Media storage disk box
A media storage disk box for containing a media storage disk, or optical disc, includes a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable about the spine panel between an open position and a closed position; a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, the one or more securing tabs engaging the first panel; and a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, the one or more securing tabs engaging the second panel.
The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/096,373, filed Apr. 1, 2005, titled “Media Storage Disk Box,” which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/704,395, filed Nov. 6, 2003, published as U.S. Publication No. 2004/0173481. The entire contents of the two above-referenced patent applications are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a media storage disk box and more particularly a media storage disk box including metal panels.
BACKGROUNDA box or case to retain a CD or DVD is the common form by which such goods are normally sold. A box has the ability to carry product information and advertising while simultaneously providing protection to the disk. In one form, the box consists of a base panel and a cover panel which are movable relative to each other. The configuration is of a kind to provide a wallet like enclosure within which a disk can be stored. Such a box or case will also normally include a mounting region with which a disk can be mounted. The movement of the base and cover panels can be such as to provide an enclosure to securely locate the disk within the enclosure yet allow for the cover to move relative to the base and allow for access to be gained to the enclosure to allow for the removal of the disk from the box. In the most common form, the box itself does not present the product branding, advertising and product information. Normally a paper sleeve is engaged with the box, the paper sleeve providing such indicia. Accordingly the boxes which are manufactured to carry the disks are normally of a generic kind and the boxes are customised by the engagement of a paper sleeve carrying the graphics and indicia corresponding to the disk which is to be retained within the box. Besides appropriate selection of the indicia or graphics provided by a paper sleeve, no other ways of distinguishing the box from other boxes is able to be achieved. The paper sleeve is normally that portion which is the most obvious means of drawing attention to the box but beyond the selection of colors and graphic styles, no other differentiating features are conveniently incorporated with known boxes. In a consumer market to which DVDs and CDs are directed, it is important to allow for distinguishing features to be provided by the box to attract a consumer and encourage them to purchase that particular product. There has accordingly been a need to provide different forms of visual appeal for DVD or CD to be boxed for such purposes.
Accordingly, the present invention addresses the existing and above-mention shortcomings relating to media storage disk boxes.
SUMMARYAccording to one embodiment of the present invention, a media storage disk box is disclosed. The media storage disk box includes a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable about the spine panel between an open position and a closed position; a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, the one or more securing tabs engaging the first panel; and a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, the one or more securing tabs engaging the second panel.
According to another embodiment, the first panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the first panel, and the second panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the second panel; and wherein each of the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover corresponds to one of the one or more securing openings of the first panel, and each of the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover corresponds to one of the one or more securing openings of the second panel; and each of the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover engages the corresponding one of the securing openings of the first panel, and each of the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover engages the corresponding one of securing openings of the second panel.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a media storage disk box is disclosed. The media storage disk box includes a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable, about the spine panel, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the first panel and the second panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the second panel, and wherein each of the one or more securing openings includes an engagement ledge proximate to the securing opening; a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs engaging the ledge of a corresponding one of the one or more securing openings of the first panel; and a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs engaging the ledge of a corresponding one of the one or more openings of the second panel.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a media storage disk box is disclosed. The media storage disk box includes a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable about the spine panel between an open position and a closed position, the first panel including one or more engagements proximate to the spine panel, and the second panel including one or more engagements proximate to the spine panel; a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover corresponding to one of the one or more engagements of the first panel, the one or more securing tabs coupled to the corresponding engagement of the first panel; and a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover corresponding to one of the one or more engagements of the second panel, the one or more securing tabs coupled to the corresponding engagement of the second panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of example embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced. The embodiments described throughout this description are intended to serve as an example or illustration of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Any number of the described embodiments may be incorporated in any desired combination. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without certain specific details. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used as structural and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
With reference to
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second panels 2, 3 are in a plan shape of a quadrilateral perimeter. As can be seen in
The first panel 2 has provided on the enclosure facing side, or interior side, thereof a disk mounting region 7. The disk mounting region 7 may include disk peripheral relief 8 and also include a mounting means 9 which is, for example, a rosette style mounting to engage with the central aperture of a disk in a manner to be releasable therefrom. The enclosure side of the second panel 3 may include relief details such as clips 10 which may be provided for the purposes of releasably affixing to the enclosure side surface of the second panel, an information booklet.
