Package having pivoted tray for retaining disc-shaped element
Disclosed is a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The package includes a housing structure that defines an internal chamber. The housing structure has at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber. The package also includes at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element. The tray is pivotably mounted to the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure. The tray(s) used in the package include a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/695,201 filed Jun. 29, 2005, entitled “PACKAGE HAVING PIVOTED TRAY FOR RETAINING DISC-SHAPED ELEMENT” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements and, more particularly, to a package housing at least one tray for supporting a disc-shaped element, which tray is pivotally supported within the package and hinged to permit one part of the tray to pivot away from the remainder of the tray for facilitating insertion and removal of the disc-shaped element.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many different types of products, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and entertainment media are either disc shaped or packaged in disc-shaped containers. In particular, various types of planar discs are in use at the present time to record and store information which is to be retrieved by various means, such as by optical or magnetic means. Typical of such discs are compact discs in which information is digitally recorded by use of a laser beam and then read optically by a laser beam. Such discs are used to record audio information, such as musical renditions, video information such as visual images and digital information for use as read only and other memories for use in various applications, such as computer applications. In most instances, at the present time, such discs are sold with information already recorded thereon. In other applications, such discs are sold in blank form and are used by the customer to record information thereon. In the latter case, for example, optical discs are sold for use as computer storage media and are used in hard disc storage systems. As used herein, the term compact disc, CD or disc is intended to encompass all such discs and disc-shaped packaging, e.g., for pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, whatever their size, for all known or proposed uses.
It is one purpose of this invention to provide a package for storing disc-shaped elements in which the disc-shaped elements are easy to access. It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a package for storing disc-shaped elements into which the disc-shaped elements can be easily inserted and from which they can be readily removed. It is yet another purpose of this invention to provide a package in which disc shaped elements are stored on trays and the trays are pivotable into and out of a storage enclosure. Efforts to date directed at such packages suffer from one or more shortcomings which make the resulting packaging unsatisfactory. This is because prior art packaging is, typically, either uneconomical to manufacture and/or is expensive to transport, store and display in retail stores. Accordingly, there remains a need for a simple, inexpensive to manufacture, inexpensive to ship and display package capable of storing one or more disc-shaped elements, which is reliable for use over the long term.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe subject invention is directed to a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The package includes a housing structure that defines an internal chamber for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The housing structure has at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber. The package also includes at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element. The tray is pivotably mounted to the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure.
In certain embodiments the tray(s) used in the package include, a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. The tray further includes a mechanism for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray which is provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions. The securing mechanism is configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing mechanism/tray. Preferably, the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.
It is presently envisioned that the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element. In certain embodiments, the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.
Preferably, the tray further includes at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element. Moreover, it is presently envisioned that the tray further include an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter. Still further the tray can include a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.
In certain preferred embodiments, the package includes means for ejecting the at least one tray from within the internal chamber of the housing structure. For example, the tray can include a spring arm which extends from the periphery of the tray and contacts a cylindrical post supported within the interior chamber of the housing structure. The operation of the spring arm will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
It is also envisioned that the package can include a mechanism for maintaining the tray(s) in the first position wherein each tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing. In certain embodiments, the mechanism can be readily releasable and associated with or integral to the housing and the tray. In alternative embodiments, the securing mechanism can be a separate element such as a locking element that includes anti-theft features.
The subject invention is also directed to a tray for storing at least one disc-shaped element that includes, a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. The tray further includes a mechanism for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray which is provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions. The securing mechanism is configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing mechanism/tray. Preferably, the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.
It is presently envisioned that the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element. In certain embodiments, the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.
Preferably, the tray further includes at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element. Moreover, it is presently envisioned that the tray further include an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter. Still further the tray can include a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.
The subject application is also directed to a tray for holding a disc-shaped element that includes first and second tray portions connected through a hinge. The second tray is movable between a first position wherein the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the first and second tray portions are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. At least one of the first and second tray portions includes a mechanism, (e.g., a rosette), for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.
In a preferred embodiment, the hinge is a living hinge. Moreover, in certain constructions the disc-shaped element is a compact disc. It is envisioned that the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess that is adapted for receiving a disc-shaped element. The circular recess has a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall. Preferably, is such embodiments, the hinge extends diametrically across the circular recess defined by the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions.
These and other aspects of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSSo that those having ordinary skill in the art will better understand how to make and use the packages and trays of the subject invention, embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein:
Reference is now made to the accompanying figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description are provided to describe and illustrate examples in which the disclosed subject matter may be made and used, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.
Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in
Tray 12 has a diametrically extending hinge, preferably a living hinge 34, dividing recess 16 into two halves 16a, 16b. Desirably, hinge 34 extends between curved wall 22 and leg 24 at a point along leg 24 which is spaced a short distance from pivot aperture 36 defined in corner 20 of planar surface 14. Living hinge 34 divides circular wall portions 30 into two semi-circular wall portions, one semi circular wall portion on recess half 16a and the other semi circular wall portion on recess half 16b. Semi circular rib 32 is located within semi circular wall portion 30 on recess half 16b. Horizontal projections 38 spaced above recess floor 28 extend into recess 16a and circumferentially, from the intersections of living hinge 34 with peripheral wall 26, at least a short distance along the peripheral wall 26a of recess half 16a for defining between floor 28 and projections 38 two channel-like guides 40 for sliding a disc into and out of recess half 16a. Tray 12 is pivotable about the living hinge 34 to pivot rosette rib 32 on recess half 16b out of the central aperture of a disc within recess 16 and to allow a disc to be inserted into and/or removed from recess half 16a by sliding the disc under, or out from under, projections 38 in guides 40.
