching element associated
therewith; b) providing a protective cover adapted and configured
for receiving and covering at least a portion of the assembly, the
protective cover having a second latching element associated
therewith; c) inserting media into at least one of the
media-carrying components; and d) inserting the assembly into the
protective cover, the first latching element engaging with the
second latching element to inhibit removal of the assembly from the
protective cover.
27) A method for packaging media, the method comprising: a)
providing an assembly including a plurality of media-carrying
components, the media-carrying components including one or more
trays configured for carrying media, the assembly further including
a first latching element; and b) inserting media into at least one
of the media-carrying components; c) providing a protective sleeve
configured for receiving the assembly, the sleeve having a second
latching element capable of engaging the first latching element;
and d) inserting the assembly into the protective sleeve,
permitting the first and second latching elements to engage one
another.
28) A method for packaging media, the method comprising: a)
providing an assembly having: i) at least one media-carrying
component; and ii) a first latching element; b) inserting media
into the at least one media-carrying component; c) providing a
protective cover configured for receiving the assembly, the
protective cover having a second latching element capable of
engaging the first latching element; and d) inserting the assembly
into the protective cover, permitting the first and second latching
elements to engage one another.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/799,072, filed May 9, 2006, entitled "Media
Package," the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to packages for containing
media such as compact discs or DVD discs. Particularly, the present
invention is directed to a package for carrying media comprising an
assembly that has at least one media-carrying component and a
protective cover configured and adapted to receive the at least one
media-carrying component, each of which includes a latching element
for engaging the other.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A variety of media containers are known in the art for
storage, transport and/or sale of media, such as compact discs
("CDs"), digital video discs ("DVDs") and the like. Of such
devices, many include a simple hinged case into which a disc is
inserted. Multiple disc packages often include a case and a
plurality of disc trays formed in or attached to the case.
Typically, such trays, are not easily removed from the outer
container.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a container for storing
media, such as CDs and DVDs, which is economical to manufacture and
capable of containing multiple storage trays which are easily
removable by a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be
set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. The
present invention provides a media container for transport, display
and/or storage of one or more media discs, for example. The subject
media container includes features that allow a user to remove one
or more discs from a protective cover, as well as a latching
feature that allows the one or more discs to be securely held
within the protective cover.
[0008] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied, the invention includes
an assembly and a protective cover. The assembly has a plurality of
media-carrying components, which are configured and adapted for
engaging media held thereby, and a first latching element. The
protective cover is capable of covering at least a portion of the
assembly and has a second latching element. The assembly is adapted
and configured for insertion into the protective cover, wherein the
first latching element engages the second latching element to
inhibit removal of the assembly from the protective cover.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
media package includes an assembly and a protective sleeve. The
assembly includes a plurality of media-carrying components, which
in-turn include one or more trays capable of carrying media. The
assembly further includes a first latching element. The protective
sleeve is adapted and configured for receiving the assembly and has
a second latching element, which engages the first latching element
upon insertion of the assembly.
[0010] In accordance with the invention, the media is a recorded or
printed medium, and can be, for example, a disc. The media-carrying
components can be trays and can interlock with adjacent
media-carrying components. The media-carrying components can be
attached along a common edge thereof and can be mutually attached
with a flexible binding. Alternatively, the media-carrying
components can be mutually attached with an intermediate element
having a hinge element or mutually attached to adjacent media
carrying components by way of integrated hinging elements.
[0011] In accordance with the invention, the first latching element
can be, for example, a pawl or button and the second latching
element can be, for example, an aperture or recess defined in a
wall of the protective cover. It should be noted that the first
latching element can be associated with the protective cover and
that the second latching element with the assembly of
media-carrying components. The first latching element can be
carried by, formed in or formed on one or a plurality of the
media-carrying components. Further, the first latching element can
be formed near a plurality of sides of the assembly to enable
insertion and latching of the assembly into the protective cover in
a plurality of orientations.
[0012] Further, the assembly or cover can comprise a stop to
prevent the assembly from entering the cover beyond a predetermined
point. The stop can be provided on the assembly, near a hinge of
the assembly.
[0013] In accordance with the invention, the protective cover can
be a sleeve and can further comprise an end cap secured to one end
of the sleeve to define an internal recess for receiving the
assembly. A latching element can be provided in the end cap.
[0014] Also in accordance with the invention, the protective cover
can be shaped to resemble an object based on a theme related to the
media contained within the package, and can include a contoured
surface.
[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention
claimed.
