Package having pivoted tray for retaining disc-shaped element

Abstract

Disclosed is a package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements. The package includes a housing structure that defines an internal chamber. The housing structure has at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber. The package also includes at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element. The tray is pivotably mounted to the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure. The tray(s) used in the package include a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces and a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces. The second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and is movable between a first position, wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

1 . A package for storing one or more disc-shaped elements, comprising: 
 a) a housing structure that defines an internal chamber for storing one or more disc-shaped elements, the housing structure having at least one open end that provides access to the internal chamber,    b) at least one tray for holding a disc-shaped element, the tray being pivotably mounted to the housing and movable from a first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing and a second position wherein the tray extends at least partially from the open end of the housing structure.    
   
   
       2 . A package as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tray includes: 
 a) a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces;    b) a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and movable between a first position wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other; and    c) means for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions, the securing means configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.    
   
   
       3 . A package as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.  
   
   
       4 . A package as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element.  
   
   
       5 . A package as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.  
   
   
       6 . A package as recited in  claim 5 , further including at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element.  
   
   
       7 . A package as recited in  claim 6 , further including an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter.  
   
   
       8 . A package as recited in  claim 1 , further including a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.  
   
   
       9 . A package as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for ejecting the at least one tray from within the internal chamber of the housing structure.  
   
   
       10 . A package as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the means for ejecting the at least one tray from within the internal chamber of the housing structure includes a resilient spring arm provided on the at least one tray for engaging the housing.  
   
   
       11 . A package as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for maintaining the at least one tray in the first position wherein the tray is contained entirely within the internal chamber of the housing.  
   
   
       12 . A tray for holding a disc-shaped element, comprising: 
 a) a first tray portion having upper and lower surfaces;    b) a second tray portion having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the second tray portion is hingedly attached to the first tray portion and movable between a first position wherein the respective upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the respective upper surfaces are oriented at an angle with respect to each other; and    c) means for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray provided on the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions, the securing means configured such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.    
   
   
       13 . A tray as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the tray is substantially planar and D-shaped.  
   
   
       14 . A tray as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the upper surface of at least one of the first and second tray portions defines a recess for receiving at least a portion of a disc-shaped element.  
   
   
       15 . A tray as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.  
   
   
       16 . A tray as recited in  claim 15 , further including at least one flange member projecting from the peripheral wall of the circular recess and spaced from the floor of the recess so as to define a channel for receiving an outer edge of a disc-shaped element.  
   
   
       17 . A tray as recited in  claim 16 , further including an upstanding circular wall projecting from the floor of the circular recess and configured for supporting a disc-shaped element adjacent its inner diameter.  
   
   
       18 . A tray as recited in  claim 12 , further including a semi-circular rib extending from the upper surface of the second tray portion and dimensioned and configured to frictionally engage an inner edge of a central aperture provided in a disc-shaped element.  
   
   
       19 . A tray for holding a disc-shaped element, comprising: first and second tray portions connected through a hinge, the second tray being movable between a first position wherein the first and second tray portions are coplanar and a second position wherein the first and second tray portions are oriented at an angle with respect to each other, wherein at least one of the first and second tray portions include means for securing a disc-shaped element to the tray such that movement of the second tray portion from the first position to the second position allows a disc-shaped element to be engaged with or disengaged from the securing means.  
   
   
       20 . A tray as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the hinge is a living hinge.  
   
   
       21 . A tray as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the disc-shaped element is a compact disc.  
   
   
       22 . A tray as recited in  claim 19 , wherein upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions in combination define a circular recess for receiving a disc-shaped element, the circular recess having a substantially planar floor and a peripheral wall.  
   
   
       23 . A tray as recited in  claim 22 , wherein the hinge extends diametrically across the circular recess defined by the upper surfaces of the first and second tray portions.