Abstract:
A hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media storage discs comprises a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each flange comprises a connecting member for engaging with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to cases for media storage discs and in particular to cases where the hinge and trays assist in retention of a cover.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     Recorded digital media such as digital versatile discs (DVD) and similar recorded media are typically stored and presented in cases. Many of these cases are of a book or wallet type design where the discs are retained on a central rosette. When multiple digital media storage discs need to be stored these are either located on hinged trays dependant to the inside of the case or the case folds out into a plurality of sections each of which provides for a disc.  
         [0005]     Digital media storage cases typically house a digital media storage disc on a central rosette inside the back face, a front face and a spine. The front and back faces have side walls that can be releasingly engaged to open and shut the case. The front and back walls can be moved together and apart by folding of the case about the spine. The areas between the spine and the front and back faces of the case are typically formed from weaker or more flexible areas than the spine and faces of the case.  
         [0006]     There is, however, no way of making use of the external front or back of the case for containing more discs or of easily and scalably arraying such cases together to make a large or multiple disc storage assembly.  
         [0007]     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a digital media storage case that goes at least some way to meeting the shortcomings of the prior art, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Accordingly to the present invention there is provided a hinge and trays for containing recorded or recordable media storage discs comprising a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each flange including a connecting member for engaging with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, and at least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge.  
         [0009]     Preferably each tray includes a protrusion positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge. In this embodiment preferably each flange on the hinge includes a recess for each tray that complements the protrusion on the tray so that when the hinge and trays are connected together the tray may rotate about an axis between the recesses on the flanges and the protrusions on the tray(s).  
         [0010]     In an alternative embodiment each tray includes a recess positioned to engage with each flange on the hinge. In this embodiment preferably each flange on the hinge includes a protrusion for each tray that complements the recess on the tray so that when the hinge and trays are connected together the tray may rotate about an axis between the protrusions on the flanges and the recesses on the tray(s).  
         [0011]     Preferably each hinge is adapted to fit a pair of trays.  
         [0012]     Preferably each tray further comprises a central aperture for retaining a digital media storage disc on a rosette within the central aperture.  
         [0013]     Preferably each tray is arranged to retain the digital media storage disc on the outer side of the tray when connected to the hinge.  
         [0014]     Preferably each tray further comprises side walls that engage with the side walls of another tray to form a central enclosure between the trays when engaged.  
         [0015]     Accordingly to the present invention, in another embodiment, there is provided a case for containing recorded or recordable media storage discs comprising a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each flange including a connecting member for engaging with a complementary member on a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge, and a cover comprising a first face and a second face joined by a spine, the cover partially housed between the hinge and the at least one tray.  
         [0016]     In one embodiment the cover includes two flaps extending from the ends of the spine.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment the hinge includes two apertures, one near each of the flanges through which the flaps of the cover may extend. In this embodiment the flaps of the cover are housed between the hinge and the tray(s) of the case.  
         [0018]     In an alternative embodiment the spine of the cover is housed between the hinge and tray(s) of the case.  
         [0019]     In one embodiment the cover includes third and fourth faces that provide a lock arrangement to hold the cover in a closed position about the trays.  
         [0020]     Accordingly to the present invention, in another embodiment, there is provided a method for forming a case for containing recorded or recordable media storage discs comprising the steps of providing a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each flange including a connecting member for engaging with a complementary member of a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge, a cover comprising a first face and a second face joined by a spine, positioning the spine of the cover between the spine of the hinge and the at least one tray and bringing the hinge and at least one tray together so that the complementary members on the hinge and tray(s) connect.  
