Case for holding two compact discs

Details Case for holding two compact discs Case for holding two compact discs

1997-08-08

2001-09-11

Gehman, Bryon P. (Department: 3728)

Special receptacle or package

For holding a machine readable recording medium

For holding an optical disc

C206S310000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06286671

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the art of storage cases for compact discs, and more particularly to a new and improved case for holding a pair of compact discs.
In a basic compact disc storage case, a first or front cover part is pivotally connected along one end or edge to a second or rear cover part for opening and closing the storage case. A tray structure mounted within the case is provided with an annular rosette of flexible fingers which releasably engage the central opening of a compact disc for releasably securing the disc to the tray. An example of a basic storage case for holding a single compact disc is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,498.
Recently, compact disc storage cases have been proposed for carrying two compact discs therein. In a basic two compact disc storage case, the tray is provided with a pair of rosettes of fingers, one on each side of the tray, and the tray is pivotally connected to the case, in particular to walls of one of the cover parts, to provide access to both compact discs held thereon. Examples of storage cases for holding a pair of compact discs are found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,085 and British Patent No. 2,261,210.
At least two important considerations arise in designing the structure of a two compact disc storage case. One is durability, strength and wear life of the pivotal connection of the tray in the case. Each time the case is opened the tray itself may be pivoted back and forth several times as the user selects a compact disc and removes it from the tray or secures it to the tray after use. Also, as the user manipulates the tray and the rosettes of fingers thereon during removal and replacement of the compact disc, such manipulation imposes stress on the pivotal connection. Another important design consideration is that the manner in which the tray is connected to the case be compatible with the assembly methods involved in automated machinery for manufacturing such compact disc storage cases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide a new and improve case for holding a pair of compact discs.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a compact disc storage case having a new and improved structure for providing pivotal movement of the compact disc holding tray within the case.
It is a more particular object of this invention to provide such a tray pivot structure which has improved durability and strength.
It is a more particular object of this invention to provide such a tray pivot structure which is compatible with automated assembly techniques for manufacturing compact disc storage cases.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a compact disc storage case which is convenient and economical to manufacture and easy to use.
The present invention provides a case for holding two compact discs or the like including first and second cover parts pivotally connected together so that they can be pivoted between a closed position facing each other and an open position and characterized by a tray comprising a planar body portion and an anchor portion, the tray body portion including means on each side thereof for releasably securing a compact disc thereto, means for pivotally connecting the tray body and the tray anchor together and means for securing the tray anchor to one of the cover parts. As a result, when the cover parts are pivoted to an open position the tray body can be pivoted about the tray anchor to facilitate installation and removal of compact discs from both sides of the tray body. The separate tray body and anchor portions together with the nature of the pivotal connection therebetween provide a structure which is strong and long-lasting and which is compatible with automated assembly techniques.
The foregoing and additional advantages and characterizing features of the present invention will become clearly apparent upon a reading of the ensuing detailed description together with the included drawing wherein:


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patent: 4793480 (1988-12-01), Gelardi et al.
patent: 5244085 (1993-09-01), Lammerant et al.
patent: 5259498 (1993-11-01), Weisburn et al.
patent: 5284248 (1994-02-01), Dunker
patent: 5477960 (1995-12-01), Chen
patent: 5542531 (1996-08-01), Yeung
patent: 5685425 (1997-11-01), Choi
patent: 5727680 (1998-03-01), Liu

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