Data medium package and a method for producing a data medium package

Abstract

A method for producing the data medium package (1) which can be used integrally and is composed of a single material, and a data medium package (1) in the form of a box produced using this method—for holding essentially round data media having a central opening, in particular compact disks (CD), video disks (VD) or mini disks (MD)—having a cover (2) and a holding part (3) is disclosed. The holding part (3) may comprise a holding element (4), a supporting element (24), a stabilization element (19) and a case element (12), which are or can all be produced from a basic material of the same generic type and composed of natural fibres. The holding element (4) comprises a raised area (6) which supports a data medium (18) in a central region where there are no data which can be called up, and a holding pin (7) which is designed such that it essentially fills the central opening of a data medium (18) which has been inserted and prevents it at least from carrying out a movement parallel to the base of a depression (5), so that the regions of the data medium where the data which can be called up are located are protected against damage from scratching, chafing and impact. The holding element is produced by press forming of the basic material having a water content of about 7 to 20% using a forming tool.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/194,942 filed by the same applicant and is fully incorporated by reference. The U.S. application Ser. No. 09/194,942 had been filed via the PCT-application PCT/CH97/00187.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A first aspect of the invention relates to a package for holding thin, essentially round disks which are generally susceptible to damage and which have a central opening—whose dimensions are standardized—which is suitable for the insertion of the spindle of a device for calling up and reading the stored data. Data media such as compact disks (CD), video disks (VD) or mini disks (MD) are in precisely this form, for which reason the package according to the invention is suitable for storing, displaying, selling and transporting, in particular, such data media. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing this package.

[0003] In particular, various embodiments of CD packages made of transparent plastic material are known, such as those described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,409 (D1). That package comprises one or more boxes for in each case one or two CDs. The boxes are connected via hinges to one another and to covers so that any desired CD can be removed individually from the opened package. The inserts (so-called “inlay cards”) printed in one or more colours—preferably made from paper—inform the interested purchaser and user about the CD, for example about its contents and/or capabilities. The amount of information is frequently so great that a small booklet is placed in the CD package. Such CD packages thus contain both plastic and paper.

[0004] The growing view that the vast number of such data medium packages must not only be manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, but must also be disposed of in a similar manner, has led more and more to attempts to find substitute materials for plastic packages produced from non-renewable raw materials. Thus, for example, the plastic part of the CD packages has been reduced to a relatively robust base (U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,927 to Curtis et al., D2; U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,081 to Fitzsimmons et al., D3) which—linked to the package being made from paper or cardboard—carries out the function of holding a CD. Another document (U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,890 to Mahler, D4) describes a plastic mount which is likewise robust and can be inserted into a cardboard box folded from one piece. Another document (U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,453 to Harrer et al., D5) describes—as a further possible reduction of the plastic part of the package—a thin, flexible plastic inlay for a cardboard box folded from one piece. Finally, EP 0 493 983 (D6) proposes that small round disks, which essentially comprise only the rest and the snapping mechanism—both of which are known, for example, from D1—for holding the CD, be bonded onto a folded paper or cardboard case. However, a common feature of all these publications in a first group (D1 to D6) is that the material they are composed of is plastic, which is produced from natural oil which is a non-renewable raw material, or from a combination of plastic and paper. If a defined objective is that the material used for the CD package be reusable, then the materials must be separated, which may involve enormous technical effort and financial cost.

