Abstract:
A media disc storage package includes: a folder including at least first and second spaced-apart panels defining a space for enclosing a media disc; and a substantially rigid insert disposed between the panels. The insert spans the distance between the panels to provide structural support to the folder, and includes an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/695,870 filed on Apr. 3, 2007, which is currently pending, and which claims the benefit of Provisional Application 60/789,783 filed on Apr. 6, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to containers for holding machine readable storage media, and more particularly to a storage package intended for removably storing a recorded medium upon which information retrievable by reflected or refracted light is stored, and which features a folder formed from a prescored, unitary blank which is wrapped about and adhesively bonded to a disc tray to define the package. 
         [0003]    Media disc storage packages that utilize trays for holding one or more discs in combination with folders formed from paperboard or other suitable substrates are well known in the art. Such packages commonly include a disc tray made of injection-molded plastic positioned within one or more panels, or pages, of a plastic or paperboard substrate. Such packages are also commonly assembled using processes involving multiple steps performed with parts that are shipped to more than one location before the final packages are assembled. In particular, such processes often require that the folders and trays be assembled by one manufacturer, and then shipped to a separate manufacturer so that discs can be placed within the trays. The folders used in these packages are often folded and held together using tuck tabs and slit locks, which achieves closed, but not securely sealed, packages. The trays are often formed from several components, each of which must be custom-molded using a distinct injection molding process. 
         [0004]    Although media storage packages do exist in which component assembly, including disc placement, is fully automated, such packages require that a top spine sticker and a security sticker be separately manufactured and then placed on the top spine and left side of the package after assembly and prior to sale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    These and other shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by the present invention, which provides a media storage package having an insert and folder which may be assembled together with a disc during an automated, servo-driven process. Specifically, the disc is positioned within the tray, which is then wrapped within a pre-scored, die-cut blank. The blank has panels and spines upon which graphic information can be pre-printed prior to wrapping the blank around the tray, which eliminates the need for top spine and security labels. The blank also features glue tabs which may be adhesively bonded to selected panels of the blank and side rims of the tray during assembly to form a completed package having spines superimposed over all four side rims of the tray. The inserts utilized in the subject invention may be molded from a single injection molding process, and include several features designed to reduce the weight, and thus the cost, of the assembled package. Importantly, the package described herein, both the paper and plastic portions, may be made from recycled materials, including post-consumer waste, in contrast to prior art packages which in many cases must be made from virgin materials to achieve an acceptable product. 
         [0006]    According to one aspect of the invention, a media disc storage includes a folder comprising at least first and second spaced-apart panels defining a space for enclosing a media disc; and a substantially rigid insert disposed between the panels. The insert spans the distance between the panels to provide structural support to the folder, and including an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels. 
         [0007]    According to another aspect of the invention, a media disc storage package, includes a folder comprising at least first and second spaced-apart panels defining a space for enclosing a media disc; spines interconnecting the first and second panels to form a substantially continuous outer surface which includes an open side edge; and a substantially rigid insert disposed between the panels. The insert spans the distance between the panels to provide structural support to the folder, and includes an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels. The insert has a frame having an outer perimeter circumscribed by the perimeter of the panels; and a tray carried by the frame, the tray defining an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels. 
         [0008]    The tray is moveable, in a plane generally parallel to the first and second panels, between: a first position in which the disc well is disposed inside the space between the panels, and a second position in which the tray extends through the open side edge and the disc well is exposed for placement or retrieval of a disc. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the invention, an insert for a media disc storage package includes a generally planar floor; at least one upstanding rim extending from the floor so as to define an open disc well adapted to receive and locate a media disc therein; and a spring locking mechanism having: a flexible spring having at least one end connected to the insert; and a latch extending laterally from the spring. The latch is moveable with the spring, in a plane generally parallel to the first floor, between a first position in which at least a portion of the latch overlies the disc well; and a second position in which the latch is clear of the disc well. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a media storage package according to one aspect of the invention, showing an insert thereof in a partially-extended position; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the media storage package of  FIG. 1 , with the insert retracted; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a blank for the storage package of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the blank of  FIG. 3  in a partially-folded condition; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the blank of  FIG. 3  with an insert placed therein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an insert constructed according to one aspect of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the insert of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8A  is a top plan view of a blank for use with the insert of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8B  is a view taken along lines  8 B- 8 B of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative insert; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the insert of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an alternative insert; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of another alternative insert; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of another alternative insert; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the insert of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the insert of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of another alternative insert; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the insert of  FIG. 16A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another alternative insert; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 17  with a disc placed in a locked position within the insert; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of another alternative insert; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a plan view of the front of the insert of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a partial view of a lower tray of the insert shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a partial cross-sectional view of a side rail and guide member like those which are shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an insert according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a portion of the insert shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a top plan view of the insert shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a bottom plan view of the insert shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is a top plan view of an alternative optical media storage package; 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is a top plan view of a blank used to form a folder for the storage package of  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the blank and insert of  FIG. 27  during assembly; 
           [0045]      FIG. 30  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 27 ; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 31  is a bottom plan view of the insert of  FIG. 27 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0047]    Referring now specifically to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an optical media storage package according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The storage package  10  includes a folder  12  wrapped about a disc insert  14 . The insert  14  includes a frame  15  and a tray  16  that has a well  17  within which an optical disc “D” may be placed. As used herein, the term “insert” is meant to include a frame, a tray, or a combination of both a frame and a tray, or any other equivalents thereof. 