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the
invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed invention appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a first representative
embodiment of a media container in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric end view of the container of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 3a is an isometric end view of the container of FIG. 1
with the media tray assembly partially removed;
[0021] FIG. 3b is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 3a;
[0022] FIG. 3c is a view of the tray assembly of FIGS. 3a and
3b;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an isometric end view of a second representative
embodiment of a media container in accordance with the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an isometric end view of the media container of
FIG. 4, where the media tray assembly is removed from a protective
cover;
[0025] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a
media container in accordance with the invention, with FIG. 6a
illustrating the media tray assembly removed from the protective
cover and the individual trays fanned apart along the hinge
axis;
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates the media container of FIGS. 6a and 6b
with the media tray assembly partially removed from the protective
cover;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a
media container insert in accordance with the invention;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the media container tray
assembly of FIG. 8, illustrating an optional hinged arrangement
between adjacent trays; and
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates two alternate embodiments for trays of
media containers in accordance with the invention.
[0030] These and other features of the containers of the present
invention will become more readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description
of preferred embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures for the
purpose of describing, in detail, preferred and exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures and accompanying
detailed description are provided to describe and illustrate
exemplary manners in which the disclosed subject matter may be made
and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.
[0032] The media packages presented herein may be used for
transport, display and/or storage of media, such as recorded and/or
printed media. The present invention is particularly suited for use
with recorded media in disc format, such as audio CDs, video DVDs
and the like. Advantageously, the subject media packages are also
suited for additionally or alternatively conveying printed
material, such as a booklet.
[0033] For the purposes of explanation and illustration, and not
limitation, FIGS. 1-2 and 3a-3c illustrate a first representative
embodiment of a media package in accordance with the present
invention, designated generally by reference character 100. Other
embodiments of a media package in accordance with the invention,
and aspects thereof, are provided in FIGS. 4-10, and are described
hereinbelow.
[0034] In accordance with the invention, media package 100 is
provided including a media tray stack 230 having a plurality of
media-carrying components 331a-331d and a first latching element.
The media package 100 also includes a protective cover capable of
covering at least a portion of the media tray stack and having a
second latching element associated therewith. The media tray stack
is capable of being inserted into the protective cover, and the
first latching element is capable of engaging the second latching
element to inhibit removal of the media tray stack from the
protective cover.
[0035] When in use, media is housed in media tray stack 230, which
is in-turn housed within a protective cover 110 or case. The
protective cover can include printed material, which can be
provided in the form of a sleeve 115. The sleeve 115, as embodied
in FIGS. 1-2 and 3a-3c, is slid over the protective cover 110, and
is held in place at one end by an expanded width portion 120 of the
cover 110, and at the other end by an end cap 125, which engages
the main body portion of the cover 110. Alternatively, the sleeve
115 can be secured to the cover 110 by an adhesive or other
fastening means. Alternatively still, the printed material can be
printed directly onto the cover 110, or can be provided by way of
planar adhesive stickers, for example.
[0036] The cover 110 includes five walls: an end wall 215; top and
bottom walls 216a, 216b; and two edge walls 217a, 217b. The sixth
side of the cover, as embodied, includes an aperture 332 for
insertion of the media tray stack 230. It is to be understood that
the cover can vary from this configuration. For example, the cover
can be a "partial" cover, such as one having only top and edge
walls. The cover 110 has rigidifying ribs 313 formed in at least
one of the top and bottom walls to strengthen the cover 110 and to
protect the media stored within the package. Optionally, a window
117 can be provided to allow viewing of the contents within the
cover 110. As illustrated, a user can see through both the sleeve
115 and cover 110 by virtue of a transparent region in the sleeve
115 and an aperture 117 formed in the sidewall of cover 110, to see
the media trays 230. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and 3a-3c, a
stop 312 is provided in the form of a step in the cover 110.
[0037] A media tray stack 230, including a plurality of abutting
and/or connected trays 331a-331d, which directly hold media, is
received by the protective cover through aperture 332 formed at one
end thereof. As illustrated, the uppermost media tray 331d is a
disc tray, and includes a disc-holding detent 338 and a central
spindle 339 (or rosette) for directly engaging a media disc. The
individual media trays 331a-331d of the assembly 230 can be joined
along a common edge by a flexible binding 333 as illustrated, or by
another hinge means, as described in further detail below in
connection with other embodiments. The binding 333 can be of any
suitable material, but is preferably a plastic film, fabric, paper
or composite material attached to the media trays by an adhesive.
