Biodegradable Memory Card Holder

Abstract

For example, various embodiments include a memory card holder comprising a single piece, integral tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material. The tray has a cover portion and a bottom portion formed from the biodegradable material. At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion has a recess for receiving a digital memory card. The tray further comprises a protruding region on at least three sides protruding outwardly from and substantially parallel to the cover portion and the bottom portion. A hinge is integrally formed in the one piece tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion. The hinge is positioned such that the cover portion can be folded over the bottom portion of the tray. Closure tabs and an insertion slot are formed in distal, opposing ends of the tray and are positioned to latchably connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to one another. Other devices, apparatus, and arrangements are described.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Priority Claim) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 332,058, entitled "Biodegradable Memory-Card Holder," filed April 18, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments described herein relate generally to digital memory cards and packaging for the memory cards. More specifically, the subject matter of the present disclosure relates to biodegradable type packaging for digital data storage memory cards. [Background technology]

[0003] Digital memory cards are known in the art and are used to store data, for example, movies, videos, and even photographs. The data stored on these memory cards can contain very large data sets (e.g., 512 gigabytes (GB), 1 terabyte (TB), or even more). However, current packaging materials (known in the art as "plastic jewel-cases") are made of non-biodegradable materials such as plastic.

[0004] However, many products used by consumers can be compromised by the same things that allow packaging to be biodegradable. For example, biodegradable packaging is not typically made from plastic. Consumer products made from plastic materials may be recycled, but they do not biodegrade at the same rate as other materials.

[0005] For example, estimated annual production of non-biodegradable plastics worldwide ranges from 350 to 400 million tons. Studies have shown that polyethylene, a common plastic, exhibits only partial biodegradation and little weight loss even after being buried in moist soil for more than 30 years.

[0006] 1A, there is shown a prior art memory card and memory card holder 100 combination. Memory card holder 100 consists of a jewel case 101, which is a non-biodegradable tray into which a memory card 103 may be placed. Jewel case 101 has an overall thickness D1. When a cover portion (not explicitly shown) is folded over memory card 103, jewel case 101 exhibits an overall length D2.

[0007] The jewel case 101 is often made from various types of plastics known in the art. The various plastics may include semi-rigid or flexible forms and may be either transparent or translucent. The jewel case 101 is also often referred to as a "jewel box" but is always made from various types of plastics. The various types of plastics may include, for example, polystyrene and thermoplastic PET, PVDC, COP, or polyethylene (e.g., PETG or HDPE). As a result, once the consumer receives and removes the memory card 103 for the jewel case 101, the jewel case 101 is often discarded.

[0008] FIG. 1B illustrates a sleeve 110 for the jewel case 101 of FIG. 1A. The sleeve 110 may be formed from a lightweight card stock (e.g., paper). The sleeve 110 has a width of D1+W1 and a length of D2+W2, where W1 and W2 are dimensions selected to hold the jewel case 101 securely in place while providing sufficient clearance to easily insert a memory card holder. As a result, the dimensions W1 and W2 may be selected to be, for example, about 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0009] As noted above, when a consumer opens the package in which the memory card 103 was shipped, the consumer often discards the memory card package (e.g., jewel case 101) since the package is rarely recyclable, at least due to its small size or the material from which it is made. As a result, it would be desirable for biodegradable materials to be used to make memory card holders, but currently these are not available from any memory card manufacturer or supplier.

[0010] The information provided in this section is intended to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a context for the subject matter of the present disclosure which follows, and should not be considered admitted prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This document describes, inter alia, a biodegradable type of packaging for digital data storage memory cards.

[0012] In various embodiments, the subject matter of the present disclosure is a memory card holder comprising a single-piece, integral tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material. The single-piece, integral tray has a cover portion and a bottom portion formed from the biodegradable material. At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion has a recess formed therein for receiving a digital memory card. The single-piece, integral tray further comprises a protruding region on at least three sides protruding outwardly from and substantially parallel to the cover portion and the bottom portion. A hinge is integrally formed within the single-piece, integral tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion. The hinge is positioned such that the cover portion can be folded over the bottom portion of the single-piece, integral tray. Closure tabs and insertion slots are formed at distal, opposing ends of the single-piece, integral tray and are positioned to latchably connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to one another.