         [0048]    While the storage package may utilize a disc insert formed from any suitable materials, the insert  14  is preferably formed from injection molded plastic. One example of a suitable material is polypropylene. The design aspects of the insert  14 , for example the fact that it is normally hidden from view, and that it does not require long, 180-degree opening live hinges, allow it to be readily made from recycled pre- or post-consumer recycled plastics (e.g. ground-up plastic waste material or “regrinds”). Furthermore, although the disc “D” shown in  FIG. 1  is a conventional compact disc, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be utilized with other optical discs, including but not limited to Fluorescent Versatile Discs, Digital Versatile Discs (“DVD”), High Definition Versatile Discs, Blu-ray Discs, multilayer optical discs, enhanced versatile discs, MiniDiscs, Holographic Discs, and Universal Media Discs. The invention can also be used with any other discs that are configured to include encoded information. Such discs include, but are not limited to, those configured for mechanically or magnetically recorded data, regardless of the size or use of the disc. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  and described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 5 , the folder  12  includes front and back walls  18 ,  20 , an upper spine  22 , lower spine  24 , and side spines  26 ,  29  that are configured, wrapped and optionally adhesively bonded in place around the frame  15  during assembly to completely enclose the insert  14  and disc “D” within the folder  12 . The walls  18 ,  20  and spines  22 ,  24  extend to a side edge  28  that defines an opening through which the tray  16  is removed from the folder. As is shown in  FIG. 2 , a notch  30  is formed along the side edge  28  to permit an end user to grasp and remove the tray  16  from the folder  12  to access the disc “D”. The storage package  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  with the tray  16  extending through the opening. The tray  16  is pivotally connected to the frame  15 , which permits the tray  16  to move between the open position shown in  FIG. 1  to the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 1 , the tray  16  is shown partially extended such that the disc D is partially exposed and may be placed into or removed from the disc well  17 . If desired, the tray  16  may be further opened or extended to fully expose the disc D. A cover  32  extends from the back wall  20  and can be folded over the side edge  28  and front wall  18  to close the package  10 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the folder  12  is preferably formed from a unitary blank  34 . While the blank  34  may comprise any suitable substrate, the blank  34  is preferably pre-sized, die-cut from paperboard, and scored to form hinges, which in turn define the various components of the folder  12 . The blank  34  may be made from recycled paperboard or other pre-or post-consumer recycled fibrous materials. More specifically, the blank  34  includes first, second, third and fourth panels  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 . The first panel  36  extends between a cover hinge  44  and a first hinge  46 . The first hinge  46  extends parallel to a second hinge  48  to form a cover spine  50  from which a cover tab  52  extends. The second panel  38  extends between the cover hinge  44  and a third hinge  54 . The third panel  40  similarly extends between fourth and fifth hinges  56 ,  58 . 
         [0051]    The fourth panel  42  has an interior surface  43 , is interposed between a sixth hinge  60  and a side hinge  62 , and extends between the upper and lower spines  22 ,  24 . The spines  22 ,  24  are defined by respective upper and lower pairs of hinges  64 ,  66 . As is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , upper and lower glue tabs  68 ,  70  extend from the upper and lower spines  22 ,  24 , respectively, and a side glue tab  72  extends from the side hinge  62 . An opening  74  is located at the side hinge  62 , and ultimately forms the notch  30  on the side edge  28  of the cover  32  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , to assemble the storage package  10 , the cover tab  52  and interior cover spine  50  are folded along the first and second hinges  46 ,  48  so that the cover tab  52  extends at an angle toward the outer surface  80  of the first panel  36 . The first panel  36  is then folded along the cover hinge  44  with the panel  36  extending at an angle back toward the second panel  38 . The upper glue tab  68  and spine  22 , lower glue tab  70  and spine  24 , and side glue tab  72  are likewise folded along the upper pair of hinges  64 , lower pair of hinges  66  and side hinge  62 , respectively, to extend toward the interior  43  of the fourth panel  42 . As is shown in  FIG. 5 , the first panel  36  is then adhesively bonded to the second panel  38  with the interior cover spine  50  superimposed over the side spine  29 , which gives the cover  32  a two-ply thickness and increased rigidity to protect the insert  14  and disc “D” wrapped within the folder  12 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the side glue tab  72  is folded along side hinge  62  and adhesively bonded to the interior of the fourth panel  42  to define the notch  30  and side edge  28 . As is shown in  FIG. 5 , the blank  34  is then wrapped about the insert  14  by first positioning the tray  16  and disc “D” disposed face down on the fourth panel  42 . The interior of the fourth panel  42  is then adhesively bonded to the frame  15 . The upper and lower glue tabs  68 ,  70  are then folded over respective upper and lower ends  76 ,  78  of the insert  14  and adhered to the frame  15 , so that the upper and lower spines  22 ,  24  completely cover the upper and lower ends  76 ,  78 . 
         [0054]    The fourth panel  42  and side spine  26  are next folded toward the third panel  40  along the fifth and sixth hinges  58 ,  60 . The cover tab  52  is then disposed between the third panel  40  and the tray  16 , and the upper and lower glue tabs  68 ,  70  are adhesively bonded to the interior of the third panel  40  to form the package  10 . 
