Package for information carriers such as cd's

Abstract

The invention relates to a package for presenting information carriers, in particular CD's, provided with a first and a second cover part with, locked therebetween at least on locking element, while the or a locking element is substantially tubular or rod-shaped and is locked by at least the two cover parts, a series of information carriers being locked within the locking element or between the locking elements.

Description

The invention relates to a package for information carriers. More in particular, the invention relates to a package for plate-like information carriers such as CD's, CD-recordables, CD-rewritables and the like.

As a rule, information carriers such as CD-rewritables and CD-recordables are presented in series such that a user has a series of CD's at his disposal in a package. The CD's can be individually wrapped in Jewel cases or Diamond boxes or such packages and then be packed and presented in series of, for instance, ten, twenty or fifty, in an outer package such as a box. Thus, a package is obtained for which a lot of packaging material is required, which package, moreover, is particularly voluminous.

Alternatively, the CD's are stacked onto each other in a series, separately or in insertion sleeves, and are packed in a package as a stack. Such a package consists, for instance, of a dish-shaped first part and a bell-glass-shaped second part attachable thereto. Such a package has as an advantage that the package takes tip relatively little material and volume but such a package is only suitable for a fixed number of CD's, while the parts of the package are relatively complicated to manufacture.

The object of the invention is a package for a series of information carriers. In particular, the invention contemplates providing such a package while the disadvantages of the known packages are at least partly obviated, while maintaining the advantages.

The invention further contemplates providing a package with which a series of information carriers, in particular CD's such as rewriteables or recordables, can be presented to a user, in particular a consumer, which package allows a relatively simple stacking of several of such packages and offers a relatively large display surface.

A further object of the invention is a package of the type described in the opening paragraph, while the package can be adapted in a simple manner to different numbers of information carriers to be packed.

These and further objects are at least partly achieved with a package according to the invention, characterized by the features of claim 1.

With a package according to the invention, two cover parts are used between which a locking element is included in which the information carriers are locked. The number of information carriers that can be received in the package is substantially determined by the dimensions of this locking element.

The two cover parts abut against the two ends of the locking element and, after removal of the locking element, can form, preferably together, a storage box for, for instance, one or two of the above-mentioned or comparable information carriers. The thus formed storage box can then simply be taken along, for instance to school, on a trip, to work or on holiday. With a package according to the invention, the cover parts, which form a substantial part of the package, are therefore universal and suitable for repeated use, so that little packaging waste is obtained.

The two cover parts for a package according to the invention can, for instance, be manufactured from relatively soft, flexible plastic, while cooperating snap means can be provided for mutually fastening the cover parts against each other after removal of the locking element. However, the cover parts can also be manufactured from relatively rigid materials, while coupling means are provided at those cover parts which can cooperate for mutually coupling the cover parts and/or the or each locking element.

With a package according to the invention, coupling means can be provided with which the cover parts are connected while confiding a locking element, while, furthermore, parts of the coupling means can be used for mutually coupling the cover parts. The locking element can, for instance, closed or not closed at one side, be of substantially tubular design, which, separate from the cover parts, can be clamped therebetween. Alternatively, the locking element can be connected to the cover parts, for instance with coupling means thereof with which the cover parts can be mutually coupled. Coupling means for mutually coupling the cover parts can form closing means for the thus formed storage box.

Alternatively, the or a locking element can be fixedly connected to one of the covet parts, for instance in the shape of a cylindrical, upstanding edge or a stub extending away from the cover surface. Edge and/or stub can be provided with break-off means such as a continuous perforation, tear line, weakening line or tear strip, at one or several heights, so that edge parts and/or stub parts can be torn off, preferably at least along the cover surface. Thus, for a manufacturer, the number of different parts can be limited when packing different numbers of information carriers. The user, when purchasing the number of packaged information carriers, can always tear away a part of the edge and/or stub in order to reduce the outer dimensions of the package.

Preferably, a package according to the invention is designed such that a number of such packages can be stacked in rows next to or on top of each other, with the two cover surfaces in substantially vertical position, while the cover parts of different packages rest on each other and/or a set-up surface. Optionally, also the or a locking element can then be used as a bearing surface. Due to this stacking, cover parts of the different packages will be visible from a front side, substantially parallel to a main surface of the information carriers which are packed therein. It is then preferred that at least one of the cover parts of each package is designed to be at least partly transparent, for instance by providing a transparent element therein, through which the main surface of an information carrier packed therein is visible. Such a package offers a pleasant appearance, while moreover, in stacked condition, the main surfaces with information provided thereon can be visible through the respective cover parts. Alternatively, the cover parts can be provided with information, such as product indication, promotion and the like. Such information can, for instance, be provided by in-mould-labeling.

