GB2465602A

GB2465602A - A disc case with a background lighting system

Info

Publication number: GB2465602A
Application number: GB0821444A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dominic Martinez; Mark Hayward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-24
Filing date: 2008-11-24
Publication date: 2010-05-26
Also published as: GB0821444D0

Abstract

The case comprises a spine portion 22 housing a lighting system comprising an LED strip (42, Fig.4) powered by batteries (24a, 24b, Fig.2) and controlled by a lighting control circuit and control buttons (26, and 28, 30, respectively, Fig.2). The lid 4 comprising an upper 10 and lower 12 tab is arranged to support a relatively thick diffuser panel 32, a relatively thinner translucent diffuser screen 34, e.g. translucent acetate, and a thin transparent screen 36 of similar thickness to screen 34, which can carry artwork such a pictures or photographs, and which comprises an opaque light shield in the form of a strip (48, Fig.6). In some embodiments sheets 34 and/or 36 could become part of the diffuser panel and in other embodiments additional diffuser sheets could be used. In operation, light from the LED strip is directed towards the edge of the thick diffuser panel 32 which carries the light towards the center of the cover and provides background illumination to the artwork on the screen 36. The light source 42 might be operated through the buttons or through contacts which are actuated when opening or closing the case.

Description

A MEDIA STORE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a media storage case or box, such as, for example, a jewel case for disc media.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Jewel cases for disc media such as compact disks (CDs) and digital versatile disks (DVDs) are well known in the art. A CD jewel case is commonly formed from transparent plastic material, and is of a size such that it is of comparable dimensions to the size of the disc which it has to contain. In contrast, a DVD jewel case is commonly formed from non-transparent plastic material, and is of larger dimensions than a disc, and especially in the vertical dimension. Such CD and DVD jewel cases are well known in the art.

Disc media is also known to be provided with other packaging, and in particular in the form of cardboard boxes. This is particularly prevalent where the disc media stores a computer program such as a PC game, where much documentation must be provided with the disc.

With such packaging it has been known to provide lighting elements in the form of LEDs to light up aspects of the art work printed on the box.

PRIOR ART

The packaging for the computer game "Earth 2160", published by Deep Silver provides an example of packaging which includes lighting elements. In particular, the packaging includes an LED on the front surface thereof, arranged to light up a picture of a star field printed on the front of the box. Another example is that of the music album Pulse' by the music group Pink Floyd'. In particular, the box supplied for storing the album CD contains a red flashing LED positioned in a side wall of its spine. The spine portion further comprises a printed circuit board and a battery to operate the LED.

Jewel cases including lighting elements is also known from International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2007/001078, by the present applicant, and US Patent Application No. US 2003/0201196, by GOSWAMI et al. However, US 2003/0201196 discloses a jewel case wherein lighting apparatus is disposed only within a spine portion of a jewel case and therefore, light is emitted from spine to illuminate the inside of the jewel case.

The present invention aims to provide a jewel case including lighting apparatus wherein light is emitted from the lighting apparatus and directed to illuminate a substantial part of an artwork displayed on a front of a lid of the jewel case.

SUMMARY OF THE [NVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a jewel case for disk media comprising a lighting element, a diffuser panel and a transparent or translucent surface with pictures, photographs or other artwork positioned thereon, wherein the lighting element is arranged to provide illumination along an edge of the diffuser panel, the diffuser panel thereby diffusing the light over the pictures, photographs or other artwork so that they are illuminated.

The pictures, photographs or other artwork on the transparent or translucent surface may be mass produced pictures, photographs or other artwork. Alternatively, the pictures, photographs or other artwork may be customised. For example, it is possible for the user of the case or box to position a personal photo on the transparent or translucent surface. The photographs or other artwork may themselves be either transparent or translucent.

Alternatively, the photographs or other artwork may be opaque.

It is an advantage of the first aspect that illumination from the lighting element is received by the diffuser panel and is directed and diffused evenly over the transparent or translucent surface and the artwork positioned thereon. The diffuser panel may perform its function by transmission and/or reflection of the illumination. Accordingly, the artwork is fully illuminated when viewed from outside the jewel case and thereby, it is striking in appearance.

These advantages lead to the jewel case being more attractive to a consumer than conventional jewel cases. It is a further advantage that it is possible to illuminate the entire front surface of the jewel case with a single lighting element because the diffuser acts to diffuse the light over the pictures, photographs or other artworks.

Preferably, the transparent or translucent surface is a surface of the jewel case and the pictures, photographs or other artwork are printed directly onto the jewel case. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the number of necessary parts of the jewel case can be reduced. More specifically, positioning the artwork directly on a surface of the jewel case removes the need for a separate transparent or translucent surface. In turn, this may reduce the manufacturing complexity of the jewel case and could increase its commercial viability.

