Abstract:
Disclosed is a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The package includes a housing structure that defines an internal chamber. The housing structure has at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber. The package also includes at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element. The tray is pivotably mounted to the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure. The tray(s) used in the package include a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/695,201 filed Jun. 29, 2005, entitled “PACKAGE HAVING PIVOTED TRAY FOR RETAINING DISC-SHAPED ELEMENT” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements and, more particularly, to a package housing at least one tray for supporting a disc-shaped element, which tray is pivotally supported within the package and hinged to permit one part of the tray to pivot away from the remainder of the tray for facilitating insertion and removal of the disc-shaped element.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Many different types of products, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and entertainment media are either disc shaped or packaged in disc-shaped containers. In particular, various types of planar discs are in use at the present time to record and store information which is to be retrieved by various means, such as by optical or magnetic means. Typical of such discs are compact discs in which information is digitally recorded by use of a laser beam and then read optically by a laser beam. Such discs are used to record audio information, such as musical renditions, video information such as visual images and digital information for use as read only and other memories for use in various applications, such as computer applications. In most instances, at the present time, such discs are sold with information already recorded thereon. In other applications, such discs are sold in blank form and are used by the customer to record information thereon. In the latter case, for example, optical discs are sold for use as computer storage media and are used in hard disc storage systems. As used herein, the term compact disc, CD or disc is intended to encompass all such discs and disc-shaped packaging, e.g., for pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, whatever their size, for all known or proposed uses.  
         [0006]     It is one purpose of this invention to provide a package for storing disc-shaped elements in which the disc-shaped elements are easy to access. It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a package for storing disc-shaped elements into which the disc-shaped elements can be easily inserted and from which they can be readily removed. It is yet another purpose of this invention to provide a package in which disc shaped elements are stored on trays and the trays are pivotable into and out of a storage enclosure. Efforts to date directed at such packages suffer from one or more shortcomings which make the resulting packaging unsatisfactory. This is because prior art packaging is, typically, either uneconomical to manufacture and/or is expensive to transport, store and display in retail stores. Accordingly, there remains a need for a simple, inexpensive to manufacture, inexpensive to ship and display package capable of storing one or more disc-shaped elements, which is reliable for use over the long term.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The subject invention is directed to a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The package includes a housing structure that defines an internal chamber for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The housing structure has at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber. The package also includes at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element. The tray is pivotably mounted to the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure.  
         [0008]     In certain embodiments the tray(s) used in the package include, a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. The tray further includes a mechanism for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray which is provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions. The securing mechanism is configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing mechanism/tray. Preferably, the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.  
         [0009]     It is presently envisioned that the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element. In certain embodiments, the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.  
         [0010]     Preferably, the tray further includes at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element. Moreover, it is presently envisioned that the tray further include an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter. Still further the tray can include a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.  
         [0011]     In certain preferred embodiments, the package includes means for ejecting the at least one tray from within the internal chamber of the housing structure. For example, the tray can include a spring arm which extends from the periphery of the tray and contacts a cylindrical post supported within the interior chamber of the housing structure. The operation of the spring arm will be described in more detail hereinbelow.  
         [0012]     It is also envisioned that the package can include a mechanism for maintaining the tray(s) in the first position wherein each tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing. In certain embodiments, the mechanism can be readily releasable and associated with or integral to the housing and the tray. In alternative embodiments, the securing mechanism can be a separate element such as a locking element that includes anti-theft features.  
         [0013]     The subject invention is also directed to a tray for storing at least one disc-shaped element that includes, a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. The tray further includes a mechanism for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray which is provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions. The securing mechanism is configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing mechanism/tray. Preferably, the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.  
         [0014]     It is presently envisioned that the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element. In certain embodiments, the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.  
         [0015]     Preferably, the tray further includes at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element. Moreover, it is presently envisioned that the tray further include an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter. Still further the tray can include a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.  
         [0016]     The subject application is also directed to a tray for holding a disc-shaped element that includes first and second tray portions connected through a hinge. The second tray is movable between a first position wherein the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the first and second tray portions are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. At least one of the first and second tray portions includes a mechanism, (e.g., a rosette), for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.  
         [0017]     In a preferred embodiment, the hinge is a living hinge. Moreover, in certain constructions the disc-shaped element is a compact disc. It is envisioned that the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess that is adapted for receiving a disc-shaped element. The circular recess has a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall. Preferably, is such embodiments, the hinge extends diametrically across the circular recess defined by the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions.  
