DE29603337U1 - Container for a disc-shaped object - Google Patents

Description

Schwerdtle & Schantz GmbH 12359 Berlin

13 February 1996

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Container for a disc-shaped object Description

The invention relates to a container for a disc-shaped object according to the preamble of claim 1.

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Packaging for flat, disc-shaped recording or data media, for example for a CD, is known, which essentially consists of a two-part structured body. A substantially square base plate is provided, to which a cover flap is hinged on one of the side edges. The cover flap is essentially the same size as the base plate and is folded onto the data media positioned on the base plate.

To temporarily fix the data carrier to the base plate, either knob-shaped, elastically designed holding means are arranged on the inside of the base plate, onto which the disk-shaped data carrier is buttoned using a centrally arranged, circular recess, or additional, foldable holding tabs are provided on the inside of the base plate. These holding tabs are located on the sides or side edges of the base plate to which no cover flap is hinged and prevent the data carrier from sliding out sideways when the packaging is closed. These holding tabs must be opened to position the data carrier on or remove the data carrier from the base plate and folded back into their original position before the packaging is closed again. The folding axes of the holding tabs and the cover flap extend essentially perpendicular to each other.

The known solutions for packaging a disc-shaped data carrier, for example a CD, have the disadvantage that after opening the packaging by folding back the lid flap to remove the data carrier from the packaging or to reinsert it properly

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of the data carrier into the packaging additional handling is required.

In particular, packaging in which the packaged data carrier is attached to the base plate of the packaging by unbuttoning requires the user of the data carrier to exert a relatively large amount of force in order to be able to detach the data carrier from the base plate and remove it from the packaging. This is due to the fact that the holding means, which grip behind the recess arranged in the middle of the data carrier, have a relatively high mechanical rigidity and the resulting holding effect can only be overcome with difficulty.

These difficulties in handling the packaging of disc-shaped data carriers often lead to the packaging no longer being used for reasons of convenience, so that the data carriers are disadvantageously subjected to mechanical damage and the reproduction quality of the information stored on the data carrier deteriorates.

Based on the deficiencies of the prior art, the invention is based in particular on the object of creating a container for packaging a disc-shaped object, in particular a data carrier, for example a CD, which, in comparison with known packaging, is characterized by more convenient handling when removing or when packaging the object.

The problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1.

The invention includes the realization that a significant improvement in the handling of a

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ratio of the disc-shaped object to be packaged or removed from this container can be achieved if at least one holding means which retains its material layer or layer and its shape is provided in the container for fixing the disc-shaped object, for example a data carrier in the form of a CD, which locks the packaged object by means of a positive locking by limiting both its horizontal and vertical movement possibilities.

In a multi-layered structure of several interconnected material layers, such a holder can be realized in a favorable manner in such a way that the lower layer adjacent to the base plate is adapted in its thickness to the height of the object that it accommodates in a corresponding recess. The upper - possibly thinner - material layer projects over the object in several places so that it is held securely against accidental falling out. However, the projecting areas are distributed in an area of less than 180° around the recess so that the object in the remaining area (using the flexibility of the base) can be manually moved slightly away from it and grasped to remove it. Since recesses are provided in the opening area of the cover layer that are wider than the maximum dimensions of the object, the object can be guided out through these and away from the base.

The form closure, which restricts the movement of the packaged object, is, when the container is open, at least

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can be lifted so that the object can be easily removed from the side of the container. When packing the disc-shaped object, it is pushed in from the side and lowered on one side in order to easily re-establish the form fit required for securing the material position or layer of the disc-shaped object.

This results in the significant advantage that the disc-shaped object can be easily removed from or inserted into the packaging without additional handling for moving individual elements or for changing the shape of a holding device provided in the container by means of a corresponding, readily apparent handling, even though it is otherwise securely fixed.