[0005] Packages in a second group composed of only one material, so-called single material, have therefore been proposed. In addition to the advantage of simple disposal and reuse, this also results in a considerable saving in the weight of the package material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,500 to Mori (D7) describes a container in the form of a pocket which is folded from one piece of paper and has bellows-like side pieces. Data media are then inserted into these pockets in an unusual manner from the side, so that it is necessary to dispense with what has now become the standard way of fitting CDs. These pockets can optionally be pushed into another container, produced from the same material, ensuring improved package robustness. Nevertheless, the regions of the CD on which data can be called up rest at least partially directly on the package, so that there is a need to be concerned about sliding tracks in the CD surface. WO 93/21086 (D8) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,875 to Bribach (D9) have disclosed other, particularly more robust, packages composed of a single material. These—in contrast to that previously described in D7—hold the CDs firmly at the side, on the circumference, via specially designed rests or studs, in order that the surface regions of the CD where there are data which can be called up do not come directly into contact with the package. Since, in D8, a type of snap fastener holds the edge of the CD firmly and, in D9, the data media must be pushed in from the side, once again automatic standard fitting of the CDs in the package is scarcely feasible. The package in U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,083 to Robinson et al. (D10) is composed of only a single folded sheet of paper and is of extremely light design. The CD surface where the data are is in this case at least partially brought into contact with the package, which can once again be regarded as a disadvantage, together with the low level of robustness. This second group (D7 to D10) of data medium packages has major disadvantages particularly due to the alternative methods required to fit CDs in them, and the low level of robustness. The aim to use a single material is likewise not achieved satisfactorily in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,236 (D13) since, despite the fact that plastic material is largely avoided, the central holder for the CD is still composed of plastic. Furthermore, once again, the robustness of the package leaves a lot to be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a package for data media in the form of disks, in particular CDs, VDs or MDs which links the requirement for use of a standard package material composed of ecologically acceptable and renewable raw material, economy, unbreakability, robustness, capability to be printed on and low weight with the capability to insert CDs in a standard manner, that is to say preferably in an automated manner, and to store them such that they come into contact with the package only in regions where there is no information which can be called up.

[0007] The object of a first aspect of the invention is achieved by a data medium package composed of paper or cardboard, whose natural raw material, wood, is available in large quantities, as well as renewably. The basic material of such papers or cardboards is natural fibres which are obtained as primary fibres, in the form of cellulose, from various types of tree, and as secondary fibres by recycling of waste paper and waste cardboard. According to the second aspect of the invention, this package according to the invention is produced by a method comprises production by means of deep drawing (press forming) of the holding element and scoring, folding and bonding, of other parts of the package. Production is carried out easily, quickly and in an automated manner, and is therefore also economic.

[0008] This package composed of a single material is distinguished by unbreakability and the capability to be printed on—corresponding to paper or cardboard, as the material used. The high level of robustness is achieved in that—in contrast to D4-D6, D10 and D11—a filling material is used which is preferably composed of corrugated cardboard or the like, so that there are no large remaining compressible cavities. Depending on the package used for comparison, the weight reduction is up to 50%. When one embodiment of the package according to the invention is used—CDs can be inserted or fitted using standard methods, for example automated methods, and can be stored such that CDs come into contact with the package only in regions where there is no information which can be called up. These data media are at a distance from the base and the cover inner surface and rest on a staircase-like base only in the central and/or peripheral part, where there are no data which can be called up. In this case, a holding pin which engages in the central opening—whose dimensions are standardized—in the CD can fix the CD such that the data medium is held such that it cannot move in any direction in the package.

[0009] The method according to the second aspect of the invention is carried out by deep drawing (press forming) using a basic material, preferably paper, fine cardboard or cardboard, having about 7 to 20% wetness (water content), preferably about 11% wetness (water content). The wetness (water content) of the basic material used for the deep drawing process is one of the most important parameters of the method and characterizes the holding element of the data medium package in respect to the product quality. The water content of the deep drawing process is in contrary to the wetness (water content) of a fibre moulding or fibre spraying method for which the water content is greater than 50% (wet material). If, however, the water content of the basis material is dropped to be less

[0010] This package composed of a single material is distinguished by unbreakability and the capability to be printed on—corresponding to paper or cardboard, as the material used. The high level of robustness is achieved in that—in contrast to D4-D6, D10 and D11—a filling material is used which is preferably composed of corrugated cardboard or the like, so that there are no large remaining compressible cavities. Depending on the package used for comparison, the weight reduction is up to 50%. When one embodiment of the package according to the invention is used—CDs can be inserted or fitted using standard methods, for example automated methods, and can be stored such that CDs come into contact with the package only in regions where there is no information which can be called up. These data media are at a distance from the base and the cover inner surface and rest on a staircase-like base only in the central and/or peripheral part, where there are no data which can be called up. In this case, a holding pin which engages in the central opening—whose dimensions are standardized—in the CD can fix the CD such that the data medium is held such that it cannot move in any direction in the package.