Preferably, the jewel case further comprises at least one diffuser sheet sandwiched between the diffuser panel and the transparent or translucent surface to further diffuse light from the lighting element over the pictures, photographs or other artwork. It is also preferable that the or each diffuser sheet is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case, each diffuser sheet comprising a thin sheet of translucent plastic. It is an advantage of these embodiments that the illumination from the lighting element can be further diffused over the artwork, so that the artwork is more evenly lit. In certain circumstances this could improve the aesthetic appeal of the jewel case. It is possible to add more than one diffuser sheet insert into the jewel case, for example, it is possible to add two, three or four diffuser sheets. Furthermore, inserts are easy to install and remove, thereby decreasing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Preferably, the transparent or translucent surface is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case. It is also preferable that the insert comprises an acetate sheet, and the pictures, photographs or other artwork are printed directly onto the acetate sheet. It is an advantage of these embodiments that the transparent or translucent surface within the case or box can be swapped with an alternative insert. This allows the user to choose an insert to be placed in the case from multiple different inserts depending on the users mood and preference. Also pictures, photographs or other artwork can be incorporated onto the insert in any suitable manner. The pictures, photographs or other artwork can be printed directly onto the insert, for example, by photocopying a picture onto an acetate sheet. Alternatively, the pictures, photographs or other artwork can be part of the insert, for example, as a photographic negative or slide. Other ways of incorporating the pictures, photographs or other artwork onto the insert are well known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the transparent or translucent surface is a surface of the diffuser panel so that the pictures, photographs or other athvork are positioned directly on the diffuser panel. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the number of necessary parts of the jewel case can be reduced. More specifically, positioning the artwork directly on the diffuser panel removes the need for a separate transparent or translucent surface. In turn, this may reduce the manufacturing complexity of the jewel case and could increase its commercial viability.

Preferably, the diffuser panel is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case, and in particular, a lid of the case. It is also preferable that the insert comprises the lighting element.

Preferably, a lid of the jewel case houses the lighting element, the diffuser panel and the transparent or translucent surface. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the artwork on the front of the jewel case is illuminated so that it appears lit up when viewed from outside the case. As the lighting element is also positioned in the lid, it is an advantage of this embodiment that a majority of the illumination from the lighting element is directed over the artwork. This operation is in contrast to an example wherein the lighting element is positioned within the spine of the jewel case. In such an example, less of the illumination from the lighting element will be directed onto the artwork, particularly when the jewel case is open.

Preferably, the lighting element comprises a plurality of light sources arranged along a spine edge of the lid. It is an advantage of this embodiment that multiple lights are provided in a line along an edge of the lid to maximise the spread of light over the artwork to ensure the artwork is well illuminated. Further, it is an advantage that the lighting element is positioned on the spine edge of the lid to simplify providing electrical power to the lighting element from a power supply positioned in the main body of the jewel case, for example, in the spine.

The lighting sources can be controlled individually or as a whole. Additionally, one or more subsets of the lighting sources may be controlled independently. For example, one subset may illuminate one part of the artwork and be controlled separately from another subset which may illuminate the same or a different part of the artwork.

Preferably, the transparent or translucent surface comprises a light shield arranged to reflect a portion of the illumination so that it is directed towards the pictures, photographs or other artwork so that they are illuminated. Additionally, it is preferable that the light shield comprises an opaque portion arranged in close proximity to the lighting element. It is an advantage of these embodiments that at least part of the illumination from the lighting element which would otherwise not be directed towards the artwork, is reflected and directed towards the artwork. Accordingly, the artwork is better illuminated and appears more striking.

Preferably, the jewel case further comprises a power supply for the lighting element, wherein the power supply comprises at least one battery. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the jewel case can operate in a stand-alone fashion, i.e. it does not necessarily need to be plugged-in' in order to light-up.

Preferably, the jewel case further comprises a battery recharging circuit having an input power socket for receiving an electrical power signal from an external power source, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable and the recharging circuit is capable of charging the at least one battery using the electrical power signal. Additionally, it is preferable that the recharging circuit further comprises an indicator light which is capable of indicating when the recharging circuit is charging the at least one battery. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the jewel case can accommodate a rechargeable battery and that the rechargeable battery can be recharged while it is housed within the jewel case.

Preferably, the at least one battery is located in a spine portion of the jewel case.

Additionally, it is preferable that a front portion of the spine portion is removable so that the at least one battery can be removed and/or re-positioned. It is an advantage that the battery is positioned within the spine portion because this part of the jewel case has substantially larger depth than other parts of the jewel case. Accordingly, it is easy to adapt the spine of the jewel case to accommodate one or more batteries. In the preferred embodiment, the spine is adapted to fit two AAA size batteries. It is also an advantage that the batteries can be removed so that they can be replaced easily, for example, if broken.

Preferably, the recharging circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity between a base portion of the jewel case and a tray portion of the jewel case. Additionally, it is preferable that the cavity is defined by the base portion and a recess of the tray portion. it is an advantage of this embodiment that the recharging circuit can be incorporated into the jewel case without requiring a significant alteration to the dimensions of the jewel case. Accordingly, the thickness of the jewel case is not impacted by the presence of the recharging circuit.

