Method and apparatus for packaging DVDs

Abstract

A manufacturing line for making DVD assemblies includes a conveyor belt or similar apparatus for providing continuously DVD packages, holding tray for providing a plurality of shells, each shell defining a cavity adapted to receive one of said DVD packages; and an encasing position adapted to receive each DVD package, encase it into a respective shell and then seal the shell to form a DVD assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A. Field of Invention

[0002] This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for packaging audio-visual media, such as DVDs, and more particularly to an apparatus and method that is particularly suited to be integrated to a manufacturing line to apply a sealed blister-pack type package.

[0003] B. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] DVDs are becoming popular media for distributing various audio-video content. While DVDs have essentially the same dimensions as CDs and, hence, DVDs could be packaged using containers similar to CD packages, such as jewel cases. However, several criteria must be considered when designing DVD packages. First, unlike CDs, DVDs are double-sided, and are more prone to damage when bent or warped. Second, DVDs are more susceptible to physical damage caused, for example, by scratches when they contact with other surfaces.

[0005] Most DVDs are presently available in one of two packages: the “amaray” package and the “snapper” package. The amaray package is very popular and it consists of a plastic box with a push-button locking tray hub for easy disc release, and clamps for multi-page booklets.

[0006] Another type of package, referred to as the “Snapper” consists of printed paperboard coupled to a plastic tray and outfitted with “click-closure” spines molded in the bottom and top of the tray.

[0007] One problem with these types of packages is that they do not deter theft. Manufacturers have attempted to rectify this problem by various means. For example, frequently, DVD packages contain electronic surveillance (EAS) devices that are detected when the packages are removed from the premises. However, these devices must be incorporated in the package itself, and hence are ineffective if when a disc is removed from the package. Other attempts used various means designed to seal the package so that a disc is difficult to remove. These latter means include special adhesive labels and other locking mechanisms. However, these means are expensive, esthetically objectionable, inconvenient to use.

OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means of packaging DVDs that has improved anti-theft characteristics over the known packages.

[0009] A further objective is to provide an improved package that makes use of existing, well known types of packages.

[0010] A further objective is to provide an esthetically pleasing DVD package.

[0011] Yet another objective is to provide a method of making a novel package by making relatively minor changes to an existing manufacturing line.

[0012] Other objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. A manufacturing line for making DVD assemblies in a continuous process in accordance with this invention includes means for providing a plurality of shells, each shell defining a cavity adapted to receive one of the DVD packages; and an encasing position adapted to receive each DVD package, encase it into a respective shell and then seal the shell to form a DVD assembly. Preferably the shell is made of two segments having a depression and a surrounding lip. The segments are joined by a live hinge and are constructed and arranged so that when they are closed about the live hinge, their lips are superimposed and the depressions define a cavity which has the same size and shape as a DVD package. The shells are preferably molded of a transparent plastic made, for example, of PET.

[0013] Each shell is loaded by placing a DVD package on one segment. The loaded shell is then closed by pivoting the other segment. The closed shell is then sealed by bonding or fusing the lips together to form a closed and hermetically sealed DVD assembly.

[0014] Optionally, a hologram sheet is also enclosed in the DVD assembly as a decoration, and/or to provide a means of authenticating the DVD assembly. The sheet can be attached to an inner surface of the shell or on the DVD package.

[0015] In order to perform these steps, the manufacturing line includes a holding tray that holds several shells and an insertion station adapted to load each DVD package into a shell from said tray.3. The manufacturing line further includes a closing station adapted to close each loaded shell, and a sealing station adapted to seal each closed shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an orthogonal view of a prior art DVD package;

[0017] FIG. 2 shows the DVD package of FIG. 1 with a security label attached thereto;

[0018] FIG. 3 shows an orthogonal view of a DVD packaging shell constructed in accordance with this invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 shows an orthogonal view of another embodiment of the shell;

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a somewhat diagrammatic view of a DVD package manufacturing line constructed in accordance with this invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 shows the DVD assembly obtained from the manufacturing line of FIG. 5; and

[0022] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the DVD assembly incorporating a hologram sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an orthogonal view of a so-called “snapper” package 10 designed to hold a DVD 13. The package 10 has the shape of a box and includes a flap 12 that can be opened to gain access to the DVD 13. The flap is sealed in order to insure that the DVD is not stolen. FIG. 2 shows the package 10 being sealed by a tape 14 made of a plastic material. As can be seen in the figure, the sealed package does not look esthetically pleasing. Moreover many customers, especially elderly customers, have difficulty opening the package by hand. If a sharp object, such as a knife is used, the DVD may get damaged.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows an orthogonal view of a packaging shell 20 composed of two segments 22, 24 joined by a live hinge 26. The segments 22, 24 can be substantially identical, and are formed with depressions 28, 30 surrounded by a lip 32 having a uniform width. The shell 20 is preferably molded from a transparent or, at least translucent sheet material made of PET, or other similar plastic compounds.

[0025] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the segments 22, 24 are generally rectangular and are joined by hinge 26 along a respective long edge 34, 36. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein a shell 20A is provided with rectangular segments 22A, 24A joined by a live hinge 26A along respective short sides 34A, 36A.

