Disk storage case

Abstract

A case for storing a recording medium disk such as a CD is provided which has a feature that an opening portion thereof is readily recognizable to users and the case can be easily opened. A case ( 1 ) has engaging elements ( 21, 31 ) respectively integrally formed with a case body ( 2 ) and a cover ( 3 ) at a corner region of the case that is located opposite an edge of the case ( 1 ) along which a hinge portion ( 10 ) is provided. The engaging elements ( 21, 31 ) cooperatively serve to lock the cover ( 3 ) to the case body ( 2 ) in its closed condition by elastic mutual engagement, and cooperatively serve to unlock the cover ( 3 ) from the case body ( 2 ) when the engaging elements ( 21, 31 ) undergo a twisting operation by user's fingers such as a thumb and a forefinger.

1 . A flat disk-storage case comprising: a case body that forms one of two main surfaces of the disk storage case; and a cover that forms the other of the two main surfaces of the disk storage case and includes a hinge portion provided along one edge of the case body, via which the cover is joined to the case body so as to allow swing open/closure of the cover, wherein the main surfaces are positioned substantially parallel to each other when the disk storage case is in a closed condition, 
 the disk storage case further comprising a pair of engaging elements respectively provided on the case body and the cover at a region located opposite and remote from the edge of the case along which the hinge portion is provided, wherein the engaging elements cooperatively serve to engage the cover to the case body and thereby lock the cover in its closed condition by elastic mutual engagement, and cooperatively serve to disengage the cover from the case body and thereby release the cover to its open condition when the engaging elements undergo a twisting operation by user's fingers such as a thumb and a forefinger.    
     
     
         2 . The disk storage case as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the pair of the engaging elements are provided so as to be arranged mutually adjacent to each other within a plane extending substantially parallel to the main surfaces when the disk storage case is in its closed condition.  
     
     
         3 . The disk storage case as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the engaging elements are formed at an approximately triangular corner region that is located opposite the edge along which the hinge portion is provided.  
     
     
         4 . The disk storage case as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein an aperture for receiving a hooking member used for display and exhibit is defined at the corner region in a part more inwardly located than the engaging elements.  
     
     
         5 . The disk storage case as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the engaging elements are provided along an edge of the disk storage case that is located opposite the edge along which the hinge portion is provided.