Closure system for packaging
The present invention is a system for closure of data storage or other packages. The present invention relates particularly to stacks of one or more rigid holders for holding compact disc and DVDs. The closure devices of the present invention are made to fit various numbers of display devices. In one embodiment, interlocking extension surfaces are pressed together to secure the holders. The extensions have locking ribs along contacting sides. The closure system is adjustable to accommodate various numbers and sizes of rigid holders. Another embodiment utilizes an elastic band that is attached to a cover holder and stretched over a cantilevered finger on the opposite cover. The band stretches to accommodate various numbers and sizes of holders. Another embodiment has an extension off a cover attached by a living hinge. The extension snaps onto the top surface of an opposite cover to secure the stack of rigid holders closed. Another embodiment uses straps connected to the cover and base holders and connected together with buckle, snap or micro hook and loop connections.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/496,017, filed Aug. 19, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONData storage devices are delicate devices that are easily damaged by scratches, dirt and other consequences of handling. As such, there is a need for carrying and storing cases and other devices that protect compact discs, DVDs and other products during transporting and between uses.
Present solutions to this problem in packaging involve cases that allow the user to carry multiple discs at once. However, not all of these devices are easy to use.
Many existing systems for transporting data storage devices do not allow secure and simple movement of multiple discs.
Needs exist for improved methods for storing, protecting and transporting data storage devices in a less expensive and more secure manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a system for closure of data storage or other packaging. The present invention relates particularly to stacks of one or more rigid holders for holding compact discs and DVDs. Closure devices are made to fit various numbers and configurations of display devices.
In one embodiment, a base and cover of a closure device have interlocking extension surfaces. These extension surfaces protrude downward and upward from the cover and base of the storage device, respectively. The extension surfaces overlap and lock together to prevent the stack of rigid holders from opening. Ribs, on the sides of the extension surfaces that contact each other, lock into place to prevent movement of the cover and base. The ribs can have various configurations to facilitate locking. The user pulls on the upper extension surface, away from the stack of rigid holders, and simultaneously pulls the cover and base apart. Once the ends of the locking extension surfaces are separated, the stack of display devices is opened like a book, with the rigid holders as pages. One size closure device can be used for stacks of different numbers and widths of rigid holders.
In another embodiment, a flexible, elastic band is attached to either a cover holder or a base holder and stretched from the attachment holder around a cantilevered finger on the opposite holder. The elastic band prevents the cover and base from separating. The cantilevered finger is larger at its base and smaller towards the attachment point. The elastic band sits flush with the cover and base holders and can be used with a variety of number and width holders.
Another embodiment uses an extension attached to either the cover or base holder. The extension is attached via a living hinge. The extension fits over the opposite holder and engages a rim or depression on the opposite holder or is attached by other mechanical means. This prevents separation of the cover and base holders. The extension can have various profiles depending on the attachment type. The height of the rigid holder set determines the length of the extension.
Alternative attachment methods use straps connected to the cover or base holders. One strap is mechanically attached to the cover holder and another strap is mechanically attached on the base holder. The straps are then connected together using buckle, snaps or micro hook and loop connection means.
These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the claims and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is a system for closure of data storage or other types of packaging. The present invention relates particularly to stacks of one or more rigid holders for holding compact discs and DVDs. The closure devices of the present invention are made to fit various numbers and configurations of display devices. In one embodiment, interlocking extensions are pressed together to secure the holders. The extensions have locking ribs along contacting sides. The closure system is adjustable to accommodate various numbers and sizes of rigid holders. Another embodiment utilizes an elastic band that is attached to a cover holder and stretched over a cantilevered finger on the opposite cover. The band stretches to accommodate various numbers and sizes of holders. Another embodiment has an extension off a cover attached by a living hinge. The extension snaps onto the top surface of an opposite cover to secure the stack of rigid holders closed. Another embodiment uses straps connected to the cover and base holders and connected together with buckle, snap or micro hook and loop connections.
The cover holder 1 and base holder 21 have a closure device with interlocking engaging ribs 15. The engaging ribs 15 on the extension surfaces 13, 31 come in contact and lock together, preventing the stack of holders 35 from opening.
The extension can have various profiles depending on the desired attachment type, as shown in
The fixed holder set height determines the length of the extension 77. The profile of the extension 77 can be variable depending on the specific needs of each system.
While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A closure system apparatus for packaging comprising:
- a stack of one or more rigid holders,
- a cover holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge,
- a cover extension surface extending from the opening edge of the cover holder away from the outer surface of the cover holder,
- one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,
- a base holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge,
- a base extension surface extending from the opening edge of the base holder away from the outer surface of the base holder,
- one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface facing the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,
- a connection mechanism for connecting the spine edge of the cover holder, a spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder,
- wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface contact the one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface when the closure apparatus is in a closed position, and
- wherein the contact prevents movement of the cover holder and base holder relative to one another.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more rigid holders are containers for holding digital media.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism is a series of hinges.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the hinges are hinged mechanical binding clips attached to the spine edge of the cover holder, the spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder, and wherein the hinged mechanical binding clips are locked into position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising molded clips in the cover holder and base holder for holding printed materials.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a user opens the closure apparatus by gripping the outermost of the cover extension surface or the base extension surface, lifting the cover extension surface or the base extension surface away from the opposite extension surface, and pulling the cover holder and the base holder apart.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a user closes the closure apparatus by pushing the cover holder towards the base holder, and sliding the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface against the one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover extension surface and the base extension surface have leading angles for facilitating proper contact and alignment of the closure apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface and the base extension surface are rounded.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface and the base extension surface are angular.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stop on the cover holder or base holder for preventing over-tightening of the closure apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover holder and base holder are flat.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a user lifts the flat engaging ribs of the cover holder over the flat engaging ribs of the base holder and the cover holder is held in position relative to the base holder by a tension interaction.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover extension surface and the base extension surface do not overlap completely.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tab on the outermost of either the cover extension surface or base extension surface for facilitating opening and closing by a user.
16. A closure method for packaging comprising:
- providing a stack of one or more rigid holders,
- providing a cover holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge, a cover extension surface extending from the opening edge of the cover holder away from the outer surface of the cover holder, and one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,
- providing a base holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge, a base extension surface extending from the opening edge of the base holder away from the outer surface of the base holder, and one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface facing the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,
- providing a connection mechanism for connecting the spine edge of the cover holder, a spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder,
- opening the closure apparatus by gripping the outermost of the cover extension surface or the base extension surface,
- lifting the cover extension surface or the base extension surface away from the opposite extension surface,
- pulling the cover holder and the base holder apart,
- closing the closure apparatus by pushing the cover holder towards the base holder, and
- sliding the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface against the one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more rigid holders are containers for holding digital media.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the connection mechanism is a series of hinges.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the hinges are hinged mechanical binding clips attached to the spine edge of the cover holder, the spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder, and wherein the hinged mechanical binding clips are locked into position.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein clips are molded in the cover holder and base holder for holding printed materials.
21-91. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 19, 2004
Publication Date: Jul 7, 2005
Inventors: Tatiana Gelardi (Kennebunkport, ME), Anthony Gelardi (Cape Porpoise, ME), Michael Thrower (Scarborough, ME)
Application Number: 10/921,352