         [0018]     These and other aspects of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the figures.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     So that those having ordinary skill in the art will better understand how to make and use the packages and trays of the subject invention, embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the improved tray of the package of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the improved tray of  FIG. 1  showing the manner in which disc-shaped elements may be easily inserted and removed therefrom.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the package of the present invention with the top removed showing the tray of  FIG. 1  in position on the floor of an enclosure therefor.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the package of the present invention in its closed position showing an enclosure housing two trays and illustrating a retail security lock for use therewith.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the package of the present invention comprising two trays in an enclosure with one tray shown in the pivoted position.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5  with the top removed and showing one tray in the enclosed position and one tray in the pivoted position.  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5  with the top removed and with two trays supported one above the other in the enclosed position.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5  with one tray in the enclosed position and one tray in the pivoted position.  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the package of  FIG. 8  showing the pivoted tray pivoted at its hinge to facilitate insertion and removal of a disc-shaped element.  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5  with both trays in the enclosed position.  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the package of  FIG. 7  with the top removed.  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is still another perspective view of the package of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  is another exploded perspective view of the package of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the package of the present invention looking through the top of the package. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     Reference is now made to the accompanying figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description are provided to describe and illustrate examples in which the disclosed subject matter may be made and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.  
         [0036]     Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 , in which there are shown improved packages  10  for housing disc-shaped elements, hereinafter referred to as discs. The package comprises a planar tray  12  which is generally D-shaped and flat and includes an upper planar surface  14  having a generally circular recess  16  formed therein along substantially its entire area except at the corners  18 ,  20  where the curved wall  22  of the D-shape intersects the leg  24  of the D-shape. The recess defines a disc receiving housing which has a peripheral wall  26  extending between a recess floor  28  and the upper planar surface  14  of the tray  12 . The recess peripheral wall  26  is generally cylindrical and is suitably dimensioned to receive the disc to be stored therein. In one embodiment of the package, a circular media disc A having a central aperture is supported on upstanding circular wall portions  30  on the recess floor  28 . Upstanding wall portions  30  have a diameter which is slightly larger than the central aperture of the media disc in order to support the media disc on non-information bearing surfaces surrounding the central aperture. A semi-circular upstanding rib  32  dimensioned to correspond to the central aperture of the disc and having a height greater than circular wall portions  30  is centrally positioned within circular wall portions  30  to serve as a rosette to aid in positioning and stabilizing the disc within recess  16 .  
         [0037]     Tray  12  has a diametrically extending hinge, preferably a living hinge  34 , dividing recess  16  into two halves  16   a ,  16   b . Desirably, hinge  34  extends between curved wall  22  and leg  24  at a point along leg  24  which is spaced a short distance from pivot aperture  36  defined in corner  20  of planar surface  14 . Living hinge  34  divides circular wall portions  30  into two semi-circular wall portions, one semi circular wall portion on recess half  16   a  and the other semi circular wall portion on recess half  16   b . Semi circular rib  32  is located within semi circular wall portion  30  on recess half  16   b . Horizontal projections  38  spaced above recess floor  28  extend into recess  16   a  and circumferentially, from the intersections of living hinge  34  with peripheral wall  26 , at least a short distance along the peripheral wall  26   a  of recess half  16   a  for defining between floor  28  and projections  38  two channel-like guides  40  for sliding a disc into and out of recess half  16   a . Tray  12  is pivotable about the living hinge  34  to pivot rosette rib  32  on recess half  16   b  out of the central aperture of a disc within recess  16  and to allow a disc to be inserted into and/or removed from recess half  16   a  by sliding the disc under, or out from under, projections  38  in guides  40 .  
         [0038]     Tray  12  is adapted to be pivotally supported within generally rectangular enclosure  42 . Enclosure  42  comprises a floor  44 , a top  46  and peripheral wall portions extending upward from the floor  44  and downward from the top  46  for defining enclosure longitudinal peripheral wall  48  and transverse peripheral walls  50 ,  52  connected thereto for defining peripheral walls on three sides of enclosure  42 . The fourth side  54  is open for pivotal movement of one or more of trays  12  into and out of enclosure  42 .  
         [0039]     Tray  12  is supported on floor  44  of enclosure  42  with pivot aperture  36  mounted on upstanding hub  58 , serving as a pivot point  60 , for pivotal mounting of tray  12  between an enclosed position, where the tray  12  is supported on floor  44  within enclosure  42 , and a pivoted position, where tray  12  protrudes through the open side  54  of enclosure  42  at least a sufficient amount to allow tray  12  to be grasped with the fingers. Once the tray  12  can be grasped with the fingers it can be pivoted to a more open position where living hinge  34  is completely out of enclosure  42 , allowing tray  12  to pivot about hinge  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 , to allow a disc to slide into or out of guide channels  40  of recess half  16   a , without interference from enclosure  42 .  
