GB2421497A - Multi-panel media holding case - Google Patents

Multi-panel media holding case Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2421497A
GB2421497A GB0428340A GB0428340A GB2421497A GB 2421497 A GB2421497 A GB 2421497A GB 0428340 A GB0428340 A GB 0428340A GB 0428340 A GB0428340 A GB 0428340A GB 2421497 A GB2421497 A GB 2421497A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
panel
panels
holding means
holding
spine portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0428340A
Other versions
GB0428340D0 (en
Inventor
Peter Antony Farrar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dubois Ltd
Original Assignee
Dubois Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dubois Ltd filed Critical Dubois Ltd
Priority to GB0428340A priority Critical patent/GB2421497A/en
Publication of GB0428340D0 publication Critical patent/GB0428340D0/en
Priority to US11/068,841 priority patent/US20060138001A1/en
Publication of GB2421497A publication Critical patent/GB2421497A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D43/161—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement comprising two or more cover sections hinged one to another
    • 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
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/67—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for web or tape-like material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0433—Multiple disc containers
    • G11B33/0444—Multiple disc containers for discs without cartridge
    • G11B33/045—Multiple disc containers for discs without cartridge comprising centre hole locking means

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packaging For Recording Disks (AREA)

Abstract

The device has at least one disk supporting means on three panels 1, 2, 3, integrally connected via first (4, Fig.2) and second (5, fig.2) spine or living hinge portions. Panel 3 is generally sandwiched between panels 1 and 2, and the walls 1M, 1L of panel 1 being equivalent to the combined height of the walls 2M, 3M of panels 2 and 3. Engagement means 2G and 1H are provided to latch the panels into a closed position and a security member 10 is provided to retain a disk onto the panel 1, as well as to also engage panel 3 at 3I. The holding case is generally manufactured integrally in moulded plastic and may have a continuous transparent sleeve at the back of the three panels for receiving a paper insert with graphics or data. Alternatively the panels may be arranged in fan-fold, or first and third panels attached to the short and long sides of the second panel, respectively.

