Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
  • E05B73/0017—Anti-theft devices, e.g. tags or monitors, fixed to articles, e.g. clothes, and to be removed at the check-out of shops
  • E05B73/0023—Containers, boxes, cases or the like, e.g. for compact discs or video-cassettes, specially adapted therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
  • B65D25/10—Devices to locate articles in containers
  • B65D25/101—Springs, elastic lips, or other resilient elements to locate the articles by pressure
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
  • B65D25/10—Devices to locate articles in containers
  • B65D25/106—Elements projecting into a recess or through a hole in the articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D25/20—External fittings
  • B65D25/22—External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D25/54—Inspection openings or windows
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
  • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
  • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
  • B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D45/00—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
  • B65D45/02—Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying axial pressure to engage closure with sealing surface
  • B65D45/30—Annular members, e.g. with snap-over action or screw-threaded

Definitions

• Packaging may include paper or paperb ⁇ ard boxes, injection molded cases, and combinations thereof.
• One example of such a package is US Patent 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 thett.
• the cases also provide a storage container for the optical media after its purchase.
• FIG. 1 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 Io 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.
• 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.
• FlG, 1 illustrates a perspective view of an outer case for a package
• FIG. 2 Illustrates a perspective view including a locking device that protrudes into the outer case
• 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
• FTG.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
• FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an outer case having internal devices for holding various contents In an embodiment according to the invention
• FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view including an inner tray for containing discs in an embodiment according to the invention
• FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view including an inner tray for containing a memory device in an embodiment according to the invention
• FlG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an outer case having other internal devices for holding various contents in an embodiment according to the invention
• FIG. 9 illustrates examples of holding devices
• FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an outer case having a cover window and a latch
• FIG. 11 Illustrates a perspective view of the outer case of FlG. 10, with the latch open;
• 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;
• FTG. 13 illustrates a perspective outside view of the outer case of FIG.
• 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 1 10, 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 close 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.
• FlG. 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
• 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.
• FlG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, m 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.
• a locking device 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
• 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 5 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.
• F1G.4 illustrates a perspective view of case 300 with locking collars 350 and 360 partially assembled around the case.
• Variations on the dovetail grooves 330 and protrusions 356, 366 may be 20 used to secure locking collars 350, 360 onto case 300,
• the dovetail protrusions may be discontinuous, or may be replaced by one or more buttons that would be secured within grooves 330.
• 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) 25 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.
• ratchet devices 370,380 may be used to secure locking collars 350, 360 together.
• a pin and tab, a barbed pin, an adhesive connection may be used instead of the ratchet
• FlG. 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 tor 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.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view where case 500 holds tray 600 for containing discs such as DVDt. or CDs
• tray 600 may he provided with an aiea 610 to receive a disc, which may be held on center hub 620.
• Tray 600 may include one or more holes 630 to ieceive pins 510, or the tray may be sized or shaped to fit within fray 500 without use of pins 510, Preferably the pins 510, either alone or in association with holes 630, hold trav 600 so that it does not move w ithin 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,
• FIG, 7 illustrates a perspective ⁇ iew 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.
• FlGs. 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.
• FIC. 7 could also fit in the same case that holds tray 600 shown in FIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein a holding device 810 such as a clip is molded into case 800.
• a holding device 810 such as a clip
• 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.
• 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.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the outside of case IUUO 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 bide 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 FlG. 10 and open in FIG 11.
• the cover window 1090 is provided as a hole in front cover 1012 Tins window allow s 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.
• 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 lolch the case.
• Case 1000 may have other closure means, for example snap-fit engagement means elsew here on the case, for example between edges of the front 1012 and back
• 1010 I a ten 1025 may also be used to cover a finger well located behind latch 1025 (such as finger well latch 1029 shown in FTG. 12)
• FIG 12 illustrates a perspective view of the inside of another case 1002, also having a cover window 1090.
• this case has a finger well lalch 1029, but is otherwise similar.
• ⁇ 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 pieferably 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.
• 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 ⁇ n 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 tit 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).
• 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.
• the security device shown in FlG. 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.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Cartons (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)
• Buffer Packaging (AREA)

Priority Applications (2)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=38546922

Family Applications (2)

Family Applications Before (1)

Country Status (6)

Families Citing this family (3)

Family Cites Families (15)

• 2007
  • 2007-03-30 WO PCT/US2007/065579 patent/WO2007115141A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2007-03-30 EP EP10173129A patent/EP2246507A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2007-03-30 DE DE602007008536T patent/DE602007008536D1/de active Active
  • 2007-03-30 PL PL07759770T patent/PL1999326T3/pl unknown
  • 2007-03-30 AT AT07759770T patent/ATE478225T1/de active
  • 2007-03-30 US US12/225,840 patent/US20100294680A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2007-03-30 EP EP07759770A patent/EP1999326B1/de not_active Not-in-force

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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