CA2648994A1 - Recording medium package having paperboard panels and plastic frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage package (10, 100) for a recording medium (12) having a first frame component (14, 114) having at least one side and a first engagement end (16) and a second frame component (20, 120) having at least one side and a second engagement end (22), each of the first and second frame components (14, 20, 114, 120) configured to hingedly engage each other and at least one of the first and second frame components (14, 20, 114, 120) having at least one side that receives a blank (26). The blank (26) includes a plurality of generally planar panels (28, 29, 30) defined by scores (32) which can be slidably inserted into at least one of the receiving portions (18) of the frame components (14, 20, 114, 120). When the blank (26) is inserted into the first and the second frame components (14, 20, 114, 120) in an engaged position, an enclosable space for placement of a recording medium (12) is formed.

Description

RECORDING MEDIUM PACKAGE HAVING PAPERBOAR.D _ PANELS AND PLASTIC FRAME
BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to an environmentally acceptable storage package for a recording medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), compact disc (CD), or the like, which is designed to discourage shoplifting, and to a method of assembling such apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a storage package that is formed from a plastic frame and non-plastic panels.

The term "recording nteclium" as used in the context of this specification broadly encompasses any medium on which information may be digitatly recorded. This includes the standard 120 mm diameter disc used to carry, for exainple, recorded text, image, audio, video, and binary data, as well as similar discs of various sizes for otlier information and data. Typically, such recording niediums are stored in packaging prior to purchase and/or when, not in use.
Such packaging commonly takes the form of a multi-piece injection molded package is that requires assembly. A hinged lid, a base and a separate liner are usually included. Aside from the cost of prodtiction and assembly, such recording niedium packages are difficult to open by the consumer. It is not uncominon for the consumer to exert an amount of force in opening the package that results in the recording medium coming loose from the packaging, or becoming scratched.

The i-ecording medium has generally been packaged in.the. well-known Jewel case" which is popular with CD's and forined almost entirely of rigid plastic elements hingedly connected along one side of the frame. The jewel case has beconie standard in the industry due to its durability and the high level of protection it gives the recording medium. However, the jewel case has proven to be a relatively expensive and environmentally unacceptable package because of its use of non-biodegradable plastic in large quantities.

CurrentIy, there are two designs that are primarily used for packaging recording mediums, particularly DVD's. U.S. Patent No. 5,788,068 and U.S. Patent No. 5,366,074 disclose the two most common storage packages for this type of recording medium.

The `068 patent discloses a package similar to the jewel case but incorporating different features such as the hinge and the latching mechanism, as well as incorporating additional featur.es such as clips for graphics inserts.

However, in addition to sharing the jewel case's disadvantages, the `068 patent's frame is opaque, rendering less surface area for graphics and it is laborious to assenible.

The package disclosed in the `074 patent is formed of a plastic recording medium holder and a plurality of interconnected paperboard panels that pivot about a spine between an open and a closed orientation. This latter package is more vetsatile in presenting a multitude of visually appealing graphic panels and, with exception to the recorditig niedium holder, is made excludKety of biodegradable paperboard. However, the paperboard package has not proven completely satisfactory in use because it does not provide the stability or the durability of the jewel case. Additionally, the paperboard package is susceptible to fraying and destniction froni common use that could result in deterioi-ation of the identifying infonnation on the package.

A further problem with the paperboard package and also to some extent, the `068 package, is the relative ease with which a shoplifter can access the recocding rnediuni by slitting the protective shrink wrap and removing the recording medium from the packaging while leaving the package intact.
Additionally, a further problem associated with recording medium packaging is the need to apply an additional sticker with imprinted identifying indicia on the lateral spine of the package such that the recording meditim is easily identified when displayed in stacks at the point of sale. The prior art packages lack the versatility and the ability to display additional promotional products or images on the exterior package.

