WO2010009303A2 - Package for media discs - Google Patents

Abstract

A package for housing an item is provided, including a cover comprising a spine panel with first and second opposing panels extending therefrom such that the opposing panels selectively rotate between open and closed positions, wherein the first opposing panel has a depending edge, and the second opposing panel has an area to receive a tray. A tray is provided that fits onto or into the second opposing panel, and is held therein by at least one mechanical connection. The tray comprises at least one rectangular or triangular ledge lock for retaining an edge of an item such as a disc.

Description

PACKAGE FOR MEDIA DISCS

Inventors: Bradford J. Walling, William R. Rigby, John A. Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119(e) of provisional application serial number 61/082,081 filed on July 18, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a closable storage package for a recording medium and, more particularly, to a package comprising a paper board tray and cover assembly for storing one or more discs.

2. Description of the Prior Art

[0003] Various types of planar discs are in use at the present time to record and store information which is to be retrieved by various means, such as by optical or magnetic means. Typical of such discs are compact discs in which information is digitally recorded by use of a laser beam and then read optically by a laser beam. Such discs are used to record audio information, such as musical renditions, video information such as visual images and digital information for use as read only and other memories for use in various applications, such as computer applications. In most instances, at the present time, such discs are sold with information already recorded thereon. In other applications, such discs are sold in blank form and are used by the customer to record information thereon. In the latter case, for example, optical discs are sold for use as computer storage media and are used in hard disc storage systems. As used herein, the terms media disc, compact disc, CD or disc are intended to encompass all such discs, whatever their size, for all known or proposed uses. [0004] Compact discs containing laser recorded information are typically packaged in injection molded plastic enclosures designed to hold one or more CDs for protecting the discs during storage and shipment. Enclosures commonly used at the present time, such as the well known "jewel box," comprise a three piece assembly consisting of a base or bottom element, an insert or tray in the base/bottom element for positioning and supporting the disc in the base/bottom element, e.g., by a center projection (commonly referred to as a "rosette") which engages the periphery of the aperture in the center of the disc, and a lid or cover which is hinged to the base/bottom element and is closed thereon after the disc is mounted therein on the tray. Other enclosures utilize only two pieces, omit the tray, and position and support the disc via the center projection directly on the base/bottom element. The enclosure is, typically, at least partially transparent and graphics relating to the disc and containing trademark and sales promotional information are usually inserted in such a manner as to be visible through the enclosure.

[0005] Except for the printed matter inserted therein, the "jewel box" is entirely plastic. For this reason, as well as because the typical jewel box requires three separately injection molded elements which must be manually assembled, the use of this type of enclosure is relatively expensive. Moreover, the use of such an enclosure is believed to be ecologically unacceptable by many because the plastic is non-biodegradable and, in view of the huge volume of such enclosures in use today, the disposal of these enclosures poses either a real or potential environmental problem. One solution to both of these problems has been the development of hybrid packages comprising both paperboard and plastic components. These hybrid packages provide a CD package which is suitable and attractive for display, sale and storage of compact discs, yet which is both simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,709,812 to Kosterka, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a compact disc package formed from a pre-scored, preprinted unitary blank and at least one injection molded plastic compact disc holder or tray adhesively adhered to one segment of the blank, the blank being adapted to fold along fold lines to position a blank segment over the top of the disc holder to sandwich it, in book style, between the segment to which it is adhered and the overlying segment. The problem with this type of arrangement is that the book frequently opens and provides little protection for the disc there within. [0007] It should be apparent, therefore, that efforts to date directed at hybrid packaging containing multiple discs suffer from one or more shortcomings which make the resulting CD packaging unsatisfactory. Among these shortcomings are that prior art hybrid packaging is typically either uneconomical to manufacture and may be expensive to transport, store and display in retail stores. Further, the plastic materials are not ecologically friendly. Accordingly, there remains a need for a simple, environmentally friendly, inexpensive to manufacture CD package that adequately protects the disc yet provides easy access thereto. Some CD packages for this purpose are disclosed in International Patent Application PCT/US08/059452, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the subject disclosure to provide a package for holding discs that is easy to manufacture from paper board or similar suitable environmentally friendly and/or recyclable material and adhesive such that promotional graphics and other necessary information like UPC codes can be printed directly on the package blank.

