US20030178330A1

US20030178330A1 - Method and apparatus for packaging compact discs for portable storage

Info

Publication number: US20030178330A1
Application number: US10/341,686
Authority: US
Inventors: Bruce Dowdy; Lawrence Self
Original assignee: CPU Inc
Current assignee: CPU Inc
Priority date: 2002-01-18
Filing date: 2003-01-14
Publication date: 2003-09-25

Abstract

A method and apparatus for packaging compact discs for portable storage. A walled enclosure is provided, the walled enclosure having a floor and a wall enclosing an extremity of the floor. A compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a compact disc is also provided. The compact disc storage plate is pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure. The walled enclosure may have a floor with a floor recess adaptable for holding a first compact disc and a wall enclosing the extremity of the floor, the floor having hinge slots therethrough adjacent the wall. A compact disc storage plate may also be provided having a plate recess adaptable for holding a second compact disc and having hinge tabs at a plate end. The compact disc storage plate may then be pivotally mounted to the floor at the hinge slots by engaging the hinge tabs into the hinge slots.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The application claims priority to and the benefit of Application No. 60/350,210 filed on Jan. 18, 2002 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of compact disc (CD) packaging, and in particular, CD packaging having a multi-CD portable storage capacity.

CDs have become a medium of choice for audio and data recordings. Conventional portable CD storage cases typically store a single CD. One prior art single CD storage case, the DiscPak (TM)CD package manufactured by CPU, Inc. of Arden, N.C., is seen in simplified perspective view in FIG. 1.

CD package

10 includes bottom cover 12 having a recessed bottom cover floor 14. Bottom cover floor 14 includes a further shallow recess 15 for receiving the CD therein, shown in more detail in FIG. 17. Top cover 16 is pivotally attached to bottom cover 12. Rosette 18 having a plurality of radially extended flexible catch pawls is centered in shallow recess 15. Rosette 18, shown in more detail in FIGS. 15a and 15 b, aligns a standard CD central hole such that the CD can be stored in the shallow recess. A stored CD is removed from the shallow recess by depressing the center of the radially extended flexible catch pawls to cause the catch pawls to retreat and release the CD. The marketing attractiveness of CD package 10 is its external appearance having a look/feel comparable to that of a book, whose top cover 16 is similar to that of a book front cover.

As the capacity of content to be stored on CDs increase, multiple CDs are needed to capture the total content. Accordingly, a need for storage cases having a multi-CD storage capacity became needed. FIG. 2 depicts a prior art multi-CD storage case.

CD case

20 includes an integrally formed foldable cover having a first section 22, a second section 24 and a middle section 26. A separation plate 28 is mounted into middle section 26. First section 22 has a first rosette 30 formed at a center of an inner face thereof for releaseably holding a CD. Similar to the configuration of first section 22, second section 24 has second rosette 32 formed at a center of an inner face thereof for releaseably holding another CD. Plate 28 has third rosette 34 and a fourth rosette (not shown) formed at a center of one face and on the other face thereof for holding a third and fourth CD respectively. Plate 28 has a plurality of slots 36 formed along one edge for engaging middle section 26. Plate 28 is inserted into middle section 26 and engage catching elements (not shown) in middle section 26. When the first cover and second cover are folded inwardly together about middle section 26, a closed storage case if formed for the four CDs inserted on the respective rosettes. However, this multi-CD (four) storage case is limited to storing only up to four CDs. It also has limited marketing appeal, being close in appearance to that of the standard well-known “jewel” CD case.

While the prior art may deal with a multi-CD storage case adapted for up to four CD storage, it does not address the need for a marketing attractive multi-CD storage package which can accommodate at least five CDs being stored therein and which can be included within a mailing wrapped package for mailing using 0.7501″ maximum thickness U.S. Postal Service mail rates. The invention as described herein provides a simple, cost effective, easy to install and use multi-CD storage package solution to meet such need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus packaging compact discs for portable storage is provided. A walled enclosure is provided, the walled enclosure having a floor and a wall enclosing an extremity of the floor. A compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a compact disc is also provided. The compact disc storage plate is pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a walled enclosure is provided, the walled enclosure having a floor with a floor recess adaptable for holding a first CD and a wall enclosing the extremity of the floor, the floor having hinge slots therethrough adjacent the wall. A CD storage plate is also provided having a plate recess adaptable for holding a second CD and having hinge tabs at a plate end. The CD storage plate is pivotally mounted to the floor at the hinge slots by engaging the hinge tabs into the hinge slots.