         [0055]    Wrapping the blank  34  around the insert  14  in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 5  produces a package  10  in which there are spines  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  29  covering all four sides of the frame  15 . Adhesively bonding the glue tabs  68 ,  70 ,  72  to the interior of the third panel  40  further eliminates the use of standard folding technology, in which tuck tabs and slit locks are utilized to achieve closed, but loosely sealed, packages which require separate spine labels. In contrast, the package  10  has increased rigidity and does not require separate security stickers or top spine labels: all of the necessary graphic information can be printed directly on the spines and other surfaces of the folder  12 . 
         [0056]    Although the folder  12  shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  is designed to hold only one disc “D”, the package  10  may alternatively be designed to hold up to ten discs by increasing the width “w” of each of the spines. In particular, for each additional disc added, the width “w” is increased by approximately 1.4 mm (0.055 in.); however, additions to the width “w” may vary depending upon the type of disc the final package is intended to hold. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 6 through 8  illustrate the insert  14  in more detail. The insert  14  includes integrally formed frame  15  and tray  16 . A hinge  18  is likewise integrally formed with the frame  15  and tray  16 , and operates to allow pivotal movement of the tray  16  relative to the frame  15 . The tray  16  includes an outer rim  720 . A reinforcing rim  722  extends from the outer rim  720 . The outer rim  720  and reinforcing rim  722  cooperatively define a disc well  17  and a support floor  724  that both extend to a side edge  726 . 
         [0058]    The well  117  is protected by a disc keeper  730 , which is disposed on the outer rim  722  and extends inwardly over the well  17  for maintaining a disc in place within the well  17 . 
         [0059]    The frame  15  has a floor  734  from which a pair of opposed lateral rims  736 ,  737 , a transverse side rim  738  and outer rim segments  740 ,  741  extend. An inner rim  742  having a curved shape generally complimentary to that of the outer rim  722  extends from the rim segment  740  to the rim segment  741 . The inner rim  742  includes an arcuate segment  744  formed with an end segment  746 , which is in turn connected to the first rim segment  740 . 
         [0060]    The hinge  18 , tray  16  and frame  15  are formed as a single, integral and continuous piece both during and after assembly of the insert  14 . Specifically, the hinge  18  is integrally formed with a convex curved portion  732  that is disposed adjacent the convexly-curved arcuate segment  744  of the inner rim  742 . This configuration gives the area of the frame  15  adjacent the rim segment  740  a hooked shape for restricting the extent to which the tray  16  may pivot away from the tray  115 , and also defines a cavity within which the hinge  18  may pivot when the tray  16  is moved away from the inner rim  742 . 
         [0061]    The insert  14  also includes a spring locking mechanism  752  including a spring  754 . One end of the spring  754  is connected to the reinforcing rim  722  at a first end  731 , and an opposite end of the spring  754  is connected to the reinforcing rim  722  at the second end  733  adjacent to the convex curved portion  732 . A latch  760  is disposed on the spring  754  and extends inwardly toward the center of the well  17 . When in an unlocked position such as that shown in  FIG. 7 , the spring  754  is bowed outwardly away from the insert  14  to allow access to the tray  16 . To place the locking mechanism  752  in a locked position, pressure is applied to the spring  754 , which causes the spring  754  to bow inwardly so that the latch  760  is disposed above the outer edge of a disc positioned in the well  17  and cooperates with the disk keeper  730  to retain the disc within the well  17 . 
         [0062]    Means may be provided for keeping the tray  16  aligned in-plane with the frame  15  and in a closed position. For example, the illustrated tray  16  includes a side tab  770  which projects from the outer rim  720  near the disc keeper  730 . When the tray  16  is closed, the side tab  770  is received between spaced-apart fingers  772  which project from the inner rim  742  of the frame  15 . The illustrated tray  16  also includes an end tab  774  which projects from the first end  731  thereof. When the tray  16  is closed, the end tab  774  is received between spaced-apart fingers  776  which project from the inner rim  742  of the frame  15 . The end tab  774  also includes a recess  778  that engages a complementary projection  780  of the frame to resist unintentional opening of the tray  16 . These features are particularly useful in keeping the tray  16  in a closed position and aligned with the frame  15  during assembly of the insert to the folder  12 . 
         [0063]    The frame  15  optionally includes one or integrally-molded raised bosses  782  having hooks  784  projecting therefrom. These hooks  784  may be used in attaching the insert  14  to a folder. 
         [0064]    For example,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a folder  812  similar in construction to folder  12  described above and including first, second, third, and fourth panels  836 ,  838 ,  840 , and  842 , respectively. The first panel  836  is shown folded over the second panel  838  and bonded thereto. Upper and lower glue tabs  868  and  870  are connected to the third panel  840  by upper and lower spines  822  and  824 , respectively. A side glue tab  872 , which is shown folded over and bonded to the fourth panel  842 , extends from a side hinge  862 . A notch  830  is formed in the side glue tab  872  and the fourth panel  842 . 
         [0065]    The upper and lower glue tabs  868  and  870  each have an opening  876  formed therein which receives the hook  784  and a portion of the boss  782  of the insert  14 . In  FIG. 8A , the upper glue flap  868  is in a flat position while the lower glue flap  870  is folded down against the insert  14 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 8B , the bosses  782  and hooks  784  are sized and positioned such that, when the glue flaps  868  and  870  are folded down over the insert  14 , the hooks  784  will engage the openings  876  and hold the glue flaps  868  and  870  down against the insert  14 . With both the upper and lower glue flaps  868  and  870  folded down, they insert  14  is retained in the proper position and orientation against the folder  812  and the glue flaps  868  and  870  are ready to have the fourth panel  842  folded over and bonded to them. This configuration may be readily assembled in an automated or semi-automated fashion with a minimum of process steps and complications. 
