WO2007027787A2

WO2007027787A2 - Media storage container with slide out tray

Info

Publication number: WO2007027787A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/033884
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesse D. Wells; Kevin Kirtz
Original assignee: Nexpak Corp
Current assignee: Nexpak Corp
Priority date: 2005-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-29
Also published as: WO2007027787A3

Abstract

A media storage container and a method for assembling the media storage container wherein a frame is assembled around a media tray is disclosed. The method allows the container to be provided closed to a location wherein the media is placed into the container. The container is then opened and loaded. The container is then closed with the frame back around the tray. The frame and tray may be hinged and a releasable snap fit connection may be used to hold the frame closed. In one configuration, the invention provides a media storage container having a media storage tray that slides in and out of a frame. The tray remains stable with respect to the frame when the tray is in the open position.

Description

MEDIA STORAGE CONTAINER WITH SLIDE OUT TRAY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to media storage containers and, more particularly, to media storage containers having a media storage tray that slides in and out of an outer cover between closed and open conditions. The invention also relates to methods of assembling media storage containers.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A wide variety of media storage containers are known in the art. Those who purchase media storage containers in bulk to package their media desire media storage containers that are easy to load with automated equipment.

Users also desire media storage containers that securely hold the item of recorded media when the container is open.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one configuration, the invention provides a media storage container and a method for assembling the media storage container wherein a frame is assembled around a media tray.

In another configuration, the invention provides a media storage container having a media storage tray that slides in and out of a frame. The tray remains stable with respect to the frame when the tray is in the open position. In one configuration, the tray is held in the stable open position with a double rib rear wall that engages the frame to hold the tray in position.

In one configuration, the tray is configured to hold a literature booklet or a graphic sheet against its bottom surface in a manner that allows the item to slide back in and out of the frame with the tray.

In another configuration, the invention provides a locking arrangement between the rear wall of the tray and a front wall of the frame to provide increased stability to the tray when the tray is in the open position.

In another configuration, the invention provides a tray having a front wall that remains outside the frame when the tray is closed. The front wall of the tray in this configuration has the same cross sectional size as the frame so that the front wall of the tray appears to be a part of the frame when the tray is closed. The front wall may be used to pull the tray from the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the container with the tray in the closed position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 with the tray in an open position.

Fig. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a view of the bottom of the tray.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the container with the tray in a closed position.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the tray of Fig. 9. Fig. 10A is a section view taken along line 10A-1 OA of Fig. 10.

Fig. 10B is a section view taken along line 10B-10B of Fig. 10.

Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view of the tray of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the tray of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the first portion of the frame of Fig. 9. Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the second portion of the frame of Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the first portion of the frame.

Fig. 16 is a section view taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 17 is a side view of the second portion of the frame.

Fig. 18 is a section view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 14. Fig. 19 is a front view of the first portion of the frame.

Fig. 20 is a front view of the second portion of the frame.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An exemplary configuration of a media storage container is indicated generally by the numeral 2 in the accompany drawings. Container 2 generally includes a media tray 4 that slides back and forth with respect to a frame 6 between open and closed positions. Container 2 is configured to hold tray 4 in a stable open configuration.

Tray 4 generally includes a base 10 configured to support an item of recorded media. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, base 10 is configured to hold a disc-shaped item of recorded media such as a compact disc or a DVD. A hub 12 may be provided to hold the disc in a secure position with respect to base 10. Base 10 may be alternatively configured to hold two discs by spacing two hubs 12 on the front of base 10 or by positioning hubs 12 on the front and rear of base 10.

A front wall 14 is connected to the front edge of base 10 and may be integrally formed with base 10. At least a portion of front wall 14 is configured to be disposed outwardly of the perimeter boundary of frame 6 when tray 4 is in the closed position as shown in Fig. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, front wall 14 is disposed entirely outside frame 6 when tray 4 is closed. Front wall 14 may define a recess 16 that provides the user a grip to pull tray 4 out of frame 6 when tray 4 is closed. Front wall 14 includes a pair of front wall ribs 18 connected together with a flange 20 to define recess 16. Recess 16 may be continuous about the longitudinal perimeter of wall 14 as shown in the drawings. Ribs 18 may be sized to match the height and thickness of frame 6 so that container 2 appears as an integral unit when tray 4 is closed. Sidewalls 20 extend along the sides of base 10 from the front edge of base 10 to the rear edge of base 10. Each sidewall 20 projects above and below base 10. In the exemplary embodiment, each sidewall 20 projects higher above base 10 than below base 10 to provide space for hub 12 and a nest wall 22 disposed on the top surface of base 10. Literature tabs 24 may be provided on the bottom of tray 4 as shown in

Fig. 8. Tabs 24 may be used to hold a graphic under base 10 to be viewed through base 10 when base 10 is fabricated from a transparent material. As described above, sidewalls 20 project below base 10 to provide a space under tray 4. This space and tε^u~ ^nA ~~^{w K}3 used to hold a printed literature booklet 26 related to the item of recorded media carried by container 2.