Such configuration is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/259,341, filed Sep. 27, 2002, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
7,070,048 on Jul. 4, 2006, which is expressly incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. Moreover, the media tray stack 230
can be housed in a folded jacket as described in the foregoing
reference, which entire assembly can be inserted into the cover 110
in accordance with the invention.
[0038] Alternatively, a book-like stack of trays with a cover,
wherein the spine of the cover includes an extra fold to better
accommodate an opened stack, such as that described in U.S. Patent
Application Publication 2007/0000803, dated Jan. 4, 2007
(corresponding to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,556,531) and
International Patent Application Number PCT/US2004/015201
(published as WO2004/102573), can be substituted for the media tray
stack 230. The foregoing patent applications are expressly
incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.
[0039] Alternatively still, the trays 331a-331d can simply stack on
top of one another, preferably engaging one another to inhibit
relative movement therebetween when stacked. For example, if each
of the trays 331a-331d of assembly 230 is formed to include
indentations 335 to facilitate removal of tray contents by a user,
the indentations 335 can be formed such that a complementary
contour on the lower face of the tray results. For example, when
stacked, the lower face of the tray 331d, at indentation 335 nests
adjacent to an upper surface of the tray 331c immediately below, at
the indentation 335. Such matching contours can be provided at
other locations, in connection with other features, in each of the
media trays 331a-331d. Alternatively still, mating elements for the
express purpose of securing successive trays to one another can be
provided. Since the cover 110 prevents relative movement of the
trays 331a-331d from one another normal to their surface, relative
transverse movement of the trays 331a-331d relative to one another
is ideally additionally inhibited.
[0040] The end cap 125 is provided to enclose one end of the cover
110. The end cap 125 can attach to the cover 110 in any suitable
manner. Preferably, however, the end cap 125 is mechanically fitted
to the cover 110 such as by a snap feature 319, preferably a
one-time snap fit, in which the cap is not easily removable from
the cover 110.
[0041] A latching mechanism 320 for mutual engagement of the cover
110 and the media tray assembly 230 is provided in accordance with
the invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 3a-3c, the
latching mechanism 320 includes an attachment portion 321 for
attachment to the cover 110 (in this case, to the cap 125 of the
cover), a release button 323 which is pushed by a user to move the
tab portion 325. The tab portion 325 extends from the button 323
and supports a pawl 327 to engage the media tray assembly 230. The
pawl 327 engages a corresponding element (not shown) on the media
tray assembly 230.
[0042] As is best seen in FIG. 3c, which is a view of the media
tray assembly 230 and the latching mechanism 320 removed from the
cover 110, the tab portion 325 extends to a point that is between
adjacent media trays. The pawl 327 engages a corresponding recess
in the underside of the respective media tray. Alternatively, an
aperture can be formed through the entire thickness of the media
tray. Naturally, the precise manner in which the latching elements
engage can vary as necessary or desired. As will be apparent to one
of skill in the art, other releasable latch arrangements are
possible although not explicitly set forth herein.
[0043] Further, a second latching mechanism 320 can be provided
along the opposite wall of the media package 100, such that the
user would need to "pinch" both buttons (e.g., 323) in order to
remove the tray assembly 230 from the cover 110. In such an
arrangement, a second button (e.g., 323), tab portion (e.g., 325)
and pawl (e.g., 327) would be provided. The same attachment portion
321 can be utilized, if desired. Moreover, the two latching
mechanisms can be aligned with one another or offset along the
width of the container. Alternatively still, two latching
mechanisms can be provided side-by-side, if desired. Even more than
two latching mechanisms can be provided as well.
[0044] Each tray 331a-331d can be provided with latching portions
on each or a plurality of sides, such that the assembly 230 can be
inserted in any orientation. If the tray assembly 230 is formed so
as to include interlocking elements, and no binding 333 or hinge,
the assembly 230 can be inserted in such that any of the four sides
thereof 371-374 can be inserted into the cover 110 first, with each
tray being provided with latching portions on each side. As such,
the order in which the trays 331a-331d are stacked and the
orientation in which they are inserted into the housing is
immaterial. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3a-3c, to achieve this
aspect of the invention, each tray 331a-331d is provided with four
recesses on its bottom surface, one along each of the four sides
thereof. If recesses are provided on both the top and bottom of
each of the trays 331a-331d, or in the form of an aperture through
the trays, the tray assembly could further be inserted upside-down
from the orientation illustrated.
[0045] FIGS. 4, 5, 6a, 6b and 7-11 illustrate a second embodiment
and variations thereof of media packages in accordance with the
present invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric end views of a
second representative embodiment of a media package 500 in
accordance with the invention, with FIG. 5 showing the media tray
insert 430 removed from the protective cover 410. This embodiment
differs from the prior embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and 3a-3c primarily
with respect to the placement and design of the latching mechanism
438, the manner in which the media trays of the media tray assembly
430 are connected, and in the construction of the cover 410
itself.