Another aspect of the present invention includes providing a second CD storage plate having a second plate recess adaptable for holding a third CD and having second plate hinge tabs at a second plate end. Second hinge slots through the floor are also provided, the second hinge slots being located adjacent the wall. The second CD storage plate is pivotally mounted to the floor at the second hinge slots by engaging the second hinge tabs into the second hinge slots.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the adjacent wall below the floor. The hinge tabs each include a hinge tab insert tip for guiding a hinge tab into a hinge slot. The hinge tab insert tip has an arc surface extending to a first shoulder. The arc surface upon hinge tab insertion flexes the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position. The first shoulder engages the surface below the adjacent wall below the floor upon insertion of the first shoulder through the hinge slot and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position. Disengagement of the pivotally attached CD support plate from the floor is thereby prevented. The hinge tabs each further include a second arc surface extending from the first shoulder to a tapered second shoulder. The second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted CD support plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexes the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position. The tapered second shoulder engages the surface below the adjacent wall and below the floor upon the inserted CD support plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position. Disengagement of the CD support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor is semi-rigidly prevented in the absence of force applied to the CD support plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the CD storage plate includes a clearance slot therethrough positioned and dimensioned to allow clearance of an adjacent CD storage plate rosette when an inserted CD storage plate is layered upon an adjacent inserted CD storage plate or layered upon the floor.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention a plurality of compact disc storage plates are provided, each compact disc storage plate being adaptable for holding a compact disc. Each compact disc storage plate is pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure.

In another further aspect of the present invention the walled enclosure has a floor with a floor recess adaptable for holding a first CD and a wall enclosing the extremity of the floor. The floor has a first hinge step adjacent the wall. The first hinge step has first hinge slots through the first hinge step. The floor also has second hinge slots on the floor adjacent the first hinge step. A first CD storage plate is provided having a first plate recess adaptable for holding a second CD and having first plate hinge tabs at a first plate end. A second CD storage plate is provided having a second plate recess adaptable for holding a third CD and having second plate hinge tabs at a second plate end. The first CD storage plate is pivotally mounted to the first hinge step by engaging the first plate hinge tabs into the first hinge slots. The second CD storage plate is pivotally mounted to the floor by engaging the second plate hinge tabs into the second hinge slots. A third CD storage plate is provided having a third plate recess adaptable for holding a fourth CD and having third plate hinge tabs at a third plate end. A fourth CD storage plate is provided having a fourth plate recess adaptable for holding a fifth CD and having fourth plate hinge tabs at a fourth plate end. A second hinge step is provided. The second hinge step has third hinge slots through the second hinge step. The third hinge slots are located adjacent the wall. Fourth hinge slots are provided on the floor adjacent the second hinge step. The third CD storage plate is pivotally mounted to the second hinge step by engaging the third plate hinge tabs into the third hinge slots. The fourth CD storage plate is pivotally mounted to the floor by engaging the fourth plate hinge tabs into the fourth hinge slots.

