Means of attaching rigid pages to a book-like cover

Abstract

A book format data package that utilizes dovetail shaped clips to attach trays together and to a book-like cover. The clips have internal living hinges molded between each segment. The book-like cover has a cover, spine made of flexible material, back panel and openings on the spine that are smaller than the resting length of the clips. These openings are a set of two parallel mounting recesses that leave a center strip. This center strip is used to lock the trays and book together. To attach the trays to the cover, the clips are folded to a size less than the size of the openings on the cover. There may be one or more locations to attach clips on the cover's spine. After passing through the opening on the cover and over the center strip of flexible material, the clips are pressed forward and returned to their original configuration. A locking rib is molded into the center of each female dovetail shaped pocket. Each clip has a groove down its centerline that the locking rib fits into.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 446,554, filed Feb. 12, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Data storage devices are delicate devices that are easily damaged by scratches, dirt and other consequences of handling. As such, there is a need for carrying cases and other storage mechanisms that protect compact discs, DVDs and other digital and analog media devices during transport and between uses. [0003] Additionally, data storage devices are often used as advertising mechanisms to sell contents. Data storage devices are often displayed directly on shelves in retail stores. Attractive packaging designs provide benefits in sales. [0004] Most storage mechanisms for digital media and other devices are capable of storing only one or two discs at a time. A common media storage device is a jewel case for storing compact discs. In a jewel case, a disc fits into a plastic tray and a hinged cover snaps onto the tray to close the jewel case. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is a method of attaching rigid pages to each other and to a book-like cover to form a package for holding, protecting and displaying data storage devices. Flexible plastic strips, preferably dovetail shaped clips, are used to secure trays to one another and to the book-like cover. The clips may have a trapezoidal shape with a triangular recess that allows them to bend along a central, longitudinal living hinge axis. If multiple trays are being used, multiple tray holder clips can be strung together with living hinges that allow the user to flip thought the trays of the novel package without damaging the clips. The living hinges slightly raise the next adjacent tray while the user is flipping to make the package easier to use. Anti-tear hinges prevent the living hinges from ripping.

[0009] The individual trays may have at least one depression with a central rosette for holding a digital media disc. There may also be finger holds along the depression to make extracting the digital media disc easier. There is also a rim the trays and lugs around the rim for holding a graphic card on a side of the tray opposite the depression. An individual tray may also have opposite depressions with opposite rosettes for holding two media discs on opposite sides of the tray.

Problems solved by technology

Data storage devices are delicate devices that are easily damaged by scratches, dirt and other consequences of handling.

However, jewel cases are not visually appealing, are difficult to open and often break.

Similar problems exist with packaging for DVDs.

Methods for carrying and storage of multiple digital discs are also unsatisfactory.

Multiple disc carriers often involve bulky and hard to use cases that allow the user to carry multiple discs at once.

Most of these devices are not user-friendly and are not visually appealing.

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