[0013] In various embodiments, the subject matter of the present disclosure is a memory card holder that includes a single-piece, unitary tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material. The single-piece, unitary tray has a cover portion and a bottom portion formed in the biodegradable material of the single-piece, unitary tray. At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion has a recess formed therein for receiving a digital memory card. A hinge is integrally formed in the single-piece, unitary tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion. The hinge is positioned such that the cover portion can be folded over the bottom portion of the single-piece, unitary tray.

[0014] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in the drawings like reference numbers refer to substantially similar components throughout the several views. Like reference numbers with different suffixes refer to different instances of substantially similar or related components. Generally, the drawings illustrate various embodiments discussed in the present document by way of example, and not by way of limitation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a prior art memory card and memory card holder 100 combination. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a sleeve for the memory card holder of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an exemplary memory card holder in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the memory card holder in a partially open position with a memory card inserted. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary memory card holder of FIG. 2A in a closed position. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary memory card holder of FIG. 2A, which includes a built-in slot through which the alphanumeric characters of a stored memory card can be viewed. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary memory card holder of FIG. 2A, which includes a built-in slot through which the alphanumeric characters of a stored memory card can be viewed. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E illustrates another perspective view of the example memory card holder of FIG. 2A in a closed position. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F illustrates an elevational view of the exemplary memory card holder of FIG. 2E inserted into a sleeve. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of an exemplary memory card holder in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary memory card holder of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates a top view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary memory card holder according to various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 4A]FIG. 4A illustrates perspective views of various exemplary memory cards suitable for different memory card sizes and types, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary memory card holder suitable for different memory card sizes and types, such as that shown in FIG. 3C, in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The following detailed description includes exemplary examples, devices, and apparatuses embodying various aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. In the following detailed description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are described to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known structures, materials, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the various embodiments being illustrated. As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," or "substantially" may refer to a value within a range of, for example, ±10% from a given value or range of values.

[0017] Detailed reference will now be made to certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the recited claims, it will be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0018] In various embodiments, the subject matter of the present disclosure relates to containers used for storing and transporting digital memory cards. Such digital memory cards are used for storing data in the fields of movies, videos, and photos, as well as related fields. Such digital memory cards are referred to herein as image-based digital memory cards (although such cards may be used for storing text data or other data as well). Examples of use of data storage devices may include, but are not limited to, any environment in which large (e.g., 1TB or more) data files are stored on memory cards, such as, for example, secure digital (SD) cards, and various types of COMPACTFLASH® cards, including XQD®, CFEXPRESS®, and CFAST® cards.

[0019] 2A illustrates a perspective view 200 of an example version of a memory card holder 201 in a partially open position with a memory card 203 inserted therein, according to various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. Memory card holder 201 is shown with a hinge portion 207, a closure tab 205, and an insertion slot 209, where closure tab 205 is inserted into insertion slot 209 to recombinably hold the upper (cover) and lower (card holder) portions of memory card holder 201 together. When the closure tab 205 is inserted into the insertion slot 209 with the memory card 203 stored within the memory card holder 201, the combined closure tab 205 and insertion slot 209 ensure that the memory card 203 may be transported and / or shipped (e.g., to on-location shooting destinations or via the postal service or common carrier) without damage to the memory card 203 through normal handling.

[0020] The hinge portion 207 serves to physically couple the upper portion of the memory card holder 201 to the lower portion of the memory card holder 201. The memory card holder 201 is formed from a biodegradable material, which is described in more detail below. Moreover, the memory card holder 201 is formed from a biodegradable material as a single, integral unit (e.g., a one-piece or single-piece design structure, a single whole). Upon reading and understanding the subject matter of this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the term "biodegradable material" refers to a material that can be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms in a relatively short period of time (e.g., days, weeks, or months, rather than years or decades as noted above with respect to plastics). The term "biodegradable material" is described in more detail below.