[0011] The method according to the second aspect of the invention is carried out by deep drawing (press forming) using a basic material, preferably paper, fine cardboard or cardboard, having about 7 to 20% wetness (water content), preferably about 11% wetness (water content). The wetness (water content) of the basic material used for the deep drawing process is one of the most important parameters of the method and characterizes the holding element of the data medium package in respect to the product quality. The water content of the deep drawing process is in contrary to the wetness (water content) of a fibre moulding or fibre spraying method for which the water content is greater than 50% (wet material). If, however, the water content of the basis material is dropped to be less

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a 3-dimensional view of a partially open data medium package, according to a first or second embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a data medium package according to a first embodiment, which is shown

[0014] a) open in a plan view and

[0015] b) in a slightly enlarged section view, along the line marked X—X in a);

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a data medium package according to a second embodiment, which is shown

[0017] a) open in a plan view and

[0018] b) in a slightly enlarged section view, along the line marked X—X in a);

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a data medium package according to a third embodiment, which is shown

[0020] a) open in a plan view and

[0021] b) in a slightly enlarged section view, along the line marked X—X in a);

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a data medium package according to a fourth embodiment, which is shown

[0023] a) open in a plan view and

[0024] b) in a slightly enlarged section view, along the line marked X—X in a);

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a 3-dimensional view of a holding element, according to a second or third embodiment, in which case

[0026] a) shows the holding element which is produced by means of deep drawing, and

[0027] b) shows a supporting element;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the developed view of a stabilization element;

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the developed view of a case element, according to a first or second embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the developed view of a case element according to a third or fourth embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 10 shows a deep drawing mould, according to a second, third or fourth embodiment of a data medium package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The data medium package 1 in FIG. 1 comprises a cover 2 and a holding part 3 for a data medium, which is somewhat raised, in this case being folded around the axes A and B. The holding element 4 can be seen, with an essentially round depression 5 and a raised region which is preferably concentric to it. A cylindrical holding pin 7 is preferably likewise arranged concentrically on the raised area 6. The external diameter of the raised area 6 and of the holding pin 7 are in this case somewhat less than the diameter of the central region, where there is no data, of a data medium which can be inserted and of the central, standardized opening of a data medium which can be inserted and which, as is known, is used to hold a drive spindle of a data reader. Grip recesses 8 can be seen in both sides of the data medium package, to make it easier to remove a data medium. In the region of the grip recesses 8, the side walls 9 of the data medium package are cut out. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 1, in a further embodiment, it is possible to dispense at least partially with the grip recesses 8 and the cutouts 10. Covering surfaces 11 on the case element 12 cover the outer, raised parts of the holding element 4. The raised parts of the holding element 4 are connected to the base of the depression 5, or are formed integrally with it, via vertical inner walls 14, which are preferably formed in a circular shape, or slightly conically. In the same way, the preferably conically formed raised step 15 and the at least approximately cylindrical holding pin 7, together with its essentially vertical end surface 16, can likewise be connected to the rest of the holding element or can be formed integrally with it. Corresponding to a first and a second embodiment, the covering surfaces 11 have integrally formed retaining clips 17, which project in an essentially horizontal direction over the inner walls 14 into the depression 5. Contrary to the shape illustrated in rounded form in FIG. 1, the retaining clips 17 may, for example, have a polygonal shape.

[0033] In all embodiments of the invention, the holding element 4 is produced by deep drawing (press forming) of the holding element 4 using a basic material having about 7 to 20% water content, preferably about 11% water content. The water content of the basic material used for the deep drawing process is one of the most important parameters of the method and characterizes the holding element 4 in respect to the product quality parameters. The water content of the deep drawing process is in contrary to the water content of a fibre moulding or fibre spraying method for which the water content is greater than 50% (wet material). If, however, the water content of the basis material is dropped to be less than 7% the holding element becomes unstable due to cuts. The preferred water content of the basic material of which the holding element 4 is produced is 10 to 12% or more preferably 11% which is a value for which no cuts have been encountered.

[0034] The second most important parameter is the temperature of the deep drawing tools during the pressing procedure which has to be selected to be within the range of 80° C. to 160° C. In the preferred embodiment, the temperatures for the upper tool and the lower tool are selected by a trial and, according to a test production, different temperatures may be selected for the upper tool and the lower tool. If the edges of the holding element 4 tend to erect upward, the lower tool may be heated more than the upper tool in order to contract the holding element on the lower side or vice versa.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment the deep drawing process is performed in three steps. During the first step, only the holding pin 7 is drawn which is the deepest drawn part of the holding element 4 at the end of the process. As the next step the inner walls 14 of the holding element is drawn using an higher pressure. As the third step, the raised step 15 is drawn with the greatest pressure which is—according to the preferred embodiment—about 200 to 300 tons. The advantage of such a smooth deep drawing method having several steps using different pressure levels is that a damage of the holding pin 7 can be avoided.

