Abstract:
A package for shipping and/or a compact disk. The package is formed from a one-piece blank of foldable paperboard and includes a rear panel, an overlying retaining panel having a retaining tab engageable with a compact disk, an overlying outer cover panel, and a plurality of inner panels interposed between the rear and cover panels.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to packages for shipping and storing compact disks, and more particularly to packages formed of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     A background art search directed to the subject matter of this invention conducted in the United States Patent and Trademark Office disclosed the following United States Letters Patent: 
     
         ______________________________________1,303,299 1,372,604   1,463,413   1,495,9531,774,215 2,333,798   2,354,066   2,828,0632,839,236 3,102,635   3,522,907   3,528,6023,870,223 4,419,837   4,508,366   4,511,0344,610,392 4,620,630   4,635,797   4,653,6394,676,374 4,694,954   4,709,812   4,727,9884,795,287 4,795,287   4,848,648   4,850,7314,850,731 4,852,740   4,905,831   4,930,6815,048,681 5,085,318   5,088,599   5,090,5615,101,973 5,147,036   5,154,284   5,186,3275,188,229 5,199,743   5,205,405   5,207,7175,248,032 5,284,242   5,289,918   5,290,1185,307,927 5,310,053   5,318,222   5,333,7285,366,074 5,370,224   5,372,253   5,408,366AU 284,629     CH 678,370  DE 4,000,230                             DE 4,133,465DE 4,221,127     DES 261,155 DES 315,504 EP 335,826FR 2,248,693     GB 192,283  GB 2,187,442                             GB 2,219,573JP 402,004,685     JP 403,256,884                 JP 406,156,570                             NL 8,702,565SU 1,316,922     WO 93/17433 WO 93/24927 WO 94/01866WO 94/22742______________________________________ 
    
     None of the patents uncovered in the search discloses a paperboard compact disk package that includes a rear panel, an overlying retaining panel having a retaining tab engageable with a compact disk, an overlying outer cover panel, and a plurality of inner panels interposed between the rear and cover panels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a primary object of the invention an improved paperboard package for shipping and storing a compact disk. 
     Another object of the invention is the provision of a compact disk package that is far more economical to produce than the so-called &#34;jewel case&#34; package, currently in common use and which is an expensive hinged plastic box. 
     A more specific object of the invention is to provide a one-piece folded paperboard package, with a film overwrap, that includes a rear panel, an overlying retaining panel having a retaining tab engageable with a compact disk, an overlying outer cover panel, and a plurality of inner panels interposed between the rear and cover panels. 
    
    
     These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from an examination of the following description and drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a compact disk package embodying features of the invention, shown in a partly open position; 
     FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing the next step in opening the package; 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the structure of FIG. 1, showing the completely opened package; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank of foldable paperboard from which a compact disk package embodying features of the invention and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be formed; 
     FIGS. 5-9 are views of portions of the structure illustrated in FIG. 1, showing sequential steps in forming the package; 
     FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a compact disk package embodying another form of the invention, shown in a closed condition prior to opening. 
     FIG. 11 is a rear side elevational view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing a step in the opening of the package; 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 are isometric views of the package illustrated in FIG. 12, showing additional steps in opening the package and removing portions of the structure; 
     FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a blank of foldable paperboard from which a compact disk package embodying features of the invention and illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 may be formed; 
     FIGS. 16-20 are views of portions of the structure illustrated in FIG. 15, showing sequential steps in forming the package; 
     FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a compact disk package embodying another form of the invention, shown in a closed condition, especially suitable for display, prior to opening. 
     FIG. 22 is an isometric view if the package illustrated in FIG. 21, shown in a partly open condition; 
     FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the blank of foldable paperboard from which the package illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be formed; 
     FIGS. 24-31 are views of portions of the structure illustrated in FIG. 15, showing sequential steps in forming the package; 
     FIG. 32 is an isometric view of a compact disk package embodying another form of the invention, shown in a closed condition prior to opening. 
     FIG. 33 is an isometric view if the package illustrated in FIG. 21, shown in a partly open condition; 
     FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the blank of foldable paperboard from which the package illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 may be formed; 
     FIGS. 35 and 36 are views of portions of the structure illustrated in FIG. 15, showing sequential steps in forming the package; 
    
    
     It will be understood that, for purposes of clarity, certain elements may have been omitted from certain views where they are believed to be illustrated to better advantage in other views. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of the invention, it will be seen that the compact disk package, indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-3, may be formed from the unitary blank B1 of foldable paperboard illustrated in FIG. 4. 
