Disc package with securing ledges

Abstract

A package for housing a disc is provided, including a cover forming an elongated spine panel with first and second opposing panels extending therefrom such that the opposing panels selectively rotate between open and closed positions and a tray attached to one of the opposing panels. The tray has a planar surface and first and second opposing angular surfaces extending from the planar surface. Each angular surface has a slot for receiving an edge of the disc to support the disc above the planar surface, wherein at least one of the angular surfaces can be deflected to facilitate removal and insertion of the disc.

1 . A tray for a disc package comprising:
 a planar surface; and   first and second opposing angular surfaces extending upwardly from the planar surface, each angular surface defining a slot for receiving an edge of a disc to support the disc above the planar surface, wherein at least one of the angular surfaces can be deflected in a radially outward direction to facilitate removal and insertion of the disc.   
     
     
         2 . A tray as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a tension member secured to an underside of the tray member for structurally reinforcing the tray member. 
     
     
         3 . A tray assembly as recited in  claim 2 ,wherein the tension member is stiffer than the tray member. 
     
     
         4 . A tray assembly as recited in  claim 2 ,wherein the tray member and the tension member are fabricated from materials selected from paper, plastic and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A package for housing a disc comprising:
 a cover forming an elongated spine panel with first and second opposing panels extending therefrom such that the opposing panels selectively rotate between open and closed positions; and   a tray assembly attached to one of the opposing panels, wherein the tray assembly includes:   (a) a tray member including a planar surface, and angular surfaces extending from the planar surface, each angular surface defining a slot for receiving an edge of a disc to support the disc above the planar surface, and   (b) a tension member secured to the tray member for structurally reinforcing the tray member.   
     
     
         6 . A tray assembly for retaining a disc comprising:
 a tray member including a planar surface;   two landings extending above the planar surface, each landing defining a slot for receiving an edge of the disc to support the disc above the planar surface; and a central landing for affirmatively engaging an aperture of the disc.   
     
     
         7 . A tray assembly as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a tension member secured to the tray member for structurally reinforcing the tray member. 
     
     
         8 . A tray assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the central landing has a first level adjacent the planar surface to support the disc above the planar surface and a second level extending above the first level. 
     
     
         9 . A tray assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the central landing defines a slot for capturing the disc. 
     
     
         10 . A tray assembly as recited in  claim 9 , wherein a shape of the slot is selected from the group consisting of arcuate, straight, Y-shaped and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A method for creating a tray for storing a media disc comprising the steps of:
 vacuum forming plastic into a planar, disc-shaped recess having opposing angled wall portions extending from the recess; and   forming opposing undercuts in the opposing angled wall portions.   
     
     
         12 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the angled wall portions are deflectable. 
     
     
         13 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of affixing the tray to a cover, the cover having an elongated spine panel with first and second opposing panels extending therefrom such that the opposing panels selectively rotate between open and closed positions. 
     
     
         14 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the angled wall portions define a third undercut. 
     
     
         15 . A method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the angled wall portions define a fourth undercut. 
     
     
         16 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of forming a raised boss substantially centrally located in the disc-shaped recess. 
     
     
         17 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the cover is paper board. 
     
     
         18 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of applying graphics directly to the cover. 
     
     
         19 . A method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of forming overhangs above the undercuts, wherein the overhangs are deflectable. 
     
     
         20 . A package for housing a disc comprising:
 a cover forming an elongated spine panel with first and second opposing panels extending therefrom such that the opposing panels selectively rotate between open and closed positions; and   a tray attached to one of the opposing panels,   wherein the tray has a planar surface and first and second opposing angular surfaces extending from the planar surface, each angular surface having a slot for receiving an edge of the disc to support the disc above the planar surface, wherein at least one of the angular surfaces can be deflected to facilitate removal and insertion of the disc.   
     
     
         21 . A method for creating a tray for storing a media disc comprising the steps of:
 forming a blank into a planar, disc-shaped recess having opposing angled wall portions extending from the recess; and   forming opposing undercuts in the opposing angled wall portions.   
     
     
         22 . A method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the angled wall portions are deflectable. 
     
     
         23 . A method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the forming step is stamping. 
     
     
         24 . A method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the forming step is vacuum forming. 
     
     
         25 . A method as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising the steps of:
 forming the blank with die cut slots;   placing the blank into a forming mold; and   applying pressure to the blank to result in a three-dimensional shape.   
     
     
         26 . A method as recited in  claim 25 , further comprising the step of applying heat during the applying pressure step. 
     
     
         27 . A method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the die cut slots become the opposing undercuts during the applying pressure step. 
     
     
         28 . A blank for creating tray member comprising a flat board defining first and second opposing slots, and a third central slot. 
     
     
         29 . A blank as recited in  claim 28 , wherein
 the first and second slots are arcuate shaped with a v-shape on a first end and an angled portion on a second end, and   the central slot is linear with an arcuate portion on one end, the arcuate portion having angled portions on each end.