Preferably, the jewel case further comprises a lighting control circuit arranged to control operation of the lighting element. Additionally, it is preferably that the lighting control circuit is capable of controlling the lighting element to produce at least one of the following lighting effects: changing light colours; flashing lights; and, varying light intensity. Additionally, it is preferable that the lighting control circuit comprises at least one control input button and operation of the lighting element via the lighting control circuit is controlled by the at least one control input button. Additionally, it is preferable that at least two control input buttons are provided and one of the control input buttons turns the lighting element on or off, and another of the control input buttons changes the lighting effect provided by the lighting element. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the lighting element can produce different lighting effects and that the lighting control circuit can be controlled by one or more control input buttons to operate the lighting element and alter the lighting effect it provides. This operation improves the appearance of the jewel case.

Preferably, operation of the lighting element is controlled or further controlled by opening and/or closing a lid of the jewel case. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the opening and closing of the jewel case lid can perform the operation of one of the control input buttons and thereby reduce the number of control input buttons required. This in turn may make manufacturing the jewel case simpler and may increase its commercial viability.

Alternatively, opening and closing the jewel case could provide an extra control input means over and above one or more control input buttons. Accordingly, the jewel case may provide another functionality, such as, for example, a second or third lighting effect.

Preferably, the lighting control circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity between a base portion of the jewel case and a tray portion of the jewel case. Additionally, it is preferable that the cavity is defined by the base portion and a recess of the tray portion. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the lighting control circuit can be incorporated into the jewel case without requiring a significant alteration to the dimensions of the jewel case. Accordingly, the thickness of the jewel case is not impacted by the presence of the lighting control circuit.

Preferably, the jewel case is suitable for storing at least one of the following disk media: a compact disk (CD); a digital versatile or video disk (DVD); a high definition or density DVD (HD-DVD); and, a blu-ray� disk (BD). The jewel case may be suitable for storing audio and/or video media (whether bearing recorded information or not) or software. For example, the media storage case or box may be for CDs, DVDs, minidiscs, floppy discs, audio and video cassettes, etc. The media storage case may be larger in size than a CD or DVD case or box. The jewel case may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, it is made of a strong, hard-wearing material, for example, a strong plastic, reinforced glass or metal.

Further, the jewel case may have rounded corners to improve the aesthetic appeal of the case.

Preferably, the jewel case further comprises a hinge between the lid and the base, and cabling for delivering electrical current to the lighting element, the hinge being formed to accommodate the cabling. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the circuitry of the jewel case can be split between the lid and the base. Accordingly, the lighting element can be housed in the lid so that a majority of its illumination can be directed over the artwork. Then, most of the remaining aspects of the circuitry can be housed within the base, wherein more empty space is available. Also, the hinge shields the cabling and thereby protects it from physical damage. Further, the hinge can be used to hide the cabling so that it is not visible from outside the jewel case.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a jewel case for disk media, comprising at least one battery, an electrical element and associated circuitry wherein the battery, the electrical element and/or the circuitry are/is located in a cavity formed between a cover and a tray of the jewel case. Additionally, it is preferable that the cavity is at least partially formed by an edge of a recess of the tray. Additionally, it is preferable that the electrical element and/or the circuitry are/is located in the cavity, and the cavity is outside a spine portion of the jewel case. It is an advantage that the circuitry and/or the electrical element are/is located within the jewel case without requiring a significant alteration to the case dimensions.

Therefore, the jewel case is suitable for use with storage designed for conventional jewel cases. Preferably, the electrical element is a lighting element or any other electrical component, such as, a radio, a clock, a sound reproduction and/or recording component, a GPS component, etc. Preferably, the electrical element is a lighting element and the battery is housed in a spine portion, the lighting element is housed in a lid of the jewel case and cabling for delivering electrical current from the at least one battery to the lighting element is housed in at least one hinge of the jewel case. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the jewel case provides additional functionality over conventional jewel cases because it lights-up. Additionally, it is an advantage of this embodiment that the lighting system of the jewel case can be split between the lid and the base. Accordingly, the lighting element can be housed in the lid so that a majority of its illumination can be directed over a front surface of the lid. Then, most of the remaining aspects of the system can be housed within the base, wherein more empty space is available. Also, the hinge shields the cabling and thereby protects it from physical damage. Further, the hinge can be used to hide the cabling so that it is not visible from outside the jewel case.

Preferably, the jewel case further comprises an input power socket located in the spine portion and wherein the circuitry is further capable of recharging the at least one battery using an external power source connected to the input power socket. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the jewel case can accommodate a rechargeable battery and that the rechargeable battery can be recharged while it is housed within the jewel case. Preferably, the at least one battery is a AAA size battery. It is an advantage of this embodiment that it is suitable for use with a commercial-off-the-shelf battery so that a user of the case can easily obtain new or replacement batteries. In the preferred embodiment, the jewel case is adapted to house two AAA sized batteries and accordingly, the jewel case of the preferred embodiment is thicker than a conventional jewel case by about 2mm.