It is preferred that the packages are designed such that at least one and preferably both cover parts are, at least partly, of multiangular design such that when setting up the respective package on both cover parts or the respective cover part having a multiangular shape and a locking element, a stable set-up can be realized on a set-up surface and/or a comparable package.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a package according to the invention can be built up from a first, substantially flat cover part and a second cover part, comprising a substantially flat cover surface and a longitudinal edge or stub extending away from that cover surface. Different second cover parts are then used, which differ from each other substantially only by the height of the respective edge or stub, measured from the cover surface. Thus, the advantage is achieved that the package is built up from only two parts, while for different numbers of information carriers to be packed only the second cover part needs to be exchanged. Preferably, the edge or stub of the second cover part is designed to have the earlier described break-off means.

Also, the cover parts can be designed to be identical in shape, such that two same cover parts can be combined to form one package.

Preferably, the cover parts and the locking element are manufactured from plastic, in particular a plastic which is relatively impact-resistant and scratch-resistant, and can be provided with print by means of, for instance, in-mould-labeling.

The invention farther relates to a method for presenting information carriers, in particular CD recordables or rewriteables, characterized by the features of claim 25.

With such a method, with relatively few operations and material, information carriers can be packed, while at least the cover parts are suitable for repeated or prolonged use as storage box. As a result, little waste material is generated. Moreover, the thus obtained package can be considered as a mono-material package. The fact is that only the locking element will be considered as waste material and this can simply be manufactured from one material. By designing the locking element to be a substantially tubular element, the length can be varied in a simple manner, without the cover parts having to be adjusted thereto. Thus, a universally applicable package is obtained for any desired number, with essentially the same parts.

With a method according to the invention, information carriers can be locked between two cover parts which cover parts are mutually connected, while the cover parts are, at least partly, multiangular and the packages are stacked onto and next to each other with the cover parts extending substantially in vertical direction. Then it is preferred that partly transparent cover parts are used at at least one side of the information carriers packed therebetween, such that, in frontal view, they are visible through this cover part.

The invention further relates to a method for presenting information carriers, characterized by the features of claim 27.

With such a method, the information carriers can be displayed in a particularly advantageous manner and, furthermore, thus, a large surface for advertising is offered.

In the further subclaims, advantageous embodiments of a device and method according to the invention are shown. In elucidation, packages and methods according to the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows, in perspective view, a package according to the invention, provided with print;

FIG. 2 shows, in side view, schematically, a part of a package according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows two embodiments of parts of coupling means according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows eight packages according to the invention, stacked;

FIG. 5 shows a coupling suitable for use according to the invention, in perspective view;

FIG. 6 shows a coupling element for use in the invention in top and side view;

FIG. 7 shows, in partly cross-sectional side view, a package according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows in partly cross sectional side view, a storage box formed from a package according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows, in cross sectional side view, a part of a package according to the invention, in a further alternative embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows, in perspective view, an alternative embodiment of a package according to the invention, in elevation comparable to FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows, in cross-sectional side view, comparable to FIG. 7, the package according to FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows, in cross sectional side view comparable to FIG. 8, a storage box formed from a package according to FIG. 10, together with, in perspective view, a part of a coupling element;

FIG. 13 shows, in cross sectional side view, a part of a package according to the invention, comparable to FIG. 9, with a locking element as shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows, in cross-sectional side view, a further alternative embodiment of a package according to the invention;

FIG. 15 schematically shows a second cover part, in cross-sectional side view, for use in a package according to the invention;

FIG. 16 shows, in perspective view a package according to the invention, with information carriers locked therein;

FIG. 17 shows, in perspective view, a stack of packages according to the invention;

FIG. 18 shows, in front view, a cover part of a package according to the invention;

FIG. 19 shows, in perspective view a further advantageous embodiment of a package according to the invention;

FIG. 20 shows, in folded open condition, a wall for a package according to FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 shows the cross section along the line XXI-XXI in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 shows the cross section along the line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 23 shows the cross section along the line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 20.

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. The embodiments are only shown by way of example. Combinations of parts of exemplary embodiments shown are also understood to fall within the inventive concept. Furthermore, many variations are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

In this description, the starting point will be a package for plate-like, in particular disc-like information carriers such as CD's, CD rewriteables and CD recordables. However, it will be clear that also other types of information carriers such as floppy discs, mini-discs or the like can be stored in a comparable package, while the design can be adapted thereto in a simple manner.