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a package for housing a disc including a cover forming an elongated spine panel with first and second opposing panels extending therefrom such that the opposing panels selectively rotate between open and closed positions, wherein the first opposing panel has a depending edge and a tray attached to the second opposing panel. In some embodiments, the tray is attached without using an adhesive. In an illustrative embodiment, the tray has a planar surface, a rectangular step on an edge of the planar surface and attached to the spine panel, the rectangular step having a ledge lock for receiving an edge of the disc, and a second step on an edge of the planar surface and opposing the rectangular step, the second step having a ledge lock for receiving an edge of the disc. In the closed position, the depending edge urges the locks together and, in turn, the disc is supported above the planar surface and between the locks. In the open position, the rectangular steps can be deflected into a parallelogram to allow removal and insertion of the disc. In certain embodiments, the package further includes two columnar bumpers extending between the steps, surrounding an area for receiving a disc. Variations of the illustrative embodiment, including variations in the shape of the steps of the tray and variations in the shape, size and location of any ledge lock for receiving an edge of the disc, are also within the contemplation of the present invention and are further described below. The tray and cover may be made from separate blanks of material. In certain embodiments items other than discs may be housed within the package.

[0010] It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a method for applications and from other suitable materials now known and later developed. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.

[0012] FIGURE 1 is a view of a blank for forming a cover;

[0013] FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of the blank of FIGURE 1;

[0014] FIGURES 3-7 show perspective views of a cover being formed from the blank of FIGURE 2;

[0015] FIGURE 8 is a view of a blank for forming a tray;

[0016] FIGURE 9 shows a perspective view of the blank of FIGURE 6;

[0017] FIGURES 10-12 show perspective views of a tray being formed from the blank of FIGURE 9;

[0018] FIGURES 13, 14A, and 14B show perspective views of the tray of FIGURE 10 being assembled with the cover of FIGURE 7;

[0019] FIGURE 15 is a view of an alternative blank for forming a cover;

[0020] FIGURE 16 shows a perspective view of the cover formed from the blank of FIGURE 15; [0021] FIGURE 17 is a view of an alternative blank for forming a tray; [0022] FIGURES 18 and 19 show perspective views of steps in forming a tray from the blank of the blank of FIGURE 17; and

[0023] FIGURE 20, 21, 22A, and 22B show perspective views of the tray of FIGURE 19 being assembled with the cover of FIGURE 16.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with CD packages. The advantages, and other features of the package disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements whenever possible.

[0025] All relative descriptions herein such as left, right, up, down, topside, underside and the like are with reference to the Figures, and not meant in a limiting sense. The illustrated embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, elements, and/or aspects of the illustrations can be otherwise combined, interconnected, sequenced, separated, interchanged, positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the disclosed systems or methods. Additionally, the shapes and sizes of components are also exemplary and unless otherwise specified, can be altered without materially affecting or limiting the disclosed technology to holding discs exclusively.

[0026] The package comprises a cover and a tray. FIGURE 1 shows a blank 13 for forming an exemplary cover 10. FIGURE 2 shows the blank in a perspective view. Blank 13 may be formed by, for example, cutting a board substrate with a die. Various board thicknesses and materials are acceptable. The stock board may be paper, plastic and/or the like. The stock board may be single ply although, in some instances, it may be desirable for blank 13 to be two or multiple ply. Once blank 13 is formed, it is folded and glued to form the cover 10 described below.

[0027] Certain parts of blank 13 will now be described. The major panels include cover front inner panel 28, cover inner edge panel 29, cover outer edge panel 30, cover front outer panel 31, spine panel 32, cover back panel 34, and lateral wall panels 35B, 35D, and 35F. When folded these major panels of blank 13 form a cover 10 as shown in FIGURE 3.

