Slide and pivot media storage and display container
A media storage container has an internal media holder that slides from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to an outer sleeve. A cover then is pivoted from a closed position to an open position to expose a media nest. The cover may be configured to carry one or more media nests. The holder includes an anchor that remains inside the sleeve when the holder is extended to prevent the holder from pivoting with respect to the sleeve.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/810,250 filed Jun. 2, 2006; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to media storage containers and, more particularly, to media storage containers adapted to store and display a disc-shaped item of recorded media. Specifically, the invention relates to a recyclable media storage container having a holder that slides out of a sleeve and then pivots open to allow the user to access the item of recorded media.
2. Background Information
Various media storage containers are known in the art. Some of the most common storage containers for recorded media are book-like containers having a lid connected to a base with a hinge. These containers typically allow a printed promotional slip sheet to be connected to the lid, hinge, and base where one surface of the sheet is viewable by the user. Those who manufacture and sell recorded media desire innovative packaging that attracts the consumer's attention while also providing space for printed information and the opportunity for consumer interaction with the packaging. These users also desire different container configurations in order to provide something new to catch the consumer's eye in a crowded market. These users also desire to provide a container that is recyclable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention provides a media storage container having an internal media holder that slides from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to an outer sleeve. A cover then is pivoted from a closed position to an open position to expose a media nest.
The invention provides configurations wherein the cover is configured to carry one or more media nests.
In one configuration, the entire container is fabricated from a recyclable material. The material may be a paper-based material.
In one configuration, the holder of the container includes an anchor that remains inside the sleeve when the holder is extended to prevent the holder from pivoting with respect to the sleeve.
These configurations are provided individually and in combination with one another to form additional configurations. Examples of the invention are described below. The invention is defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Similar numbers refer to similar, but not identical, parts throughout the specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first configuration of the media storage container is indicated generally by the numeral 2 in the accompanying drawings. The first configuration of container 2 includes an outer sleeve 4 and an internal media holder 6 that moves between retracted (
Outer sleeve 4 may define a finger access cutout 12 in its rear panel that allows the user to grasp and pull on internal media holder 6.
Container 2 is used to provide a plurality of interactive graphic display areas 8 (five panels counting the sidewalls and end wall of sleeve) and 10 (four panels) which may be used to display information related to the item of recorded media stored within container 2.
A second configuration of the media storage container is indicated generally by the numeral 102 in the accompanying drawings. The second configuration of container 102 includes an outer sleeve 4 and an internal media holder 6 that moves between retracted (
Container 102 is used to provide a plurality of interactive graphic display areas 8 (five panels counting the sidewalls and end wall of sleeve) and 10 (six panels counting both sides of hinge panel) which may be used to display information related to the item of recorded media stored within container 102.
Outer sleeve 4 may define a finger access cutout 12 in its rear panel that allows the user to grasp and pull on internal media holder 6. The user may pull holder 6 to the extended position of
Container 2 may be fabricated entirely from recycled materials. When nests 104 are made from molded plastic, they may be separated from the other components and discarded or recycled separately.
A third configuration of the media storage container is indicated generally by the numeral 202 in the accompanying drawings. The third configuration of container 202 includes an outer sleeve 4 and an internal media holder 6 that moves between retracted (
Container 202 is used to provide a plurality of interactive graphic display areas 8 (five panels counting the sidewalls and end wall of sleeve) and 10 (ten panels counting both sides of both hinge panels) which may be used to display information related to the item of recorded media stored within container 202.
Holder 6 may be moved to the extended position of
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims
1. A media storage container comprising:
- an outer sleeve;
- an internal media holder slidably carried by the outer sleeve between retracted and extended positions;
- the internal media holder having a first media nest and a cover; the media nest adapted to receive an item of recorded media; and
- the cover being pivotable between closed and open positions about a cover pivot axis when the internal media holder is disposed in the extended position; the cover covering the nest when the cover is in the closed position; the nest being accessible when the cover is in the open position.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover defines a second media nest pivotable with respect to the first media nest about at least a first pivot axis; the first pivot axis being disposed parallel to the direction that the internal media holder is slid when the holder moves from the retracted position to the extended position.
3. The container of claim 3, wherein the cover defines a third media nest pivotable with respect to the first and second media nests about at least a second pivot axis; the first and second pivot axes being parallel.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover pivot axis is perpendicular to the direction that the internal media holder is slid when it moves from the retracted position to the extended position.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the container is configured to hold a single media disc.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is configured to hold at least two media discs.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is fabricated from paper-based material.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the internal media holder includes an anchor that remains inside the sleeve when the holder is in the extended position to prevent the holder from pivoting with respect to the sleeve.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the anchor frictionally and slidably engages the sleeve.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a first locking flange and the holder includes a second locking flange; the first and second locking flanges engaging when the holder is in the extended position to prevent the holder from being removed from the sleeve.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein at least one portion of one of the locking flanges is tapered.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the cover has a length that is less than a length of the holder.
13. The container of claim 1, further comprising an item of recorded media disposed in the nest.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the nest includes a hub adapted to hold a disc-shaped item of recorded media.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the hub is integrally formed in the holder.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the hub is embossed in the holder.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the holder includes four layers of material connected together by hinges; two of the layers of material defining aligned openings sized to receive the item of recorded media.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the sleeve and holder provide at least nine graphic display panels when the holder is in the extended position and the cover is open.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 2, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 24, 2008
Inventors: Robert Wynalda (Comstock Park, MI), Robert Rajter (Rockford, MI)
Application Number: 11/809,804
International Classification: B65D 85/57 (20060101);