In FIG. 1, in perspective view, a package 1 according to the invention is shown, such as it can be used for, for instance, transport and presentation thereof in a shop. This package 1 is substantially built up from a first cover part 2, a second cover part 4 and a locking element 6 locked therebetween. Within the locking element 6, a series 11 of information carriers 10 (not visible in FIG. 1) is locked, for instance 6, 10, 20 or a different desired number. In the embodiment shown, the locking element 6 is substantially tubular, in particular cylindrical with an inside cross section such that the information carriers 10 can be fittingly included therein. The locking element 6 can, for instance, be extruded from plastic, but can also be formed from a different material or in a different manner, for instance from foil material, be injection-molded or be manufactured from metal.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first cover part 2 and the second cover part 4 are mutually connected by coupling means 8, in the embodiment shown designed as bolts and nuts. Although the use of factual bolts and nuts is a technically feasible solution, within the invention, it is preferred to use coupling means 8 built up from, for instance, a first coupling element 12, a second coupling element 14 and a third coupling element 16 included between the cover parts, which coupling elements 12, 14, 16 are designed such that the third coupling element 16 can be fastened between the cover parts 2 and 4 with the first coupling element 12 and the second coupling element 14. In FIGS. 5 and 6, exemplary embodiments of such coupling elements 12, 14, 16 are shown in more detail. In this embodiment, the first coupling element 12 is identical to the second coupling element 14, while the third coupling element 16 is of substantially tubular design and is provided at both ends with the same coupling configuration 18 as provided for the first and second coupling element 12, 14. This coupling configuration, which in itself is substantial known from practice, comprises two first lips 20, in diametrically opposed relation and approximately quarter circular in top plan view, as shown in FIG. 6, top, and two second lips 22, in diametrically opposed relation, rotated through an angle of 90° relative to the first lips 20. Relative to the first lips 20, the second lips 22 are slightly moved inwards such that the outside 24 of the second lips 22 lie approximately on the same circle as the inner side 26 of the first lips. Between the first and second lips 20, 22, recesses 28 are provided such that a first coupling element 12 can be slid over a second coupling element 14, while the first lips 20 of the first coupling element 12 are received between the first lips of the second coupling element 14 and a virtually closed tubular element is obtained, while the second lips 22 of the first coupling element 12 come to lie between the second lips 22 of the second coupling element 14, clamped against the inner side 26 of the first lips 20. Preferably, the lips 20, 22 are directed outwards at a slight inclination, so that a proper clamping is obtained. As shown in FIG. 5B the lower end 30 of the third coupling element 16 is also provided with first and second lips 20, 22, in a comparable manner, so that this can be coupled in a comparable manner to a first coupling element 12 and/or a second coupling element 14. It will be clear that in a comparable manner also many other coupling elements 12, 14 and third coupling elements 16 cooperating therewith can be used within the framework of the invention.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling elements 12,14 comprise a square plate 32 on which the coupling configuration 18 has been provided. As shown in FIG. 3, this plate 32 can also have a different shape. As an example, a flower shape and a bolt shape are shown. A coupling configuration 18 can also be integrated into the cover part 2, 4 in a simple manner so that the third coupling element 16 can be clamped directly onto the two cover parts.

A package 1 according to the invention can be assembled as follows.

A series of information carriers 10 is put in a locking element 6, whereupon this locking element 6 is closed off on both sides by a cover part 2, 4. Between the two cover parts 2, 4, which, in the exemplary embodiments shown, have a substantially square shape with beveled corners, four third coupling elements 16 are provided, which third coupling elements 16 are fastened with the aid of first and second coupling elements 12, 14 which have been or are put from the outside through suitable openings in the two cover parts 2, 4 and, as described, are snapped tight in the third coupling elements 16. Then, a closed package 1 is obtained with a series of information carriers 10 therein. As shown in FIG. 4, packages 1 as shown in FIG. 1 can be stacked in a simple manner while forming a substantially rectangular, block-shaped stack. The outside of at least one cover part 2 of the top layer is free and forms a large display surface on which, for instance, advertising 60 can be effected and information can be given. Due to this stacking possibility, storage and transport of the packages is possible in a particularly simple manner.

As schematically represented in FIG. 4 on the left hand side, third coupling elements 16 and locking elements 6 can simply be adjusted in length, depending on the desired number of information carriers which is to be packed. As a result, a particularly flexible packaging means is obtained with which, each time, the same cover parts 2, 4 can be used. It is preferred that the cover parts 2, 4 and/or the locking element and, optionally, the coupling elements 12, 14, 16 be provided with a print, in particular by in-mould-labeling when the products are manufactured from plastic, in particular by injection-molding. Thus, a package can be obtained with a particularly pleasant appearance, while relatively rapidly, new trends can be anticipated.

In FIG. 7, partly in cross section, a package 1 according to the invention is shown, while the two cover parts 2, 4 enclose a locking element 6, as well as a series 11 of information carriers 10, schematically represented by a top and bottom information carrier 10 and the contours 13 of the series 11 indicated by the chain-dotted lines.

