Patent Abstract:
An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped media such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with a cup-type beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then engaged to the beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical support structure disposed on the upper surface thereof defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. The cylindrical support structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. The lid also includes an annular shelf around the perimeter thereof, the inside diameter of which is larger than the outside diameter of the disc media, and the peak of which is coplanar with the peak of the inner structure. A sealing member is heat-sealed to the shelf and the inner structure, after the disc is inserted so as to seal it within a dry, air-tight chamber, thereby preventing any beverage from coming in contact with the disc media. The center of the sealing member, which center is situated adjacent to the opening in the inner structure, includes a means to penetrate the sealing member while maintaining the integrity of the air-tight chamber storing the disc media. The cylindrical lid is attached to the beverage container by means of a compression fit.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/950,732 filed on Sep. 12, 2001 in the names of Alexandra Gordon and Charles W. Grimes for “Packaging Device for Disc-Shaped media and Related Materials and Method for Packaging Such Disks and Material,” which was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/702,266 filed on Oct. 31, 2000 in the names of Alexandra Gordon and Charles W. Grimes for “Packaging Device for Disc-Shaped media and Related Materials and Method for Packaging Such Disks and Material” which, in turn, was a divisional of then co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/161,064 filed on Sep. 25, 1998 in the names of Alexandra Gordon and Charles W. Grimes for “Packaging Device for Disc-Shaped media and Related Materials and Method for Packaging Such Disks and Material” which subsequently issued on Apr. 17, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,857. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates, in general, to a device for packaging and displaying a circular or disc-shaped media having a central hole therein and other materials, and a method for packaging such disc-shaped media and other materials.  
           [0004]    More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved container for packaging and storing of disc-shaped media and other materials in stacked relationship, having a first chamber and a second chamber stacked on top of one another for respectively receiving and securely retaining the disc media and the other materials.  
           [0005]    Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved method for packaging and storing a disc-shaped media and a beverage in stacked relationship, wherein in a preferred embodiment the beverage is placed inside an open ended first container or cup and the media is releasably retained within a cup lid such that the media is permitted to move rotationally, while being limited in linear movement both perpendicularly and parallel to the plane of the media. A seal is applied to the top of the cup lid to prevent any beverage from contacting the disc-shaped media. The cup lid is then releasably attached to the first container or cup such that the cup lid serves to seal the open end of the first container or cup.  
           [0006]    2. Background of the Invention  
           [0007]    Packaging and storage devices for media are generally known. Disc-shaped media, such as CD&#39;s, DVD&#39;s or CD-ROM&#39;s, encounter special problems in handling, packaging and storage due to their delicate, flat recorded surfaces. Such disc media is generally sold in plastic cases which are sometimes referred to as “jewel boxes.” Such cases are generally rectangular and have a mounting hub for holding the disc media by its center aperture. Such cases are usually kept after purchase of the disc media and utilized for re-packaging of the disc media between usage. Such jewel boxes are impractical packaging containers for shipping because of their small dimensions and easy breakage, and they thus require substantial additional packaging material or placement in larger shipping containers.  
           [0008]    Disc media is routinely sold with other materials (whether directly related to the content of the disc media, i.e., ancillary, or otherwise). At the present time, disc media in such “jewel boxes” is commonly packaged together with ancillary materials in larger rectangular shaped cardboard boxes for shipping, sale and packaging. The “jewel boxes” are necessary to reliably protect the disc media from contact with the ancillary materials in the larger cardboard boxes. Such plastic case/cardboard box combination package arrangements are not only expensive, they also do not lend themselves to easy and secure storage of the disc media and ancillary materials, particularly when such ancillary materials take the form of a beverage.  
           [0009]    Other types of packaging and storage devices are needed to organize, protect, ship, display at retail and store disc media sold and/or shipped in combination with beverages sold in a cup-type container.  
           [0010]    An opportunity exists that is not being commercially exploited at the present time to distribute disc-shaped recording media with beverages dispensed in cup-type containers of the type typically sold in theaters and stadiums. This opportunity is not being exploited due to the lack of an effective container design and method for efficiently organizing, protecting, shipping, displaying at retail and storing disc-shaped media packaged with other materials.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    A primary object of this invention is to provide a container in which and a method whereby disc-shaped media and liquid refreshment materials can be packaged together in stacked relationship in a manner so as to avoid contact there between.  