Preferably, the circuitry is provided on a printed circuit board and the printed circuit board andlor the electrical element are/is shaped to correspond to a shape of at least a portion of the cavity. It is an advantage of this embodiment that the circuitry andlor the electrical element can be positioned within the cavity and thereby the case dimensions do not require alteration.

Therefore, the jewel case is suitable for use with storage designed for conventional jewel cases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference signs relate to like components, in which: Figure 1 provides a perspective view of the front of a jewel case according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in an open configuration; Figure 2 provides a view of the back of the jewel case of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 3 provides a view of the front of the jewel case of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 4 provides a view of the front of a diffuser panel of the jewel case of Figure 1; Figure 5 provides a view of the front of a diffuser sheet of the jewel case of Figure 1; Figure 6 provides a view of the front of a transparent screen of the jewel case of Figure 1; Figure 7 provides a perspective view of the front of a jewel case according to a first alternative embodiment of the present invention, in an open configuration; Figure 8 provides a view of the back of the jewel case of Figure 7 in a closed configuration; and, Figure 9 provides a view of the front of the jewel case of Figure 7 in a closed configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. References throughout the following description to up', down', top', bottom', left', right', front' and back' are stated in relation to the jewel case when orientated as an upstanding book wherein the spine is vertical and the distal end of both covers are spaced apart. This orientation is shown more particularly on Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a jewel case 2 for storing disk media in the form of a compact disk (CD). The jewel case 2 comprises three main elements, a lid 4, a base 6 and a tray 8. The tray 8 is sized and shaped to sit within the base 6 so that the back surface of the tray 8 lies substantially in front of the front surface of the base 6. The lid 4 is formed with an upper tab 10 and a lower tab 12 which extend from the top-left and bottom-left corners, respectively, so that the lid 4 can be hinged to the base 6. The front surface of the tray 8 comprises a substantially circular recess 14 having at its centre a circular hub of teeth 16. The recess 14 provides a seat for a CD. The hub 16 grips a central hole of a CD seated in the recess 14 to hold the CD in the case 2.

In operation, the lid 4 can be moved between an open' configuration, wherein it is parted from the base 6 (as shown in Figure 1) and a closed' configuration, wherein it is substantially on top of the base 6. When the case 2 is closed, a CD stored therein is protected from physical damage and when the case 2 is open a human user can easily remove the CD from the case. Movement of the lid 4 in relation to the base 6 is facilitated by the hinges formed by the upper tab 10 and the lower tab 12.

Figure 2 shows a view of the back surface of the base 6 wherein the base 6 in constructed from a substantially transparent material, such as, for example, a transparent plastic. In Figure 2, by virtue of the fact that the base 6 is transparent, the back surface of the tray 8 can be seen through the back surface of the base 6. Also visible on Figure 2 is the back of the recess 14 and the back of the hub 16. When viewed from the angle shown in Figure 2, the recess 14 maintains a smaller distance from the back surface of the base 8 than the remaining aspects of the tray 8. In view of this, two substantially crescent shaped cavities 18 and 20 are formed between the tray 8 and the base 6. More specifically, the cavities 18 and 20 are defined by edges of the base 6 and edges of the recess 14. It can be seen from Figure 2 that the cavity 20 is larger than the cavity 18 by the addition of a spine portion 22. As is well known in the art, the cavity between the base 6 and the tray 8 within the spine portion 22 of a jewel case is substantially deeper than the cavity between the base 6 and the tray 8 outside the spine portion 22.

According to the preferred embodiment, the case 2 further comprises a lighting system. The lighting system comprises a power supply in the form of two batteries 24a and 24b. So as to take advantage of the increased depth of the spine portion 22, the batteries 24a and 24b are housed within the spine portion of the cavity 20, in a line formation. As seen more particularly in Figure 3 (which shows the case 2 in a closed configuration), a portion 25 of the front of the spine portion 22 of the tray 8 is removable to permit the removal and replacement of the batteries 24a and 24b.

Additionally, the lighting system comprises a lighting control circuit 26 arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) located in an upper region of the cavity 20. In view of this arrangement, the PCB of the lighting control circuit 26 is substantially triangular in shape. As mentioned previously, the depth of the cavity 20 is substantially less in the region outside the spine portion 22 and so the height of the PCB including its componentry must be relatively low when compared to the depth of the batteries 24a and 24b.

Additionally, the lighting system comprises a first control button 28 and a second control button 30. Both the buttons 28 and 30 are positioned on the outer surface of the top edge of the base 6, and towards the spine portion 22, so as to be close in proximity to the lighting control circuit 26. Furthermore, the buttons 28 and 30 are in electrical communication with the lighting control circuit 26.