In this embodiment, the first cover part 2 is provided around a longitudinal edge 34 with two edges 36, 38 extending parallel to each other, between which a first groove 40 is enclosed. Furthermore, within these edges 36 on the same side of the cover 2, two concentric rings 42, 44 are provided, enclosing a second groove 46 in which a first end of the tubular locking element 6 can be pressed in a fitting manner. At its longitudinal edge 48, the second cover part 4 is provided with one upstanding edge 50, the purpose of which will be explained further. Further, within this edge 50, again, two concentric rings 42, 44 are included, enclosing a similar groove 46 as in the first cover part 2, in which the opposite end of the tubular locking element 6 can be pressed. The first and second coupling elements 12, 14 have been provided in the cover parts 2, 4, respectively, and snapped in the end of the third coupling element 16 such that the cover parts 2, 4 lock in and retain the locking element 6 and, hence, the information carriers 10.

After opening the package 1 by pulling loose the first coupling elements 12 and/or the second coupling elements 14, the tubular locking element 6 with the information carriers 10 can be taken away, while the third coupling element 16 can be removed. Then, the two cover parts 2, 4 can be pressed onto each other so that the edge 50 is fittingly received in the first groove 40. The first and second coupling element 12, 14 can then be pressed into each other so that a closed storage box is obtained. For instance one or two information carriers 10 can then be locked within the inner ring 44, for instance after information has been recorded thereon. Preferably, the rings 44 are designed such that the information carrier is locked-in slightly clampingly, for instance at a distance from the cover surfaces. In particular when the two cover parts 2, 4 have been manufactured from relatively soft plastic, the information carrier 10 can also lie free between the cover parts 2, 4 or be clamped therebetween.

In FIG. 8, a storage box 52 is shown, formed from a package 1 according to FIG. 7.

In FIG. 9, a part of an alternative embodiment for a package 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein a cover part 4 is provided with two concentric rings 42, 44, comparable to those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, while, however, the intermediate groove 46 is designed as a clamping groove. At the free longitudinal edge 7, the locking element 6 is provided with a thickening which can be clamped in the groove 46. Thus, an alternative coupling between locking element 6 and cover parts 4 is obtained. Optionally, with such an exemplary embodiment, the third coupling elements 16 can be omitted and the first and second coupling elements 12, 14 can be used for coupling only the two cover parts for forming a storage box 52. Also, in a further alternative embodiment (not shown) the locking element 6 can be provided at the opposite side with concentric rings, as provided on the cover part 4 in FIG. 9, while the other cover part 2 is provided with a circular edge with a thickening similar to the thickening 7 as shown in FIG. 9, such that coupling both cover parts 2, 4 to the locking element 6 is possible, while, moreover, the edge with thickening of the first cover part 2 can be received in the groove 46 for forming the closed storage box. In that case, the coupling means also form closing means for the storage box 52.

In FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a package 1 according to the invention is shown, in a view comparable to that as shown in FIG. 1. Again, two cover parts 2, 4 are provided, with a locking element 6 locked therebetween. In FIG. 11, the device 1 according to FIG. 10 is schematically shown in cross-sectional side view, comparable to FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the locking element 6 is designed as a substantially tubular bellows, at least a tube 6 provided with folding lines 6A, over which the element 6 can be pushed in or pulled out accordion-wise, so that its length between the cover parts 2, 4 can be varied in a simple manner. As a result, the length L can simply be adjusted, so that for a different number of information carriers 10 in the series 11 the same locking element 6 can be used. This is simply pushed in further or, conversely, pulled out further. Again, the locking element 6 is fastened by the longitudinal edges 7, at least positioned in the grooves 46.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the two cover parts 2, 4 are fastened to each other with the aid of a coupling element 16 and two coupling elements 12, 14. Here, the coupling element 16 is of substantially rod-shape design, one end of which is schematically shown in perspective in FIG. 12. The coupling element 16 comprises a first flange 17 and a second flange 19, which are at right angles relative to each other, while at a first end 14A, the second flange 19 is longer than the first flange 17. The opposite end 12A is designed in the same manner or for instance such that at that location, the first flange 17 is longer than the second flange 19. The first cover part 2 is provided with a first coupling element 12 in which the first end 12A of the coupling element 16 can be clamped while the opposite second cover part 4 is provided with a comparable second coupling element 14 in which the end 14A of the coupling element 16 can be clamped. Optionally, the coupling elements 12, 14 can be complementary so that when forming the package 52 as shown in FIG. 12, the first and second coupling element 12, 14 can fittingly interlock. In the condition shown in FIG. 11, the coupling element 16 extends through the central openings of the information carriers 10, so that they are held in the desired position. The coupling element 16 can also be designed as shown in FIG. 7.

