Patent Application
20120193252
The present teachings relate generally to articles, apparatus and processes for packaging and storing articles and more specifically to a media storage apparatus and to a process for providing a three-dimensional effect when viewing the media storage apparatus.
Media storage devices are often sufficiently fragile that specialized packaging, is developed in an effort to prevent damage to the devices. As an example, digital video discs (DVD) and/or compact discs (CD) are often packaged so that movement of the disc within the packaging is limited thereby reducing the likelihood of scratching and other damage to the disc. Despite the continued developments to obtain improved and advanced storage apparatuses with improved media protection, there long remains a need to provide added features and benefits to such apparatuses. Such added features are challenging to implement given changes in technologies, such as Blu-ray discs (BD) which are even more sensitive to scratching than traditional disc storage mediums.
Such added features are more challenging given the existing required features for such packaging for storage mediums which must provide a reusable package in which the storage mediums can be stored. Further, the packaging must also include sufficient surfaces for providing information regarding the contents. Accordingly, there long exists a need for product packaging that provides added features while continuing to minimize damage to the contents by providing internal structures for limiting movement of the contents and for safe removal and replacement of the contents.
The present teachings provide for an apparatus for use as a packaging for a storage media such as a digital video disc (DVD) and the like and, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a clam-shell casing having a first side portion and a second side portion wherein the disc is safely stored and is capable of providing an improved visual effect. In one exemplary embodiment, the first side portion is transparent, or is at least partially translucent and, optionally, includes an image.
The apparatus further includes a cover member in the form of a thin film having an outer member having an image thereon, and an inner member having an image thereon. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the outer and inner members each include a transparent, or at least a partially translucent portion and the storage medium includes an image thereon and wherein the image on the storage medium can be viewed through the outer member, the side first portion and the inner portion. In the one embodiment, each of the outer member, first side portion and inner member include selected elements of an image and are arranged to provide a three-dimensional appearance to the completed image.
Advantageously, in one embodiment, the storage media is a DVD including an additional portion of an image, which may be a third or fourth portion of the image. The image may be located on at least one side of the DVD and the DVD is located onto the second side portion of the packaging and when the packaging is closed, the portion of the image located on the surface of the DVD is viewable through the outer member, the first side portion and the inner member to be part of the three-dimensional image.
The teachings herein contemplate an apparatus and method for the packaging and storage of a DVD wherein the DVD is located within a packaging structure and a three-dimensional image is thereby completed. The packaging disclosed herein may allow for the secure containment of media storage devices. The second portion may include retaining structures shaped to correspond with the shape of the storage medium (DVD) intended for secure placement thereon. The packaging structure may further include features for minimizing direct contact with the storage media (DVD) within the packaging to further protect the goods from damage.
In general, the teachings as embodied in the description herein disclose a packaging that provides a three-dimensional effect when viewing the packaging from at least one point of view. More particularly, the packaging having a three dimensional effect is for storing and commercializing a digital video disc (DVD) containing a movie to be viewed on a television set and a DVD player providing a three-dimensional viewing experience. Accordingly, the packaging provides a three-dimensional effect intended to be representative of the three-dimensional movie.
Referring generally to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, the improved DVD and/or compact disc (CD) package of these teachings is referred to generally at 10. Package 10 generally includes a tray or body 12 useful for holding and protecting a storage media such as a standard digital video disc (DVD), high-definition video disc (i.e., Blu-ray or HD DVD), compact disc (CD), and the like. The body 12 includes a first portion (e.g., a first side portion) 14 and a second portion (e.g., a second side portion) 16 interconnected by a spine 18 to form a generally clam-shell holder as is generally known in the packaging of storage media such as DVDs. In one embodiment, the body 12 is generally of a standard configuration for a standard case for containing and protecting a standard or high definition digital video disc (DVD). In the one embodiment, all parts of the body 12 may be made from any known or appropriate type of a generally clear or transparent and/or translucent material, in particular a plastic.
In the embodiment shown, the body 12 has a generally clam-shell type design such that the spine 18 is essentially a unitary hinge as is generally known in DVD storage devices. Alternatively, any known or appropriate spine 18 and/or hinge may be used in the body 12 for coupling the first portion 14 and the second portion 16. It is even possible that no spine 18 is included and that instead the first portion 14 is separate from the second portion 16 and they are coupled together using any known or appropriate fastener, connector, coupler, etc. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 14 is connected or fastened to the second portion when the body 12 is in a closed position, as shown in
The first portion 14 of the body 12, in the one embodiment shown, includes a pair of prongs of holders 21 located toward the outer edge of the first portion 14 and having a given distance between them. The holders 21 are preferably unitarily and/or integrally formed with the first portion 14 as part of forming the body 12 such as during an injection molding process for forming the body 12. The holders 21 are designed to provide a holder for holding in place a sheet or thin film 30 (e.g., an inner member) that is to be inserted on the internal side of the first portion 14. When the sheet 30 is held in place by the holders 21, it is possible to view an image 33 located on the sheet 30 through the transparent panel 15 of the first portion 14.