A rear wall 30 extends along the rear edge of base 10 between sidewalls 20. Rear wall 30 is configured to stop tray 4 from being pulled out of frame 6 while also supporting tray 4 in a stable position when tray 4 is extended from frame 6. Rear wall 30 includes a pair of rear wall ribs 32 spaced apart from each other by a flange 34. Spaced rear wall ribs 32 provide stability to tray 4 when tray 4 is extended as shown in Figs. 2-5 by engaging the upper and lower inner surfaces of frame 6. Wall 30 thus allows tray 4 to be pulled out to the open condition without tray 4 excessively pivoting with respect to frame 6.

In one exemplary configuration, frame 6 may provide a rounded step 40 on the bottom wall 42, the top wall 44, or both walls 42 and 44 of frame 6 (Figs. 3, 4, and 5 show different configurations). Rear wall 30 and steps 40 are configured to allow rear wall 30 to snap over steps 40 when tray 4 is pulled out to the extended position. The front rear wall rib 32 is then trapped between step 40 and the front wall 46 of frame 6. Steps 40 prevent tray 4 from unintentionally sliding back into frame 6 while the user is removing or placing the item of recorded media on tray. Steps 40 also increase the stability of tray 4 when tray 4 is extended from frame 6. Front wall 46 of frame 6 defines an opening 50 sized to match the cross section of tray 4 as shown in Fig. 2. As such, opening 50 matches sidewalls 20 at the edges of front wall 46 while being generally rectangular at the central portion to allow nest wall 22 to pass through wall 46.

Wall 46 also includes a pair of lock tabs 52 disposed adjacent sidewalls 20 of tray 4. Each lock tab 52 defines an opening 54 that receives a lock finger 56 that extends forward from wall 30 (see Fig. 5). Lock tabs 52 extend down close to base 10 and are close enough to sidewalls 20 to avoid nest wall 22.

Frame 6 defines a pair of C-shaped beams 60 disposed along the sides of frame 6 to add rigidity to frame 6. Beams 60 may be hollow as shown in Fig. 6. Beams 60 may receive a portion of tray 4 to help guide tray 4 back and forth when sliding in and out of frame 6. Beams 60 may also house one-way snap connectors that allow frame 6 to be snapped together about tray 4 during assembly of container 2. In another configuration of frame 6, frame 6 includes a relatively rigid skeleton with a printed paperboard or thin polymer skin. In this configuration, the skin may be attached to the skeleton frame with an adhesive disposed at the rear and side walls of the frame. An additional adhesive connection may be formed along the front edge of the skin to eliminate visible gaps between the skin the front wall 46. The skin may be formed into a five-sided box before being slid onto the frame. The skin may also be wrapped around the frame.

Frame 6 may be molded in the form of an open clamshell that is closed around tray 4 when container 2 is assembled. A plurality of one-way snap fit connectors may be used to hold the frame closed about the tray. Once frame 6 is snapped around tray 4, the outer skin (in the form of a five-sided box) may be slid onto frame 6 where it is adhesively secured. The printed skin may be printed flat and then folded into a 5-sided, open box that is slid over frame 6. The skin may also be wrapped around the frame and secured without first formed the five-side box. Frame 6 also may be molded in two separate parts that are connected together about the tray with connectors. The connectors may be one-way snap fit connectors.

An alternative configuration of a media storage container is indicated generally by the numeral 102 in the accompany drawings. Container 102 generally includes a media tray 104 that slides back and forth with respect to a frame 106 between open and closed positions. Container 102 is configured to hold tray 104 in a stable open configuration.

Tray 104 generally includes a base 110 configured to support an item of recorded media. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, base 110 is configured to hold a disc-shaped item of recorded media such as a compact disc or a DVD. A hub 112 may be provided to hold the disc in a secure position with respect to base 110. Base 110 may be alternatively configured to hold two discs by spacing two hubs 112 on the front of base 110 or by positioning hubs 112 on the front and rear of base 110.

A front wall 114 is connected to the front edge of base 110 and may be integrally formed with base 110. At least a portion of front wall 114 is configured to be disposed outwardly of the perimeter boundary of frame 106 when tray 104 is in the closed position as shown in Fig. 9. In the exemplary embodiment, front wall 114 is disposed entirely outside frame 106 when tray 104 is closed. Front wall 114 may define a recess 116 that provides the user a grip to pull tray 104 out of frame 106 when tray 104 is closed. Front wall 114 includes a pair of front wall ribs 118 connected together with a flange 120 to define recess 116. Recess 116 may be continuous about the longitudinal perimeter of wall 114 as shown in the drawings. Ribs 118 may be sized to match the height and thickness of frame 106 so that container 102 appears as an integral unit when tray 104 is closed.