         [0021]     Accordingly to the present invention, in another embodiment, there is provided a method for forming a case for containing recorded or recordable media storage discs comprising the steps of providing a hinge comprising an elongate spine with a flange at each end of the spine and extending substantially perpendicular thereto, each flange comprising a connecting member for engaging with a complementary member of a tray to allow a tray to rotate about an axis between the connecting member on each flange, the spine of the hinge further including two apertures, one near each flange, at least one tray comprising a central aperture for supporting a recorded or recordable media storage disc by a fixture and at least one connecting member arranged to engage with the complementary connecting member on each flange of the hinge, a cover comprising a first face and a second face joined by a spine, the spine including two flaps, one at each end of the spine, the cover partially housed between the hinge and the at least one tray, positioning the cover around the outside of the hinge with the flaps of the cover projecting through the apertures on the spine of the hinge, folding the flaps towards the hinge, and bringing the hinge and at least one tray together so that the complementary members on the hinge and tray(s) connect. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The invention will be further described by way of example only and without intending to be limiting with reference to the following drawings, wherein:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of hinge and trays for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of part of one embodiment of hinge including a flange and trays;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2B  is a view of a rosette on one tray for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2C  is a view of a closing device for a pair of trays;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a separated hinge and trays for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0030]      FIG. 5B  is another perspective view of a second embodiment of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a multi-hinge and tray case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0032]      FIG. 6B  shows one embodiment of cover that may be used with the multi-hinge and tray case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0033]      FIG. 6C  shows a second embodiment of cover that may be used with the multi-hinge and tray case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0034]      FIG. 7A  shows a lock that may form part of a cover;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7B  shows one embodiment of cover including the lock of  FIG. 7A ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of hinge and trays for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a separated hinge and trays for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0039]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage media discs;  
         [0040]      FIG. 11B  is another perspective view of a second embodiment of hinge, cover and trays that form a case for retaining digital storage media discs; and  
         [0041]      FIG. 11C  is a close up view of a portion of one embodiment of cover and hinge of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of hinge  1  and trays  2 ,  3  for retaining digital storage media discs. The digital media storage discs may be CD (compact discs), VCD (video compact discs), DVD (digital versatile discs) or the like.  
         [0043]     While  FIG. 1  shows the invention applied to a set of two trays the hinge and cover of the invention may be combined with only a single tray or a plurality of trays.  
         [0044]     Trays  2  and  3  include a means for retaining a digital media storage disc provided by a rosette member  9  as shown in  FIG. 2B  adapted to engage with the central aperture of a disc. The rosette member is normally of a flexible kind so that it can be moved to assume a position where the disc can be released. The rosette however is normally in a retaining condition so that when a disc is engaged with the rosette the rosette will securely retain the disc and prevent the disc from moving off the rosette.  
         [0045]     The rosette in the preferred form of the invention is provided substantially centrally in an aperture on the trays  2 ,  3  and in a manner so that when it is retaining a disc it holds the disc substantially parallel to the trays  2 ,  3 . The rosette will support a disc on a platform raised above the major surface of the tray so that the recorded region of the disc (which will normally be the surface of the disc facing the base) is held in a manner so that it does not touch any part of the tray. The disc is hence normally suspended above the inwardly facing major surface of the tray.  
         [0046]     The rosette member  9  will engage at the perimeter of the central aperture of a disc and will also extend through the aperture and may for example include a catch or lip feature which will engage with part of the upwardly facing surface (the surface facing away from the base) of the disc. The catch or lip will locate on top of the disc and prevent it from moving axially off the rosette. The rosette  9  may for example be a push release like rosette where a person pushing down (towards the base) on the rosette will then release the disc therefrom.  
         [0047]     Trays  2  and  3  may also include finger inserts arrayed around the periphery of the central aperture to allow access and removal of a disc easily from the central aperture. The trays are arranged so that the digital media storage discs are retained in the outer faces of the trays.  
         [0048]     Trays  2  and  3  also include perimeter wall upstands  7  and  8  which define a central enclosure when the trays are brought together. The central enclosure may be used to store information, for example printed information about the content stored on the digital storage discs.  
         [0049]     In preferred embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2C , on the outer surface of the perimeter wall upstand  8  of tray  3  there are provided means  5  to engage with a portion  6  of the perimeter wall upstand  7  of tray  2 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  these means include protrusions on portion  5  and corresponding recesses or apertures in portion  6 . Pushing on portion  5  will push the portions inwards and release tray  3  from tray  2 . In alternative embodiments other engagement means may be provided to engage the trays. These engagement means could include but are not limited to perimeter wall upstands, magnets and clasps.  
         [0050]     Trays  2  and  3  further include connecting means  10  and  11  one embodiment of which is shown in  FIG. 3 . In the tray embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  the connecting means  10  and  11  on trays  2  and  3  are protrusions that connect with complementary recesses  12  and  13  on hinge  1 . In alternative embodiment different connecting means may be used to connect the trays and hinge. For example, the connecting means may be recesses on the trays and protrusions on the hinge. It should be noted that the recesses when provided on the hinge are shown as holes in  FIG. 3 . The recesses could instead extend only partially through the hinge.  