           [0012]    Another object of this invention is to provide a container and a method of packaging that enables the delivery of disc-shaped media at the point of retail delivery of beverages and other liquid refreshments in a fun, innovative and eye-catching manner.  
           [0013]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a container and a method of packaging that enables disc-shaped media to be securely packaged remotely from the point of retail delivery with beverage or other liquid refreshments.  
           [0014]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a container and a method of packaging that eliminates the need for a separate case (i.e., the need for a “jewel box”) for the disc media.  
           [0015]    Another object of this invention is to provide a container and a method of packaging whereby during initial storage, shipping, retail presentation and re-packaging the disc media is securely held against linear movement and protected, while simultaneously being allowed to rotate freely.  
           [0016]    Yet still another important object of this invention is to provide a shipping container in which and a method of shipping whereby disc-shaped media and beverages can be packaged, presented, conveyed, distributed and stored.  
           [0017]    Another important object of this invention is to provide an aesthetically unique and compelling device and method for presenting at retail disc-shaped media and beverages.  
           [0018]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a container and a method of packaging that is sealed so as to prevent any of the liquid refreshment stored within the container from coming into contact with the disc media.  
           [0019]    To accomplish these and other objects, the container of this invention in its preferred form is a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then fitted onto a beverage container of the type typically constructed of plastic or paper which is often sold or given away as a promotional item in connection with the purchase of a large fountain beverage. The lid has an upper surface and a lower surface and includes a cylindrical support structure disposed upon said upper surface, said support structure defining central support for the disc media by means of the hole at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. The support structure is tubular in construction and includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. Disposed about the outer perimeter of the upper surface of the lid is a raised rim having a diameter larger than that of the disc media. The peak of the support structure and the raised rim are co-planar and rise above the upper surface of the lid a distance greater than the thickness of the disc to thereby create a cavity for the storage of said disc. Once the disc media has been inserted within said lid about said inner structure, a sealing member is applied, which sealing member is sealed to the rim and the inner structure about the peaks of such members, so as to seal the disc media within a dry, airtight chamber, thereby preventing any beverage from coming in contact with the disc media. The center of the sealing member, which center is situated adjacent to the opening in the inner structure, includes a means to penetrate the sealing member while maintaining the integrity of the air-tight chamber storing the disc media, i.e., the integrity of the seal between the sealing member and the inner structure is not corrupted by insertion of the straw. In the preferred embodiment, this means to penetrate comprises an “X” shaped incision, commonly referred to as a “kiss cut”. By forcibly inserting a straw through said opening in said inner structure, the straw will penetrate the kiss cut, thereby allowing access to the beverage in the container, without breaking the seal between the sealing member and the inner structure. The cylindrical lid is attached to the beverage container by means of a compression fit.  
           [0020]    The sealing member may include a pull tab that allows for removal of the sealing member and extraction of the disc off of the center structure of the lid for use.  
           [0021]    In the preferred method of packaging, disc media is inserted into and releasably retained within the lid by means of the cylindrical inner structure, and sealed therein by the attachement of the a sealing member. A beverage is poured into the beverage chamber, and stored therein by means of attachment of the cylindrical lid. A straw may then be inserted through the cylindrical inner structure and sealing member to allow drinking of the beverage. The sealing member may be removed at any time so as to gain access to the disc-shaped media stored within.  
