WO2003052761A2

WO2003052761A2 - Device and method for packaging information carriers and method for manufacturing such packages

Info

Publication number: WO2003052761A2
Application number: PCT/NL2002/000787
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Verloop
Original assignee: Fountain Technologies B.V.
Priority date: 2001-12-04
Filing date: 2002-12-04
Publication date: 2003-06-26
Also published as: AU2002351442A1; WO2003052761A3

Abstract

A device for packaging information carriers, provided with a first and a second cover part, wherein: said device is injection molded in substantially flat condition, the two cover parts being connected on opposite sides via hinge means with an edge part; and wherein in a condition of use the edge part is pivoted against the first cover part and is secured against it, such that the second cover is pivotable relative thereto between an opened and a closed position, and the information carrier is lockable between the two cover parts.

Description

Title: Device and method for packaging information carriers and method fer manufacturing such packages.

This invention relates to a device for packaging information carriers. More in particular, the invention relates to a device for packaging plate- shaped information carriers.

EP 0 886 863 describes a storage device for plate-shaped information carriers such as CDs, credit cards, Sim-cards, or the like, wherein on a substantially flat back, pairs of resilient clamping elements in the form of fingers are arranged. An information carrier can be clamped, by a longitudinal edge thereof, between the fingers. On opposite sides of the back, a cover part is provided, pivotally connected to the back, which can be closed around the fingers and the information carrier received therebetween, for enclosing the information carrier.

This storage device protects the information carrier in an effective manner but is relatively thick. Moreover, it requires relatively much material and relatively long cycle times, high costs and much volume. The invention contemplates a storage device for information carriers, in particular plate-shaped information carriers, which can protect an information carrier in a suitable manner.

The invention further contemplates such a storage device which is relatively thin, in closed condition. The invention further contemplates a storage device of the subject kind, which can be manufactured simply and fast, with relatively low material usage.

The invention furthermore contemplates a storage device according to the introduction, which both in closed and in open form has a pleasant appearance and presents, and renders accessible, the information carrier in particular in the open form in an attractive manner. With a storage device according to the invention, the information carrier is preferably simply removable.

These and further objects are achieved according to the invention with a device according to claim 1. In a device according to the invention, a particularly thin structure can be obtained, whilst a fitting space suitable for receiving the information carrier can be offered, and the package in at least closed condition has sufficient stiffness, to which stiffness, moreover, a packaged information carrier can make a contribution. As a result of the manufacturing method, this device can be injection molded in relatively flat condition, with relatively simple molds. In addition, hollow spaces can be created and relatively small wall thicknesses are used. Moreover, a greater freedom in design is thereby obtained.

A device according to the invention, when used for packaging CDs, can have, for instance, a thickness such that two or even three of such devices fit next to each other in the space conventionally occupied by a Jewel case-type CD package for a single CD, which conventionally has a thickness of about 10 mm. As a result, considerable advantages can be achieved in storage and transport, while moreover less plastic needs to be used and cycle times in the manufacture can be shortened. Moreover, a storage device according to the invention has a pleasant appearance, both in closed and in open condition.

On one or both cover parts, preferably relatively low elevations are provided against which, or between which, the information carrier, with the package closed, is locked, such that the outer surfaces of the information carrier are held spaced from the cover parts, in particular parts which have been recorded, at least provided with information or are otherwise susceptible to scratches, dents and the like. Thus, the elevations can be arranged, for instance, as studs or profiles, in particular at such positions that they rest only against parts of those surfaces that have not been recorded, at least have not been provided with information. Thus, for instance, if the package is to be used for CDs, studs or the like can be arranged such that the CD only has an outermost edge of, for instance, 1 to 2 mm, or parts thereof, resting against the studs and/or profiles. The CD can additionally, or alternatively, rest on studs or different kinds of profiles which extend under and/or around the central opening in the CD, for instance a somewhat circular elevation. The profiles, studs or like elevations preferably have a height of, for instance, a few tenths of millimeters.

In a package according to the invention, in particular the edge part and the first cover part can be manufactured such that a trough-shaped part is formed which is open in the direction of a space to be enclosed between the two cover parts, and that a peripheral segment of an information carrier to be locked in the package is receivable therein. Upon opening of the package, the information carrier is then retained in said trough-shaped, part. One or both cover parts can here be pivotally connected with the trough-shaped part.