[0021] For example, in various embodiments, memory card holder 201 may be constructed from a wide variety of materials, including various types of molded fibers, molded pulp materials, molded papers, etc. For example, memory card holder 201 may include 100% post-consumer molded fiber or molded pulp feedstock, such as type 2 molded fiber, type 2A thermoformed fiber, type 3 thermoformed fiber, type 4 thermoformed fiber, molded fiber, x-ray formed fiber, infrared formed fiber, microwave formed fiber, vacuum formed fiber, structural fiber, etc. The term pulp or pulp feedstock may also apply to any material that may be used to form memory card holder 201 (e.g., molded fiber, natural fiber, biodegradable material, or compostable material).

[0022] In various embodiments, memory card holder 201 may be formed from one or more sheets of biodegradable material that are bonded together by being laminated, folded, or glued together. The sheets of material may include hinges, joints, folds, interlocks, flanges, or flaps that are molded or otherwise formed composites of the biodegradable materials described herein. Thus, memory card holder 201 may comprise 100% post-consumer fiber, pulp, or one or more types of biodegradable or compostable materials.

[0023] Moreover, the term biodegradable material refers to a material that is naturally decomposed. In other words, the memory card holder 201 may comprise a material that corrodes relatively quickly (e.g., as compared to plastics, as discussed above) as a result of bacterial activity and breaks down into naturally recycled elements, such as carbon. Thus, the memory card holder 201 can be broken down and naturally absorbed into the ecosystem. As known to those skilled in the art, biodegradable materials break down into simple, stable compounds that are not harmful to the environment. The memory card holder 201 may therefore be recyclable, renewable, made of renewable materials, made from renewable materials, or various combinations thereof.

[0024] In various embodiments, the memory card holder 201 may also comprise plant material, such as wood material, herbaceous material, or product salvage material (e.g., fiber material). Examples of wood material include, but are not limited to, sawmill waste, wood processing waste, thinnings, and forest residues, including, for example, pruned branches, hearts, bark, leaves, roots, and / or fruits. Herbaceous raw materials include, for example, bamboo, bagasse, rice husk, rice straw, wheat straw, turf grass, bamboo grass, pampas grass, reeds, and stems.

[0025] Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view 210 of an example version of memory card holder 201 of Figure 2A in a closed position. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the interoperability of the components of memory card holder 201, including the manner in which hinge portion 207 can bring together the upper and lower portions of memory card holder 201. Figure 2B also illustrates the manner in which closure tab 205 can be inserted into insertion slot 209 such that the upper and lower portions of memory card holder 201 can be attached to one another in a recombinable manner.

[0026] Figures 2C and 2D show rear perspective views 220, 230 of the exemplary memory card holder 201 of Figure 2A, which includes slots 221, 231 through which the alphanumeric characters of a stored memory card can be viewed. Figures 2C and 2D further show how the closure tab 205 can be inserted into the insertion slot 209 such that the upper and lower portions of the memory card holder 201 can be attached to one another in a re-attachable manner. As shown in the respective figures, Figures 2C and 2D are each configured to hold different sized memory cards. The memory card holder 201 of Figure 2C is configured to hold a larger sized memory card than the memory card holder 201 of Figure 2D. However, the slots 221, 231 in the rear perspective views 220, 230 of Figure 2C and 230, respectively, may each be appropriately positioned and sized to match the serial numbers placed on memory cards by the manufacturers of cards having the respective sizes of memory card holder 201. Various sizes of typical memory cards are described below with reference to Table 1 and Figures 3A and 3B.

[0027] FIG 2E shows another perspective view 240 of the exemplary memory card holder 201 of FIG 2A in a closed position. FIG 2F shows an elevational view of the exemplary memory card holder 201 of FIG 2E inserted into a sleeve 251. Sleeve 251 may be the same as or similar to sleeve 110 of FIG 1B. However, sleeve 251 is formed from a biodegradable material as described above. Prior art sleeve 110 may or may not include a biodegradable material.

