Abstract:
A protective case for storage media that itself has separately addressable data independent of the storage media encased in the protective case. The inventive features allows for the storing, playing and recording of predetermined data. A display on its exterior for displaying stored data is provided and it is able to communicate with other devices for the access, reproduction and alteration of the data.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a device for encasing storage media wherein the protective case contains separately addressable data. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Protective cases for storage media are commonplace. Numerous diverse types of storage media, such as Compact Disc (“CD”), CD-Read Only Memory (“CD-ROM”), CD-Read/Write (“CD-R”), CD-Read/Write/Re-Write (“CD-RW”), Digital Video Disc (“DVD”), Eight-Millimeter Movie Film, Video Cassette Tape and Video Game Cartridge are employed. Storage media can be easily scratched or damaged, so therefore are often sold and stored in protective cases. 
     Related art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,353 to Asakura which discloses an integrated circuit chip or memory device imbedded into the central region of a CD. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,151 to Smith, additional data is written onto and read from the reverse side of a CD. The data described may be identification codes or possibly samples of data stored on the obverse side. U.S. Pat. No. 3,000,640 to Strauss discloses a small sample record frangibly integral with the storage case which is intended to be separated from the storage case. The Strauss invention teaches a device which must be broken from the storage case before the data on it can be read. U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,571 to Mistretta discloses a CD case which provides identification data on a storage disc by means of holes at the edge of a case. The disc is read by the disc drive while the disc is in the case. 
     None of the related art provide for the reproduction of data stored in the protective case. 
     It would be advantageous to be able to hear a message regarding the content of a CD or play a sample of music recorded on a certain CD without having to open the protective case. Similarly, it would be advantageous for a protective case to display data about a CD, such as which track is currently being played audibly from the protective case, or who the artist is. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to be able to communicate that displayed data with a computer, so it may easily be altered or read, or with a stereo amplifier, so an audio message may be amplified. Also, it would be advantageous for a protective case without a CD in it to be able to indicate audibly and/or visually which CD is to go into it. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention contemplates a device where information may be obtained about the content of the storage media that is contained within a protective case so that the protective case is not opened unnecessarily. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and device for encasing storage media and which contains means for reproducing and/or recording messages regarding the storage media. The present invention includes the following interrelated objects, aspects and features: 
     In one embodiment, the invention comprises a protective case suitable for encasing storage media, such protective case being adaptable for placing into and retrieving such storage media; first means cooperatively attached to the protective case for storing data, such data being separate and apart from the data stored on the storage media; and second means cooperatively attached to the protective case for reproducing the separately stored data. 
     In another embodiment, the first means and the second means are attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the first means is attached to the interior of the protective case and the second means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention further comprises third means cooperatively attached to the protective case for activating the second means. 
     In still another embodiment, the third means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the third means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention further comprises fourth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for activating the first means. 
     In still another embodiment, the fourth means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the fourth means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a fifth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for indicating the operation of the third means. 
     In still another embodiment, the fifth means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the fifth means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the invention comprises a sixth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for indicating the operation of the fourth means. 
     In still another embodiment, the sixth means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the sixth means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet still another embodiment, the invention further comprises seventh means cooperatively attached to the protective case for communicating the separately stored data between the protective case and remote device(s) (not shown), distant from the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the seventh means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the seventh means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention further comprises eighth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for displaying data stored in the first means. 
     In still another embodiment, the eighth means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the eighth means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention further comprises ninth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for storing additional data, such additional data may be displayed by the eighth means. 
     In still another embodiment, the ninth means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the ninth means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention further comprises a tenth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for communicating data between the protective case and remote device(s) (not shown), distant from the protective case, separate from the seventh means. 
     In still another embodiment, the tenth means is attached to the interior of the protective case. 
     In still another embodiment, the tenth means is attached to the exterior of the protective case. 