It is particularly advantageous that the entire packaging can be made from cardboard and is therefore completely problem-free in terms of waste disposal. It can also be easily manufactured using automated processes. The container can be produced "around" the recording medium and "from the roll" by means of appropriate handling devices with the recording medium inserted by folding it accordingly.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container for packaging or storing a flat, disc-shaped object, in particular a data carrier, for example a CD, consists essentially of cardboard or a correspondingly processable flat, at least slightly flexible material. The container has a base plate and a mat connected along one side edge and hinged towards it.

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The holding means according to the invention arranged on the inside of the base plate is designed as a holder that is unchangeable in its shape and position and consists of several material layers or layers and fixes the packaged object in a predetermined position. Individual material layers or layers of the holder have a recess that surround the object to be packaged and have sections that at least partially correspond to the external shape of the object to be packaged. As a result, the object is fixed in its material layer or layer when it has been placed in the holder.

According to the design of the holder according to the invention, the recess of the outermost material layer or layer projects over the recess of the adjacent, inner material layer or layer, pointing radially inwards, at several points. Two projecting areas are particularly advantageous for convenient handling of the container according to the invention.

This ensures, in an advantageous and at the same time simple manner, that an object placed in the holder cannot unintentionally move out of its assigned position either horizontally or vertically if the lid flap has been folded over the base plate when the container is closed.

In order to be able to remove a disc-shaped object previously packed in the container according to the invention from the holder with the lid flap open, the disc-shaped object is pulled vertically over the fixing element in a projection-free area of the holder.

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The material layer or layer of the holder is lifted on one side. The disc-shaped object can then be easily removed by pulling it out from the side. The disc-shaped object is placed in the holder for packing in the container in the reverse order.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the holder is designed in three layers. The first material layer or layer of the holder, connected to the base plate of the container according to the invention, serves as the material layer or layer for the object to be packaged. The middle material layer or layer, the height of which slightly exceeds the thickness of the disk-shaped object, has a recess with four arc-shaped, preferably circular-arc-shaped sections. The arc-shaped sections are adapted to the dimensions of the object to be packaged and have at least partially different lengths in pairs. They are located at diametrically opposite points on the boundary line of the recess and have different lengths in pairs. In contrast to the adjacent inner material layer or layer, the recess of the outermost material layer or layer arranged on the middle material layer or layer has two arcuate sections which project radially inward over the corresponding arcuate sections of the inner material layer or layer.

This overhang advantageously ensures a limitation of the movement of a

IN THE

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inserted disc-shaped object in the vertical direction. The two sections of the recess of the outer material layer or layer of the holder that form the overhang are at least partially longer than the arcuate sections that are intended to limit horizontal movement of the disc-shaped object in order to ensure the positive fixation of the disc-shaped object in the vertical direction with only two points of attack.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the holder is made of a flat die-cut piece which, through pre-formed folding grooves in the material layer or layer, is subdivided into a rectangular base and two similarly designed, foldable tabs provided with folding grooves. The folding grooves are worked alternately into the surface of the flat die-cut piece, so that the tabs can advantageously be folded and the folded tabs can be folded in opposite directions.

The folded sections of the tabs are connected to each other on the one hand and the individual sections are connected to the base of the die-cut piece to form the holder, for example by gluing.

The foldable tabs of the die-cut product have recesses which form the arcuate sections required for fixing a disc-shaped object in the holder.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the lid flap of the container according to the invention is double-layered and has an opening area for

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Attachment for a booklet or other information material about the packaged item. Attachment is done, for example, by inserting one of the pages of the information material, with the opening area extending essentially transversely to the folding direction of the lid flap.

On the other hand, according to an advantageous development of the invention, it is also advantageous to glue the information material to the inside of the cover flap.

A further particular advantage of the invention is that the packaging can be printed using offset printing and is suitable for all applications of conventional CD packaging and in particular also fits into their standard dimensions.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention using the figures. They show:

Figure 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention in the open state and view from above,

Figure 2 shows the view of a section along the line A...A of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 shows the holder shown in Figures 1 and 2 as a flat die-cut product in a view from above, as well as

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Figure 4 shows the die cut shown in Figure 3 in a side view in a partially unfolded state.

