Abstract:
A container to hold product items is described, incorporating an external case ( 500, 800, 1000 ) holding within one or more item carriers ( 600, 700, 820, 1220 ), optionally including case locking devices ( 210, 350, 360 ) and a display window ( 1090 ).

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/743,984, filed on Mar. 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various packaging structures have been used for containing optical media such as CDs and DVDs. Packaging may include paper or paperboard boxes, injection molded cases, and combinations thereof. One example of such a package is U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,068, which discloses a case with internal features for securely holding optical disk media on a specialized hub. Injection molded cases are widely used for CDs, DVDs, and like media, particularly when a secure package is desired that is somewhat difficult to open, thus helping prevent in-store theft. The cases also provide a storage container for the optical media after its purchase. 
         [0003]    Another packaging structure is a “clamshell,” a relatively hard, thin, usually transparent plastic formed as a box around a valuable article, such as a software box, video game cartridge, digital memory device, and other products such as high-value electronic items. Clamshell packaging may be customized for each product. The periphery of a clamshell package is often sealed and the material is usually durable enough that a sharp tool is needed to open, or at least initiate opening, of the clamshell. A clamshell package is often substantially larger than the product it encloses. After opening, clamshell packages are usually disposed of, and the significant amount of waste plastic is seen as an environmental disadvantage. It would be useful to have an alternative to a clamshell package, which provides product security but which need not be disposable and which may require less material, or would be more readily adapted for various sizes and types of product items. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This invention provides for a packaging a variety of different sized or shaped items in a single size package. The package for example may hold one or more optical disks, a game cartridge, a memory card or memory stick, an electronic music player, etc. The outer case of the package is provided in a single size, or a small number of sizes. The outer case may be reusable in the store or by the customer after purchase. It provides security, durability, ease of handling, and space for graphics. Items may be held in small trays or nesting structures that fit within the outer case. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an outer case for a package; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view including a locking device that protrudes into the outer case; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view, in an unassembled state, including a locking device that surrounds a periphery of the outer case in an embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view, in a partially assembled state, including a locking device that surrounds a periphery of the outer case in an embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an outer case having internal devices for holding various contents in an embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view including an inner tray for containing discs in an embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view including an inner tray for containing a memory device in an embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an outer case having other internal devices for holding various contents in an embodiment according to the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  illustrates examples of holding devices; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an outer case having a cover window and a latch; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the outer case of  FIG. 10 , with the latch open; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective inside view of an outer case having a cover window, with an item inside to be displayed in the window; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective outside view of the outer case of  FIG. 12 , with an item displayed through the window. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a typical case  100 . The case is preferably molded from a plastic material, such as an injection-molded material. The case has a back  110 , top edge  114 , bottom edge  116 , opening side edge  118 , hinge side edge (or spine)  120 , hinge area  122 , and front  112 . The front is hinged to allow it to dose over the remainder of the case  100 . The case defines an interior volume for receiving items as further described below. The case design may have many variations, including having the edges formed on the front of the case (instead of on the back  110  as shown), or having the edges shared between front and back. Also the spine design may vary, and there may be more than one hinge line in the hinge area. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a case  200  utilizing a locking device  210 , such as the Red Tag® locking device disclosed in published US Application 20040123311A1. The case has a slot  202  along one edge for receiving a portion  212  of the locking device  210 . The front of the case also has another slot  204  for receiving portion  214  of the locking device  210 . When the case  200  is closed, and the locking device  210  inserted therein, the case is held closed by the locking device. Typically the locking device  210  has one or more means to retain it securely in the case  200 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view, in an unassembled state, of a case  300  and a locking device (parts  350  and  360 ) that surrounds a periphery of case  300  in an embodiment according to the invention. Case  300  is shown closed, and the back  310  and front  312  are indicated. The front  312  is attached to the case  300  along hinged edge  322 . Dovetail grooves  330  may be provided along one or both sides, that is, parallel to hinged edge  322 , and/or along the opposite side. In another embodiment (not shown) the dovetail grooves may be provided on the top edge  314  and bottom edge  316 , and suitable locking devices (discussed below) provided to fit thereon. 
