Wafer packaging device for disc-shaped items and related materials and method for packaging such disks and material

A packaging device for packaging at least one disc-shaped item of the type including an annular center aperture with a beverage or other liquid refreshment, said device comprising:

• a container for such beverage;
• a removable cover for said container including a central orifice adapted to receive and retain a straw;
• a first member having an upper and a lower surface, said lower surface defining an annular chamber having an opening for providing access thereto, said first member including means to positively receive, retain, support and protect said disc-shaped item mounted within said annular chamber and extending down from said lower surface to positively receive and retain said disc-shaped item within said annular chamber, said means to positively receive, retain, support and protect comprising a tubular columnar post having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said central aperture adapted to be inserted through said annular center aperture of said disc-shaped item so as to limit said disc-shaped item from moving in a horizontal and vertical direction while allowing said disc-shaped item to rotate, said tubular columnar post including means extending beyond said annular chamber adapted to be aligned with and inserted into said orifice so as to allow passage of said tubular columnar post through said orifice;
• and
• a sealing member adapted to positively retain and seal said disc-shaped item within said chamber.

A method for packaging a disc-shaped item and a beverage in a packaging device, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a disc-shaped media of the type having a central annular aperture therethrough;
• providing a beverage container of the type having a standard-sized, substantially planar cover having a central opening adapted to receive and retain a straw;
• providing a wafer member having an opening at one end thereof and including at least one internal chamber, said first member including an interior and an exterior surface and having support means mounted within said chamber and extending from said interior surface to positively receive and retain said disc-shaped item within said first annular chamber, said support means comprising a columnar post extending from said interior surface and forming a tubular opening therethrough, said columnar post having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said central aperture, wherein said columnar post is adapted to receive and retain said disc shaped media through said central annular aperture and be inserted through and engaged by said central opening so as to allow any of said beverage spilled about said exterior surface to drain into said beverage container through said tubular opening;
• inserting said disc-shaped item into said chamber and positively retaining it therein;
• filling said beverage container with a beverage;
• affixing said cover to said beverage container;
• and
• affixing said wafer member to said cover by inserting said columnar post through said central opening.