Media storage disk case

Abstract

An improved media storage disk case is disclosed which includes an axis of rotation, a clipping means, and a method of connecting the clipping means such that the tray is restrained from being removed from the clipping means by a retention element.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a media storage disk case. Media storage disk cases such as DVD boxes or CD boxes or CD-Rom boxes are a common form of providing protection to a disk contained within the box or case. DVD boxes are commonly made from a plastics material which has been injection moulded normally from a single piece and provides a base and lid portion defining covers. These can move relative to each other by a hinge structure which allows the pivoting movement of the base and lid to assume a closed condition providing an enclosure to the interior of the case and an opened condition allowing the contents of the case to be accessed by a user. Such boxes or cases will include a rosette onto which a disk is mounted. The rosette is normally contained on either the lid or base and allows for the releasable fastening of a disk with the case. Some DVD's or CD-Rom's or the like cannot contain all the data desired to be provided in a single retail pack. In such situations it becomes necessary for a case to be capable of retaining more than one disk. Where more than one disk is retained by the case, accessibility to both disks becomes an issue such that when the case is in an opened condition a person can conveniently have access to both disks as and when desired. DVD cases often include a booklet of information and graphics relating to the contents of the disk and such a booklet is normally provided to the inside surface of the lid of the covers. The booklet is normally clipped in place and as a consequence of the booklet being provided to one of the covers, it is not possible for a second rosette feature to be provided to the other cover for holding a disk. With reference to for example FIG. 15, where there is shown a CD case in the opened condition, it can be seen that the base is provided with a disk mounting region whereas the lid is absent of such a feature since this is where the booklet will be clipped.

Prior art DVD cases have addressed this issue by providing a second disk mounting tray which can be clipped to clipping features of the case. With reference to FIG. 18 which is a side view of a prior art tray, it can be seen that the tray will include a disk mounting region 20 and an axle 21 of a circular cross-section the axle capable of being clipped with the clipping features such as the clipping features 22 as shown in FIG. 14. The axle 21 (for example with reference to FIG. 17) may be provided in a duplicate form and can engage with respective clipping features of a case wherein the tray can then flip from side to side in a manner to cover and uncover the base panel located disk as and when desired. However the problem with the prior art trays is that the clipping feature 22 provides merely a constant clipping force to the tray engaged with the case. Accordingly the force required for inserting the axle 21 of the tray with the clipping feature 22 is substantially the same force required for the removal of the tray from the clipping feature. It is undesirable for the tray to be removable from the case by a consumer as this can result in the loss of the tray including the potential for losing the second disk of the set of disks. When the tray is in a direction extending perpendicular to the lid and base when in the opened condition for example as shown in FIG. 14, it is not significantly difficult for the prior art trays to be pulled upwardly by hand and become separated from the case. This problem has accordingly been the attention of the inventor who has developed a new configuration which has a tray held with variable retention force to the case.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a media storage disk case which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

A further problem that exists with the prior art trays of a kind as for example shown with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 is that when the case is in a closed condition and is subjected to shock caused for example by the dropping of the case, a failure of the connection between the tray and the case can occur. Where the case is dropped such that the shock forces are in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the tray to the case, it may be that the clipping features of the tray break away from the tray. Where the shock force direction is in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation of the tray, the shock forces may be sufficient for either the clipping features to break away from the tray or resulting in the clipping features from merely releasing the tray. It is to be appreciated that when a disk is mounted on the tray, the tray and disk assembly will have a significant weight which upon shock loading can subject significant forces to the interface between the clipping feature 22 and the axle 21. This problem has also been the attention of the inventor who has developed a new configuration which reduces or overcomes this problem. Accordingly it is also an object of the present invention to provide a media storage disk case which addresses the problems associated with such breakage or failure of engagement or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention consists in a media storage disk case comprising

a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlaying engagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior,

a tray including a means to mount a said media storage disk

at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinge, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg is provided with a retention element

said tray including an axle defining an axis of rotation for said tray, said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs in a manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition), said axle having extending therefrom at least one projection extending transverse to the axis of rotation and cooperative with said retention element at least then said tray is in a first relative rotational condition about said axis of rotation in which said tray is restrained from being removed from said clipping means as a result of engagement of said retention element with said projection.

Preferably said tray is a planar tray without upstands save for said means to mount.

Preferably said tray is a tray with an at least in part perimeter upstanding wall.

Preferably when said axle is inserted between said pair of legs, said projection has a direction of projection which is lateral to said retention element and disposed to that side of said legs which are mounted, said retention element presenting a surface towards the side where said legs are mounted, which surface provides interference to the movement of said projection in a direction lateral to the axis of rotation, said direction lateral being in a direction removing said tray from said clipping means.

