Portable compact disc storage container

Details Portable compact disc storage container Portable compact disc storage container

1999-10-11

2001-01-09

Foster, Jim (Department: 3728)

Special receptacle or package

For holding a machine readable recording medium

For holding an optical disc

C206S311000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06170657

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to containers for holding electronic media storage devices, and more specifically, to containers for holding compact discs that store digitized electronic data.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The size and types of media that store information in formats suitable for use by electronic devices has increased in recent years. For example, the computer industry previously placed primary reliance on magnetic discs and tape for storage and retrieval of information in digital format. Now, compact discs (CD) have become widely used in the computer and entertainment industry for the same purpose. Additionally, other types of media have also been formatted to store audio and visual data and are commonly known as digital video discs (DVDs). DVDs and CDs are typically planar disc-shaped media.
Currently, containers for holding such electronic data storage devices include a fabric shell sized to receive a media disc, such as a CD, therein. Such containers also include a zipper around the perimeter to fasten the container. Although such containers are effective as a disc storage device, they are not without their problems. As an example, because the container is made of a fabric, such containers do not effectively protect the disc stored therein from damage. Further, such fabric containers are easily soiled. Finally, fabric containers with a zipper latch do not provide a tight seal when the container is closed. As a result, the disc stored within the container is subject to damage, such as a scratch, from dust and dirt particles.
Thus, there exists a need for a portable compact disc storage container that provides a safe storage environment for discs and is aesthetically pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a portable storage container for storing substantially planar media is provided. The storage container includes first and second shell halves, each shell half having an exterior, an interior and a perimeter rim portion. A connector extends between a portion of the first and second shell halves to foldably couple the first and second shell halves. The first and second shell halves are selectively foldable between a closed position, wherein the interiors of the first and second shell halves oppose each other, and an open position. The storage container further includes an alignment assembly disposed on the portable storage container to facilitate alignment of the perimeter rim portions of the first and second shell halves in the closed position. The storage container also includes a first envelope sized to be selectively received within at least one of either the first or second shell halves. The first envelope is adapted to store a substantially planar media.
In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the storage container also includes a sealing surface fastened to one of the perimeter rim portions of either the first or second shell halves. The sealing surface is sized to seal and receive the perimeter rim portion of the other of the first or second shell halves.
In accordance with additional aspects of this invention, the alignment assembly includes a first peg extending from the connector and a first slot integrally formed with the perimeter rim portion of one of the first or second shell halves. The first slot is sized to receive the first peg therein when the first and second shell halves are in the closed position to ensure alignment of the first and second shell halves and facilitate closing of the first and second shell halves.
In accordance with still yet other aspects of this invention, the first envelope includes a sleeve fastened to one side of the first envelope by a seam. The sleeve is sized to receive a substantially planar media between the one side of the first envelope and the sleeve. The sleeve includes first and second notches located a predetermined distance from the seam. The first and second notches are located on opposite sides of the sleeves and are adapted to permit repeated deposit and removal of a substantially planar media from the first envelope.
In still yet other aspects of this invention, the storage container further includes first and second pegs disposed within the interior of the first and second shell halves and the pegs are sized to selectively fasten first and second envelopes within the storage container. Further, the storage container includes a first gripping surface fastened to the exterior of at least one of the first or second shell halves.
A portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention has several advantages over storage containers used in the past. First, the sealing surface fastened to one of the perimeter end portions provides an increase seal between the first and second shell halves, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to a disc stored therein due to particles of dust or dirt. Further, the gripping surface permits the storage container to be placed securely on a surface, such as the dashboard of an automobile. Additionally, because the gripping surface and sealing surface are comolded with the storage container, such a storage container is simpler to manufacture. Finally, the gripping surface provides a tactile feel to the end user for gripping the product. As a result, a portable storage container formed in accordance with the present invention is simpler to manufacture, provides a safer storage environment for a disc, and is more reliable than currently available storage containers.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5209593 (1993-05-01), Ros
patent: 5620271 (1997-04-01), Bergh et al.
patent: 5715938 (1998-02-01), Cheris et al.
Computer Accessories -Consumer Electronics, Allsop Product Catalog, Bellingham, WA, Jan. 1998, p. 9.
Product Catalog, Allsop, Inc., Bellingham, WA, 1999, pp. 17 and 27.
Storage -Transportable, 1999 Proprietary Study, Allsop, Inc., Bellingham, WA, 1999, 1 page.

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