[0046] The cover 410, as illustrated, includes five walls,
including an integral end portion 415, top and bottom walls 416a,
416b and sidewalls 417a, 417b. A sleeve construction with end cap,
as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 and 3a-3c can be used,
however. As with the above-described embodiment, the media tray
assembly 430 is inserted into the cover 410 and releasably latches
thereto.
[0047] The latching mechanism 437 includes a button 438, which is
pushed by a user to release the media tray assembly 430 from the
cover 410. The button is integrally formed (in this embodiment)
with tab 536 having a pawl 439 at the distal end thereof. The tab
536 and button 438 are preferably integrally formed with a portion
of one of the trays, in this case, the topmost tray 431a. The tab
536 is flexible, with respect to the tray 431a, which allows
flexure of the tab upon depression of the button 438. This urges
the pawl 439 away from a corresponding latching element of the
cover 410, in this case, an aperture 411. Alternatively, the
latching mechanism 437 can include a hinge and a return mechanism,
such as a spring. Such spring can be, for example, a metal leaf
spring. The hinge can include two mutually engaging components, can
include a pin, or can be a so-called "living hinge" formed by
creating a reduced thickness line in the material of the media
tray.
[0048] Security features to prevent theft of the contents of the
media package can be incorporated into the package. The latching
mechanism can be configured to include a removable component, which
prevents opening of the package, and which is not removed until the
consumer purchased the media package and its contents at the
cashier. Naturally, security features of other types can be
incorporated in the subject packages as well. For example, packages
in accordance with the present invention can include a feature such
as the Red Tag.TM. system, available from AGI-AMARAY. Such system
includes a removable locking element which prevents removal of a
disc held in a disc tray. Such locking elements can be utilized in
individual ones of a plurality of trays in accordance with the
invention, or can be modified to include multiple prongs to engage
a plurality of disc trays with a locking element. U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/027,938, filed Jan. 4, 2005, which is
hereby incorporated by reference, describes this feature in further
detail.
[0049] When the user inserts the media tray assembly 430 into the
cover 410, the position of the resting position of the tab 536, and
the height of the pawl 439 are preferably such that the tab 536
initially deflects downward as the pawl passes under a latching
portion 412 of the cover 410. When the pawl 439 reaches the
aperture 411, the tab and pawl 439 will move upward and the pawl
439 will engage the aperture 411, due to the resiliency of the
material of the tab 536 and/or a spring, as described above.
[0050] The trays 431a-431c of the media tray assembly 430 are, in
this embodiment, hingedly attached to adjacent trays. In such
embodiment, elements on one tray engage elements on one or more
adjacent trays, and are thus concatenated. Such feature is
described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/014580
(published as WO2005/106885A1), which is expressly incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The foregoing patent application
describes, in part, a binding clip that can be used with a stack of
trays, wherein each tray includes a docking appendage. The binding
clip includes segments connected by flexible links, with each
segment having a dock portion for receiving a docking
appendage.
[0051] Unique trays are provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and
5. The top media tray 431a includes the latching mechanism 437. The
bottom media tray 431c can also include a latching mechanism with
or without a corresponding aperture on the cover 410.
Alternatively, the bottom media tray 431c can be provided without a
latching mechanism 437. By configuring the positioning of the
latching elements as desired, the user can be able to insert the
media tray assembly 430 in only one way, or in two ways, with the
media tray assembly 430 flipped. The positioning of cutout 414 with
respect to the contoured button 438 can help guide the user to
insert the assembly 430 in only the prescribed manner. However, the
media package 500 can be configured such that such cutout 414 is
not necessary.
[0052] As shown particularly in FIG. 6a, and FIGS. 8-10, media
trays in accordance with the invention can take on various shapes
and functions. With reference to FIG. 6a, a media tray assembly 630
having a top media tray 631, a middle media tray 632 and a bottom
media tray 633 are provided. In this embodiment, the top 631 and
bottom 633 media trays include disc-holding detents 638 and are
identical to one another. They include an arcuate contoured surface
as indicated by reference number 639a, which corresponds with
contour 639b of the cover 610. Although a latching mechanism is not
shown in FIGS. 8-10, a mechanism such as that shown in FIGS. 4 and
5 can be readily incorporated into the design. A latching
mechanism(s), such as that described in connection with FIGS. 4 and
5 can be provided on one or both of the top 631 and bottom 633
media trays.