Description

V
HOLDER
This invention relates to a holder for holding information storage media, e.g. one or more disks, or other articles.
There are many different forms of holders for holding information storage media.
Some are in the form of a container having a base portion and a lid portion which are connected together by a hinge portion so they can be pivoted towards or away from each other to close or open the container. Such containers may include holding means therein for holding one or more items. The holding means may be provided on a tray mounted within the container or may be integrally formed with the base portion and/or the lid portion. Other forms of holder comprise a tray with holding means thereon, one or more such trays being mounted on a foldable backing sheet. Various configurations and folding arrangements are known.
The present invention aims to provide a further form of holder which provides additional choice to those selecting holders for a particular application.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a holder for holding information storage media or other articles, comprising a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel, a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media or other articles.
The invention thus arises from a realisation that advantages of the two known forms of holders described above can be combined. Containers are preferred in many applications as they enclose the contents and house it securely. Various mechanisms can also be provided for holding or locking the container in the closed configuration. Multiple disks can be stored in such containers by providing an extra leaf which is removeably mounted therein, e.g. to the internal surface of the hinge portion thereof. Alternatively, multiple disks may be mounted so as to partially overlap with each other, e.g. as described in US5743390.
Holders comprising trays mounted on a foldable backing sheet provide greater flexibility in housing a plurality of disks due to the range of possible folding configurations but generally do not provide the same level of security for the item(s) held and/or are less robust and/or are relatively complex to manufacture.
In the present invention, the holder retains the simplicity of being formed as an integral moulding, i.e. with the panels thereof and the holding means thereon being formed as a single moulding (e.g. in a one shot moulding process) yet provides flexibility in design by comprising at least 3 foldable panels each of which may have holding means thereon. Thus, a holder is provided comprising at least 3 panels with holding means thereon and which is foldable to form a container, all constructed as a one-piece moulding.
In a preferred arrangement, the panels fold over each other in a manner such that one of the panels is sandwiched between the other two panels, said other two panels forming a container about said one of the panels.
Preferably, one or more of the panels has at least one upstand along an edge thereof to form side walls of said container in the closed configuration.
Preferably, at least two of the panels have holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media adjacent said panel.
In some embodiments, each of the panels has holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media adjacent said panel.
Preferably the apparatus is adapted to receive a security device which holds at least two of the panels in a closed configuration when installed in the apparatus.
Preferably, the security device comprises first and second arms and each of said two of the panels has an aperture for receiving a respective arm. In a preferred embodiment, the holding means on at least one of the panels is adapted to receive an arm of the security device so as to prevent release of storage media therefrom until the security device is withdrawn therefrom.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and second edges of the second panel are opposite edges thereof.
Preferably, the apparatus is provided with a sleeve which extends across each of the panels and is secured at opposite ends thereof to a respective panel.
Other preferred and optional features of the apparatus will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.
The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a view from the front of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention shown in the open position; Figure 2 is a view from the rear of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 in a partially folded position; Figure 4 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 3 showing the folded apparatus just prior to being fully closed; Figure 5 is a perspective view of apparatus as shown in the preceding figures in a fully closed position; and Figures 6A to 6D are schematic drawings of apparatus indicating alternative arrangements for housing different numbers of disks.
It should be noted that Figures 2 and 5 show the apparatus with a cover sheet on the rear face thereof whereas Figures 3 and 4 do not (so the shape of the mouldings on the rear of the panels can be seen).
Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, the illustrated apparatus comprises a first panel 1, a second panel 2 and a third panel 3. The first panel 1 is integrally connected by a first spine portion 4 to a first edge 2A of the second panel 2.
The third panel 3 is integrally connected by a second spine portion 5 to a second edge 2B of the second panel 2. The spine portion 4, 5 are attached to the adjacent panels by "living hinges", i.e. a relatively thin line of material which forms a fold line or hinge therebetween.
The third panel 3 is foldable forwards (in the position shown in Figure 1) about the second spine portion 5 so as to overlay the second panel 2 and the first panel 1 is foldable forwards about the first spine portion 4 so as to overlay the third panel 3 (when the third panel 3 is overlaying the second panel 2). The third panel 3 is thus sandwiched between the first and second panels 1, 2.
In an alternative arrangement (not shown), th fhird panel 3 is foldable forwards about the second spine portion 5 so as to overlay one side of the second panel 2 and the first panel 1 is foldable backwards about the first spine portion 4 so as to overlay the other side of the second panel 2 so the second panel 2 is sandwiched between the first and third panels (in which case the holding means may be provided on the rear face of the first panel 1).
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, each of the panels 1, 2, 3 is provided with holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media, for example a disk such as a CD or DVD. In the illustrated embodiment each holding means comprises a hub 1E, 2E, 3E for releasably engaging the central aperture of a disk and a circular surround iF, 2F, 3F which extends around the periphery of a disk mounted on the respective hub.
The hub and surround may be of the type described in U55788068 and US6502694. The hub and surrounds will not therefore be described further.
Other types of hub and surround may also be used. It should be noted that each of the hubs and/or surrounds on the respective panels 1, 2, 3 need not be similar. Indeed, in arrangements in which the hubs are located face-to-face when the apparatus is closed (e.g. the hub 2E and 3E in the embodiment shown) a type of hub which will not accidentally interact or release the other hub is preferred whereas the hub 1E which is located against the rear face of panel 3 in the closed position is not subject to this constraint.
It will also be appreciated that the holding means may comprise just a hub and that a surround is not necessarily required. Alternatively, the holding means may comprise edge holders for releasably holding a disk at its periphery in which case a hub need not necessarily be provided.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the panels 1, 2, 3 is provided with holding means 1E, 2E, 3E for holding a disk. However, one or more of the holding means may be omitted, e.g. as schematically shown in Figures 6A-6D. Figure 6A shows three holding means as in Figure 1. In Figure 6B, the holding means on the third panel 3 is omitted. In Figure 6C, the holding means on the second panel 2 is omitted. In Figure 6D, the holding means on both the second and third panels 2, 3 is omitted.