Sidewalls 120 extend along the sides of base 110 from the front edge of base 110 to the rear edge of base 110. Each sidewall 120 is set inwardly from the outer edges of wall 114. Each sidewall 120 projects above and below base 110. In the exemplary embodiment, each sidewall 120 projects higher above base 110 than below base 110 to provide space for hub 112 and a nest wall 122 disposed on the top surface of base 10. Nest wall may have a raised portion 123 at the rear of tray 104 to prevent the media disc from falling into frame 106 if the disc falls off of hub 112. Literature tabs 124 may be provided on the bottom of tray 4 as shown in Fig. 8. Tabs 124 may be used to hold a graphic under base 110 to be viewed through base 110 when base 110 is fabricated from a transparent material. As described above, sidewalls 120 project below base 110 to provide a space under tray 104. This space and tabs 124 may be used to hold a printed literature booklet 26 related to the item of recorded media carried by container 102. Flanges 126 project outwardly from the outer surfaces of sidewalls 120. Flanges 126 guide tray 104 when it is moved in and out of frame 106. Flanges 126 may have a length of about one-eighth of the length of sidewalls 120 with each rib disposed adjacent the rear edge of tray 104 as shown in Fig. 10. Flanges 126 are configured to stop tray 104 from being pulled entirely out of frame 106. Flanges 126 may also engage frame 106 when tray 104 is open to prevent tray 104 from excessively pivoting when tray 104 is open. A rear wall 130 made up of a plurality of spaced blocks 132 extends along the rear edge of base 110 between sidewalls 120. Blocks 132 are configured to mate with a plurality of complementary blocks 133 on tray 106 when tray 104 is closed. The interlocked configuration provides stability to container 102 by preventing frame 106 from collapsing against tray 104. A user may grip the area with the blocks and squeeze without pinching tray 104. In an alternative configuration, blocks 132 and 133 may frictionally engage each other to help hold tray 104 in the closed configuration. Blocks 132 support tray 104 against frame 106 when tray 104 is open. Blocks 132 may also be configured to allow tray 104 to be pulled out to the open condition without tray 104 excessively pivoting with respect to frame 106.

Frame 106 may be provided in a first portion 140 and a second portion 142 that are connected together around tray 104 to trap tray 104 within frame 106. In the exemplary embodiment, portions 140 and 142 include a hinge 144 that allows portions 140 and 142 to be snapped together in a pivoting configuration. Portions 140 and 142 also include at least one lock finger 146 and a finger opening 148 that lock portions 140 and 142 together in a closed configuration about tray 104. Finger 146 and opening 148 may be configured to provide a snap-fit connection that prevents portions 140 and 142 from being easily re-opened. A tool may be used to force finger 146 out of engagement with opening 148 to allow reopening. This configuration allows frame 106 to be shipped to the replicator in a closed configuration. Frame 106 then may be opened to insert tray 140 and and the frame is then reclosed. A graphics sleeve may be positioned over frame 106 to support graphic information about the media stored within container 102.

Guide ribs 150 project inwardly from the base walls 152 of first and second frame portions 140 and 142. Guide ribs are spaced from the sidewalls 154 of first and second portions 140 and 142. Guide ribs 150 may taper down to base wall 152 at the center portions of walls 152. Each guide rib 150 has a height that is less than sidewall 154 so that ribs 150 cooperate to define slots that slidingly receive flanges 126 of tray 104 to support tray 104 within frame 106. Figs. 19 and 20 show sets of stop walls 156 that stop flanges 126 when tray is slid out to the open position.

Second portion 142 may also include a rib 160 or ribs 160 that prevent the media disc from falling off of hub 112 when container 102 is subjected to drop forces or impacts.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirerr^{Λri+ nf +hα n}rior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A media storage container, comprising: a frame having a first portion and a second portion; the first and second portions being connected together with a hinge and movable between open and closed configurations; the first and second portions being connected together in the closed configuration with a snap fit connection that prevents the first and second portions from pivoting with respect to each other about the hinge; the location of the snap fit connection being spaced from the hinge; the snap fit connection being releasable to allow the frame to pivot to the open configuration; a tray carried by the frame when the frame is in the closed configuration; the tray being slidable between open and closed positions with respect to the frame; and the tray adapted to hold an item of recorded media.

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the tray has a rear wall that interlocks with a front wall of the frame to stabilize the tray when the tray is in the open position.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the rear wall of the tray has a pair of spaced ribs that each engage the frame.

4. The container of claim 1 , wherein the tray includes a hub on the front of the tray and literature tabs on the rear of the tray; the literature tabs adapted to receive a literature booklet under the tray.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the frame includes sidewalls and guide ribs disposed inwardly from the sidewalls; the tray including a pair of flanges that slide along the guide ribs when the tray slides between the open and closed positions.

6. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a paperboard skin disposed around a portion of the frame.

7. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of complementary blocks located on the tray and frame; the blocks being aligned when the tray is in the closed position to stabilize to the container.

8. The container of claim 1 , wherein the tray has a front wall; a portion of the front wall of the tray being disposed outside the frame when the tray is in both the open and closed positions.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the frame has a height and a thickness; the front wall of the tray matching the height and thickness of the frame.

10. The container of claim 8, wherein the front wall of the tray includes a pair of spaced ribs connected by a flange.

11. A method for providing and loading a media storage container with at least one item of recorded media; the method comprising the steps of: providing a frame having a first portion hinged to a second portion; providing a tray adapted to hold an item of recorded media; closing the frame around the tray; delivering the frame and tray to a location where at least one item of recorded media will be loaded into the tray; opening the frame to expose the tray; loading at least one item of recorded media onto the tray; and closing the frame around the tray to allow the tray.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of providing a tray that slides between open and closed positions with respect to the tray when the frame is closed around the tray.

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of holding the frame closed around the tray with a releasable snap fit connection.

14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of covering a portion of the frame with a skin.

15. A media storage container, comprising: a frame having spaced top and bottom walls; each of the top and bottom walls having an outer perimeter; the frame having a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of sidewalls connecting the top and bottom walls together; the front wall, a rear wall, and pair of sidewalls being disposed about the outer perimeter of the top and bottom walls; the front wall of the frame defining an opening; a tray carried by the frame and extending through the opening of the front wall of the frame; the tray being slidable between open and closed positions with respect to the frame; a majority of the tray being disposed within the frame when the tray is in the closed position; a majority of the tray being disposed outside of the frame when the tray is in the open position; the tray having a front wall; a portion of the front wall of the tray being disposed outside the frame when the tray is in both the open and closed positions; the tray having a rear wall; the rear wall of the tray engaging the front wall of the frame when the tray is in the open position; and the rear wall of the tray having a pair of spaced ribs; the spaced ribs engaging the frame to stabilize the tray with respect to the frame.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the tray defines at least one step; the rear wall of the tray disposed between the step and the front wall of the frame when the tray is in the open position.

17. The container of claim 15, wherein the front wall of the frame has a lock tab that defines an opening; the rear wall of the tray having a lock finger disposed in the opening of the lock tab when the tray is in the open position.

18. The container of claim 15, wherein the frame defines a pair of C-shaped beams in the direction of the sidewalls of the frame.

19. The container of claim 15, wherein the tray has a front surface and a rear surface; the tray including a plurality of literature tabs spaced from the rear surface of the tray; the literature tabs adapted to hold a literature booklet under the tray; the booklet sliding with the tray between the open and closed positions.

20. The container of claim 15, wherein the frame was formed in an open clamshell and snapped around the tray in a one-way snap-fit connection.

21. The container of claim 15, wherein the frame has a paperboard skin.

22. The container of claim 15, wherein the frame has a height and a thickness; the front wall of the tray matching the height and thickness of the frame.

23. A media storage container, comprising: a frame having a top and a bottom; a tray being slidable between open and closed positions with respect to the frame; a majority of the tray being disposed within the frame when the tray is in the closed position; a majority of the tray being disposed outside of the frame when the tray is in the open position; the tray having a front wall; a portion of the front wall of the tray being disposed outside the frame when the tray is in both the open and closed positions; the tray having a rear wall; and the rear wall of the tray having a pair of spaced, parallel ribs; the spaced, parallel ribs engaging the top and bottom of the frame to stabilize the tray with respect to the frame.

24. The container of claim 23, wherein the frame has a paperboard skin.

25. A media storage container, comprising: a frame having spaced top and bottom walls; each of the top and bottom walls having an outer perimeter; the frame having a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of sidewalls connecting the top and bottom walls together; the front wall, a rear wall, and pair of sidewalls being disposed about the outer perimeter of the top and bottom walls; the front wall of the frame defining an opening; a pocket-shaped skin disposed around five sides of the frame; a tray carried by the frame and extending through the opening of the front wall of the frame; the tray being slidable between open and closed positions with respect to the frame; a majority of the tray being disposed within the frame when the tray is in the closed position; a majority of the tray being disposed outside of the frame when the tray is in the open position; the tray having a front wall; a portion of the front wall of the tray being disposed outside the frame when the tray is in both the open and closed positions; the tray having a rear wall; the rear wall of the tray engaging the front wall of the frame when the tray is in the open position; and the rear wall of the tray having a pair of spaced ribs; the spaced ribs engaging the frame to stabilize the tray with respect to the frame.

26. The container of claim 25, wherein the skin is paperboard.