[0028] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view 300 of an example version of a memory card holder 201 in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The memory card holder 201 in FIG. 3A is shown to include a bottom tray recess 305 and an upper tray recess 307. Although both the bottom tray recess 305 and the upper tray recess 307 are illustrated as "recesses" in the memory card holder 201, in some embodiments, one or both of the bottom tray recess 305 and the upper tray recess 307 may actually protrude toward an outer portion (e.g., away from the memory card) or toward an inner portion of the memory card holder 201. In some embodiments, at least one of the bottom tray recess 305 and the upper tray recess 307 may comprise a "flat" portion that is substantially coplanar with a portion of the upper portion of the memory card holder 201 or a portion of the lower portion of the memory card holder 201, respectively. Thus, the term “recess” is relative and is used merely to describe possible configurations of memory card holder 201 .

[0029] The memory card holder 201 of FIG. 3A is also shown to include edge protrusions 301 and end protrusions 303. The edge protrusions 301 and end protrusions 303 are provided to substantially center the memory card holder 201 within the sleeve 251 of FIG. 2F. Additionally, the edge protrusions 301 and end protrusions 303 help stabilize the memory card holder 201, thereby providing structure for the memory card holder 201 and sleeve 251 combination. This additional structure can help prevent the memory card holder 201 and sleeve 251 combination from being crushed, for example, during shipping of the memory card or if a reseller of the memory card holder 201 and sleeve 251 combination employs shipping schemes such as vacuum sealing or shrink packaging techniques. Additionally, although not explicitly shown, the end protrusions 303 may also be included near a region proximal to the hinge portion 207. There is no requirement that the edge projection 301 and the one or more end projections 303 be symmetrical with respect to each other or to adjacent projections.

[0030] 3A, FIG 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary memory card holder 201 of FIG 3A. At least one of the bottom tray recess 305 and the top tray recess 307 is configured to hold a memory card. Additionally, the remaining one of the bottom tray recess 305 and the top tray recess 307 that does not hold a memory card is configured to apply pressure to the memory card when the memory card holder 201 is folded.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dimensions shown in FIG. 3A may each be considered depending on the size of the memory card 203 inserted into the memory card holder 201. In other embodiments, the dimensions may each be consistently sized regardless of the size of the memory card inserted into the memory card holder 201. Such an arrangement allows the dimensions of the sleeve to be consistent regardless of the memory card stored within the memory card holder 201. In yet other embodiments, the length D4 and width D3 of the memory card holder 201 may be consistently sized regardless of the size of the memory card inserted into the memory card holder 201. However, the depth D5 of the memory card holder 201 may be altered depending on the thickness of the memory card stored therein.

[0032] For example, Table 1 below shows industry standard sizes for several types of memory cards. These sizes are provided as examples only, and other card types and form factors exist or are contemplated. Regardless, various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter may be sized appropriately to accommodate cards of various dimensions.

[0033] [Table 1]

[0034] In embodiments in which memory card holder 201 is consistently sized regardless of the size of the memory card inserted into memory card holder 201, length D4 of memory card holder 201 may be from about 112 mm to about 114 mm long. Width D3 may be from about 40 mm to about 42 mm wide. Thickness D5 may be from about 6.3 mm to about 6.5 mm thick. However, each of the above dimensions are merely examples and other dimensions are readily conceivable and therefore within the scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0035] In one particular exemplary embodiment, namely using a COMPACTFLASH® memory card having a length and width of 38.5 mm and 29.6 mm, respectively, the memory card holder 201 has dimensions of approximately 42 mm wide and approximately 112 mm long, in an embodiment, the edge projections 301 are approximately 6.2 mm wide (assuming, in this example, that the edge projections 301 are each approximately equal in size). Assuming that there are two equally sized end projections 303 at each end of the memory card holder 201, the end projections 303 are each approximately 8.75 mm wide. These dimensions are provided merely as examples to more fully illustrate possible dimensions of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3C illustrates a plan view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary memory card holder 320 according to various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. The memory card holder 320 of FIG. 3C is shown to include a bottom tray recess 329, an upper tray recess 327, and a slot 321 through which the alphanumeric characters of a stored memory card can be viewed. In this example, the upper tray recess 327 is configured to hold a memory card (not shown) by protruding slightly into the bottom tray recess 329 when the memory card holder 320 is in a folded position. Although both the bottom tray recess 329 and the upper tray recess 327 are illustrated as "recesses" in the memory card holder 320, in some embodiments, the actual recesses of one or both of the bottom tray recess 329 and the upper tray recess 327 protrude toward an outer portion (e.g., away from the memory card) or toward an inner portion of the memory card holder 320. In some embodiments, at least one of bottom tray recess 329 and top tray recess 327 comprises a "flat" portion that is substantially coplanar with a respective portion of the upper portion of memory card holder 320 or the lower portion of memory card holder 320. Thus, the term "recess" is relative and is used merely to describe possible configurations of memory card holder 320 in FIG. 3C.