In an alternative embodiment, the edge part and the first cover part are so designed that a closed trough-shaped part is obtained and an information carrier is additionally lockable between the two cover parts. A relatively stiff package is thereby obtained, in which an information carrier can be stored while properly protected and from which it can be readily taken out. As a result of the construction chosen, moreover, further stiffening means can be simply included in the trough-shaped part.

A device according to the invention can be manufactured in any desired form and thickness but is preferably used in relatively thin storage devices. Thus, a device according to the invention can be made, for instance, of a thickness of a few millimeters, in particular about 3 to 3.5 mm, so that, for instance, three storage devices according to the invention, suitable for CDs, can be received in the space needed for storing a Jewel case-type storage box. A storage device according to the invention is preferably provided through in-mold labeling with a printing, which is preferably in direct relation with the information carrier which is to be stored therein. As a result, the necessity for enclosing leaflets and the like in the package is eliminated and the device can be made of still more compact design.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a storage device characterized by the features according to claim 14.

With such a method according to the invention, the advantage is achieved that with particularly low closing forces for the injection mold, a packaging device can be obtained, while moreover short cycle times can be achieved. A further advantage of such a method is that a high degree of freedom in design is obtained, while it further allows a large variety of plastics to be used, also plastics having a low melt, for instance PET, PC, POM, and particular types of PE, both clearly transparent and opaque or untransparent.

The invention further relates to a method according to the invention, characterized, by the features according to claim 17.

With such a method, a packaging device according to the invention can be manufactured in a simple manner, while hollow spaces and other non-clearing parts can be formed. Moreover, this permits the use of relatively simple molds, on relatively light injection molding machines.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of devices and methods according to the invention are described. To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be further explained with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows schematically in perspective view a first embodiment of a package according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows in sectional side elevation a package according to Fig. 1, directly after injection molding, substantially in flat condition; Fig. 3 shows in sectional side elevation the package according to Figs. 1 and 2, in a condition of use;

Fig. 4 shows, in perspective view, a second embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows in sectional side elevation a package according to Fig. 4, directly after injection molding, substantially in flat condition;

Fig. 6 shows in sectional side elevation the package according to Figs. 4 and 5, in a condition of use;

Fig. 7 shows, in perspective view, a portion of a device according to the invention, with first alternative fixing means;

Fig. 8 shows a portion of a device according to the invention with second alternative fixing means;

Fig. 9 shows in sectional side elevation a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a package according to the invention; and Fig. 10 shows in perspective view a further alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawing, embodiments are shown for packaging devices which have been injection molded in one piece, at least have been manufactured in one piece from plastic and are arranged for receiving substantially circular, plate-shaped information carriers such as CDs. It will be clear, however, that in a device according to the invention, information carriers of a different type can be received, for instance SIM-cards, credit cards, chip cards, and the like, substantially rectangular CD-ROMs and other, preferably substantially plate-shaped information carriers.

Devices according to the invention can be manufactured with conventional injection molding techniques, but can also be manufactured with a method as described in the non-prepublished Dutch patent application NL 1 019 235 and NL 1 019 320, incorporated herein by reference. Advantageously, a device can be manufactured, for instance, from PE, PET, POM, PC or the like. In particular when applying a method according to said patent applications, use can effectively be made of low-melt plastic such as PET, while it can yet be made of transparent design. Moreover, such a device can be manufactured relatively cheaply.

Fig. 1 shows schematically in perspective view a device 1 according to the invention, comprising a first cover part 2 and a second cover part 4. Figs. 2 and 3 show a device 1 according to Fig. 1 in cross section, centrally through the device, in Fig. 2 directly after injection molding, in Fig. 3 in closed condition of use. The first cover part 2 comprises a closing part 6 and a base part 8, mutually connected by an integrated first hinge 10. The second cover part 4 comprises a second closing part 12, connected with an edge part 16 through a second integrated hinge 14. The first cover part 2, at least the base part 8, is connected on the opposite side with the edge part 16 through a third integrated hinge 18. As appears clearly from Fig. 2, the device 1 can be injection molded substantially flat, so that a mold (not shown) can be used with a relatively flat closing face. This mold can be closed with relatively low closing force.

The first closing part 2 is provided along three sides thereof with an upstanding longitudinal edge 20, the second cover part 4 with an upstanding edge 22, which may be interrupted on two opposite sides by an opening 24. On the second cover part 2, adjacent the longitudinal edge 20 located on the side remote from the hinge 10, two upright projections 26 are provided, which are placed at such a distance A from the respective longitudinal edge 20 that the longitudinal edge 22 of the second cover part 4 can be received therebetween, preferably with a slightly clamped fit, as represented in Fig. 3.

