Packaging container for multiple CDs

Abstract

A clamshell packaging container for storing and handling multiple compact discs. The container has a base and a cover, the base being configured to hold a plurality of concentrically stacked compact discs while providing free access for a handling spindle to be inserted through aligned the central apertures of the discs when the container is open.

In the claims:  
     
         1 . A clamshell packaging container for releasably retaining a plurality of concentrically stacked compact discs, the container comprising: 
 (a) a base having a curved base side wall and opposed base end walls defining a base cavity, the base side wall defining a base axis, the base axis being spaced apart from at least one of the base end walls; and    (b) a cover having a curved cover side wall and opposed cover end walls defining a cover cavity, the cover side wall defining a cover axis;    (c) the base and the cover movable between an open and a closed position so that in the closed position the base cavity and the cover cavity form a combined cavity having a common axis concentric with the base axis and the cover axis.    
     
     
         2 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein the combined cavity is cylindrical.  
     
     
         3 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein the base has a base flange and the cover has a cover flange.  
     
     
         4 . The packaging container of  claim 3 , wherein the base flange and cover flange abut at a sealing line when the container is in the closed position.  
     
     
         5 . The packaging container of  claim 3 , wherein one of the flanges has a lip and the other flange has a detent for accepting the lip.  
     
     
         6 . The packaging container of  claim 4 , wherein the sealing line is spaced apart from the common axis.  
     
     
         7 . The packaging container of  claim 4 , wherein the sealing line is coplanar with the common axis.  
     
     
         8 . The packaging container of  claim 4 , wherein the sealing line is in a plane at an angle with the common axis.  
     
     
         9 . The packaging container of  claim 4 , wherein the sealing line is in a plane which intersects the common axis outside the bounds of the container.  
     
     
         10 . The packaging container of  claim 4 , wherein the sealing line is in a plane which intersects the common axis at a periphery of the container.  
     
     
         11 . The packaging container of  claim 4 , wherein the sealing line is in a plane which intersects the common axis within the bounds of the container.  
     
     
         12 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein the base and cover are equally sized.  
     
     
         13 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein the base is smaller than the cover.  
     
     
         14 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one end wall has an opening through which passes the corresponding axis.  
     
     
         15 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one end wall has a flap which can intersect the common axis when the container is in the closed position.  
     
     
         16 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein an inwardly projecting indent is provided an end wall.  
     
     
         17 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein the base and the cover are hinged together.  
     
     
         18 . The packaging container of  claim 1 , wherein the base and the cover are separate.  
     
     
         19 . A method for delivering compact discs to a duplicating machine, comprising: 
 (a) providing a container having a base with a curved base side wall and opposed base end walls defining a base cavity, the base side wall defining a base axis, the base axis being spaced apart from at least one of the base end walls; the container further having a cover with a curved cover side wall and opposed cover end walls defining a cover cavity, the cover side wall defining a cover axis; the base and the cover movable between an open and a closed position so that in the closed position the base cavity and the cover cavity form a cylindrical cavity having a common axis concentric with the base axis and the cover axis;    (b) using the container to enclose a plurality of stacked compact discs having aligned apertures;    (c) disposing the packaging container in a horizontal orientation;    (d) moving the cover to the open position;    (e) inserting a spindle through the aligned apertures;    (f) using the spindle to remove the plurality of discs from the base;    (g) disposing the spindle so that the compact discs are stacked thereon in a generally vertical orientation; and    (h) successively transferring the compact discs from the spindle to the duplicating machine.    
     
     
         20 . A method of releasably retaining a plurality of concentrically stacked compact discs, comprising: 
 (a) providing a base having a curved base side wall and opposed base end walls defining a base cavity, the base side wall defining a base axis, the base axis being spaced apart from at least one of the base end walls; and further providing a cover having a curved cover side wall and opposed cover end walls defining a cover cavity, the cover side wall defining a cover axis; the base and the cover movable between an open and a closed position so that in the closed position the base cavity and the cover cavity form a cylindrical cavity having a common axis concentric with the base axis and the cover axis;    (b) disposing the stacked discs into the base cavity; and    (c) moving the cover and the base from the open position to the closed position.