Optical media storage package

Abstract

A media disc storage package includes: a folder including at least first and second spaced-apart panels defining a space for enclosing a media disc; and a substantially rigid insert disposed between the panels. The insert spans the distance between the panels to provide structural support to the folder, and includes an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels.

1 . A media disc storage package, comprising:
 (a) a folder comprising at least first and second spaced-apart panels defining a space for enclosing a media disc; and   (b) a substantially rigid insert disposed between the panels, the insert spanning the distance between the panels to provide structural support to the folder, and including an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels.   
   
   
       2 . The media disc storage package of  claim 1  wherein the first and second panels are interconnected by spines to form a substantially continuous outer surface. 
   
   
       3 . The media disc storage package of  claim 1  wherein an opening is formed through at least one of the panels in communication with the disc well. 
   
   
       4 . The media disc storage package of  claim 2  wherein the panels and the spines cooperatively define an open side edge through which the insert may be accessed. 
   
   
       5 . The media disc storage package of  claim 1  wherein the insert comprises:
 (a) a frame having an outer perimeter circumscribed by the perimeter of the panels; and   (b) a tray carried by the frame, the tray defining the disc well and being moveable, in a plane generally parallel to the first and second panels, between:
 (i) a first position in which the disc well is disposed inside the space between the panels, and 
 (ii) a second position in which the disc well is exposed for placement or retrieval of a disc. 
   
   
   
       6 . The media disc storage package of  claim 5  wherein the tray is carried for sliding movement relative to the frame. 
   
   
       7 . The media disc storage package of  claim 5  wherein the tray is carried for pivoting movement relative to the frame. 
   
   
       8 . The media disc storage package of  claim 5  in which the tray and the frame are integrally-molded together. 
   
   
       9 . The media disc storage package of  claim 1  wherein the folder further includes a cover flap moveable between a closed position overlying the first panel, and an open position in which the first panel is exposed. 
   
   
       10 . The media disc storage package of  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the folder includes at least one flap extending from an outer edge of one of the panels, the flap folded over and overlying a portion of the insert, and having an opening formed therethrough; and   (b) the insert includes a boss complementary to the opening and a hook received in the opening so as to secure the flap to the insert.   
   
   
       11 . The media disc storage package of  claim 1  wherein the insert includes a spring locking mechanism comprising:
 a flexible spring having at least one end connected to the insert; and   a latch extending laterally from the spring, the latch being moveable with the spring, in a plane generally parallel to the first and second panels, between:
 (i) a first position in which at least a portion of the latch overlies the disc well, and 
 (ii) a second position in which the latch is clear of the disc well. 
   
   
   
       12 . The media disc storage package of  claim 5  in which the insert includes alignment means for retaining the tray in the first position and aligned substantially coplanar to the frame, the alignment means being selectively releasable. 
   
   
       13 . A media disc storage package, comprising:
 (a) a folder comprising at least first and second spaced-apart panels defining a space for enclosing a media disc;   (b) spines interconnecting the first and second panels to form a substantially continuous outer surface which includes an open side edge; and   (c) a substantially rigid insert disposed between the panels, the insert spanning the distance between the panels to provide structural support to the folder, and including an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels, the insert comprising:
 (i) a frame having an outer perimeter circumscribed by the perimeter of the panels; and 
 (ii) a tray carried by the frame, the tray defining an open disc well adapted to hold the media disc in the space between the panels, the tray being moveable, in a plane generally parallel to the first and second panels, between:
 (A) a first position in which the disc well is disposed inside the space between the panels, and 
 (B) a second position in which the tray extends through the open side edge and the disc well is exposed for placement or retrieval of a disc. 
 
   
   
   
       14 . The media disc storage package of  claim 13  wherein the tray and the frame are interconnected by a hinge which is integrally-molded with the tray and the frame. 
   
   
       15 . The media disc storage package of  claim 13  wherein the folder further includes a cover flap moveable between a closed position overlying the first panel, and an open position in which the first panel is exposed. 
   
   
       16 . The media disc storage package of  claim 13  wherein:
 (a) the folder includes at least one flap extending from an outer edge of one of the panels, the flap folded over and overlying a portion of the insert, and having an opening formed therethrough; and   (b) the insert includes a boss complementary to the opening and a hook received in the opening so as to secure the flap to the insert.   
   
   
       17 . The media disc storage package of  claim 13  wherein the insert includes a spring locking mechanism comprising:
 (a) a flexible spring having at least one end connected to the insert; and   (b) a latch extending laterally from the spring, the latch being moveable with the spring, in a plane generally parallel to the first and second panels, between:
 (i) a first position in which at least a portion of the latch overlies the disc well, and 
 (ii) a second position in which the latch is clear of the disc well. 
   
   
   
       18 . The media disc storage package of  claim 17  wherein the spring extends at least partially through the open side edge in the second position. 
   
   
       19 . The media disc storage package of  claim 13  in which the insert includes alignment means for retaining the tray in the first position and aligned substantially coplanar to the frame, the alignment means being selectively releasable.