Abstract:
A hub for a storage package for storing a recording medium includes a base member, an uninterrupted deformable, generally domed portion, and at least one gripping formation extending from the generally domed portion. The gripping formation is positioned to extend through a hole in the recording medium and engage the inner edge of the recording medium as the medium is placed onto the hub. The generally domed portion and the gripping formation are directly joined at a location disposed above the recording medium when the recording medium is placed onto the hub. Deformation of the generally domed portion in a direction transverse to the base member directly causes the gripping formation to retract radially inward to allow removal of the recording medium.

Description:
This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/885,770, filed on Jun. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,607, issued Apr. 6, 2004. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an environmentally acceptable storage package for a recording medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), compact disc (CD), or the like, which is designed to discourage shoplifting, and to a method of assembling such apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a storage package that is formed from a plastic frame and non-plastic panels. 
   The term “recording medium” as used in the context of this specification broadly encompasses any medium on which information may be digitally recorded. This includes the standard 120 mm diameter disc used to carry, for example, recorded text, image, audio, video, and binary data, as well as similar discs of various sizes for other information and data. Typically, such recording mediums are stored in packaging prior to purchase and/or when not in use. Such packaging commonly takes the form of a multi-piece injection molded package that requires assembly. A hinged lid, a base and a separate liner are usually included. Aside from the cost of production and assembly, such recording medium packages are difficult to open by the consumer. It is not uncommon for the consumer to exert an amount of force in opening the package that results in the recording medium coming loose from the packaging, or becoming scratched. 
   The recording medium has generally been packaged in the well-known “jewel case” which is popular with CD&#39;s and formed almost entirely of rigid plastic elements hingedly connected along one side of the frame. The jewel case has become standard in the industry due to its durability and the high level of protection it gives the recording medium. However, the jewel case has proven to be a relatively expensive and environmentally unacceptable package because of its use of non-biodegradable plastic in large quantities. 
   Currently, there are two designs that are primarily used for packaging recording mediums, particularly DVD&#39;s. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,788,068 and 5,366,074 disclose the two most common storage packages for this type of recording medium. 
   The &#39;068 patent discloses a package similar to the jewel case but incorporating different features such as the hinge and the latching mechanism, as well as incorporating additional features such as clips for graphics inserts. However, in addition to sharing the jewel case&#39;s disadvantages, the &#39;068 patent&#39;s frame is opaque, rendering less surface area for graphics and it is laborious to assemble. 
   The package disclosed in the &#39;074 patent is formed of a plastic recording medium holder and a plurality of interconnected paperboard panels that pivot about a spine between an open and a closed orientation. This latter package is more versatile in presenting a multitude of visually appealing graphic panels and, with exception to the recording medium holder, is made exclusively of biodegradable paperboard. However, the paperboard package has not proven completely satisfactory in use because it does not provide the stability or the durability of the jewel case. Additionally, the paperboard package is susceptible to fraying and destruction from common use that could result in deterioration of the identifying information on the package. 
   A further problem with the paperboard package and also to some extent, the &#39;068 package, is the relative ease with which a shoplifter can access the recording medium by slitting the protective shrink wrap and removing the recording medium from the packaging while leaving the package intact. Additionally, a further problem associated with recording medium packaging is the need to apply an additional sticker with imprinted identifying indicia on the lateral spine of the package such that the recording medium is easily identified when displayed in stacks at the point of sale. The prior art packages lack the versatility and the ability to display additional promotional products or images on the exterior package. 
   Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive recording medium package of sufficient rigidity made of a paperboard blank and a frame that is easily assembled, incorporates a feature that deters shoplifting, and minimizes the amount of waste that must be disposed after purchase. Also, there is a need for a package which is capable of accommodating promotional graphics, coupons, or discs. 
   Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an improved recording medium package which is relatively economical to manufacture and assemble. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved recording medium package which is ecologically sound, being composed substantially of recycled or recyclable paperboard. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved recording medium package which provides protection to paperboard graphics laden panels and prevents fraying and destruction of the paperboard. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved package which includes structure configured for deterring shoplifting. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The above-identified objects are met or exceeded by the present recording medium package having a blank that cooperates with a first and a second frame component to form an enclosable space for a recording medium, and a hub structure for releasably receiving a recording medium. A central spine panel hingedly joins the first and the second frame components and allows pivoting of the frame components about a folding axis. The first and the second frame components each include at least one raceway that slidably receives a blank having a plurality of panels defined by scores. Scoring on the blank allows it to be folded into separate panels, each of which are guided and supported by the frame component raceways to enclose the recording medium. Each of the raceways is preferably dimensioned to receive multiple blanks or other generally planar materials such as promotional items, and at least one raceway is configured to receive the blank in a direction either normal to or parallel to the folding axis. 