Figure 3 shows the apparatus in a partially folded position. The third panel 3 has been rotated approximately 135 degrees about the second spine portion 5 relative to the second panel 2 and the first panel 1 has been rotated approximately 90 degrees about the first spine portion 4 relative to the second panel 2.
Figure 4 shows the apparatus in a folded position just prior to being fully closed.
The third panel 3 has been folded a further 45 degrees about the second spine portion 5 so as to lie face-to-face with the second panel 2 and the first panel 1 has been rotated approximately a further 60 degrees about the first spine portion 4 relative to the second panel 2.
Finally, Figure 5 shows the apparatus in the fully closed position after the first panel 2 has been rotated a further 30 degrees about the first spine portion 4 relative to the second panel 2 so the front face of the first panel 1 lies against the rear face of the third panel 3.
The apparatus is held in the closed position by two pairs of mutually engageable members 1G, 2G and 1H, 2H. Each pair comprises a first member 1G, 1H provided on the first panel and a second member 2G, 2H provided on the second panel. The first and second members may, for example, be small ridges that snap over each other or a projection and recess which fit into each other.
In a preferred arrangement, the apparatus is provided with a security member as shown in the illustrated embodiment for locking the apparatus in the closed position. The security member 10 may also be used for locking a disk to the first panel 1 (as shown in the illustrated embodiment). The security member comprises a short arm 1OA for engaging in slots 11 and 31 in the first and third panel 3 and a long arm lOB for engaging in a slot 13 in the first panel (see Figures 3 and 4). The short and long arms 1OA, lOB extend substantially parallel to each other from a head portion bC which, in the locked position (as shown in Figure 5) fits within a recess 1K in an upstanding wall of the first panel 1 (see Figures 3 and 4). Such a security member is described further in W002/39451 so will not be described further here other than to note that in the illustrated embodiment it is inserted into the apparatus parallel to the length of the spine portion 4 (rather than perpendicular thereto), and the hub 1E is orientated so as to receive the distal end of the long arm lOB of the security member. As discussed in more detail in W002/39451, this enables a disk to be locked on the hub 1E. The security member 10 is preferably provided with a locking arrangement which is only releasable upon application of magnetic release apparatus as also described in W002/39451.
As shown in the accompanying drawings, the second and third panels each have top and bottom walls 2L, 2M, 3L and 3M which abut against each other when the third panel lies over the second panel as in a known DVD container (see W002/39451). However, the first panel has deeper top and bottom walls 1L, 1M which fit over the top and bottom walls of the second and third panels in the closed position (see Figures 4 and 5). A side edge iN of the first panel is also provided with a recess 1P to assist a user's fingers in gaining a purchase on the first panel when the apparatus is being opened.
It will be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, the first spine portion 4 is wider than the second spine portion 5 as the first spine portion 4 has a width corresponding to the combined thickness of the first, second and third panels whereas the second spine portion 5 has a width corresponding only to the combined thickness of the second and third panels.
As mentioned above, the panels and the holding means thereon are integrally formed. Preferably, the apparatus is formed of a plastics material (e.g. polypropylene) and formed by injection moulding as a onepiece item, The security member 10 is, of course, provided as a separate component.
In addition to the advantages described above, such a one-piece moulding for a multi-disk apparatus has the advantage of strength and durability over known products. It is relatively easy to manufacture and is also recyclable.
The apparatus is preferably provided with a clear plastics film which extends across the rear face of all three panels and attached at its ends to the first and third panels for receiving a paper insert to form a cover, e.g. providing details of the data/film etc. stored on the disk(s) housed in the container. This film is similar to that used on existing 2panel CD or DVD containers but extends across the back of all three panels and hence also across the back of both the first and second spine portions.
As shown in Figure 1, the holding means 1E, 2E, 3E are each positioned towards the lower end of the panels 1, 2, 3. This leaves a space at the upper end of each panel which can also be used for promotional graphics (which may be moulded in the panels).
The illustrated apparatus comprising three panels typically has a thickness when closed of about 20-25cm (compared to a conventional 2panel CD/DVD container which has a thickness of about 10-15mm).
In other arrangements, the first and/or third panels may be connected to the second panel by spine portions along other edges thereof. For example, the third panel may be connected to the second panel by a spine portion along the upper edge thereof or both the first and a third panels may be connected to the second panel along the shorter (i.e. top and bottom) edges thereof.
Although the embodiments described above are adapted to hold storage media in the form of disks, the apparatus may be designed to hold other types of storage media, or indeed other articles on one or more of the panels thereof.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus for holding information storage media or other articles, comprising a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having holding means integrally formed therein for holding information storage media or other articles.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the holding means is adapted for holding a disk.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the holding means comprises a hub onto which the disk can be mounted via its central aperture.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3 in which the holding means comprises a surround for extending around the periphery of a disk.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the three panels is provided with holding means.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second edges of the second panel are opposite each other.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which in the closed position the third panel is sandwiched between the first and second panels.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the first and second panels are provided with mutually engageable fastening members for holding the apparatus in the closed configuration.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which is adapted to receive a security member for locking it in the closed position.
10.Apparatus as claimed in claims 7 and 9 in which the first and third panels have apertures for receiving first and second arms of a security member.
11.Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim having a transparent sleeve which extends across the rear face of all three panels.
12.Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panels and holding means are formed of a plastics material in one piece.
13.Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 formed by injection-moulding.
14.Apparatus for holding information storage media or other articles substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.
GB0428340A 2004-12-24 2004-12-24 Multi-panel media holding case Withdrawn GB2421497A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0428340A GB2421497A (en) 2004-12-24 2004-12-24 Multi-panel media holding case
US11/068,841 US20060138001A1 (en) 2004-12-24 2005-03-02 Apparatus for and method of holding an article

