Abstract:
A portable storage container ( 10 ) having a base shell ( 12 ) and cover shell ( 14 ) is disclosed. The shells ( 12 ) and ( 14 ) are planar and generally circular in shape with the exception of a spine ( 16 ) spanning between and integrally joining the base and cover shells ( 12 ) and ( 14 ). Disc shaped recesses ( 16 ) and ( 18 ) in combination with tine type gripping components ( 20 ) and ( 22 ) grip a compact disc within each base and cover shell ( 12 ) and ( 14 ). A groove ( 48 ) located equidistant between the centers of the shells ( 12 ) and ( 14 ) on the spine ( 16 ) forms a live hinge. The cover shell ( 14 ) may be bent towards the base shell ( 12 ), encasing the compact discs held in the disc shaped recess ( 16 ) and ( 18 ) of the shells ( 12 ) and ( 14 ). A locking mechanism maintains the storage container  10  in the closed position until opened by the user. Two tabs ( 36 ) with apertures ( 38 ) allow the storage container ( 10 ) to be removably mounted in a ring binder. When the apertures ( 38 ) are not in use, they may be bent back and stored on two cylindrical structures ( 40 ) by a friction or a snap fit, protecting them from damage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/227,430, filed Aug. 23, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to storage containers and, more particularly, to portable storage containers adapted to protectively store compact discs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Compact discs provide a medium upon which digital data can be stored. A laser beam is utilized to read the stored data and provide an accurate reproduction of the original input to a user device, such as a stereo system or personal computer. Compact discs are typically planar discs having a concentric central aperture which facilitates the precision mounting of the compact discs in reading devices. The compact discs are rotated as the laser reads from the compact disc. The laser&#39;s ability to accurately retrieve the data encoded on the compact disc is diminished by the presence of dust and scratches upon the compact disc surface, which may scatter the laser beam. Therefore, it is desirable to store compact discs in protective containers to inhibit the accumulation of dust and prevent the scratching of the disk surface. 
     The carrying containers commonly available have a two piece shell that includes a generally planar cover shell member and a base shell member. The two members are hingedly attached to one another along one edge of the member, often by a shaft and receiving cylinder arrangement. A locking mechanism is provided for releasably locking the shells together in the closed position. The base shell is typically provided with a tray for receiving and holding the compact disc in a stationary position relative to the shells. The base shell may have an engagement device for engaging the central aperture of the compact disc. A common engagement device comprises a tine defined by a plurality of tines raised in a circle, dimensioned to provide an interference fit with the central aperture of the compact disc. Although existing compact disc carrying containers are effective at storing compact discs in a manner that generally serves to preserve the laser&#39;s ability to accurately retrieve the stored data, they are not without problems. 
     First, well known carrying containers include three separate pieces. This is undesirable because the manufacturing process is complicated by the necessity of forming three distinct parts separately and subsequently assembling the parts to form a final product, increasing manufacturing costs and times. Second, there is no means provided for resiliently biasing the cover and base shell apart, so that when the locking shell is released, the cover and base shells spring apart, opening the carrying container without the user applying a separating force. Or in the alternative, if resilient biasing of the shells is provided, it is accomplished through the attachment of additional parts such as springs. Third, the carrying container does not comprise attachment structures for removably attaching the carrying container upon or within a second larger storage container used to store a plurality of compact disc storage containers. Therefore, inasmuch as no securing devices are provided, securely attaching the compact disc storage containers in a secondary storage container is complicated. Finally, compact disc containers are typically constructed in a rectangular configuration of a brittle plastic which is highly susceptible to damage when impacted, such as occurs when dropped. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a compact disc carrying container that protects compact discs from the accumulation of dust, debris, and scratches, can be formed as one piece, is formed from an impact resistant material to aid in reducing impact damage, where the two shell halves are resiliently biased so as to spring open upon release of the locking mechanism, and that has retractable attachment structures for removably attaching the storage container within a secondary storage container. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a storage container is provided. The storage container includes first and second receptacles, at least one of the receptacles being sized to receive an item for storage. The storage container also includes a hinge member extending between the first and second receptacles for reciprocal movement of the storage container between an open position and a closed position. An attachment member extends from the hinge member and is adapted to removably couple the storage container to a binder. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present embodiment, the attachment member is flexibly formed with the hinge member for reciprocating movement between a stored position and an extended position for coupling attachments to the binder. In accordance with yet another aspect of this embodiment, the attachment member includes a peg formed with the hinge member and a tab hingedly attached to the hinge member, wherein the tab includes an aperture extending therethrough and positioned for locking engagement with the peg when the attachment member is in the stored position. 