         [0067]    A disc insert according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  114  in  FIG. 9 . The insert  114  includes an integrally formed frame  115  and tray  116 . A hinge  118  is likewise integrally formed with the frame  115  and tray  116 , and operates to allow pivotal movement of the tray  116  relative to the frame  115 . The tray  116  includes a reinforcing rim  120 . An outer rim  122  extends from the reinforcing rim  120  to define a disc well  117  and a support floor  124  that both extend to a side edge  126 . 
         [0068]    Two tabs  127 ,  128  extend from the side edge  126  at angles generally perpendicular to the well  117  and floor  124 . The tabs  127 ,  128  engage the fourth panel  42  when a folder  12  of the invention is wrapped around the insert  114  to provide additional rigidity to an assembled package and prevent the folder  12  from collapsing into the well  117  and damaging a disc. The well  117  is further protected by a disc keeper  130 , which is disposed on the outer rim  122  and extends inwardly over the well  117  for maintaining a disc in place within the well  117 . 
         [0069]    Although the insert  114  may be utilized with any suitable storage folder or container, the insert  114  is preferably wrapped within the folder  12  in a manner identical to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 3 through 7 . Furthermore, while the tray  116  may have any suitable shape, the tray  116  preferably has a generally tear drop, or pear shape defined by the outer rim  122 , which extends from a first end  131  of the tray  116  through a sinuous, S-shaped curve  132  that terminates at a second end  133 . 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the frame  115  has a floor  134  from which a pair of opposed lateral rims  136 ,  137 , a transverse side rim  138  and outer rim segments  140 ,  141  extend. An inner rim  142  having a curved shape generally complimentary to that of the outer rim  122  extends from the rim segment  140  to the rim segment  141 . The inner rim  142  includes an arcuate segment  144  formed with an end segment  146 , which is in turn connected to the first rim segment  140 . 
         [0071]    The inner and outer rims  142 ,  122  are interconnected by two breakaway tabs  148 . The tabs  148  maintain the tray  116  in a fixed position relative to the frame  115 , but are designed to break in response to a force applied to the tray  116  during assembly. Breaking the tabs  148  permits the hinge  118  to pivot and the tray  116  to move away from the frame  115  in a manner like that illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0072]    The hinge  118 , tray  116  and frame  115  are formed as a single, integral and continuous piece both during and after assembly of the insert  114 . Specifically, the hinge  118  is integrally formed with the S-shaped curve  132  and the arcuate segment  144 , which not only gives the area of the frame  115  adjacent the rim segment  140  a hooked shape for restricting the extent to which the tray  116  may actually pivot away from the tray  115 , but also defines a cavity  150  within which the hinge  118  may pivot when the tray  116  is moved away from the inner rim  142 . 
         [0073]    The insert  114  also includes a spring locking mechanism  152  including a spring  154 . One end  156  of the spring  154  is connected to the outer rim  120 , and an opposite end  158  is connected to the outer rim  120  at the second end  133  adjacent to the S-shaped curve  132 . A latch  160  is disposed on the spring  154  and extends inwardly toward the center of the well  117 . When in an unlocked position such as that shown in  FIG. 10 , the spring  154  is bowed outwardly away from the insert  114  to allow access to the tray  116 . To place the locking mechanism  152  in a locked position, pressure is applied to the spring  154 , which causes the spring  154  to bow inwardly so that the latch  160  is disposed above the outer edge of a disc “D” positioned in the well  117  and cooperates with the disk keeper  130  to retain the disc “D” within the well  117 . 
         [0074]    A disc stored in the insert  114  is further protected by raised bumps  162  which are spaced apart on the disc well  117 . The bumps  162  may have any suitable shape and dimensions, be formed in any number, and be positioned at any locations on the well  117 ; however, each bump  162  preferably has a conical shape or alternatively, any other rounded shape, and measures about 0.762 mm (0.030 in.) by 0.2 mm (0.008 in.). The bumps  162  engage the non-media portion of a disc positioned in the well  117  to eliminate any contact between the components of the insert  114  and the media-containing portions of the disc. 
         [0075]    Although the spring locking mechanism  152  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  is configured to move between locked and unlocked positions in response to manual pressure on the latch  160 , the spring locking mechanism  152  may alternatively be configured to automatically unlock when the cover  32  on a folder  12  is opened, and then automatically relock in response to the cover  32  being closed. 
         [0076]    An insert according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral  214  in  FIG. 12 . With the exception of the manner in which the disc well  217  is formed, the insert  214  is identical to the insert  114  shown in  FIGS. 9 through 11 . In particular, the insert  214  has a tray  216 , frame  215 , and hinge  218  which have structures and functions identical to like elements of the insert  114  shown in  FIGS. 8 through 10 . 
         [0077]    The insert  214  differs from the insert  114  in that the insert  214  does not include a solid, continuous floor, but instead features first and second floor portions  220 ,  221  disposed between respective reinforcing rims  222 ,  223  and an outer rim  224 . A generally X-shaped seat  226  is defined by first and second intersecting ribs  228 ,  230 , a central support  232  and a C-shaped disc rim  234 , which is formed from the reinforcing rims  222 ,  223  and a segment of the outer rim  224 . The ends of the C-shaped disc rim  234  are interconnected by a support rib  235 . 