           [0022]    The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    The novel features believed characteristics of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as the preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention with the lid and disk media removed, illustrating the use of a one-piece annular collar member with an annular ring and lip;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of a portion of the novel disc packaging device of FIG. 1 when the lid is on the container, along line AA illustrating the resultant first and second chambers thereof;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2A is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2, wherein a protective element is inserted between the first and second chambers;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2A, showing an alternative method of insertion of the protective element between the first and second chambers;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2C is a further alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 2A, showing, a further alternative method of insertion of the protective element between the first and second chambers;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention illustrating the alternative use of abutments and protrusions affixed to the inside wall of the container;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 3, along line B-B, with a disc media and other materials inserted and the lid affixed;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3B is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention illustrating the alternative use of the upstanding rim of the base and the inside wall of the cover in place of the abutments and protrusions of FIG. 3;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3C is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention illustrating the alternative use of the outer surface of the cover and the inner surface of a supplementary cover in place of the abutments and protrusions of FIG. 3;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention illustrating the alternative use of a center annular post support for the disc media suspended from spokes;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 4A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of the device shown in FIG. 4, along line C-C, with a disc media and other materials inserted and the lid affixed;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention illustrating fingers that extend from a frame carried by the side wall of the container and that provide center support for the disc media;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of the device shown in FIG. 5, alone, line D-D, with a disc media and other materials inserted and the lid affixed;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of the packaging device of the present invention depicting two different methods of mounting the disc media support member to the device outer wall;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with disc media and other materials inserted, the protective element inserted and the lid closed, in which the first chamber in which the disc media is stored is in the cover;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7A is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 7, wherein the disc media is inserted into a protective envelope that is affixed to the inner surface of the cover;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 8 and 8A are side perspective, partially cut-away, cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of the present invention, illustrating the use of the “lid” of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 as the base, thereby allowing the portion of the invention defining the second chamber to be of an irregular shape (FIG. 8) or to have deformable construction (FIG. 8A);  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 9 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the disk media is located in the lid and the lid and the container include second and third chambers, respectively, for storing other material;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 is a cut-away, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the second chamber in the container for storing other materials includes a second opening separate and distinct from the lid and a removable cover such that access to the second chamber can be attained without removing the lid;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 11 and 11A are cut-away, cross-sectional side views of another embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 10 in which the method of mounting shown in FIG. 6A is utilized and wherein the removable cover for the second chamber can be mated with the removable cover for the first chamber to form a mini-packaging device shown in FIG. 11A;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A in which the method shown in FIG. 3B for retaining the disc media is utilized and in which the two covers threadably engage the base and, when removed, can be threaded together to create a mini-packaging unit;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIGS. 12A and 12B are cut-away, cross-sectional side views of alternative embodiments of f the device shown in FIG. 12, wherein the two covers slidably engage after removal (FIG. 12A) or threadably engage after removal (FIG. 12B);  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 13 is a cut-away, cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention in which a concave cavity on the exterior side of the cover for the device forms the first chamber for the disc media and a seal encloses the disc media within the concave cavity;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention with the lid, disk media and protective element removed, illustrating the use of a sealed base;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention in which the disk media is sealed within the lid, and the base is separately sealed, and the lid and base are detachably joined together by an outer packaging skin that can be severed with a pull string;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 16 is an exploded elevational view of another embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention in which the disc media is retained in a cylindrical lid including means for engaging, retaining and sealing therein the disc-shaped media, and allowing passage therethrough of a straw, and a sealing means working in conjunction therewith, which cylindrical lid may then be attached to a beverage container;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 17 is a cut-away, cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 16;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 18 is a cut-away, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of FIG. 16;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 19 is a cut-away, cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of FIG. 16; and  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 20 is a cut-away, cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of FIG. 16.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0054]    With reference now to the figures and in particular with reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of the disc packaging device  10  of the present invention. As illustrated, disc packaging device  10  includes a lower base component or container  12  and an upper cover component or lid  14 . Lower base component  12  and upper cover component  14  are utilized to form a generally cylindrical packaging device of dimension slightly larger than the disc shaped recording media to be stored. End plates  16  and  18  cooperate with lower base component  12  and upper cover component  14  to fully enclose the cylindrical packaging space defined thereby.  
         [0055]    The lower base component  12  of the embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a side wall  20 . The side wall can be constructed from either cardboard (i.e., natural fiber material) or plastic (i.e., man-made synthetic material) or other material suitably rigid for the base component to retain its shape, including metal, e.g., as in a vacuum sealed, canned product.  
         [0056]    The base component  12  can be designed to threadably receive the bottom plate  16  which is of conventional design, made of stiff cardboard, plastic, metal or some similarly rigid material and used as a cover-all screw cap on a very wide variety of containers. Alternatively the bottom plate  16  can nest inside the side wall  20  where it is held by friction, stapling, gluing or some other means. The side wall  20  has an upper section  22  and the upper section  22  can be threaded to accommodate the upper cover component  14  although in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the cover is made of plastic and snaps on in a conventional manner.  