Additionally, the lighting system comprises a diffuser panel 32, a diffuser screen 34 and a transparent screen 36, all of which can be seen on Figure 1, but more particularly on Figures 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Referring to Figure 4, the diffuser panel 32 comprises a transparent panel 38 which is sized and shaped to fit within the lid 4 of the case 2 (as shown in Figure 1) and is constructed from a solid transparent material, such as, for example, an acrylic glass.

The diffuser panel 32 provides an insert for the lid 4 of the case 2 and can be either removable or fixed in position within the lid 4. A back surface and each of the edges of the transparent panel 38 is covered by a reflective layer or coating 40. Further, connected to one edge of the diffuser panel 32 and in-between the reflective layer or coating 40 and the transparent screen 36 is a light emitting diode (LED) strip 42. The LED strip 42 comprises a plurality of individual LED lights arranged in a line. Each of the LEDs are orientated to emit light into the edge of the diffuser panel 32 against which the LED strip 42 is arranged.

Finally, cabling 44 is provided from the LED strip 42 for provision of electrical current from the batteries 24a and 24b and control signals from the lighting control circuit 26.

Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, one end of cabling 44 is connected to the LED strip 42 and the other end is connected to the lighting control circuit 26 and batteries 24a and 24b. As seen more particularly on Figure 3, the spine portion of upper tap 10 of the lid 4 is substantially larger than the spine portion of lower tab 12 of the lid 4 so that the upper tab 10 can accommodate the cabling 44.

Referring to Figure 5, the diffuser sheet 34 comprises a translucent sheet which is sized and shaped to fit within the lid 4 of the case 2 (as shown in Figure 1) and is thin in comparison to the diffuser panel 32. The diffuser sheet 34 provides an insert for the lid 4 of the case 2 and can be either removable or fixed in position within the lid 4. According to the preferred embodiment, the diffuser sheet 34 is constructed from a sheet of translucent acetate.

Referring to Figure 6, the transparent screen 36 comprises a transparent sheet which is sized and shaped to fit within the lid 4 of the case 2 (as shown in Figure 1) and is of a comparable thickness to the diffuser sheet 34. The transparent screen 36 provides an insert for the lid 4 of the case 2 and can be either removable or fixed in position within the lid 4, for example, by an adhesive. According to the preferred embodiment, the transparent screen 36 is constructed from a sheet of transparent acetate. The transparent screen 36 further comprises an artwork 46 covering at least a portion of a major surface of the transparent screen 36. The artwork 46 can comprise pictures, photographs or other artwork, such as, for example, a personal photograph or an image from the front of a music album. In the preferred embodiment the artwork 46 is printed substantially centrally onto the surface of the transparent screen 36.

Finally, the transparent screen 36 comprises a light shield 48 positioned along an edge of transparent screen 36. The light shield 48 is an opaque strip which is printed onto the surface of the transparent screen 36 and has a width which is relatively small in comparison to the width of the transparent screen 36.

Operation of the lighting system described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 is described as follows. The three inserts, the diffuser panel 32, the diffuser sheet 34, and the transparent screen 36, are arranged within the lid 4 of the case 2 (as shown in Figure 1). When the diffuser panel 32 is positioned within the lid 4 it is orientated such that the LED strip 42 is aligned to the spine edge of the lid 4. Also, when the transparent screen 36 is positioned within the lid 4 it is orientated such that the light shield 48 is aligned with, and in close proximity to, the LED strip 42. Arranging the light shield 48 in this way ensures that it reflects a portion of the illumination from the LED strip 42 so that it is directed towards the artwork 46.

The batteries 24a and 24b provide an electric current to power the lighting control circuit 26 and the LED strip 42. Pressing the button 28 causes the lighting control circuit 26 to toggle the LEDs of the LED strip 42 on and off. Pressing the button 30 causes the lighting control circuit 26 to cycle the colour of the light emitted by the LED strip 42 through a plurality of different available colours. The arrangement of the preferred embodiment ensures that the spine edge of the lid 4 is illuminated by the LED strip 42 controlled by the control input buttons 28 and 30 via the lighting control circuit 26. The light shield 42 reflects some of the illumination from the LED strip 42 which would otherwise escape from the lid 4 and re-directs the illumination towards the artwork 46, so that it is better illuminated. Further, due to the arrangement of the transparent panel 38 of the diffuser panel 32 in combination with the diffuser sheet 34, the illumination from the LED strip 42 is diffused and thereby spread evenly over the surface of the transparent screen 36 and also the artwork 46 printed thereon.

Finally, the removable portion 25 of the tray 8 can be removed by a human user of the case 2 to remove and replace the batteries 24a and 24b, such as, for example, when either one of the batteries 24a and 24b runs out of charge.

