Case for storing and handling thin flat products

Abstract

A compact disc casing as defined by first or major and second or minor casing members collectively defining a narrow chamber for housing a thin circular article, such as a compact disc. The second or minor casing member functions as a handle which can be grasped by a person to introduce and / or remove a compact disc relative to the case and an associated utilization device, such as a computer, absent tactile or finger contact.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention is directed to a case for storing and handling thin flat products, such as CDs (compact discs), DVDs (digital versatile disc), video game discs, etc., particularly for front-loading applications, i.e., computers. [0002] One of the most common storage cases for CDs is a “jewel case” which is formed by two pivotally connected plastic members, each of a generally square or polygonal outline. One of the plastic members is a case cover and the other is a case body or housing having a central stylus or projection for receiving and locating a compact disc relative to the case body. The case cover is pivoted to the case housing by a hinge in a conventional manner for opening and closing the case to access the CD therein. Opposite side edges of the case body are relieved to allow a user to manually grip edges of the CD to grip the CD for manipulation, such as inserting the CD into a front-loading computer or inserting the CD back into the “je...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In keeping with the present invention, a novel compact disc/CD case is provided in the form of a relatively flat and narrow housing have an exit/entry opening along one edge thereof. A CD chamber is defined by two substantially intimately adjacent walls of a first or major case housing or body of the CD case, each having a substantially U-shaped slot, opening, cutout or notch opening through and/or in part defining the narrow exit/entry opening of the chamber. Another second or minor case housing or body of the CD case in the form of a handle is defined by two walls which are pivotally connected to each other and between which is grasped an edge of a compact disc. The configuration of two edges of the two walls of the handle complement the U-shaped opening of the CD case first case body which allows the handle to be slid into and out of the U-shaped slot which likewise effects insertion and removal of a CD gripped by the handle when inserted into or removed from the exit/entry opening of the first case body. While the CD is still gripped by the handle which is in turn gripped by the user

Problems solved by technology

Using two hands is disadvantageous for many reasons, particularly when associated with loading and unloading CDs relative to use during the driving of a motor vehicle.

However, irrespective of the use environment, the very fact that the CD must be manually grasped and manipulated is undesired because of the potential finger / hand contact with the recorded portion of the CD.

Though the latter identified related prior art is reflective of compact disc cases, none individually or collectively disclose an extremely low cost case for storing compact discs which can be readily manipulated such that a compact disc can be inserted in and removed from a chamber of the case and / or a utilization device (computer) by an individual using but a single hand absent tactile contact with the compact disc.

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