         [0057]    As best seen in FIG. 2, the upper section  22  is defined by an outer wall  24 , an inner wall  26  and a rim  28 . The cover component  14  has a side wall  30  defined by an outer wall  32 , an inner wall  34  and a rim  36 . The diameter of the inner wall  34  of the cover component is slightly greater than the diameter of the outer wall  24  of the base component. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is an inner structure  40  which provides circumferential support for a disc shaped media  42  stored within the packaging device  10 . The structure  40  comprises an annular collar  44  having an annular ring  46  and an annular lip  48 . The inner structure  40  nests within the lower base component  12 . The annular collar  44  has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the inner wall  26  of the base component such that the annular collar extends beyond the inner wall  26  and sits on top of the base rim  28 . The annular ring  46  has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the inner wall  26 , such that the annular ring nests inside the inner wall  26 . The annular lip  48  has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the disc shaped media  42 . Thus, the disc shaped media will rest on the annular lip, inside the annular ring. In this way, movement of the disc shaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media is precluded by the annular abutment  46 . Movement of the disc shaped media perpendicular to its plane is prevented in one direction by the annular lip  48 . When the cover component  14  is affixed to the base component  12 , the cover plate  18  acts to preclude movement of the disc shaped media in the opposite perpendicular direction to the plane of the disc shaped media.  
         [0058]    In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2A, a protective member  50  is attached to the annular lip  48 . The protective member can be made of plastic film or any other conventional material to provide a barrier between the disc shaped media and other materials  52  which can be stored in the base component  12  of the packaging device  10 . The protective member can be permanently affixed to the annular lip or it can be affixed at the time of assembly and shipment and removed by the consumer after purchase, i.e., at a time when further “rough handling” that would cause interaction between the disc shaped media and the other materials is less likely to occur.  
         [0059]    In an alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2B, the protective element is removable and sized to seat on the annular lip  48  between the annular lip  48  and the disc shaped media. The protective element is round like the disc shaped media and has a central opening into which one&#39;s finger can be inserted to engage, lift and remove the protective element and subsequently engage, lift and replace the protective element.  
         [0060]    In an alternative embodiment disclosed in FIG. 2C, the protective element  50 B is flexible and is removably inserted within the lower base component beneath the annular lip  48  and on top of the other materials  52  placed therein. The protective element is sized to correspond to the interior wall  26  and has a central opening into which one&#39;s finger can be inserted to engage, lift and remove the protective element and subsequently engage, lift and replace the protective element. Alternatively, the protective element can be provided with a lift tab or some other conventional means whereby it can be grabbed and removed.  
         [0061]    In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the inner structure  40  is modified. The annular collar  44  with annular ring  46  and annular lip  48  is replaced. by discrete abutments  54  and discrete protrusions  56 . Collectively, the abutments  54  and protrusions  56  are positioned within the lower base component  12  around the circumference of the inner wall  26  spaced below the rim  28 , affixed to the inner wall  26 , so as to perform the same function as the annular ring  46  and annular lip  48 . Specifically, the abutments  54  preclude movement of the disc shaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media i.e., performing the same function as the annular ring  46 . Similarly, the protrusions  56  are positioned about the inner wall  26  and collectively preclude movement of the disc shaped media in a direction perpendicular to plane of the disc shaped media i.e., performing the same function as the annular lip  48 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 3B shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the disc shaped media is seated on the rim  28  and movement of the disc shaped media perpendicular to its plane is prevented in one direction by the rim  28 . When the cover  14  is affixed to the base component  12 , movement of the disc shaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media is precluded by the inner wall  34  of the cover  14  and inner surface  14   a  of the cover  14  acts to preclude movement of the disc shaped media in the second, opposite perpendicular direction to the plane of the disc shaped media.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 3C shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the disc shaped media is seated on the outside surface  14   b  of the cover  14  and movement of the disc shaped media perpendicular to its plane is prevented in one direction by a supplementary cover  144  that snaps onto the cover  14 . When the supplementary cover  144  is affixed to the cover  14 , movement of the disc shaped media in the plane of the disc shaped media is precluded by the inner wall  144   a  of the supplementary cover  144  and the inner wall  144   b  of the supplementary cover  144  acts to preclude movement of the disc shaped media in the second, opposite perpendicular direction to the plane of the disc shaped media. The supplementary cover  144  can include a chamber  144   d  and a protective element  50   b  can be inserted to prevent contact between the disc shaped media and whatever materials  52   a  are placed in the chamber  144   d.    