Preferably said first relative rotational condition is when said tray is parallel to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said first relative rotational condition is when said tray is not transverse to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said tray in another relative rotational condition is more easily removed from said clipping means, said rotation being when said tray is not parallel to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said tray in another relative rotational condition is more easily removed from said clipping feature said other relative rotational condition is when said plane of said tray is transverse to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

Preferably said hinge is a spine which extends between and joins juxtaposed sides of said first and second cover and includes at least one hinge line to allow said pivotal movement of said first and second covers.

Preferably first and second covers are of a quadrilateral plan shape and said spine extends between at least part of and joins juxtaposed sides of said first and second cover.

Preferably said spine is of a width substantially equal to the thickness of said media storage disk case when said covers are in said closed condition and said clipping means project from said spine.

Preferably said spine is flanked by two hinge lines one on each side thereof.

Preferably said axle extends beyond the perimeter of said tray.

Preferably said media storage disk case is a multi media storage disk case and wherein one of said first and second disk covers includes a media storage disk rosette for mounting a media storage disk.

Preferably said media storage disk case is, excluding said tray, a unitary moulded member.

Preferably said axle extends within the perimeter of said tray.

Preferably two said clipping means are provided and two corresponding axles are provided by said tray, said two clipping means provided in a spaced apart relationship.

Preferably said two axles are provided at one edge of said tray.

Preferably said two axles are provided each at one end of said one edge of said tray.

Preferably said tray is of a size slightly smaller that the plan shape size of said first and second covers.

Preferably said projection and said retention element both positioned in a manner to be in alignment within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Preferably said retention element extends from a said leg in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

Preferably at least one leg includes a recess (whether a through recess or a blind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extending parallel to a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recess bounded in part by said retention element at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted, wherein within said recess said projection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

Preferably each leg includes a recess (whether a through recess or a blind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extending parallel to a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recess in part bounded by said retention element at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted wherein within said recess said projection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

Preferably at least one leg is arch shaped and provides an opening of a plane parallel to the said axis of rotation, said opening in part bounded by said retention element at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted, wherein within said opening said projection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

Preferably each said leg has extending therefrom a said retention element.

Preferably said axle includes two said projections lateral to the axis of rotation and extending in opposite directions to each other.

Preferably said projections are in alignment with each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

Preferably said projections are off set from each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

Preferably said projections when seen in said direction coaxial with said axis of rotation form with said tray a “T” shaped configuration, said tray being the shank of said “T” shape and said projections together define the cross bar member of said “T” shape.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a tray for a media storage disk case of a kind comprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the movement of said first and second covers between a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlapping engagement with each other to define an interior enclosure therebetween within which at least one media storage disk may become secured and an open condition exposing the interior, said tray comprising

(1) a means to mount a said media storage disk, said tray to be clipped to one of (a) one of said covers and (b) said hinge, in a manner such that when said first and second covers are in said open condition said tray can flip between two rotational conditions, by being engaged at at least one clip fit clipping means which defines a slot between two legs resiliently movable relative to each other

(2) an axle to be captured between said slot said axle including at least one projection in a lateral direction to said axle which at least when said tray is in a first rotational position is in interference with a retention member of said clipping means, retaining the tray in clip fit engagement more so than when said tray is in a second rotational condition.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a media storage disk case with which a disk mounting tray can be engaged comprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlapping engagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior,

at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinge, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg is provided with a retention element

wherein said tray is of a kind which includes a means to mount a said media storage disk

and said tray includes, at the perimeter of said disk holding tray, an axle defining an axis of rotation of said tray, said axle captured between said pair of legs in manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition), said axle having extending therefrom at least one projection extending transverse to the axis of rotation and cooperative with said retention element at least then said tray is in a first relative rotational condition about said axis of rotation in which said tray is restrained from being removed from said clipping means as a result of engagement of said retention element with said projection.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a media storage disk case comprising

a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlaying engagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior,

a tray including a means to mount a said media storage disk

at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a) said first and (b) second cover and (c) hinge structure, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouth opening

said tray including, at its perimeter, an axle defining an axis of rotation for said tray, said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs in manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition),

said tray including a means cooperative with a locator feature disposed form the interior side of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition, in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction within or parallel to a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel.

Preferably said means cooperative includes a surface which is located against a surface of a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition said surfaces provided in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction within a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel, when first and second covers when such are in said closed condition.

Preferably said means cooperative includes a surface extending at least in a direction parallel to the plane which is located against a surface of a locator feature also extending at least in a direction parallel to said plane when such are in said closed condition.