[0036] In the following text, FIGS. 2 to 5 will be used to describe four preferred embodiments of a data medium package according to the invention and in the form of a box. This description is not, of course, exclusive; any desired combinations of the features described below are likewise conceivable and are covered by the present invention.

[0037] The first embodiment of the data medium package according to the invention and illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a preferably cylindrical holding pin 7 which is produced independently of the holding element 4, is preferably made of solid fibreboard and whose diameter is less than that of the central opening, whose dimensions are standardized, in a data medium. The conical inner walls 14 connect the base of the depression 5 without any step to the raised parts 13 of the holding element 4 and give the data medium the ability for its peripheral edge region to carry out movements to below the level of the covering surface 11 during insertion or removal. The circumference of the inserted data medium 18 is at a distance from the inner walls 14 and rests only on the region where there are no data which can be called up, on the raised area 6.

[0038] The regions of a CD where there are data are thus mounted in a freely floating manner and cannot suffer any sliding tracks resulting from inadvertent contacts with the data medium package. The covering surfaces 11 have integrally formed retaining clips 17 which project in an essentially horizontal direction over the inner walls 14 into the depression 5.

[0039] When a data medium, for example a CD, is inserted, then it is centred via its central opening by means of the holding pin 7, which engages in this opening. Slight pressure on the data medium moves its peripheral edge regions to a level underneath the covering surface 11, and thus allows the retaining clips 17 to bend out in a sprung manner around the periphery of the data medium and likewise to resume their original position in a sprung manner. According to this first embodiment, the inserted data medium is prevented by the holding pin from carrying out any movement parallel to the base of the depression 5 in the holding element 4, so that the edge regions of the data medium cannot quite touch the inner walls 14. The data medium is prevented from falling out of the package and from carrying out any inadvertent movement at right angles to the base of the depression 5 in the holding element 4 by means of the, preferably three, retaining clips 17 which are integrated in the covering surfaces 11. A greater or lesser number of retaining clips 17 can also be provided, in other embodiments. In practice, it has been found particularly useful to use three retaining clips since at least one retaining clip 17 is always located on both sides of any given tilting axis which at least touches the raised area 6, and therefore successfully prevents any inadvertent tilting movement of the data medium, and thus prevents it from falling out. When the data medium is removed, three retaining clips 17 are once again preferred since it is then necessary to overcome only the spring force of one retaining clip 17. The removal of a data medium from its package is considerably simplified by the cutouts 10 that are present in the side walls 9 and in the grip recesses 8.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention the cardbord for the production of the holding element 4 is cutted to the required size and stamped at the position of the depression 5. The stamping of the depression 5 is performed by radial lines having the purpose to increase the stability of the holding element 4.

[0041] The shape of the holding element 4 is supported by a correspondingly folded stabilization element 19, which is preferably bonded in its final shape. The holding pin 7 extends through a cutout in the holding element 4 as far as the stabilization element 19, to which it is bonded. The cover 2 surrounds an inner part 20 with a grip opening 21. The inner part 20 is secured by means of attachment lugs 22 on the outer part of the cover 2 such that, for example, a brochure 23 or an “inlay card” can be inserted.

[0042] Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 2, it is possible in a further embodiment for the grip opening 21 to be located on one of the other three sides of the cover 2, that is to say for it to be possible to insert the “inlay card” from above, from the left or from below, corresponding to the viewing direction in FIG. 2a). Furthermore, it is possible for a brochure comprising a number of pages, that is to say a “booklet”, to be pushed in and attached to the inner part 20 of the cover 2, and for a pocket to be dispensed with. The folding of the cover about the axes A and B during opening or closing of the data medium package can clearly be seen.

[0043] In contrast to the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the data medium package according to the invention and illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises an at least approximately cylindrical holding pin 7, which is produced integrally with the holding element 4 and whose diameter is less than that of the central opening in a data medium. The holding pin 7 is filled by a supporting element 24 which extends as far as the stabilization element 19 and is bonded to it. Corresponding to the first embodiment, the shape of the holding element 4 is supported by a stabilization element 19.

