Abstract:
A media storage container has a sleeve defining a media disc holding pocket that holds the disc in an unstressed configuration. Compressible shoulders disposed at the neck of the pocket retain the media disc within the pocket. In one configuration, the container has a base that defines the pocket and a cover that pivots between open and closed configurations. In other configurations, the base having the disc pocket is carried within a sleeve. The media disc may be loaded and unloaded through an opening in the top or the side of the base. The base may optionally define a window that allows one or both of the major disc surfaces to be viewed and engaged by the user&#39;s finger without allowing the disc to be removed through the window.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/026,402 filed Feb. 5, 2008; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to media storage containers and, more particularly, to media storage containers adapted to store and display one or more disc-shaped items of recorded media. Specifically, the invention relates to a paper-based media disc storage container having one or more disc pockets that are loaded by sliding the discs through slots defined at an edge or edges of the container. Shoulders disposed at the neck of each pocket retain the disc in the pocket in a loose, unstressed condition. The containers are assembled by folding a plurality of panels in a manner that provides smooth exposed edges to the user of the container. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Various media disc storage containers are known in the art. Some of the most common storage containers for recorded media are plastic book-like containers having a lid connected to a base with a hinge. In most plastic containers and some containers made from recycled paper, the media disc is held by a hub in the base of the container. In other containers, the disc is disposed in a close-fitting storage chamber that is defined between a base and a lid that is hinged to the base in a clamshell fashion. The disc is removable when the lid is opened. 
         [0006]    Some retailers and customers desire a media storage container manufactured entirely from recycled paper and recyclable paper. Many of these paper-based containers are used as disc mailers. One problem common to these paper-based containers is the need to retain the disc within the container. Another problem is the need to easily load and unload the disc from the container. One type of paper-based media disc storage container is in the form of an envelope where the top of the envelope is closed with a fold-over flap. This flap must be pivoted open in order to remove the disc from the container. Another type of paper-based media disc storage container is in the form of an envelope that allows the disc to freely slip out of the envelope. These containers are undesirable because the user can easily drop the disc from the container causing damage to the disc. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,096,064 and 5,422,875 disclose arrangements that prevent a disc from readily falling out of an enclosure. Those who package media disc desire unique packaging configurations that securely hold media discs while providing interesting presentations of the media discs to the users. Large uninterrupted smooth surfaces are desired for graphics and information related to the media disc. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention provides a media storage container having a sleeve defining a media disc holding pocket that holds the disc in an unstressed configuration. Compressible shoulders disposed at the neck of the pocket retain the media disc within the pocket. 
         [0008]    In one configuration, the container has a base that defines the pocket and a cover that pivots between open and closed configurations. The media disc is loaded and unloaded through an opening in the top of the base. The base may optionally define a window that allows one or both of the major disc surfaces to be viewed and engaged by the user&#39;s finger without allowing the disc to be removed through the window. 
         [0009]    In other configurations, the pocket is loaded through an opening defined by the sidewall, or the bottom wall of the base. 
         [0010]    In other configurations, the pocket or an additional pocket may be defined by the cover. 
         [0011]    In other configurations, multiple pockets may be defined by the base or cover so that the container may hold multiple discs. 
         [0012]    These configurations may be fabricated from a single blank that is folded about living hinges and secured together with adhesive or other connectors. 
         [0013]    Other configurations of the media disc container may include a pocket that slides between extended and retracted positions within an outer sleeve. 
         [0014]    The configurations described above may be formed with smooth outer edges to provide an attractive appearance and a desirable feel to the container. The smooth outer edges also help the pocket from delaminating. 
         [0015]    These configurations are provided individually and in combination with one another to form additional configurations. Examples of the invention are described below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first configuration of a media disc storage container with the cover mostly closed over the inner surface of the base. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the media disc storage container with the cover open. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  showing a media disc being inserted through the opening into the pocket. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  showing the inner panel of the base removed with the media disc about to engage the shoulders of the intermediate base panels. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  showing the media disc disposed in the pocket under the shoulders. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the container configuration of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second configuration of a media disc storage container with the cover mostly closed over the inner surface of the base. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the media disc storage container with the cover open. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  showing a media disc being inserted through the opening into the pocket. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9  showing the inner panel of the base removed with the media disc about to engage the shoulders of the intermediate base panels. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10  showing the media disc disposed in the pocket under the shoulders. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the container configuration of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a third configuration of a media disc storage container with the cover mostly closed over the inner surface of the base. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the media disc storage container with the cover open. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 14  showing two media discs being inserted through the openings into the pockets. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a view similar to  FIG. 15  showing the inner panels of the cover and base removed with the media disc about to engage the shoulders of the intermediate panels. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a view similar to  FIG. 16  showing the media discs disposed in the pockets under the shoulders. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the container configuration of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a fourth configuration of the media disc storage container showing a disc holding base disposed in its retracted position with respective to an outer sleeve. 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the fourth configuration with the base in its extended position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a view similar to  FIG. 20  showing a media disc being inserted through the opening into the pocket. 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a view similar to  FIG. 21  showing the inner panel of the base removed with the media disc about to engage the shoulders of the intermediate base panels. 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22  showing the media disc disposed in the pocket under the shoulders. 