     Blank B1 includes a rear panel 12, a retaining panel 14, an outer cover panel 16, and first and second inner panels 18a and 18b, respectively, all of which are square and of the same size as rear panel 12, except retaining panel 14, which is pentagonal. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 5-7, retaining panel 14 is foldably joined at one edge, along fold line 11, to the lower edge of rear panel and is folded 180 degrees to overlie a lower portion of rear panel 12. Marginal portions of panel 14 may be adhesively secured to the front surface of rear panel 12 in the areas indicated at 13. 
     Retaining panel 14 may be reinforced by a relatively narrow reinforcing flap 20 which is foldable joined, along diagonal fold line 21, to the sloping upper edge of retaining panel 14 and which is folded 180 degrees to underlie the adjacent upper marginal area of the retaining panel. 
     In this way, a space or pocket 15 is formed between the front surface of rear panel 12 and the rear surface of retaining panel 14 for receiving and holding a compact disk CD having a circular central opening or hole indicated at H. 
     In order to help retain a compact disk in the pocket 15, there may be provided a relatively small retaining tab 22 formed from material of retaining panel 14 and defined by a U-shaped cut line 23 and a fold line 25. Tab 22 is adapted to be received within central opening H of compact disk CD. 
     In order to uncover retaining tab 22, reinforcing flap 20 may be provided with a recess 27, which is aligned with a related recess 29 in the adjacent edge of the retaining panel 14. 
     Cover panel 16 is foldably joined to a side edge of rear panel 12, along a preferably double scored fold line 17, that is normal to and adjacent fold line 11, that joins retaining panel 14 to rear panel 12. 
     First inner panel 18a is foldably joined, along a fold line 19a, to an upper edge of rear panel 12; and second inner panel 18b is foldably joined, along a fold line 19b to an adjacent side edge of first inner panel 18a. 
     After the paperboard CD package 10 has been loaded with a compact disk CD, first and second inner panels 18a and 18b are folded 180 degrees to overlie outer cover panel 16 and retaining panel 14, respectively. Then outer cover panel 26 and second inner panel 24 are folded 180 degrees to overlie the remaining panels to form a square package. 
     Thus, it should be appreciated that the invention provides a simple, relatively inexpensive to produce, paperboard, compact disk package that present many surfaces for printed areas describing the packaged product or for other advertising messages. 
     Now turning to FIGS. 10-20, it will be seen that a modified form of the invention is illustrated. The compact disk package 110 shown in FIGS. 10-14, may be formed from the unitary blank B2 of foldable paperboard illustrated in FIG. 15. 
     In this embodiment of the invention, as well as in the other embodiments described hereinafter, elements corresponding to elements of the first described embodiment are identified by similar or related numerals. 
     Blank B2 includes a rear panel 112, a retaining panel 114, an outer cover panel 116, and first and second inner panels 118a and 118b, respectively, all of which are square and of the same size as rear panel 112, except retaining panel 114, which is pentagonal. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 15-17, the arrangement and construction of the rear panel 112, the retaining panel 114, the retaining tab 122, and the reinforcing flap 120, as well as the relation between these elements is the same as the corresponding elements of the first described embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. 
     The difference between the two forms of the invention lies in the construction of the outer cover panel 116 and the arrangement of the cover panel and the first and second inner panels 118a and 118b relative to the rear panel 112. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 13-15 and, outer cover panel 116 is foldably joined to an upper edge of rear panel along a fold line 117, which is preferably double scored with one of the score lines being a weakened line of tear that allows the cover panel 116 to be detached from the rear panel 112, as described later herein. 
     A closure flap 130 is foldably joined, along a fold line 131, to a the upper edge of rear panel 112. Closure flap 130 includes a free end portion 132 separated from the main body of the closure flap by a detachable tear strip 134. 
     Still referring to FIGS. 13-15, it will be seen that first inner panel 118a is foldably joined to one side edge of rear panel 112, along a fold line 119a, which is preferably double scored with one of the score lines being a weakened line of tear that allows inner panel 118a to be detached from the rear panel 112, as described later herein. Second inner panel 118b is foldably joined to the opposite side edge of rear panel 112 along a fold line 119b. 
     After a compact disk has been inserted into pocket 115 between the rear and retaining panels 112 and 114, respectively, first and second inner panels 118a and 118b, respectively, are folded inwardly 180 degrees to overlie each other and the rear and retaining panels 112 and 114. 
     At this time, cover panel 126 may be folded 180 degrees to overlie all of the other panels. Then closure flap 130 is folded 180 degrees to underlie a marginal portion of rear panel 112. Cover flap free end portion may be adhesively secured to the rear surface of rear panel 112 by an adhesive indicated at 133. 
     When the outer cover panel 116 is folded 180 degrees to overlie the remaining panels, a square package is formed which may be provided with a clear plastic film overwrap indicated at F. Although not previously mentioned herein all of the embodiments of the present invention may or may not provided with a film overwrap, as desired. 