The base part 8 is provided on opposite sides thereof with a sidewall 28 and with a bottom 30, as well as with a longitudinal wall 32, linking up with the hinge 10. Each sidewall 28 is provided with a cavity 34. The edge part 16 is provided on opposite sides thereof with a click finger 36, designed such that it can engage in the cavity 34 in a sidewall 28 of the base part 8, for securing the edge part 16 against it, as shown in Fig. 3. By thus securing the edge part 16 against the base part 8, a trough-shaped part 38 is obtained, relative to which the two closing parts 6, 12 are pivotable for opening and closing the package 1. The trough-shaped part 38, in the position shown in Fig. 3, is open to the side 40 proximal to the closing parts 6, 12, opposite the bottom 30, so that the information carrier C can be inserted therein. The edge part 16 and the base part 8 are both provided with ribs 42 which widen in the direction of the bottom and are dimensioned such that the information carrier C can be inserted through the opening 40 and, by a longitudinal edge 44 thereof, in particular by a part that is not provided with information, can be clamped therebetween. By the ribs 42, the information carrier C is guided between the edge part 16 and the opposite wall 32. As appears clearly from Fig. 3, the two cover parts 2, 4, at least the two closing parts 6, 12, can be closed around the information carrier C, whereby the longitudinal edge 22 is locked and clamped between the adjacent longitudinal edge 24 and the projections 26. Thus, a closed package has been obtained. The two cover parts 2, 4 are provided with closing edges 46A, 46B on the side remote from the trough-shaped part 38, with which the device 1 can be simply opened.

Each cover part 2, 4 is provided, on the closing part 6, 12 thereof, with studs 48 of a small height, which are so arranged that, with the package 1 closed, they abut against the information carrier C, preferably resting on parts thereof that do not carry information, such that the recorded surfaces of the information carrier C are held in spaced relation from the adjacent closing parts 6, 12. The first cover part 2 is moreover provided with locking projections 50, arranged such that, with the package closed, these locking projections 50 abut against the longitudinal edge 44 of the information carrier, remote from the trough-shaped part 38, in particular beyond a centerline of the information carrier C extending parallel to the hinges 10, 14, such that, with the package 1 closed, the information carrier C is locked between the ribs 42 and the locking projections 50. In Fig. 7 a portion of a device 1 according to the invention is shown, in particular a portion of the trough-shaped part 38 with first and second closing parts 6, 12, while the click finger 36 extends, for instance, over substantially the full height of the edge part 16 and can engage in a fitting groove 37 in the sidewall 28 of the base part 8. In such an embodiment, a device 1 according to the invention can be simply set up from the position shown in Fig. 2 by folding the edge part 16 against the base part 8. The click fingers 36 ensure that the device 1 cannot, or only difficultly so, be brought back into the flat position.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, of which in Figs. 5 and 6, again in sectional side elevation, the substantially flat condition and the closed condition of use are represented. In this embodiment, again a first cover part 2 is provided with a closing part 6 and an upstanding edge 20 with closing projections 26 and studs 48. The first closing part 6 is again connected with a base part 8, approximately identical to the base part 8 as shown in Fig. 2, through a first hinge 10. The second cover part 4 in this embodiment comprises a closing part 12 and an edge part 16 fixedly connected therewith. The edge part 16 is connected via a hinge 18 with the base part 8 on the side remote from the first hinge 10. On the side facing the inside of the package during use, the second cover part 4 is provided with an upstanding cross edge 52, which preferably extends over the full width of the cover part 4, parallel to the hinges 10, 18 and at a distance D approximately corresponding to the diameter of the information carrier C, at least one of the dimensions of the information carrier C, such that this information carrier C can be laid between said cross edge 52 and the opposite longitudinal edge 22 and preferably can be locked therebetween against displacement. Studs 48 are provided for supporting the information carrier, preferably on unrecorded surfaces, while moreover centrally on the two cover parts an elevation 49 is provided, having the same height as the studs 48, which during use engage the longitudinal edge 45 of the central opening in the information carrier, again preferably on an unrecorded surface. It is incidentally noted that elevations of a different kind can be provided instead of the studs 48 and/or the circular elevation 49, for instance appropriate ribs, ridges or the like. As a result, the information carrier C is held at a distance from the closing faces 6, 12.

