Abstract:
A portable storage container ( 20 ) for storing substantially planar media is provided. The storage container includes first and second shell halves ( 22 ) and ( 24 ), wherein each shell half has an exterior, an interior, and a perimeter rim portion. A hinge connector ( 26 ) extends between a portion of the first and second shell halves to foldably couple the first and second shell half, such that the first and second shell halves are selectably foldable between a closed position, wherein the interiors of the first and second shell halves oppose each other, and an open position. The storage container also includes an alignment assembly ( 54 ) disposed on the portable storage container to facilitate alignment of the perimeter rim portions of the first and second shell halves in the closed position. The storage container also includes a first envelope ( 36 ) sized to be selectively received within at least one of either the first or second shell halves, wherein the first envelope is adapted to store a substantially planar media.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to containers for holding electronic media storage devices, and more specifically, to containers for holding compact discs that store digitized electronic data. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The size and types of media that store information in formats suitable for use by electronic devices has increased in recent years. For example, the computer industry previously placed primary reliance on magnetic discs and tape for storage and retrieval of information in digital format. Now, compact discs (CD) have become widely used in the computer and entertainment industry for the same purpose. Additionally, other types of media have also been formatted to store audio and visual data and are commonly known as digital video discs (DVDs). DVDs and CDs are typically planar disc-shaped media. 
     Currently, containers for holding such electronic data storage devices include a fabric shell sized to receive a media disc, such as a CD, therein. Such containers also include a zipper around the perimeter to fasten the container. Although such containers are effective as a disc storage device, they are not without their problems. As an example, because the container is made of a fabric, such containers do not effectively protect the disc stored therein from damage. Further, such fabric containers are easily soiled. Finally, fabric containers with a zipper latch do not provide a tight seal when the container is closed. As a result, the disc stored within the container is subject to damage, such as a scratch, from dust and dirt particles. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a portable compact disc storage container that provides a safe storage environment for discs and is aesthetically pleasing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a portable storage container for storing substantially planar media is provided. The storage container includes first and second shell halves, each shell half having an exterior, an interior and a perimeter rim portion. A connector extends between a portion of the first and second shell halves to foldably couple the first and second shell halves. The first and second shell halves are selectively foldable between a closed position, wherein the interiors of the first and second shell halves oppose each other, and an open position. The storage container further includes an alignment assembly disposed on the portable storage container to facilitate alignment of the perimeter rim portions of the first and second shell halves in the closed position. The storage container also includes a first envelope sized to be selectively received within at least one of either the first or second shell halves. The first envelope is adapted to store a substantially planar media. 
     In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the storage container also includes a sealing surface fastened to one of the perimeter rim portions of either the first or second shell halves. The sealing surface is sized to seal and receive the perimeter rim portion of the other of the first or second shell halves. 
     In accordance with additional aspects of this invention, the alignment assembly includes a first peg extending from the connector and a first slot integrally formed with the perimeter rim portion of one of the first or second shell halves. The first slot is sized to receive the first peg therein when the first and second shell halves are in the closed position to ensure alignment of the first and second shell halves and facilitate closing of the first and second shell halves. 
     In accordance with still yet other aspects of this invention, the first envelope includes a sleeve fastened to one side of the first envelope by a seam. The sleeve is sized to receive a substantially planar media between the one side of the first envelope and the sleeve. The sleeve includes first and second notches located a predetermined distance from the seam. The first and second notches are located on opposite sides of the sleeves and are adapted to permit repeated deposit and removal of a substantially planar media from the first envelope. 
     In still yet other aspects of this invention, the storage container further includes first and second pegs disposed within the interior of the first and second shell halves and the pegs are sized to selectively fasten first and second envelopes within the storage container. Further, the storage container includes a first gripping surface fastened to the exterior of at least one of the first or second shell halves. 