[0053] Media trays in accordance with the invention can include
trays having spindles on each of a top and bottom surface of the
tray. Such spindles can be co-axial or can be offset to reduce
thickness and/or so that both discs are readily visible. Such an
arrangement is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/781,445, filed Mar. 10, 2006, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0054] The middle media tray 632 can be configured to hold a media
disc, but can also, as illustrated, be configured with a
substantially rectangular recess 637. As is better seen in FIG. 10,
tray 1033 includes a recess 1034 for receiving a rectangular item,
such as a printed booklet. Tabs 1037 are provided to hold the
contents of the tray 1033. Aperture 1035 is provided to facilitate
removal of the tray's contents by making the contents easily
accessible, for example, by the user's finger.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 10, an end tray 1031 for use on the bottom
and/or top of a media tray assembly, which is not configured to
hold any particular object--neither a media disc nor a booklet--can
be incorporated into any of the media tray assemblies described
herein.
[0056] Hinge region 435 can be of any suitable type. The hinge can
be that of a flexible binding type as described above, can include
a common hinge element to which each of the media trays is hingedly
connected, or can be formed through hinged interconnection of
adjacent trays. The hinge region 435, which includes portions of
each media tray, extends to outer edges of the package and acts as
a stop when inserting the media tray assembly 430 into the cover
410.
[0057] FIG. 6b illustrates the entire media package 600 including
media tray assembly 435 inserted in cover 610. The cover includes
printed material 615 which can be in the form of a sleeve, or other
separately applied printed element, or can be printed directly onto
the cover 610.
[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates the media package 600, with the media
tray assembly 630 partially removed from the cover 610.
[0059] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a variation of the above described
media trays, including a media tray stack 830 including a plurality
of middle media trays 834. The middle media trays 834 can be
configured to hold media discs or booklets, for example, as shown
in FIG. 10. As illustrated, the top tray 831a and bottom tray 831b
include disc-retaining detents 838. As seen in FIG. 9, the topmost
middle tray 834a also includes such a detent. As best seen in FIG.
8, the outer trays 831a, 831b can include a larger edge radius 836
than inner trays 834 to aide insertion of the trays into a cover.
As can be seen, the contour of the face 817 transitions into a flat
wall along the end opposite the hinge region 835. If the transition
were abrupt, such as a squared-off corner, it would be difficult
for a user to insert the media tray stack 830 into a cover.
Accordingly, the increased edge radius of the outer trays 831a,
831b helps guide the media tray stack 830 into a cover.
[0060] In accordance with the invention, any combination of middle
and outer trays is possible. The outer trays can be configured to
be plain (not for holding media), they can be configured to hold
printed media or they can be configured to hold recorded media, as
can the middle trays.
[0061] Moreover, any total number of trays is possible. Any number
of middle trays 834 can be used in accordance with the invention.
These trays can mutually engage one another when stacked, can be
attached with a flexible binding, can be hinged to one another or
can be hingedly connected to one adjacent media trays. Further, if
desired, the trays can be mutually connected to adjacent trays by a
pivot, so that they can rotate in the plane of the tray to "fan"
open. Such pivot is preferably provided near a corner of the
trays.
[0062] Naturally, the middle trays can be configured in any order
desired. Further, as is apparent from the first described
embodiment, special outer trays, as trays 831a, 831b need not be
required in every embodiment.
[0063] The cover (e.g., 110) in any of the foregoing embodiments
can be shaped in accordance with the shape of the media tray
assembly (e.g., 230) inserted therein, or can be configured to take
on any shape, such as a shape in accordance with a theme of a
motion picture recorded on the media contained therein. For
example, if the media contained within the media package relates to
a motion picture on auto racing, the cover can be in the shape of a
racecar into which the media tray assembly fits.
[0064] The materials for the subject media container, for the
purpose of serving as an example only, are as follows. The media
trays themselves can be made from a plastic material such as, for
example, polymethyl methacrylate, polypropylene or polyethylene
terephthalate a paperboard material, a metal such as aluminum, or a
composite material. The protective cover can be formed of plastic,
metal, paperboard or composite materials. The sleeve (e.g., 115),
which includes printed material can be of any of the foregoing
materials, for example, and can include one or more transparent
regions, such as at window 117.
[0065] It is to be understood that although certain features are
shown and described in connection with particular embodiments, that
these features can be integrated with other embodiments and can
replace or supplement similar features in those embodiments. It
will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the device and method
of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope
of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention
include modifications and variations that are within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
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