     In accordance with still yet another aspect of this embodiment, the attachment member includes first and second bores extending through the hinge member, wherein the first and second bores are a pair of cut-outs adapted for coupling engagement to the binder when the storage container is in the closed position. 
     A storage container formed in accordance with the present invention has several advantages over currently available storage containers. The one-piece design of the storage container allows for reduce manufacturing costs since the storage container requires no assembly of separate parts and may be manufactured in one step through an ejection molding process. In addition, the one piece design of the storage containers allows for the manufacturing process to resiliently bias the shells respective to one another and the tabs relative to the cylindrical receiving structures, so that when the cover shell or tab is released from the corresponding other member, they spring open, without the use of additional parts such as springs. Further, the ability of the tabs to be retracted and secured in a retracted position is advantageous for it substantially reduces the chance of physical damage to these vulnerable structures when not in use. The rounded design and use of resilient materials provides a storage container highly resistant to impact damage. 
     Thus, a storage container formed in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention is effective in protecting the contents from the accumulation of dust and debris and physical damage to the container and contents, is economical to produce, is resiliently biased so as to spring open upon release of the locking mechanism without additional parts, is easy to operate, and is less likely to sustain physical damage to its attachment structures since they be retracted when not in use. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in the fully open position with the tabs extended; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage container formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in the fully open position with the tabs extended; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage container formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in the partially open position with the tabs extended; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage container formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in the closed position with the tabs retracted; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a storage container formed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the storage container in a closed position; and 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the storage container of FIG. 5, showing the storage container in an open position. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a storage container  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 1, the storage container  10  is designed to be used in conjunction with at least one compact disc, preferably dimensioned in accordance with industry standards. Although the compact disk is not necessarily a part of the present invention, and therefore for ease of illustration has been omitted from the drawings, parts of the storage container  10  will be explained with reference to a compact disk being located within or removed from the storage container  10 . 
     Briefly described, the storage container  10  includes a base receptacle or shell  12  and a cover receptacle or shell  14 . The base and cover shells  12  and  14  are planar and generally circular in shape with the exception of a spine or web  16  spanning between and integrally joining the base and cover shells  12  and  14 . The base and cover shells  12  and  14  are configured with centrally positioned disc shaped recesses  17  and  18  respectively, for receiving a compact disc. The disc shaped recesses  17  and  18  are preferably configured and sized so as to fittingly receive the compact disc. In the preferred embodiment, centrally disposed tine type gripping components  20  and  22  extend integrally and in a substantially upward direction from the recesses  17  and  18  in each base and cover shell  12  and  14  respectively. The gripping components  20  and  22  contain a plurality of tines  24  having outward protruding lips  26 . The tines  24  are dimensionally positioned so that they provide a friction interference fit in relation to the inner edge of the concentric central aperture of a compact disc (not shown). The tines  24  of the base shell  12  are positioned along the imaginary circle that contains the tines so that when the storage container is closed, the tines of the base shell  12  will be indexed with the valleys between the tines of the upper shell  14 , thereby avoiding any interference between tines  24  of the respective shells. Although a tine type gripping components  20  and  22  are shown, the invention should not be so limited as it may include other means of removably mounting the disc in the container  10  or the compact disc may simply be set in the recess without the use of gripping components. 
     The base shell  12  is formed integral with the cover shell  14 , having been formed as one piece during an injection molding manufacturing process. The base shell  12  and the cover shell  14 , in their natural unstressed positions, are coplanar relative to each other, as depicted in FIG.  1 . As such, they provide a resistance to bending from their original coplanar configuration to that of the closed position depicted in FIG.  4 . However, this resistance to bending can be overcome by slight finger pressure. The shells  12  and  14  are preferably formed by injection molding of a malleable polypropylene material that is capable of flexing thousands of times without failure. Although a polypropylene material was used in the preferred embodiment, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that other suitable materials may be utilized in accordance with this invention. Further, in the preferred embodiment, a translucent material was utilized to enable the user to visually determine the contents of the storage container  10 , nevertheless a material of any color is within the scope of the invention. 
     Located substantially equidistant between the center of the base shell  12  and the cover shell  14  is an elongated groove  48 , as best shown in FIG. 4, oriented perpendicular to an imaginary line that intersects the center of the base shell  12  and the cover shell  14 . The groove  48  forms a live hinge between the shells  12  and  14  so that the cover shell  14  may be bent inward towards the center of the base shell  12 , closing the storage container. 