         [0064]    In the alternative embodiment seen in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the inner support structure  40  is replaced with an inner support structure  58  that provides center support for the disc shaped media as opposed to the circumferential support provided by inner structure  40 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the alternative inner structure  58  includes an annular ring  60  and spokes  62  extending therefrom. As seen in FIG. 4A, the annular ring  60  has a raised portion  64  on which the disc media  42  sits, The spokes  62  each have a finger portion  66  which extends upwardly and outwardly such that when the structure  58  is inserted into the base component  12 , the fingers  56  frictionally engage the inner wall  26  and sit on the upper rim  28 . The structure  58  can include webbing between the fencers  56  (ala the webbing in a duck&#39;s foot) comprised of a thin material to provide protection for the disc shaped media  42  from the other materials  52 . Inside the annular ring  60  would be left open to allow the consumer, after removing, the cover  14 , to insert their finger into the annular ring and to thereby remove both the disc shaped media  42  and the structure  58 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIGS. 5 and 5A show a further alternative inner structure  68  comprising an annular collar  70  from which fingers  72  extend inwardly. At the ends of the fingers  72  are upstanding projections  74 . The annular collar  70  nests inside the inner wall  26  and sits on the rim  28  in the same manner as the inner structure  40  in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The upstanding projections  74  cooperate to provide a center support structure for the disc shaped media.  
         [0066]    As seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fingers  72  in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A do not necessarily need to be suspended from an annular collar. Alternatively, the could be clipped to the side wall  20  as seen in FIG. 6A or they could be screwed into the side wall  20  as shown in FIG. 6B.  
         [0067]    In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a center support structure is provided for the disc shaped media in the upper cover component  14 . Specifically, projections  80  extend from the inside wall  82  of the end plate  18 . These projections  80  cooperate to provide secure support for the disc shaped media in the cover component  14 . A protective element  84  can be provided which is either removably nested within the cover as shown or which can be inserted at the time of manufacture and removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase. The cover  14  can engage the base component  12  in any variety Of conventional ways, e.g., snap on, telescope on, screw on, etc.  
         [0068]    In a further alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the disc shaped media is encased within an envelope  84   a  made of plastic or some other suitable material and which is affixed to the inside wall  82  of the end plate  18 . The envelope is either removably or permanently affixed, e.g., by gluing, with double-sided tape, or by other conventional means. The envelope can itself constitute a re-useable packaging container for the disc shaped media that either remains affixed to the plate  18  or can be removed from the plate  18 , e.g., so that the cover  14  can be discarded. Or the disc shaped media can be packaged within a packaging sleeve (not shown) ail of which can then be inserted into the envelope and then removed from the envelope once the envelope is opened.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIGS. 8 and 8A show further alternative embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the fact that the disc shaped media is stored within the cover component  14  allows for an alternative construction of the container  12 . In this alternative embodiment, the cover  14  serves as the “base”. The alternative base  90 , in which the other materials, in this case, a doll  92 , are stored, has an end wall structure  94  which frictionally encases the inner wall  96  and seals the chamber in the base  90 . Alternatively, wall  94  can be provided with threads so that it will threadably engage corresponding threads on the inside wall  96 . The cover  14  and base  90  can be attached in the same manner as heretofore been discussed in connection with other embodiments.  
         [0070]    In the embodiment showing in FIG. 8A, the cover  14  once again carries the disc shaped media  42  and thereby allows the base  12  to be of a deformable construction  98 . The deformable member  98  has a rigid internal support structure  100  which is designed to frictionally or threadably engage the cover  14 .  
         [0071]    In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the disc shaped media is stored in a first chamber  102  in the lid  14  defined by an annular support  40  similar in construction to the embodiment of FIG. 7, except that the lid includes a second chamber  104  defined by an outer wall  106  for other materials and the base  12  includes a third chamber  108 . In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 10, which is similar in construction to the embodiment of FIG. 4, there is provided an additional opening  110  in the container  22  and a cover  116  for closing the opening  110 . The cover  116  can be removed to gain access to the chamber  104  without removing the cover  14 .  