     A portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention has several advantages over storage containers used in the past. First, the sealing surface fastened to one of the perimeter end portions provides an increase seal between the first and second shell halves, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to a disc stored therein due to particles of dust or dirt. Further, the gripping surface permits the storage container to be placed securely on a surface, such as the dashboard of an automobile. Additionally, because the gripping surface and sealing surface are comolded with the storage container, such a storage container is simpler to manufacture. Finally, the gripping surface provides a tactile feel to the end user for gripping the product. As a result, a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention is simpler to manufacture, provides a safer storage environment for a disc, and is more reliable than currently available storage containers. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention shown in the closed position; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention shown in the open position; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention shown in a partially closed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG.  5 . is a cross-sectional side view of two portable storage containers formed in accordance with the present invention showing the portable storage containers in a stacked position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS.  1 - 3  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a portable storage container  20  constructed in accordance with the present invention. The storage container  20  includes first and second shell portions  22  and  24 , a hinge connector  26 , a sealing surface  28  and first and second gripping surfaces  30  and  32 . The storage container  20  also includes a latch assembly  34  and a plurality of interior envelopes  36 . For clarity of the invention and ease of illustration, the plurality of envelopes  36  have not been illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     The first and second shell portions  22  and  24  are suitably injection molded form a thermoplastic and include a preferably substantially circular central portion  38 . The diameter of the central portion  38  is sized to be slightly greater than the diameter of a substantially planar media, such as a compact disc “CD.” Each central portion  38  is bounded by an exterior wall  40 , such that each exterior wall  40  is located around the external periphery of most of the central portion  38 . The height of the two exterior walls  40  is selected to provide the desired internal volume of the storage container  20  to hold a predetermined number of CDs therein. 
     Integrally formed with the interior of each shell portion  22  and  24  is a pin base  42 . The pin base  42  is an area that is raised relative to each central portion  38  and projects outwardly from part of the central portion  38 . The pin base  42  includes two substantially triangular portions bounded by the arcuate periphery of the central portion at its interior and by the exterior wall  40  at its exterior. The exterior wall  40  has a linear orientation along the exterior of the pin base  42 . The circular configuration of the central portion  38 , with the pin base  42  located adjacent a portion of the periphery of the central portion  38 , and with the exterior wall  40  bounding the circular periphery of the central portion  38 , except at the location of the pin base  42 , results in first and second shell portions  22  and  24  being substantially scalloped shaped. Extending upwardly from each pin base  42  is a pin  44 . The pins  44  are located on the triangular portion of each pin base  42 . Each pin  44  includes a shaft  46  and a head  48  having a diameter greater than that of the shaft  46 . Although a single pin  44  extending upwardly from each pin base  42  is preferred, other configurations, such as two pins extending upwardly from each pin base, are also within the scope of the present invention. 
     The hinge connector  26  connects the first and second shell portions  22  and  24  and permits opening and closing of the storage container  20 . The hinge connector  26  is an elongate member and includes a central section  50  and two exterior sections  52 . Each exterior section  52  is attached to a portion of the exterior wall  40  of one of the first and second shell portions  22  and  24  where the exterior wall  40  is linear and bounds the pin base  42 . The thickness of the hinge connector  26  is less at the two points of connection of the central section  50  to the exterior sections  52  then the thickness of the hinge connector  26  at the central section  50  and exterior sections  52 . Thus, opening and closing of the storage container  20  is facilitated by pivoting movement of the first and second shell portions  22  and  24  at the point of attachment of the central section  50  to the exterior sections  52  of the hinge connector  26 . The hinge connector  26  is suitably integrally formed with the first and second shell portions  22  and  24 . Although an integrally formed hinge connector is preferred, other types of hinge connectors, such as a pin joint, are also within the scope of the present invention. 
     The latch assembly  34  is located on the exterior of the storage container  20  and is suitably diametrically opposed to the location of the hinge connector  26 . The latch assembly  34  includes a tab  60  and a rib  62 . In a preferred embodiment, the tab  60  is located on the first shell portion  22  and the rib  62  is located on the second shell portion  24 . The rib  62  is an elongate protrusion that is aligned to mate with a slot  64  of the tab  60 . 
