WO1999067787A1

WO1999067787A1 - A container and a double container for a compact disc

Info

Publication number: WO1999067787A1
Application number: PCT/CA1999/000443
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Gautier D'aulnay
Original assignee: 3415759 Canada Inc.
Priority date: 1998-06-19
Filing date: 1999-05-13
Publication date: 1999-12-29
Also published as: AU3807199A

Abstract

A container for a compact disc is provided. The container has a lower cover which receives a tray. The tray has a mechanism for maintaining the compact disc in place. The container also has an upper cover slidably mounted to the lower cover in order to slide between a closed position where the compact disc is covered, and an open position where the compact disc is uncovered. Advantageously, the container further comprises a stopper for preventing the upper cover from sliding off the lower cover. A double container is also provided. The double container corresponds to two identical containers being a mirror image about a central plane where one container is upside down and the lower covers of each container face each other and are merged together.

Description

A CONTAINER AND A DOUBLE CONTAINER FOR A COMPACT DISC

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container for a compact disc such as music CDs, CD-Roms and DVD's (herein after CD, to denote all types), having a lower cover which receives a tray adapted to maintain the compact disc in place, and an upper cover slidably mounted to the lower cover in order to slide between a closed position where the compact disc covered, and an open position where the compact disc is uncovered. It should be understood that the present invention is applicable for receiving any type of compact optical disc.

BACKGROUND

Typically, a container for CD sold on the market and usually referred to as a "jewel box" has a lower cover and an upper cover pivotally mounted to it. There is also a tray adapted to hold a CD and placed on the lower cover and covered by the upper cover. One of the problems associated with this container is the weakness of the mechanism for pivotally mounting the upper cover, which breaks often.

Known in the art, there is US patent no. 5,709,300 of Bolognia et al. granted on Jan.20, 1 998. This patent describes a slide tray package for a recording medium, such as CD, having a tray which slides in and out of a pocket. This package does not have any specific room for carrying the advertising printed material which accompanies a CD in sale. Moreover, for opening, this package splits in two parts (the pocket and the tray), and it is therefor necessary to let go of the pocket for removing the CD since each hand has a component. As a result, it requires too much manipulation to be convenient to use.

Also known in the art, there is Canadian patent application no.

2,21 7,653 of Gastritis, T. published on Oct. 1 0, 1 996. This application describes an ejectable compact disc container. The mechanism for removing the CD is complicated and comprises many small pieces that can easily break.

Such a complex container is also relatively expensive to manufacture.

Also known in the art, there is US patent no. 5,535,884 of Scott et al. granted on Jul.1 6, 1 996. This patent describes a disc carrying case with a sliding circular cover suitable for containing several compact discs. This case might be convenient for a user who would want to carry a few CDs in a minimum of space. However, it is not suitable for selling a CD or a duo of CDs because there is no specific room for advertising material and it is also relatively expensive to manufacture.

Also known in the art, there is Canadian patent application no. 2, 1 39,460 of Lin, S.-H. published on Jul.4, 1 996. This application describes a compact disc carrying container. The container has a lower cover slidably mounted to an upper cover. The lower cover is designed to receive a CD and does not provide any room for removably inserting an advertising material. Only the upper cover has such a room. The upper cover can assemble with one or more other upper covers of containers in order to create an arrangement of containers i.e. some form of stacking.

Also known in the art, there is US patent no. 5,51 1 ,659 of Bosworth, granted on April 30, 1 996. This patent describes a compact disc record package with sliding cover members. The cover members do not completely cover the compact disc. Therefore, the package needs stiff reinforcement for covering the CD such as a board or a booklet. Also known in the art, there is US patent no. 5,421 ,452 of Hybiske granted on Jun.6, 1 995. This patent describes a data disc case with a slidable tray section. The case and the tray are both made of a single sheet of cardboard which is folded up.

