FOLDING CASE FOR DATA DISK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to a folding case or container for a data storage disk or "CD" (compact disc), which is characterized by opposed clam-like closure members connected by a live hinge, and which it is adapted for an operation substantially with one hand in order to open the case to insert or remove a disk. BACKGROUND Electronic data storage disks, commonly referred to as compact discs or "CDs" are ubiquitous as a means to store computer programs, computer generated data, and audio and visual recordings, for example. The proliferation of electronic data disks has pressed the need for better packaging and storage devices or "cases", which can be opened or closed in a convenient manner, in order to provide a safe protective storage device for a disc, and where the case itself is economical, lightweight, and space-conserving. Conventional cases for data discs or compact discs are characterized by the so-called alhajero type, where a combination of box and cover is generally rectangular, in two parts, to provide storage, as well as a visual display device for display the discs at the point of sale. Conventional jewelry boxes for data discs or compact discs also require a separate insert inside the case to actually support the disc in order to prevent unwanted movement of the disc while it is stored in the case. Conventional disk cases or containers are also a bit difficult to open and close, a bit annoying to handle, occupy more space than is desirable, and are relatively complex and expensive to manufacture. In accordance with the foregoing, there has been a need to provide improvements in the data disk storage cases or containers, and the present invention relates to a solution to the aforementioned deficiencies, as well as other problems associated with the cases. or storage containers of data discs. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an improved storage case or container for data discs or compact discs. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, there is provided a data disk case which is comprised of a single piece of molded plastic comprising opposed clamshell-like members, which are interconnected by a live hinge, and that one can be moved relative to the other to open and close the space containing a disk provided by the closing members. In particular, the data disk case may be provided with a generally circular shape except for a base portion of the case defining the live joint. The case is only of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the disc itself. The case also has a pleasant feeling when being manipulated by the user to place a disc inside, or remove a disc from, the case, due to its substantial roundness or circularity. Moreover, the shape of the case encourages proper handling of the disc, i.e., touching only the edges or the central portion of the disc, and not the portion of the disc on which the stings or protrusions of data are formed, for example. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data disk case that is easily manipulated, substantially with one hand, to open or close. The data disk case has a locking latch comprising opposite central hub portions formed on each clam-like closure member, and which are located and project through the central hole or orifice of the data disk itself. One of the bushings has a hole with surfaces formed thereon to provide an interference fit with the other bushing member which is formed as a generally cylindrical protrusion, whereby the opposing closure members can be secured to each other, but can also be easily manipulated to move apart and open the case. The case also includes uncomplicated but effective surfaces formed on its periphery for manipulation of the closure members in order to separate and move to the open position of the case. The present invention further provides a data disk case which is inexpensive to manufacture, which is lightweight, and which can be formed of a transparent or translucent molded plastic material to provide an easy view of the indications formed on the disk or on the printed insert that can be disposed on one or both closing members. Still further, the opposing closure members are preferably formed with surface circular recessed surfaces to support the disc inside the case, such that the disc is less likely to fall out of the case when the closure members move to the open position. of the case. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the aforementioned advantages and superior features of the data disk case of the present invention, and will recognize other important aspects thereof upon reading the following detailed description as a whole being the drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the data disc case of the invention in an open position, and showing the recessed support surfaces of the opposing closure members. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the case shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of the case shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the closed position. Figure 4 is a sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on a larger scale, taken from the same line as the view of the Figure 4. Figure 6 is a detail view taken generally from line 6-6 of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a data disk folding case in one position open, showing the hollowed support surfaces of the opposite closure members. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a data disc case in an open position, showing the disc support surfaces, and other structural features of the opposing closure members. Description of Preferred Modalities In the following description, the like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings, with the same reference numerals, respectively. The figures in the drawing are not necessarily to scale, and certain elements can be shown in a somewhat generalized or schematic form, in the interests of clarity and precision. Referring to Figure 1, a folding data disk case according to the invention is illustrated, and is generally designated by the numeral 20. The disk case 20 is adapted to provide a storage and visual display container for a disk conventional electronic data storage, shown in phantom in Figure 1, and generally designated by numeral 22. The disk 22 may be of the so-called standard compact disk design, having an outer diameter of approximately 120 millimeters, a central hole 24 of approximately 15 millimeters, and a thickness of approximately 2.0 to 3.0 millimeters. The disk case 20 is characterized by opposed clam-like closure members 26 and 28, which are substantially of a circular shape, except for the generally rectangular, radially extending base portions 27 and 29 respectively, which are joined together. yes in a relatively thin membrane portion 30, to form a "live" joint, having an articulation axis or fold line 31. The closure member 26 includes a recess 32 formed therein, and having the general delineation of the shape of the closure member 26. , and defining a peripheral rim 34. The thickness of the closure member 26 in the rim 34 is preferably approximately 3.0 millimeters, and the depth of the recess 32 is approximately half the total thickness of the closure member. The closure member 26 further includes a portion of cylindrical bushing 36 projecting from the recessed support surface 35 of the closure member, the surface of which delimits the recess 32. The bushing 36 is coaxial with the circular periphery of the closure member 26 and the gap 32. The bushing 36 is provided with a central hole 38, where the bushing 36 is essentially a circular flange or collar having a central axis 39, see also Figures 4 and 5. The shaft 39 is also the central axis of the circular recess 32, and the periphery of the closure member 26. The closure member 28 is substantially a mirror image of the closure member 26, in the sense that a circular recess 40 is delimited by a rim 42, and the recess 40 is otherwise defined by the delineation of the closure member 28. As shown in Figure 1, the generally transverse linear wall portions 32a and 40a of the recesses 32 and 40 include surface arcuate portions 32b and 40b for to receive and support a portion of a data disk 22. Still further, at least one of the closure members, such as the closure member 40, has separate opposed projections 41, which also help locate and support the data disk. 22 when it is placed in the closing space formed by the recesses 32 and 40, when the closing members 26 and 28 are secured together, so that the flanges 34 and 42 are contiguous with each other. The recess 40 is also bounded by a generally planar support surface 43 of the closure member 28. The thickness of the closure member 28 can also be about 3.0 millimeters, and the depth of the recess 40 from the flange 42 can be about half of the total thickness of the closure member 28. Accordingly, a space is provided between the closure members 26 and 28 when the case 20 is in the closed position, which is at least about 3.0 millimeters thick, to receive the disc of data, and wherein a slight additional space is provided to receive a paper insert that provides suitable indications or information regarding the disc contained by the case. Referring further to Figures 1 and 2, the closure member 28 also has a central coaxial hub portion 44 having a diameter such that it fits snugly into the hole 38 of the hub 36 when the closure members 26 and 28 are placed. one adjacent to the other, when they are folded around the joint 30. The hub 44 is preferably a hollow cylindrical protrusion projecting normal to the plane of the surface 43. The protrusion 44 preferably has a transverse wall 44a projecting upwards from the outer surface 35a of the closure member 26 when the case 20 is in a bent and closed condition, see Figures 4 and 5. Referring further to Figure 2, the hinge 30 is formed by reducing the wall thickness of the portions of base 27 and 29 to a thickness suitable for the living joint 30, providing opposite beveled edges 50 and 52 on the respective base portions, as shown. The case 20 also conveniently includes a plurality of raised or bevelled surfaces 54, 56, and 58 formed on the closure member 28, preferably 90 ° apart about the central axis 39, with the so-called upper surface of the circular portion being a surface. of the closure member 28 and opposite the joint 30. In a similar manner, the closure member 26 has cooperating relief or beveled surfaces 55, 57, and 59 formed around the rim 34, and which operate to align with the surfaces 54, 56, and 