[0028] To assemble blank 13 into cover 10, a series of folding and gluing steps may be used. For example, as shown in FIGURE 3, cover front inner panel 28 and cover inner edge panel 29 may be folded over upon cover outer edge panel 30 and cover front outer panel 31 respectively. The surfaces of these panels that are in contact may be glued together. At least a portion of toggle flap 28B may be glued to the inside of spine 32. However, toggle flap 28A may be left unglued.

[0029] As shown in FIGURE 4, cover inner edge panel 29 and cover outer edge panel 30 may be folded upward, creating depending edge 29B. As shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, lateral wall panels 35B, 35D, and 35F may be inward toward back panel 34, forming a lateral wall 35 on each side of the base. Lateral wall panel 35F forms a "hypotenuse" brace within lateral wall 35.

[0030] FIGURE 7 illustrates how, when the cover lid as represented by cover front inner panel 28 is rotated about spine 32 and toward cover back panel 34, the toggle flap 28 A may buckle upward slightly away from spine 32. The toggling or buckling action may be used as described later.

[0031] FIGURES 8 and 9 show, in plan view and perspective view respectively, a blank 15 for forming a tray 12. Certain parts of blank 15 will now be described. The major panels include tray floor 40, tray subfloor 44, spine ledge lock panels 42A, 42B, and 42C, and opposing ledge lock panels 47B, 47C and 47D. When folded these panels of blank 15 form a tray 12 including a base (tray floor 40 and tray subfloor 44) with ledge locks at opposite ends.

[0032] To assemble blank 15 into tray 12, a series of folding and gluing steps may be used. For example, as seen in FIGURE 10, ledge panel 47B may be folded upward at a right and relative to ledge base panel 47A. Ledge panel 47C may then be folded downward toward tray subfloor 44. Ledge panel 47D may be folded upward relative to ledge panel 47C so that ledge panel 47D is substantially parallel with and adjacent to ledge panel 47A. Finally tab structures 49C and 49D located on ledge panel 47D may be inserted into aperture 44A on tray subfloor 44, forming a substantially triangular channel or ledge 47. [0033] As shown in FIGURE 11, spine ledge lock panels 42A, 42B, and tray floor 40 may be folded inward upon tray sub floor panel 44. Spine ledge lock panel 42C may not yet be folded, and while tray floor 40 may at this point be glued to tray subfloor panel 44, no glue is applied internally to the spine ledge lock panels, so that later they may be folded to form a tubular, rectangular ledge lock 42. For now, this end of the tray may remain flat.

[0034] The assembled tray 12 may then be placed or slid into the assembled cover 10 as shown in FIGURES 12, 13, 14A and 14B. As seen in FIGURE 12, catch tabs 46A are folded upward so they will clear the lateral walls 35. Then, as seen in FIGURE 13, tray 12 is lowered into cover 10 between lateral walls 35, and then slid toward the spine 32. As seen in FIGURE 14 A, catch tabs 46 A are caught in apertures 36A upon the inwards surfaces of lateral walls 35. Also, the triangular ends Al of the triangular ledge lock 47 fit snugly into triangular openings A2 on the lateral walls 35 holding the tray in place within the cover.

[0035] Once the tray has been slid completely into the cover, spine ledge lock panel 42A may be glued to toggle flap 28A (or to spine 32 if toggle flap 28A is not used). After this point, when cover 10 is closed, the previously flattened parts of rectangular ledge lock 42 fold into a tubular cross section. Although the gluing step may preferably occur while these part of the ledge lock are still in a flattened state (as in FIGURE 13), for clarity FIGURE 14A shows the rectangular ledge lock 42 already formed, and separate from toggle flap 28A. However, gluing of spine ledge lock panel 42A to toggle flap 28A may preferably occur while the end of the tray is still flat. Folding the spine ledge lock panels 42A, 42B, and 42C forms (along with a short portion of the subfloor 44) a rectangular ledge lock (having a rectangular tubular shape) at the opposite end from the triangular ledge lock 47. The tray 12 thus includes a triangular ledge lock 47 formed along an edge that will be adjacent an open edge of the cover, and a rectangular ledge lock 42 formed along an opposite edge that will be adjacent the spine 32. It should be noted that while ledge lock 42 has a rectangular cross section in this exemplary embodiment, another cross section, including a square cross section, may be used as well. The finished package will appear as seen in FIGURE 14B.