A problem with these prior art containers is their tendency to easily break, or to be inconvenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a container for a compact disc which is sturdy, easy to use and convenient for storing compact disc and which is economical to manufacture. In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved with a container comprising: -a lower cover having two opposite sides, a front and a back, said lower cover being provided with means for receiving a tray;

-said tray having a first part and a second part, said second part being provided with means for maintaining the compact disc in place;

-an upper cover having two opposite sides, a front and a back; and -sliding means for sliding the upper cover on the lower cover between a closed position where the second part of the tray is covered, and where the front of the upper cover is substantially aligned with the front of the lower cover; and an open position where said second part of the tray is uncovered, said upper cover sliding from said back of the lower cover towards said front of the lower cover when being slid from said closed position to said open position.

A second object of the invention is to provide a double container for two compact discs. The double container comprises two identical containers as described above, wherein their lower covers are merged into a central piece. The two lower covers are a mirror image of each other about a central plane. The central plane coincides with a bottom of each lower cover. Accordingly, the lower covers of the two containers are fused together in a single piece.

Advantageously, the container according to the present invention has a simple and solid mechanism for opening the container. The container of the invention, and the double container of the invention are suitable for selling a compact disc or a duo of compact discs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the following non-restrictive descriptions of preferred embodiments thereof, made in reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a container according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention in closed position;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the container of figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the container of figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a back perspective view of a portion of the partially opened container;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a portion of the lower cover and the tray of a container; Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the lower cover of a container;

Figure 7 is a back perspective view of the upper cover of a container;

Figure 8 is a back perspective view of a partially opened container;

Figure 9 is a front perspective elevational view of a partially opened container; Figure 1 0 is a front perspective view of a container in open position; Figure 1 1 is a top view of the container shown in figure 1 0; Figure 1 2 is a front perspective view of a double container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, in closed position; Figure 1 3 is a front perspective view of the double container of figure 1 2 with the two upper covers being partially opened;

Figure 1 4 is a back perspective view of the double container with the two upper covers partially opened.

Figure 1 5 is a front perspective view of the two merged lower covers of a double container. Figure 1 6 is a back perspective of a portion of the double container shown in figure 1 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to figures 1 to 1 1 , the container (1 ) for a compact disc according to the invention comprises a lower cover (1 0) having two opposite sides (1 2), a front ( 1 4) and a back ( 1 6). The lower cover (1 0) is provided with means for receiving a tray (20) . The tray (20) which is better shown in figure 8, has a first part (22) and a second part (24) . The second part (24) is provided with means for maintaining the compact disc in place.

The container (1 ) further comprises an upper cover (30) having two opposite sides (32), a front (34) and a back (36). The container (1 ) also comprises sliding means for sliding the upper cover (30) on the lower cover (1 0) between a closed position where the second part (24) of the tray (20) is covered (see figure 1 ) and where the front (34) of the upper cover (30) is aligned with the front ( 14) of the lower cover ( 1 0); and an open position where the second part (24) of the tray (20) is uncovered (see figures 10 and 1 1 ). The sliding motion of the upper cover (30) is from the back ( 1 6) of the lower cover ( 1 0) towards the front ( 14) of the lower cover (10) . Referring now to figures 4, 8 and 1 0, the sliding means for sliding the upper cover (30) on the lower cover (10) comprise a groove (72) along each side (1 2) of the lower cover ( 10) and being delimited by a corresponding side (26) of the second part (24) of the tray (20). The sliding means for sliding the upper cover (30) on the lower cover (1 0) further comprise a tongue (70) along each side (32) of the upper cover (30), extending inwardly, and engaging the groove (72) in order to slide therein. The tongue (70) is better shown in figure 7. Preferably, the groove extends the whole length of the lower cover ( 1 0).

Referring now to figures 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9, and according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the container ( 1 ) further comprises stopper means for preventing the upper cover (30) from sliding off the lower cover (1 0) . The stopper means comprise a first edge ( 1 8) upwardly extending from the front ( 1 4) of the lower cover ( 1 0) and a second edge (38) downwardly extending from the back (36) of the upper cover (30). Both first and second edges ( 1 8,38) extend towards each other sufficiently so that the first and second edges (1 8,38) engage each other when the upper cover (30) slides over the lower cover ( 1 0) to the open position. As shown in figure 2, the first and second edges ( 1 8,38) overlap each other. Advantageously, the upper cover (30) has two spaced apart second edges (38 and 38') for reasons which will be explained hereinafter.