The foldable container 1 shown in Figure 1, opened and in plan view, as well as in Figure 2 as a view of a section along the line A. . .A according to Figure 1, has a base plate 2 and a lid flap 3 hinged to it via a web 7. Two folding edges 8 and 9 are incorporated into the web 7 in order to facilitate the folding of the container 1 and to reduce the mechanical tension in the area of the folding axis aimed at an automatic opening of the closed container.

The holder 4 arranged on the base plate 2 fixes a data carrier 5 designed as a CD in the position shown.

The holder 4 is designed in three layers and is attached to the base plate 2 by gluing. The first material layer or layer 4.1 forms the material layer or layer for the data carrier 5. The middle material layer or layer 4.22, 4.22' of the holder has a recess 21, the boundary edge of which partially surrounds the data carrier 5 and has four curved sections 11.2 and 12.2 (as well as 11.3 and 12.4 according to Figure 3) which prevent horizontal movement of the data carrier 5 inserted into the holder 4. The curved sections 11.2, 11.3, 12.2 and 12.4 are arranged diametrically opposite one another and prevent the data carrier 5 from accidentally sliding out of the closed container 1.

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The recess 20 of the outermost material layer or layer 4.21, 4.21' of the holder 4 also has four arched delimiting sections 11.1, 11.4, 12.1 and 12.4. The limiting sections 11.1 and 12.1 overhang the sections 11.2 and 12.2 of the middle material layer or layer 4.22, 4.22' of the holder 4. The overhang of the limiting sections forms two opposing stops which prevent vertical movement of the entire data carrier 5 and only allow the data carrier 5 inserted into the holder 4 to tilt in the area of the overhang-free limiting sections 11.3, 12.4, 11.4 and 12.4. By tilting the data carrier 5 to one side, the limitation of the horizontal movement of the data carrier 5 in one direction is removed and the data carrier 5 can be easily removed from the holder 4 by pulling it out to the side through the extended areas 13 and 14 located in the maximum diameter of the recording carrier. It can be seen that the overhanging areas 11 to 12 are located in a circumferential area of less than 180° of the circumference of the recording carrier, while the extensions 13 and 14 are provided diagonally opposite each other outside these areas. The latter allows the recording carrier to be guided out of the packaging after it has been removed from the base in area 20.

On the inside of the double-layered cover flap 3, an opening area 6 is provided which extends transversely to the folding direction 17 of the cover flap 3, in which an information area relating to the content of the data carrier

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material 10 is attached to the cover flap 3 by inserting it.

The folding movement 17 of the cover flap 3, which is connected to the base plate 2 by a web 7, is considerably facilitated by two pre-formed folding edges 8, 9, which are provided in the web 7.

In Figures 3 and 4, the die-cut 4' forming the holder 4 is shown in plan view and with partially unfolded tabs 4.21, 4.21', 4.22 and 4.22' in side view.

The die cut 4' has a material layer or layer 4.1 for the data carrier, to which a tab 4.2 and 4.2' are hinged in a foldable manner on two opposite side edges. The tabs are formed in two parts, whereby the tab parts 4.21, 4.22, 4.21', 4.22' can be folded open. For folding and unfolding, unfolding grooves 4.5, 4.5', 4.6, 4.6' are provided in the die cut 4'. They are alternately incorporated into the material layer or layer, whereby an opposing direction of the individual elements of the punched piece 4' is achieved when unfolding 13, 16 or when folding 14, 15 the unfolded tabs 4.2 and 4.2' onto the material layer or layer 4.1 provided with a circular recess 4.3 when the punched piece 4' is formed into the holder 4.

By gluing the unfolded flap parts 4.21, 4.22 or 4.21', 4.22' together and further gluing the flap parts 4.22 and 4.22' to the material layer or layer 4.1 after folding, a

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stable, fixed holder which is connected to the base plate of the container for the disc-shaped object (compare positions 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Figure 2), for example by gluing.