     In yet still another embodiment, the invention comprises a data storage assembly, comprising a protective case suitable for encasing storage media, such storage media comprising of component(s) from the list of: CD, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, Eight-Millimeter Movie Film, Video Cassette Tape, Video Came Cartridge and combinations thereof, such protective case being adaptable for placing into and retrieving such storage media; first means cooperatively attached to the protective case for storing data, such data being separate and apart from the data stored on the storage media, such data may be stored in a single block, and may alternatively be stored in distinct addressable segments, wherein the first means cooperatively attached to the protective case for storing data, comprising of component(s) from the list of: Data Record playback Module (“DRPM”), Central Processing Unit (“CPU”), Random Access Memory (“RAM”), Read Only Memory (“ROM”), Programmable Read Only Memory (“PROM”), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”), Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”) and combinations thereof, in communication with component(s) from the list of: condenser microphone, piezoelectric device and combinations thereof; second means cooperatively attached to the protective case for reproducing the separately stored data, comprising of component(s) from the list of: DRPM, CPU, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM and combinations thereof, in communication with component(s) from the list of: speaker, piezoelectric device and combinations thereof; third means cooperatively attached to the protective case for activating the second means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: contact switch, bubble switch, capacitance switch; fourth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for activating the first means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: contact switch, bubble switch, capacitance switch; a fifth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for indicating the operation of the third means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: Light Emitting Diode (“LED”), Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”), incandescent bulb and combinations thereof; sixth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for indicating the operation of the fourth means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: LED display, LCD display, incandescent bulb and combinations thereof; seventh means cooperatively attached to the protective case for communicating the separately stored data between the protective case and one or more remote devices (not shown), distant from the protective case, comprising of component(s) from the list of: earphone jack, stereo jack, fiberoptic interface port, infrared transmitter and detector and combinations thereof; eighth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for displaying data stored in the first means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: LED display, LCD display, incandescent bulb and combinations thereof; ninth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for storing additional data, data for use in the eighth means may also be stored in the ninth means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: DRPM, CPU, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and combinations thereof; tenth means cooperatively attached to the protective case for communicating data between the protective case and one or more remote devices (not shown), distant from the protective case, separate from the seventh means, comprising of component(s) from the list of: earphone jack, stereo jack, fiberoptic interface port, infrared transmitter and detector and combinations thereof. 
     These and other aspects and features of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the appended figures. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of the invention for a CD protective case, when closed. 
     FIG. 2 is a view of an embodiment of the invention for a CD protective case, when open. 
     FIG. 3 is a diagram of the interrelation of the components in an embodiment of the invention pertaining to the storage and reproduction of reproducible data. 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram of the interrelation of the components in another embodiment of the invention pertaining to the storage and reproduction of audibly reproducible data. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a protective case for storage media (data storage assembly) in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . The protective case illustrated is a protective case for a Compact Disc (“CD”). However, the invention is equally applicable to protective cases for CD-Read Only Memory (“CD-ROM”), CD-Read/Write (“CD-R”), CD-Read/Write/Re-Write (“CD-RW”), Digital Video Disc (“DVD”), Eight-Millimeter Movie film, Video Cassette Tape, Video Game Cartridge, and other storage media. 
     It is instructive to know the structure of the protective case  10  in describing the invention. In FIG. 1, the protective case  10  is represented in the embodiment of a CD protective case. The protective case  10  comprises three parts: the front cover  12 , the back cover  14  with a binding wall  16 , and the insert section  18  for the back cover  14 , and is shown in greater detail in FIG.  2 . The back cover  14  and the front cover  12 , are attached by protrusions  20  facing inward from the front cover  12 , which fit into corresponding holes  22  on the back cover  14 . 
     FIG. 2 also illustrates one available area where a first means  24  for storing data and a second means  26  for reproducing the separately stored data, may cooperatively attach to the protective case  10 . In using the term “data,” this description specifically refers to information stored in the protective case  10  about the enclosed storage media, and does not refer to data stored on the storage media. The data may be audible in nature, although electronic, graphic, video and other types of data know in the art are also contemplated. The first means  24  may comprise, as illustrated in one embodiment in FIG. 3, one or more Data Record and Playback Module (“DRPM”)  28 , Central Processing Unit (“CPU”)  30 , or similar devices. Also, the second means  26  may comprise one or more DRPM  28 , CPU  30 , or similar devices. In FIG. 2, the first means  24  and the second means  26  are two separate elements. However, a single DRPM  28 , CPU  30 , or similar devices may provide the first means  24  and the second moans  26  in a single element. In addition to other forms of data, the data may include sound which is audible when reproduced, or which is beyond the range of human hearing. Data stored in the first means  24  may be volatile or non-volatile, analog or digital. The first means  24  may have data pre-recorded on it. There are many known ways in the art for pre-storing data, such as the method CDs are currently pre-programmed with music. Furthermore, data may be recorded, stored and reproduced in distinct addressable segments within a DRPM  28 , CPU  30  or similar device(s) which is separate and distinct from that stored on the storage media itself. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the first means  24  and the second means  26  are in cooperative attachment to the interior of the protective case  10  in an area  32  between the back cover  14  and the insert section  18 ; however, other embodiments are possible, such as where the first means  24  is on the interior of the protective case  10 , and the second means  26  is cooperatively attached to the exterior of the protective case  10 . If the data stored in the first means  24  is in distinct addressable segments, then a track selection button  34 , shown in FIGS. 1-2, may also be used to select a particular segment of the stored data. The track selection button  34  may also be a contact switch, bubble switch, capacitance switch, or a similar device. 
