Special receptacle or package – For holding a machine readable recording medium – For holding an optical disc
Patent
1997-10-10
1999-05-25
Sewell, Paul T.
Special receptacle or package
For holding a machine readable recording medium
For holding an optical disc
206 15, 206309, B65D 8557
Patent
active
059062746
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present Invention relates to a compact disc case which conventionally comprises a clear plastic case (polycarbonate plastic or the like) made with two hinged halves and being closable with a simple latching arrangement.
BACKGROUND ART
It has been found that problems can occur with the conventional compact disc case.
One problem which is commonly experienced is that of the latch for holding the two hinged halves of the case in the closed position becoming inoperative over time. The latch becomes subject to wear or breakage over a period of usage, subsequently leading to accidental and unwanted opening of the case.
A further problem experienced with conventional compact disc cases is that information located along an edge surface forming the spine of the case is sometimes difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. Typically the spine of the case displays information regarding the nature of the compact disc contained within and in certain lighting conditions this information can prove difficult to read.
It is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an improved novel compact disc case which will alleviate some of the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention provides a catch mechanism for a compact disc case or the like, said case comprising two hinged parts adapted to house a compact disc or like article, and including a button on one of the hinged parts adapted to interact with the other hinged part to form a latch, said button being formed integrally with said one hinged part and resiliently mounted to latch in a snap-fit action with the other hinged part, said button adapted such that it can be depressed by a user to unlatch the two hinged parts and thereby open the case.
The present invention also provides a compact disc case or the like, said case comprising two hinged parts adapted to house a compact disc or like article and a catch mechanism adapted to hold said hinged parts in a closed position, to interact with the other hinged part to form a latch, said button being formed integrally with said one hinged part and resiliently mounted to latch in a snap-fit action with the other hinged part, said button adapted such that it can be depressed by a user to unlatch the two hinged parts and thereby open the case.
Preferably the button part is adapted such that it can be depressed by the finger of a user to unlatch the two hinged parts so as to open the case.
Preferably the button part includes a ledge adapted to act upon a surface of the second hinged part to provide the latch.
Preferably the present invention includes a biasing element interacting between the two hinged parts and acting to bias the two hinged parts apart. It is further preferable that the biasing element is formed integrally on one of the said hinged parts. Preferably the biasing element is formed integrally on the same hinged part as the button part.
In a further aspect of the present invention at least one edge surface of the case is curved along a relatively large radius of curvature to avoid light reflection and enable easy reading of information located along or adjacent said curved edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred features of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a compact disc case according to the present invention with the hinged parts of the case in an open position.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view through the compact disc case with the hinged parts closed;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of one corner of the compact disc case illustrating features of the catch mechanism and the compact disc support area; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above the closed case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the compact disc case is depicted in an open position. The case comprises hinged parts 10 and 11 preferably hinged by a plastic hinge 11a. The hinge 11a m
REFERENCES:
patent: 4730731 (1988-03-01), Allison
patent: 4774973 (1988-10-01), Gueret
patent: 5011010 (1991-04-01), Francis et al.
patent: 5033634 (1991-07-01), Batchelor et al.
patent: 5158176 (1992-10-01), Wolf
patent: 5322162 (1994-06-01), Melk
patent: 5413219 (1995-05-01), Yu
patent: 5417323 (1995-05-01), Presnick
patent: 5515967 (1996-05-01), Fitzsimmons et al.
patent: 5526926 (1996-06-01), Deja
patent: 5533615 (1996-07-01), McCamy
patent: 5682910 (1997-11-01), Kizawa et al.
patent: 5690218 (1997-11-01), McCamy et al.
Bui Luan K.
Sewell Paul T.
LandOfFree
Compact disc case does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Compact disc case, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compact disc case will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-397154