The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiments given above. Instead, a number of variants are conceivable which make use of the solution presented even in fundamentally different embodiments.

Claims (17)

Expectations 1. Container (1) for packaging or storing a flat, disc-shaped object, in particular a recording medium (5), preferably a CD, consisting essentially of cardboard or a corresponding material, with a base plate (2) and a cover flap (3) connected to the base plate along a side edge and hinged to it in a foldable manner, the object being able to be fixed in a predetermined position by a cardboard holder arranged in the closed state on the inside of the base plate adjacent to the cover flap, characterized, that the holder (4) is firmly attached to the base plate and consists of several material layers or layers (4.1, 4.2, 4.2', 4.21, 4.22, 4.21', 4.22') of different contours, whereby the individual material layers or plies (4.2, 4.2', 4.21, 4.22, 4.21', 4.22') each have a recess (20, 21) adapted to the external shape of the object (5) to be packaged, the recess of the lower material layer is adapted to the object in terms of its height dimensions, the recess (20) of the upper material layer or layer (4.21, 4.21') projects inwardly over the recess (21) of the adjacent lower material layer or layer (4.22, 4.22') in at least two areas (11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 12.2) located in a circular sector of less than 180°, such that the object is S46.G2 - 15 - is prevented from falling out when the lid is open and continues the recess of the upper material layer has additional extensions (13 and 14) which are provided in the region of the maximum extension of the object opposite one another outside the circular sector of the overhanging regions in such a way that the object can be manually removed through these extensions. 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the extensions are also provided accordingly in the lower material layer or layer. 3. Container according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the boundary line of the recess of the individual material layers or plies has arcuate sections (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4). 4. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that four circular arc-shaped sections (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) are provided for each material layer or layer (4.21, 4.21' or 4.22, 4.22'). 5. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that the sections (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) have, in pairs, at least partially, a different length. S46.G2 - 16 - 6. Container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the circular arc-shaped sections (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) are arranged diametrically opposite one another. 7. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the overhanging circular arc-shaped sections (11.1, 12.1) of the outermost material layer or ply (4.21, 4.21') are arranged opposite one another. 8. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder is formed from a flat punched piece (4') which, by means of pre-formed folding grooves (4.6, 4.6') in the material layer or layer, is subdivided into a rectangular base (4.1) and into two similarly formed, folded-out tabs (4.2, 4.2') provided with folding grooves (4.4, 4.5, 4.4', 4.5'). 9. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the tabs (4.2, 4.2') of the punched piece (4') are hinged to two opposite side edges of the base. 10. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the folding grooves (4.4, 4.5, 4.4', 4.5' or 4.6, 4.6') are alternately incorporated into the surface of the flat die-cut piece (4'). S46.G2 - 17 - 11. Container according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that an opposite direction (13, 14 or 15, 16) is provided for the folding of the tabs (4.2, 4.2') and the folding of the unfolded tabs. 12. Container according to claim 11, characterized in that the boundary line of the recesses (11, 12) has arcuate sections (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 or 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) which form parts of the boundary line of the individual material layers or plies of the holder (4). 13. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folded sections (4.21, 4.22, 4.21', 4.22') of the tabs (4.2, 4.2') are glued to one another on the one hand and the sections (4.22, 4.22') are glued to the base (4.3) of the die-cut piece (4') on the other hand to form the holder (4). 14. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid flap (3) is double-layered and has an opening area (6) for attaching information material (10) about the packaged object (5). 15. Container according to claim 14, characterized in that the opening area (6) is slot-shaped S46.G2 - 18 and extends transversely to the folding direction (17) of the cover flap (3). 16. Container according to claim 14, characterized in that the information material (10) is attached to the inside of the cover flap (3) by gluing. 17. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base plate (2) and the lid flap (3) are connected to one another via a web (7) having two folding edges (8, 9).