Various modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment to create alternative embodiments of the present invention. A first alternative embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

The differences between the preferred embodiment and first alterative embodiment are as follows. In the alternative embodiment, the control button 28 has been removed and replaced by an internal switch (not shown). The internal switch performs the same operation as the control button 28. In particular, the internal switch toggles the LEDs of the LED strip 42 on and off when the lid 4 is moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Operation of the internal switch is achieved by the presence of two terminals (not shown), one on the base 6 and the other on the lid 4. When the case 2 is closed, the two terminals contact each other and complete an electric circuit. Conversely, when the case 2 is open, the two terminals are separated and the electric circuit is broken. Activation of the internal switch is dependent on whether the electric circuit is open (broken) or closed (complete). Other ways of incorporating an internal switch which is controlled by opening or closing the lid 4 are well known to those skilled in the art.

As seen more particularly on Figure 8, located in a lower region of the cavity 20 is a recharging circuit 50 comprising a mini USB socket 52 which extends externally from a wall of the spine portion 22. The USB socket 52 provides an input power socket of the case 2.

Also, as seen more particularly on Figure 9, the recharging circuit further comprises a charging indicator light (not shown) positioned to emit light from an aperture 56 in the spine portion of the tray 8. Cabling (not shown) connects the recharging circuit to two rechargeable batteries 54a and 54b which are located in place of batteries 24a and 24b of the preferred embodiment.

In operation, the recharging circuit 50 is capable of receiving an electrical power signal from an external power source (not shown), such as, for example, a desktop PC or a laptop, which is connected to the socket 52. Further, the recharging circuit 50 is capable of charging the rechargeable batteries 54a and 54b using the electrical power signal. According to the first alternative embodiment, while an external power source is connected to the socket 52 so that the recharging circuit is charging the batteries 54a and 54b, the indicator light emits light which is visible through the aperture 56. The indicator light indicates to a user of the case 2 that the batteries are being charged. Additionally, it is within the scope of the present invention that the indicator light can emit a different colour light when the batteries 54a and 54b are being charged in comparison to when the batteries 54a and 54b are fully charged.

Such a functionality indicates to a user that the batteries 54a and 54b have finished charging and the external power source can be removed.

Of course, various combinations of the features of the above-described embodiments may be combined in different combinations, to produce other embodiments. Also, further features and modifications to the described embodiments will also be apparent to the skilled person to produce further embodiments, which are also intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. For example, in a first variant, it is envisaged that a surface of the diffuser panel may be used to provide the transparent screen, thereby eliminating the need for a separate transparent sheet. According to the first variant the artwork and the light shield may be printed directly onto the surface of the diffuser panel. It is also the case that this variant eliminates the need for a diffuser sheet. In a second variant, it is envisaged that not only would a separate diffuser panel and transparent screen be provided but also, a plurality of diffuser sheets. In particular, in the second variant two, three, four or five diffuser sheets may be provided to further diffuse the light from the LED strip so that it is evenly spread over the transparent screen and the artwork thereon. In the preferred and alternative embodiments the LED strip 42 was capable of being controlled to change its light colour, however it is within the scope of the present invention that many other different lighting effects may be provided.

For example, in a third variant, the LED strip could be controlled to provide flashing lights, to vary the intensity of the light produced, to vary which LEDs of the LED strip are illuminated and to vary the order and timing of the light produced. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the LED strip and light shield may be aligned to an edge of the diffuser sheet other than the spine edge.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the diffuser panel may be provided with more than one LED strip. In particular, in order to improve the illumination of the artwork one or more additional LED strips may be provided on other edges of the transparent panel and/or within the surface of the transparent panel. In a fourth variant, an LED strip is arranged along each edge of the transparent panel of the diffuser panel.

In the first alternative embodiment, an input power socket was provided by USB socket 52 however, it is with the scope of the present invention that other means of electrically connecting the jewel case to a power supply may be used. For example, rather than receiving electric charge from a computing device via a USB socket, the jewel case could receive electric charge from a USB mains adaptor. Also, the input power socket could be a direct current (DC) input socket and the jewel case could receive electric charge from a DC mains adaptor or a DC power supply.

In the embodiments and variants discussed above, a pair of AAA size batteries provide a power supply for the jewel case. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that the battery of the jewel case may be of a non-standard type and may be positioned anywhere in the jewel case. For example, the battery may be a custom designed battery which is sized and shaped to fill a substantial part of the spine portion. Additionally or alternatively, the battery may be sized and shaped to fit within at least a portion of at least one cavity defined between the tray and the base of the jewel case. It is likely that in such cases the custom designed battery would be of a rechargeable type since it is likely that a user would have difficulty in obtaining replacement batteries. Also, it is within the scope of embodiments of the present invention which include an input power socket, that electrical power to the case could be supplied directly from an external power source connected to the input power socket. For example, the jewel case may obtain electrical power directly from a conventional DC power supply instead of, or in addition to, a battery of the jewel case.