As such, a book-like CD storage package is provided with means to add one or more additional CDs to a single book-like CD storage package, thus providing flexibility of packaging without the need to change a basic CD book-like packaging size or shape. The plate inserts are in essence a “snap in” design for easy (and perhaps automated) assembly and have a catch in the hinge area which keeps the inserts in the full open position while removing or replacing a CD beneath them. Once in place, the inserts are very difficult to remove and will not come loose during shipping and handling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art portable CD storage case. [0014]
FIG. 2 shows a prior art multi-CD storage case. [0015]
FIG. 3 depicts a general concept of the present invention. [0016]
FIGS. 4[0017] a-4 c show a bottom view, top view and side view respectively of a CD storage plate in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows details of a hinge tab in accordance with the present invention. [0018]
FIGS. 6[0019] a-6 c show a bottom view, top view and side view respectively of a bottom cover in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows a simplified embodiment of the present invention having two CD storage plates. [0020]
FIG. 8 shows details of a hinge slot area in accordance with the present invention. [0021]
FIGS. 9[0022] a-9 c show an assembly sequence of the insertion of a hinge tab into a hinge slot in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 10[0023] a-10 c show a pivoting sequence of a CD storage plate inserted in a hinge slot in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment in accordance with the present invention. [0024]
FIGS. 12[0025] a-12 c show a bottom view, top view and side view respectively of a bottom cover in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 13 shows details of a pair of hinge slots area in accordance with the present invention. [0026]
FIG. 14 shows a simplified view of multiple CD storage plates inserted and layered upon each other in accordance with the present invention. [0027]
FIG. 15 shows details of a typical rosette in accordance with the present invention. [0028]
FIG. 16 shows details of a typical CD ejector area in accordance with the present invention. [0029]
FIG. 17 shows details of a typical bottom cover floor recess area in accordance with the present invention. [0030]
FIG. 18 shows details of a typical CD storage place recess area in accordance with the present invention. [0031]
FIG. 19 shows a simplified embodiment of an extended rectangular shape bottom cover with multiple CD support plates inserted therein in accordance with the present invention. [0032]
FIG. 20 shows another embodiment in accordance with the present invention.[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 3, there is depicted the general concept of the present invention. Prior [0034] art CD package 10, as seen in FIG. 1, is adapted to accept CD storage plate 40 which is configured to hold thereon CD 42. CD storage plate 40 is pivotally hinged at end 44 through bottom cover floor 14 to allow it to swing through arc 46 spanning from a generally horizontal position adjacent to bottom cover floor 14 to a position generally perpendicular to bottom cover floor 14.
Referring to FIGS. 4[0035] a-4 c, there is depicted a bottom view, top view and side view respectively of CD storage plate 40. CD storage plate 40, formed by typical ejection-molding a semi-flexible plastic, such as polystyrene, and dimensioned as shown in FIGS. 4a-4 c, has a radial end 52 and an opposite straight end 54. One surface, shown in FIG. 4b, has a recess area 48, shown in more detail in FIG. 18, which is a section view C-C of FIG. 4 b, and rosette 50, which are comparable in function to recess 15 and rosette 18 depicted in FIG. 1, for accepting and holding in place a CD to be inserted onto CD storage plate 40 for storage within CD package 10 in addition to a CD which is storable in recess 15 of bottom cover floor 14. CD storage plate 40 includes a pair of hinge tabs 56, shown in more detail in FIG. 5. CD storage plate 40 also includes slotted through-hole 58 which is dimensioned and located to provide a clearance hole for an adjacent rosette when the storage plate is lowered to its generally horizontal position. This enables tighter layering of CD storage plates by avoiding interference between the CD storage plate and an adjacent layer's rosette or floor rosette. CD storage plate 40 also may include one or more typical CD ejector recesses 60, shown in more detail in FIG. 16 to allow a finger grip of the edge of a stored CD to easier removal of the CD from the respective rosette and recess.
Referring to [0036] area 62 of FIG. 4c, there is shown and dimensioned in FIG. 5 more detail of hinge tab 56. Hinge tab 56 protrudes from straight end 54 at connection area 51 and includes insert tip 63. Insert tip 63 is formed at a junction of insert taper surface 64 and insert arc surface 66. Insert arc surface 66 ends at remove prevention edge stop 68. Pivot facilitation arc surface 70 joins remove prevention edge stop 68 with vertical lock support taper surface 72.
Referring briefly to FIGS. 6[0037] a-6 c, there is shown and dimensioned bottom cover 12, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, adapted for accepting either one or two CD storage plates 40 into bottom cover floor 14, e.g., one CD storage plate 40 being pivotally attachable at end 80, and another CD storage plate 40 being pivotally attachable at end 82. Slots “A”, two at end 80 and two at end 82, accept hinge tabs 56 of a CD storage plate 40. FIG. 7 shows the embodiment with two CD storage plates 40 a, 40 b being pivotally attached, each holding a respective CD 42 a, 42 b, each being able to swing through a respective arc 46 a, 46 b. Bottom cover floor 14 holds CD 42 c in the recess therein. When CD storage plate 40 b is swung into a generally horizontal position relative to cover floor 14, it lies upon and partially covers CD 42 c. In turn, when CD storage plate 40 a is swung into a generally horizontal position relative to cover floor 14, it lies upon and partially covers CD 42 b. In essence, a stacking of the CD support plates within the walls of bottom cover 12 occurs.
