Patents by Inventor William L. Plumb

William L. Plumb has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7131536
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which container may be attached to storage devices of various shapes and sizes for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc-shaped media in a stable state within the chamber, such that the disc-shaped media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc-shaped media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of either a circular protective element or by means of a complementary cap or lid adapted to engage the first member. The first member is attached to the storage device by means of engagement of the first member with the top of or cover to the package or packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 7004315
    Abstract: A device for packaging at least one disc-shaped item together with other materials comprising a pair of complementary container elements attached by means of an interlocking mechanism such as a hinge, such that said complementary container elements are in a mating top and bottom configuration. The container has an open position in which the complementary container elements are separated, and a closed position in which the complementary container elements engaged each other and cooperate to form a cavity therebetween. The container elements include means for retaining the container in a closed position such that the chamber formed thereby is relatively insulated. A sealing member may also be provided to cover said opening, which sealing member must be removed to provide access to the opening. Alternatively, the sealing member may include a second opening and access is provided by rotating the sealing member so that the two openings are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6840375
    Abstract: A device for packaging at least one disc-shaped item comprising a storage device for the storage of said disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which storage device may be attached to an object having at least one rigid or semi-rigid planar surface hingedly or removably attached to the remainder of the object, such as a book, folder or box. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber while limiting its linear movement. The storage device is attached to the rigid or semi-rigid planar surface through a hole in said surface, which hole corresponds to the shape of the media-retaining portion of the storage device. The storage device may be retained within the hole by means of a skirt running around the perimeter thereof, which skirt is adapted to engage the back of the rigid or semi-rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Avecmedia Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20040217033
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which container may be attached to storage devices of various shapes and sizes for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc-shaped media in a stable state within the chamber, such that the disc-shaped media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc-shaped media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of either a circular protective element or by means of a complementary cap or lid adapted to engage the first member. The first member is attached to the storage device by means of engagement of the first member with the top of or cover to the package or packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6647696
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped media such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with a cup-type beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then engaged to the beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical support structure disposed on the upper surface thereof defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. The cylindrical support structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. The lid also includes an annular shelf around the perimeter thereof, the inside diameter of which is larger than the outside diameter of the disc media, and the peak of which is coplanar with the peak of the inner structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6648134
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member which is attached to a storage device used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, including a structure defining support for the disc media such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. Said structure may include at least one projection thereon, said projection being adapted to retain the disc-shaped media on the structure. An optional shoulder element may also be provided, said shoulder element extending from the inner surface of the first member and being adapted to separate the disc-shaped media from the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6626288
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which packaging device may be attached to any container used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The first member includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, said means comprising a fugitive glue or other temporary adhesive applied to the non-media surface of the disc-media, allowing the disc-media to be removably attached to the interior surface of the chamber. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of shrink-wrapped plastic, a foil seal or a paperboard seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6604629
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member provided with a first chamber and a first opening, and a second member provided with a second chamber and a second opening for the storage of other materials in such second chamber. The first member may include an inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of interaction of such inner structure with the annular opening at the center of the disc media, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6561345
    Abstract: Packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a recording media disc together with other materials in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member having a first chamber and a first opening for providing access thereto and a second member having a second chamber and a second opening for providing access thereto, wherein the first member is adapted to be removably attached to the second member about the second opening to thereby cover this second opening. These complementary compartments are adapted to be attached to each other at the edges thereof by means of an interlocking structure such as a common hinge, such that the first member resembles a clam-shell configuration. The compartments include means for retaining the first member in a closed position. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6557698
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a CD-ROM, together with a beverage container having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media in a water-tight compartment, which lid loaded with the disc-shaped media is then sealingly engaged to a beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical inner structure extending from the inner surface defining central support for the media such that the media is allowed to rotate, while limiting its linear movement. The cylindrical inner structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. A sealing member is sealed to the lid after the disc is inserted so as to seal the disc within a dry, water-tight chamber. The cylindrical lid is attached to the beverage container by means of a compression fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20030062272
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with other materials. The packaging device includes a pair of complementary container elements attached to each other at the edges thereof by means of an interlocking mechanism such as a hinge, such that the shape of said complementary container elements is in a mating top and bottom or “clam-shell” type configuration. The container has an open position in which the complementary container elements are separated, and a closed position in which the complementary container elements are engaged with each other and cooperate to form a cavity therebetween. The container elements include means for retaining the container in a closed position with the first container element being situated immediately adjacent to the second container element such that the chamber formed thereby is relatively insulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020189958
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a CD-ROM or DVD. The packaging device includes a a storage device for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which storage device may be attached to an object other than the disc-shaped media, said object being of the type having at least one rigid or semi-rigid planar surface that is either hingedly attached or removably attached to the remainder of the object, such as a book, folder or box. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. A separate cylindrical structure may be provided over which the central aperture of the disc-shaped media may be attached, which structure may further include at least one projection thereon, said projection being adapted to retain the disc-shaped media on the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020175093
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped media such as a CD-ROM or DVD, together with a cup-type beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then engaged to the beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical support structure disposed on the upper surface thereof defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media. The cylindrical support structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. The lid also includes an annular shelf around the perimeter thereof, the inside diameter of which is larger than the outside diameter of the disc media, and the peak of which is coplanar with the peak of the inner structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Patent number: 6478148
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020139694
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a CD-ROM, together with a beverage container having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media in a water-tight compartment, which lid loaded with the disc-shaped media is then sealingly engaged to a beverage container. The lid includes a cylindrical inner structure extending from the inner surface defining central support for the media such that the media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement. The cylindrical inner structure includes an opening so as to allow the passage therethrough of a straw. A sealing member is sealed to the lid after the disc is inserted so as to seal the disc within a dry, water-tight chamber. The cylindrical lid is attached to the beverage container by means of a compression fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020070131
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member which is attached to a storage device used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The chamber includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, including a structure defining support for the disc media such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. Said structure may include at least one projection thereon, said projection being adapted to retain the disc-shaped media on the structure. An optional shoulder element may also be provided, said shoulder element extending from the inner surface of the first member and being adapted to separate the disc-shaped media from the inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020066681
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which packaging device may be attached to any container used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The first member includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, said means comprising a fugitive glue or other temporary adhesive applied to the non-media surface of the disc-media, allowing the disc-media to be removably attached to the interior surface of the chamber. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of shrink-wrapped plastic, a foil seal or a paperboard seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020046959
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member provided with a first chamber and a first opening, and a second member provided with a second chamber and a second opening for the storage of other materials in such second chamber. The first member may include an inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of interaction of such inner structure with the annular opening at the center of the disc media, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020020638
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a recording media disc together with other materials in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member having a first chamber and a first opening for providing access thereto and a second member having a second chamber and a second opening for providing access thereto, wherein the first member is adapted to be removably attached to the second member about the second opening to thereby cover this second opening. These complementary compartments are adapted to be attached to each other at the edges thereof by means of an interlocking structure such as a common hinge, such that the first member resembles a clam-shell configuration. The compartments include means for retaining the first member in a closed position. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20020005365
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes, William L. Plumb