Preferably a surface said means cooperative is located against a surface of a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition said surfaces provided in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in all directions within a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel and when first and second covers when such are in said closed condition.

Preferably a surface said means cooperative is located against a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition, said locator feature being a projection from at least one of said first and second covers presenting a surface against which a surface of said means cooperative is in said closed condition engaged in overlap when viewed in a direction parallel to said plane to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction parallel to the direction of overlap.

Preferably said means cooperative is a projection from said tray.

Preferably said overlap is in a direction parallel to said axis of rotation.

Preferably said overlap is in a direction transverse to said axis of rotation.

Preferably said overlap is a direction parallel and transverse to said axis of rotation.

Preferably projection of said tray is locates into a recess defined by said locator feature of one of said covers.

Preferably recess of said locator feature is a gap provided between said projection thereof, comprising of two legs.

Preferably said means cooperative is an edge of said tray.

Preferably said means cooperative is an aperture through said tray.

Preferably said means cooperative is a projection from said tray and presents a surface located against a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition, said locator feature selected from being one of an edge and aperture of said at least one of said first and second covers which presenting a surface against which a surface of said projection is in said closed condition engaged in an overlapping condition when viewed in a direction parallel to said plane to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction parallel to the direction of overlap.

Preferably two said locator features and two corresponding means cooperative are provided.

Preferably said two locator features and two corresponding means cooperative are the same but located in spaced apart locations with respect to said case and said covers.

Where the brief description of an invention relates to one inventive aspect, it will be appreciated that some or all of the features of such can be also incorporated with any of the other inventive aspects herein described. For example the incorporation of aspects relating to the locator feature may also incorporate the retention and clipping feature aspects and visa-versa.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred. It is being understood however that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a case absent of its tray,

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a case with a tray engaged therewith the tray being shown in an overlaying region with the disk mounting region of the base of the covers of the case,

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a tray,

FIG. 6 is a side view of the tray of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is an end view of the tray of FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is an end view of a plurality of trays of the kind as shown in FIG. 5 being in a stacked configuration,

FIG. 9 is a close up perspective view of the clipping region of the case engaged with the axle of the tray,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 9 but wherein the clipping feature has been shown in phantom,

FIG. 11 is a sectional view through a case of the present invention in the closed condition illustrating the mounting of the tray therein,

FIG. 12A is representative of the end view of a tray illustrating a “T” shaped configuration between the tray and the retention feature,

FIG. 12B is a variation of 12A,

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the case and tray prior to being clipped together,

FIG. 14 is a close up view of the region of FIG. 13,

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a case of the present invention illustrating an alternative location of the clipping features,

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of a case of the present invention wherein the hinge configuration is different to that of the tray of FIG. 2,

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a prior art tray,

FIG. 18 is an end view of the prior art tray of FIG. 17,

FIG. 19 is a side view of a clipping feature showing a slot within which features of the tray become capture for retention,

FIG. 20 shows an alternative to the clipping feature of FIG. 19

FIG. 21 shows a further alternative to the clipping feature of FIG. 19

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a tray in an open condition illustrating the provision of two tray locator features provided to the base,

FIG. 23 is a sectional view through section ZZ shown on FIG. 22,

FIG. 24 is a sectional view through section YY of FIG. 22,

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a tray which can be utilised in association with the case of FIG. 22,

FIG. 26 shows the base portion of the case and with which the tray of FIG. 25 is located,

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a case in an open condition showing alternative forms of locator features provided by the base, and

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a tray which can be utilised in conjunction with the locator features of the base of the case of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a case 1 which includes a first cover 2 such as a base and a second cover 3 such as a lid which are hingably engaged to each other. The base and lid are of quadrilateral shape in plan view. With reference to FIG. 1 the base and lid are preferably of a rectangular quadrilateral shape in plan view. Two complimentary edges of the base and lid are connected together. In this case the major edges of the rectangular shaped lid and base are connected via a hinge structure 4. In FIG. 1, the hinge structure 4 consists of a spine panel 5 which includes lines of weakness 6 which define the pivot axes for the pivoting of the base and lid relative to the spine panel 5 and relative to each other. The spine panel 5 is preferably of the same length as the engaged sides of the base and lid however the spine may in an alternative configuration be of a shorter length. The base, lid and spine panels are preferably made from a single piece of plastics material and preferably formed by injection moulding. The base 2 includes a disk mounting region (a first disk mounting region) 7 which is capable of receiving a disk (not shown) which can be located at the disk mounting region 7 by means of a rosette 8. The rosette 8 is of a kind which allows for a releasable securing of a disk by its central aperture. When mounted, the disk will be parallel to the planar direction of the base 2. The disk mounting region 7 may also include a perimeter 9 which is of a profile which may provide additional protection to the perimeter of a disk. The disk mounting region 7 is preferably located substantially centrally on the base 2. The disk mounting region 7 is provided to the interior facing side of the base 2, the interior facing side being that side which is located within the enclosure of the case when the lid and base have been rotated relative to each other to be in a substantially overlying condition. In such a condition (a closed condition) the lid and base form an enclosure within which a disk mounted on the disk mounting region 7 can be protectively located. A closed condition is for example shown in FIG. 11. To provide such an enclosure one or both of the base and lid are preferably of the same perimeter plan shape and may include upstanding walls 11 defining a trough between the bounds of such walls.