Turning back to FIGS. 6[0038] a-6 c, bottom cover floor 14 is formed by typical ejection-molding using a semi-flexible plastic, such as polystyrene, with support ribs 84 being formed on the side opposite recess 15. Rosette 18 is situated within recess 15 for accepting a CD for storage thereon. A representative slot “A” area and dimensioning thereof are shown in more detail in FIG. 8, an enlargement of area 90 of end 82 seen in FIG. 6c and section A-A in FIG. 6a. Slot thru “A” is provided adjacent wall 94 in a tapered down 0.010″ thickness portion 96 of bottom cover floor 14. Typical 13° taper 93 provides clearance for the hinge tab when CD storage plate is in a perpendicular lock position, as will be seen and described in conjunction with FIG. 10c below. Rib 84 provides support for bottom cover floor 14. Wall 94 includes wall catch surface 98, typically a 0.020″ minimum surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 9[0039] a-9 c, a depiction is provided of the assembly sequence, typically via automatic assembly-line manufacturing machine, of hinge tab 56 of CD storage plate 40 being inserted into slot “A” of bottom cover floor 14. In FIG. 9a, hinge tab 56 is depicted just as insert tip 63 is progressing into slot A. In FIG. 9b, as insert tip 63 proceeds through slot A, insert arc surface 66 displaces flexible plastic wall 94 adjacent the slot A. In FIG. 9c, as the front portion of hinge tab 56 is fully inserted through slot A, remove prevention edge stop 68 catches on wall catch surface 98 when wall 94 returns back to its pre-flexed state. When a tandem pair of hinge tabs 56 are fully inserted CD storage plate 40 is secured at its end on bottom floor 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 10[0040] a-10 c, the pivoting of a CD storage plate 40 from a generally horizontal position after insertion, e.g., a typical “CD stored” state, to a generally perpendicular state, to allow access to a lower stacked CD or cover floor stored CD, is depicted. FIG. 10a shows CD storage plate 40 fully inserted through slot A and resting on bottom floor 14 (comparable to a fully inserted state as depicted in FIG. 9c). In FIG. 10b, CD storage plate 40 is manually moved through arc 46 wherein pivot facilitation arc surface 70 forces wall 94 to flex. In FIG. 10c, CD storage plate 40 is locked into a perpendicular position when pivot facilitation arc surface 70 passes wall catch surface 98 such that vertical lock support taper surface 72 catches wall catch surface 98 when wall 94 returns back to its pre-flexed state. Vertical lock support taper surface 72 is tapered at 30° to provide a firm, semi-stiff but smooth locking—unlocking capability by manual force applied to CD support plate 40, in lieu of a rigid locking 90° junction as is provided by remove prevention edge stop 68 for keeping CD storage plate 40 pivotally attached to bottom cover floor 14. The locking of the CD storage plate at 90° allows it to stay in place and facilitate removal of a CD located in a lower layer CD storage plate, or bottom cover floor recess.
Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the present invention is provided. Rather than having merely a single [0041] CD storage plate 40 for storably holding CD 42 and being pivotally hinged to swing through arc 46 at one end of bottom cover floor 14, a second CD storage plate 100 is provided to pivotally swing through arc 102. Bottom cover floor 14 has one end built up to provide hinge step 104 for engaging a second CD storage plate 100. A comparable hinge step 106 is similarly built up at the opposite end of bottom cover floor 14 for comparably engaging a further CD storage plate (not shown), much like that seen in FIG. 7.
Referring to FIGS. 12[0042] a-12 c, there is shown and dimensioned bottom cover 12 as seen adapted in FIGS. 6a-6 c, but further adapted to accommodate hinge steps 104, 106. Walls 110, 112 are lengthened to accommodate the additional CD support plates to be inserted within bottom cover 12. Rather than one pair of slots “A” being provided at each end as seen in FIGS. 6a-6 c, two pairs of slots “B” are provided at each end as seen in FIGS. 12a-12 c. A representative slot “B” area 114 and dimensioning thereof are shown in more detail in FIG. 13, an enlargement of area 114 seen in FIG. 12c and section B-B in FIG. 12a.
Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown in cutaway section view a depiction of the embodiment utilizing [0043] bottom cover 12 adapted to accommodate hinge steps wherein five CDs are stored utilizing a pair of CD storage plates inserted at each end of bottom cover 12, only one of the comparable two ends being shown in the cutaway section view. First CD 120 is located in recess 15. CD storage plate 122 has its hinge tab 124 inserted into a slot B in bottom cover floor 14. CD storage plate 126 is inserted into a comparable slot B in bottom cover floor 14 at the end opposite (not shown) to that where hinge tab 124 is inserted, such that in its generally horizontal pivot position of CD storage plate 126 lies stacked upon CD storage plate 122. CD storage plate 130 has its hinge tab 132 inserted into a slot B in hinge step 106 of bottom cover floor 14. CD storage plate 134 is inserted into a comparable slot B in bottom cover floor at the end opposite (not shown) to that where hinge tab 132 is inserted, such that in the generally horizontal pivot position of CD storage plate 134 it lies stacked upon CD storage plate 130. Accordingly, this embodiment provides for the pivotal stacking of five CDs in a 0.685 area. Therefore, with a top cover 16 (as seen in FIG. 1) typically of three thicknesses of 0.018″ card stock, utilized with the 0.685 wall thickness bottom cover floor adapted with hinge steps in addition to any such card stock applied to bottom cover 12, a five-CD package can readily meet the 0.750″ maximum package size postal service mailing rate.
Those skilled in the art can appreciate that, while several embodiments of the present invention has been described, various alternatives can be utilized to practice the invention. For example, while embodiments providing for up to four CD storage plates have been shown, the dimensions of the bottom cover floor can be expanded in length, width and height to accommodate further hinge steps allowing for further layering of CD storage plates within the bottom cover. Additional hinge steps could be built upon lower steps in a staircase fashion. While the slots and hinge steps have been shown at two opposing ends, slots and hinge steps could also be provided at one or both of the sides of the bottom floor. Various size slots and hinge tabs for insertion therein can be provided. While slots and tabs form the hinge in the embodiments described herein, other hinge mechanisms are possible. The material forming the CD storage plate and/or the bottom cover floor can be made from various semi-flexible plastics in addition to polystyrene described herein, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. Further, the embodiments described and shown herein include a generally rectangular CD package, simulating the appearance of a book. However, the CD package can be of other shapes, such as square or extended rectangle, provided the surface area within the shape is large enough to enclose one or more pivotally mountable CD storage plates shaped to accommodate a CD. FIG. 19 depicts in simplified form an extended rectangle [0044] walled enclosure 200, wherein CD storage plates 202, 204, 206 are installed therein coupling their respective hinge tabs to the floor of walled enclosure 200. As can be seen, CD storage plates are pivotally mounted along the long walls of rectangular enclosure 200, while CD storage plate 206 is pivotally mounted along a short wall of rectangular enclosure 200. FIG. 20 depicts another embodiment of the present invention wherein storage for five CDs are depicted, one being stored in the floor and four others being stored in respective storage plates, in addition to top cover 16 having the ability to have one or more cover panels, one panel 250 being shown as an example. The cover panel(s) can include additional text, graphics, photographs and the like for depicting the contents of the CDs being stored therein.