The present invention has been discussed above with reference to storing disk media in the form of a CD however, it is within the scope of the appended claims that the jewel case of the present invention is suitable for storing other types of disk media. For example, a jewel case according to the present invention is suitable for storing at least one of the following: a digital versatile or video disk (DVD), a high definition or density DVD (HD-DVD) or a blu-ray disk� (BD).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A jewel case for disk media comprising a lighting element, a diffuser panel and a transparent or translucent surface with pictures, photographs or other artwork positioned thereon, wherein the lighting element is arranged to provide illumination along an edge of the diffuser panel, the diffuser panel thereby diffusing the light over the pictures, photographs or other artwork so that they are illuminated.
2. The jewel case according to claim 1, and further comprising at least one diffuser sheet sandwiched between the diffuser panel and the transparent or translucent surface to further diffuse light from the lighting element over the pictures, photographs or other artwork.
3. The jewel case according to claim 2, wherein the or each diffuser sheet is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case, each diffuser sheet comprising a thin sheet of translucent plastic.
4. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein the transparent or translucent surface is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case.
5. The jewel case according to claim 4, wherein the insert comprises an acetate sheet, and the pictures, photographs or other artwork are printed directly onto the acetate sheet.
6. The jewel case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transparent or translucent surface is a surface of the jewel case and the pictures, photographs or other artwork are printed directly onto the jewel case.
7. The jewel case according to claim 1, wherein said transparent or translucent surface is a surface of the diffuser panel so that the pictures, photographs or other artwork are positioned directly on said diffuser panel.
8. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein a lid of the jewel case houses the lighting element, the diffuser panel and the transparent or translucent surface.
9. The jewel case according to claim 8, wherein the lighting element comprises a plurality of light sources arranged along a spine edge of the lid.
10. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein the transparent or translucent surface comprises a light shield arranged to reflect a portion of the illumination so that it is directed towards the pictures, photographs or other artwork so that they are illuminated.
11. The jewel case according to claim 10, wherein the light shield comprises an opaque portion arranged in close proximity to the lighting element.
12. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a power supply for the lighting element, wherein the power supply comprises at least one battery.
13. The jewel case according to claim 12, and further comprising a battery recharging circuit having an input power socket for receiving an electrical power signal from an external power source, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable and the recharging circuit is capable of charging the at least one battery using the electrical power signal.
14. The jewel case according to claim 13, wherein the recharging circuit further comprises an indicator light which is capable of indicating when the recharging circuit is charging the at least one battery.
15. The jewel case according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the input power socket is a mini-USB socket and the power source is a USB power supply or a computing device.
16. The jewel case according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the input power socket is a direct current (DC) input socket and the power source is a DC power supply.
17. The jewel case according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the input power socket is located in a spine portion of the jewel case.
18. The jewel case according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the at least one battery is located in a spine portion of the jewel case.
19. The jewel case according to claim 18, wherein a front portion of the spine portion is removable so that the at least one battery can be removed andlor re-positioned.
20. The jewel case according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the recharging circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity between a base portion of the jewel case and a tray portion of the jewel case.
21. The jewel case according to claim 20, wherein the cavity is defined by the base portion and a recess of the tray portion.
22. The jewel case according to any of claims I to 21, and further comprising a lighting control circuit arranged to control operation of the lighting element.
23. The jewel case according to claim 22, wherein the lighting control circuit is capable of controlling the lighting element to produce at least one of the following lighting effects: a. changing light colours; b. flashing lights; and c. varying light intensity.
24. The jewel case according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the lighting control circuit comprises at least one control input button and operation of the lighting element via the lighting control circuit is controlled by the at least one control input button.
25. The jewel case according to claim 24, wherein at least two control input buttons are provided and one of the control input buttons turns the lighting element on or off, and another of the control input buttons changes the lighting effect provided by the lighting element.
26. The jewel case according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein operation of the lighting element is controlled or further controlled by opening and/or closing a lid of the jewel case.
27. The jewel ease according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the lighting control circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity between a base portion of the jewel case and a tray portion of the jewel case.
28. The jewel case according to claim 27, wherein the cavity is defined by the base portion and a recess of the tray portion.
29. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein the case is suitable for storing at least one of the following disk media: a. a compact disk (CD); b. a digital versatile or video disk (DVD); c. a high definition or density DVD (HD-DVD); and, d. a blu-ray� disk (BD).
30. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a hinge and cabling for delivering electrical current to the lighting element, the hinge being formed to accommodate the cabling.
31. A jewel case for disk media, comprising at least one battery, an electrical element and associated circuitry wherein the battery, the electrical element andlor the circuitry are/is located in a cavity formed between a cover and a tray of the jewel case.
32. The jewel case according to claim 31 wherein, the cavity is at least partially formed by an edge of a recess of the tray.
33. The jewel case according to claim 32 wherein, the electrical element and/or the circuitry are/is located in the cavity, and the cavity is outside a spine portion of the jewel case.