The lid may include clips 12 which are provided to the interior side of the lid and allow for a releasable fastening of a booklet or other information to the interior side of the lid. The hinge structure of the configuration of the case as shown in FIG. 1 has a spine feature which is independently movable to a certain degree (ie by pivoting only), to the base and lid. However with reference to FIG. 16, a hinge structure being merely a line of weakness defined between the base and lid but without an independently movable spine may also be provided.

In moving from a closed condition as shown in FIG. 11 to an opened condition (for normal), the lid and tray move relative to each other through an arc of substantially 180 degrees. In the opened condition the lid and tray form a lay flat configuration as shown in FIG. 2. This will be a normal mode of use of the case when in the opened condition providing access to the interior of the case.

The case allows the incorporation of a tray (as for example shown in FIG. 5) in a manner as preferably shown in FIG. 3. Such a tray is provided for mounting a second disk to be contained within the enclosure of the case. Such a tray will include a disk mounting region 14 with a rosette feature 15 for mounting a disk at its central aperture with the tray 13. The disk mounting region 14 may be of a form to afford protection to the disk especially at the radial perimeter of the disk. The tray will provide an underlying base portion to a disk mounted thereon and is of a perimeter to extend beyond the perimeter of a disk when mounted on the rosette 15. At a perimeter of the tray 13 there are provided tray mounting features 18 which are preferably axles which are capable of locating with clipping features of part of the case.

In a preferred form there are provided two such axles 18 which are in axial alignment along an axis XX and provide an axis of rotation for the tray 13 when assembled with the rest of the case. Whilst preferably two axles are provided as shown in FIG. 5 further axles may be incorporated or may for example be incorporated in a configuration of the provision of such axles like that of the prior art tray shown in FIG. 17. However to provide sufficient stability and engagement of a tray with part of the case of the present invention two axles are sufficient. However it may be sufficient that a single axle is provided. The axles provide an axis of rotation about which the tray can rotate to flip between different rotational conditions relative to the lid and/or base of the case.

Each axle is capable of locating with a respective clipping feature 23 provided as part of the case. The clipping features are preferably provided on the spine 5 but may alternatively be provided on the base 2 (as shown in FIG. 15) or on the lid 3. When provided on the lid or base they are preferably close to the spine of close to the edge of the base or lid away from the spine but which runs parallel therewith. Each clipping feature 23 preferably consists of a pair of legs 26,27 which extend from part of the case in a manner to present a slot 24 in between and within which an axle 18 of the tray 13 can locate. The clipping feature 23 may include a fist leg 26 and a second leg 27 having a slot 24 therebetween which has a mouth opening region 28 presented at or proximate the distal ends 29 of the legs 26 and 27. The legs 26 and 27 being also of a moulded plastics material are resiliently flexible relative to each other so that the slot 24 can be of a varying distance and/or configuration. Whether the clipping features are disposed from the base, spine or lid of the case, the tray 13 can flip about the axis XX. With reference to FIG. 3, the tray 13 is shown provided in an overlying condition with the disk mounting region 7 of the base 2. The tray 13 can flip about the axis XX to a condition wherein it is provided adjacent the lid 3. Such rotation when the base and lid are in the lay flat condition as shown in FIG. 4, rotates the tray substantially through 180 degrees. The tray 13 since it provides the disk mounting region 14 to one side of the tray, will in the rotational condition where it is provided adjacent the lid 3, expose the disk mounting region 7 of the base and cover the disk mounting region 14 of the tray as it is located proximate most and facing the interior facing surface of the lid 3. However the tray 13 may be provided such that when the tray is located adjacent the base and disk mounting region 7, the disk mounting region 14 of the tray faces the disk mounting region of the base. The tray 13 is reversible in that manner such that the desired presentation of the disk is achieved.

The flipping of the tray 13 between its two rotational conditions lying facing the base 2 or lying facing the lid 3, provides the tray in a substantially parallel relationship with the base and tray. Where the base and the lid are in the lay flat condition as shown in FIG. 4, the tray can rotation between such two rotational positions through substantially 180 degrees.