         [0078]    The central support  232  is disposed at the intersection of the ribs  228 ,  230  such that the ends of the first and second ribs  228 ,  230  radiate outwardly from the central support  232  and are integrally formed with the disc rim  234  to define spaced openings,  236 ,  237 ,  238 ,  239 . The X-shaped seat  226  and openings  236 ,  237 ,  238 ,  239  not only reduce the weight of the insert  214  without compromising the structural integrity of the invention, but also result in substantial cost savings in the materials used to form the insert  214 . 
         [0079]    The insert  214  also includes two breakaway tabs (not shown) and a spring locking mechanism  240 , which have the same components and the same general features as the tabs  148  and locking mechanism  152  of the insert  114 .  FIG. 12A  shows the insert  214  after the tabs have been broken, with the hinge  218  pivoting the tray  216  away from the frame  215  in a manner like that described above with reference to  FIGS. 9 through 12 . Although the inserts  114  and  214  are each shown with two tabs, any number of tabs may be used. 
         [0080]    An insert according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  241  in  FIG. 12A . With the exception of modifications to the tray, the disc keeper, and the spring locking mechanism, the insert  240  includes the same components and is formed from the same materials as the insert  214 . 
         [0081]    The insert  241  has a tray  243  which lacks the support rib  236  and the floor portions  220 ,  222  of the insert  214 . The tray  243  instead has a single floor portion  242  that extends to an interior edge  245 . A central support  244  is disposed at the intersection of the first and second ribs  228 ′,  230 ′, and includes an opening  247  sized to receive a finger of an end user to permit the user to grasp the inner edge of a disc and remove the disc from the tray  241 . Furthermore, a first rim segment  250  extends from one end of the outer rim  224  of the tray  241 , and a second rim segment  252  extends from the opposite end of the outer rim  224 ′ to a respective one of two end rims  268 . The interior edge  243  interconnects the end rims  268  to form a rectangular opening  272 . 
         [0082]    The insert  240  includes a spring locking mechanism  274  which is disposed entirely on the exterior of the tray  215 ′. Specifically, the locking mechanism  274  has a spring member  276  attached to exterior surfaces of the first and second rim segments  250 ,  251 . The spring member  276  is shown in  FIG. 12A  bowed outwardly away from the central support  244  in an unlocked position. A latch  278  having a thumb notch  280  is carried by the spring member  276 . When the in the unlocked position, the latch  278  overlies the opening  272  and is pulled away from the interior edge  245  to allow a disc to be inserted into the tray  240 . The spring locking mechanism  274  is moved to a locked position in the same manner as the spring locking mechanism  152  described above with reference to  FIGS. 9 through 11 . However, once the mechanism  274  is locked, the spring member  276  is bowed inwardly into the opening  272  with the latch  278  overlying the interior edge  254 . When locked, the spring member  276  is also disposed against the first and second rim segments  250 ,  252  so that the insert  240  will be completely enclosed within the folder  12  when assembled. 
         [0083]    The locking mechanism  274  may alternatively be configured to automatically unlock when the cover  32  is opened, and then automatically relock in response to the cover  32  being closed. 
         [0084]    The insert  240  also includes raised bumps  162  having a structure and function identical to the bumps  162  disposed on the insert  114 . 
         [0085]    Although the inserts  114 ,  214 ,  241  are designed to hold a maximum of two discs “D”, the inserts  114 ,  214 ,  241  may alternatively be designed to hold additional discs (for example up to ten discs) by increasing the depth “d” of the opposed lateral rims  136 ,  137 , transverse side rim  138  and outer rim segments  140 ,  141  by approximately 1.4 mm (0.055 in.) for each additional disc added; however, additions to the depth “d” may vary depending upon the type of disc the final insert is intended to store. 
         [0086]    The inserts  114 ,  214 ,  241  may also be molded so that the trays are pivoted outwardly away from the frames approximately 1.6 mm (¼ in.), with first and second bars mounted in parallel relation to one another on the tray and frame, respectively, so that the first and second bars interfere with each other when the tray is pivoted back into the frame to effectively “lock” the tray in position. 
         [0087]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 through 16 , an insert according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral  314 . Unlike the inserts described above, the insert  314  lacks a tray capable of pivoting relative to a frame, but instead consists of a single tray  316  having a floor  320  with first, second, third and fourth floor portions  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328  integrally formed together to define first, second, third and fourth corners  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336 . The floor  320  also includes an X-shaped base  338  consisting of first and second diagonal base members  340 ,  342 . The base members intersect at a central support  344  and opening  345  identical in structure and function to the support  244  and opening  247  of the insert  241 . The first base member  340  extends diagonally across the floor  320  from the first corner  330  to the third corner  334 , and the second base member  342  extends diagonally from the second corner  332  to the fourth corner  336 . Disposing the intersecting first and second base members  340 ,  342  into the corners  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336  in this manner stabilizes the insert  314  by reinforcing the floor portions  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328 . 
         [0088]    The insert  314  also has a disc well defined by a C-shaped rim  348 . The rim  348  extends from a first end  349 , which is connected to the second base member  342 , to a second end  350 , which is connected to the first base member  340 . As is shown in  FIG. 13 , a disc keeper  351  extends from the upper edge of the rim  348  radially inwardly toward the central support  344 . The keeper  351  overlies a tab  352  that extends inwardly from the third floor portion  326  toward the central support  344 . The keeper  351 , tab  352  and rim  348  define a compartment within which the outer edge of a disc is placed prior to positioning the disc within the rim  348 . 