Claims

1. A method of packaging compact discs for portable storage comprising:

providing a walled enclosure, the walled enclosure having a floor and a wall enclosing an extremity of the floor;

providing a compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a compact disc; and

pivotally mounting the compact disc storage plate within the walled enclosure.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

pivotally mounting the compact disc storage plate within the walled enclosure by a hinge joining an edge of the compact disc storage plate with an interior surface within the walled enclosure.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

the floor being adaptable for holding a first compact disc and having hinge slots through the floor adjacent the wall;

the compact disc storage plate being adaptable for holding a second compact disc and having hinge tabs at a plate end; and

the compact disc storage plate being mounted to the floor at the hinge slots by engaging the hinge tabs into the hinge slots.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

providing a second compact disc storage plate being adaptable for holding a third compact disc and having second plate hinge tabs at a second plate end;

providing second hinge slots through the floor, the second hinge slots being located adjacent the wall; and

pivotally mounting the second compact disc storage plate to the floor at the second hinge slots by engaging the second hinge tabs into the second hinge slots, the second compact disc storage plate being layerable over the first compact disc plate.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein:

the hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the adjacent wall below the floor; and

the hinge tabs each include a hinge tab insert tip for guiding a hinge tab into a hinge slot, the hinge tab insert tip having an arc surface extending to a first shoulder, the arc surface upon hinge tab insertion flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the first shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall below the floor upon insertion of the first shoulder through the hinge slot and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached compact disc support plate from the floor.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the hinge tabs each further include a second arc surface extending from the first shoulder to a tapered second shoulder, the second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted compact disc support plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the tapered second shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall and below the floor upon the inserted compact disc support plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and semi-rigidly preventing disengagement of the compact disc support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor in the absence of force applied to the compact disc support plate.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the compact disc storage plate includes a clearance slot therethrough positioned and dimensioned to allow clearance of an adjacent compact disc storage plate rosette when an inserted compact disc storage plate is layered upon an adjacent inserted compact disc storage plate or is layered upon the floor.