         [0072]    In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, an inner structure  40   a  is provided that is a slightly modified version of the inner structure  40  shown in FIG. 2, in that it includes an annular wall  45  that extends around the entire circumference of the annular collar  44  and engages the outer surface of the wall of the base  12 , and the cover  14  is configured to engage not the base  12 , but rather, the annular wall  45 . An additional opening  110  is provided as in the embodiment of FIG. 10, and a cover  116   a  is provided that is a slightly modified version of the cover  116  of FIG. 10, in that it includes not only an outer annular wall  116   b  for engaging the outer surface of the wall of the base  12 , but also an inner annular wall  116   c  for engaging the inner surface of the wall of the base  12 . The circumferential dimension of the outer surface  116   d  of the wall  116   b  of the cover  116   a  is identical to the circumferential dimension of the outer surface  45   d  of the wall  45 , such that the covers  14  and  116   a  can be removed and the cover  14  which matingly engaged the wall  45  will matingly engage the outer wall  116   b  of the cover  116   a , as shown in FIG. 11A. In this way, as also shown in FIG. 11A, the covers  14  and  116   a  can be used together as a mini-packaging device for the disc shaped media  42 . In the embodiment shown, the inner wall  116   c  helps to securely retain the disc shaped media against movement. However, it is understood that the benefits of the invention could be achieved without such inner wall, or utilizing one of the other retaining methods disclosed herein.  
         [0073]    In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the disc shaped media seats on the rim  28  as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, but the cover  14   x  does not snap onto the base  12 , but rather, threadably engages it. Furthermore, the bottom  12   x  of the base  12  is flared outwardly and contains internal threads that are of the same dimension as the internal threads of the cover  14   x . The cover  116   x  includes mating external threads such that the cover  116   x  can be threaded into the flared bottom  12   x  of base  12 . In this way, the covers  14   x  and  116   x  can be removed from the base  12  and threadably engaged to form a mini-packaging unit for the disc shaped media.  
         [0074]    In the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the need to flare out the bottom of the base  12  is eliminated. In FIG. 12A, the base  12   y  receives a bottom cover  116   y  that includes an overlapping portion  117   y , the outer surface  118   y  of which is of equal dimension to the outer surface  118   y  of which is of equal dimension to the outer wall of the base  12   y , such that covers  14   y  and  11   y  can be slidably engaged to form a mini-storage unit for the disc media. In FIG. 12B, the base  12   z  has an external threaded portion  119   z  and an internal threaded portion  120   z  each of which extends beyond the center line “C” of the wall of the base  12   z . In this way, when the covers  14   z  and  116   z  are removed, they can be threadably engaged to form a mini-storage unit for the disc media.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 13 shows a further alternative embodiment, wherein the cover  244  nestingly seats within the base  12  and the disc shaped media  42  is placed within the concave recess  246  of the cover  244 . A seal  248  made of plastic or other suitable material is applied to the cover  244  to hold the disc shaped media within the cover  244  until the seal is removed by the user. The disc shaped media can be retained against movement within the cover  244  as a result of contact with the side walls  250 , bottom wall  252  and seal  248 , or by utilization of any of the other methods taught herein.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 14 shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the base  12  is a separately manufactured container of miscellaneous content, that includes a slightly concave end  251 , the depth  252  of which exceeds the combined thickness of a disc shaped media  42  and a protective element  50  which are seated within the concave end  251  and held there by cover  14  which snaps onto base  12 . In an alternate embodiment, a protective element is not used or the disc shaped media is packaged in an envelope (not shown).  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 15 shows a further alternative embodiment wherein the disc shaped media is mounted and sealed within cover  14 , e.g., as taught herein in connection with other embodiments, and cover  14  is attached to base  12  by paper packaging material skin  301  that binds the cover  14  and base  12  together. Cover  14  is separated from base  12  by pulling string  302  which tears the skin  301  and brakes the circumferential attachment between cover  14  and base  12 .  
         [0078]    It would be understood that in each embodiment, a container device is provided in which disc shaped media can be packaged, distributed, displayed at retail and, if desired, restored with other materials and that, in effecting such usage, discrete chambers are provided for the disc media and for the other materials so as to prevent contact between the disc media and the other materials. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 6B, the inner structure, whether it is the annular collar of FIG. 1, or the discretely positioned abutment/protrusion clips of FIG. 3, or the upstanding rim in FIG. 3B, or the lid and supplemental lid of FIG. 3C, or the “spider” structure of FIG. 4, or the “trap” structure of FIG. 5, in each case is located in and helps define a first chamber in the lower base component  12 . Underneath this first chamber is a second chamber. The first chamber receives and securely holds, despite repeated removal and re-packaging, the disc shaped media. The second chamber receives the other materials and keeps these materials separate from the disc shaped media. The need for a separate “jewel case” for the disc shaped media is thus completely eliminated.  