   Another feature of the present recording medium packaging is a resilient, disc-engaging hub having a generally domed or conical shape that releasably secures the recording medium. When secured on the hub, the recording medium may rest on or between a gripping formation such as, for example, a series of protrusions or a shelf-like shoulder around the periphery. The hub is integrally formed on a base member which is used to secure the hub to the frame hub-holder. 
   The present recording medium packaging is also provided with a point-of-sale locking device constructed and arranged to secure the frame components in a closed orientation by mating a pin and aperture structure. Upon purchase, either at the point of sale or at the consumer&#39;s home, the mating pin is cut with a knife or a scissors thereby allowing access to the recording medium. 
   An additional advantage of the present recording medium packaging is a foldable upper panel on the blank for the lateral spine. The upper panel is aligned with a bezel in the frame component that forms the lateral spine, eliminating the need to apply an additional sticker providing identifying indicia. 
   More specifically, the present invention provides a storage package for a recording medium having a first frame component having at least one side and a first engagement end and a second frame component having at least one side and a second engagement end, each of the first and second frame components configured to hingedly engage each other and at least one of the first and second frame components having at least one side that receives a blank. The blank includes a plurality of generally planar panels defined by scores which can be slidably inserted into at least one of the receiving portions of the frame components. When the blank is inserted into the first and the second frame components in an engaged position, an enclosable space for placement of a recording medium is formed. 
   In another embodiment, a method for assembling a recording medium package is provided, including the steps of: (1) providing a first frame component and a second frame component each having an engagement end constructed to engage the other frame component in a fixed engagement, (2) providing a receiving portion which receives blanks of different thicknesses, (3) providing the blank having a plurality of generally planar panels defined by scores, and (4) engaging the blank in the frame components such that the blank and the frame components cooperate to define an enclosable space for the recording medium. 
   In an alternate embodiment, a method of assembling a recording medium package includes: (1) engaging the blank in the first and the second frame components, (2) slidably moving the first and second frame components into engagement, and (3) fastening the first and second frame components to each other. Insertion of the blank into the first and the second components can occur from one of a direction parallel to and normal to the foldable axis. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the present package; 
       FIG. 2A  is a sectional view taken along the line  2 A— 2 A of  FIG. 1  and in the direction indicated generally, the hub being removed for purposes of clarity; 
       FIG. 2B  is sectional view taken along the line  2 B— 2 B of  FIG. 1  and in the direction indicated generally, the hub being removed for purposes of clarity; 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of the lock stud in a recess; 
       FIG. 4  is a fragmentary perspective view taken along the line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 1  and in the direction indicated generally, the pivoting of the hinge shown in phantom; 
       FIG. 5  is a vertical sectional view of the hub with a recording medium placed thereon, the hub base placed on the frame hub holder; and 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective of an alternate embodiment with two separate frames, one frame having the hinge and an X-type hub holder, and the blank located in between. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B a package which embodies features of the present invention is generally designated  10 . The package  10  is intended for use in protecting a recording medium  12  such as a CD, a DVD or other type of disk-like recording medium (best seen in  FIG. 5 ). In the preferred embodiment, the package  10  includes a first frame component  14  having a first engagement end  16 , at least one side or side member and a blank receiving portion  18  along at least one of the sides. A second frame component  20  having a second engagement end  22  is constructed for engagement with said first engagement end  16  and has at least one side having a blank receiving portion  18 . The first frame component  14  and the second frame component  20  include side members labeled  14   a–d  and  20   a–d  respectively. As viewed in  FIG. 1  and applicable to both the first frame member  14  and the second frame member  20 , “a” corresponds to the upper member, “b” corresponds to the right member, “c” corresponds to the lower member, and “d” corresponds to the left member. Collectively, the first frame component  14  and the second frame component  20  are referred to as a frame  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame  24  is made of an injection moldable plastic material. Preferred materials include polystyrene, polypropylene or like materials well known to skilled practitioners. However, thermoformable plastics are also contemplated, as are other inexpensive, self-supporting materials. 