[0026] The shells 20, 20A are arranged and constructed so that when their segments 22, 24, 22A, 24A are pivoted from the open positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to a closed position along respective live hinges 26, 26A, the depressions thereon form a cavity which matches the size and shape of a predetermined DVD package, such as the DVD package 10 shown in FIG. 1. In this position the lips of the two segments come in contact with each other and the shell can then be closed and sealed by bonding, by fusing the lips together, or by joining the lips using an adhesive material.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic view of a manufacturing line 40 used to encase DVD packages 10 received on a conveyor belt 42 into shells 20 from a holding tray 48. For this purpose, the manufacturing line 40 includes an encasing position 44 which includes several stations that are constructed and arranged to insert each DVD package 10 into a respective shell 20 and then close and seal the shell. As seen in FIG. 5, the encasing position 44 includes a package loading station 46, an insertion station 52, a closure station 54 and a sealing station 56.

[0028] The holding tray 48 is used to keep the several shells 20 from a chute 50. The package loading station 46 and the insertion station 52 cooperate so as each package 10 is received from belt 42, it is inserted into a respective shell 20. Next, at the closure station 54 each loaded shell 20 is closed by pivoting segment 28 to fit over the segment 30. At the sealing station 56 the lips 32 of the segments are bonded or fused together by applying heat, and/or an adhesive thereto. Various known intermediate conveyor mechanisms are used to move the DVD packages 10 and shells 20 between the stations. These mechanisms have been omitted from FIG. 5 since they are well known in the art.

[0029] The final DVD assembly 60 is shown in FIG. 6 and consists of a DVD package 10 enclosed and sealed in a shell 20. The manufacturing line 40 performs this encasing process in a continuous manner. Hence, it can be provided independently, and used to encase a plurality of DVD packages received from another source. Alternatively, the manufacturing line 40 can be easily incorporated into an automated process for making DVD packages. Moreover, a fully integrated line may also be constructed in which DVDs are made, inserted into a package, and the package is then encased in a shell.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein an embossed hologram sheet 62 is incorporated into the DVD assembly 60. The sheet 62 may be provide as a means of decorating the assembly. In addition, the sheet 62 may be provided as a means of authenticating the assembly 60 since it is very hard to make unauthorized copies of such embossed hologram sheets. The holographic sheet 62 can be attached either to the DVD package 10 or on the inner surface of shell 20. Preferably, the holographic sheet 62 is attached at the casing position 42, for example, by the insertion station 52.

[0031] Obviously numerous modifications may be made to this invention without departing from its scope, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manufacturing line for making DVD assemblies comprising: means for providing DVD packages, each DVD package including a DVD; means for providing a plurality of shells, each shell defining a cavity adapted to receive one of said DVD packages; and an encasing position adapted to receive each DVD package, encase it into a respective shell and then seal the shell to form a DVD assembly.

2. The manufacturing line of claim 1 wherein means for providing shells includes a holding tray that holds several shells and an insertion station adapted to load each DVD package into a shell from said tray.

3. The manufacturing line of claim 2 further comprising a closing station adapted to close each loaded shell.

4. The manufacturing line of claim 1 further comprising a sealing station adapted to seal each closed shell.

5. A manufacturing line for making DVD assemblies and comprising: a conveyor belt receiving DVD packages, each DVD package including a DVD; a holding tray holding a plurality of shells, each shell defining a cavity conforming to the shape of the DVD packages when closed; and an encasing position receiving said DVD packages from said conveyor belt and said shells from said holding tray and forming DVD assemblies, each DVD assembly including one of said DVD package encased in one of said shells.

6. The manufacturing line of claim 5 wherein said encasing position includes an insertion station adapted to receive one of said shells from said tray and one of said DVD packages, and to load said one shell with said one DVD package.

7. The manufacturing line of claim 5 further comprising a closing station adapted to close each loaded shell.

8. The manufacturing line of claim 7 further comprising a sealing station adapted to seal each closed shell.

9. A manufacturing line for making DVD assemblies and comprising: a conveyor belt receiving DVD packages, each DVD package including a DVD; a holding tray holding a plurality of shells, each shell being formed of two segments jointed by a live hinge, said segments defining a cavity conforming to the shape of the DVD packages when said segments are closed along said hinge, each said segment having a peripheral lip; and an encasing position receiving said DVD packages from said conveyor belt and said shells from said holding tray and forming DVD assemblies, each DVD assembly including one of said DVD package encased in one of said shells.

10. The manufacturing line of claim 9 wherein said encasing position includes an insertion station adapted to receive one of said shells from said tray and one of said DVD packages, and to load said one shell with said one DVD package by positioning said DVD package on one of said segments of said one shell.

11. The manufacturing line of claim 10 further comprising a closing station adapted to close each loaded shell by pivoting the other segment of said one shell with the lips of the segments being superimposed.

12. The manufacturing line of claim 11 further comprising a sealing station adapted to seal each closed shell by joining the lips of the segments.

13. The manufacturing line of claim 12 wherein said sealing station is adapted to seal each shell by bonding said lips.

14. The manufacturing line of claim 12 wherein said sealing station is adapted to seal each shell by using an adhesive on said lips.

15. The manufacturing line of claim 9 further comprising incorporating in said shell a holographic sheet.

16. The manufacturing line of claim 15 wherein said holographic sheet is attached to said DVD package.

17. The manufacturing line of claim 15 wherein said holographic sheet is attached to said shell.