Referring more particularly to figures 3, 4, 6 and 9, the means for receiving a tray (20) of the lower cover (1 0) are clearly shown. According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, this mechanism includes at least one wall extending upwardly from at least a portion of the periphery of the lower cover (10). The periphery of the lower cover (10) corresponds to the two opposite sides ( 1 2), the front (14) and the back ( 1 6) of the lower cover ( 1 0). As illustrated in figure 6, the means for receiving a tray (20) preferably consists in a first wall (50) and a second wall (50). The first wall (50) is located along the back (1 6) of the lower cover (10) and has two flanges (52) extending towards the front ( 14) of the lower cover (1 0) on a portion of the opposite sides ( 1 2) of the lower cover (10). The second wall (50) is located along the front (14) of the lower cover (10) and has two flanges (52) extending towards the back ( 1 6) of the lower cover (1 0) on a portion of the opposite side (1 2) of the lower cover (1 0). As illustrated in figure 4, the first part (22) of the tray (20) espouses the shape of the wall (50) with its flange (52). In the elevation views of figures 3 and 9, it can be seen that the first part (22) of the tray (20) fits into the wall (50) and over a back portion (54, shown in figure 3 only) thereof. Since the groove of the sliding means preferably extend the whole length of the lower cover, the flanges (52) and (52') (see Figs. 4 and 6) also incorporate the groove (72).

Preferably, the lower cover (1 0) and the tray (20) define a space (56) therebetween for receiving printed material (not shown) such as the back graphics commonly seen in typical "jewel boxes" and other compact disc containers. The space (56) is relatively thin and corresponds to the thickness of the printed material which is inserted therebetween when the tray (20) is placed into the lower cover (1 0) . When no printed material is inserted in the space (56), the tray (20) may sit directly on the lower cover (10). Preferably, the lower cover ( 1 0) is made of transparent material for looking at the printed material through it.

Referring now to figure 3 and according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the tray (20) has a beveled lower front end (21 ). The beveled lower front end (21 ) is helpful to assemble and disassemble the tray (20) in the lower cover (10) without disassembling the upper cover (30). This manipulation can be suitable for inserting or removing a printed material in the space (56) . In fact, once the container ( 1 ) of the invention has been assembled, the tray (20) can be removed and inserted into the container (1 ) by lifting the first part (22) of the tray (20) and sliding it out from the rear (of course, the upper cover (30) must be in the open position). To insert the tray (20), the front end (21 ) thereof is slid into the lower cover ( 1 0) (again with the upper cover (30) in the open position) to its final position (see the arrow in fig.3).

Referring more particularly to figures 8 to 1 1 , the means of the second part (24) of the tray (20) for maintaining the compact disc in place preferably comprises a retainer (58) centrally located on the second part (24) for holding the compact disc. The second part (24) of the tray (20) also preferably has a recessed area (60) for receiving the compact disc. Since the retainer (58) projects upwardly, the stopper means comprise two spaced apart second edges (38 and 38') downwardly extending from the back (36) of the upper cover (30) instead of only one second edge (38) . The two second edges (38 and 38') are spaced sufficiently to let the retainer (58) pass between them when the upper cover (30) is slid from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa.

Referring more particularly to figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9, and according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the container ( 1 ) further comprises means for maintaining the upper cover (30) in the closed position.