8. A method of packaging compact discs for portable storage, comprising:

providing a plurality of compact disc storage plates, each compact disc storage plate being adaptable for holding a compact disc; and

pivotally mounting each compact disc storage plate within the walled enclosure.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein each compact storage plate is pivotally moveable to a position within the walled enclosure such that a second compact disc storage plate is layered upon a first compact disc storage plate, a third compact disc storage plate is layered upon the second compact disc storage, a fourth compact disc storage plate is layered upon the third compact disc storage plate, and so forth.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

pivotally mounting each compact disc storage plate within the walled enclosure by a hinge joining an edge of the compact disc storage plate with an interior surface within the walled enclosure.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

the floor being adaptable for holding a first compact disc and having a first hinge step adjacent the wall, the first hinge step having first hinge slots through the first hinge step, the floor also having second hinge slots on the floor adjacent the hinge step;

providing a first compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a second compact disc and having first plate hinge tabs at a first plate end;

providing a second compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a third compact disc and having second plate hinge tabs at a second plate end;

pivotally mounting the first compact disc storage plate to the first hinge step by engaging the first plate hinge tabs into the first hinge slots; and

pivotally mounting the second compact disc storage plate to the floor by engaging the second plate hinge tabs into the second hinge slots.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

providing a third compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a fourth compact disc and having third plate hinge tabs at a third plate end;

providing a fourth compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a fifth compact disc and having fourth plate hinge tabs at a fourth plate end;

providing a second hinge step, the second hinge step having third hinge slots through the second hinge step, the third hinge slots being located adjacent the wall;

providing fourth hinge slots on the floor adjacent the second hinge step;

pivotally mounting the third compact disc storage plate to the second hinge step by engaging the third plate hinge tabs into the third hinge slots; and

pivotally mounting the fourth compact disc storage plate to the floor by engaging the fourth plate hinge tabs into the fourth hinge slots.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the first hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the adjacent wall below the first hinge step;

the second hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the first hinge step and below the floor;

the first hinge tabs each include a first hinge tab insert tip for guiding a first hinge tab into a first hinge slot, the first hinge tab insert tip having a first hinge tab arc surface extending to a first hinge tab first shoulder, the first hinge tab arc surface upon the first hinge tab insertion flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the first hinge tab first shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall below the first hinge step upon insertion of the first hinge tab first shoulder through the first hinge slot and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached third compact disc support plate from the first hinge step; and

the second hinge tabs each include a second hinge tab insert tip for guiding the second hinge tab into a second hinge slot, the second hinge tab insert tip having a second hinge tab arc surface extending to a second hinge tab first shoulder, the second hinge tab arc surface upon the second hinge tab insertion flexing an adjacent first hinge step wall from a relaxed first hinge step wall position to an outwardly flexed first hinge step wall position, the second hinge tab first shoulder engaging the surface below the first hinge step wall below the floor upon insertion of the second hinge tab first shoulder through the second hinge slot and the adjacent first hinge step wall returning from the outwardly flexed first hinge step wall position to the relaxed first hinge step wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached second compact disc storage plate from the floor.

14. The method of claim 13,

wherein the first hinge tabs each further include a first hinge tab second arc surface extending from the first hinge tab first shoulder to a first hinge tab tapered second shoulder, the first hinge tab second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted first compact disc storage plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the first hinge tab tapered second shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall and below the first hinge step upon the inserted first compact disc storage plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and semi-rigidly preventing disengagement of the first compact disc support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor in the absence of force applied to the first compact disc support plate; and

wherein the second hinge tabs each further include a second hinge tab second arc surface extending from the second hinge tab first shoulder to a second hinge tab tapered second shoulder, the second hinge tab second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted second compact disc storage plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexing an adjacent first hinge step wall from a relaxed first hinge step wall position to an outwardly flexed first hinge step wall position, the second hinge tab tapered second shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent first hinge step wall and below the floor upon the inserted second compact disc storage plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent first hinge step wall returning from the outwardly flexed first hinge step wall position to the relaxed first hinge step wall position and semi-rigidly preventing disengagement of the second compact disc support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor in the absence of force applied to the second compact disc support plate.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein:

the third hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the adjacent wall below the second hinge step;

the fourth hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the second hinge step and below the floor;

