WO2010055353A1

WO2010055353A1 - Storage case

Info

Publication number: WO2010055353A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/051543
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Hrynacz
Original assignee: Professional Packaging Services Limited
Priority date: 2008-11-15
Filing date: 2009-11-16
Publication date: 2010-05-20
Also published as: GB0820943D0

Abstract

A storage case (4) comprising a base layer (12), a storing portion (10) for receiving an article to be stored, and a sliding portion (8) configured for sliding movement from a securing position for securing an article to be stored in the storing portion (10) to a release position to release an article from the storing portion (10).

Description

Storage Case

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to storage cases and blanks therefor. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to storage cases for optical discs and to blanks therefor.

Background of the Invention

Storage cases are useful as a means to secure items, protect them from damage and keep items organised. As such, many different types of storage cases exist. Examples of storage cases include those used to hold optical discs such as CDs and DVDs. These cases tend to be formed from plastic, are flat and are generally of a standard size so that they can be stacked.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide improved storage cases and blanks therefor.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage case comprising a base layer, a storing portion for receiving an article to be stored, and a sliding portion configured for sliding movement from a securing position for securing an article to be stored in the storing portion to a release position to release an article from the storing portion.

Suitably, the storage case further comprises a stopper to limit the range of movement of the sliding portion.

Suitably, the stopper comprises stop lugs connected to the sliding portion. Suitably, the stop lugs form part of the sliding portion.

Suitably, the storage case is configured to store a disc. Suitably, the storage case is configured to store a disc selected from one of a Compact Disc and a DVD.

Suitably, the case is formed from a sheet material. Suitably, the sheet material is rigid. Suitably, the sheet material is non-plastic. Suitably, the sheet material is card or carton board. Suitably, the sliding portion is separable. Suitably, the sliding portion is configured such that, in use, the sliding portion can be detached from the sheet material. Suitably, the sliding portion secures the stored item.

Suitably, the base layer is situated adjacent in face-to-face relationship with the storing portion.

Suitably, the cover layer comprises a cover layer cut-out portion. Suitably, the cut-out portion is in a central location. Suitably, the cut-out portion is circular. Suitably, the cut-out portion is configured to allow a CD or DVD to pass there-through.

Suitably, the storing portion comprises a storing portion cut-out portion. Suitably, the cut-out portion is circular. Suitably, the cut-out portion is configured whereby a CD or DVD is held against the base layer within the cut-out portion.

Suitably, the layers and the storing portion are connected. Suitably, the layers and the storing portion are connected by hinges formed in the material of the case. Suitably, the access layer is connected to the storing portion and the storing portion is connected to the base layer. Suitably, the storage case comprises a cover layer, which cover layer is connected to the access layer.

Suitably, the layers and the storing portion are concertina folded. Suitably, the layers and the storing portion are adhered to one another at their contact surfaces. Suitably, the sliding portion is not adhered to any other layer or portion.

Suitably, the sliding portion is configured such that it is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position exposes the sliding portion between the cover layer cut-out portion and the storing portion cut-out portion such that, in use, a CD or DVD can be stored between the securing portion of the sliding portion and the base layer. Suitably, the second position does not expose the sliding portion between the cover layer cut-out portion and the storing portion cut-out portion, to enable a CD or DVD to be placed into or removed from the storage case.

Suitably, the sliding portion forms a frangible connection with a layer.

Suitably, the sliding portion is a first removable portion and the access layer further comprises a second removable portion. Suitably, the second removable portion is configured the same as the first removable portion. Suitably, the first removable portion is located at an upper edge of the access layer. Suitably, the second removable portion is located at a lower edge region of the access layer. Suitably, the first and second removable portions are configured to move in an up and down direction.

Suitably, the sliding portion is formed partly from the access layer and partly from the storing portion. Suitably, the part of the sliding portion formed from the access layer comprises the securing portion.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for a storage case comprising a sheet material; wherein the sheet material comprises segments defining a cover layer, a storing portion and an access layer configurable according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing the storage case according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising the steps: concertina folding the blank for the storage case having layers separated by folds; adhering the layers at least partly to one another at their contact surfaces with the exception of the sliding portion which is not adhered to other layers.