58, respectively, when the closure members 26 and 28 they are adjoining one another in the folded or closed position of the case 20. Referring further to Figures 3 to 6, in the folded or closed position of the case 20, the closure members 26 and 28 are placed one adjacent to the other as along the peripheral flanges 34 and 42, to form an enclosed space 60, FIG. 5, to contain the disc 22. The disc 22 is normally centered within the space 60 by the hub 36, as well as the flanges 34 and 42, and bolts or locating poles 41. In any case, when a disc 22 is placed in the space 60, the disc is substantially prevented from having a radial movement relative to the shaft 39, but a small tolerance is provided between a disc surface Y an inner support surface 35 or 43 of one of the closure members, to provide space for placing a paper insert or the like inside the space 60. When the case 20 is moved to the closed position, the protrusion 40 projects through of the hole 38, and forcibly engages with the circumferentially spaced opposing surfaces 62, shown 4 in Figure 6, which are spaced such that the opposing surfaces 62 are separated from one another by a distance slightly less than the diameter of the protrusion 44. In this way the protrusion 44 is adjusted by interference in the hole 38 to secure the closure members 26 and 28 with each other in the closed position of the case, shown in Figures 3 to 6. However, since that the transverse wall 44a of the protrusion 44 projects up on the external surface 35a of the closure member 26, the protrusion can be easily pressed with the fingers to give fit the bushing 36 in order to open the case. Moreover, the opposed beveled surfaces 54, 55, or 56, 57 or 58, 59 can be coupled with the tip of a person's finger to help separate the closure members 26 and 28 from one another, for movement around the body. the joint 30 to an open position, for the purpose of removing or inserting a disc in the space 60. However, normally, by pressing the protrusion 44a with the thumb or the like of a person opening the case 20, the member will be deflected of closure 28 sufficient to force the protrusion out of engagement with the surfaces 62 of the hole 38, to decouple the closure member 26 from the closure member 28, and allow movement of the case 20 to an open position. The data disk case 20 is preferably formed of injection molded plastic materials or the like, such as polypropylene, which can be substantially transparent. As shown in Figure 3, suitable indications on a data disk or a paper insert therein can be easily displayed through the closure member 26 or 28 to reveal the identity of the disk. Other materials may be used to manufacture the disk case 20, as well as other embodiments of the case that will be described later herein. Referring now to Figure 7, a first alternative embodiment of a data disk case according to the invention is illustrated, and is generally designated by numeral 120. The disk case 120 includes opposing closure members 126 and 128, having a generally rectangular configuration, and integrally joined together by a "live" joint 130 configured substantially similar to the hinge 30 of the case 20. The closure members 126 and 128 are provided with respective circular recesses 132 and 140, which they have a slightly larger diameter than the aforementioned data disk 22, and are delimited by planar support surfaces 133 and 141, respectively. The disk case 120 includes a hole 138 formed by a cylindrical flange 136 which is configured in a manner similar to the flange 36 and the hole 38. In a similar manner, the closure member 128 includes a cylindrical protrusion 144 projecting from the recess 140, having a transverse end wall 144a. The protrusion 144 can be operated to engage with the hole 138 in a suitable interference fit, in order to secure the closure members 126 and 128 together, to retain a data disk 22 inside the case when it is bent, such as so that the closure members 126 and 128 are contiguous with each other. Embossed or bevelled surfaces are provided which can be engaged with the appropriate fingers 156 and 157 on the transverse end faces 128a and 126a, as shown, and corresponding surfaces 154 and 158, and 155 and 159 are formed on the lateral edges. of the respective closure members 128 and 126, which serve the same purpose as the raised surface pairs 54, 55 or 56, 57 or 58, 59 of the case 20. In fact, the case 120 is similar in most cases. aspects to case 20, with the exception of the exterior shape, which may have the same dimensions as the case of a jewel case or conventional jewelry box. Referring now to Figure 8, another embodiment of a disk case of the invention is illustrated, and is designated generally by the numeral 220. The disk case 220 is preferably constructed to have substantially the thickness of the disk case of type of jewelry box or conventional jewelry box, and is characterized by opposed closure members 226 and 228 of a generally circular configuration, but having slightly rectangular base portions 227 and 229 that are integrally joined by a double "live" articulation 230a and 230b interconnected by a generally planar membrane portion 231 that forms a transverse end wall for the case 220. The closure member 226 includes a generally planar wall portion 235 that forms a disc support surface, and