Abstract:
A thin transparent envelope is used to hold compact discs, case liners and liner notes. The envelope is thinner than a traditional jewel case to allow denser storage of multiple disks. An extended portion of the envelope securely holds the case liner and intact spine labels and allows a clear view of the spine label to allow for easy identification of the envelope&#39;s contents. In addition, the pocket portion of the envelope has side flaps and a shape which allow the pocket to easily accommodate insertion and removal of discs and literature.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/408,269 filed Sep. 29, 1999, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present application is based upon U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/102,477, filed on Sep. 30, 1998, entitled Fast File CD Storage. The present invention relates generally to the field of media storage devices. More specifically, the present invention is related to storing compact discs and their associated literature. 
     2. Discussion of Prior Art 
     Compact discs are traditionally shipped, stored and displayed in rigid plastic boxes often referred to as jewel cases or jewel boxes. Literature which accompanies the disc is held in the jewel case as well. Most commonly this literature takes the form of liner notes and a case liner that identify the contents of the case and provide additional information about the associated compact disc. Typically, a case liner has two ¼″end sections called “spine labels”. These spine labels fold into the side edges of the jewel case to provide a terse identification of the case&#39;s contents. 
     While jewel cases adequately protect compact discs, they have serious drawbacks. Jewel cases break and damage easily and they are relatively expensive to manufacture. Further, some people have difficulty operating the locking hub mechanism to release a compact disc from its holder and these cases are much too thick to allow dense storage of compact discs and their literature. 
     One alternative to jewel cases is thin plastic envelopes which are usually held in rigid book-like or in soft zippered wallet-like cases. These envelopes address some of the shortcomings of jewel cases but have their own set of weaknesses. Often, these envelopes are very thin and make inserting and removing a compact disc very difficult, if not impossible. They are typically two sheets of plastic sealed around a number of edges that create a wedge shape that pinches the envelope contents during insertion and retrieval. Also, failure to hold both case liners and liner notes is one of the greatest drawbacks of envelope-type holders. Of the envelopes that do accommodate some type of literature, they often do not allow easy insertion and removal of the literature, they sometimes require mutilation of the literature to fit within the envelope, and they fail to fully display the literature to assist with the indexing and retrieving of compact discs. The prior art, as discussed below, has these, as well as other, differences from the current invention. 
     The patent to Colangelo U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,153 provides for a Flexible Disk Cartridge Envelope. A floppy disk holder is illustrated by this patent with an over-sized pocket. However, no discussion of compact discs, transparency or spine label visibility is provided. 
     The patent to Youngs U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,731 provides for a Compact Disc Storage Container Non-Scratching Surface. A sleeve is described which provides visible access to both a CD and accompanying graphic literature. However, display of an intact spine label as an indexing means is not discussed. 
     The patent to Mitsuyama U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,195 provides for a Disc Case. A transparent storage sleeve with a tab area and a holder for literature is described. Easily accommodating the spine label to provide a scannable index, however, is not described. 
     The patent to Henkel U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,681 provides for an Envelope Storage for Compact Discs. A transparent envelope CD storage system is described but involves shrink wrapping the media and fails to discuss storage of case liners and notes. 
     The patent to Youngs U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,160 provides for a Storage Container With Integral Flap. A transparent sleeve storage system for compact discs is described which uses the spine label for identification purposes. However, the spine label needs to be detached and is placed on the inside edge of the sleeve rather than an outside edge. 
     The patent to Oshry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,977, assigned to Roundhouse Products, Inc, provides for a Sleeve and Storage Device for Planar Articles. A general teaching of a clear-sleeve CD indexing and storage system is described. The sleeves, however, do not appear to hold anything except a CD. 
     The patent to Durr U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,217 provides for a Compact Disc Sleeve Package. A foldable CD sleeve is described which provides side tabs to make the pocket easier to use. However, the described sleeve is for mailing and does not discuss visibility of the media or the case liner. 
     The patent to Collins U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,216 provides for a Holder for Compact Disc and the Like. FIG. 8 of this patent illustrates a foldable CD sleeve, however, the sleeve is made from paper rather than a transparent material and makes no provision for the visibility of the contents within the sleeve. 
