Abstract: A method of assembling a paperboard package blank, a plastic hub and a substantially plastic recording medium includes the step of forming a sub-assembly of the package blank and the hub by mounting the hub on a first segment of a sheet from the rear thereof until the first segment of the sheet extends intermediate the back and intermediate flanges adjacent the hub central core and mounts the hub on the first segment of the sheet for movement therewith, with the hub central core front in front of the first segment of the sheet. Glue is then applied to the surface of the first segment of the sheet adjacent the hub back flange, and the first segment of the sheet and the hub are folded over an adjacent second segment of the sheet to form a panel and thereby trap the back flange within the panel intermediate the glued together first and second segments of the sheet.

Abstract: An ecologically acceptable package for a recording medium includes a pair of easily separable paperboard and plastic components. The paperboard component defines a hollow box with a front face defining a large central aperture, and a front flap pivotal between a closed orientation wherein the front flap overlies the box front face to block access thereto and an open orientation wherein the front flap exposes the box front face to enable access thereto. The plastic component is thermoformed and defines a tray and optionally a locking mechanism. The tray includes a downwardly extending recess disposed at least partially within the front face central aperture for receipt of a recording medium, and an outwardly extending margin. The tray also includes a plurality of depressions about the recess for releasably securing the plastic component to the box front face without the use of glue.

Abstract: A slide tray package has, in combination, a slide tray for holding a recording medium (such as a compact disc or audio cassette) and a housing therefor. In the slide tray a receiving area is disposed between the ends and sides thereof for receiving the recording medium for horizontal movement therewith. The slide tray leading end is adapted for automated loading of the slide tray into the housing by being both horizontally tapered and vertically beveled to facilitate telescopic insertion of the slide tray leading end through a leading end of the housing and into a trailing end of the housing. The slide tray trailing end defines a vertically protruding lip configured and dimensioned as a stop for engaging a leading end of the housing to limit the telescopic insertion of the slide tray into the housing.