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0428340A GB2421497A (en) 2004-12-24 2004-12-24 Multi-panel media holding case

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0428340D0 GB0428340D0 (en) 2005-02-02
GB2421497A true GB2421497A (en) 2006-06-28

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0428340A Withdrawn GB2421497A (en) 2004-12-24 2004-12-24 Multi-panel media holding case

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GB (1) GB2421497A (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4502592A (en) * 1982-02-13 1985-03-05 E.C.H. Will (Gmbh & Co.) Apparatus for intermittently transporting stacks of paper sheets or the like
US4709812A (en) * 1986-07-11 1987-12-01 Agi Incorporated Compact disc package and a method of making same
US5765695A (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-06-16 Picciallo; David J. Wall mounted compact disc case holder assembly
US6068116A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-05-30 Bankhead; Leonard Storage assembly for recorded media
WO2001048757A1 (en) * 1999-12-23 2001-07-05 Moulages Du Velay (Societe Anonyme) Support case for storing audio or video compact disc
WO2003050812A2 (en) * 2001-12-11 2003-06-19 Westvaco Packaging Group, Inc. Packaging for multiple media discs and methods for making same
WO2003058626A2 (en) * 2002-01-04 2003-07-17 Meadwestvaco Corporation Media holding package

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4502596A (en) * 1983-12-02 1985-03-05 Saetre Raymond L Game cartridge display and carrier pack
US5839576A (en) * 1997-09-29 1998-11-24 Inno Design, Inc. Disk storage apparatus
DE20004218U1 (en) * 1999-03-09 2000-07-27 Chin Ta Industrial Co., Ltd., Taipeh/T'ai-pei Device for storing CDs
WO2003047997A1 (en) * 2001-12-04 2003-06-12 Nexpak Corporation Storage container for recorded media
US6802419B2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-10-12 Bert Co Industries, Inc. Package form and method of making a package
US6938759B2 (en) * 2002-12-19 2005-09-06 Tri-Plex Packaging Corporation Package for storing discs

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4502592A (en) * 1982-02-13 1985-03-05 E.C.H. Will (Gmbh & Co.) Apparatus for intermittently transporting stacks of paper sheets or the like
US4709812A (en) * 1986-07-11 1987-12-01 Agi Incorporated Compact disc package and a method of making same
US5765695A (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-06-16 Picciallo; David J. Wall mounted compact disc case holder assembly
US6068116A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-05-30 Bankhead; Leonard Storage assembly for recorded media
WO2001048757A1 (en) * 1999-12-23 2001-07-05 Moulages Du Velay (Societe Anonyme) Support case for storing audio or video compact disc
WO2003050812A2 (en) * 2001-12-11 2003-06-19 Westvaco Packaging Group, Inc. Packaging for multiple media discs and methods for making same
WO2003058626A2 (en) * 2002-01-04 2003-07-17 Meadwestvaco Corporation Media holding package

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0428340D0 (en) 2005-02-02
US20060138001A1 (en) 2006-06-29

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