Suitably, the method further comprises removing the sliding portion so that it is free to slide between a first and second position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is plan view of a blank for a storage case;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a storage case made from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the storage case of Figure 2 having a pulled out snap-off portion;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a blank for a storage case according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a storage case made from the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the storage case of Figure 5 having pulled out snap-off portions; Figure 7 is a plan view of a blank for a storage case according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a plan view of a storage case made from the blank of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the storage case of Figure 8 having a pulled out snap-off portion;

Figure 10 is a plan view of a blank for a storage case according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a blank for a storage case according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 12 is a plan view of a blank for a storage case according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to figure 1 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a blank 2 for a storage case 4 having a cover layer 6, an access layer 8, a storing portion 10 and a base layer 12. The blank 2 is a sheet material such as card board or carton board and the different layers are referred to as segments of the sheet material, separated by fold lines 14. The cover layer 6 is adjacent the access layer 8, which in turn is adjacent the storing portion 10, which in turn is adjacent the base layer 12. The cover layer 6 has a circular cover layer cut-out portion 16, the access layer 8 has a partly-circular access layer cut-out portion 18 and the storing portion 10 has a circular storing portion cut-out portion 20. The access layer 8 also has a sliding portion 22 having stop lugs 24, and stop lug channels 26. The sliding portion 22 has a securing portion 28.

The layers 6, 8, 12 and portion 10 are generally planar.

The portion 22 is made removable or snap-off by being connected to the rest of the access layer 8 along a weakened frangible portion 25, for instance using a kiss-cut along this line. The blank 2 can, therefore, be made as a single piece construction.

In order to create a storage case 4 from the blank 2, the segments of the blank are glued and concertina folded about the fold lines 14 so that the cover layer 6 lies on top of the access layer 8, the access layer 8 lies on top of the storing portion 10, and the storing portion 10 lies on top of the base layer 12. These layers are glued together at their contact surfaces, with the exception of the sliding portion 22 of the access layer 8 which is not glued.

The storage case 4 formed from the blank of figure 1 is shown in figures 2 and 3. The storage case access layer 8 having a sliding portion 22 is sandwiched between the cover layer 6 and the storing portion 10, with the base layer 12 at the back. The cover layer cut-out 16 is aligned with both the access layer cut-out 18 and the storing portion cut-out 20. These cut out portions

16, 18, 20 are configured to hold an optical disc such as a CD or DVD. The cover layer cut-out

16 is slightly larger than a standard optical disc to allow the optical disc to pass there-through. The storing portion cut-out 20 is also slightly larger than the optical disc to allow the optical disc to sit in this space.

Thus the cover layer 6 is in a face-to-face relationship with the access layer 8, which is in a face-to-face relationship with the storing portion 10, which is in a face-to-face relationship with the base layer 12.

In order to store an optical disc in the constructed storage case 4, the sliding portion 22 is first snapped off from the access layer 8. The sliding portion 22 is then confined between the cover layer 6 and the storing portion 10. The sliding portion stop lugs 24 are aligned within stop lug channels 26. The sliding portion 22 is then free to move in a linear direction such that the stop lugs 24 move within the stop lug channels 26. The stop lug channels 26 are configured to prevent the release of the sliding portion 22 from the storage case 4. The movement of the sliding portion 22 is therefore restricted and cannot escape the storage case 4.

The sliding portion 22 can therefore slide between a first position and a second position in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the storage case. In the first securing position, the sliding portion 22 is in an innermost position as shown in figure 2 and the securing portion 28 is exposed between the cover layer cut-out 16 and the storing portion cut-out 20. In this first configuration, the sliding portion 22 blocks the entry to or egress from the storage space formed by the cut-out portions 16, 18. Thus, an article in the storing portion 10 is secured in place. In the second release position, the sliding portion 22 is slid linearly to an release position as shown in figure 2 and the securing portion 28 is not exposed, i.e. it is between the cover layer 6 and the storing portion 10. Thus, an article in the storing portion 10 can be released as it is no longer secured by the sliding portion 22.

It is noted that in the first securing position, the second release position and between the two, a portion of the sliding portion 22 is accessible to a user to enable the sliding portion 22 to be manipulated. To store an article such as a disc, first of all the sliding portion 22 is moved to the release position such that the securing portion 28 is not exposed. The disc is then placed into the storage space defined by the cut-out portions 16, 18, 20 and flat against the base layer 12. The sliding portion 22 is then moved to an innermost position and in doing so the securing portion 28 overlaps the disc. In this way, the disc is held between the surfaces of the base layer 12 and the securing portion 28 and the disc is a sliding fit into the cut-out potion of the storing portion 10.