     The patent to Ho U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,063 provides for a Plastic Loose-Leaf Bag Capable of Storing a Compact Disk Therein. A foldable transparent envelope is described which holds a compact disc. A tab portion on the sleeve is also illustrated in FIG. 2 of this patent; however, no discussion of spine label or other literature visibility is provided. 
     The patent to Hartstone U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,764 provides for a Disc Storage Arrangement. Although directed to a CD storage system, a sleeve is described which forms two pockets, one for a CD and one for a booklet. While a region is provided for tab information, accommodating spine labels does not appear to be mentioned. 
     The patent to Neely U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,805 provides for a Label Assembly for Package Sleeve Accommodating a Storage Media Disc and Method for Sealing a Package Sleeve. A protective disk mailer is described which places textual information near the top edge of the mailer to aid with identification. 
     Whatever the precise merits, features and advantages of the above cited references, none of them achieves or fulfills the purposes of the present invention. They fail to provide for a compact disc storage envelope which protects the literature and the disc, allows for easy insertion and removal of the literature and disc, and displays an intact spine label to facilitate easy indexing and identification of envelope contents. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A thin transparent envelope is used to hold compact discs, DVDs, other electronic recording discs, case liners and liner notes. The envelope is thinner than a traditional jewel case to allow denser storage of multiple disks. An extended portion of the envelope securely holds the case liner and intact spine labels and allows a clear view of the spine label to allow for easy identification of the envelope&#39;s contents. In addition, two pockets are formed by side flaps folded over more than 180° by two or more closely-spaced folds in combination with said extended portion tucked therein. The space between the folds allows the pockets to easily accommodate separate insertion and removal of discs and literature. Typically, a number of the envelopes are encased in a card-catalogue storage device. This allows rapid identification and retrieval of compact discs by means of scrolling (thumbing through) the displayed spine labels. Alternatively, a number of the envelopes are bound together along their bottom edges and encased in a storage device which is opened to allow expansion of the binding. This exposes all of the displayed spine labels simultaneously and, therefore, allows even more rapid identification and retrieval by permitting scanning of all the displayed spine labels. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  illustrate a front view unfolded and a folded depiction, respectively, of the envelope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 c  illustrates an alternative construction method of the envelope of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 1 d  and  1   e  illustrate a rear view unfolded with protective surface modifications and a folded depiction thereof, respectively, of the envelope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the assembled envelope of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  together illustrate a side view of literature inserted within the envelope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of literature and a compact disc inserted within the envelope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a case liner, liner notes and a compact disc inserted within the envelope of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  illustrate a collapsed and expanded depiction, respectively, of a binder incorporating multiple envelopes of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a card catalog storage device incorporating a plurality of the envelopes of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While this invention is illustrated and described in a preferred embodiment, the device may be produced in many different configurations, forms and materials. There is depicted in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as a exemplification of the principles of the invention and the associated functional specifications of the materials for its construction and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 a  illustrates an unfolded envelope of the present invention. The envelope is constructed of a transparent plastic material or film which affords both visibility and protection of the envelope contents. A preferred thickness, for this plastic material is approximately 0.005″. While other functionally equivalent materials and a wide range of thicknesses are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, this preferred thickness provides a good balance between rigidity and flexibility. 
     As depicted in FIG. 1 a , the unfolded envelope has already been stamped or cut from a sheet of plastic into its general finished shape. 
     Region  112  forms the rear of envelope  100  when folded. While a preferred embodiment considers industry standard compact discs and literature, obvious dimensional modifications which allow application of the present invention&#39;s principles to other current media and even future industry standards are also considered within its scope. In the preferred embodiment, however, region  112  is approximately 4.75″ wide and 5.75″ long. These dimensions allow comfortable insertion of compact discs and literature into envelope  100  and removal therefrom. 