[0036] An item such as a disc 80 may then be placed into the tray, and positioned between ledge lock 41 A and ledge lock 49B. These ledge locks hold the item below and in a longitudinal direction, and lateral walls 35 that hold it in a sideways direction.

[0037] Geometric shapes and openings other than triangular may be used. For example in other embodiments, the triangular end Al and triangular opening A2 might be substituted by a rectangular end and rectangular opening. Also in other embodiments, the opening might be provided on the tray, and the part that fits into the opening might be provided on the cover.

[0038] When the cover is closed partway or further, toggle flap 28A buckles slightly outward and pushes against the outer surface of panel 42 A (to which it may be glued) of ledge lock 42, and urges the ledge lock inward, helping to hold disc 80. If toggle flap 28A is not used, the spine 32 may instead bear upon panel 42A to urge the ledge lock closed. When the cover is closed completely, depending edge 29B pushes against the outer surface of triangular ledge lock 47 and helps to urge that ledge lock inward, helping to hold disc 80. A notch, slot, or slit 29A on the inner surface of depending edge 29B may engage a protrusion 49A on the outer surface of triangular ledge lock 47, helping to hold the cover closed.

[0039] In order that the assembled package fit together neatly, the various panels may be suitably sized and shaped. For example, in order to accommodate lateral walls 35, ledge lock 42 (as readily seen in FIGURE 14A) may be narrow enough to fit snugly between the lateral walls 35.

[0040] The size and shape of the ledge lock, particularly the opening that receives disc 80, may be varied. The opening may be formed having an arc shape, and may be provided with one or more retaining cusps.

[0041] To remove a disc 80 from the tray 12, the cover 10 is opened. This causes an increase in the distance between the ledge lock 42 and opposing ledge lock 47, due at least in part to rectangular shape of ledge lock 42 being freed from the force of toggle flap 28 A and relaxing into a parallelogram. Also, opening the cover causes depending edge 29B to move away from ledge lock 47, allowing it to relax slightly. Thus the ledge locks 42, 47 may move slightly apart. With the increased separation, the disc 80 can be easily moved out of the ledge locks. [0042] To insert the disc 80, the package is similarly opened so that the ledge lock 42 becomes a parallelogram. The disc 80 is placed into the ledge locks which retain the disk and hold it above tray floor 40 so that scratching, scuffing and degradation are prevented during transportation and use.

[0043] Depending edge 29B may help maintain the package (that is the cover and the tray) in the closed position. The depending edge 29B may be angled inward and may have a notch, slot, or slit 29 A formed along its upper edge of the inside surface thereof that is adapted and configured for receiving a protrusion 49 A formed on ledge lock 47. A compressive force from ledge lock 47, or from depending edge 29B, may therefore be generated by closing the package, resulting in improved retention of the disc 80. Moreover, an audible click may be heard when the package is closed and the protrusion 49A is received within notch, slot, or slit 29A. The depending edge 29B may have other features that interact with complimentary features of the ledge lock 47. Such features could include detents, slots, protrusions, hollows, lips, ridges and the like.

[0044] Lateral walls 35 as shown, may have dimensions designed to provide a suitable interior volume for holding an item such as disc 80. The lateral walls 35 form channels. This may provide structural strength.

[0045] In order for the assembled package to form a substantially rectangular shape, it may be advantageous that certain parts of the package likewise form rectangular shapes. For example, lateral walls 35 may preferably have a rectangular cross section. Likewise, ledge lock 42 may also have a rectangular cross section. "Rectangular cross section" is understood to include a square cross section as well.

[0046] Since the parts are made from folded sheet material there may be a tendency for certain parts to flare slightly. In order to hold the desired shape, adhesive may be used to attach the parts together. Alternately, the blanks may be designed with features that cooperate to hold certain parts together.