Provided to at least one of the first and second panels 2, 3, and to the exterior side, or non-enclosure facing side, thereof, is a sheet metal cover 12. The sheet metal cover 12 is preferably co-extensive with the non-enclosure facing side of the plastic panel. The sheet metal cover may be, as shown in
Each of the sheet metal covers, at its upstanding peripheral wall, includes a flange downturn 20. The flange downturn is an extension from the upstanding peripheral wall 13 which is directed both inwardly and downwardly back towards the major panel of the metal cover 12. As a result, a radiused surface 21 is presented defining the distal edge of the upstanding wall 13. Such a downturn is provided for both providing a safe and non-dangerous finish to the sheet metal panel but also to provide a clipping feature to allow for the sheet metal cover to clip with a respective plastic panel. With reference to
As can be seen with reference to
In the embodiment where a separate spine panel 4 is provided, a sheet metal spine cover 35 may be located and affixed to the spine panel 4. With reference to
Referring now to
The metal covers, in one embodiment, are made form a metal which can provide high gloss characteristics. The metal covers may be printed with a printing ink to provide graphics and product information to the exterior side of the box. The fact that such printing inks are provided to the exterior of the metal covers can allow for the high gloss character to be taken advantage of. A metallic finish can be obtained. Furthermore, the sheet metal may, during its forming procedure, have provided regions of embossing to the major panel regions thereof. The embossing can provide further enhancement especially where such is provided to define an outline enhancement to graphics subsequently printed there on.
Referring now to particular drawings,
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the perimeter rim 84 runs along the entire perimeter, or substantially the entire perimeter, of the top surface of the second sheet metal cover 80. However, it is not necessary that the perimeter rim 84 run along the entire perimeter. For example, the perimeter rim 84 could be raised in only certain sections of the perimeter, such as the top and bottom, or the sides, or any combination of the top and sides, or in a plurality of raised sections along the perimeter of the second sheet metal cover 80.
Due to the nature of sheet metal material shown in the illustrated embodiments, the perimeter rim 84 is also visible when looking at the interior side of the second sheet metal cover 80, such as is shown in
In one embodiment, the perimeter rim 84 strengthens the second sheet metal cover 80, or serves to make the second sheet metal cover 80 more resilient, or adds support to the structure of the second sheet metal cover 80. Such properties may be further improved by a perimeter ledge 86 and a perimeter surface 88, which may be included as parts of the perimeter rim 84. The perimeter ledge 86 runs along the inner perimeter of the perimeter rim 84 and the perimeter surface 88, radially inward from the plurality of edges 81 of top surface of the second sheet metal cover 80. The perimeter ledge 86 also generally surrounds the central area 82 of the second sheet metal cover 80. In one embodiment, the perimeter surface 88 has a width and may be substantially flat, lying in a plane that is generally parallel with the central area 82 of the second sheet metal cover 80. In one embodiment, the width is generally uniform about substantially the entire perimeter, with slight variation in width occurring at corner sections of the perimeter rim 84. The perimeter surface 88 joins the perimeter wall (not shown in
The perimeter ledge 86 and perimeter surface 88 are shown more clearly in
In another embodiment, the perimeter rim 84 serves to protect the central area 82 of the second sheet metal cover 80. When the media storage disk box is longitudinally stacked or packed with other media storage disk boxes (not shown), i.e. such that the top surface, or central area, of a front cover of a first disk box is located adjacent to the top surface, or central area, of a back cover of a second disk box, the perimeter rim of the first disk box abuts the perimeter rim of the second disk box. Since the perimeter rims are generally of equivalent size and shape, contact between storage boxes may be generally limited to contact between perimeter rims of the first and second disk boxes. In one embodiment, a predetermined amount of space may be present between the central areas of the lower and upper storage boxes such that the central areas do not contact each other. In another embodiment, there may be contact between the central areas of the first and second storage boxes, however the amount of contact and the amount of force on the central areas may be reduced by the contact between the perimeter rims. In another embodiment, it is not necessary that both the front cover and back cover include a perimeter rim. Instead, only the front cover, or only the back cover, may include the perimeter rim, and protection of the central area of the sheet metal covers may still be achieved. In another embodiment, the perimeter surface need not be substantially flat. Instead, the perimeter surface may, for example, have a particular surface design, such as steps, raised dots, raised ridges, other raised shapes or lines, and the like. Furthermore, the perimeter surface 88 of the front cover may be complimentary to the perimeter surface 108 of the back cover such that the surface features either abut each other or engage each other to join or interlock when located adjacent to each other.
In yet another embodiment, the perimeter rim 84 serves as a frame for the central area 82 and generally improves and increases the visual appeal of the product to the consumer or purchaser of the product. In this embodiment, the graphics are located in the central area 82 of the second sheet metal cover 80 and the perimeter rim 84 frames the centrally located graphics. Such a configuration may provide a visual element to capture the attention and interest of the consumer. However, graphics, such as printing and embossing, are not limited to the central area 82, and graphics, if desired, may also be applied to the perimeter rim 84 area of the second sheet metal cover 80.