the third hinge tabs each include a third hinge tab insert tip for guiding a third hinge tab into a third hinge slot, the third hinge tab insert tip having a third hinge tab arc surface extending to a third hinge tab first shoulder, the third hinge tab arc surface upon the third hinge tab insertion flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the third hinge tab first shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall below the second hinge step upon insertion of the third hinge tab first shoulder through the third hinge slot and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached third compact disc support plate from the second hinge step; and

the fourth hinge tabs each include a fourth hinge tab insert tip for guiding the fourth hinge tab into a fourth hinge slot, the fourth hinge tab insert tip having a fourth hinge tab arc surface extending to a fourth hinge tab first shoulder, the fourth hinge tab arc surface upon the fourth hinge tab insertion flexing an adjacent second hinge step wall from a relaxed second hinge step wall position to an outwardly flexed second hinged step wall position, the fourth hinge tab first shoulder engaging the surface below the second hinged step wall below the second hinge step upon insertion of the fourth hinge tab first shoulder through the fourth hinge slot and the adjacent second hinge step wall returning from the outwardly flexed second hinge step wall position to the relaxed second hinge step wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached fourth compact disc storage plate from the floor.

16. The method of claim 15,

wherein the third hinge tabs each further include a third hinge tab second arc surface extending from the third hinge tab first shoulder to a third hinge tab tapered second shoulder, the third hinge tab second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted third compact disc storage plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the third hinge tab tapered second shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall and below the second hinge step upon the inserted third compact disc storage plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and semi-rigidly preventing disengagement of the third compact disc support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor in the absence of force applied to the third compact disc support plate; and

wherein the fourth hinge tabs each further include a fourth hinge tab second arc surface extending from the fourth hinge tab first shoulder to a fourth hinge tab tapered second shoulder, the fourth hinge tab second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted fourth compact disc storage plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexing an adjacent second hinge step wall from a relaxed second hinge step wall position to an outwardly flexed second hinge step wall position, the fourth hinge tab tapered second shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent second hinge step wall and below the floor upon the inserted fourth compact disc storage plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent second hinge step wall returning from the outwardly flexed second hinge step wall position to the relaxed second hinge step wall position and semi-rigidly preventing disengagement of the fourth compact disc support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor in the absence of force applied to the fourth compact disc support plate.

17. The method of claim 8, wherein the compact disc storage plate includes a clearance slot therethrough positioned and dimensioned to allow clearance of an adjacent compact disc storage plate rosette when an inserted compact disc storage plate is layered upon an adjacent inserted compact disc storage plate or is layered upon the floor.

18. A compact disc package for portable storage, comprising:

a walled enclosure, the walled enclosure having a floor and a wall enclosing an extremity of the floor; and

a compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a compact disc, the compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure.

19. The compact disc package of claim 18, further comprising:

the compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure by a hinge joining an edge of the compact disc storage plate with an interior surface within the walled enclosure.

20. The compact disc package of claim 18, further comprising:

the floor being adaptable for holding a first compact disc and having hinge slots through the floor adjacent the wall; and

the compact disc storage plate being adaptable for holding a second compact disc and having hinge tabs at a plate end, the compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted to the floor at the hinge slots by the hinge tabs engaging the hinge slots.

21. The compact disc package of claim 20, further comprising:

a second compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a third compact disc and having second plate hinge tabs at a second plate end; and

second hinge slots through the floor, the second hinge slots being located adjacent the wall;

the second compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted to the floor at the second hinge slots by engaging the second hinge tabs into the second hinge slots, the second compact disc storage plate being layerable over the first compact disc plate.

22. The compact disc package of claim 20, wherein:

23. The compact disc package of claim 22, wherein the hinge tabs each further include a second arc surface extending from the first shoulder to a tapered second shoulder, the second arc surface, upon a moving of an inserted compact disc support plate to a position generally perpendicular to the floor, flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the tapered second shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall and below the floor upon the inserted compact disc support plate reaching the position generally perpendicular to the floor and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and semi-rigidly preventing disengagement of the compact disc support plate from the position generally perpendicular to the floor in the absence of force applied to the compact disc support plate.

24. The compact disc package of claim 18, wherein the compact disc storage plate includes a clearance slot therethrough positioned and dimensioned to allow clearance of an adjacent compact disc storage plate rosette when an inserted compact disc storage plate is layered upon an adjacent inserted compact disc storage plate or is layered upon the floor.