[0037] Continuing with reference to FIG. 3C, the memory card holder is further shown to include a hinge portion 331, a closure tab 325, and an insertion open area 323. The closure tab 325 is disposed within (or folded within) the insertion open area 323 to maintain the upper (cover) and lower (card holder) portions of the memory card holder 320 together in a recombinable manner. The hinge portion 331 serves to physically couple the upper portion of the memory card holder 320 to the lower portion of the memory card holder 320 when the memory card holder is folded (e.g., with a memory card inserted therein). At least one of the bottom tray recess 329 and the upper tray recess 327 is configured to hold a memory card. Additionally, the other of the bottom tray recess 329 and the upper tray recess 327 that does not hold a memory card is configured to apply pressure to the memory card when the memory card holder 320 is folded.

[0038] The various portions of memory card holder 320 may each be the same as or similar to memory card holder 201 of Figures 2A-3B. Importantly, memory card holder 320 is formed entirely from the biodegradable materials described herein.

[0039] In one particular exemplary embodiment using a CFAST® memory card having a length and width of 42.8 mm and 36.4 mm, respectively, the width D8 of the memory card holder 320 is approximately 42 mm wide and the overall length D7 is approximately 110 mm long. The length D6 of the memory card holder 320 excluding the closure tab 325 is approximately 104 mm. The overall thickness D9 of the memory card holder 320 near the bottom tray recess 329 is approximately 6 mm, while the depth D of the top tray 327 recess of the memory card holder 320 is approximately 110 mm. 10 The total thickness D of the memory card holder 320 in an unfolded state is about 2 mm. 11is approximately 9 mm. These dimensions are provided merely as examples to more fully illustrate possible dimensions of the presently disclosed subject matter, although each of the above dimensions is merely an example and other dimensions are readily conceivable and therefore within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0040] 4A illustrates perspective views of various exemplary memory card holders suitable for different memory card sizes and types, as illustrated in FIGURES 3A and 3B, in accordance with various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the memory card holders illustrated in the example of FIGURE 4A are each sized to accommodate different types of memory cards, even though the exterior dimensions of each card holder are generally the same size.

[0041] 4A is shown with memory card identification slots 401, 403, and 405, each sized and positioned such that an identification number (e.g., a serial number) is visible from the exterior of the memory card and memory card holder combination.

[0042] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary memory card holder 410 suitable for the size and type of memory card shown in FIG. 3C, according to various embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other configurations of the memory card holder described herein are possible based on reading and understanding the disclosure provided herein. Each of the other possible configurations is within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the above description includes exemplary embodiments, devices, and apparatus, as well as possible materials, embodying the subject matter of the present disclosure. In this description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, well-known structures, materials, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring the various embodiments illustrated.

[0044] As used herein, the word "or" may be interpreted in an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, other embodiments will be understood by those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the disclosure provided. Moreover, those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the disclosure provided herein will readily understand that the various combinations of the techniques and examples provided herein may all be applied in various combinations.

[0045] Although various embodiments are discussed separately, these separate embodiments are not intended to be considered as independent techniques or designs. As alluded to above, the various portions are interrelated with each other and may be used separately or in various combinations.