     The base shell  12  is formed with a perpendicularly extending peripherally located wall  28 . The wall  28  is circular in shape, having an inner diameter slightly larger than or equal to the outer most diameter of the similar peripherally located wall  50  of the cover shell  14 . A segment of the wall  28  is cut-out forming opposing wall edges  33 . Removal of the wall between the wall edges  33  allows the user to grip the outer surface of cover shell  14  while the storage container  10  is in the closed position. Further, removal of the wall between edges  33  allows the user to grip the outer edge of a compact disc while the disc occupies the disc shaped recess  17  of base shell  12  to aid in its removal from the tine-type gripping component  20 . 
     Located adjacent to the inner surface of the wall  28  are a plurality of rectangular structures  44  spaced intermittently along the wall&#39;s inner perimeter. The rectangular structures  44  act as travel limit stops preventing the compact disc removably mounted in the cover shell  14  from compressing against the compact disc removably mounted in the base shell  12 . Movement of the cover shell  14  is limited with respect to the base shell  12  when the upper most edge  51  of the cover shell wall  50  contacts the horizontal upper surface  45  of the rectangular structures  44 . 
     The spine  16  extends into the disc spaced recess portion  17  forming further travel limiting structures  46 . As in the rectangular shaped structures  44  described above, structures  46  act as a travel limit to reduce the risk of one compact disc removably mounted in the cover shell  14  from compressing against a different compact disc removably mounted in the base shell  12 . Movement of the cover shell  14  is limited with respect to the base shell  12  when the upper most edge  51  of the cover shell wall  50  contacts the horizontal upper surface of the travel limiting structures  46 . 
     Base shell  12  further includes a locking tine member  30  for releasably locking the cover shell  14  to the base shell  12  while in the closed position. The perpendicularly oriented locking tine member  30  has an inward protruding lip  32  that extends integrally from the inner facing surface of the locking tine member  30 . The locking tine member  30  is adapted to cooperate with a recess portion  34  located in the outer peripheral edge of the cover shell  14  for releasably locking the cover shell  14  in a closed position relative to the base shell  12 . 
     The cover shell  14  is similarly configured as to the base shell  12  with the following exceptions. The cover shell  12  is formed with a perpendicularly extending peripherally located wall  50 . The wall  50  is circular in shape, having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer most diameter of a compact disc and an outer diameter slightly less or equal to the inner diameter of the base shell wall  28 . A segment of the wall  50  is cut-out, forming opposing wall edges  52 . Removal of the wall between the wall edges  52  allows the user to grip the outer edge of a compact disc (when the storage container  10  is in the open position) while the disc occupies the disc shaped recess  18  of cover shell  14 , to aid in its removal from the tine-type gripping component  22  of the cover shell  14 . 
     The peripherally located wall  50  is extended in height along a segment of the wall to create a raised wall portion  52 . The height of the raised wall portion is selected to correspond with the desired separation distance between the inner surfaces of the disc shaped recesses  17  and  18  of the shells  12  and  14 , respectively. The raised wall portion  52  is indexed with the section of wall cut-out from the peripheral wall  28  of the base shell  12 , situated between wall edges  33 . The raised wall portion  52  therefore serves to also block contaminates from entering the container through the space between wall edges  33  when the storage container  10  is in the closed position. Further, the raised wall portion  52  serves as a travel limit stop to maintain the proper spacing between compact discs removably mounted in the recess disc portions  17  and  18  of the base and cover shells  12  and  14 , respectively. 
     Cover shell  14  further comprises a recess portion  34  along wall  50 . The locking tine member  30  is adapted to cooperate with the recess portion  34  located along the outer peripheral edge of the cover shell  14  for releasably locking the cover shell  14  in a closed position. In operation, the recess portion  34  receives the inward protruding lip  32  of the locking tine member  30 , releasably locking the cover shell  14  to the base shell  12  while in the closed position. By bending the locking tine member  30  outward, the protruding lip  32  is disengaged from the recess portion  34  along wall  50  and the cover shell  14  springs away from the base shell  12  as it attempts to return to its original coplanar shape, opening the storage container  10  for user access. 
     To aid in the operation of the storage container  10 , grooves, lines, or other markings are provided to enhance grip and to communicate with the user. Although not limiting, bumps  58  are provided adjacent to recess portion  34  on the outer surface of the cover shell  12  to provide enhanced grip and to communicate to the user through tactile stimulus the correct position of the fingers during opening and closing of the storage container  10 . In the same location as the bumps  58 , is raised lettering  60 , also providing enhanced grip, a tactile stimulus, and further communicating to the user by spelling the word “OPEN”, indicating to the user where the locking tine member  30  of the base shell  12  can be found to disengage the lip  32  from the recess portion  34  in the cover shell  14 , thus opening the storage container  10 . 