Thus, there is a need for an inexpensive recording medium package of sufficient rigidity made of a paperboard blank and a frame that is easily assembled, incorporates a feature that deters shoplifting, and minimizes the amount of waste that must be disposed after purchase. Also, there is a need for a package which is capable of accommodating promotional graphics, cou-Wn,s, or discs.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an improved recording medium package which is relatively economical to manufacture and assemble.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved recoi-din.g medium package which is ecologically sound, being composed substantially of recycled or recyclable paperboard.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved recording medium package which provides protection to paperboard graphics laden panels and prevents fraying and destruction of the paperboard.

Yet another object of tk-e present invention is to provide an improved paclcage which includes sttucture configured for deterring shoplifting.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The above-identified objects are met or exceeded by the present recording mediunl package having a blank that cooperates with a first and a second frame component to form an enclosable space for a recording medium, and a hub sttucture for releasably receiving a recording medium. A central spine panel hingedly joins the fii-st and the second frame components and allows pivoting of the frame components about a folding axis. The first and the second frame components each include at least one r-aceway that slidably receives...a.-blank having a plurality of panels defined by scores. Scoring on the blank allows it to be folded into separate panels, each of which are guided and supported by the frame component raceways to enclose the recording medium. Each of the raceways is preferably dimensioned to receive multiple blanks or other generally planar materials such as promotional items, and at least one raceway is configured to receive the blank in a direction either normal to or parallel to the folding axis.

Another featLrre of the present recording medium packaging is a resilient, disc-engaging hub having a generally domed or conical shape that releasably secures the recording medium. When secured on the hub, the reeording meditim may rest on or between a gripping formation such as, for example, a series of protrusions or a shelf-like shoulder arotrnd the periphery. The hub is integrally formed on a base member which is used to secure the liub to the franie liub-holder.

The present recording medium packaging is also provided with a point-of-sale locking device constructed and arranged to secure the frame components in a closed orientation by mating a pin and aperture structure.
Upon purchase, either at the point of sale or at the consumer's home, the mating pin is cut with a knife or a scissors thereby allowing access to the recording medium.

An additional advantage of the present recording medium packaging is a foldable upper panel on the blank for the lateral spine. The upper panel is aligned with a bezel in the frame component that forms the latera-j..._spine, eliminating the need to apply an additional sticker providing identifying indicia.
More specifically, the present invention provides a storage package for a recording medium having a first frame component having at least one side and a first engagement end and a second frame component having at least one side and a second engagement end, each of the first and second frame components configured to hingedly engage each other and at least one of the first and second frame components having at least one side that receives a blank. The blank includes of a plurality of generally planar panels defined by scores which can be slidably inserted into at least one of the receiving portions of the frame components. When the blank is inserted into the first and the second frame components in an engaged position, an enclosable space for placement of a recor=ding medium is formed.

In another embodiment, a method for assembling a recording medium package is provided, including the steps of: (i) providing a first frame component and a second frame component each having an engagement end coitstructed to engage the other frame component in a fixed engagement, (2) providing a receiving portion which receives blanks of different thicknesses, (3) providing the blank having a plurality of generally planar panels defined by scores, and (4) engaging the blank in the frame components such that the blank and the fi=ame components cooperate to define an enclosable space._.fflx the recording medium.

In an alternate embodiment, a method of assembling a recording medium package includes: (1) engaging the blank in the first and the second frame components, and (2) slidably moving the first and second frame components into engagement, and (3) fastening the first and second frame components to each other. Insertion of the blank into the first and the second components can occur from one of a direction parallel to and norroal to the foldable axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. I is an exploded perspective view of the present package;

FIG. 2A is a sectional view taken along the line 2A-2A of FIG. 1 and in the direction indicated generally, the hub being removed for pucposes of clarity;

FIG. 2B is secti.onal view taken along the line 2B-2B of FIG. 1 and in the direction indicated generally, the hub being removed for putposes of clarity; -FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lock stud in a recess;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view taken the line 4--4 of FIG.