These means comprise a first structure (62) selected from the group of a hole

(621 ) and a protuberance (622) at a first location on each of the opposite sides ( 1 2) of the lower cover ( 1 0) . The means further comprises a second structure (64) at a second location on each of the opposite sides (32) of the upper cover (30), where the first location faces the second location. The second structure (64) is complementary to the first structure (62) in such a way that, when the upper cover (30) is in said closed position, the first and second structures (62,64) engage each other and prevent the upper cover (30) from inadvertently sliding to the open position. Advantageously, the means for maintaining the upper cover (30) in the closed position further comprises a third structure (62') at a third location. The first location is proximate to the back (1 6) of the lower cover (1 0) and the third location is proximate to the front (14) of the lower cover ( 1 0). In complement to the third structure (62'), the means also comprises a fourth structure (64') at a fourth location. The fourth location faces the third location. The fourth structure (64') is complementary to the third structure (62') in such a way that the third and fourth structures (62' and 64') engage each other when the upper cover (30) is in the closed position.

Preferably, when the first structure (62) or the third structure (62') of the means for maintaining the upper cover (30) in the closed position is a protuberance (622), the protuberance (622) has a beveled lower edge as shown in figure 5. Alternatively, when the first structure (62) or the third structure (62') is a hole, the second or the fourth structure (64 or 64') respectively is a protuberance which has preferably a beveled lower edge.

Referring more particularly to figures 3, 7 and 9, and according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the container (1 ) further comprises means downwardly spaced from a lower surface (31 ) of the upper cover (30) for removably inserting a printed material (not shown) therein such as a booklet of graphics and text which commonly accompanies compact discs. These means consist of three fingers (661 , 662, 663) extending inwardly from each of the opposite sides (32) of the upper cover (30) . The fingers (661 , 662, 663) on one opposite side (32) of the upper cover (30) extend towards the fingers (661 , 662, 663) on the other opposite side (32) of the upper cover (30) as clearly shown in figure 9. The three fingers (661 , 662, 663) comprise a middle finger (662) and two outer fingers (661 and 663) where the two outer fingers (661 and 663) preferably extend further in than the middle finger (662). For sliding the upper cover (30) from the closed position to the open position, a user holds together the front ( 14) of the lower cover ( 1 0) and the first part (22) of the tray (20) and then pulls the front (34) of the upper cover

(30) in a direction from the back (36) of the upper cover (30) to the front (34) of the upper cover (30).

Preferably, the upper cover (30) is made of slightly flexible material. Said material is helpful to assemble the upper cover (30) on the lower cover ( 1 0) by simply clipping it on and therefore being slidably mounted on the lower cover ( 1 0).

Referring now to figures 1 2 to 1 6, there is shown a container for compact discs according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention (hereinafter referred to as a "double container"). The double container (2) for two compact discs, comprises two containers ( 1 ) as shown in figure 1 and above-described. These two containers ( 1 ) are preferably identical. The lower covers ( 1 0) of the two containers (1 ) of the double container (2) are merged into a central piece (3). The two lower covers ( 1 0) are a mirror image of each other about a central plane, the central plane coinciding with a bottom (5) (illustrated in figure 6 by an arrow indicating underneath the lower cover ( 10)) of each lower cover ( 1 0). Consequently, the double container (2) is thus two single containers (1 ) fused together and being mirror images of each other about the central plane. However, it should be understood that the central piece (3) is manufactured in one piece, and is not simply two lower covers (1 0) glued together bottom-to-bottom (5-5).

It should be understood that the central piece (3) has the shape of two lower covers ( 1 0) as defined above with respect to the container ( 1 ) and works as such. Accordingly, a tray (20) is assembled into each means for receiving the same of the central piece (3) as clearly shown in figure 1 6. Said means preferably comprises a wall (50) with flanges (52) as above described with respect to the lower cover ( 10) of the container (1 ).

Referring now to figures 1 2, 1 3 and 14, the upper cover (30) on the double container (2) works exactly the same as on the container (1 ). Each upper cover (30) slides independently of the other.

For sliding one of the upper covers (30) from the closed position to the open position on the double container (2), a user holds together the first part (22) of each tray (20), squeezing therebetween the front (4) of the central piece (3), and then pulls the front (34) of one of the upper covers (30) in a direction from the back (36) of the upper cover (30) to said front (34) of the upper cover (30) .

