Compact disc display and mailing packages

Details Compact disc display and mailing packages Compact disc display and mailing packages

2000-04-14

2001-08-28

Fidei, David T. (Department: 3728)

Special receptacle or package

For holding a machine readable recording medium

For holding a grooved phonograph disc

C206S308100, C206S312000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06279739

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to display packages, and, more particularly, to display packages that are readily movable between a closed position, for protecting a media item such as a compact disc during shipment and handling in an open display position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The ability to ship and display a product in a package so as to entice consumers to purchase the product is an ongoing challenge. This is especially true with regard to items such as compact discs (“CD's”), computer diskettes, plastic cards, and, sample products, collectively referred to as media items. In each case, the provider of the compact disc is interested in providing a package that is capable of protecting the compact disc from damage during shipment and handling and providing a package which is attractive.
Media items, such as compact discs, are frequently packaged in carriers, such as a paperboard box, which often have dimensions exceeding 8×2½×9 inches. These carriers are used even though a video game or other computer program typically includes either a CD ROM disc having a diameter of less than 5″ or a 3½″ computer diskette. The problem is made worse because in order to retain the CD ROM and the related instructional booklet in place, additional material, often paperboard or corrugated, is placed inside the carrier.
Various products have been developed for the purpose of shipping and displaying compact discs. One example of such a product is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,157 and is directed to a disc package comprised of cardboard that is folded in a tri-fold manner. Another display package for compact discs, that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,714, discloses a package having a protruding tongue enabling easy removal of a compact disc from the package. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,490 provides a compact disc package in which a compact disc is placed in a pocket. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,067 to Gambardella, et al. discloses a display package in which the media item can be both shipped and displayed in a variety of positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a package that is useful to protect a media item such as a compact disc positioned on a hub contained therein during shipment and handling.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a package for a media item which may be used to attractively display the media item.
Yet another object of the present invention is provide a display package for a compact disc in which the compact disc pops-up when the package is opened.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are obtained by providing a display package for media items comprising a paperboard blank that includes a plurality of panels and has a generally rectangular configuration. A first panel is connected along a common fold line to a second panel, which is in turn hingedly connected, along a fold line to a third panel. The third panel is positioned to one side of second panel. The third panel and a fourth panel are connected to each other along a common fold line. An elongate slot is formed in an area between the first panel and the fourth panel to permit proper folding. Attached to and extending from the first and fourth panels is a pair of pop-up panels abutting each other along a common fold line integral wiffi the first and fourth panels. The pop-up panels extend from the outer edge of the first and fourth panels to a point at the terminus of the elongate slot. A semicircular cut is made in one of the pop-up panels providing a platform for gluing a CD hub thereto. The package is formed by first folding the first panel over a second panel. The first and second panels may be glued to each other using glue or other adhesive. A CD hub is affixed to the fourth panel through a hole in the center thereof and the panel is folded over the third panel and the panels glued to each other. A compact disc or other media item is then placed on the hub. The resulting package then opens and closes along fold lines in a book-like manner. In a second embodiment the pop-up display package of the first embodiment includes a tear strip for sealing the package for mailing.
In a third embodiment a blank having a plurality of panels in a generally rectangular configuration. A first panel is formed and connected along a common fold line to a second panel which is in turn formed with and connected along a fold line to a third panel. A semicircular shaped portion is cut from the second panel. A fourth panel is connected to the third panel along a fold line and is positioned on the side of the third panel opposite from second panel. A fifth panel is provided which is hingedly attached to fourth panel along a fold line. An arch shaped opening is cut into the fourth panel to provide a platform for a CD hub. To assemble the display package the panels are folded along the fold lines to form the display package having a CD placed on the hub. To close the package the third panel is moved slightly forward and in doing so moves downward against the open portion of the fifth panel to form the closed package. A portion of the CD may be observed through the opening. A fourth embodiment is provided which is similar to the third embodiment excepted that a pair of the box like end portion of the third embodiment are present.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5641063 (1997-06-01), Gambardella et al.
patent: 5697496 (1997-12-01), Bauer
patent: 5775490 (1998-07-01), Baker et al.
patent: 5887714 (1999-03-01), Yeo
patent: 5901844 (1999-05-01), Gambardella et al.
patent: 5906275 (1999-05-01), Jokic
patent: 5971157 (1999-10-01), Howell et al.

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