     Region  110  has a curved top edge and has approximately the same dimensions as region  112 . Region  114  has the most complex shape of envelope  100  three regions. While the main portion of region  114  is approximately as wide as regions  110  and  112 , its height is approximately the diameter of a compact disc (i.e., 4.75″). Two lobes  118  are present at the bottom edge of region  114 . The inside edges, around the circumference, of these semi-circular lobes  118  meet approximately in the center of region  114  and assist with inserting contents into and removing contents from envelope  100  as fully explained below. 
     Two flaps  116  which extend from each side edge of region  114  are approximately 3/8 inches wide and approximately 4 inches long. While exact placement of flaps  116  is not critical, there are some constraints that must be met. First, they must be long enough to provide a secure connection between regions  114  and  112 . Also, flaps  116  must not be too close to fold  120  or they will interfere with forming fold  120 ; and, they must not be too close to the tip of lobes  118  or they will prevent the lobes from easily bending open. 
     FIG. 1 b  depicts a folded envelope of the present invention with flaps  116  folded behind region  112 . Region  110  is the closest surface to the viewer, region  114  is in the middle and region  112  is farthest from the viewer. 
     FIG. 1 c  depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which regions  160 ,  162  and  164  are separate pieces of material which, when assembled, are functionally attached at their common joints  170  and  172 . 
     FIGS. 1 d  and  1   e  illustrate a rear view unfolded with protective surface modifications and a front view folded depiction thereof of the envelope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the rear side of region  110  further comprises a pattern of raised-rim holes, tiny raised pimples, or domes which provide for increased finger traction and a degree of protection for the recording media stored in the envelope. 
     FIG. 2 depicts a side view of folded envelope  100  which is empty of any contents. Region  114  is folded along line  120  and attached to region  112  using flaps  116 . In a preferred embodiment, flaps  116  are bent more than 180° to secure regions  114  and  112  together. Flaps  116  extend from surface  114  and have a first crease  210  which bends the flaps towards region  112 . Second crease  212  bends flaps  116  around the back of region  112  (as seen in figure  1 b). Together, the two creases create a greater than 180° bend in flaps  116 . The rigidity of flaps  116  and their ability to hold their shape when folded is sufficient to attach region  114  to region  112 . Also considered within the scope of the present invention is the use of more than two creases to accomplish the bending of flaps  116 . 
     This preferred method of attachment, however, does not preclude the use of adhesive or welding to secure flaps  116 . Other functionally equivalent methods of sealing plastic and similar materials are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. 
     Also depicted in FIG. 2 is portion  214  of region  114  which extends beyond flaps  116 . Portion  214 , are the parts of each lobe  118  that bend open when inserting discs and literature into envelope  100 . 
     FIG. 3 a  depicts the present invention being loaded with case liner  312 . Region  110  is bent open and relies on two features of envelope  100  to facilitate insertion of case liner  312 . First, because flaps  116  (not shown in FIG. 3 a ) do not extend the entire length of region  112 , region  110  bends near point  316 . Secondly, portions  214  of lobes  118  (not shown in FIG. 3 a ) work in conjunction with the wide opening of region  110  to form almost a funnel shape into which case liner  312  is easily inserted. 
     Case liner  312  has spine labels  310  and  314  still attached when inserted into envelope  100 . In a preferred embodiment, one spine label  310  is folded over and another spine label  314  remains extended. This preferred embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b , allows the shortest possible envelope size, while maintaining visibility of spine label  314 . 
     Also contemplated within the scope of the present invention is envelope  100  sized to accept case liner  312  with both spine labels  310  and  314  unfolded. However, this embodiment results in a slightly larger envelope size. 
     FIG. 3 b  shows region  110  inserted between regions  114  and  112 . In this position, case liner  312  is entirely protected but still visible. Removal of case liner  312  is accomplished by reversing the above steps detailing its insertion. And, as before, lobes  118  and flaps  116  facilitate the opening of envelope  100  and removal of liner  312 . 
     FIG. 4 illustrates where compact disc  410  is positioned in relation to the other elements of envelope  100 . During the insertion of disc  410  the shape of lobes  118  (not shown in FIG. 4) and the expansion allowed by flaps  116  (not shown in FIG. 4) allow disc  410  to be easily positioned in-between regions  114  and  110  and removed therefrom. 