     As may be seen by referring to FIG. 3, the latch assembly  34  includes an alignment assembly  54 . The alignment assembly  54  includes first and second pegs  56   a  and  56   b  and corresponding U-shaped notches  58   a  and  58   b . The pegs  56   a  and  56   b  extend upwardly from the central section  50  of the hinge connector  26 . The notches  58   a  and  58   b  extend through a portion of the exterior wall  40  of the second shell portion  24 . Suitably, the notches  58   a  and  58   b  are located near the hinge connector  26  and are sized to receive one of the pegs  56   a  and  56   b  therein. The pegs  56   a  and  56   b  and notches  58   a  and  58   b  are located to facilitate alignment of the first shell portion  22  with the second shell portion  24  when the storage container  20  is placed into the closed position. When the storage container  20  is placed into the closed position, the pegs  56   a  and  56   b  of the alignment assembly  54  are received within each of the respective notch  58   a  and  58   b  to guide the closure of the first shell portion  22  against the second shell portion  24 . More specifically, the notches  58   a  and  58   b  are positioned on the second shell portion  24 , such that as the storage container  20  is placed into the closed position, the perimeter rim of the first shell portion  22  aligns with the perimeter rim of the second shell portion  24 . 
     The latch assembly  34  is located on the exterior of the storage container  20  and is preferably diametrically opposed to the location of the hinge connector  26 . The latch assembly  34  includes a tab  60  and a rib  62 . Suitably, the tab  60  is located on the first shell portion  22  and the rib  62  is located on the second shell portion  24 . The tab  60  includes a slot  64 . The rib  62  is an elongate protrusion that is aligned mate with the slot  64  of the tab  60 . The rib  62  includes a nub that provides a snap fit with the slot  64  of the tab  60 . As with the first and second shell portions  22  and  24 , the latch assembly  34  is suitably formed of a synthetic polymer, preferably plastic, such that the attachment of the tab  60  to the shell portions  22  or  24  is by plastic of a lessor thickness than the thickness of the tab  60 . As a result, the tab  60  can pivot with respect to the shell portion  22  or  24  on which it is attached, such that the slot  64  of the tab  60  can removably engage the rib  62  to selectively clasp and unclasp the latch assembly  34 . 
     Still referring to FIG. 3, the sealing surface  28  will now be described in greater detail. The sealing surface  28  is suitably comolded from a tactile polymer, such as a thermo plastic elastomer, to the perimeter rim portion of the second shell portion  24 . The sealing surface  28  includes a channel  70  extending the length of the sealing surface  28 , such that as attached to the second shell portion  24 , the channel  70  extends around the perimeter rim of the second shell portion  24 . The channel  70  is sized to sealingly receive the perimeter rim of the first shell portion  22  when the storage container  20  is in the closed position. Although it is preferred that the sealing surface  28  be comolded to the second shell portion  24 , it should be apparent that the sealing surface  28  may be comolded to the first shell portion  22 . 
     As may be best seen by referring to FIG. 1, the first and second gripping surfaces  30  and  32  will now be described in greater detail. The first and second gripping surfaces  30  and  32  are identically configured and, as a result, only the first gripping surface  30  will be described in greater detail. However, it should be apparent that the description for the first gripping surface  30  is applicable to the second gripping surface  32 . 
     The first gripping surface  30  is suitably formed from a polypropylene and is preferably comolded to the exterior surface of the first and second shell portions  22  and  24 . The first gripping surface  30  includes an annular portion  66  and a substantially rectangular stem portion  68 . The annular portion  66  is centrally located on the exterior surface of the first shell portion  22 . The stem portion  68  is integrally formed with one end of the annular portion  66  and extends towards the hinge connector  26 . As formed on the exterior surfaces of the first and second portions  22  and  24 , the gripping portions  30  and  32  provide a solid gripping surface for either an end user or for storage on a surface, such as a dashboard of an automobile. Although two gripping surfaces is preferred, it should be apparent that a storage container having a single gripping surface is also within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the envelope  36  will now be described in detail. As noted above, a plurality of envelopes  36  are removably insertable in the storage container  20  of the present invention. Each envelope  36  is comprised of a substantially circular backing  72  preferably comprised of a lightweight, flexible and sturdy material. The backing  72  is sized to have an external diameter slightly greater than the compact disc or other electronic storage medium to be contained within the envelope  36 . The envelope  36  also includes a fore layer  74 . The fore layer  74 , comprised of a thin yet strong synthetic polymer and is substantially semicircular, having an arcuate exterior edge  76  that is affixed to the backing  72  by stitching or heat welding, thereby defining a seam  78 . Each end of the exterior edge  76  near the seam  78  also includes a notch  80 . Each notch  80  is located a predetermined distance from the seam  78 , such that when a media disk, such as a CD, is inserted into and out of the envelope  36 , flexure of the fore layer  74  does not cause increased stress at the seam  78  and, therefore, premature wear of the fore layer  74 . 