[0046] As a result, many modifications and variations may be made, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the disclosure herein. For those skilled in the art, functionally equivalent methods and devices within the scope of the present disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent from the above description. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited merely by the language of the appended claims, but with the full scope of equivalents allowed for such claims. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0047] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description of the Invention, it may be seen that various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Such disclosure method should not be construed as limiting the claims. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description of the Invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0048] A memory card holder comprising a single piece, integral tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material, the single piece, integral tray having a cover portion and a bottom portion formed in the biodegradable material, at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion having a recess formed therein for receiving a digital memory card, the single piece, integral tray further comprising a protruding region on at least three sides protruding outwardly from and substantially parallel to the cover portion and the bottom portion, a hinge integrally formed within the single piece, integral tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion, the hinge being positioned such that the cover portion can be folded over the bottom portion of the single piece, integral tray, and a closure tab and an insertion slot formed at distal, opposing ends of the single piece, integral tray and positioned to latch the cover portion and the bottom portion together. EXAMPLES

[0049] 2. The memory card holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion having the recess is configured to hold the digital memory card. EXAMPLES

[0050] 3. The memory card holder of example 2, wherein the one of the cover portion and the bottom portion that does not hold the digital memory card is configured to apply pressure to the digital memory card. EXAMPLES

[0051] A memory card holder described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, further comprising a slot formed in the bottom portion of the single-piece, integrated tray, through which an identification number of the digital memory card can be read. EXAMPLES

[0052] A memory card holder described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the memory card holder further comprises a sleeve formed entirely from a biodegradable material, into which the memory card holder can be inserted. EXAMPLES

[0053] A memory card holder as described in Example 5, wherein the protruding area is configured to provide structure to the memory card holder that prevents the single-piece, integrated tray from being damaged during transport when the single-piece, integrated tray is inserted within the sleeve. EXAMPLES

[0054] 6. The memory card holder of example 5, wherein the sleeve is formed from the same biodegradable material from which the single-piece, integral tray is formed. EXAMPLES

[0055] The memory card holder of Example 5, wherein the sleeve is formed from a biodegradable material different from the material used to form the formed single-piece, integral tray. EXAMPLES

[0056] The memory card holder of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the digital memory card is an image-based digital memory card. EXAMPLES

[0057] The memory card holder of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the biodegradable material includes at least one material selected from materials including molded fibers, molded pulp materials, and molded papers. EXAMPLES

[0058] A memory card holder as described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the biodegradable material includes at least one material selected from materials including type 2 molded fibers, type 2A thermoformed fibers, type 3 thermoformed fibers, type 4 thermoformed fibers, molded fibers, X-ray formed fibers, infrared formed fibers, microwave formed fibers, vacuum formed fibers, and structural fibers. EXAMPLES

[0059] The memory card holder according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the biodegradable material is 100% post-consumer material and is formed from at least one of wood material and herbaceous material. EXAMPLES

[0060] A memory card holder as described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the single-piece, integral tray is formed from one or more sheets of biodegradable material that are bonded together by at least one bonding method selected from methods including stacking, folding, and gluing together. EXAMPLES

[0061] A memory card holder comprising a single piece, integral tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material, the single piece, integral tray having a cover portion and a bottom portion formed in the biodegradable material of the single piece, integral tray, at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion having a recess formed therein for receiving a digital memory card, a hinge integrally formed within the single piece, integral tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion, the hinge being positioned such that the cover portion can be folded over the bottom portion of the single piece, integral tray. EXAMPLES

[0062] The memory card holder of Example 14, further comprising a closure tab and an insertion slot formed at a distal, opposing end of the single-piece, integral tray and configured to latch-connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to each other. EXAMPLES

[0063] The memory card holder of Example 14, further comprising a closure tab and an insertion open area formed at a distal and opposing end of the single-piece, integral tray and configured to latch-connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to each other. EXAMPLES

[0064] A memory card holder described in any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the memory card holder further comprises protruding areas on at least three sides protruding outward from and substantially parallel to the cover portion and the bottom portion. EXAMPLES

[0065] A memory card holder as described in any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion having the recess is configured to hold the digital memory card. EXAMPLES

[0066] 19. The memory card holder of Example 18, wherein the remaining one of the cover portion and the bottom portion that does not hold the digital memory card is configured to apply pressure to the digital memory card. EXAMPLES

[0067] A memory card holder as described in any one of Examples 14 to 19, further comprising a slot formed in the bottom portion of the single-piece, integrated tray, through which an identification number of the digital memory card can be read.