To remove the disc, the sliding portion 22 is moved to the release position so that the securing portion 28 no longer overlaps the disc. The disc can then be removed from the front through the cover layer cut-out 16, for instance by a user inserting a finger in the central hole of the disc.

Forming a storage case 4 from a blank 2 has the advantage that this requires only a single sheet material and therefore creates a simple device that is cheaper and quicker to produce. The sliding portion 22 provides a quick and easy way to store and release an article such as a disc and also provides effective protection for a sensitive data surface.

Referring to figure 4 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a blank 30 for a storage case 32 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in many ways, as already described above in relation to figure

1 , but differing by having two sliding portions rather than one, and having access grooves.

Similar reference numerals will be used for corresponding elements. In this second embodiment, the access layer 8 has two sliding portions 22 at an upper and lower side of the access layer 8. These sliding portions 22 each have stop lugs 24 arranged within stop lug channels 26 to limit the range of movement of the sliding portion 22 as already described.

Access grooves 34 are provided in the upper edge and lower edge of the cover layer 6, storing portion 10 and base layer 12.

The blank 30 is concertina folded as described above in relation to the first embodiment and glued together forming the storage case 32 as shown in figures 5 and 6. The sliding portions 22 are not glued and are free to move such that the stop lugs 24 move within the stop lug channels 26. These stop lug channels 26 are arranged such that the sliding portions 22 can be moved in an up and down direction, between an first securing position as shown in figure 5 and a second release position as shown in figure 6. When the sliding portions 22 are in a first securing position, the securing portions 28 are exposed between the first cover layer cut-out 16 and the storing portion cut-out 20. When the sliding portions 22 are in a second release position, the securing portions 28 are not exposed. The access grooves 34 are aligned such that the sliding portions 22 of the access layer 8 are exposed for gripping of the sliding portions 22 at an upper edge and a lower edge thereof when the sliding portions 22 are in a first securing position.

In order to store an article such as an optical disc in the storage case 32, the sliding portions 22 are moved to an second release position so that the securing portions 28 are not exposed. The disc is placed through and into the cut-out portions 16, 18, 20 until it is flat against the base layer 12. The sliding portions 22 are moved to a first securing position so that the securing portions 28 overlap the disc. The disc is then secured between the securing portions 28 and the base layer 12.

To remove the disc from the storage case 32, the sliding portions 22 are gripped at their outer edges through the access grooves 34 and moved from a first securing position to a second release position. In doing so, the securing portions 28 no longer overlap the disc and the disc is free to be removed through the cover layer cut-out 16.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, further advantages are provided by having multiple sliding portions 22 and multiple securing portions 28 since having multiple securing portions 28 ensures that the disc is held more securely in place.

Referring to figure 7 of the accompanying drawings there is shown a blank 36 for a storage case 38 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Elements of the third embodiment similar to those of the first and second use similar reference numerals. The blank 36 comprises fold lines 14 defining the four segments: cover layer 6; storing portion 10; access layer 8; and base layer 12. The storing portion 10 has storing portion 20 and the access layer 8 has an access layer cut-out 18. A sliding portion 22 spans the storing portion 10 and the access layer 8 such that a fold line 14 is contained within the sliding portion 22. The section of the sliding portion 22 on the storing portion 10 forms the securing portion 28 and the section of sliding portion 22 on the access layer 8 forms a sliding portion base 40. The sliding portion 22 contains access grooves 30 in an upper edge and lower edge thereof. The sliding portion 22 has stop lugs 24 and the access layer 8 includes stop lug channels 26.

In order to create a storage case 38 from the blank 36 of the third embodiment, the segments of the blank 36 are concertina folded about the fold lines 14 so that the cover layer 6 lies on top of the storage portion 10, the storage portion 10 lies on top of the access layer 8, and the access layer 8 lies on top of the base layer 12. These layers are glued together at their contact surfaces, with the exception of the sliding portion 22 which is not glued to the other layers. Instead, the securing portion 28 is folded along the fold line of the sliding portion 22 and the sliding portion surfaces which are in contact with each other are glued together. The storage case 38 formed from the blank 36 of figure 7 is shown in figures 8 and 9. A storage case 38 has a sliding portion 22 sandwiched between a cover layer 6 and a base layer 12. The sliding portion 22 is accessed from the side of the storage case 38 by pulling it out like a drawer. The sliding portion 22 is confined between the cover layer 6 and base layer 12 and is free to slide such that the stop lugs 24 move within the stop lug channels 26 in a manner already described above.