The clipping feature 23 may include a tapered mouth section 28 which provides a gradual and sloping access to the slot 24 of the clipping feature 23. Insertion of the axle 18 into the slot 24 can be achieved by pressing the axle through the mouth region 28 which guided by the sloping sections introduces the axle within the slot 24 of the clipping feature 23. The slot 24 may be bounded towards the mouth end by a throat defining restriction feature 30 on at least one and preferably both of the legs 26 and 27. The throat defining restriction features 30 creates a restriction to the movement of the axle once received within the slot for discouraging its movement out through the opening 29 and consequent disassociation with the clipping feature 23.

Indeed the slot 24 may open up to a significantly larger opening than that defined between the throat defining restriction features 30.

In the most preferred form the axle 18 includes a projection 40. In a most preferred form this projection 40 is an elongate feature which is transverse to the axial direction of the axle 18. It is this projection which in combination with a corporative retention element or feature 80 of the clipping feature 23, ensures that the tray 13 at least in one condition of rotation of the tray to the base and lid is retained more than in other rotational conditions.

The projection 40 is preferably provided extending from the axle in an orientation so that its greatest width (ie when viewed in a direction parallel to the axis XX) is provided transverse to the plane of the tray 13 (when viewed in a direction parallel to the plane and to the axis XX). For example the longitudinal direction ZZ (see FIG. 12) is transverse to the plane YY of the tray 3. The axle I 8 upon its insertion between the legs 26,27 will also advance the projection 40 between the cooperative retention features 80 of the clipping feature 23.

With reference to FIG. 10, a most preferred form of the projection 40 is shown. The projection 40 comprises two portions 42 and 43 projecting from the axle 18 and each extending in opposite directions to each other. The two portions are both lateral to the axle 18 and to the plane of the tray 13, and are optionally oriented in an offset relationship to each other. The offseting of the portions is schematically shown in FIG. 12B (when viewed from a direction parallel to the plane of the tray 13 and perpendicular to the axis XX) and the reason for the optional offsetting will be explained later. Alternatively, The portions 42 and 43 can be in a collinear relationship with each other as schematically shown in FIG. 12A (when viewed from a direction parallel to the plane of the tray 13 and perpendicular to the axis x).

With reference to FIG. 19 the clipping feature 23 is show viewed from a direction BB of FIG. 9. It can be seen that two legs 27 are provided projecting from the spine S and at the mouth opening region 28, the two legs are bridged by said cooperative retention feature 80. The cooperative retention feature 80 extends between said two legs 27 in a direction parallel to the axle. It creates a slot 41 which may or may not be open and within which the projection 40 (whether a single projection or provided in the form of its two portions 42,43) can freely rotate in when the tray is being flipped from side to side. Yet it provides a retention surface 81 which prevents the projection 40 from being removed, especially when the projection 40 is presented in a manner with its maximum width extending across clipping feature. The cooperative retention feature 80 may be provided extending across legs 27 or across legs 26 or both legs 27 and legs 26 may have such cooperative retention feature 80 provided. With reference to FIG. 20 it can be seen that in the alternative, the clipping feature may provide the cooperative retention feature 80 as a stub and it not bridging between legs. Likewise FIG. 21 shows an alternative to FIG. 20 which would successfully be able to provide the cooperative retention feature 80 in a manner to provide resistance to the movement of the projection 40 and hence the tray from said clipping features.

For assembly of the tray with the clipping feature 23, the projection 40 is oriented such that its maximum width is parallel to the direction of engagement. Such is for example shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14 the direction ZZ is parallel with the direction II, II being the direction to which the opening 28 of the slot 24 is presented. In such an orientation of the tray and hence the projection 40, a reduced width of the projection 40 is presented for insertion between the legs 26 and 27. A machine can be used for pressing the tray with the clipping feature 23. In the most preferred form it can be seen that the tray 13 provides the projection 40 such that the projection 40 is of a curved perimeter. In the example as shown in FIG. 10, the projection 40 (shown as comprising two portions 42 and 43) is of an oval or elliptical shape but may alternatively be of a trapezoidal shape or similar. It may in an alternative form be of a rectangular shape but with the provision of curved edges to the retention feature 40, it can be more conveniently pressed between the legs 26 and 27.