1 and in the direction indicated generally, the pivoting of the hinge shown in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a vei-tical section view of the hub with a recordin.g.medium placed thereon, the hub base placed on the frame hub holder; and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of an alternate embodiment with two separate frames, one franle having the hinge and an X-type hub holder, and the blank located in between, BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B a package which embodies features of the present invention is generally designated 10. The package 10 is intended for use in protecting a recording medium 12 such as a CD, a DVD or other type of disk-like recording mediurn (best seen in FIG. 5). In the preferred embodiment, the package 10 includes a first frame component 14 having a first engagement end 16, at least one side or side member and a blank receiving portion 18 along at least one of the sides. A second frame component 20 having a second engagement end 22 is constructed for engagement with said first engagement end 16 and has at least one side having a blank receiving portion 18. The first frame component 14 and the second frame component 20 include side members labeled, 14a-d and 20a-d respectively. As viewed in FIG. 1 and applicable to both the first frame member 14 atid the second fraine member 20, "a" correspoiids to the upper member, "b" corresponds to the right member, "c" cotresponds to the lowei-member, and "d" corresponds to the left member. Collectively, the first frame component 14 and the second franie component 20 are referred to as a fmzx-e 24.
In the preferred embodiment, the frame 24 is made of an injection moldable plastic material. Preferred materials include polystyrene, polypropylene or like materials well known to skilled practitioners. However, thennofoimable plastics are also contemplated, as are other inexpensive, self-supporting materials.

A blank 26 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is preferably formed from a non-plastic material such as virgin or recyclable paperboard, often coated with a plastic material, but may consist of any suitable material which may t'eceive printed graphics and provide structural integrity to the package. Acceptable panel.

materials include various types of rigid paperboard, including corrugated and end flute board, as well as planar paperboard. The blank 26 may also include, for example, an insert or proinotional item such as a memory disc. The blank 26 is configLu=ed for insertion into at least one of the receiving portions 18 of the first frame component 14 and the second frame component 20, also corresponding to elongate fraiiie member 20b, and has a plurality of generally planar panels 28, 29 and 30 defined by scores 32.

While a two inajor-paneled embodiment according to the present invention is illustrated, similar blanks utilizing a greater or lesser number of panels are contemplated. The plurality of panels 28, 29 and 30 may be formed from a prescored unitary blank 26 that may be preprinted on both major upper and lower surfaces 34, 36 respectively. Because botli major surfaces 34, 36 of the blank are nearly unobstructed when placed in the frame 24 and printing is poseible on both major surfaces, a relatively large surface area is available for providing printed information.

The blank 26 cooperates with the first and second frame components 14, 20 by slidably engaging the blank receiving portion 18 of the frame 24 along a raceway 38 to define an enclosable space for the recording medium 12. At least one elongate member 14a-d, 20a-d of the frame 24 defines the open raceway 38.
The raceway 38 preferably includes a leg portion 40 and a normally projecting lip portion 42 folxning an "L"-shape. The length of the leg portion 40 is sufficient to accommodate a plurality of blank thicknesses. While an "L"-shaped embodiment of a package according to the present embodiment is shown, similar paclcages utilizing a"C"-shaped raceway or any other shaped raceway suitable for receiving the blank 26 are contemplated.

In the preferred embodiment, the raceway 38 is configured for reception of the blank 26 in one of a direction parallel to and normal to a folding axis 44 (best seen in FIG. 1). It is also preferred that the frame 24 has two opposing raceways 38 that form a channel 46 for slidingly accommodating the panels 28, 30. The raceway 38 is dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of blank thicluiesses 26 or other promotional items such as graphics, coupons, or discs. When the blank 26 is positioned in the raceway 38, it is adhered to the frame componeilt 14, 20 by chemical adhesive, heat-staking, sonic welding, or by any other method known in the art. Also, ends of the raceway 38 are- closed by application of heat, which closes off or crimps the end of the raceway to prevent the blank 26 from slipping out. It is also contemplated to secure the blank 26 in the raceway 38 by mechanical fastening technology, such as a tigllt friction fit, projections in the raceway, and other known fastening devices. In addition, chemical adhesives and the application of heat along the length of frarne members 14a-d, 20a-d may be used to fasten the blank to the frame.