[0047] Blanks 13 and 15 may typically be produced with printing on at least one side. Portions of the blanks are overlapped, and portions may be adhered together, for example by glue. Certain portions therefore may not be printed. If blank 13 and blank 15 are printed on only one side, the folding operations result in a cover and tray with most exposed surfaces printed.

[0048] Blanks 13 and 15 are particularly suitable for forming a package sized as is common for a "DVD package," that is, a package with a major face having one dimensional substantially larger than the other, or a somewhat elongated rectangle as opposed to a generally square shape. It will be understood that other blanks may be produced according to same principles, but with appropriate dimensions to form packages of other sizes and shapes.

[0049] FIGURE 15 shows a blank 13A for forming another cover 1OA. In many respects its elements are similar to blank 13, and need not be described again. Certain differences include foldover panel 37A, sliding catch tab 37B, and slit channel 36B, whose purposes will be described below. Once blank 13A is formed, it is folded and glued to form the cover 1OA.

[0050] FIGURE 16 shows a completed cover 1OA. The foldover panel 37A may be glued to cover back panel 34. However, sliding catch tab 37B is left at least partly unglued so that it may flex slightly upward and away from cover back panel 34.

[0051] FIGURE 17 shows in plan view a blank 15A for forming a tray 12 A. Many parts of blank 15A are similar to blank 15, and need not be described again. Certain differences include slide retaining tabs 46B, sliding catch aperture 49E, and retaining tab 49F.

[0052] To assemble blank 15A into tray 12 A, a series of folding and gluing steps may be used. For example, as seen in FIGURE 18, ledge panel 47B may be folded upward at a right and relative to ledge base panel 47A. Ledge panel 47C may then be folded downward toward tray sub floor 44. Ledge panel 47D may be folded upward relative to ledge panel 47C so that ledge panel 47D is substantially parallel with and adjacent to ledge panel 47A. Finally ledge panel 47D may be placed under retaining tab 49F on tray subfloor 44, forming a substantially triangular channel or ledge 47.

[0053] As shown in FIGURE 19, spine ledge lock panels 42A, 42B, and tray floor 40 may be folded inward upon tray subfloor panel 44. Spine ledge lock panel 42C may not yet be folded, and while tray floor 40 may at this point be glued to tray subfloor panel 44, no glue is applied internally to the spine ledge lock panels, so that later they may be folded to form a tubular, rectangular ledge lock 42 [0054] The assembled tray 12A may then be placed into the assembled cover 1OA as shown in FIGURES 20, 21, 22A and 22B. First as shown in FIGURE 20, the slide retaining tabs 46B may be placed proximate to spine 32, "behind" the lateral walls 35, and then slid into the slit channels 36B, best seen in FIGURE 21. The tray may be flexed slightly for this step. Tray 12A may then be slid "forward" until, as shown in FIGURE 22A, the triangular ledge lock 47 clears the front part of the cover. Finally, as shown in FIGURE 22B, the tray may then be slid back toward spine 32, so that triangular ends Al of the triangular ledge lock 47 fit snugly into triangular openings A2 on the lateral walls 35 holding the tray in place within the cover. As the tray is slid back into the cover, sliding catch aperture 49E rides across sliding catch tab 37B (these parts are best seen in "hidden" lines in FIGURE 21) until the tray is properly positioned within the cover, at which point sliding catch tab 37B engages the edge of sliding catch aperture 49E, preventing the tray from coming back out.