   A blank  26  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and is preferably formed from a non-plastic material such as virgin or recyclable paperboard, often coated with a plastic material, but may consist of any suitable material which may receive printed graphics and provide structural integrity to the package. Acceptable panel materials include various types of rigid paperboard, including corrugated and end flute board, as well as planar paperboard. The blank  26  may also include, for example, an insert or promotional item such as a memory disc. The blank  26  is configured for insertion into at least one of the receiving portions  18  of the first frame component  14  and the second frame component  20 , also corresponding to elongate frame member  20   b , and has a plurality of generally planar panels  28 ,  29  and  30  defined by scores  32 . 
   While a two major-paneled embodiment according to the present invention is illustrated, similar blanks utilizing a greater or lesser number of panels are contemplated. The plurality of panels  28 ,  29  and  30  may be formed from a prescored unitary blank  26  that may be preprinted on both major upper and lower surfaces  34 ,  36  respectively. Because both major surfaces  34 ,  36  of the blank  26  are nearly unobstructed when placed in the frame  24  and printing is possible on both major surfaces, a relatively large surface area is available for providing printed information. 
   The blank  26  cooperates with the first and second frame components  14 ,  20  by slidably engaging the blank receiving portion  18  of the frame  24  along a raceway  38  to define an enclosable space for the recording medium  12 . At least one elongate member  14   a–d ,  20   a–d  of the frame  24  defines the open raceway  38 . The raceway  38  preferably includes a leg portion  40  and a normally projecting lip portion  42  forming an “L”-shape. The length of the leg portion  40  is sufficient to accommodate a plurality of blank thicknesses. While an “L”-shaped embodiment of a package according to the present embodiment is shown, similar packages utilizing a “C”-shaped raceway or any other shaped raceway suitable for receiving the blank  26  are contemplated. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the raceway  38  is configured for reception of the blank  26  in one of a direction parallel to and normal to a folding axis  44  (best seen in  FIG. 1 ). It is also preferred that the frame  24  has two opposing raceways  38  that form a channel  46  for slidingly accommodating the panels  28 ,  30 . The raceway  38  is dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of blank thicknesses  26  or other promotional items such as graphics, coupons, or discs. When the blank  26  is positioned in the raceway  38 , it is adhered to the frame component  14 ,  20  by chemical adhesive, heat-staking, sonic welding, or by any other method known in the art. Also, ends of the raceway  38  are closed by application of heat, which closes off or crimps the end of the raceway to prevent the blank  26  from slipping out. It is also contemplated to secure the blank  26  in the raceway  38  by mechanical fastening technology, such as a tight friction fit, projections in the raceway, and other known fastening devices. In addition, chemical adhesives and the application of heat along the length of frame members  14   a–d ,  20   a–d  may be used to fasten the blank to the frame. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , in the preferred embodiment, the second frame component  20  has a hub holder  48  that connects a generally annular, flange-like base member  50  of a hub  52  to at least one of the frame elongate members  20   a–d . In the preferred embodiment, the hub holder  48  has a pair of diametrically opposed arms  54  which are secured to corresponding elongate frame members  20   a–d . While it is contemplated that the arms  54  will be integrally formed with the frame member  20 , it is also within the scope of this invention to secure the arms to the frame member by chemical adhesive, sonic welding, or other known plastic attachment technologies. It is also contemplated that the number and the relative position of the arms  54  may vary to suit the application. 
   As shown in HG.  5 , the resilient, disc-engaging hub  52  is connected at the hub base member  50  to at least one of the frame components  14 ,  20  for releasably securing the recording medium  12 . An advantage of the present package  10  is that hub  52  is made of a different material than the frame  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the hub  52  is made of a relatively flexible, resilient material, such as a member of the olefins, including polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and resins such as SAN and silicone. The hub  52  is constructed and arranged so that it secures the medium  12  in a first position (shown in solid in  FIG. 5 ). The medium  12  is released by the user exerting a pressing force F on a generally central portion of the hub  52 , which disengages the medium  12  from the hub. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the hub  52  has a generally domed or conically shaped pressing portion  56  and a gripping formation  58  for engaging and securing the recording medium  12  at a point on the medium where no information is stored  60 , and maintains the information portion  62  of the recording medium out of contact with the hub holder  48  and the frame  24 . The gripping formation  58  may include a series of individual, spaced protrusions, or a continuous annular formation, or any other similar formation that urges or biases the medium  12  against a raised annular shoulder  64  of the hub  52 . By applying the force F to the domed portion  56 , the gripping portion  58  retracts or pivots vertically out of engagement with the medium  12  (shown in phantom). Connecting the hub  52  to the hub holder  48 , is the base member  50  which is adhered, heat-staked, or secured by any other adhesive technology known in the art, to the hub holder  48 . 
