Disposable media storage container

#1. Technical Field

#The present invention generally relates to media storage containers and, more particularly, to a media storage container that securely retains an item of recorded media until a portion of the container is destroyed. Specifically, the present invention relates to a disc storage container that securely retains a disc such as a CD or a DVD within the body of the container until a perforated door is permanently removed from one of the major panels of the container to allow the disc to be removed.

#2. Background Information

#FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the media storage container of the present invention in an unfolded condition.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the first two panels folded together to form a common storage chamber that is adapted to receive the item of recorded media.

#FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the first two panels folded over the third panel.

#The media storage container of the present invention is formed from the blank 2 depicted in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, blank 2 defines first 4, second 6, third, 8, and fourth 10 major panels that are separated from one another by hinges 12. At least one of hinges 12 may be a double hinge having a hinge panel 14. Hinges 12 allow panels 4, 6, 8, and 10 to be folded into a storage container 20 adapted to securely hold an item of recorded media 22 such as a disc, a tape, or a memory card.

#In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, blank 2 is formed from a paperboard material having a central portion and outer skin sheets. The outer skin sheets may be printed with advertising or informational materials. The central portion defines a major portion of the thickness of the paperboard and may be used to strengthen and stiffen the material. In this type of material, hinges 12 may be formed by scoring the outer skin and folding the material along the score line. The double hinge is formed with parallel score lines disposed on either side of hinge panel 14.

#First panel 4 defines an opening 30 sized to receive item of recorded media 22. When container 20 is designed to hold a disc such as a CD or a DVD, opening 30 has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of disc so that the disc can only move small distances within opening 30. This prevents the disc from being damaged during mailing. Second panel 6 may also define an opening 32 that cooperates with opening 30 when first 4 and second 6 panels are folded together to form a common storage chamber 34. Two panels (4 and 6) are used to form storage chamber 34 when the thickness of one panel is less than the thickness of item 22. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the thickness of blank 2 is slightly larger than half of the thickness of item 22 such that the combined thickness of panels 4 and 6 is slightly larger than the thickness of item 22 (FIG. 6).