[0055] In FIGURE 22A, the rectangular ledge lock is shown already folded into a tubular shape, so that ledge lock panel 42A is approximately vertical. This shows the approximate final shape of ledge lock 42. However, while tray 12A is being slid into cover 1OA, the ledge lock 42 may yet be in a flattened state. Once the tray has been slid completely into the cover, then spine ledge lock panel 42A may be glued to toggle flap 28A (or to spine 32 if toggle flap 28A is not used). After this point, when cover 1OA is closed, the previously flattened parts of rectangular ledge lock 42 fold into a tubular cross section. Although the gluing of spine ledge lock panel 42A to toggle flap 28A may preferably occur while the parts of the ledge lock are still in a flattened state (as in FIGURE 21), FIGURE 22A shows the rectangular ledge lock 42 already formed, but separated from toggle flap 28A. However, gluing of ledge lock panel 42A to toggle flap 28A may occur while the ledge lock end of the tray is still flat. Folding the spine ledge lock panels 42 A, 42B, and 42C forms (along with a short portion of the subfloor 44) a rectangular ledge lock 42 at the opposite end from the triangular ledge lock 47. The tray thus includes a triangular ledge lock 47 formed along an edge that will be adjacent an open edge of the cover, and a rectangular ledge lock 42 formed along an opposite edge that will be adjacent the spine 32. FIGURE 22B shows the finished package, holding a disc 80. It should be noted that while ledge lock 42 has a rectangular cross section in this exemplary embodiment, another cross section, including a square cross section, may be used as well. [0056] Various other blank configurations may be designed to form packages having features according to the above disclosure. Here, for exemplary purposes only, the ledge locks 42 and 47 are shown as rectangular and triangular shapes respectively in an exemplary embodiment. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate however, that the subject disclosure is not limited to the ledge locks having such configurations. Indeed, it is envisioned and well within the scope of the subject disclosure that the ledge locks could take form in any geometric shape or other decorative shape.

[0057] The package disclosed herein may contain one or more media discs. The package may contain items other than media discs. In some embodiments, items such as syringes, blister packages (for example, containing pharmaceutical doses), electronic equipment, food, candy, or other items may be contained within the package. In some embodiments the package may be made from paperboard having a thickness of about 0.018", other types and thicknesses of materials may be utilized as are known in the packaging arts.

[0058] The package can be formed using a variety of materials or substrates. For example, PRINTKOTE EAGLE®, which is composed of at least 10% post consumer recycled material, can be used. Moreover, a polymeric substrate such as calendered POLYLITH® GC-3 can be used. POLYLITH® substrate is manufactured by Nanya Plastics of Taiwan and is distributed in the U.S. by Granwell Products, Inc. POLYLITH® substrate is primarily formed using polypropylene resin and minerals comprising inert calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide and the resulting substrate is strengthened by calendaring.

[0059] The package can be adapted for storing one or more disc shaped items. This can be accomplished for example, by providing vertically spaced apart slits in each of the ledge locks.

[0060] While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A package comprising:

i) A cover, comprising a front portion and a back portion, hingedly connected through a spine portion, and at least one lateral wall;

ii) a tray comprising at least one ledge lock,

wherein the cover and tray are formed from separate blanks, and

wherein after forming, the tray and cover are fitted together to form the package.

2. The package as recited in Claim 1, wherein the lateral wall has a rectangular cross section.

3. The package as recited in Claim 1, wherein the lateral wall comprises an internal brace.

4. The package as recited in Claim 3, wherein the internal brace is a hypotenuse brace.

5. The package as recited in Claim 1, wherein the ledge lock has a rectangular cross section.

6. The package as recited in Claim 1, wherein the ledge lock has a triangular cross section.

7. The package as recited in Claim 1 , wherein the cover and the tray are fabricated from paper board.

8. The package as recited in Claim 1, wherein the tray and cover are held together by at least one mechanical engagement other than an adhesive connection.

9. The package as recited in Claim 8, wherein the at least one mechanical engagement comprises a portion of the tray forming a first geometric shape, wherein the first geometric shape fits closely into a complimentary-shaped opening on the cover.

10. The package as recited in Claim 8, wherein the at least one mechanical engagement comprises a portion of the cover forming a first geometric shape, wherein the irst geometric shape fits closely into a complimentary-shaped opening on the tray.

11. The package as recited in Claim 9 or 10, wherein the geometric shape is substantially triangular.

12. The package as recited in Claim 9 or 10, wherein the geometric shape is substantially rectangular.

13. The package as recited in Claim 8, wherein the at least one mechanical engagement is selected from the group consisting of a tab, an aperture, a slit, a slot, a notch, or a protrusion.