     The spine  16  of the base shell  12  also includes attachment members comprising tabs  36  with centrally located apertures  38 . The apertures  38  are horizontally spaced from one another, and diametrically dimensioned to accept the rings of a common three ring binder (not shown). The tabs  36  are positioned in an angle relative to the centerline of the spine, such that when the tabs  36  are folded flat, the dimension between the holes in each tabs  36  corresponds to the distance between rings of common three ring binders. Although the apertures  38  in the preferred embodiment depicted are spaced so as to coincide with the spacing of rings of three ring binders commonly sold in the US market place, the spacing of the apertures  38  may be varied to coincide with other standard or custom ring spacings, such as two ring binders, or diameters. 
     Also situated on the spine  16  of the base shell  12  in proximity to the tabs  36  are two cylindrical structures  40  oriented perpendicular to the planar base shell  12  surface. The cylindrical structures  40  or pegs have an outer diameter chosen to provide an interference fit in relation to the inner diameter of the apertures  38  of the tabs  36 . The two cylindrical structures each have a protruding lip  56  which extends radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical structures  40 . The protruding lip  56  extends outward along approximately 20% of the circumference of the cylindrical structures  40  along the side of the structures  40  opposite of the apertures  38 . The protruding lip  56  is oriented on the cylindrical structures so that it would be dissected through its center by a line extending from the center of the aperture  38  through the center of the cylindrical structure  40 . 
     Located substantially equidistant between the apertures  38  and the cylindrical structures  40  are grooves  42 , as best shown in FIG. 4, oriented perpendicular to imaginary lines that intersect the center of the base shell  12  and the apertures  38 . The grooves  42  form a live hinge between the apertures  38  and the cylindrical structures  40  so that the tabs  36  may be bent inward towards the center of the base shell  14 . When so bent, the apertures  38  may be pressed on the cylindrical structures  40 , removably securing the tabs  36  to the cylindrical structures  40  by an interference fit. 
     The tabs  36  are suitably integral with the base shell  12  having been formed as one piece during the manufacturing process. The tabs  36  and the base shell  12 , in their natural unstressed positions, are coplanar relative to each other, as depicted in FIG.  1 . As such, they provide a resistance to bending from the original planar configuration to that of the retracted position described above. This resistance to bending may be overcome by the application of slight finger pressure. The tabs  36  are formed of a malleable polypropylene material that is capable of flexing thousands of times without failure. Although a polypropylene material was used in the preferred embodiment, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that other suitable materials can be utilized in accordance with this invention. 
     In operation, the user may selectively position the tabs  36  in either a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 4, or in an extended position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The user may selectively position the tabs to coincide with the user&#39;s desire to use the storage container  10  in combination with a ring binder or other storage container where attachment means are necessary. When not used in combination with a ring binder or other type of storage container, the tabs  36  may be retracted as described above to protect them from damage. 
     Although in the preferred embodiment bendable tabs  36  were described for attaching structures, solid non-bending tabs may also be used. For example, the spine  16  may also be formed with non-bendable tabs by removing groove  42 , thereby eliminating the retractability of the tabs but simplifying the design. In addition, the spine  16  can be formed as a solid piece with attachment members integrally formed therewith for accepting the rings of a binder. This embodiment may be best seen by referring to FIGS. 5 and 6. These figures illustrate a storage container  110  formed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The storage container  110  is identical in materials, configuration and operation as the preferred embodiment described above with the exception that the storage container  110  includes identically configured attachment members  140   a  and  140   b.  The attachment members are suitably integrally formed with the spine  116  of the storage container  110 . During the manufacturing process, the spine  116  is drilled at suitable locations to provide the attachment members  136   a  and  136   b  for accepting the rings of a binder. 
     As seen best by referring to FIG. 5, when the storage container  110  is in the closed position, the attachment members  140   a  and  140   b  are two cut-outs positioned to be releasably snapped onto correspondingly located rings of a well known binder or desk top stand. Although the storage container is illustrated as including both tabs  136  and attachment members  140   a  and  140   b,  other configurations, such as a storage container that includes only attachment members, are also within the scope of the present invention. 
     Further, although only two apertures were depicted in the preferred embodiment for ease of illustration, the invention may utilize multiple apertures to accept a plurality of varying ring spacings. In addition, although apertures were described as attaching structures in the preferred embodiment, other attaching structures are also suitable that are well known by those skilled in the art. Still further, although the preferred embodiment of the storage container  10  is described as designed for storing compact discs, the storage container may also be used for other materials requiring protection from contaminate or physical damage. Finally, a storage container  10  formed in accordance with the present invention may also be formed with a single tab, or the container may include two or more tabs and the user may choose to use only one of the tabs to attach the container to a binder. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.