[0044] The insertion, storage and removal of a data medium in a package, according to this second embodiment, is identical to that with the first embodiment. The circumference of the inserted data medium 18 is at a distance from the inner walls 14 and rests on the raised area 6 only in the region where there are no data which can be called up. The regions of a CD where there are data are thus mounted in a freely floating manner and cannot suffer any sliding tracks resulting from inadvertent contacts with the data medium package. In a further embodiment, the formation of a pocket 26 which comprises an inner part 20 and a grip opening 21 as well as attachment lugs 22 can be omitted, by bonding the inner part 20 directly to the outer part of the cover 2.

[0045] Furthermore, a brochure comprising a number of pages, a “booklet”, can be attached to the inner part 20 of the cover 2, and a pocket can be dispensed with.

[0046] Corresponding to the second embodiment, the third embodiment of the data medium package according to the invention and illustrated in FIG. 4, comprises a preferably cylindrical holding pin 7 which is produced integrally with the holding element 4, but whose diameter is virtually identical to that of the central opening in a data medium. This approximately identical diameter forms a force fit between an inserted data medium 18 and the end surfaces 16 of the holding pin 7, which prevents the data medium from falling out of the package. There is therefore no need for any retaining clips. The circumference of the inserted data medium 18 is at a distance from the inner walls 14 and rests on the raised area 6 only in the region where there are no data which can be called up. The regions of a CD where there are data are thus mounted in a freely floating manner and cannot suffer any sliding tracks resulting from inadvertent contacts with the data medium package. When a data medium, for example a CD, is inserted, then it is centred via its central opening with the holding pin 7—which essentially fills this central opening and engages in it—and is fixed with a force fit. The inserted data medium is prevented by the holding pin 7 from carrying out any movement parallel to the base of the depression 5 in the holding element 4, or at right angles to this direction. When the data medium is removed, all that need be overcome is the friction force on the holding pin. Corresponding to the second embodiment, the shape of the holding element 4 is supported by a stabilization element 19.

[0047] Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 4, the cover 2 can have a pocket 26 for an “inlay card” or a “booklet”, in which case the latter can also be attached to the inner part 20 of the cover 2.

[0048] Corresponding to the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment of the data medium package according to the invention and illustrated in FIG. 5 comprises a preferably cylindrical holding pin 7 which is produced integrally with the holding element 4 and whose diameter is virtually identical to that of the central opening in a data medium and forms a force fit with it which prevents the data medium from falling out of the package. The central region—where there are no data which can be called up—of the inserted data medium 18 rests on the raised area 6 and is additionally supported in its peripheral region, where there are likewise no data which can be called up, by means of an intermediate step 25 which is produced integrally with the inner walls 14. The insertion, storage and removal of a data medium in a package, according to this fourth embodiment, are identical to those of the third embodiment. The regions of a CD where there are data are thus mounted in a freely floating manner and cannot suffer any sliding tracks resulting from inadvertent contacts with the data medium package. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 5, the cover 2 may have a pocket 26 for an “inlay card” or a “booklet”, in which case the latter can also be attached to the inner part 20 of the cover 2.

[0049] A fifth (not illustrated), simplified embodiment comprises elements of the first and second embodiments, according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, respectively, but with the holding pin 7 and/or the supporting element 24 being omitted.

[0050] The method according to the invention for producing the data medium package which can be used integrally, and its elements, is described in FIGS. 6 to 9. The quoted examples should in no way be regarded as being exclusive, and the present invention likewise covers variations in the process sequences, materials and dimensions.

[0051] FIG. 6a) shows a holding element 4 according to a second or third embodiment of the data medium package 1 according to the invention. As described above, the function of this holding element 4 includes the holding and locking of the product or data medium to be packed in the interior of the data medium package. For example, a CD is held in a floating position by means of the raised area 6 which is specially formed for this purpose, as a result of which its regions where there are data which can be called up are protected against damage from scratching, chafing and impact. Blanks of such holding elements 4 are integrally stamped and scored from flat card material, according to a first method according to the invention. These blanks are then conveyed (preferably using the same machine) to a forming tool or a deep drawing mould 28 and are integrally pressed to their final shape by the application of pressure and heat. The concentric structure of the embodiments of the holding elements 4 described above, in particular the concentric arrangement of the raised area 6, of the holding pin 7 and of the inner walls 14, of the raised step 15, of the end surface 16 and of the optional intermediate step 25, considerably assists and simplifies this way of producing an integral holding element 4.