In Fig. 6, a device 1 according to Figs. 4 and 5 is shown, in closed condition of use. The edge part 16 is folded against the base part 8, such that the cross edge 52 approximately abuts against the sidewall 32, preferably right under or adjacent the hinge 10. As a result, a closed trough-shaped part 38 is obtained relative to which the first cover part 2, at least the closing part 6, can hinge about the hinge 10. On the opposite side, again the longitudinal edge 22 is confined between the adjacent longitudinal edge 24 and the projections 26. As appears clearly from Fig. 6, the information carrier C is locked entirely between the two closing faces 6, 12 and between the cross edge 52 and the opposite longitudinal edge 22. The information carrier C here extends into the openings 29, so that the device 1 can be accurately closed, thereby locking the information carrier C.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the edge part is provided, on opposite sides thereof, with second sidewalls 28a, which are arranged such that in the condition shown in Fig. 6, the sidewalls 28a abut against the insides of the sidewalls 28. These sidewalls 28, 28a can be simply secured against each other, for instance with the aid of click edges, studs and appropriate openings, clamps or the like, while, naturally, other means can be used, for instance glue, fusion or the like. In particular when the device 1 is brought from the position shown in Fig. 2 or 5 directly upon or after leaving the mold, in the condition shown in Fig. 3 or 6, respectively, effective use can be made of the residual heat and/or elasticity to obtain the desired lock. Also, naturally, for instance welding technique such as ultrasonic welding, can be used for undetachably connecting an edge part with a base part in a device according to the invention.

In Fig. 8, schematically a portion of an alternative embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown, comparable to the embodiment according to Fig. 4, in which, however, an end of a longitudinal wall 22 is provided with a projection 60 which can engage in a fitting opening 62 in the sidewall 28 of the base part 8. In this manner, too, a suitable lock can be obtained.

Fig. 9 schematically shows in cross section a portion of a device 1 according to the invention in a further alternative embodiment, in which the edge part 16 and the base part 8, mutually connected through a hinge 18, are substantially, preferably completely, identical and are arranged symmetrically relative to the hinge, while again a first cover part and second cover part 2, 4 are connected via a first hinge 10 and a second hinge 14, respectively, with the base part 8 and the edge part 16, respectively. Wall parts 28A and 28 are provided, which, with the device set up, are secured against each other through facing longitudinal edges 29, for instance through ultrasonic welding, gluing, fusion or with suitable click means, as described earlier. In a comparable manner, naturally, a closed edge part can be obtained, comparable to that as shown in Fig. 6.

In Fig. 1, in the first cover part 2, a recessed portion 60 is shown, in which, for instance, a first information carrier such as a credit card, booklet or the like can be placed. Naturally, this can also be omitted and be used in other embodiments of a device according to the invention.

In a further alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the first cover part 2 is connected via an integrated hinge 10 with the second cover part 4 via an edge part 16 fixedly connected with the second cover part 4, which edge part 16 extends approximately at right angles to the closing face 12 of the second cover part 4. The second cover part 4 and the edge part 16 can be injection molded in this position, but may also be mutually connected through a second hinge 14, so that the device can be injection molded substantially flat, whereafter the closing face 12 and/or longitudinal edges 22 provided thereon, comparable to those as shown in, for instance, Fig. 4 and the edge part 16 can be mutually connected, for instance through ultrasonic welding, fusion, click means or the like. Also, the hinge 14 can be maintained as a hinge, so that the device 1 can also be laid completely flat during use. On the edge part 16, adjacent the hinge 14, an undercut or cavity 62 is provided, in which a portion of an edge 44 of the information carrier C can be inserted, with or without a slightly clamped fit, while on the closing face 12, remote from the undercut 62, locking projections 50 are provided which, for instance, are positioned as shown in Fig. 1 or 4, such that the information carrier C can be placed in the undercut 62 and against the projections 50, to lock it.

Studs 48 and/or elevations 49 are again provided on the two closing parts 6, 12 in order to keep the surfaces of the information carrier C at a slight distance from said closing faces 6, 12. To that end, the information carrier C is again supported in a manner described earlier. Incidentally, the undercut 62 can naturally be omitted as well, while such an undercut can also be used in a device according to Fig. 4. The undercut 62 offers a still better lock.