When the tray becomes rotated so that its plane is parallel to the direction of insertion to the clipping feature 23, the projection 40 is rotated such that its maximum width is presented to the insertion direction and in such an orientation (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10), as a result of the interaction between the projection 40 and the cooperative retention feature 80, it becomes significantly more difficult or even impossible for the projection 40 and hence the tray 13 to be removed from the clipping feature 23 in such an orientation In a normal mode of use, such an orientation is in a direction normal to the planes of the lid and base when such are in the open and lay flat condition as for example shown in FIG. 1. The assembly of the case of the present invention occurs by taking a tray 13 and orientating it such that the plane of the tray 13 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion for engagement of the tray with the clipping feature 23. The tray is then pressed by pressing the axles 18 including the projection 40 into a clipping feature at both ends of the tray.

In order to allow for convenient processing, handling and assembly of a case of the present invention, the tray is designed so as to allow for it to be stacked one on top of each other with like trays. Such a stack of trays can be utilised for removal one by one of a tray for an assembly to define a case of the present invention. In order to allow for convenient stacking to occur, the projection 40 is preferably defined in a manner such that in the direction of stacking a first portion 42 of the projection 40 is offset from a second portion 43 of the projection 40 extending in the opposite direction from the axis XX of the axle 18. Such an offset of the two portions of the projection disposed from each side of the axle 18 ensures that a plurality of trays can be stacked one on top of each other (as shown in FIG. 8) without interference occurring between the respective projections 40 of the ways.

Another manner of looking at the configuration of the tray 13 and its associated projection 40 is that when looking down the axis (i.e. parallel to the axis) XX the projection 40 and the tray 13 form a “T” shaped configuration wherein the tray 13 defines the shank of the “T” shaped configuration and the portions 42 and 43 define the crossbar of the “T” shaped arrangement In the preferred form the portions 42 and 43 extend from the axis XX in a manner so as to be collinear when viewed in the XX direction however a linear offset of the portions 42 and 43 may exist wherein a first portion 42 of the projection 40, for example may not extend from the shank at the same distance along the shank as where the portion 43 extends from the shank. The portions will however extend linearly in a parallel manner in such an alternative arrangement.

FIG. 12A illustrates a collinear relationship of the portions 43 and 42 whereas FIG. 12B illustrates an offset but still parallel configuration of the portions 42 and 43.

With reference to FIGS. 22-28 there are shown a further invention providing enhancements to the prior art which may also be enhancements incorporated with the invention so far described. The enhancements allow for the tray 13 to be more securely held with respect to the case 1 at least when the case 1 is in the closed condition. Provided to one of the lid 3 or base 2 portions of the case, is at least one locating feature 90. The locating feature 90 as for example shown in FIG. 22 is provided to the base 2. With reference to FIG. 22 there are shown two locating features 90 which are presented as upstands from the base 2. In effect, the locating feature 90 provides a retention surface or surfaces of a configuration which allows for a complimentary surface 91 or surfaces of a tray 13 to locate therewith. The locating feature 90 is shown located proximate to the hinge structure 4 but preferably away from the axis XX. The locating feature 90 in the configuration as shown in FIG. 22 provides surfaces intermediate of which a ridge edge or flange 91 being an upstand from the tray 13 can locate. The locating feature 90 provides such surfaces to restrain any movement of the tray 13 in a direction parallel to direction XX when the ridge 91 is located intermediate of the surfaces of the locating feature 90. In this form, the locating feature 90 presents such surfaces to define a slot 92 therebetween into and out of which the ridge 91 can move. When the tray 13 is parallel to the base 2, the ridge is located within the slot 92 of the locating feature 90. The ridge 91 is (when the tray 13 is engaged with the case) aligned with the slot 92 between the upstands of the retention feature 90 and when the tray is parallel or at least proximate to parallel with the base 2 the ridge is located within such a slot 92. In such a condition the tray is restrained in movement in a direction parallel to axis XX also by such a locating feature 90. Whilst in the preferred form the locating feature or features 90 are shown proximate to the hinge structure 4, it will be appreciated that such a locating feature 90 could be further away from the hinge structure 4. Indeed the locating feature 90 may be more proximate to the edge of the base 2 opposite to the edge parallel to the hinge structure 4. Furthermore whilst there are shown two locating features 90 it will be appreciated that at least one such locating feature can provide the benefit of retention of the tray to prevent movement in a direction parallel to the direction XX. Whilst in the preferred form the ridge 91 is incorporated as part of a moulded feature of the tray 13, alternatively a surface cooperative with the locating feature 90 of the case may be provided by way of an edge or opening of the tray 13. It may indeed be the upper edge and lower edge of the tray 13 extending transverse from the axis of rotation XX. In addition or alternatively the locating feature 90 may be provided in a manner to also prevent or restrict the movement of the tray in a direction lateral to the direction of the axis XX. With reference to FIG. 28, there is shown a ridge 94 which extends in a direction parallel to the axis XX and which may locate with a locating feature 96 to thereby prevent movement of a tray in a direction lateral to the direction of the axis XX. In a further or additional aspect a retention feature 97 may be provided which is an upstand or recess to receive a complimentary recess or upstand 98 from the tray. For example the retention feature 97 may be a surface relief of the base 2 which defines a recess or aperture 99 or hole into which a projection 98 of the tray 13 can locate. Such an aperture 99 will prevent movement of the tray relative to the base in all directions in the plane parallel to the tray and base when the tray and base are so engaged with each other. Whilst reference has herein been made to the provision of the locating feature 90 being provided in the form of two upstands from the tray 13 defining a slot 92 therebetween and wherein a corresponding ridge 91 is provided as part of the tray, it will be appreciated that in an alternative form the upstands defining the slot 92 may be provided by the tray and the ridge 91 be provided by the base. Likewise the relief feature 97 of the base may alternatively be provided as part of the tray and the projection 98 may be provided as part of the base. Aspects relating to the locator features of the invention may also include the use and configuration the clipping aspects herein before described.