The first and second coupling element 12, 14 can be designed as shown, for instance, in FIGS. 5 and 6 or in any suitable different manner.

In FIG. 13, in a slightly enlarged condition, a part of a package 1 according to FIGS. 10-12 is shown, while the free longitudinal edge 7 of the locking element 6 is slightly thickened, such that this can be clamped in the groove 46 in a manner described hereinabove.

It will be clear that with a device according to FIGS. 10-13, with the aid of approximately the same means, in a simple manner, different packages for different numbers of information carriers 10 can be formed. The fact is that only the length L of the coupling element 16 needs to be adjusted. To that end, a number of coupling elements 16 with different lengths can be provided so that, each time, the suitable length can be selected, but the coupling element 16 can also be designed such that its length can be adjusted in a simple manner, for instance by breaking off a part or by sliding in or sliding out the flanges 17, 19 relative to each other. Thus, each time, the suitable length can be set.

FIG. 14 shows, in cross-sectional side view, substantially comparable to, for instance, FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and 13, a package 1 according to the invention, provided with a first cover part 2, for instance as shown in FIG. 7 or 11, and a second cover part 4, which comprises a substantially flat closing surface 61 having a substantially cylindrical upstanding wall 62 thereon as locking element 6. Within the cylindrical wall 62, a stack 11 of information carriers 10 can be received. In FIG. 14, the stack 11 is schematically represented in broken lines. The stack 11 can for instance be stacked loosely, but can also, as in the other embodiments, be packed in for instance relatively thin foil such as cellophane, shrink foil or the like and fit relatively accurately within the wall 62. In the wall 62, break-off means 63 are provided, for instance in the form of circular perforation lines, weakening lines or the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, two tear strips 64 are provided, extending parallel to each other and the closing surface 61. The lower tear strip 64A is provided adjacent the closing surface 61, the second tear strip 643 at, for instance, approximately half the height of the wall 62. Tear strips are known per se from, for instance, food packages, consumer packages an the like. By using tear strips, the height H of the wall 62 at right angles to the closing surface 61 can be adapted, for instance to the (remaining) height of the stack 11 of information carriers 11. This can be done by the manufacturer, so that in a simple manner, the manufacturer can pack different stacks of information carriers with the same package, but it can also be done by a user, so that, each time, the height H can be adapted and a package 1 with the desired minimal sizes is obtained.

In the embodiment shown, the first cover part is provided with clamping means 42, 44, 46 and the wall 62 with complementary means 7, as described in more detail with reference to, for instance, FIGS. 9 and 13, so that the first cover part 2 can simply be pressed onto the second cover part 4. Below each tear strip 61A, B, again, a thickening 7 is provided for coupling with the first cover part 2 when the superimposed part of the wall 62 has been removed together with the respective tear strip 64A, B. Naturally, however, also other coupling means can be provided for coupling the two cover parts 2, 4, for instance as described earlier with reference to the earlier embodiments.

A package 1 according to the invention, comparable to the one shown in FIG. 14 can also be designed with other numbers of tear strips or such break-off means 63, while, moreover, the wall 62 can also be connected to the second cover part 4 with only one tear strip 64A. A manufacturer can also make available two or more second cover parts 4, as shown in FIG. 14, mutually differing only in the height H of the wall 62, so that with a limited number of parts in a simple manner different packages can be obtained, at least packages for stacks 11 of different heights.

FIG. 15 shows a second cover part, comparable to the one shown in FIG. 14, while, however, instead of (or adjacent) the wall 62 a stub 65 is provided over which a stack 11 of information carriers 10 can be slid by their central opening. In this stub 65, circular incisions 66 are provided as break-off means 68, so that, each time, a part (for example part 65A) of the stub can be broken off, in order to adjust the height H of the stub 65 above the closing surface 61 to a stacking height.

If packages, at least second cover parts 4 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, are to be manufactured with a different height H of the wall 62 or the stub 65, respectively, to that end, a limited number of molds can be used, while, moreover, use can be made of the same mold with inserts or filling rings for adjusting the height of the wall 62 or the stub 65, respectively. Use of such filing blocks in a mold will be directly clear to the skilled person.

In FIG. 16, a perspective view is shown of a package 1 according to the invention, with the two cover parts 2, 4 in substantially vertical position. In FIG. 17, a number of such packages 1 has been stacked in a manner comparable to that shown in FIG. 4, while in FIG. 17 the stack consists of two stacked rows of packages 1, one superimposed over the other, each four layers deep.

