Special receptacle or package – For holding a machine readable recording medium – For holding an optical disc
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-25
2001-04-17
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For holding a machine readable recording medium
For holding an optical disc
C206S232000, C206S313000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216863
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved storage container for a thin flexible laminar disc having a central aperture, such disc being used to store data electronically on one surface thereof. The disc, generally referred to as a compact disc or CD-ROM, is typically stored in a container referred to in the art as a “jewel box” (or “jewel case”). A currently popular ubiquitously marketed jewel box is hand-held to open it, and to remove a disc stored therein by lifting it in a direction normal (typically vertically) from its horizontal position within a storage insert or “tray” securely held in the lower wall or “floor” of the box. The box is opened by rotating the upper wall or “cover” of the box from its horizontal position. The cover is pivotable on a pair of opposed pivot pins which are journalled in a sidewall of the box, specifically the left sidewall, as the cover is designed to be opened with one's left hand. The box is closed by returning the cover to its horizontal position. The cover is provided with two pairs of oppositely disposed projecting ears spaced apart from its inside surface sufficiently to allow a booklet of lyrics or “libretto” to be slidably inserted along the inside surface of the cover, so that it is held by the ears. Currently marketed jewel boxes are made of a substantially transparent synthetic resinous material (“plastic”), typically polystyrene, so that the printed matter on the booklet may be read.
The problem is that the construction of a conventional jewel box is such that with the libretto held in the cover, a person cannot know whether the disc is in its tray, so that, to find out, it is necessary to open the box to check. Removing the disc from its tray subjects the disc to an unpredictable amount of flexural force, depending upon the size and strength of the hand removing it, and whether it is being removed in a hurry. Re-inserting the disc requires centering it in the tray; a substantial misalignment results in the lower recorded surface of the disc being abraded against the tray. The close tolerance required between the surface of a libretto and the spacing of the plastic ears from the inside surface of the cover, not only subjects the ears to breakage but also makes it difficult to re-insert the libretto, particularly if the libretto is handled many times and becomes somewhat dog-eared. Further, repeatedly opening and closing the cover results in the plastic pivot pins being broken off. The foregoing disadvantages of a jewel box are accepted because of its overwhelming economic advantage—it requires a minimum quantity of plastic and is easy to manufacture so that it is inexpensive.
Recognizing the foregoing problems, several attempts have been made to provide a container in which the disc is inserted and removed from one side, and to avoid using a pivotable cover. Such containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,676,246; 5,799,783; 5,944,180 and others. None suggests using a container with a double-walled construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of this invention to provide a container with double-walled construction which eliminates problems encountered with a conventional jewel box; the container comprises a rectangular shell and a cartridge non-removably held within the shell, the cartridge in turn holding a disc; the disc is ejectable from one side with an ejection button; the cartridge is sheathed in the shell so as to have only one open side; the container allows printed material to completely obscure a disc held within the cartridge; yet the container allows one to determine visually whether a disc is stored within the cartridge from the position of the ejection button.
It is a specific object of this invention to provide a container comprising a rectangular paralleled piped shell within which is secured, preferably non-removably, a cartridge of generally similar rectangular shape, the cartridge having one open side, opposed guide rails, each with an inclined ramp over a portion of its length along each opposed sidewall of the cartridge, and an arcuate projection or “rounded detent” disposed between the rails, the detent projecting downward from the cartridge's upper wall or “cartridge roof”; the detent, preferably rounded, is dimensioned so as to be insertable within the central aperture of the disc when the aperture is urged into position by the flexure of the disc in contact with the ramps' upper surfaces; the inclination of the ramps, which are in mirror-image relationship with each other, is adapted to engage the rounded detent in the central aperture of the disc, and such inclination need extend along less than about one-half of the length (along the x-axis) of the cartridge, provided the ramps have a sufficient angle of inclination to force the central portion of the disc against the rounded detent until it is inserted in the central aperture. When an ejection button in one side of the shell is pressed inwards, it pushes against the disc stored in the cartridge and ejects the disc from the open side of the cartridge. The cartridge is secured within the shell with a predetermined spacing between the cartridge's floor and roof and the corresponding floor and roof of the shell, so as to allow printed matter to be inserted in the spaces therebetween.
It is also a specific object of this invention to provide a shaped laminar imprinted insert for the shell of the container.
It is another specific object of this invention to provide a simple and effective means for locking an article within another, wherein each article has resilient, parallel opposed sides.
Specific advantages of the double-walled container are that it provides:
(a) visual indication of the absence of a disc without having to handle the container;
(b) space between the respective roofs and floors of the cartridge and shell tailored to accept the amount of printed material to be included with the container;
(c) display of printed material on the roof, floor and three sides of the shell, which is more than can be conveniently displayed on a conventional jewel box;
(d) each of the foregoing without fragile pivot pins or hinges, using minimal space so as to be economical despite the additional synthetic resinous material required for the cartridge used to provide its double-walled construction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3888350 (1975-06-01), Horvath
patent: 4453631 (1984-06-01), Mark
patent: 5080222 (1992-01-01), McNary
patent: 5522500 (1996-06-01), Mori
patent: 5655656 (1997-08-01), Gottlieb
patent: 5682990 (1997-11-01), Schluger
patent: 5775491 (1998-07-01), Taniyama
patent: 6032795 (2000-03-01), Ehrlund et al.
Manion Sean Patrick
Williamson Randy Hy
Bui Luan K.
Lobo Alfred D.
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