The sheet 30 may include a first panel having four side edges but may also be designed to have other shapes and features. The sheet 30, shown in the present embodiment, does not include any, but the sheet 30 may include one or more openings or other functional and design features. The sheet 30 shown includes trees on each side of a centrally located open area but may include any known or appropriate image or images in any known or appropriate locations on the sheet 30. The sheet 30 is also preferably comprised of a transparent and/or translucent material so that images shown on the disc 40 or the second portion 16 may be visible.
As can be seen best in
The package, in the embodiment shown, further includes an outer cover 60 that is formed as a generally rectangular sheet formed from a transparent and/or translucent plastic sheet film as is generally known. The outer cover 60 is sized to match the body 12 of the package 10 and the outer cover 60 has one end aligned with and attached to the one side of the first portion 14 and a second end aligned with and attached to the one side of the second portion 16 as best shown in the cross-section view in
As best shown in
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, from the above and the figures it should now be appreciated that the image 41 of the disc 40, the image 33 of the sheet 30, and the image 55 of the sheet 50 are differing portions of a completed image 70 as can be best seen in
The packaging 10 may be formed by producing the holder body 12 using any know or appropriate process such as injection molding and producing the outer cover 60 using any known or appropriate process for producing a relatively thin, flat and generally flexible sheet or substrate. The substrate for forming the outer cover 60, the outer insert 50 and the inner insert 30 may be any material pliable enough to be folded along with the opening and closing of the clam shell holder body 12 but strong enough to withstand its own weight when contained in the body 12. The body 12 may be formed of materials similar to those used for forming other aspects of the packaging. The body 12 may also be formed of more rigid materials for protecting the packaging contents and DVD disc as are known in the DVD packaging art. A particular feature of the materials is that they are selected to be sufficiently durable to withstand continuous opening and closing of the body 12 and the pulling out and insertion of the inner insert 30, the outer insert 50 and/or the disc 40.
The substrate material used for the inner and outer inserts 30 and 50, respectively and the outer cover 60 may be formed of a polymeric material including but not limited to thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, elastomeric-containing materials or any combination thereof. Examples of polymeric materials that may be employed include polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene (including polyethylene terephthlate, high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, bio-based plastics/biopolymers (e.g., poly lactic acid), silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any combination thereof. The gauge of the material may vary depending on the size of the carrier or the desired strength of the packaging.
The packaging 10 may also include designs or coverings to add a decorative element to any of the body 12, the inner and outer inserts 30 and 50, respectively, the first portion 14 and second portion 16 of the body 12, and/or the outer cover 60. The packaging 10 and its portions may include designs and information attributable to the contents of the disc 40.
As an example, in the case of a DVD packaging, the top surface of the shell portion (e.g., the first side portion) may include the title and a photo or design related to the film contained herein, while the remaining shell portion surfaces (e.g., the spine and/or the second side portion) may include additional design and information relating to the film within. In such an example, a portion of the package may also contain additional information, design attributes or photos from the film including stills, scene synopses, reviews, credits or the like. Any coating or other design element may be attached to any surface of the packaging via an adhesive. Any coating or other design element may be ink jet or laser printed directly onto any surface of the packaging. Any surface of the packaging may be embossed, printed, silkscreened, or engraved with a design element. Any design element or coating may be customizable. Any coating or design element may include a pre-loaded adhesive material or other attachment means for simplified placement of the coating or design element onto the packaging.
In addition to the structures and designs explicitly disclosed above it should be understood that alternative designs and structures are possible. For example, one or more additional portions of the packaging may also or alternatively include images to create the 3D effect. As an example, one or more of the surfaces of the outer cover and the first portion and/or second portion of the body may include images as well as or opposed to the outer insert, the inner insert, and the disc itself. Further, the first portion and/or second portion of the body may include a retaining structure for preventing movement (e.g., spinning) of the disc within the packaging. Thus, the disc may be maintained in an appropriate position so that the completed image is viewed as intended and includes any image on the disc itself in its intended location.
Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition.”
Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.
The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may” herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” be included are optional.
Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/436,812 (filed Jan. 27, 2011), the contents of this application being hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61436812 | Jan 2011 | US |