It should further be understood that all features of the first preferred embodiment described previously, are equally applicable, singularly or in combination to the second preferred embodiment, with appropriate modifications where necessary.

The compact disc container of the present invention is thus simple, economical to manufacture and sturdy. The dimensions of the container and the double container are preferably substantially the same as the existing "jewel box" type containers, single or double, so that the containers of the present invention will easily fit in existing furniture, racks or other storage components designed to that effect. Furthermore, the material from which the container is made can be selected from any available material, but is preferably transparent polystyrene.

While embodiments of this invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail hereinabove, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention. All such modifications or variations are believed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A container for a compact disc, comprising: -a lower cover having two opposite sides, a front and a back, said lower cover being provided with means for receiving a tray;

2. The container of claim 1 , further comprising stopper means for preventing the upper cover from sliding off the lower cover.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the stopper means comprise:

-a first edge upwardly extending from the front of the lower cover, and

-a second edge downwardly extending from the back of the upper cover, both edges extending towards each other sufficiently so that the edges engage each other when the upper cover slides over the lower cover to the open position.

4. The container of claim 1 , wherein the lower cover has a periphery, and wherein the means for receiving a tray include at least one wall extending upwardly from at least a portion of said periphery of the lower cover.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the at least one wall of the means for receiving a tray consists in a first wall and a second wall, said first wall being located along the back of the lower cover and having two flanges extending towards the front of the lower cover on a portion of the opposite sides of the lower cover, said second wall being located along the front of the lower cover and having two flanges extending towards the back of the lower cover on a portion of the opposite sides of the lower cover.

6. The container of claim 1 , wherein the lower cover and the tray define a space therebetween for receiving printed material.

7. The container of claim 1 , wherein the means of the second part of the tray for maintaining the compact disc in place comprise a retainer centrally located on said second part for holding the compact disc.

8. The container of claim 7, further comprising stopper means for preventing the upper cover from sliding off the lower cover, the stopper means comprising:

-a first edge upwardly extending from the front of the lower cover, and -two spaced apart second edges downwardly extending from the back of the upper cover, the first and second edges extending towards each other sufficiently so that the first and second edges engage each other when the upper cover slides over the lower cover to the open position, the two second edges being spaced sufficiently to let the retainer passes between them when the upper cover is slid from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa.

9. The container of claim 1 , further comprises means for maintaining the upper cover in the closed position.

1 0. The container of claim 9, wherein the means for maintaining the upper cover in the closed position comprise:

-a first structure selected from the group of a hole and a protuberance at a first location on each of the opposite sides of the lower cover; and

-a second structure at a second location on each of the opposite sides of the upper cover, said first location facing said second location, said second structure being complementary to said first structure in such a way that, when said upper cover is in said closed position, said first and second structures engage each other.

1 1 . The container of claim 1 0, wherein the means for maintaining the upper cover in the closed position further comprise: -a third structure at third location on each of the opposite sides of the lower cover, the first location being proximate to the back of the lower cover and said third location being proximate to the front of the lower cover, said third structure being selected from the group of a hole and a protuberance; and -a fourth structure at a fourth location on each of the opposite sides of the upper cover, said fourth location facing said third location, said fourth structure being complementary to the third structure.

1 2. The container of claim 1 0, wherein the first structure is a protuberance, said protuberance having a beveled lower edge.

1 3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the second part of the tray has two opposite sides, and wherein the sliding means comprise:

-a groove along each side of the lower cover and being delimited by the corresponding side of the second part of the tray; and -a tongue along each side of the upper cover, extending inwardly, and engaging the groove in order to slide therein.

14. The container of claim 1 , further comprising means downwardly spaced from a lower surface of the upper cover for removably inserting printed material therein.

1 5. The container of claim 1 4, wherein the means for removably inserting printed material in the upper cover consist of three fingers extending from each of the opposite sides of the upper cover, the fingers on one opposite side of the upper cover extending towards the fingers on the other opposite side of the upper cover.