25. A compact disc package for portable storage, comprising:

a walled enclosure, the walled enclosure having a floor and a wall enclosing an extremity of the floor;

a plurality of compact disc storage plates, each compact disc storage plate being adaptable for holding a compact disc; each compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure.

26. The compact disc package of claim 25, wherein each compact storage plate is pivotally moveable to a position within the walled enclosure such that a second compact disc storage plate is layered upon a first compact disc storage plate, a third compact disc storage plate is layered upon the second compact disc storage, a fourth compact disc storage plate is layered upon the third compact disc storage plate, and so forth.

27. The compact disc package of claim 25, further comprising:

each compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted within the walled enclosure by a hinge joint joining an edge of the compact disc storage plate with an interior surface within the walled enclosure.

28. The compact disc package of claim 25, further comprising:

a first compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a second compact disc and having first plate hinge tabs at a first plate end; and

a second compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a third compact disc and having second plate hinge tabs at a second plate end;

the first compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted to the first hinge step by engaging the first plate hinge tabs into the first hinge slots; and

the second compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted to the floor by engaging the second plate hinge tabs into the second hinge slots.

29. The compact disc package of claim 28, further comprising:

a third compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a fourth compact disc and having third plate hinge tabs at a third plate end;

a fourth compact disc storage plate adaptable for holding a fifth compact disc and having fourth plate hinge tabs at a fourth plate end;

a second hinge step, the second hinge step having third hinge slots through the second hinge step, the third hinge slots being located adjacent the wall; and

fourth hinge slots on the floor adjacent the second hinge step;

the third compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted to the second hinge step by engaging the third plate hinge tabs into the third hinge slots; and

the fourth compact disc storage plate being pivotally mounted to the floor by engaging the fourth plate hinge tabs into the fourth hinge slots.

30. The compact disc package of claim 28, wherein:

the first hinge slots each provide an access to a surface below the adjacent wall below the hinge step;

the first hinge tabs each include a first hinge tab insert tip for guiding a first hinge tab into a first hinge slot, the first hinge tab insert tip having a first hinge tab arc surface extending to a first hinge tab first shoulder, the first hinge tab arc surface upon the first hinge tab insertion flexing the adjacent wall from a relaxed wall position to an outwardly flexed wall position, the first hinge tab first shoulder engaging the surface below the adjacent wall below the first hinge step upon insertion of the first hinge tab first shoulder through the first hinge slot and the adjacent wall returning from the outwardly flexed wall position to the relaxed wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached first compact disc support plate from the first hinge step; and

the second hinge tabs each include a second hinge tab insert tip for guiding the second hinge tab into a second hinge slot, the second hinge tab insert tip having a second hinge tab arc surface extending to a second hinge tab first shoulder, the second hinge tab arc surface upon the second hinge tab insertion flexing an adjacent first hinge step wall from a relaxed first hinge step wall position to an outwardly flexed second hinged step wall position, the second hinge tab first shoulder engaging the surface below the second hinged step wall below the floor upon insertion of the second hinge tab first shoulder through the second hinge slot and the adjacent first hinge step wall returning from the outwardly flexed first hinge step wall position to the relaxed first hinge step wall position and preventing disengagement of the pivotally attached second compact disc storage plate from the floor.

31. The compact disc package of claim 30,

32. The compact disc package of claim 29, wherein:

33. The compact disc package of claim 32,

34. The compact disc package of claim 25, wherein the compact disc storage plate includes a clearance slot therethrough positioned and dimensioned to allow clearance of an adjacent compact disc storage plate rosette when an inserted compact disc storage plate is layered upon an adjacent inserted compact disc storage plate or is layered upon the floor.

35. The method of claim 2,

wherein the interior surface is a floor recess adaptable for holding the first compact disc; and

wherein the compact disc storage plate has a plate recess adaptable for holding the second compact disc.

36. The method of claim 4,

wherein the second compact disc storage plate has a second plate recess adaptable for holding the third compact disc.

37. The method of claim 8,

wherein the floor includes a floor recess adaptable for holding the first compact disc; and

wherein each compact disc storage plate has a plate recess adaptable for holding a compact disc.

38. The method of claim 4,

39. The compact disc package of claim 20,

40. The compact disc package of claim 21,

41. The compact disc package of claim 25,

42. The compact disc package of claim 4,

43. The method of claims 1 or 8, wherein the walled enclosure includes an attached cover.

44. The compact disc package of claim 18 or 25, wherein the walled enclosure includes an attached cover.