It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Thus, different parts of the different embodiments shown can be combined to form further alternative embodiments, whereby the same or combined advantages can be achieved. The longitudinal edges, in particular the longitudinal edges 22, can naturally be also provided in a different manner, for instance as elevations of the closing face, such that the information carrier is thereby enclosed to some extent, while to that end, for instance, foaming techniques can be used. A package 1 according to the invention can be provided with closing means in a different manner, for instance closures known per se, as used in, for instance, Jewel case-type packages or in a package as described in European patent EP 0 886 863, mentioned earlier. In an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention provided with a trough-shaped part, stiffening means can be included in said trough-shaped part, for instance ribs, honeycomb structures or the like, while the trough-shaped part can also be filled up with, for instance, plastic. Moreover, in this trough-shaped part, other elements can be included, for instance a musical chip, recognition means, antitheft means or the like, such as chips, coils and the like. Such means can naturally be included in a different manner in a device according to the invention, in particular be integrally injection molded. It will be clear that a device according to the invention can be simply adapted to an information carrier of a different type, for instance through different positioning of the clamping projections, locking edges and the like. These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. A device for packaging information carriers, provided with a first and a second cover part, wherein: said device is injection molded in substantially flat condition, the two cover parts being connected on opposite sides via hinge means with an edge part; and wherein in a condition of use the edge part is pivoted against the first cover part and is secured against it, such that the second cover part is pivotable relative thereto between an opened and a closed position, and the information carrier is lockable between the two cover parts.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein it is manufactured in one piece, with integral hinges formed along with it.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein by the first cover part and the edge part a somewhat trough-shaped part is defined.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the trough-shaped part is open on one side, such that the information carrier, through a portion of its longitudinal edge, is insertable therein.

5. A device according to claim 3, wherein the trough-shaped part is substantially closed on all sides.

6. A device according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein both cover parts are pivotable relative to the trough-shaped part.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has a maximum thickness which is approximately equal to the thickness of the closing faces of the two cover parts, increased by the thickness of an information carrier to be stored therein.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the device has a thickness which is smaller than about 3.5 mm, preferably about 3.2 mm.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein fixing means are provided for fixing said edge part against said first cover part, preferably such that they are not detachable without damage.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on at least one of the cover parts, on the side facing inwards when the device is closed, retention means are provided for engagement of an information carrier on a side edge thereof.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one and preferably each of the cover parts is provided with a closing face having thereon, on the side proximal to an information carrier during use, relatively small elevations which clamp the information carrier when the device is closed and keep the side surfaces of the information carrier at some distance from said closing face or closing faces.

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cover parts is provided with printing, comprising at least information about the information carrier which has been or is to be received in the storage device.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the printing has been provided through in-mold labeling.

14. A method for manufacturing a storage device for an information carrier, wherein a mold having at least one suitable mold cavity is brought into a first position such that the mold cavity has a greater volume than the mold cavity to be eventually formed, in which first position the mold cavity is filled with plastic, while the mold during filling with plastic is energized, such that the mold cavity is gradually brought into a second position, such that it is brought into the desired shape while displacing the plastic.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the mold cavity is brought into the desired shape while the last plastic is being pressed into the mold cavity, in particular the last 20-0%, more particularly the last 15-5%, and preferably approximately the last 10%.

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the mold comprises at least one movable part, in particular a core, which, with the mold cavity in the first position, is at least partly retracted from the mold cavity, for increasing the volume, and for achieving the second position is brought to an extended position.

17. A method for manufacturing a package for an information carrier, in particular a substantially plate-shaped information carrier, wherein two cover parts are injection molded in a mold, each pivotally connected with an intermediate edge part, which cover parts and edge part are located substantially next to each other, while after removal from the mold the edge part is pivoted onto one of the cover parts and is secured thereto, thereby forming a somewhat trough-shaped part.

18. A storage box for disc-shaped information carriers, comprising at least two cover parts, mutually connected by at least one living hinge, while on the at least one cover part at least three upstanding edge elements are arranged, which three edge elements define substantially a circular form between which a circular information carrier is clampable.

19. A storage box according to claim 18, wherein on said cover part, between the edge elements, elevations are provided, preferably in the form of studs or the like, such that an information carrier locked between the edge elements is held substantially in spaced relation from the respective cover part.

20. A storage box according to claim 19, wherein on the opposite cover part comparable elevations are arranged.

21. A storage box according to any one of claims 18-20, wherein the storage box is injection molded in one piece.