1 6. The container of claim 1 5, wherein the three fingers of each of the opposite sides of the upper cover, comprise a middle finger and two outer fingers, said two outer fingers extending further inwardly than said middle finger.

1 7. The container of claim 1 , wherein the tray has a beveled lower front end.

1 8. A double container for two compact discs, comprising two identical containers, each container being defined in claim 1 , wherein their lower covers are merged into a central piece, the two lower covers being a mirror image of each other about a central plane, the central plane coinciding with a bottom of each lower cover.

1 9. The double container of claim 1 8, wherein each of the containers comprises stopper means for preventing the upper cover from sliding off the lower cover respectively.

20. The double container of claim 1 9, wherein each of the stopper means comprise:

-a first edge upwardly extending from the front of the lower cover, and

21 . The double container of claim 1 8, wherein the lower cover has a periphery, and wherein the means for receiving a tray include at least one wall extending upwardly from at least a portion of said periphery of the lower cover respectively.

22. The double container of claim 21 , wherein the at least one wall of the means for receiving a tray consists in a first wall and a second wall, said first wall being located along the back of the lower cover and having two flanges extending towards the front of the lower cover on a portion of the opposite sides of the lower cover, said second wall being located along the front of the lower cover and having two flanges extending towards the back of the lower cover on a portion of the opposite sides of the lower cover.

23. The double container of claim 1 8, wherein the means of the second part of the tray for maintaining the compact disc in place comprise a retainer centrally located on said second part for holding the compact disc.

24. The container of claim 23, wherein each container further comprising stopper means for preventing the upper cover from sliding off the lower cover, the stopper means comprising:

-a first edge upwardly extending from the front of the lower cover, and

-two spaced apart second edges downwardly extending from the back of the upper cover, the first and second edges extending towards each other sufficiently so that the first and second edges engage each other when the upper cover slides over the lower cover to the open position, the two second edges being spaced sufficiently to let the retainer passes between them when the upper cover is slid from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa.

25. The double container of claim 1 8, further comprises means for maintaining each of the upper covers in the closed position.

26. The double container of claim 25, wherein the means for maintaining each of the upper covers in the closed position comprise:

-a first structure selected from the group of a hole and a protuberance at a first location on each of the opposite sides of the corresponding lower cover; and

-a second structure at a second location on each of the opposite sides of said upper cover, said first location facing said second location, said second structure being complementary to said first structure in such a way that, when said upper cover is in said closed position, said first and second structures engage each other.

27. The double container of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining each of the upper covers in the closed position further comprise: -a third structure at third location on each of the opposite sides of the corresponding lower cover, the first location being proximate to the back of said lower cover and said third location being proximate to the front of said lower cover, said third structure being selected from the group of a hole and a protuberance; and

-a fourth structure at a fourth location on each of the opposite sides of said upper cover, said fourth location facing said third location, said fourth structure being complementary to the third structure.

28. The double container of claim 26, wherein the first structure is a protuberance, said protuberance having a beveled lower edge.

29. The double container of claim 1 8, wherein each second part of the tray has two opposite sides, and wherein each sliding means comprise: -a groove along each side of the lower cover and being delimited by the corresponding side of the second part of the tray; and

-a tongue along each side of the upper cover, extending inwardly, and engaging the groove in order to slide therein.

30. The double container of claim 1 8, wherein each container further comprises means downwardly spaced from a lower surface of the upper covers for removably inserting printed material therein.

31 . The double container of claim 30, wherein the means for removably inserting printed material in the upper cover consist of three fingers extending from each of the opposite sides of said upper cover, the fingers on one opposite side of said upper cover extending towards the fingers on the other opposite side of said upper cover.

32. The double container of claim 31 , wherein the three fingers of each of the opposite sides of the upper cover, comprise a middle finger and two outer fingers, said two outer fingers extending further inwardly than said middle finger.

33. The double container of claim 1 8, wherein each tray has a beveled lower front end.