     In order to open the package, after the film overwrap F has been removed, Tear strip 134 is detached from closure flap to afford access to the interior of the package. 
     As previously mentioned, both the cover panel 116 and the first inner panel 118a may by joined to rear panel 112 by weakened lines of tear which permit their detachment and removal. One advantage of this arrangement is that the inner panel 118a may by used as a post card after its removal. If desired both the cover panel and the first inner panel may be detached when the package is used for permanently storing a compact disk. 
     Now turning to FIGS. 21-31, it will be seen that another modified form of the invention is illustrated. The compact disk package 210 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, may be formed from the unitary paperboard blank B3 illustrated in FIG. 23. 
     In this embodiment of the invention elements corresponding to elements of the previously described embodiments are identified by related or similar numerals. 
     Blank B3 includes a rear panel 212, a retaining panel 214, an outer cover panel 216, and first, second, third, fourth, and fifth inner panels 218a, 218b, 218c, 218d, and 218e, respectively, all of which are square and of the same size as rear panel 212, except retaining panel 214, which is pentagonal. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 23-25, the arrangement and construction of rear panel 212, retaining panel 214, retaining tab 222, and reinforcing flap 220, as well as the relation between these elements is the same as the corresponding elements of the previously described embodiments. 
     The difference between the forms of the invention lies in the arrangement of outer cover panel 216 and the five inner panels and their relation to rear panel 212. 
     As best seen in FIG. 23, outer cover panel 216 is foldably joined to a side edge of rear panel 212 , along a fold line 217 the is adjacent and normal to fold line 211 which joins retaining panel 214 to rear panel 212. 
     A first inner panel 218a is foldably joined to an upper edge of cover panel 216 along fold line 219a that is normal to line 217. First, second, third, fourth, and fifth inner panels 218a, 218b, 218c, 218d, and 218e are sequentially foldably joined to each other along fold lines 219b, 219c, 219d, and 219e, respectively. 
     All of the inner panels are joined to each other on fold lines that are parallel to each other and normal to the fold line joining the first inner panel 118a to the cover panel 216. Also, all of the inner panels are free from attachment to the rear panel. 
     After the blank B3 has been formed, fourth and fifth inner panels 218d and 218e may be secured to each other in back-to-back relation, and second and third inner panels 218b and 218c may also be adhesively secured to each other in back-to-back relation. The adhesive patterns are indicated at 231. 
     When the package has been filled with a compact disk, the inner panels may first be folded so that fourth and fifth inner panels 218d and 218e overlie first inner panel 218a. Then the inner panels may again be folded so that first, fourth, and fifth inner panels 218a, 218d, and 218e overlie cover panel 216; and second and third inner panels 218b and 118c overlie rear panel 212 and retaining panel 214. 
     As best seen in FIG. 21, this forms an oblong rectangular package which may then be overwrapped with a clear plastic film F. In this way a larger package with more room for advertising copy is available for display. 
     Once the package has been initially opened, it can the by refolded with all of the panels overlying each other to form a smaller square package. 
     Now turning to FIGS. 32-36, it will be seen that another modified form of the invention is illustrated. The compact disk package 310 shown in FIGS. 32 ans 33, may be formed from the unitary paperboard blank B4 illustrated in FIG. 34. 
     In this embodiment of the invention elements corresponding to elements of the previously described embodiments are identified by related or similar numerals. 
     Blank B4 includes a rear panel 312, a retaining panel 314, an outer cover panel 316, and first, second, third, fourth, and fifth inner panels 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d, and 318e, respectively, all of which are square and of the same size as rear panel 312, except retaining panel 314, which is pentagonal. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 34-36, the arrangement and construction of rear panel 312, retaining panel 314, retaining tab 322, and reinforcing flap 320, as well as the relation between these elements is the same as the corresponding elements of the previously described embodiments. 
     The difference between the forms of the invention lies in the arrangement of outer cover panel 316 and the five inner panels and their relation to rear panel 312. 
     As best seen in FIG. 34, cover panel 316 is foldably joined to a side edge of rear panel 312, along a fold line 317 that is normal to and adjacent fold line 311. 
     A first inner panel 318a is foldably joined to a side edge of cover panel 316 along fold line 319a that is normal to and adjacent fold line 317, which joins retaining panel 314 to rear panel 312. 
     First, second, third, fourth, and fifth inner panels 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d, and 318e are sequentially foldably joined to each other along fold lines 319b, 319c, and 319d, respectively. 
     It should be noted that all of the inner panels are joined to each other on fold lines that are parallel to each other and also parallel to the fold line 317 joining the cover panel 316 to rear the panel 312. 
     Again, it should be understood that the invention provides a simple, relatively inexpensive to produce, paperboard, compact disk package that present many surfaces for printed areas describing the packaged product or for other advertising messages.