     Disc  410  is preferably inserted with its recording side adjacent region  110  and its label side adjacent region  114 . This orientation provides a clear view of the disc&#39;s face. This preferred orientation allows a means of protection to be incorporated in or on the surface of region  110  which is adjacent to the recording surface of disc  410  (see FIGS. 1 d  and  1   e ). The purpose of the treatment is to prevent, or at least minimize, scratching and damage to the recording side of disc  410 . 
     Known treatment methods include the use of a thin felt-like material composed of non-woven fibers. Also used is a thin plastic film penetrated by a pattern of closely space semicircular cuts. A functionally equivalent, but innovative, method also includes an applied thin layer of open-cell plastic or elastomer foam. Another innovative method includes a pattern of pricks which may be actual holes or merely raised pimples applied from the back side of region  110 . Producing these holes will raise on the surface of region  110  adjacent disc  410  open-top cones having a height of approximately 0.010 inches, each with a very thin rim. These cones will not scratch disc  410  as the envelope plastic is softer than the surface of disk; nor are their tips likely to hold and drag grit across  410 . A further and most useful attribute of the pin prick protection is that it maintains the transparency of the plastic so that the case liner may be read. 
     FIG. 5 introduces a preferred location for liner notes  510  between case liner  312  and region  112 . In this position, liner notes are visible from the rear of envelope  100  through region  112 . The envelope of the present invention is appropriate for a wide variety of applications. Media duplicators and providers require inexpensive, easy-to-handle, and small-sized media holders to store, display to and ship compact discs. As individual, stand-alone envelopes, the present invention more than fulfills these requirements. 
     However, FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  illustrate a preferred embodiment which accentuates many benefits of the present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of envelopes  620  are bound together in book-type holder  600 . FIG. 6 a  depicts holder  600  with binding  610  collapsed. FIG. 6 b , on the other hand, depicts holder  600  with binding  610  expanded. In the expanded arrangement, ends  630  of each envelope  620  are each exposed for approximately ¼ inch. Therefore, because spine labels occupy regions  630 , holder  600  displays, when open, a visible identity of all envelopes  620  simultaneously. Even when holder  600  is only partially open, portion  630  allows “thumbing-through” of the envelope&#39;s spine labels to quickly identify a disc of interest. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates the use of envelopes  720  in a card-type catalog  710 . In this arrangement, spine labels  730  are protected and still visible. Because of the flexibility of the top regions of envelopes  720  “thumbing-through” spine labels  730  provides nearly simultaneous access to all the envelope labels and simplifies locating a disc of interest. 
     The steps associated with the method of the present invention are outlined below: 
     a. User removes the disc or other recording media and associated literature from its original packaging. 
     b. User holds the case liner in one hand. 
     c. Holding the recording media in the other hand, the user swings the envelope open and insert the liner. 
     d. User then holds the envelope open, and inserts the liner with spine label viewable into the envelope fold with their thumbs. 
     e. User slips the flap behind the lobes and slides it down to closed position. 
     f. User inserts the disk above the flap. 
     g. Optionally in step b, user centers the liner notes behind the case liner and holds them both in one hand. 
     In this configuration, the user can repeatedly remove/insert the recording media without opening the envelope and without disturbing the literature as the envelope comprises two pockets, one for the literature and one for the disc (separated by the flap). 
     Thus, the present invention provides for a recording media and literature holder wherein the speed of filing disk and literature and speed of recognition and recovery is greatly increased-as both these operations require opening and closing the envelope via a three finger operation. The index finger of one hand slides the flap while two fingers of the other hand hold down the envelope. The notch cut into the tip of the envelope&#39;s flap reduces this to a simpler faster operation since a single finger holds down the envelope. 
     CONCLUSION 
     A system and method has been shown in the above embodiments for the effective implementation of a transparent compact disc envelope which protects both a disc and its accompanying literature. Furthermore the envelope provides a readily visible identity using the supplied literature. While various preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the present invention should not be limited by size, materials, connection methods, textures, media, or manufacturing methods.