Claims

1. A memory card holder, the memory card holder comprising: a single piece, one-piece tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material, said single piece, one-piece tray comprising a cover portion and a bottom portion formed in said biodegradable material, at least one of said cover portion and said bottom portion having a recess formed therein for receiving a digital memory card, said single piece, one-piece tray further comprising a protruding region on at least three sides protruding outwardly from and substantially parallel to said cover portion and said bottom portion; a hinge integrally formed within the single-piece, integral tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion, the hinge configured to allow the cover portion to be folded over the bottom portion of the single-piece, integral tray; a closure tab and an insertion slot formed on distal and opposing ends of the single-piece, integral tray and configured to latchably connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to one another.

2. The memory card holder of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion having the recess is configured to hold the digital memory card.

3. 3. The memory card holder of claim 2, wherein the remaining one of the cover portion and the bottom portion not holding the digital memory card is configured to apply pressure to the digital memory card.

4. 2. The memory card holder of claim 1, further comprising a slot formed in the bottom portion of the single-piece, integral tray, through which an identification number of the digital memory card can be read.

5. 10. The memory card holder of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve formed entirely from a biodegradable material, into which the memory card holder can be inserted.

6. 6. The memory card holder of claim 5, wherein the protruding area is configured to provide structure to the memory card holder that prevents the one-piece, integrated tray from being damaged during shipping while the one-piece, integrated tray is inserted within the sleeve.

7. 6. The memory card holder of claim 5, wherein said sleeve is formed from the same biodegradable material from which said single piece, integral tray is formed.

8. 6. The memory card holder of claim 5, wherein said sleeve is formed from a biodegradable material different from a material used to form said formed single piece, integral tray.

9. 10. The memory card holder of claim 1, wherein the digital memory card is an image-based digital memory card.

10. 10. The memory card holder of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable material comprises at least one material selected from the following materials: molded fiber, molded pulp material, and molded paper.

11. 2. The memory card holder of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable material comprises at least one material selected from materials including type 2 molded fibers, type 2A thermoformed fibers, type 3 thermoformed fibers, type 4 thermoformed fibers, molded fibers, x-ray formed fibers, infrared formed fibers, microwave formed fibers, vacuum formed fibers, and structural fibers.

12. 2. The memory card holder of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable material is 100% post-consumer material and is formed from at least one of wood and herbaceous materials.

13. 10. The memory card holder of claim 1, wherein the single piece, integral tray is formed from one or more sheets of biodegradable material bonded together by at least one bonding method selected from the group consisting of stacking, folding, and gluing together.

14. A memory card holder, a single piece, integral tray formed entirely from a biodegradable material, said single piece, integral tray having a cover portion and a bottom portion formed in said biodegradable material of said single piece, integral tray, at least one of said cover portion and said bottom portion having a recess formed therein for receiving a digital memory card; a hinge integrally formed within the single-piece, integral tray and between the cover portion and the bottom portion, the hinge configured such that the cover portion can be folded over the bottom portion of the single-piece, integral tray.

15. 15. The memory card holder of claim 14, further comprising a closure tab and an insertion slot formed on a distal, opposing end of the single-piece, integral tray and configured to latchably connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to one another.

16. 15. The memory card holder of claim 14, further comprising a closure tab and an insertion open area formed on distal and opposing ends of the single-piece, integral tray and configured to latchably connect the cover portion and the bottom portion to one another.

17. 15. The memory card holder of claim 14, further comprising protruding areas on at least three sides protruding outwardly from and substantially parallel to the cover portion and the bottom portion.

18. 15. The memory card holder of claim 14, wherein at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion having the recess is configured to hold the digital memory card.

19. 20. The memory card holder of claim 18, wherein the remaining one of the cover portion and the bottom portion not holding the digital memory card is configured to apply pressure to the digital memory card.

20. 15. The memory card holder of claim 14, further comprising a slot formed in the bottom portion of the single-piece, integral tray, through which an identification number of the digital memory card can be read.

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