To store an optical disc in the storage case, the sliding portion 22 is first pulled out to a release position as shown in figure 9. The sliding portion 22 has a securing portion 28 glued to a sliding portion base 40. In this way the sliding portion 22 acts like a drawer for the disc. The disc is placed flat against the sliding portion base 40 and the securing portion 28 is arc shaped so as to fit closely to the edge of the disc to prevent side ways slipping of the disc. The sliding portion 22 is moved to a securing position such that the disc and the sliding portion 22 are contained and secured between the cover layer 6 and the base layer 12, as shown in figure 8.

To remove a disc from the storage case 38, the edge of the sliding portion 22 is grasped between the access grooves of the cover layer 6 and base layer 12 and pulled our like a drawer such that the sliding portion 22 is in a release position. The disc can then be removed from the sliding portion base 40. Access grooves in the upper and lower edge of the sliding portion base 40 facilitate the removal of the disc by allowing access to the underside of the disc at the groove points.

The embodiment described in relation to figures 7 - 9 has the further advantages that both the cover layer 6 and base layer 12 do not have large cut-out portions and thus both surfaces of the disc are entirely protected by the solid layers. Also, since the disc can be accessed from the side of the storage case 38 by a slide out drawer, the disc can be accessed when a plurality of such storage cases 38 are stacked without having to remove the case 38 from the stack first.

Referring to Figure 10 there is shown a blank for a storage case according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiments of Figures 10-13 do without a cover layer.

In the embodiment of Figure 10 there is shown a blank 42 for a storage case, the blank 42 comprising an access layer 8, a storing portion 10 and a base layer 12. Sliding portion 22 is formed from sub-portion 22a from the access layer 8 and sub-portion 22b from the storing portion 10. Given the explanation of the embodiments above, the manner of construction of a storage case according to this fourth embodiment will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, with the access layer being folded on to the storing portion 10 and glued in place, and the base layer 12 being folded onto the other side of the storing portion 10 and glued in place. The sliding sub-portions 22a, 22b are glued together.

Referring to Figure 1 1 there is shown a blank for a storage case according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment of Figure 11 there is shown a blank 44 for a storage case, the blank 44 comprising an access layer 8, a storing portion 10 and a base layer 12. Sliding portion 22 is formed from sub-portion 22a from the access layer 8 and sub-portion 22b from the storing portion 10. A finger hole 46 is provided to assist a user in moving the sliding portion 22.

Given the explanation of the embodiments above, the manner of construction of a storage case according to this fifth embodiment will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, with the access layer being folded on to the storing portion 10 and glued in place, and the base layer 12 being folded onto the other side of the storing portion 10 and glued in place. The sliding sub-portions 22a, 22b are glued together.

Referring to Figure 12 there is shown a blank for a storage case according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment of Figure 12 there is shown a blank 48 for a storage case, the blank 48 comprising an access layer 8, a storing portion 10 and a base layer 12. Sliding portion 22 is formed from sub-portion 22a from the storing portion 10 and sub-portion 22b from the base layer 12.

Snap-off portion 50 is connected by weakened lines 52 to access layer 8 and by weakened lines 54 to storing portion 10 so that it can be entirely snapped off from the storage case to act as a tamper evident tab.

Cut out portion 18 in the access layer is smaller than the cut out portion 20 of the storing portion 10 to hold a disc in place in the storing portion except when the storing portion 10 is slid out, drawer style, from the storing case.

Given the explanation of the embodiments above, the manner of construction of a storage case according to this sixth embodiment will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, with the access layer being folded on to the storing portion 10 and glued in place, and the base layer 12 being folded onto the other side of the storing portion 10 and glued in place. The sliding sub-portions 22a, 22b are glued together.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. The sheet material should not be restricted to paperboard and could include other common materials know to those skilled in the art such as plastics materials. Although embodiments have described having only one or two sliding portions, the device should not be limited to this and could include embodiments having more than two sliding portions. The item to be stored is not limited to optical discs since the device would work with any flat object such as a credit card or a passport. Whilst the storage case has been described as manufactured from a single piece blank, the storage case should not be limited to this method of manufacture.