[0052] FIG. 6b) shows a supporting element 24 which has an essentially cylindrical shape, is preferably produced by stamping out from a flat sheet of card (grey board or the like), and is bonded to the stabilization element 19 and to the holding element 4. The function of this supporting element 24 is to hold a data medium (cf. FIG. 2: holding pin 7 in the first embodiment) or the support for the holding pin 7, which is produced integrally with the holding element 4. This holding pin 7 covers the supporting element 24 preferably completely, and considerably reduces its fatigue. This lengthens the life or functional duration of the combination of the holding pin and supporting element.

[0053] The function of the stabilization element 19 illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises the positioning of the holding element 4 and the reinforcement of the entire package unit, resulting in a preferable protection characteristic, storage capability, stacking capability, transportation robustness and life of the data medium package 1. The shape of the stabilization element 19 is chosen such that all the major cavities in the data medium package 1 are essentially filled. The stabilization element 19, which is illustrated in the developed view, is preferably produced from flat corrugated board (E-flute or F-flute), or solid fibreboard. In this case, for example, a flat corrugated board is stamped and scored on one machine, so that one or more flat stabilization elements 19 is or are produced from the board. The stamping of the cutouts 27 and of the grip recesses 8 can be completed in the same operation. An integral stabilization element 19 according to the invention may also be produced exclusively by pressing and stamping.

[0054] The function of the case element 12 illustrated in FIG. 8 comprises holding and encasing all the other elements and parts of the data medium package according to the invention and of the product or data medium to be packed in it. The folding according to the invention results in the individual elements of the package forming a compact unit. As described above, the part of the case element 12 which is designed as a cover 2 may have a compartment or a pocket 26 for holding descriptions 23 or prospectuses, called “booklets” or “inlay cards”.

[0055] The case element 12 which is illustrated in a developed view is preferably produced from flat card. It may be printed and/or painted in one or more colours. As a further improvement step, for example, a blind, relief or film embossing can, for example, be provided. After this, the board is stamped and scored on one machine, so that one or more of these case elements 12, which are still flat, is or are produced from one board. According to the first and second embodiment of the data medium package according to the invention, in addition to the cutouts 10 in the side walls 9, the case element 12 also has three retaining clips 17, which are integrally formed on the covering surfaces 11. Attachment lugs 22 are integrally formed on the side walls 9. That region of the case element 12 which is intended to be the cover inner part 20 or is actually adjacent to it may likewise have attachment lugs 22 in order to form a pocket 26 for a description 23 or an “inlay card”. Like the grip opening 21, these are not illustrated here.

[0056] The function of the case element 12, illustrated in FIG. 9, according to the third and fourth embodiment of the data medium package according to the invention corresponds to that of the first and second embodiments. The case element 12 has cutouts 10 in the side walls 9. Attachment lugs 22 are integrally formed on the side walls 9. That region of the case element 12 which is intended to be the cover inner part 20 or is actually adjacent to it has a grip opening 21 and is likewise provided with attachment lugs 22, in order to form a pocket 26 for a description 23 or an “inlay card”. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the formation of a pocket 26 can be dispensed with.

[0057] The deep drawing mould or thermoforming mould 28 illustrated as an example in FIG. 10a) comprises, in a first embodiment, the devices for in-the-mould pressing of a holding element 4 of a data medium package 1, according to a second and a third embodiment. The deep drawing mould 28 illustrated as an example in FIG. 10b) comprises, in a second embodiment, the devices for in-the-mould pressing of a holding element 4 of a data medium package 1 according to a fourth embodiment. The mould surfaces of the stamp 29 and of the die 30 of the deep drawing mould or thermoforming mould 28 have been designated 5′, 6′, 7′, 13′, 14′, 15′, 16′ and 25′, corresponding to the surfaces of the holding element 4 to be pressed into the mould.

[0058] A further (not illustrated) embodiment of a deep drawing mould 28 may comprise means for stamping out a central cutout, through which a supporting element 24 can be passed, with the function of a holding pin 7, according to a first embodiment of a data medium package 1.

[0059] In a further (not illustrated) embodiment of a deep drawing mould 28, it is possible to dispense with the formation of a holding pin 7, according to a fifth (not illustrated) embodiment of a data medium package 1.

