Open cup lid packaging device for disc-shaped media and related materials and method for packaging such discs and material

An elongated packaging device for packaging at least one disc-shaped media having a central aperture therethrough with a cup-type beverage container having an opening therein, said packaging device comprising:

• a lid adapted to be releasably affixed to said beverage container, said lid including:
• an upper surface and a lower surface;
• means to positively receive and retain said disc-shaped media disposed on said upper surface and means for supporting and protecting said disc-shaped media, including means to limit said disc-shaped media from moving in a horizontal and vertical direction while allowing said disc-shaped media to rotate, wherein said means to positively receive and retain and said means for supporting and protecting comprises a cylindrical support structure adapted to be inserted through said aperture in said disc-shaped media and a raised external shelf extending around the periphery of said lid and having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of said disc-shaped media, said cylindrical projection and said raised shelf being co-planar;
• means for sealing said disc-shaped media within an air-tight chamber formed on said upper surface of said lid, said means for sealing comprises a waterproof sealing member heat-sealed to said shelf and said support structure;
• and
• means for passing a straw through said lid while said lid is affixed to said beverage container without compromising the integrity of said air-tight chamber, said means for passing comprising a first opening through said cylindrical support structure and a second opening through said sealing member, said first opening and said second opening being directly adjacent each other.

A method for packaging a disc-shaped media and a beverage within a closed packaging device, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a beverage within a cup-type beverage container of the type having an opening therein and from which the beverage is usually consumed with a straw;
• providing a lid having a seal and at least one sealable upper chamber which can be sealed by such seal and thereafter through which a straw can be passed without compromising the integrity of said sealed upper chamber, said lid adapted to be removably attached to said cup-type beverage container,
• inserting said disc-shaped media into said upper chamber and positively retaining it therein;
• sealing said upper chamber;
• affixing said lid to said cup-type beverage container and thereby closing said opening;
• and
• passing a straw through the sealed upper chamber of said lid to access and consume the beverage without compromising the integrity of the sealed upper chamber.