The package shown in FIG. 16 has two cover parts 2, 4, each with a substantially octagonal shape with approximately equal sides. The package 1 can be set up on a set-up surface X in a stable manner, on one side 67 of the two cover parts 2, 4. In this embodiment, the first cover part 1 is provided with a transparent part 68, instead of, for instance, the logo bearing parts 60 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10. This transparent part 68 can be an integral part of the respective cover part 2, to which end the entire cover part 2 can, for instance, be manufactured from transparent plastic or can be injection-molded in two components. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the transparent part 68 is preferably designed as an insert, an element 69 loosely inserted into the cover part 2, manufactured from, for instance, clear polystyrene, polycarbonate, PET, PE or the like. Through this transparent element 68, 69, the main surface 70 of a stack 11 of information carriers 10 is visible with information provided thereon, for instance a promotional expression or the like.

As appears clearly from FIGS. 4 and 17, packages 1 according to the invention can be stacked on top of each other with the cover parts 2, 4 substantially in vertical position. Due to, in particular, the use of multiangular cover surfaces, for instance, hexagonal, octagonal (as shown) or multiangular cover parts and/or locking elements 6, at least walls 62, a stable stacking is obtained. As the cover surfaces 2, 4 extend substantially vertically, at least not horizontally, the frontal surfaces of at least the frontal cover surfaces are clear and are visible, for instance on a shelf in a shop or the like. Advertisements provided on these cover surfaces can then be clearly seen. In the packages used in FIG. 17, as further shown in FIG. 16, through the transparent part 68 in each cover part 2, the main surface 70 of the stack of information carriers included therein is visible, with information provided thereon, such as advertisements. In the condition shown in FIG. 17, in each package 1 the stack 11 has been placed such that the information carrier in each package 1 has substantially the same position. However, this can also vary. However, it is preferred that packing means are used which, each time, insert the stacks of information carriers 10 in the same manner, with the same orientation, so that a uniform and pleasant appearance is obtained of a stack 72 of packages 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the locking element 6 is substantially cylindrical and can, for instance, be a wall 62 as shown in FIG. 14. However, the locking means 6, at least the wall 62, may also be designed to be multiangular, as shown in FIG. 17, having, for instance, a cross section which is identical to the shape of the two cover parts 2, 4. It will be clear that also both cover parts can be designed to be wholly or partially transparent.

FIG. 18 schematically shows a cover part 2, 4 according to the invention, comparable to, for instance, the embodiment as shown in FIG. 14 or 16, while a wall 62 is provided which is divided into two parts. In FIG. 18, in top plan view, such a cover part 2, 4 is shown, while at the right hand side of a center line K a first wall part 62A is shown, at the opposite side a second wall part 62B. Both wall parts include a circle segment with a radius R₁ and R₂, respectively. The radius R₁ approximately corresponds, for instance, to the radius of an information carrier 10 to be included therein, while the radius R₂ is slightly greater, in particular greater by the wall thickness W of the first wall parts 62A. This means that two cover parts 2, 4 as shown in FIG. 18 can be placed on top of each other, while the one cover 2 is rotated over 180° relative to the second cover part 4, as a result of which the first wall parts 62A of the first cover part will fittingly fall within the second wall part 62B of the second cover part and vice versa. As a result, the information carriers 10 are properly locked, while the cover parts are identical and, for their manufacture, only one mold is required. The distance between the closing surfaces 61 of the two cover parts 2, 4 can simply be set by shifting the two cover parts, at least wall 62A, B, so that a flexible package is obtained. Naturally, again, break-off means 63 can be provided as well as coupling means in any desired embodiment. The wall parts 62A, B can also be of a shape other than circle segmental, for instance multi-angular.

In FIGS. 19-23 a further advantageous embodiment of a package 1 according to the invention is shown, comprising a first and second cover part 2, 4 for instance as described earlier with reference to the Figures. Each cover part 2, 4 is provided with a groove 46 in which a locking element 6 in the form of a wall 80 with a longitudinal edge 7 can be fixed, in particular in a clamping or form-closed manner, as described earlier. In FIG. 20, in folded-out condition, the wall 80 is shown. This has been injection-molded so as to be level, or formed differently, and is provided with a number of faces 81, mutually connected by hinges 82. In FIG. 2, a wall 80 for a square package is shown but it will be clear that any desired number of faces 81 can be provided. Also, more of these walls can be used in one package, for instance two walls 80 as shown in FIG. 20 for an octagonal package 1 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. In the embodiment shown, a wall 80 has been injection-molded in one part, with integrated hinges 82 of the film-hinge type. The faces 81 have, for instance, a cross section as shown in FIG. 23 and are provided at a first end with an end edge 83 as shown in FIG. 22, so that, when forming a tubular locking element 6, this end edge can be inserted behind the surface 81A situated at the opposite end 84, for closing the wall as shown in FIG. 22A. The tube then formed is multiangular and can be fixed in that position by pressing down one or both cover parts 2, 4 with the grooves 46 on the edges 7. In FIG. 21, this is schematically shown. Upon removal of the wall 80, the cover parts 2, 4 can be mutually coupled in an earlier described manner for forming a low box for packing, for instance, one or two information carriers 10.