         [0051]     As can further be seen in  FIG. 3  trays  2  and  3  include rounded ends extending between the connecting members. These rounded ends assist in allowing rotation of the trays about the hinge when connected thereto and when the trays are not engaged together.  
         [0052]      FIG. 2A  shows a portion of the hinge connected to the trays. This shows that the trays can rotate about the hinge when connected to the hinge. If the trays are engaged together in preferred embodiments they will not rotate about the hinge.  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of hinge  1 . Hinge  1  comprises a spine  14 , upper flange  15 , lower flange  16  and connecting members  12  and  13 . Hinge  1  further comprises corresponding connecting members (not shown) on lower flange  16 . The connecting members on the upper and lower flanges are arranged to connect with complementary connecting members on trays arranged to retain digital media storage discs. The number of connecting means provided on the hinge will depend on the number of trays to be connected to the hinge.  
         [0054]     In some embodiments hinge  1  includes apertures  17  and  18  that extend through the hinge and assist in retaining a cover as will be further described with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  
         [0055]      FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of case for retaining digital media storage discs in its component parts. The case includes a hinge, two trays and a cover  19 . The cover includes a front face  20 , a back face  21  and a spine  22 . The cover may be fabricated from paper, plastics or a combination of paper and plastics. In one embodiment the cover is formed from polypropylene. The front and back faces of the cover are substantially the same size as an outer face of a tray.  
         [0056]     In the embodiment of case shown in  FIG. 4  the case is formed by first engaging the trays  2  and  3  with each other. After the trays are engaged the cover is positioned around the trays so that the front face of the cover covers tray  3  and the back face of the cover covers tray  2 . Alternatively the cover could be aligned with hinge  1  so that the spine of the cover abuts hinge  1  between the flanges of the hinge. In either arrangement the trays and hinge are then connected by pushing the trays and hinge together. This results in a case where the front and back faces of the cover covers the trays and the cover is retained in position between the trays and the hinge.  
         [0057]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a second embodiment of case. In this embodiment cover  19  includes a front face,  20 , back face  21  and spine  22  as before. In addition cover  19  includes flaps  23  and  24  that extend from the spine.  
         [0058]     The case is formed as shown in  FIG. 5B . In this embodiment the case is formed by folding flaps  23  and  24  of the cover and inserting the flaps through apertures  17  and  18  in hinge  1 . The flaps are then folded over to lie flat against the hinge. The trays are also engaged with each other. After inserting the flaps of the cover though the apertures of the hinge and engaging the trays together the hinge is connected to the trays by pushing the hinge and trays together.  
         [0059]     The present invention can also be used to connect multiple sets of trays and hinges together with a single cover.  FIG. 6A  shows an example of this with six hinges and six sets of trays. As can be seen in  FIG. 6A  the spine of the cover has been extended to the width of the hinges so that the front and back faces of the cover still cover the outer faces of the outer trays.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 6B and 6C  show covers for the different embodiments of the invention adapted to fit a set of six cases. The cover shown in  FIG. 6B  will fit between the hinges and the sets of trays and the cover shown in  FIG. 6C  includes flaps that will fit through apertures on the hinges.  
         [0061]     It should be noted that although the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6A  to  6 C include six sets of hinges and trays the invention is not limited to number and any number of hinges and sets of trays may be provided in the invention.  
         [0062]     When multiple trays are to be arranged together in an array in preferred embodiments a cover is included to form a case. This allows a plurality of hinges to be used. In this embodiment the cover keeps the array together. In alternative embodiments a single hinge with a connecting means on each flange for each tray may be used. In this embodiment a cover is not essential as the hinge will keep the array of trays together.  
         [0063]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an embodiment of cover including a lock. As can be seen in  FIG. 7B  the cover  19  includes extensions  25  and  26  from the sides. These extensions are arranged to protrude past the ends of trays in use and be folded around the front of the trays. One extension includes a tab  27  and the other extension includes a slot  28 . In use the cover is formed with the hinge and trays into a case. When required the extensions of the cover can be folded over the front of the trays and the tab  27  can be fitted through slot  28  to hold the sides of the cover in position.  
         [0064]     It should be noted that the lock described above can be provided with either embodiment of cover previously described and whether or not the cover is arranged for a single tray, a pair of trays or an array of trays.  
         [0065]     FIGS.  8  to  11  show the invention applied to smaller hinges, covers and trays as may be provided when the digital media storage disc is a CD.  
         [0066]     The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated in the scope hereof as defined by the accompanying claims.