         [0040]     Floor  44  of enclosure  42  includes interior walls  62 ,  64  defining generally a floor area which allows D-shaped tray  12  to be housed therewithin in the enclosed position and to freely pivot about pivot point  60 . When supported on floor  44  in the enclosed position, as shown in FIGS.  3 ,  6 - 7 ,  11 - 12 ,  15 , pivot point  60  is positioned, generally, in the corner  66  defined between transverse peripheral wall  50  and open side  54 . A spring arm  68  extends from the edge of tray  12  adjacent recess half  16   a  toward longitudinal wall  48  at a point closely adjacent the corner  70  defined between longitudinal wall  48  and transverse wall  50 . Spring arm  68  extends into contact with cylindrical post  72  supported on floor  44  in corner  70 . In the enclosed position of tray  12 , spring arm  68  is static and unbiased by post  72 . The purpose of spring arm  68  is to provide the force to pivot tray  12  about pivot point  60  when it is desired to move tray  12  to the pivoted position. To pivot tray  12  to its pivoted position, it is only necessary, using a finger, to push tray  12 , in its enclosed position, at a point along leg  24  remote from pivot point  60  (see arrow P in  FIG. 3 ), inwardly toward longitudinal wall  48 . This has the effect of compressing spring arm  68  against post  72 . When the finger pressure is removed, the spring bias caused by compression causes tray  12  to pivot from its enclosed position to its pivoted position, as indicated by arrow R in  FIG. 3 . To accomplish this without breaking, spring arm  68  must be quite resilient. In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 15 , which does not require spring arm  68  to be quite as resilient, a spring  74  is supported by enclosure  42  and extends from corner  70  toward curved wall  22  and spring arm  68 . As tray  12  is pivoted about pivot point  60  from the pivoted position to the enclosed position, spring arm  68  engages spring  74  but remains static and unbiased. However, when tray  12  is pressed toward longitudinal wall  48  to cause tray  12  to move to its pivoted position, both spring arm  68  and spring  74  are compressed. Such an arrangement permits the resilience of both spring arm  68  and spring  74  to provide the resilience necessary to cause tray  12 , when unlatched, to pivot about pivot point  60  and move to the pivoted position.  
         [0041]     In order to maintain tray  12  in the closed position, a click lock arm  76  (see  FIG. 15 ) extends from transverse peripheral wall  52  spaced from corner  78  between longitudinal peripheral wall  48  and transverse peripheral wall  52  is biased toward curved wall  22  of tray  12 . As tray  12  is pivoted from its pivoted position to its enclosed position, the end  76   a  of click lock arm  76  slides along the outer surface of curved wall  22 . At least one nub  80  projects outwardly from curved wall  22  in a direction away from recess  16 . When tray  12  is fully pivoted into the enclosed position, end  76   a  of click lock arm  76  engages the projecting nub  80  and locks tray  12  in its enclosed position. To pivot tray  12  to its pivoted position, it is only necessary, using a finger, to push tray  12 , in its enclosed position, at a point along leg  24  remote from pivot point  60  (see arrow P in  FIG. 3 ), inwardly toward longitudinal wall  48 . This has the effect of releasing end  76   a  from projecting nub  80  and allowing tray  12  to pivot about pivot point  60  under the influence of spring arm  68  and, if used, spring  74 , to its pivoted position. In doing so, end  76   a  of click arm  76  slides over projecting nub  80 ,  
         [0042]     For purposes of retail security, package  10  may be positively locked with the tray  12  in its enclosed position, to protect the disc against damage or pilferage, by a locking dagger  90  comprising a dagger section  92  that passes through enclosure open side  54  and is wedged into a locking position parallel to and between transverse peripheral wall  52  and the adjacent peripheral wall of tray  12 . Dagger section  92  is preferably connected to a head portion  94 , which includes a locking means (not shown) for engaging the enclosure and retaining the dagger section in its locking position. An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag  96  may be affixed to dagger section  92 . Retail establishments have devices which disengage and remove the dagger section from package  10  after a sale has been completed and before the package  10  is handed over to the customer.  
         [0043]     As can be seen from  FIGS. 5-14 , package  10  may house more than one tray  12 . Additional trays  12  (two trays are shown in the FIGURES) are pivotally mounted on upstanding hub  58  in a stacked but spaced relationship to the one tray  12 . When more than one tray  12  is utilized, either tray can be separately pivoted from enclosure  42  in the same manner as described hereinbefore for causing one tray to be pivoted from its enclosed position to a pivoted position. The tray  12  which is to be pivoted out of enclosure  42  is pressed, using a finger, at a point along leg  24  remote from pivot point  60  (see arrow P in  FIG. 3 ), inwardly toward longitudinal wall  48 . This causes the tray to be released and to pivot under the influence of spring arm  68  and, if used, spring  74  to its pivoted position from which it may be grasped and pivoted further until living hinge  34  is completely out of enclosure  42  and the tray can be pivoted therealong for removal or insertion of discs into recess  16   a  of the tray.  
         [0044]     Tray  12  is preferably formed of plastic material and is formed by injection molding. Likewise, enclosure  42  is preferably formed of plastic material and is formed by injection molding. However, it will be appreciated that other materials and processes can be used to form the components of package  10 , such as, in some instances, paper board, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that package  10 , particularly when used to retain media discs, may carry graphics on its outer surfaces. Thus, the graphics may include multi-panel outer covers, labels, direct printing onto the surfaces, shrink film, bands (e.g., four or five sided sleeves), and the like.  
         [0045]     While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended thereby to the details of construction or design, the present invention contemplating and including any novel feature or novel combination of features which are herein disclosed.