The hinge means 82 can, at least partly, be designed such that they can be broken relatively easily. A wall surface 81 can then, for instance, simply be torn loose, so that taking the information carrier from the package is simplified.

With a package 1 according to FIG. 20, preferably, at least one cover part 2 is provided with a transparent part 68 as described with reference to, in particular, FIGS. 16 and 17. This can, for instance, be snapped into the respective cover part 2, as schematically shown in FIG. 21, or be fixed therein by injection-molding technique, glue or the like. In FIG. 21, the transparent part 68 is provided at its edge with a groove 87 with which it can be pressed over an edge 88 of an opening in the cover 2. In this embodiment, the transparent part 68 is somewhat convex, for a pleasant appearance and relatively easy placement, but can evidently also be flat or concave, or a combination thereof. The other cover part can be designed to be, for instance, closed. In particular the cover part 2, 4 which is provided with a transparent part, is preferably provided with, for instance, projections, creases, ridges or the like adjacent part 68 mentioned, so that, upon stacking the packages on the cover parts 2, 4, the transparent part 68 is protected. Naturally, this part 68 can also lie back somewhat relative to the further cover outer surface 86. The surfaces 81 of the wall 80 and/or the cover parts 2,4 can, like comparable parts of the earlier shown embodiments, be designed so they can be written on, for instance through the choice of material or by printing or the like, so that information can be written thereon. As a result, the package can simply be used as a storage unit. Naturally, instead, also surfaces can be provided on which stickers or like labels are or can be provided. Horizontal tear lines can be provided for reducing the wall 80. Also, different heights of walls 80 can be provided, for use with different numbers of information carriers.

It will be clear that a package 1 according to FIG. 19 can also have any other desired outside shape, for instance square, hexagonal or octagonal or circular, through a suitable choice of the number of surfaces and hinge means. For a circular configuration it holds that this can, for instance, be achieved through a particularly large number of hinge means or by sufficient flexibility of the wall 80.

It will be clear that the different parts of a device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiments shown can simply be mutually exchanged for forming other exemplary embodiments. For instance, a bellows-shaped locking element 6 as shown in FIG. 11 can also simply be used in a device according to FIG. 1 or 14-18 or 19, and coupling element 12, 14, 16 as shown in FIGS. 1-9 can also simply be used in a device 1 according to FIGS. 10-19. Also, many other alternative embodiments for coupling elements 12, 14, 16 are possible for coupling the cover parts 2, 4.

In this application, tubular is at least understood to include a substantially hollow body having or not having a substantially continuous cross section over an axial length, provided or not provided with a bottom. Rod-shaped is at least meant to include a substantially solid body, with any desired axial cross section. The cover parts and locking elements as well as the coupling elements can be manufactured from any desired material.

The invention is not limited in any manner to the exemplary embodiments represented in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

For instance, different coupling elements can be used for coupling the first and second cover parts to each other and/or to the locking element. Also, the coupling elements, in particular the third coupling elements 16 can be positioned such that the information carriers 10 can be fittingly received therebetween with little clearance. The coupling elements 16 can then be used as locking elements and it can suffice to stack the information carriers 10 therebetween, optionally enclosed by a foil to prevent contamination. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the cover parts 2, 4 have a substantially square shape. However, it will be clear that they can have any desired shape as long as the information carriers 10 can be included and looked between them with suitable locking elements. For instance, the cover parts 2, 4 can have the shape of cartoon figures, utensils and the like. The cover parts can also be profiled, as shown, for instance, in FIG. 1, where a circular elevation has been provided. The cover parts 2, 4 can also be designed such that they can be mutually coupled, such that they can hinge, for instance in a manner as known from the Jewel box. Optionally, means can be provided at the inside of the cover parts 2, 4 on which one or more information carriers 10 can be fastened, for instance by rosettes known per se, clamping rigs or the like.

The locking element 6 can be provided with a bottom element against which a cover part 2, 4 can abut, so that the information carriers can be taken out simply with the locking element, while, optionally, an additional cover can be provided for closing off the locking element 6 separately from the cover parts 2, 4. As a result, the cover parts 2, 4 can be used for forming the package/box 52, while the remaining information carriers are protected by the locking element with cover.

The two cover parts 2, 4 can be provided with a side wall 62 as shown in FIG. 13, such that they fit into and/or over each other, so that in a simple manner, variation in height can be obtained. By designing this wall to be, for instance, somewhat asymmetrical and/or elastic, at least deformable, the cover parts can be identical, as schematically shown in FIG. 18.