Referring now to FIGS. I and 5, in the prefeiTed embodiment, the second frame component 20 has a hub holder 48 that connects a generally annular, flatige-like base member 50 of a htib 52 to at least one of the fi-ame elongate members 20a-d. In the preferred embodiment, the hub holder 48 has a pair of diametrically opposed arms 54 which are secured to corresponding elongate frame members 20a-d. While it is contemplated that the arms 54 will be integrally formed with the frame member 20, it is also within the scope of this invention to secure the arms to the frame member by chemical adhesive, sonic welding, or other known plastic attachment technologies. It is also contemplated that the number and the relative position of the arms 54 may vary to suit the application.

As shown in FIG. 5, the resilient, disc-engaging hub 52 is connected at the hub base member 50 to at least one of the frame components 14, 20 for releasably securiiag the recording medium 12. An advantage of the present package 10 is that hub 52 is made of a different material than the frame 24.
In the preferred embodiment, the hub 52 is made of a relatively flexible, -.r.esilient material, such as a member of the olefins, inchiding polypropylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and i-esins such as SAN
and silicone. The hub52 is constilicted and an-anged so that it sectires the medium 12 in a first position (shown in solid in FIG. 5). The medium 12 is released by the user exerting a pressing force F on a generally central portion of the hub 52 which disengages the meditim 12 from the hub.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the hub 52 has a generally domed or conically shaped pressing portion 56 and a gripping formation 58 for engaging and securing the recording medium 12 at a point on the medium where no information is stored 60, and maintains the information portion 62 of the recording medium out of contact with the hub holder 48 and the frame 24. The gripping formation 58 may include a series of individual, spaced protrusions, or a continuous annular formation, or any other similar formation that urges or biases the medium 12 against a raised annular shoulder 64 of the hub 52. By applying the force F to the domed portion 56, the gripping portion 58 retracts or pivots vertically out of eitgagement with the medium 12 (shown in phantom). Connecting the hub 52 to the hub holder 48, is the base member 50 which is adhered, heat-staked, or secured by any other adhesive technology known in the art, to the hub holder 48.

It is contemplated that the base member 50 is securable to either an upper sin=face 66 of the hub holder 48 or, alternatively, to a lower or back surface 68 of the hub holder. In the event that the latter construction is used; the_ hub pressing portion 56, the gripping formation 58, and the annular slloulder 64 will all project through an opening 70 in a central portion 71 of the hub holder 48. It is also contemplated that the hub liolder 48 is mounted on either frame component 14,20.

Refel-ring now to FIGS. I and 4, a hinge 72 is attached to at least one of the frarne components 14, 20 and is configured to hingedly attach the first and second opposing engagement ends 16, 22 of each corresponding frame components. The first and second panels 28, 30 of the blank 26 are each hingedly joined to the central spine panel 29 and are pivotable about a folding axis 44 between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The hinge 72 is in registry with the central spine panel 29 and is configured to accommodate any shifting of the blank 26 in a direction norlnal to the folding axis 44 upon placing the package 10 in a closed orientation.

In the prefetTed embodiment, the hinge 72 is integrally foinled with one or two frame components 14, 20 and the hinge action is obtained by making the hnlge edges 76, 78 in a scored or otherwise thinned construction.
Alternatively, and refei-ring to FIG. 4, the hinge edges 76, 78 are provided in a generally arcuate or semi-circular shape to better accommodate the above-described normal movement (shown in phantom). It should be understood that the hinge 72 is not limited to be integrally joined to at least one of the frame components 14, 20, but includes any hinged connection known to one-in-the art, including but not limited to separate hiuige panels 172 joined to the frame components 14, 20 after assembling of the package (best seen in FIG. 6).