Claims

1. A media storage disk case comprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlaying engagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior, a tray including a means to mount a said media storage disk at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinge, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg is provided with a retention element said tray including an axle defining an axis of rotation for said tray, said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs in a manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition), said axle having extending therefrom at least one projection extending transverse to the axis of rotation and cooperative with said retention element at least when said tray is in a first relative rotational condition about said axis of rotation in which said tray is restrained from being removed from said clipping means as a result of engagement of said retention element with said projection.

2. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray is a planar tray without upstands save for said means to mount.

3. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray is a tray with an at least in part perimeter upstanding wall.

4. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein when said axle is inserted between said pair of legs, said projection has a direction of projection which is lateral to said retention element and disposed to that side of said legs which are mounted, said retention element presenting a surface towards the side where said legs are mounted, which surface provides interference to the movement of said projection in a direction lateral to the axis of rotation, said direction lateral being in a direction removing said tray from said clipping means.

5. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first relative rotational condition is when said tray is parallel to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

6. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first relative rotational condition is when said tray is not transverse to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

7. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray in another relative rotational condition is more easily removed from said clipping means, said rotation being when said tray is not parallel to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

8. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray in another relative rotational condition is more easily removed from said clipping means, said other relative rotational condition is when said plane of said tray is transverse to the direction of projection of said clipping means.

9. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hinge is a spine which extends between and joins juxtaposed sides of said first and second cover and includes at least one hinge line to allow said pivotal movement of said first and second covers.

10. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 9 wherein first and second covers are of a quadrilateral plan shape and said spine extends between at least part of and joins juxtaposed sides of said first and second cover.

11. A media storage disk case as claimed in claims 9 or 10 wherein said spine is of a width substantially equal to the thickness of said media storage disk case when said covers are in said closed condition and said clipping means project from said spine.

12. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 9 wherein said spine is flanked by two hinge lines one on each side thereof

13. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said axle extends beyond the perimeter of said tray.

14. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said media storage disk case is a multi media storage disk case and wherein one of said first and second disk covers includes a media storage disk rosette for mounting a media storage disk.

15. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said media storage disk case is, excluding said tray, a unitary moulded member.

16. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said axle extends within the perimeter of said tray.

17. A media storage disk case as claimed in claims 1 or 13 wherein two said clipping means are provided and two corresponding axles are provided by said tray, said two clipping means provided in a spaced apart relationship.

18. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 17 wherein said two axles are provided at one edge of said tray.

19. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 18 wherein said two axles are provided one each at an end of said one edge of said tray.

20. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tray is of a size slightly smaller that the plan shape size of said first and second covers.

21. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said projection and said retention element both positioned in a manner to be in alignment within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

22. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein said retention element extends from a said leg in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

23. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one leg includes recess (whether a through recess or a blind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extending parallel to a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recess bounded in part by said retention element at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted, wherein within said recess said projection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

24. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein each leg includes a recess (whether a through recess or a blind recess on the slot side of said clipping means) extending parallel to a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, said recess in part bounded by said retention element at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted wherein within said recess said projection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

25. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one leg is arch shaped and provides an opening of a plane parallel to the said axis of rotation, said opening in part bounded by said retention element at a location of said leg above at where said leg is mounted, wherein within said opening said projection is able to freely rotate about said axis of rotation.

26. A media storage disk case as claimed of claim 1 wherein each said leg has extending there from a said retention element.

27. A media storage disk case as claimed of claim 1 wherein said axle includes two said projections lateral to the axis of rotation and extending in opposite directions to each other.

28. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 27 wherein said projections are in alignment with each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

29. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 27 wherein said projections are off set from each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

30. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 27 wherein said projections when seen in said direction coaxial with said axis of rotation form with said tray a “T” shaped configuration, said tray being the shank of said “T” shape and said projections together define the cross bar member of said “T” shape.

31. A tray for a media storage disk case of a kind comprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the movement of said first and second covers between a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlapping engagement with each other to define an interior enclosure therebetween within which at least one media storage disk may become secured and an open condition exposing the interior, said tray comprising (1) a means to mount a said media storage disk, said tray to be clipped to a clipping means of one of (a) one of said covers and (b) said hinge, in a manner such that when said first and second covers are in said open condition said tray can flip between two rotational conditions, by being engaged at at least one clip fit clipping means which defines a slot between two legs resiliently movable relative to each other (2) an axle to be captured between said slot said axle including at least one projection in a lateral direction to said axle which at least when said tray is in a first rotational conditions is in interference with a retention member of said clipping means, retaining the tray in clip fit engagement more so than when said tray is in a second rotational condition.

32. A media storage disk case with which a disk mounting tray can be engaged comprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlapping engagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior, at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinges, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouth opening and wherein at least one leg is provided with a retention element said case to receive a said tray of a kind which includes a means to mount a said media storage disk and which includes, at the perimeter of said disk holding tray, an axle defining an axis of rotation of said tray, said axle captured between said pair of legs in manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition), said axle having extending therefrom at least one projection extending transverse to the axis of rotation and cooperative with said retention element at least when said tray is in a first relative rotational condition about said axis of rotation in which said tray is restrained from being removed from said clipping means as a result of engagement of said retention element with said projection.

33. A media storage disk case comprising a first cover and a second cover and an intermediate hinge to hingably engage said first and second covers to each other to allow the pivoting movement of said first cover with said second cover between (i) a closed condition wherein said first and second covers are in overlaying engagement with each other to define an enclosed interior within which at least one media storage disk may be located and (ii) an open condition exposing the interior, a tray including a means to mount a said media storage disk at least one tray clipping means mounted to project to the enclosure side from one of (a) said first cover and (b) said second cover and (c) said hinge, said tray clipping means defined by a pair of legs resiliently movable relative to each other, said pair of legs defining a slot therebetween with a mouth opening said tray including an axle defining an axis of rotation for said tray, said axle captured in said slot between said pair of legs in a manner allowing the pivoting of said tray relative to said covers about the axis of rotation (at least when said covers are in said open condition), said tray including a means cooperative with a locator feature disposed form the interior side of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition, in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction within or parallel to a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel.

34. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein said means cooperative includes a surface which is located against a surface of a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition said surfaces provided in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction within a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel, when said first and second covers are in said closed condition.

35. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein said means cooperative includes a surface extending at least in a direction parallel to the plane which is located against a surface of a locator feature also extending at least in a direction parallel to said plane when such are in said closed condition.

36. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein a surface of said means cooperative is located against a surface of a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such arc in said closed condition said surfaces provided in a manner to restrain the movement of said tray in all directions within a plane to which said axis of rotation is parallel and when said first and second covers are in said closed condition.

37. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein a surface of said means cooperative is located against a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition, said locator feature being a projection from at least one of said first and second covers presenting a surface against which a surface of said means cooperative is in said closed condition engaged in overlap when viewed in a direction parallel to said plane to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction parallel to the direction of overlap.

38. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said means cooperative is a projection from said tray.

39. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said overlap is in a direction parallel to said axis of rotation.

40. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said overlap is in a direction transverse to said axis of rotation.

41. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said overlap is a direction parallel and transverse to said axis of rotation.

42. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 38 wherein said projection of said tray locates into a recess defined by said locator feature of one of said covers.

43. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 42 wherein said recess of said locator feature is a gap provided between said projection thereof, comprising of two legs.

44. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said means cooperative is an edge of said tray.

45. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 37 wherein said means cooperative is an aperture through said tray.

46. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein said means cooperative is a projection from said tray and presents a surface located against a locator feature of at least one of said first and second covers when such are in said closed condition, said locator feature selected from being one of an edge and aperture of said at least one of said first and second covers which presenting a surface against which a surface of said projection is in said closed condition engaged in an overlapping condition when viewed in a direction parallel to said plane to restrain the movement of said tray in at least one direction parallel to the direction of overlap.

47. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 33 wherein two said locator features and two corresponding means cooperative are provided,

48. A media storage disk case as claimed in claim 47 wherein said two locator features and two corresponding means cooperative are the same but located in spaced apart locations with respect to said case and said covers.