         [0089]    The insert  314  includes raised bumps  354  which are spaced apart on the disc well  317 . The bumps  354  have a structure and function identical to the bumps  162  of the insert  114 . 
         [0090]    The tray  316  also includes an outer wall formed by lower and upper rims  358 ,  360 , a lateral side rim  362 , and first and second rim segments  364 ,  366 . As is best shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the first rim segment  364  extends from the upper rim  360 , and the second rim segment  366  extends from the lower rim  358  to a respective one of two end rims  368 . An interior edge  370  interconnects the end rims  368  to form a rectangular opening  372  in the first end portion  322 . 
         [0091]    The insert  314  includes a spring locking mechanism  374  similar in structure and function to the locking mechanism  274 ; however, the spring member  376  on the insert  314  is attached to first and second rim segments  364 ,  366  which are in turn connected to the lower and upper rims  358 ,  360 . The mechanism also includes a latch  378  having a shape that differs from the latch  278  and includes thumb notch  380 . The spring locking mechanism  374  is moved between unlocked and locked positions relative to the interior edge  370  in the same manner as the spring locking mechanism  274  described above with reference to  FIG. 12A  moves relative to the interior edge  254 . 
         [0092]    Although the insert  314  is designed to hold a maximum of two discs “D”, the insert  314  may alternatively be designed to hold additional discs (for example ten discs) by increasing the depth “d” of the outer wall by approximately 1.4 mm (0.055 in.) for each additional disc added; however, additions to the depth “d” may vary depending upon the type of disc the final insert is intended to store. 
         [0093]    An insert according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  390  in  FIG. 16A . With the exception of modifications to the tab and corners, the insert  390  includes the same components and is formed from the same materials as the insert  314 . As is shown in  FIG. 16A , the tab  352  has been removed. The shape of the latch  378  has also been modified. Furthermore, raised segments  391 ,  392 ,  393 ,  394  are formed in the respective corners  330 ′,  332 ′,  334 ′,  336 ′ and extend to the C-shaped rim  348 ′ to provide additional support to the fourth panel of a folder wrapped about the insert  390 . A detailed view of raised segment  394  is shown in  FIG. 15B . 
         [0094]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , an insert  414  having components and functions substantially identical to those of the insert  314  has been further modified to include support ribs  416 . The ribs  416  are disposed on the first and second base segments  340 ′,  342 ′ to further reinforce the strength and stability of the insert  414 . Each of the ribs  416  extends along a selected one of the first or second base segments  340 ,  342  from one of the corners  330 ″,  332 ″,  334 ″,  336 ″ to the C-shaped rim  348 ′. 
         [0095]    The C-shaped rim  348 ′ of the insert  414  has also been modified so that the first and second ends  349 ′,  350 ′ overlie the respective first and second base segments  340 ′,  342 ′ and are connected to the first floor portion  322 ′. In addition, the shape of the latch  378 ′ has been modified, the thumb notch  380 ′ enlarged, and the interior edge  370 ′ curved inwardly toward the central support  344 ′ to give an end user more room to manipulate the locking mechanism  374 ′ and remove a disc “D” like that shown in  FIG. 18  from the insert  414 . The central support shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  may alternatively include an opening and raised bumps like the opening  345  and bumps  354  described above with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
         [0096]    Referring now to  FIG. 19 , an insert according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  430 . In contrast to the inserts  114 ,  214  and  314 , which are each formed from a single injection-molded component, the insert  430  comprises two separately molded components: upper and lower trays  432 ,  434  which are mated together to permit the trays to slide relative to one another. The lower tray  434  consists of a floor  436  with opposed side edges. Spaced guide members  440  extend parallel to one another along the entire length of the side edges  438 . The upper tray  432  includes a floor  442  upon which an annular disc rim  444  is disposed to define a well  446  within which a disc is positioned prior to wrapping the insert  430  in a folder such as the folder  12 . Spaced slide rails  448  extend parallel to one another along opposite side edges of the upper tray  432 . The slide rails  448  have a shape complementary to that of the guide members  440  to permit the rails  448  to be disposed within and slide relative to the guide members  440 . 
         [0097]    Referring now to  FIG. 20 , the complementary shapes of the slide rails  448  and guide members  440  also permit the lower surface of the floor  442  of the upper tray  432  to be positioned in closely-conforming relation to the upper surface of the floor  436  of the lower tray  434 . In particular, each of the slide rails  448  includes a rim  450  from which a return flange  452  extends to define an upper groove  454 . As is best shown in  FIG. 21 , each of the guide members  440  is formed by an interior flange portion  456  having a tail  458  that extends downwardly toward the floor  436  of the lower tray and terminates along a lower edge  460  which is integrally formed with a return flange  462 . The return flange  462  has a tail  464  which is perpendicular to the floor  436  and extends away from the lower edge  460  in a direction opposite and parallel to the tail  458  to define a lower groove  466 . The interconnected interior flange portion  456  and return flange  452  give each guide member  440  a generally S-shaped configuration. 
         [0098]    The upper and lower trays  432 ,  434  are assembled by superimposing the upper tray  432  onto the lower tray  434  in a manner like that shown in  FIG. 22 . In particular, each return flange  452  of the slide rails  448  is seated over a corresponding interior flange portion  456  of a respective one of the guide members  440  with the tail of the return flange  452  disposed within the lower groove  466  so that the slide rails  448  are aligned with the guide members  440  to permit sliding, translational movement of the upper tray relative to the lower tray. 