           [0039]      FIG. 24A  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the sleeve for the fourth configuration of the container. 
           [0040]      FIG. 24B  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the base for the fourth configuration of the container. 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a fifth configuration of the media disc storage container showing a disc holding base disposed in its retracted position with respective to an outer sleeve. 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the fifth configuration with the base in its extended position. 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  is a view similar to  FIG. 26  showing two media discs being inserted through the openings into the pockets. 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  is a view similar to  FIG. 27  showing the inner panel of the base removed with the media disc about to engage the shoulders of the intermediate base panels. 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  is a view similar to  FIG. 28  showing the media disc disposed in the pocket under the shoulders. 
           [0046]      FIG. 30A  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the sleeve for the fourth configuration of the container. 
           [0047]      FIG. 30B  is a top plan view of a blank that may be folded into the base for the fourth configuration of the container. 
       
    
    
       [0048]    Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]    First, second, and third configurations of the media disc storage container are indicated generally by the numeral  2  in the  FIGS. 1-18 . Container configurations  2  generally include a base  4  and a cover  6  connected to base  4  by a hinge wall  8  and a pair of living hinges  10 . Cover  6  moves between open and closed positions with respect to base  4  by pivoting about hinges  10 . In these exemplary configurations, container  2  defines a pocket  12  that is configured to hold at least one disc-shaped item of recorded media  14  such as a DVD or a CD. Container  2  may be manufactured from a paperboard material having a smooth outer surface. The paperboard may have a core sandwiched between a pair of smooth outer liners. 
         [0050]    Base  4  includes an inner panel  20 , first  22  and second  24  intermediate panels, and an outer panel  26 . In alternative configurations, first  22  and second  24  intermediate panels may be provided as a single intermediate panel. In the exemplary configuration, inner panel  20  defines a window  28  that allows a portion of disc  14  to be viewed when cover  6  is open. Disc  14  may not be removed through window  28 . If desired, outer panel  26  also may define a similar window. 
         [0051]    Intermediate panels  22  and  24  define pocket  12  and the opening  30  through which disc  14  is loaded into and unloaded from container  2 . Opening  30  may be disposed at the top wall of container  2  as shown in the first configuration or at the sidewall as shown in the second and third configurations. Opening  30  also may be disposed in the bottom wall opposite the top wall or a pair of openings  30  may be provided to allow the media disc to be loaded and unloaded from different sides. Pocket  12  is generally U-shaped. Pocket  12  includes a semi-circular bottom portion and an elongated channel portion. Opposed compressible shoulders  34  are disposed at the end of the channel portion to define a neck that separates the bottom portion from the channel portion. Pocket  12  is configured to hold disc  14  in an unstressed configuration such that disc  14  is not pinched. 
         [0052]    Shoulders  34  are configured to prevent disc  14  from readily falling out of container  2 . Shoulders  34  are spaced apart a distance that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the outer diameter of disc  14  such that disc  14  frictionally engages shoulders  34  when disc  14  is first loaded into container  2 . Shoulders  34  are tapered on both the pocket side and the opening side with the peak being rounded. The inward pocket side of each shoulder  34  may be a continuation of the round bottom of pocket  12  having the same diameter as the bottom of pocket  12 . Shoulders  34  thus do not pinch disc  14  when disc  14  is disposed in pocket  12 . The portions of intermediate panels  22  and  24  that form shoulders  34  may be adhered together while shoulders  34  may not be adhered to panels  20  and  26 . Shoulders  34  are thus free to be compressed between panels  20  and  26  when disc  14  is pushed between shoulders  34 . The loading of disc  14  slightly deforms or compresses at least one of shoulders  34  as disc  14  passes between shoulders  34 . Once disc  14  is loaded, shoulders  34  resiliently return to some degree back toward their original form to retain disc  14  in pocket  12 . Because shoulders  34  are made from the paper-based material of panels  22  and  24 , they are not fully resilient when compressed, but will resiliently rebound from a compressed condition to function again. In one configuration, only one of intermediate panels  22  and  24  has shoulders  34 . This makes shoulder  34  thinner and easier to compress. 