   It is contemplated that the base member  50  is securable to either an upper surface  66  of the hub holder  48  or, alternatively, to a lower or back surface  68  of the hub holder. In the event that the latter construction is used, the hub pressing portion  56 , the gripping formation  58 , and the annular shoulder  64  will all project through an opening  70  in a central portion  71  of the hub holder  48 . It is also contemplated that the hub holder  48  is mounted on either frame component  14 ,  20 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a hinge  72  is attached to at least one of the frame components  14 ,  20  and is configured to hingedly attach the first and second opposing engagement ends  16 ,  22  of each corresponding frame components. The first and second panels  28 ,  30  of the blank  26  are each hingedly joined to the central spine panel  29  and are pivotable about a folding axis  44  between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The hinge  72  is in registry with the central spine panel  29  and is configured to accommodate any shifting of the blank  26  in a direction normal to the folding axis  44  upon placing the package  10  in a closed orientation. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the hinge  72  is integrally formed with one or two frame components  14 ,  20  and the hinge action is obtained by making the hinge edges  76 ,  78  in a scored or otherwise thinned construction. Alternatively, and referring to FIG.  4 , the hinge edges  76 ,  78  are provided in a generally arcuate or semi-circular shape to better accommodate the above-described normal movement (shown in phantom). It should be understood that the hinge  72  is not limited to be integrally joined to at least one of the frame components  14 ,  20 , but includes any hinged connection known to one in the art, including but not limited to separate hinge panels  172  joined to the frame components  14 ,  20  after assembling of the package (best seen in  FIG. 6 ). 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B, for purposes of identifying the recording medium  12  by a lateral spine  82  of the packaging, a foldable upper panel  84  integral to the blank  26  is provided. The upper panel  84  is aligned with at least one frame component  14 ,  20  that is configured for receiving a protective bezel  86  defining a central opening  88  through which the foldable upper panel  84  is visible. The bezel  86  is secured along one edge of the corresponding frame member  20   a , allowing the foldable upper panel  84  to be visible along the lateral spine  82  thereby eliminating the need to apply an additional sticker providing identifying indicia. It is also contemplated to have a separate bezel  86  secured to the frame  24  after assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the bezel  86  forms part of the raceway  38 . Also, the bezel  86  includes a snap member  87  for engaging a corresponding opening  89  in the frame  24  (best seen in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , within at least one of the frame components  14 ,  20 , clips  90  are provided for holding a printed booklet or any other generally planar material included with the memory disc  12  in the package. The clips  90  are molded such that they do not interfere with the pivoting of the frame components  14 ,  20  between an open orientation and a closed orientation. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a locking device  92  is constructed and arranged for lockingly securing the first and second frame components  14 ,  20  in a closed orientation at the point of sale. The locking device includes a pin  94  and a mating aperture  96  on one of each of the frame components  14 ,  20 , the pin configured to protrude through the aperture and then be sealed over the emergent side of the aperture. Sealing of the pin  94  over the aperture  96  can be accomplished, for example, by spreading or flattening the pin to form a riveted connection. A first recess  98  on the first frame component  14  and a second recess  99  on the second frame component  20  preferably house the locking device  92  allowing flush contact of the frame components  14 ,  20  when in the closed orientation as well as preventing pilfering of the contents. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an alternate embodiment of a package that embodies features of the present invention is generally designated  100 . Shared components with the package  10  are designated with identical reference numbers. The first and second frame components  114 ,  120  are non-integrally molded or formed, separate components hingedly joined together by a separate hinge  172  after the blank  26  is injected into the blank receiving portion  18 . It is contemplated that the hinge  172  may optionally be secured to one or the other of the frame members  114 ,  120  prior to assembly. The hub holder  148  has an “X”-arm shape for adhesively receiving the hub base member  50 . A frame  124  has a raceway configured for reception of the blank  26  in one of a direction parallel to the folding axis  44  and normal to the folding axis  44 . As in the case with the package  10 , in the preferred embodiment, the insertion is normal to the axis  44 . When the insertion is parallel to the axis  44 , the raceway is rotated 90° and is located on the members  114   b ,  114   d  and  120   b ,  120   d  rather than  114   a ,  114   c  and  120   a  and  120   c . In this embodiment it is contemplate that the package will be assembled by: (1) engaging the blank in the first and the second frame components, and (2) slidably moving the first and second frame components into engagement, and (3) fastening the first and second frame components to each other. Insertion of the blank into the first and the second components can occur from at least one of a direction parallel to and normal to the foldable axis. 
   While a particular embodiment of the recording medium package of sufficient rigidity made of a paperboard blank and a frame has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.