     In another embodiment, the protective case  10  includes a third means  36  for activating the second means  26 . The third means  36  may be comprised of a play button  38 , as shown in FIGS. 1-2, for activating the second means  26  and one or more speakers  40 , shown in FIGS. 1-2, on the binding wall  16  of protective case  10 . The play button  38  may be a contact switch, bubble switch, capacitance switch, or a similar device. 
     In yet another embodiment, the protective case  10  includes a fourth means  42  for activating the first means  24 . The fourth means  42  may be comprised of a record button  44 , as shown in FIGS. 1-2, for activating the first means  24  and one or more microphones  46 , such as a condenser microphone, a piezoelectric device, or a similar device and combinations thereof. The record button  44  may be a contact switch, bubble switch, capacitance switch, or a similar device. 
     Also contemplated by the invention is a fifth means  48  for indicating the operation of the third means  36 , shown in FIG.  3 . The fifth means  48  may comprise a Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) display, a Liquid Crystal Diode (“LCD”) display, incandescent bulb, or similar devices and combinations thereof. Furthermore, one or more backlights for LCD display are also contemplated to be used with the fifth means  48 . Alternatively, activation of the play button  38  may activate the fifth means  48  for indicating the operation of the third means  36 . 
     Also contemplated by the invention is a sixth means  50 , shown in FIGS. 1-4, for indicating the operation of the fourth means  42 . The sixth means  50  may comprise a Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) display, a Liquid Crystal Diode (“LCD”) display, incandescent bulb, or similar devices and combinations thereof. Furthermore, one or more backlights for LCD display are also contemplated to be used with the sixth means  50 . Alternatively, activation of the record button  44  may activate the sixth means  50  for indicating the operation of the fourth means  42 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a seventh means  52  for communicating the separately stored data between the protective case  10  and one or more remote devices (not shown), distant from the protective case  10 . The seventh means  52  may be a fiberoptic interface port, infrared transmitter and detector, or similar devices and combinations thereof. For audibly reproduced data, the seventh means  52  may be an earphone jack, stereo jack, or similar devices and combinations thereof. 
     Furthermore, according to the invention an eighth means  54  for displaying data is contemplated in this invention. The display may be a LED, LCD, incandescent bulb, or similar devices and combinations thereof. Also, a backlight may be utilized with the eighth means  54 . The eighth means  54  may utilize the same display as the fifth means  48 , and/or sixth means  50 , or may have its own display, shown in FIG.  3 . FIG. 2 also illustrates a power supply  56 , although a power supply, that is attached to the protective case  10  is not necessary. The power supply  56  may be one or more batteries, although alternatives are contemplated. 
     Also, ninth means  58  for storing additional data may be added to the invention. The ninth means  58  for storing additional data may be used to store additional separately stored data, or may be used to store data for the operation of the invention, shown in FIGS. 2-3. 
     An embodiment providing for the storing and reproduction of separately stored audibly reproducible data is diagrammed in FIG. 4. A power supply  56 , is connected to a single DRPM  28 , embodying the first means  24  and the second means  26 . As shown, the user activates the play button  38  to reproduce data via the second means  26 . The power supply  56 , is also connected to the sixth means  50 . However, other means for supplying power to the protective case  10  are also contemplated. Upon activation of the play button  38 , the DRPM  28  reproduces the audible data stored within it through one or more speaker(s)  40 . 
     FIG. 4 also depicts activation and use of the fourth means  42 . A user activates the record button  44  and speaks into one or more microphones  46 . For example, the record button  44  may be a contact switch. The user of the record button  44  may also activate the sixth means  50 . When the user has finished recording, the user may release the contact, ending the active status of the fourth means  42 . 
     Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein the power supply  56  is connected to the DRPM  28 . However, other methods for supplying power to the protective case  10  are known. Furthermore, the first means  24  and the second means  26  comprises a single DRPM  28  in communication with a single CPU  30 . More communication with additional DRPMs and CPUs are also contemplated for storing additional data. Moreover, the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30  may be interchangeable. One or more converter(s)  60  for transforming analog data to digital data, or digital data to analog data is shown between the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30 . However, the converter(s)  60  is not necessary if the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30  communicate data in the same form. 
     Also shown, the DRPM  28  communicates with one or more speakers  40 , for audibly reproducing the data. The third means  36  and the fourth means  42  may be manipulated by one or more switches  62 , which include the play button  38  and the record button  44 . One or more switches  62  also provide means for accessing any other data on the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30 , such as track selection or access to the past, present and future status of the data as it is played. The DRPM  28  is also shown to communicate with microphone(s)  46  for recording data directly into the DRPM  28 . In addition, the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30  are shown in communication with a sixth means  50  for indicating whether the device is recording data, such as an LED display, LCD display, incandescent bulb, or similar devices and combinations thereof. The sixth means  50  may also use a backlight. 
     Moreover, FIG. 3 illustrates a seventh means  52  for communicating the separately stored data between the protective case  10  and one or more remote devices (not shown), distant from the protective case  10 , or from one or more remote devices (not shown) to the protective case  10 . Communication with a distant device may be for the access, reproduction and/or alteration of the data. The seventh means  52  may be an interface port such as in earphone jack, stereo jack, or fiberoptic interface port, infrared detector and transmitter, or similar devices and combinations thereof. The remote device(s) may be another protective case, a stereo amplifier, computer, or similar devices and combinations thereof. The seventh means  52  utilizes converters  64  and  66  communicating with the DRPM  28  and the seventh means  52 , and with the CPU  30  and the seventh means  52 , to transform the data into the form desired, either analog or digital. 
     FIG. 3 also illustrates an embodiment with communication from the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30  through one or more converters  60  to an eighth means  54  for displaying data. The data may be alpha-numeric and may also comprise other symbols or graphics. The eighth means  54  may be used to display information about the data stored in the storage media, or the operational status of the protective case  10 . However, other information may also be displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the fifth means  48 , the sixth means  50 , and the eighth means  54  are separate elements. However, they may alternatively use the same LED display, LCD display, incandescent bulb, or similar device(s), and use the same backlight and combinations thereof. The eighth means  54  may also indicate which distinct addressable segment of data is currently being reproduced by the second means  26 . The converter(s)  60  is not necessary if the data in the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30  is in a form that the eighth means  54  can readily use. 
     Also shown in FIG. 3, a ninth means  58  for storing additional data between the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30 . This ninth means  58  may be placed elsewhere within the diagram as is known in the art. The ninth means  58  may be volatile or non-volatile, and may be analog or digital. The additional data may be stored in one or more of the following: DRPM, CPU, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or similar devices. Data for use in the eighth means  54  may also be stored in the ninth means  58 . 
     Also shown in FIG. 3, a tenth means  68  for communicating data between the protective case  10  and remote devices (not shown), distant from the protective case  10 , separate from the seventh means  52 , is also contemplated. FIG. 3 illustrates that the protective case  10  may communicate both analog data and digital data simultaneously. FIG. 3 shows a tenth means  68  as comprising an infrared detector and transmitter, for communication of data to one or more remote devices (not shown), distant from the protective case  10 . Other means are known, such as an earphone jack, stereo jack, or fiberoptic interface port or similar devices and combinations thereof. As shown, both the DRPM  28  and the CPU  30  communicate directly with the tenth means  68  without communicating through one or more converter(s), although one or more converter(s) may be used. The tenth means  68  may be for communication of data to or from a stereo amplifier, computer, or similar devices and combinations thereof. 
     An invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment thereof which fulfills each and every one of the objects of the invention as set forth herein above and provides a new and useful device for encasing storage media containing separately addressable data of great novelty and utility. 
     The invention is clearly new and useful. Moreover, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in this art at the time it was made in view of the prior art considered as a whole required by law. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing construction or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. 
     Now that the invention has been described,