These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. A package (1) for presenting information carriers (10), in particular CD's, provided with a first (2) and a second cover part (4) with, locked therebetween, at least one locking element (6, 16), wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is substantially tubular or rod-shaped and is locked in by at least the two cover parts (2, 4), and a series of information carriers (10) is locked within the locking element (6) or between the locking elements (16).

2. A package according to claim 1, wherein, at least after removal of the or each locking element (6) and a number of the series (11) of information carriers (10), the two cover parts (2, 4) can cooperate for forming a storage box (8) for at least one information carrier (10).

3. A package according to claim 2, wherein the cover parts (2, 4) are provided with cooperating closing means (12, 14, 46, 50) for keeping in a closed condition the storage box (8) formed therewith.

4. A package according to claim 1, wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is provided with break-off means with which the locking element (6, 16) can be detached from a cover part (2, 4) and/or can be divided into a number of parts.

5. A package according to claim 4, wherein the break-off means at least comprise a weakening line, perforation, tear strip or such tear means.

6. A package according to claim 1, wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is provided with coupling means (12, 14, 16, 7) with which the locking element (6, 16) can be detachably coupled to one or both cover parts (2, 4).

7. A package according to claim 3, wherein the coupling means (12, 14, 16) are designed for cooperation with the closing means (7, 46).

8. A package according to claim 1, wherein at least one cover part (2, 4) is provided with means for keeping an information carrier (10) in a desired position.

9. A package according to claim 1, wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is substantially manufactured by extrusion.

10. A package according to claim 1, wherein the cover parts (2, 4) and preferably the cover parts (2, 4) and the or a locking element (6, 16) have been manufactured from plastic.

11. A package according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the cover parts (2, 4) and preferably one of the cover parts (2, 4) and the or a locking element (6, 16) have been in-mold-labeled.

12. A package according to claim 1, wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is open at at least one end and, together with the information carriers (10), can be removed from the cover parts (2, 4).

13. A package according to claim 1, wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is designed such that the length thereof can be adapted in a simple manner, while, preferably, the respective locking element has somewhat accordion-shaped wall elements.

14. A package according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the cover parts (2, 4) is at least partly transparent, such that information carriers (10) packed in the package are visible through said cover part (2, 4).

15. A package according to claim 14, wherein at least one cover part is provided with a transparent element.

16. A package according to claim 15, wherein said transparent element is an insert.

17. A package according to claim 1, wherein the two cover parts (2, 4) are designed such that the package can be set-up on one side on a set-up surface, while both cover parts and/or the or a locking element rest on said set-up surface.

18. A package according to claim 17, wherein the package is designed such that it is stackable, while the two cover parts (2, 4) extend substantially in vertical direction.

19. A stack of packages according to claim 17, wherein series of packages are stacked on top of and next to each other, with the first and/or second cover parts substantially in a vertical plane, while from a front side at least the first or second cover parts are visible, while product information of the information carriers packed therein is visible on or through the respective cover parts.

20. A package according to claim 1, wherein the two cover parts at least comprise a multiangular surface.

21. A package according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (6, 16) is substantially formed by a curved or folded wall which is fastened between the two cover parts (2, 4) and is detachably connected thereto.

22. A package according to claim 21, wherein said wall is formed by a strip which is manufactured to be substantially flat, provided with a series of hinge means for deforming it into a multiangular cylinder.

23. A package according to claim 21, wherein the wall is provided with edges which fit in a clamping or form-closing manner into channel-shaped edges of one or both the cover parts (2, 4).

24. A series of cover parts, wherein at least two cover parts comprise a cover surface and an upstanding edge, wherein each edge is dimensioned such that a stack of information carriers, in particular CD's, such as CD-writeables or CD-rewriteables, DVD's or like circular disc-like information carriers can be fittingly received therein, while the two cover parts differ in height of the edge, measured from the cover surface.

25. A method for presenting information carriers (10), in particular CD recordables (10) or rewriteables, wherein a series of information carriers (10) is locked in a locking element (6) or between locking elements (16), while the two ends of the or each locking element (6, 16) are covered by a cover part (2, 4), which cover parts (2, 4) are detachable from the or each locking element (6, 16) and can be combined to form a storage box (8) for at least one of the information carriers.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the or a locking element (6, 16) is substantially tubular and the two cover parts (2, 4) are clamped onto open ends of the locking element (6, 16), while locking-in the information carriers (10).

27. A method for presenting information carriers (10), preferably according to claim 25, wherein the information carriers are locked between two cover parts, while the cover parts are at least partly multiangular and the packages are stacked onto and next to each other with the cover parts extending substantially in vertical direction.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein packages are used which are at least partly transparent, while information carriers behind the respective cover parts have been or are positioned such that information provided thereon always has the same or a comparable position.