The included references to “height” and “horizontal level” are made relative the side sectional views shown in
Referring specifically to
Referring now to
According to one embodiment, each of the sheet metal covers 202, 204 include at least one securing tab and one or more corresponding securing openings defined in the plastic body 208. A plurality of securing openings 216 are shown in
In the exploded view shown in
An enlarged view of the area referred to by arrow P is shown in
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the securing tabs 218 may be positioned separately from the edge flaps 226. The edge flaps 226 are bent, folded over, such that they are generally flat and flush with the planar surface of the sheet metal cover 204. The bending of the edge flaps 226 may add or increase strength and rigidity to the hinge edge of the sheet metal cover. In one embodiment, the securing tabs 218 and the edge flaps 226 are contiguous with the sheet metal cover, adjoining the planar surface of the sheet metal cover. In one embodiment, the sheet metal cover and the securing tabs are formed from a single, contiguous piece of sheet metal.
It should be noted that the area referred to by arrow R, shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge and the spine panel do not extend the full longitudinal height of the disk box 200. However, in other embodiments, the hinge and/or spine panel may have a length substantially the full height of the disk box 200, and the hinge edge portion of the sheet metal portion of the hinge edge that the hinge edge portion of the sheet metal cover may also extend substantially the full length of the box. Also, the hinge edge portion may not necessarily be formed into edge flaps 226 and securing tabs 218. For example, the hinge edge portion may comprise of a single securing tab, or one or more securing tabs, that assist in securing the sheet metal cover to the plastic panel. The one or more securing tabs may be generally perpendicular to the planar section of the sheet metal cover such that, when coupled to the plastic panel, it abuts and/or contacts a hinge edge portion of the plastic panel or spine panel. The one or more securing tabs may also be angled or bent at either an acute or obtuse angle. Therefore, the one or more securing tabs may contact and/or abut the spine edge of the plastic panel so as to reduce movement of the sheet metal panel about the plastic panel. Also, while both an inserting and securing position of the securing tabs are illustrated for the purpose of showing an example assembly method, the one or more securing tabs may not necessarily have both an inserting position and a securing position. For example, the one or more securing tabs may have a single, generally fixed position that is maintained before, during and after coupling of the sheet metal cover to the plastic panel. Through general flexing of the metal and plastic, the one or more securing tabs may engage the plastic panel upon coupling.
While specific embodiments of the securing tabs have been illustrated in the figures, the shape, size, number, location, and other features of the securing tabs may be varied according to the desired application of embodiments of the invention. Also, the shape, size, number, location, and other features of the securing openings may also similarly be varied as is desired. Additionally, while the securing openings are illustrated as holes or openings defined in the plastic panel, it is not necessary that the securing openings actually be defined holes through the plastic panel. Accordingly, the above description of “securing opening” is intended to also apply to all other suitable types of engagements, such as, for example, a ledge, ridge, slot, tab, edge, notch, depression, or other shape defined in the plastic panel, that may be engaged by the one or more securing tabs.
In one embodiment, in the securing position, the one or more securing tabs 218 assist in keeping the sheet metal cover coupled to the plastic panel. The box 200 is shown in
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described media storage disk box may be implemented in a variety of designs and configurations. For example, while certain materials have been specified for the construction of the media storage disk box, other suitable materials may also be used. Also, while certain sizes and shapes of the media disk storage box are shown in the illustrated embodiments, variations in size and shape may be made.
The previous description of the exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. While the invention has been described with respect to particular illustrated embodiments, various modifications to these embodiments will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described above but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A media storage disk box comprising:
- a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable about the spine panel between an open position and a closed position;
- a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, the one or more securing tabs engaging the first panel; and
- a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, the one or more securing tabs engaging the second panel.
2. The media storage disk box of claim 1, wherein the first panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the first panel, and the second panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the second panel; and wherein each of the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover corresponds to one of the one or more securing openings of the first panel, and each of the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover corresponds to one of the one or more securing openings of the second panel; and each of the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover engages the corresponding one of the securing openings of the first panel, and each of the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover engages the corresponding one of securing openings of the second panel.
3. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein each of the one or more securing openings of the first panel and each of the one or more securing openings of the second panel includes a ledge, and each of the corresponding securing tabs engage the ledge of each of the corresponding securing openings.
4. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein the first metal cover and the second metal cover each include one securing tab.
5. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein the first metal cover and the second metal cover each include two securing tabs.
6. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein the first metal cover and the second metal cover each include three securing tabs.
7. The media storage disk box of claim 6, where the first panel and the second panel each include three securing openings corresponding respectively to the three securing tabs of the first and second metal covers.
8. The media storage disk box of claim 1, wherein the spine edge of the first metal cover includes the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover, and the spine edge of the first metal cover further includes a plurality of edge flaps; and wherein the spine edge of the second metal cover includes the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover, and the spine edge of the second metal cover further includes a plurality of edge flaps.
9. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein a first hinge defining a first axis of rotation is formed intermediate of the first panel and the spine panel, and a second hinge defining a second axis of rotation is formed intermediate of the second panel and the spine panel, the first axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation, wherein the one or more securing openings of the first panel are proximate to the first hinge, and the one or more securing openings of the second panel are proximate to the second hinge.
10. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein in the open position access is provided to an interior side of the first panel and an interior side of the second panel, the interior side of the first panel having a mounting region for mounting one or more media storage disks, and in the closed position the first panel and the second panel form an enclosure for containing the one or more media storage disks.
11. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein the first metal cover further includes at least one perimeter wall section, and the first panel includes at least one side wall, the at least one perimeter wall section of the first metal cover surrounding at least a substantial part of the at least one side wall of the first panel, and wherein the second metal cover further includes at least one perimeter wall section, and the second panel includes at least one side wall, the at least one perimeter wall section of the second metal cover surrounding at least a substantial part of the at least one side wall of the second panel.
12. The media storage disk box of claim 2, wherein the first metal cover further includes a perimeter rim around a top surface of the first metal cover, the perimeter rim of the first metal cover raised a predetermined distance above a central area of the first metal cover; and wherein the second metal further includes a perimeter rim around a top surface of the second metal cover, the perimeter rim of the second metal cover raised a predetermined distance above a central area of the second metal cover.
13. A media storage disk box comprising:
- a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable, about the spine panel, between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the first panel and the second panel defines one or more securing openings proximate to a spine edge of the second panel, and wherein each of the one or more securing openings includes an engagement ledge proximate to the securing opening;
- a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs engaging the ledge of a corresponding one of the one or more securing openings of the first panel; and
- a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs engaging the ledge of a corresponding one of the one or more openings of the second panel.
14. The media storage disk box of claim 13, wherein the spine edge of the first metal cover defines the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover, the spine edge of the first metal cover further defining a plurality of edge flaps; and wherein the spine edge of the second metal cover defines the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover, the spine edge of the second metal cover further defining a plurality of edge flaps.
15. The media storage disk box of claim 13, further comprising a metal spine cover coupled to the spine panel of the plastic body.
16. The media storage disk box of claim 13, wherein in the open position access is provided to an interior side of the first panel and an interior side of the second panel, the interior side of the first panel having a mounting region for mounting one or more media storage disks, and in the closed position the first panel and the second panel form an enclosure for containing the one or more media storage disks.
17. A media storage disk box comprising:
- a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable about the spine panel between an open position and a closed position, the first panel including one or more engagements proximate to the spine panel, and the second panel including one or more engagements proximate to the spine panel;
- a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the first metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs of the first metal cover corresponding to one of the one or more engagements of the first panel, the one or more securing tabs coupled to the corresponding engagement of the first panel; and
- a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including one or more securing tabs proximate to a spine edge of the second metal cover, each of the one or more securing tabs of the second metal cover corresponding to one of the one or more engagements of the second panel, the one or more securing tabs coupled to the corresponding engagement of the second panel.
18. The media storage disk box of claim 17, wherein the one or more engagements of the first panel comprise an edge for engaging with the one or more securing tabs.
19. A media storage disk box comprising:
- a unitary plastic body having a first panel, a second panel, and a spine panel, the spine panel intermediate of the first panel and the second panel, the first panel and the second panel movable, about the spine panel, between an open position and a closed position;
- a first metal cover coupled to the first panel, the first metal cover including securing means for engaging a spine edge of the first metal cover with the first panel; and
- a second metal cover coupled to the second panel, the second metal cover including securing means for engaging a spine edge of the second metal cover with the second panel.
20. The media storage disk box of claim 19, wherein the first panel includes engagement means for engaging the with the securing means of the first metal cover, and the second panel includes engaging means for engaging with the securing means of the second metal cover.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 30, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 18, 2007
Inventors: King Choi (Hong Kong), Kwok Kwong (Hong Kong)
Application Number: 11/479,528
International Classification: B65D 85/57 (20060101);