         [0099]    While the insert  430  may be utilized with any suitable conventional media folder formed from paperboard or another suitable substrate, the insert  430  is preferably utilized with the folder  12 . Assembly of the folder  12  around the insert  430  occurs in a manner similar to that which is described above with respect to Figures through  5 . The insert  430  is first assembled and loaded with a disc, and is then positioned with the upper tray  432  and disc rim  444  disposed against the fourth panel  42  of the blank  34  so that the two sets of coupled slide rails and guide members extend parallel to the upper and lower pairs of hinges  64 ,  66 . The blank  34  is then wrapped around the insert  430  in a manner identical to that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 , respectively to form a fully assembled storage package. 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIG. 23 , a media storage insert according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral  470 . Unlike the two-piece insert  430  described above with reference to  FIGS. 19  though  22 , the components of the insert  470  are formed together as a single unit during the molding process and are then separated into two components, a tray  472  and frame  474 , prior to being wrapped within a folder. 
         [0101]    With the exception of sharing the common feature of having components that are capable of sliding movement relative to each other, the tray  472  and frame  474  of the insert  470  differ in structure from the upper and lower trays  432 ,  434  of the insert  414 . As is shown in  FIG. 23 , the tray  472  has a floor  476  within which a recessed disc well  478  is formed. The well  478  includes an annular wall  480  with an upper edge  482  that is flush with the floor  476  so that the well  478  is embedded completely within the floor  476 . The tray  472  also includes a rear edge  484  from which spaced guide rails  486  extend parallel to each other along opposite sides of the tray  490  to respective relief areas  488 , which are interconnected by a forward edge segment  490 . 
         [0102]    The frame  474  has a rear wall  492  from which spaced guide members  493  extend. Each guide member  493  extends parallel and adjacent to a respective one of the guide rails  486  of the tray  472 . Inwardly-extending shelf portions  494  are formed at the forward ends of the respective guide members  496 . As is best shown in  FIG. 24 , each shelf portion  494  has a guide channel  495  and is positioned in closely-conforming relation to a respective one of the relief areas  488  so that the guide channels  495  are aligned with the guide rails  486 . 
         [0103]    The insert  470  includes four breakaway tabs  496 . While the tabs may have any suitable width, each tab  496  is preferably about 6.4 mm (¼ in.) wide. As is best shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , two of the tabs  496  interconnect the rear wall  492  of the frame  474  along the rear edge  454  of the tray  472 . The remaining tabs  496  interconnect the shelf portions  494  and the relief areas  488 . The tabs  496  are broken in response to a force applied to the insert  470  prior to wrapping the insert  470  within a folder. Breaking the tabs  496  permits the guide rails  484  to side through the guide channels  495  and allow an end user to move the tray  472  away from the frame  474  to access a disc stored in the well  478 . 
         [0104]    Although the guide members  493  are configured to include the shelf portions  494  and guide channels  495 , each of the guide members  493  may alternatively be configured to include an interconnected flange portion and return flange used in the guide members  440  described above with reference to  FIG. 19 , which would in turn give each guide member  493  a similar S-shaped configuration for cooperating with the guide rails  486  on the tray  472 . 
         [0105]    The inserts  430 ,  470  may alternatively be configured to include an X-shaped structure similar that utilized on the base  338  of the insert  314 . Furthermore, while the inserts  430  and  470  may be wrapped within any suitable folder, the inserts  430  and  470  are specifically intended for use with a folder similar to the folder  512  described below with reference to  FIGS. 27 through 29 . However, in contrast to the folder  512 , such folder is modified to include an inside spine glue flap which is scored to define a single hinge and then folded and adhesively bonded to the back side of a third panel to form a slip case having a folded, two-ply piece with a thumb notch for permitting an end user to access discs by accessing the sides of the inserts  430 ,  470 . 
         [0106]    An optical media storage package according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at reference numeral  510  in  FIG. 27 . The storage package  510  includes a folder  512  wrapped about a disc insert  514 . The front and back of the insert  514  are shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . Although the structure of the insert  514  differs from that of the insert  14 , the insert  514  is formed from the same materials and can be used to store the same variety of optical media discs as the disc insert  14 . 
         [0107]    With the exception of adding a disc opening and altering certain spines, hinges and tabs, the folder  512  includes the same components and is formed from the same materials as the folder  12 . 
         [0108]    The folder  512  includes a disc opening  516  for permitting a disc to be placed within, and removed from, the insert  514 . As is shown in  FIG. 28 , the disc opening  516  is formed on the fourth panel  42 ′ of a blank  534  and thus eliminates the need for an opening like that which is formed along the side edge  28 ′ of the folder  10 . The blank  534  instead includes a second side spine  536 , which is defined by the first side hinge  62 ′ and a second side hinge  538 . The blank  534  also lacks the cover tab  52 , first and second hinges  46 ,  48  and the interior cover spine  50  of the folder  10 . The first panel  36 ′ of the blank  534  instead extends between an outside edge  540  and the cover hinge  44 ′. 