         [0079]    It would be understood that the shape of the container can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention, e.g., the cylindrical base  12  can be square or rectangular so long as the outer wall of the collar  40  corresponds and the collar includes spacers from the outer wall of the collar to the annular ring and annular lip of the present invention. Similar adjustments could be made to the other embodiments as would be apparent to those skilled in the an having reviewed this disclosure. The abutment/protrusions clips of FIG. 3 could be mounted on a non-cylindrical shaped base, as could the spider structure of FIG. 4 or the trap structure of FIG. 5.  
         [0080]    It would be understood by those skilled in the art that the function of the annular ring of FIG. 1 or the abutments of FIG. 2 could be performed by an appropriately dimensioned inner wall  26  of the container  12 .  
         [0081]    It would be further understood that while several methods of attaching the annular collar of FIG. 1, the abutment/protrusion clips of FIG. 2, the spider structure of FIG. 3 and the trap structure of FIG. 4 have been shown, those skilled in the art after having reviewed this disclosure could devise other means of attachment without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0082]    It would be further understood by those skilled in the art that the device and method of this invention can accommodate one or more disc shaped media, e.g., through the insertion of protective elements therebetween.  
         [0083]    Illustrated in FIGS.  16 - 19  is another embodiment of the present invention in which the disc-shaped media  42  is received and retained within a cylindrical lid  600 , which can be affixed as a cover to a beverage container  602  such as the kind which is often sold or given away as a promotional item in connection with the purchase of a large fountain beverage. Smaller beverage containers  602  are ideally suited for a mini CD or 80 mm diameter optical discs.  
         [0084]    The lid includes a substantially planar upper surface  603  upon which is provided a cylindrical support structure  604  having a substantially planar end  606 . Disposed within said planar end  606  is a lid opening  608  having a diameter less than that of the cylindrical support structure  604 , which opening leads to a passageway  610  through the support structure  604 . The cylindrical support structure  604  serves the dual purpose of: (1) receiving and retaining the disc-shaped media such that the disc-shaped media  42  is prevented from moving linearly either perpendicularly or parallel to the plane of the disc-shaped media  42 , while allowing the disc-shaped media  42  to rotate around the cylindrical support structure  604 ; and (2) providing access through the passageway  610  through the cylindrical lid  600  through which a straw (not shown) may be inserted. Toward that end, the inner diameter of cylindrical support structure  604  must be sufficiently large so as to allow the passage of the straw therethrough, while the outer diameter of the cylindrical support structure  604  must be slightly less than the diameter of the annular aperture in the disc-shaped media  42  such that the cylindrical support structure  604  will allow the disc-shaped media  42  to be mounted thereon.  
         [0085]    In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the disc-shaped media  42  may be further supported within the cylindrical lid  600  by means of an annular shoulder  612  or other raised portion rising from the upper surface  603  and encircling the cylindrical support structure  604 , which shoulder  612  separates the disc-shaped media  42  from the upper surface  603  of the cylindrical lid  600 . The height of upper shoulder  612  should be such that it limits contact between the disc-shaped media  42  and the upper surface  603  of cylindrical lid  600 .  
         [0086]    Cylindrical lid  600  also includes an annular shelf  616  spaced distally from the cylindrical support structure  604 , in the vicinity of the periphery of the upper surface  603  of the cylindrical lid  600 . The shelf  616  includes a shelf top  618  which is co-planar with planar end  606  of the cylindrical support structure  604 . It should be appreciated, however, that the height of the planar end  606  and the shelf top  618  need not be co-planar, provided that they are higher than the thickness of the disc-shaped media  42 . The annular shelf  616  is designed in part to provide protection to the edges of the disc-shaped media  42 , and therefore has a diameter that is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the disc-shaped media  42 . In addition, the annular shelf  616  serves to act as a buffer against any transmission force applied to the outer edge of the cup lid  600 , including force applied to the skirt  620 , to the disc-shaped media  42 .  
         [0087]    The cup lid  600  is adapted to be attached to the beverage container by means of a compression fit, whereby the upper edge of the cup lid is inserted into the gap  622  created between the portion of the cup lid  600  which carries the upper surface  603  and the skirt  620  of the cup lid  600 . In the preferred embodiment, the cup lid  600  is composed of a plastic material that is somewhat deformable so as to allow the skirt  620  to bend slightly when the lid  600  is placed on the cup, but be elastic enough such that the force applied by the skirt  620  in attempting to return to its static position is enough to keep the cup lid  600  attached to the container. Inasmuch as the annular shelf  616  is designed to deform slightly while the cup lid  600  is attached to the beverage container, it should be appreciated that there should be a sufficient gap between the edge of the disc-shaped media  42  and the annular shelf  616  such that the deformation in the annular shelf  616 , if any, will not cause contact with the edge of the disc-shaped media  42 .  