34. The jewel case according to claim 33 wherein, the electrical element is any one of a lighting element, a radio, a clock, a sound reproduction and/or recording component, and/or a GPS component.
35. The jewel case according to claim 34, wherein the electrical element is a lighting element and the battery is housed in the spine portion, the lighting element is housed in a lid of the jewel case and cabling for delivering electrical current from the at least one battery to the lighting element is housed in at least one hinge of the jewel case.
36. The jewel case according to claim 35, further comprising an input power socket located in the spine portion and wherein the circuitry is further capable of recharging the at least one battery using an external power source connected to the input power socket.
37. The jewel case according to any one of claim 36, wherein the at least one battery is a AAA size battery.
38. The jewel case according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the circuitry is provided on a printed circuit board and the printed circuit board andlor the electrical element are/is shaped to correspond to a shape of at least a portion of the cavity.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-CLAIMS 22 1. A jewel case for disk media comprising a lighting element, a diffuser panel, and a transparent or translucent surface with pictures, photographs or other artwork positioned on said surface, said jewel case forming an enclosure, wherein the diffuser panel is arranged with respect to the enclosure and the lighting element is arranged to provide illumination along an edge of the diffuser panel, the diffuser panel thereby diffusing the light over the pictures, photographs or other artwork so that they are illuminated.2. The jewel case according to claim 1, and further comprising at least one diffuser sheet sandwiched between the diffuser panel and the transparent or translucent surface to further diffuse light from the lighting element over the pictures, photographs or other artwork.* * 5 3. The jewel case according to claim 2, wherein the or each diffuser sheet is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case, each diffuser sheet comprising a thin sheet of *:*. translucent plastic.4. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein the transparent or translucent surface is an insert which can be removably inserted into the case. **** ** ** * 5. The jewel case according to claim 4, wherein the insert comprises an acetate sheet, and the pictures, photographs or other artwork are printed directly onto the acetate sheet.6. The jewel case according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the transparent or translucent surface is a surface of the jewel case and the pictures, photographs or other artwork are printed directly onto the jewel case.7. The jewel case according to claim 1, wherein said transparent or translucent surface is a surface of the diffuser panel so that the pictures, photographs or other artwork are positioned directly on said diffuser panel.8. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein a lid of the jewel case houses the lighting element, the diffuser panel and the transparent or translucent surface.9. The jewel case according to claim 8, wherein the lighting element comprises a plurality of light sources arranged along a spine edge of the lid.10. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, wherein the transparent or translucent surface comprises a light shield arranged to reflect a portion of the illumination so that it is directed towards the pictures, photographs or other artwork so that they are illuminated.11. The jewel case according to claim 10, wherein the light shield comprises an opaque portion arranged in close proximity to the lighting element.12. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a power supply for the lighting element, wherein the power supply comprises at least one battery.13. The jewel case according to claim 12, and further comprising a battery recharging circuit having an input power socket for receiving an electrical power signal from an external power source, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable and the recharging circuit is capable of charging the at least one battery using the electrical power signal.14. The jewel case according to claim 13, wherein the recharging circuit further comprises an indicator light which is capable of indicating when the recharging circuit is charging the at least one battery.15. The jewel case according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the input power socket is a mini-USB socket and the power source is a USB power supply or a computing device.16. The jewel case according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the input power socket is a direct current (DC) input socket and the power source is a DC power supply.17. The jewel case according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the input power socket is located in a spine portion of the jewel case.18. The jewel case according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the at least one battery is located in a spine portion of the jewel case.19. The jewel case according to claim 18, wherein a front portion of the spine portion is removable so that the at least one battery can be removed andlor re-positioned.20. The jewel case according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the recharging circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity between a base portion of the jewel case and a tray portion of the jewel case.21. The jewel case according to claim 20, wherein the cavity is defined by the base portion and a recess of the tray portion.22. The jewel case according to any of claims I to 21, and further comprising a lighting control circuit arranged to control operation of the lighting element.23. The jewel case according to claim 22, wherein the lighting control circuit is capable of controlling the lighting element to produce at least one of the following lighting effects: a. changing light colours; b. flashing lights; and c. varying light intensity.24. The jewel case according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the lighting control circuit comprises at least one control input button and operation of the lighting element via the lighting control circuit is controlled by the at least one control input button.25. The jewel case according to claim 24, wherein at least two control input buttons are provided and one of the control input buttons turns the lighting element on or off, and another of the control input buttons changes the lighting effect provided by the lighting element.26. The jewel case according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein operation of the lighting element is controlled or further controlled by opening and/or closing a lid of the jewel case.27. The jewel case according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the lighting control circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity between a base portion of the jewel case and a tray portion of the jewel case.28. The jewel case according to claim 27, wherein the cavity is defined by the base portion and a recess of the tray portion.29. The jewel case according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a hinge and cabling for delivering electrical current to the lighting element, the hinge being formed to accommodate the cabling. * * . ** * *** S * * S... *. S * * S * SS * S..S 5.. 5* SI SS SI