     The fore layer  74  also has an interior edge  82  that is sinusoidal in shape, such that fore layer  74  has two laterally disposed lobes  84  between which the center hole of a compact disc inserted in the envelope  36  is accessible. As a result, an end user can insert and remove the compact disc from the envelope  36  by placing a thumb in the center hole of the compact disc such that the data access side of the compact disc is not handled, as will be explained further below. 
     Each envelope  36  also includes a grip portion  86  and an attachment tab  88 . The grip portion  86  is affixed to the periphery of the backing  72  at a location preferably diametrically opposite to the orientation of the fore layer  74  on the backing  72 . The grip portion  86  is preferably comprised of a thin synthetic polymer layer having strength and flexibility, and is fixedly attached to backing  72  by stitching or heat welding, for example. The grip portion  86  preferably has a shape defined by its periphery being comprised of two complementary arcuate segments. 
     To insert a compact disc in the envelope  36 , the envelope  36  is held in one of the user&#39;s hands and the compact disc is held in the other, with the user&#39;s thumb inserted in the center hole of the compact disc and the user&#39;s fingers grasping a portion of the edge of the compact disc. The compact disc is slipped between the backing  72  and the fore layer  74 . The central depression of fore layer  74  bounded by lobes  84  allows the user&#39;s thumb to remain in the center hole of the compact disc while the disc is fully inserted between the backing  72  and the fore layer  74  without the user&#39;s thumb contacting fore layer  74 . Next, the user&#39;s thumb is removed from the center hole of the compact disc and the user grasps the grip portion  86  between thumb and forefinger. The grip portion  86  is then placed over the edge of the compact disc that is opposite from the edge that has nested between the backing  72  and fore layer  74 . The compact disc is now securely held within the envelope  36 . 
     To remove the compact disc from the envelope  36 , the above process is reversed. More specifically, the grip portion  86  is grasped between thumb and forefinger and the grip portion  86  is drawn away from the exterior edge of the compact disc. Next, the user&#39;s thumb is inserted into the center hole of the compact disc and the user&#39;s fingers grasp the exterior edge of the compact disc remote from fore layer  74 . The compact disc is then drawn out of the backing  72  and the fore layer  74 . Alternatively, the compact disc is not drawn out of the backing  72  and the fore layer  74 . Instead, the exterior edge of the compact disc, freed from the grip portion  86 , is inserted into the compact disc reading apparatus, which draws the remainder of the compact disc out from between the backing  72  and the fore layer  74 . In this manner, the compact disc is not touched by the user&#39;s hands and thus remains free from dirt, body oils, and scratches. 
     The attachment tab  88  is fixedly secured to the outer periphery of backing  72  by, for example, heat welding, at a location preferably diametrically opposite to the location of grip portion  86  on backing  72 . The attachment tab  88  preferably has a frusto-pyramidal cross section and a pin orifice  90  centrally located therein. Slit  92 , starting at the truncated apex of the attachment tab  88 , terminates at pin orifice  90 . The slit  92  thus defines the outer extent of the two arms  94  of the attachment tab  88 . 
     The attachment tab  88  is preferably comprised of a synthetic polymer, preferably a plastic, that is structurally rigid but has sufficient flexing qualities to allow relative movement between arms  94  for attachment of the attachment tab  88  to, and removal of attachment tab  88  from, one of pins  44  of the storage container  20 . More specifically, in order to access a compact disc in an envelope  36  located in the storage container  20 , the desired envelope  36  is first removed from storage container  20  by pulling firmly on the envelope  36  adjacent the grip portion  86  thereof in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin  44 . The aforesaid force causes arms  94  of the attachment tab  88  to separate, allowing the pin  44  to pass through the slit  92  of the attachment tab  88 , thus separating the envelope  36  from the storage container  20 . The desired compact disc is then removed from the envelope  36  in the manner previously described above. 