         [0088]    After insertion of the disc-shaped media  42  within the cup lid  600 , a sealing member  624  is attached so as to prevent the beverage stored within the container from coming into contact with the disc-shaped media  42  when the cup lid is applied to the container. The sealing member  624  is essentially a waterproof element that is attached to the shelf top  618  and the planar end  606  of the cylindrical support structure  604 . In the preferred embodiment, the means of attachment of the sealing member  624  to the shelf top  618  and the planar end  606  is by means of a heat seal, although other sealing means are available, including adhesives and the like. It should be appreciated, however, that whatever sealing means is used, the seals between the sealing member  624  and the shelf top  618  and the planar end  606  must be water-tight so as to prevent any leakage or spillage of the beverage within the cavity  626  formed therebetween.  
         [0089]    While the shelf top  608  and end  606  are described as being planar, it should be understood that neither of these elements needs to be planar, as long as enough of a portion of each is provided to which the sealing means  624  can be applied to accomplish the goals herein described.  
         [0090]    In addition to serving as a means for preventing contact between the beverage and the disc-shaped media  42 , the sealing means  624  also serves to prevent the disc-shaped media  42  from moving in a direction away from of the upper surface  603  of the cup lid  600 , and from sliding off the cup lid.  
         [0091]    In order to allow passage of a straw through the passageway  610  of the cup lid  600  so as to gain access to the beverage stored in the container, a means for penetrating  628  the sealing member  624  is disposed within the center of said sealing member. The means for penetrating  628  the sealing member  624  must be situated directly above the opening  608  so as to allow for the passage of a straw therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, said means for penetrating  628  and said opening  608  are both “X”-shaped incisions, commonly referred to as a “kiss cuts.”The triangular shaped “petals” formed by the “X”-shaped incision are adapted to deform so as to allow a straw to penetrate through the sealing member  624 . Alternate means for penetration include circular-shaped incisions or even an opening wide enough to allow the passage of a straw therethrough, as variously shown in FIGS. 17 through 19. The only limitation as to the opening  608  and the means for penetrating  629  is that they must be large enough so as to allow the passage of a straw, while not so large as to compromise the integrity of the seal of the cavity  626 .  
         [0092]    Whatever the means for penetrating used, however, it should be appreciated that, in order to maintain the integrity of the seal between the sealing means  624  and the planar end  606  of the cylindrical support structure  604 , the incision  628  (or the opening) must not be larger in diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical support structure  604 , otherwise the integrity of the cavity  626  will be compromised because there will be no overlap to which the seal can be applied.  
         [0093]    In one embodiment, disposed at the edge of the sealing means  624  is a pull-tab  630  which allows a user to break the seal of the sealing means  624  from the cup lid  600  in order to gain access to the disc-shaped media  42  stored within the cavity  626 . By pulling on the pull-tab  630 , the seal between the sealing means  624  and the shelf top  618  is broken, and the disc-shaped media  42  may be extracted. Once the disc-shaped media  42  has been extracted, the cup lid  600  may be reattached to the beverage container. It should be appreciated that while the pull-tab  630  is one means for gaining access to the cavity  626 , it is not necessarily required, as the “tabs” created when a straw penetrates the incision  628  may also be used in the same manner as the pull-tab  630 . It should further be noted that it is contemplated that the disc-shaped media can be re-inserted on the lid and the seal, if only broken but not fully removed, can be returned to a closed position, particularly if adhesive or other reattachment means is provided in the area of the pull tab  630 .  
         [0094]    It should also be appreciated that while the seal  624  in the preferred embodiment serves to retain the disc-shaped media  42  within the cavity  626 , alternate retaining means exist. For example, at least one protrusion  640  may be provided on the upper portion of the support structure  604 , which protrusions  640  serve to retain the disc-shaped media  42  in place on the support structure  604 . Such protrusions  640  must be at least partially flexible, or the support structure  604  must be flexible, so as to allow the disc-shaped media  42  to be snapped over the protrusions  640  when attaching or removing the disc-shaped media  42 .  
         [0095]    Having thus described the invention with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1