[0060] The single material used to produce the data medium package 1 is, as is evident from the description, a preferably flat material whose base material is essentially formed from natural fibres of the same generic type, generally of vegetable, animal or else mineral origin, by extracting the water from a fibre paste. optionally, small proportions of synthetic fibres may be admixed. All the parts of the package are in principle composed of materials which have been recycled or can be recycled and which are preferably also biodegradable, such as cardboard and paper, so that this data medium package 1 may be called a mono-package. In some countries, the term mono-packages may be used provided the proportion of extraneous material is less than 5%; nevertheless, paints, varnish and adhesives are preferably used which can be used and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. If mineral or synthetic fibres satisfy the requirements for recycling capability and biodegradability, they may likewise be used as raw materials.

[0061] The individual elements of the data medium package 1 are folded, bonded and joined together as described in the following text in further operations (preferably in a single machine), in accordance with the method according to the invention. The processing of the individual elements is in this case preferably carried out simultaneously, so that their final assembly to form the data medium package can be carried out on the same cycle. All the described elements of a data medium package 1 according to the invention are linked to one another once they have been finally joined together such that they cannot be disconnected, and they cannot be separated from one another without destroying the data medium package. In further embodiments, the elements of the data medium package according to the invention can be joined together so that they can be at least partially separated (for example by means of pushing in). Individual components of a data medium package 1 may also comprise one or more elements, so that, for example, the holding element 4 and the supporting element 24, or the holding element 4, the supporting element 24 and the stabilization element 19, can each be produced jointly and integrally.

[0062] The data medium is not part of the invention.

[0063] Embodiment 1:

[0064] First of all, the cover 2 on the case element 12 is folded along the line C and—if a pocket 26 is intended—is bonded to the attachment lugs 22, or is otherwise bonded over the complete surface. A stabilization element 19 is folded backwards and forwards, respectively, along the lines marked G and H, respectively, in FIG. 7, and is preferably bonded over the whole area. A holding element 4 is bonded to the stabilization element 19. One holding pin 7 per holding element 4 is pushed through the appropriate cutout in the holding element 4 and is bonded to the stabilization element 19.

[0065] This unit, which is formed flat, is turned over and is bonded to that side of the case 12 in which the round cutout 27 is located. The three short side walls 9 are now aligned along the lines D and are folded with their attachment lugs 22 along the lines E, and are bonded onto the rear side of the stabilization element 19.

[0066] The last step is now to completely fold over, along the lines E and D, the side on which the bonded-on parts are located, and to bond it over the complete area. The data medium package 1 produced in this way can be stacked or packed in the open state, or can be passed on directly for a data medium to be fitted in each of them.

[0067] Embodiments 2, 3 and 4:

[0068] First of all, the cover 2 on the case element 12 is folded along the line C and—if a pocket 26 is intended—is bonded to the attachment lugs 22, or is otherwise bonded over the complete surface. A stabilization element 19 is folded backwards and forwards, respectively, along the lines marked G and H, respectively, in FIG. 7, and is preferably bonded over the whole area. One supporting element 24 for each holding element 4 is bonded, on its underneath, into the holding pin. A holding element 4 is bonded onto the stabilization element 19.

[0069] This unit, which is formed flat, is turned over, and the data medium package 1 is completed in a corresponding manner to that of the first embodiment.

[0070] The data medium package 1 produced in this way can be stacked or packed in the open state, or can be passed on directly for a data medium to be fitted in each of them.

[0071] In contrast to the described embodiments, data medium packages according to a sixth preferred embodiment (not illustrated) according to the invention have a further holding element 4 (instead of the cover 2) with all the elements of the first to fifth embodiments, thus providing a package for two data media.

[0072] Gluing, welding or pressing, for example, may also be used, instead of bonding, as alternative bonded joints between the holding element 4, the supporting element 24, the stabilization element 19 and/or the case element 12.

[0073] Further embodiments according to the invention comprise:

[0074] The formation of a raised area in the cover inner part 20, which produces a gap between the cover and the data medium.

[0075] Formation of the cover 2 in two parts, the foldable parts being the same size or a different size.

[0076] A two-piece cover, one part of which can be locked by the other part.

[0077] Two cover parts of equal size, which engage on or in the holding pin and thus lock the cover.

[0078] A data medium package which, instead of one holding pin, comprises two or more such pins in a plane. This results in a handy data medium package for, for example, three to seven mini disks, which are preferably fitted arranged close together.