It should be noted that although it is advantageous to manufacture the storage cases described above from a one-piece blank, each segment can be separate if desired.

Accordingly, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a storage case that can be manufactured from a one piece blank, with a break-away portion that can be used to slide the portion to either secure or release an article, typically a data disc.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A storage case comprising a base layer, a storing portion for receiving an article to be stored, and a sliding portion configured for sliding movement from a securing position for securing an article to be stored in the storing portion to a release position to release an article from the storing portion.

2. A storage case according to claim 1 , which further comprises a stopper to limit the range of movement of the sliding portion.

3. A storage case according to claim 2, which further comprises stop lugs connected to the sliding portion.

4. A storage case according to claim 3, in which the stop lugs of claim 3 form part of the sliding portion.

5. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the storage case is configured to store a disc.

6. A storage case according to claim 5, in which the storage case is configured to store a disc selected from one of a Compact Disc and a DVD.

7. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the case is formed from a sheet material.

8. A storage case according to claim 7, in which the sheet material is rigid.

9. A storage case according to claim 7 or claim 8, in which the sheet material is non- plastic.

10. A storage case according to claim 9, in which the sheet material is card or carton board.

11. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the sliding portion is separable.

12. A storage case according to claim 11 , in which the sliding portion is configured such that, in use, the sliding portion can be detached from the sheet material.

13. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the sliding portion secures the stored item.

14. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the base layer is situated adjacent in face-to-face relationship with the storing portion.

15. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the cover layer comprises a cover layer cut-out portion.

16. A storage case according to claim 15, in which the cut-out portion is in a central location.

17. A storage case according to claims 15 or claim 16, in which the cut-out portion is circular.

18. A storage case according to any one of claims 15 to 17, in which the cut-out portion is configured to allow a CD or DVD to pass there-through.

19. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the storing portion comprises a storing portion cut-out portion.

20. A storage case according to claim 19, in which the storing portion cut-out portion is circular.

21. A storage case according to claim 19 or claim 20, in which the storing portion cut-out portion is configured whereby a CD or DVD is held against the base layer within the storing portion cut-out portion.

22. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the layers and the storing portion are connected.

23. A storage case according to claim 22, in which the layers and the storing portion are connected by hinges formed in the material of the case.

24. A storage case according to claim 22 or claim 23, in which the access layer is connected to the storing portion and the storing portion is connected to the base layer.

25. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the storage case comprises a cover layer, which cover layer is connected to the access layer.

26. A storage case according to any one of claims 23 to 25, in which the layers and the storing portion are concertina folded.

27. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the layers and the storing portion are adhered to one another at their contact surfaces.

28. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the sliding portion is not adhered to any other layer or portion.

29. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the sliding portion is configured such that it is moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position exposes the sliding portion between the cover layer cut-out portion and the storing portion cut-out portion such that, in use, a CD or DVD can be stored between the securing portion of the sliding portion and the base layer.

30. A storage case according to claim 29, in which the second position does not expose the sliding portion between the cover layer cut-out portion and the storing portion cut-out portion, to enable a CD or DVD to be placed into or removed from the storage case.

31. A storage case according to claim 1 , in which the sliding portion forms a frangible connection with a layer.

32. A storage case according to any preceding claim, in which the sliding portion is a first removable portion and the access layer further comprises a second removable portion.

33. A storage case according to claim 32, in which the second removable portion is configured the same as the first removable portion.

34. A storage case according to claim 32 or claim 33, in which the first removable portion of is located at an upper edge of the access layer.

35. A storage case according to claim 32 or claim 33, in which the second removable portion is located at a lower edge region of the access layer.

36. A storage case according to claim 32 or claim 33, in which the first and second removable portions are configured to move in an up and down direction.

37. A storage case according to claim 1 , in which the sliding portion is formed partly from the access layer and partly from the storing portion.

38. A storage case according to claim 37, in which the part of the sliding portion formed from the access layer comprises the securing portion.

39. A blank for a storage case comprising a sheet material; wherein the sheet material comprises segments defining a cover layer, a storing portion and an access layer configurable according to any one of claims 1 to 38.

40. A method of manufacturing the storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 38 comprising the steps: concertina folding the blank for the storage case having layers separated by folds; adhering the layers at least partly to one another at their contact surfaces with the exception of the sliding portion which is not adhered to other layers.

41. A method according to claim 40, which further comprises removing the sliding portion so that it is free to slide between a first and second position.