     As noted above, when removing the envelope  36  from the storage container  20  by separating the attachment tab  88  from the pin  44 , a force substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin  44  is applied to the envelope  36 . However, when replacing the now empty envelope  36  in the storage container  20  for storage and safe keeping, the attachment tab  88  is reattached to the pin  44  by orienting the pin orifice  90  over the pin  44  and pressing downwardly on the attachment tab  88  with a force parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin  44 . As a result, the arms  94  of the attachment tab  88  separate to accommodate passage of the pin orifice  90  over the head  48  of the pin  44 . After the pin orifice  90  has passed over the head  48 , the arms  94  return to their original configuration due to the resilient qualities of the attachment tab  88 , such that the pin orifice  90  surrounds the shaft  46  of the pin  44 . 
     When a compact disc is to be replaced into an empty envelope  36 , the empty envelope  36  is again pulled with a force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of pin  44  as described above. After the compact disc has been replaced in the envelope  36  in the manner described above, the envelope  36 , now containing the compact disc, is again attached to the storage container  20  by pushing the attachment tab  88  down onto the pin  44  with a force substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin  44 , such that the pin orifice  50  passes over the head  48  of the pin  44  and surrounds the shaft  46  of the pin  44 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the portable storage container  120  formed in accordance with the present invention will now be described in greater detail. The portable storage container  120  is identical in materials and operation as the preferred embodiment described above with the following exception. As seen best in FIG. 4, the storage container  120  includes third and fourth pins  196   a  and  196   b  adapted to receive at least one envelope. The third and fourth pins  196   a  and  196   b  project upwardly from the pin base  142  of the first and second shell portions  122  and  124 . Suitably, the third and fourth pins  196   a  and  196   b  are integrally formed with the pin base  142 . Preferably, the fourth pin  196  is longer than the other pins of the storage container  120 , and may be as much as twice as high as the pins  144 . 
     The third and fourth pins  196   a  and  196   b  also include integrally formed ribs  198 . The ribs  198  extend radially outward from the outside perimeter of each pin  196   a  and  196   b  and extend from the pin base  142  for a predetermined distance along the length of the pins  196   a  and  196   b . Suitably, the ribs  198  extend halfway up the length of the pins  196   a  and  196   b . The tops of the ribs  198  define a resting point for a predetermined number of envelopes described above. In one embodiment, a total of five additional envelopes may be stacked in each one of the pins  196   a  and  196   b . Additionally, the ribs  198  stiffen each pin  196   a  and  196   b . 
     Referring next to FIG. 5, a second alternate embodiment of a portable storage container  220  formed in accordance with the present invention will now be described in greater detail. The portable storage container  220  of the second alternate embodiment is identical in materials and operation to the preferred embodiment described above with the following exception. As seen in FIG. 5, a first storage container  220  is stackable on a second storage container  320 . The first and second storage containers  220  and  320  are identically configured and, as a result, only the first storage container  220  will be described in greater detail. However, it should be apparent that the description for the first storage container  220  is applicable to the second storage container  320 . 
     The first and second gripping surfaces  220  and  232  each include an annular portion  226  and  227 . In the second alternate embodiment, the annular portion  226  of the first gripping surface  230  has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the annular portion  267  of the second gripping surface  232  by predetermined amount. Preferably, the diameter of the first annular portion  266  is less than the diameter of the second portion  267 , such that the first annular portion  266  is snugly received within the inside diameter of the second annular portion  267 . As a result, two or more portable storage containers formed in accordance with the present invention are stackable one upon the other. 
     From the foregoing description, it may be seen that a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention incorporates many novel features and offers significant advantages over currently available containers. While the presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As a nonlimiting example, the sealing surface may be configured as a lip sized to cover and seal the joint between the first and second shell portions in the closed portion. As a result, it should be appreciated that various changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.