Tray 12 is adapted to be pivotally supported within generally rectangular enclosure 42. Enclosure 42 comprises a floor 44, a top 46 and peripheral wall portions extending upward from the floor 44 and downward from the top 46 for defining enclosure longitudinal peripheral wall 48 and transverse peripheral walls 50, 52 connected thereto for defining peripheral walls on three sides of enclosure 42. The fourth side 54 is open for pivotal movement of one or more of trays 12 into and out of enclosure 42.
Tray 12 is supported on floor 44 of enclosure 42 with pivot aperture 36 mounted on upstanding hub 58, serving as a pivot point 60, for pivotal mounting of tray 12 between an enclosed position, where the tray 12 is supported on floor 44 within enclosure 42, and a pivoted position, where tray 12 protrudes through the open side 54 of enclosure 42 at least a sufficient amount to allow tray 12 to be grasped with the fingers. Once the tray 12 can be grasped with the fingers it can be pivoted to a more open position where living hinge 34 is completely out of enclosure 42, allowing tray 12 to pivot about hinge 34, as shown in
Floor 44 of enclosure 42 includes interior walls 62, 64 defining generally a floor area which allows D-shaped tray 12 to be housed therewithin in the enclosed position and to freely pivot about pivot point 60. When supported on floor 44 in the enclosed position, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6-7, 11-12, 15, pivot point 60 is positioned, generally, in the corner 66 defined between transverse peripheral wall 50 and open side 54. A spring arm 68 extends from the edge of tray 12 adjacent recess half 16a toward longitudinal wall 48 at a point closely adjacent the corner 70 defined between longitudinal wall 48 and transverse wall 50. Spring arm 68 extends into contact with cylindrical post 72 supported on floor 44 in corner 70. In the enclosed position of tray 12, spring arm 68 is static and unbiased by post 72. The purpose of spring arm 68 is to provide the force to pivot tray 12 about pivot point 60 when it is desired to move tray 12 to the pivoted position. To pivot tray 12 to its pivoted position, it is only necessary, using a finger, to push tray 12, in its enclosed position, at a point along leg 24 remote from pivot point 60 (see arrow P in
In order to maintain tray 12 in the closed position, a click lock arm 76 (see
For purposes of retail security, package 10 may be positively locked with the tray 12 in its enclosed position, to protect the disc against damage or pilferage, by a locking dagger 90 comprising a dagger section 92 that passes through enclosure open side 54 and is wedged into a locking position parallel to and between transverse peripheral wall 52 and the adjacent peripheral wall of tray 12. Dagger section 92 is preferably connected to a head portion 94, which includes a locking means (not shown) for engaging the enclosure and retaining the dagger section in its locking position. An Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag 96 may be affixed to dagger section 92. Retail establishments have devices which disengage and remove the dagger section from package 10 after a sale has been completed and before the package 10 is handed over to the customer.
As can be seen from
Tray 12 is preferably formed of plastic material and is formed by injection molding. Likewise, enclosure 42 is preferably formed of plastic material and is formed by injection molding. However, it will be appreciated that other materials and processes can be used to form the components of package 10, such as, in some instances, paper board, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that package 10, particularly when used to retain media discs, may carry graphics on its outer surfaces. Thus, the graphics may include multi-panel outer covers, labels, direct printing onto the surfaces, shrink film, bands (e.g., four or five sided sleeves), and the like.
While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended thereby to the details of construction or design, the present invention contemplating and including any novel feature or novel combination of features which are herein disclosed.
Claims
1. A package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements, comprising:
- a) a housing structure that defines an internal chamber for storing one or more disc-shaped elements, the housing structure having at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber,
- b) at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element, the tray being pivotably mounted to the housing and movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure.
2. A package as recited in claim 1, wherein the tray includes:
- a) a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces;
- b) a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and movable between a first position wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other; and
- c) means for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions, the securing means configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.
3. A package as recited in claim 1, wherein the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.
4. A package as recited in claim 2, wherein the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element.
5. A package as recited in claim 2, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.
6. A package as recited in claim 5, further including at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element.
7. A package as recited in claim 6, further including an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter.
8. A package as recited in claim 1, further including a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.
9. A package as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for ejecting the at least one tray from within the internal chamber of the housing structure.
10. A package as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for ejecting the at least one tray from within the internal chamber of the housing structure includes a resilient spring arm provided on the at least one tray for engaging the housing.
11. A package as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for maintaining the at least one tray in the first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing.
12. A tray for holding a disc-shaped element, comprising:
- a) a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces;
- b) a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and movable between a first position wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other; and
- c) means for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions, the securing means configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.
13. A tray as recited in claim 12, wherein the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.
14. A tray as recited in claim 12, wherein the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element.
15. A tray as recited in claim 12, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.
16. A tray as recited in claim 15, further including at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element.
17. A tray as recited in claim 16, further including an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter.
18. A tray as recited in claim 12, further including a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.
19. A tray for holding a disc-shaped element, comprising: first and second tray portions connected through a hinge, the second tray being movable between a first position wherein the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the first and second tray portions are oriented at an angle with respect to each other, wherein at least one of the first and second tray portions include means for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.
20. A tray as recited in claim 19, wherein the hinge is a living hinge.
21. A tray as recited in claim 19, wherein the disc-shaped element is a compact disc.
22. A tray as recited in claim 19, wherein upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.
23. A tray as recited in claim 22, wherein the hinge extends diametrically across the circular recess defined by the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 29, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 4, 2007
Inventor: John Gelardi (Kennebunkport, ME)
Application Number: 11/478,152
International Classification: B65D 85/30 (20060101); B65D 85/57 (20060101);