         [0053]    The bottom of pocket  12  is circular and has a diameter slightly larger than disc  14  so that disc  14  is evenly seated against the bottom of pocket  12  when disc  14  is disposed in pocket. Opening  30  is slightly wider than the diameter of disc  30 . 
         [0054]    Base  4  is formed by folding intermediate panels  22  and  24  onto the inner surfaces of panels  20  and  26  about hinges  40 . Hinge  40  is formed by indenting the material between the panels. In the first configuration, the outer surfaces of the paperboard of hinges  40  are not cut so that the outer surface of the paperboard liner remains intact to provide a pair of stacked smooth rounded edges  46  along the side of container  2 . The major portions of panels  22  and  24  may be directly adhered to panels  20  and  26 . Panels  20  and  22  are then folded about hinge  42  onto panels  24  and  26  to form base  4 . Hinge  42  is formed to provide a smooth rounded edge  44  on each side of opening  30  for the comfort and safety of the user. The outer liner of hinge  42  remains intact when the fold is formed to form edge  44 . When two intermediate layers are used, base  4  is defined by four thicknesses of material. Each panel may have a thickness that is slightly greater than half the thickness of disc  14  such that pocket  12  has a depth slightly greater than the thickness of disc  14 . Disc  14  may thus freely rotate within pocket  12  and is not pinched or stressed while disc  14  is disposed in pocket  12 . 
         [0055]    Cover  6  of the first and second configurations is defined by three thickness of material. Container  2  thus has at least seven layers of thickness when closed and is rigid enough to protect disc  14  if processed through the US mail. In the first and second configurations, cover  6  has an intermediate panel  50  that is folded down about hinge  51  against the inner surface of an outer panel  52 . The outer surface of hinge  51  is not broken to provide a smooth edge  53  to container  2 . An edge flap  54  is also folded over against the inner surface of outer panel  52  to define a smooth edge  56  for cover  6 . Edge flap  54  is not adhered to the inner surface of panel  52 . A booklet flap  58  is folded up about hinge  59  over the outer surface of intermediate panel  50  and the outer surface of edge flap  54 . The outer surface of hinge  59  is not broken to provide a smooth edge  61  to container  2 . The inner surface of the outer edge  60  of booklet flap  58  is adhered to the outer surface of edge flap  54  to define an open pocket to hold a literature booklet  62  related to disc  14 . Edge flap  54  may extend along the entire length of panel  52  to provide smooth edge  60  to the entire length of cover  6 . 
         [0056]    Panel  20  may define a finger access cutout  64  that allows the user to grip the top of disc  14  when disc  14  is loaded in pocket  12 . 
         [0057]    In the third configuration of container  2  shown in  FIGS. 13-18 , the cover has a configuration that mirrors base  4 . The third configuration of container  2  provides a pair of pockets  12  accessible from the sides of container  2 . The reference numerals used to describe base  4  above are used to describe the elements of the cover in the third configuration. The third configuration also may be configured to provide access through the top of container  2  similar to the configuration of  FIGS. 1-6 . In this configuration, booklet  62  may be loosely disposed between base  4  and cover  6 . 
         [0058]    Fourth and fifth configurations of the media disc storage container are indicated generally by the numeral  102  in the  FIGS. 19-30 . Container configurations  102  generally include a base  4  that is movable between retracted and extended positions with respect to an outer sleeve  106 . In order to prevent base  4  from falling out of sleeve  106 , base  4  includes a lock flange  110  that slides under a corresponding lock flange  112  disposed in sleeve  106  when base  4  is moved to the extended position. Lock flanges  110  and  112  are cantilevered so that they may freely engage. In these exemplary configurations, container  102  defines one or more pockets  12  that are each configured to hold at least one disc-shaped item of recorded media  14  such as a DVD or a CD. 
         [0059]    In the fourth configuration of  FIGS. 19-24 , base  4  is similar to base  4  of the second configuration with the addition of flange  110 . In the fifth configuration, base  4  is similar to the combined base and cover (two connected bases  4 ) of the third configuration with the exception being that windows  28  are defined by the outer panels  26 . In this configuration, the outer surfaces of panels  20  may be adhered together. 
         [0060]    In both of the fourth and fifth configurations, bases  4  may be moved to their retracted positions to allow the user to view the outer surfaces of bases  4  and to view a portion of disc  14  before removing discs  14  from bases  4 . In each of these configurations, the outwardly disposed sidewall of base  4  is provided with smooth edges  44 . 
         [0061]    Certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
         [0062]    Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are exemplary and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.