         [0021]    A locking device is shown, comprising a first locking collar  350  and second locking collar  360 . These locking collars slide around the closed case  300 . First locking collar  350  may include dovetail protrusions  356  that fit into the dovetail grooves  330  in the case  300 . First locking collar  350  may also include ledges  352  and  354  that overlap the periphery of case  300 . First locking collar  350  may include a locking device such as ratchet area  370  proximate to locking collar  375 . 
         [0022]    Second locking collar  360  may include dovetail protrusions  366  that fit into the dovetail grooves  330  in the case  300 . Second locking collar  360  may also include ledges  362  and  364  that overlap the periphery of case  300 . Second locking collar  360  may include a locking device such as ratchet area  380  on locking strap  385 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of case  300  with locking collars  350  and  360  partially assembled around the case. The dovetail protrusions  356  and  366  on the locking collars slide into the dovetail grooves  330  on case  300 . If the locking collars  350 ,  360  are slid further together they will enclose case  300  around its entire perimeter. Ratchet areas  370  and  380  will become engaged to hold locking collars  350 ,  360  securely together, similar for example to the action of a “wire tie” device. Ledges  352 ,  354 ,  362 ,  364  will cover at least portions of the perimeter of case  300 , on both front and back sides, preventing the case from being opened. For additional security, dovetail grooves  330  and protrusions  356 ,  366  will prevent collars  350 ,  360  from being flexed outward away from the case, as might be attempted in an effort toward unauthorized entry into the case. 
         [0024]    Variations on the dovetail grooves  330  and protrusions  356 ,  366  may be used to secure locking collars  350 ,  360  onto case  300 . For example, the dovetail protrusions may be discontinuous, or may be replaced by one or more buttons that would be secured within grooves  330 . Rather than the classic shape shown, the dovetail geometry could be a different shape such as an “L” or “T” shape, that could be slidably engaged in one direction (along the edge of case  300 ) without allowing movement perpendicular to the sliding direction. The ledges  352 ,  354 ,  362 ,  364  could be discontinuous, as long as they provide sufficient strength to prevent opening case  300  or removing it from the locking collars. 
         [0025]    Variations on the ratchet devices  370 , 380  may be used to secure locking collars  350 ,  360  together. For example, a pin and tab, a barbed pin, an adhesive connection may be used instead of the ratchet. 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a case  500  have internal devices for holding various contents, as exemplified by pins  510 . Pins  510  are shown as short round posts, but could take other shapes as well. The pins are shown as simple right cylinders, but could be tapered, toothed, barbed, having varying diameter or cross section, or provided in any other shape suitable for helping to engage and hold items or devices within case  500 . The number and location of pins  510  may be chosen to suit the intended contents of case  500 . Preferably  510  pins are arrayed to permit use with a large variety of contents. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view where case  500  holds tray  600  for containing discs such as DVDs or CDs. For example, tray  600  may be provided with an area  610  to receive a disc, which may be held on center hub  620 . Tray  600  may include one or more holes  630  to receive pins  510 , or the tray may be sized or shaped to fit within tray  500  without use of pins  510 . Preferably the pins  510 , either alone or in association with holes  630 , hold tray  600  so that it does not move within case  500 . The pins  510  may engage the holes  630 , or other points such as the periphery of tray  600 , by a snap action, a sliding action, a friction fit, or other similar engagements. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view where case  500  holds a tray or carrier  700  for containing a memory device such as a computer DRAM board  710 , which may be attached to carrier  700  by suitable means such as blister wrap or a snap-open cover. Carrier  700  may include one or more holes  730  for receiving pins  510 . One or more pins such as  512  may abut the periphery of carrier  700  to help hold it in place. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 6 and 7  each show a single tray  600  or carrier  700  used within case  500 , but the case may be used to accommodate more than one tray or carrier, potentially having different sizes or shapes. For example the carrier  700  seen in  FIG. 7  could also fit in the same case that holds tray  600  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein a holding device  810  such as a clip is molded into case  800 . One or more of clip  810  may be molded into the case  800 , at any desired location. The location, shape, and size of the clip  810  may be determined for whatever items are to be held by the clip  810 . The clip  810  may be provided for example through the user of appropriate mold inserts during the production of the case  800 , as by injection molding. The clip  810  in use may retain a small package  820  such as a blister wrapped item  830 , for example a memory stick or card. Small package  820  may also be a small ‘clamshell’ type package. More than one package  820  may be held, including more than one size or shape package, and including items similar to CD tray  600  seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 9  shows side view sample embodiments of clip  810 . Clip  910  is a simple “L” shape. Clip  920  incorporates a “V” shaped protruding detent for helping to hold package  820 . Clip  930  incorporates a radiused protruding detent. Clip  940  incorporates a more rounded protruding detent. Clip  950  incorporates a recessed detent. Clip  960  has a curved cross section that may provide additional ‘spring’ for better holding power. Other clip designs may also be used. The edge of package  820  may be indented, grooved, ribbed, etc. to cooperate with the holding action of clip  810 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the outside of case  1000  having a cover window  1090 . The case is preferably molded from a plastic material, such as an injection-molded material. The case has a back  1010  (not shown in  FIG. 10 ), front  1012 , top edge  1014 , bottom edge  1016 , opening side edge  1018 , and hinge side edge (or spine)  1020 . The case may have an aperture or hole  1080  for hanging from a display peg or hook. The case may also have a latch  1025 , shown closed in  FIG. 10  and open in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0033]    The cover window  1090  is provided as a hole in front cover  1012 . This window allows one to view an item within the case as described below. The case design may have many variations, besides the example shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the outside of case  1000  with latch  1025  opened. Latch  1025  may have engagement means, for example protrusion  1026  and recess or hole  1027 , which engage to latch the case. Case  1000  may have other closure means, for example snap-fit engagement means elsewhere on the case, for example between edges of the front  1012  and back  1010 . Latch  1025  may also be used to cover a finger well located behind latch  1025  (such as finger well latch  1029  shown in  FIG. 12 ). 
         [0035]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the inside of another case  1002 , also having a cover window  1090 . Instead of having the latch  1025  shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , this case has a finger well latch  1029 , but is otherwise similar. A latch such as finger well latch  1029  may facilitate use with a security device such as that shown in  FIG. 2 . The case has a back  1010  and front  1012 . Cover window  1090  is shown as a hole in front  1012 , the hole being preferably flush with the outside surface of front  1012 . On the inner surface of front  1012 , a lip  1092  may preferably be provided around the cover window  1090 . 
         [0036]    The cover window  1090  allows visual access in order to see into the case. In a preferred embodiment, a clamshell or blister package  1220  is placed inside the case. The clamshell  1220  is provided with one or more recesses  1212  that may engage one or more bosses  1210  on the inside surface of the case, for example on the inside of front  1012  as shown. The recesses and bosses thus hold the clamshell  1220  in a preferred location and orientation for viewing through cover window  1090 . The clamshell  1220  preferably has an outwardly indented area  1294  that will fit within cover window  1090 , and be flush with the outside surface of front  1012 . The clamshell  1220  may have a recess or groove to engage lip  1092 . Clamshell  1220  is preferably larger than cover window  1090 . Clamshell  1220  may have a receptor site such as recess  1230  to receive an item, for example an electronic device (not shown) such as a memory card. Clamshell  1220  may incorporate a layer to cover the item, for example a welded or snap-on plastic layer (not shown). 
         [0037]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view from the outside of an open case, showing the case front  1012  having cover window  1090  with clamshell  1220  visible in the cover. 
         [0038]    The security device shown in  FIG. 2 , the locking collar shown in  FIG. 3  and the customizable interior tray arrangements shown in  FIGS. 5-13  may be used in combination with one another. 
         [0039]    Methods of making and using the case, locking devices, and nesting trays in accordance with the invention should be readily apparent from the mere description as provided herein. No further discussion or illustration of such products or methods, therefore, is deemed necessary. 
         [0040]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it should be apparent that many modifications to the embodiments and implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Although the preferred embodiments illustrated herein have been described in connection with an injection molded plastic case and thermoformed nesting trays, with product items including optical disks and memory devices, these embodiments may easily be implemented in accordance with the invention in other structures or materials, and with other product items. Although the examples given are for cases enclosing one, two, or four nesting trays, the design can be readily extended to other numbers of nesting trays in special arrangements other than those given by example herein. 
         [0041]    It is to be understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed (or apparent from the disclosure) herein, but only limited by the claims appended hereto.