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, for purposes of identifying the recording medium 12 by a lateral spine 82 of the packaging, a foldable upper panel 84 integral to the blank 26 is provided. The upper panel 84 is aligned with at least one frame component 14, 20 that is configured for receiving a protective bezel 86 definiiig a central opening 88 tluough which the foldable upper panel is visible. The bezel 86 is secured along one edge of the corresponding frame member 20a, allowing the foldable upper panel 84 to be visible along the lateral spine 82 thereby eliminating the need to apply an additional sticker providing identifying indicia. It is also conternplated to have a separate bezel 86 secured to the frame 24 after assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the bezel 86 forms part of the raceway 38. Also, the bezel 86 includes a snap member 87 for engaging a corresponding opening 89 in the frame 24 (best seen in FIGs. 2A and 2B).

Referring now to FIG. 1, within at least one of the fiame components 14, 20, clips 90 are provided for holding a printed booklet or any other generally planar materi.al included with the memory disc 12 in the package.
The clips 90 are molded such that they do not interfere with the pivoting of the frame components 14, 20 between an open oiientation and a closed orientation.

With reference to FIGs. 1 and 3, a locking device 92 is -constructed and arranged for lockingly securing the first and second frame components 14, in a closed orientation at the point of sale. The locking device includes a pin 94 and a mating apertue-e 96 on one of each of the frame coinponents 14, 20, the pin configui-ed to proti-ude tllrotigh the aperture and then be sealed over the emergent side of the apertLU-e. Sealing of the pin 94 over the aperture 96 can be acconiplished, for example, by spreading or flattening the pin to fonn a riveted connection. A first recess 98 on the first fi-ame component 14 and a second recess 99 on the second frame component 20 preferably house the locking device 92 allowing flush contact of the frame components 14, 20 when in the closed orientation as well as preventing pilfering of the contents.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alteitilate embodiment of a package that embodies features of the present invention is generally designated 100. Shared cornponents with the package 10 are designated with. identical reference numbers. The first and second frame components 114, 120 are non-integrally molded or formed, separate components hingedly joined together by a separate hinge 172 after the blank 26 is injected into the blank receiving portion 18. It is contemplated that the hiiige 172 inay optionally be secured to one or the otlier of the frame members 114, 120 prior to assembly. The hub holder 148 has an "X"-arm shape for adhesively receiving the hub base member 50. A frame 124 has a raceway configured for reception of the blank 26 in one of a direction parallel to the folding axis 44 and noi-mal to the folding axis 44. As in the case with the package-1_0, in the prefetTed embodiment, the insertion is normal to the axis 44. When the insertion is parallel to the axis 44, the raceway is rotated 90 and is located on the members 114b, I 14d and 120b, 120d rather than 114a, 114c and 120 a and 120c.

In this embodiment it is contemplate that the package will be assembled by:
(1) engaging the blank in the 6rst and the second frame components, and (2) slidably moving the first and second frame components into engagement, and (3) fastening the first and second frame components to each other. Insertion of the blank into the first and the second components can occur from at least one of a direction. parallel to and normal to the foldable axis.

While a particular embodiment of the recording medium package of sufficient rigidity made of a paperboard blank and a frame has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (3)

1. A hub for a storage package for a recording medium, said hub comprising:

a resilient, disc-engaging hub connected to at least one frame component of a frame for releasably securing the recording medium thereon, said hub having a generally domed shape and at least one gripping formation for engaging the medium;

a base member connecting said hub to at least one of the frame component, said base having a generally annular shape.

2. The hub in claim 1 wherein the at least one gripping formation for engaging the medium supports the medium away from the frame.

3. The hub in claim 1 wherein the hub is a different material than the frame.