that is delimited by portions arched peripheral wall walls 237 and 239, which have a height approximately equal to the height or width of the membrane 231. Extending in linear extensions of the wall portions 237 and 239 along the sides of the base portion 227, and are indicated by numerals 237a and 239a, respectively. A central hole 238 is formed in the wall 235, and can also be defined by a circular flange or collar 236 integral with the wall 235. The circular segment wall portions 241 and 243 are substantially contiguous with the wall portions 237 and 239 , to define a cylindrical recess 235a, for containing one or more data disks 22. The height of the wall portions 241 and 243 from the wall 235 is approximately half the height of the walls 237 and 239. The walls 237 and 239 also have generally planar interleaved or recessed surface portions 237b or 239b formed therein, as shown in Figure 8, to assist in holding the closure member 226 in order to separate it from the closure member 228. opposite closure 228 is also generally of a circular configuration, with the exception of the base portion 229, which has generally flat opposite wall portions 245 and 247. Walls 245 and 247 are interspaced. puffs from the side edges of the base portion 229, to cause the walls 237a and 239a to overlap the walls 247 and 245, respectively. The closure member 228 also includes a generally planar wall portion 249, which forms a disk support surface, and a central cylindrical protrusion 244 coaxial with respect to the arcuate delineation of the closure members 226 and 228. A portion of the wall cylindrical partial circumferential 251 projects from the surface 249, and is provided with a suitable generally planar recess 251b which operates to engage with a person's thumb or finger to stop the closure member 228, while the closure member 226 is pivoted away from the closure member 228 in order to open the case 220, illustrated in Figure 8. The closure member 228 is provided with a first arcuate notch 256 defined between the edge 245a of the wall 245, and the edge 251c of the wall 251. A similar notch 257 is provided between the edge 247a of the wall 247, and the edge 251d of the wall 251. Still further, a void defined partially by the wall is further defined. 249 and the wall 251, through an arched wall 259 which interconnects the edges 245a and 257a, and can be coupled with the wall 243 when the closure members 226 and 228 are brought to a position adjacent to each other, when they are actuated. "live" joints 230a and 230b for folding the closure member 226 over the closure member 228 or vice versa. In the closed position of the case 220, the protrusion 244 projects inwardly and through the hole 238 in a manner similar to the manner in which the protrusion 244 projects through the hole 38 in the case 20. Still further, the walls 237 and 239 close the notches or spaces 257 and 256, respectively. The walls 259 and 243 are contiguous with each other, and the wall 241 nests adjacent to the internal arcuate surface of the wall 251, whereby the upper edge 25le of the wall 251 can be accepted with a flat surface 241a that it extends around the periphery of the wall 241, between the transverse edges 237c and 239c of the walls 237 and 239, respectively. In accordance with the foregoing, a disc is supported between the walls 243 and 241, and between the walls 251 and 259, in the closed position of the case 220. Still further, a disc is also supported by the protrusion 244 and the flange 236, in a manner similar to the manner in which a disc is retained in the case 20. The case 220 can be operated in a manner substantially similar to the operation of cases 20 and 120. A disc, such as a disc, can be placed. 22, on either of the closure members 226 or 228, in a relationship supported by the walls 235 or 249 of the closure member, and generally centered by the transverse arcuate walls 241 and 243 and the circular flange 236. In an alternative manner, the disc can be placed on the surface 249, and can be retained with the protrusion 244, as well as the arched walls 251 and 259. The closure members 226 and 228 can be moved toward each other to close the case 220, where , in the pos The closed walls 237a and 239a overlap and are adjacent to the walls 247 and 245, respectively, and the wall 241 nests inside the inner radius of the wall 251. The closing members 226 and 228 are locked with each other by the slight interference fit of the protrusion 244 in the hole 238. When it is desired to open the case 220, the protrusion 244 may be engaged, and it may be pushed through the hole 238, while one or more fingers of the hand used for coupled with the protrusion, may also be engaged with the surfaces 237b, 239b, and / or 251b, to assist in separating the closure members from each other, and oscillating them to the open position illustrated in Figure 8, after which Remove the disk from the case. The case 220 can be manufactured in a manner similar to cases 20 and 120, that is, by forming the case 220 of injection molded plastic, such as polypropylene or other suitable material. Although the preferred embodiments of an improved data disk case have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that different substitutions and modifications may be made, in accordance with the appended claims.