[0079] Holding pins 7 which do not have a round, cylindrical shape. In this case, they may have straight end surfaces 16, or polyhedral, cruciform, star-shaped or else curved end surfaces 16 and a cylindrically corrugated cross section. For these embodiments, the holding elements 4 can be produced in a particularly suitable manner by means of a fibre moulding method or fibre spraying method.

[0080] Retaining clips 17 and a holding pin 7 which prevent a data medium 18 from carrying out any movement with a component at right angles to the base of the depression 5.

Claims

1. Method for producing a data medium package composed of a single material—for accommodating at least one essentially round data medium having a central opening, in particular a compact disk (CD), video disk (VD) or mini disk (MD)—having a cover and a holding part, having a design of a holding part which comprises a holding element having a holding pin for centring a data medium, a supporting element for forming or supporting the holding pin, a stabilization element for filling cavities, and a case element for holding and encasing all the other elements of the data medium package and of the data medium to be packed, in which case all the elements are assembled, such that they cannot be disconnected, from basic material of the same generic type and composed of natural fibres, wherein the holding element is produced by press forming of said basic material having a water content of about 7 to 20% using a forming tool.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said water content of said basic material is about 11%.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein said basic material comprises natural fibres having a length of about 1 to 2 mm.

4. Method according to claim 1 wherein said press forming is performed at temperatures of about 80° C. to 160° C.

5. Method according to claim 4 wherein said press forming is performed using different temperatures on both sides of said forming tool.

6. Method according to claim 1 wherein said process of press forming is performed by more than one step wherein each of said steps is performed applying an increasing forming pressure for each step.

7. Method according to claim 6 wherein said process of press forming is performed by applying at least 3 forming steps, wherein during the first step the holding pin is drawn.

8. Method according to claim 1, wherein at least the holding element, the supporting element, the stabilization element or the case element is processed by stamping.

9. Method according to claim 1, wherein at least the stabilization element or the case element is produced by scoring and folding.

10. Method according to claim 1, wherein the holding element, the supporting element, the stabilization element and/or the case element are adhesively bonded to one another.

11. Method according to claim 1, wherein renewable raw materials are used as the basic material for producing the data medium package.

12. Data medium package in the form of a box composed of a single material—for accommodating at least one essentially round data medium having a central opening, in particular a compact disk (CD), video disk (VD) or mini disk (MD)—having a cover and a holding part, wherein the holding part comprises a holding element with a raised area for supporting a data medium in the central area, where there are no data which can be called up, a stabilization element for filling cavities and a case element for holding and encasing all the other elements of the data medium package and of the data medium to be packed, in which case all the elements are assembled from basic material of the same generic type and composed of natural fibres wherein the holding element is produced by press forming of said basic material having a water content of about 7 to 20% using a forming tool.

13. Data medium package according to claim 12, wherein said holding element comprises a holding pin for centring a data medium, and a supporting element for forming or supporting the holding pin, in which case the holding pin is designed such that it essentially fills the central opening of a data medium that has been inserted and prevents said medium at least from carrying out any movement parallel to the base of a depression.

14. Data medium package according to claim 13, wherein said the supporting element is designed as the holding pin and extends through an opening in the holding element.

14. Data medium package according to claim 13, wherein said the holding pin is integrally formed on the raised area of the holding element and is supported by the supporting element.

15. Data medium package according to claim 12 wherein said case element comprises covering surfaces with retaining clips which are integrally formed on them and prevent a data medium from carrying out a movement with a component at right angles to the base of the depression.

16. Data medium package according to claims 13, wherein said holding pin is designed such that it prevents this data medium from carrying out a movement with a component at right angles to the base of the depression.

17. Data medium package according to claim 16, wherein said holding element comprises inner walls which do not touch the circumference of an inserted data medium and on which raised parts are integrally formed, which cover the stabilization element which is located underneath and by means of which the holding element and the supporting element are adhesively bonded such that they cannot be disconnected.

18. Data medium package according to claim 17, wherein the inner walls enclose the inserted data medium in a circular or conical shape.

19. Data medium package according to claim 12, wherein said the basic material from which the data medium package is produced comprises materials which have been or can be recycled.

20. Data medium package according to claims 19, wherein said basic material is biodegradable and comprises cardboard or paper.

21. Data medium package according to claim 12, wherein said cover comprises a pocket for a description, and that the description is connected to the cover such that it cannot be detached.