         [0109]    The storage package  510  is assembled by folding the first panel  36 ′ along the cover hinge  44  and adhesively bonding the first panel  36 ′ against the second panel  38  so that the outside edge  540  extends along the third hinge  54 ′. It is noted that the first panel  36 ′ is shown already folded over in this manner in  FIGS. 27 through 29 . As is shown in  FIG. 29 , the front of the insert  514  is then disposed against the interior surface of the fourth panel  42 ′ so that the insert  514  may be accessed through the disc opening  516  of the assembled folder  512 . The upper glue tab  68 ′, lower glue tab  70 ′ and side glue tab  72 ′ are then folded over the insert  514  and are adhered to one another, with the second side spine  536  wrapped around the insert  514  in place of the opening that would otherwise be formed along the side edge  28 ′ of the folder  12 . The fourth panel  42 ′ and side spine  29 ′ are next folded along the third and fourth hinges  54 ′,  56 ′ and the glue tabs  68 ′,  70 ′,  72 ′ are adhered to the third panel  40 ′ to arrive at the package  510  shown in  FIG. 27 . When the cover  32 ′ of the folder  512  is closed, the first side spine  29 ′ is superimposed over the second side spine  536  so that the entire insert  514  is securely enclosed within the interior of the folder  512 . 
         [0110]    The storage package  510  may alternatively feature a blank, not shown, but similar to the blank  534 , in which the disc opening  516  is formed on the third panel  40 ′. To assemble the package  510 , the back of the insert  514  is disposed against the interior surface of the fourth panel  42 ′ so that the front of the insert  514  may be accessed through the disc opening  516  on the third panel after the package  510  is assembled. The remaining components of the blank  534  are wrapped around the insert  514  in a manner identical to that which is described above with reference to  FIGS. 27 through 29 . The storage package  510  may also alternatively be formed to include five panels, with the second panel hinged and adhesively bonded to the back side of the first panel to create an inside page for use as a storage pocket for printed and other graphic materials. 
         [0111]    The storage package  510  may also include a tear-away insert disposed across a portion or overlying the entirety of the opening  516 . The insert (not shown) is connected to the folder  12  by a perforated line to permit the insert to be removed by an end user. Such an insert is formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to the same substrate used for the blank  534 , or a flexible material other than the die-cut substrate used for the blank  534 . 
         [0112]    Referring now to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the insert  514  consists of an outer frame  542  formed from opposed lateral frame portions  544 ,  546  that are interconnected by upper and lower frame portions  548 ,  550  to define first, second, third and fourth corners  552 ,  554 ,  556 ,  558 . First and second tabs  559  are formed on the respective lateral frame portions  544 ,  546  and extend inwardly toward the center of the insert  514  for supporting the outer edge of a disc. 
         [0113]    A first diagonal frame support  560  extends from the second corner  554  to the fourth corner  558  and intersects a second diagonal frame support  562 , which similarly extends from the first corner  552  to the third corner  556  to define cut-out areas  564 ,  565 ,  566 ,  567 . 
         [0114]    A central support  568  is disposed at the intersection of the first and second diagonal frame supports  560 ,  562 . The central support  568  and the tabs  559  cooperate with four rim segments  569  to define a disc seat  570 . Each of the frame supports  560 ,  562  includes a pair of the rim segments  569 , which are disposed on the supports  560 ,  562  in spaced-apart relation to the central support  568 . Each rim segment  569  is integrally formed with and extends perpendicularly to a selected one of the diagonal frame supports  560 ,  562 , which in turn causes the disc seat  570  to be recessed relative to the lateral, upper and lower frame portions  544 ,  546 ,  548 ,  550 . 
         [0115]    The insert  514  includes features specifically designed to enhance the protection of a disc stored within the seat  570 . As is best shown in  FIG. 31 , the lateral, upper and lower frame portions  544 ,  546 ,  548 ,  550  are reinforced by an outer side rim  572  that extends around the periphery of the outer frame  542 . The diagonal frame supports  560 ,  562  are also reinforced. In particular, pairs of upper and lower support ribs  574 ,  576  are disposed on the back sides of the diagonal frame supports  560 ,  562  and extend from the corners of the frame  542  to the rim segments  569 . The disc seat  570  is further strengthened by a reinforcing bar  578  that interconnects the upper support ribs  574  above the central support  568 . 
         [0116]    The reinforcing bar  572  also stabilizes the diagonal frame supports  560 ,  562  to allow a spring locking mechanism  580  to operate without difficulty. The spring locking mechanism  580  is disposed within the cut-out area  564  below the upper frame portion  548  and features an H-shaped member  582  mounted on a spring  584  which has ends  586  connected to the upper support ribs  574 . In the absence of pressure on the spring  584 , the web  585  of the H-shaped member  582  abuts a projection  588  which is integral with the upper frame portion  548  and extends toward the central support  568 . 
         [0117]    To place a disc in the insert  514 , the web  585  of the H-shaped member  582  is urged slightly upwards and away from the bar  578 , which likewise causes the spring  584  to flex outwardly away from the central support  568 . As the spring  584  flexes, the web  545  slides toward the projection  588  so that a lock bar  590  disposed on the back of the H-shaped member  582  slides behind the projection  588  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . This causes the H-shaped member  582  to move away from the central support  568  so that a disc can be placed in the insert  514 . The spring locking mechanism  580  returns to its original position when the lock bar  590  on the H-shaped member  582  is released from the projection  588 . 
         [0118]    The central support  568  may alternatively be formed with an opening like the opening  345  described above for permitting an end user to insert a finger in the opening to remove the disc from the tray. 
         [0119]    While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.