TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to compact disk records, and more particularly to cases or packages having slidable components, which cases are intended to hold, store and display compact disk records.

BACKGROUND ART

In the past various types of containers or cases have been provided for accommodating compact disk or CD records. One well known type of container for this pur¬ pose is commonly referred to as a "jewel case", consist¬ ing of two shallow trays connected to each other by a hinge construction. One tray is intended to hold the CD record whereas the other tray acts as a cover which can be swung open to provide access to the record, and swung closed to enclose and protect the record.

This type of case had a number of drawbacks. It was relatively expensive to manufacture, as well as being subject to breakage due to the fragility of the hinge. Also, it was often difficult to manipulate and handle.

To overcome these disadvantages, various types of slidable-component cases were devised, involving draw¬ ers which slid into flat enclosures that had edge open¬ ings for this purpose. One example is shown in U. S. Patent No. 5,011,010. However, the disclosed device was still costly to produce, and had other drawbacks such as the likelihood of breakage and/or malfunction.

A sliding drawer type case is also disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 4,463,849. The construction shown here is similarly prone to malfunction and breakage, as well as improper reassemblage of separable parts, and warpage due to the thinness of plastic sections.

U. S. Patent No. 4,609,105 discloses a sliding drawer type CD case having generally the same drawbacks as already listed above, namely high cost, lack of dur¬ ability, inconvenience and likelihood of malfunction. A hinge-and-slide type CD case is shown in U. S. Patent No. 5,263,580. The construction and functioning are more complex than with the above-described struc¬ tures, and in consequence the likelihood of breakage and malfunction is increased, as well as the cost of producing the units.

Finally, U. S. Reissue Patent No 33,695 reveals a hinged or jewel case type package for a CD record, hav¬ ing multiple components in a cassette arrangement where¬ in the entire disk and case can be inserted into the playback apparatus with the disk remaining in the case. This device also is expensive to manufacture, and prone to malfunctioning or breakage when in use.

In some prior constructions, there also existed the possibility of inadvertent scratching of the CD record surface, often causing permanent damage to the data/recorded material contained thereon.

Finally, with just about all existing casings the consumer experiences difficulty in use; the casings are fragile, and often difficult to open and close. The provision of multiple detents for hinged casings, coup¬ led with a requirement to insert one's fingernail and pry open a casing, are at best, a compromise solution to the problem of obtaining a convenient, inexpensive display and storage arrangement for compact disk records.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The above drawbacks and disadvantages of prior CD cases or packages, such as hinged jewel cases and the like, are obviated by the present invention.

Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved, hingeless CD record case which is especially durable and not likely to malfunc¬ tion or become easily broken, in contrast to existing hinged CD record cases.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved CD record case as above set forth, which is commensurate in size with existing hinged cases so that it can be accommodated in the usual racks and CD record holders now being used, to replace the present hinged jewel cases.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved CD record case of the kind indicated, which is constituted of as few separate pieces as possible, and wherein the component parts thereof can be readily produced in relatively simple plastic mold cavities.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved CD record case in accordance with the forego¬ ing, which can provide identification data not only on its front and back surfaces but also on its top and side edges, thereby enabling an easier and more conven¬ ient and complete cataloging and information display to be had.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved CD record case as above characterized, which is appreciably less costly to produce than existing cases, using less plastic material than those currently available. Typically 50 per cent less styrene is needed than with the present jewel case construction. It is therefore more environmentally friendly, since the waste represented by a discarded case is smaller in overall mass.

A still further object of the invention is to pro¬ vide an improved CD record case of the kind indicated, which has a uniquely shaped booklet that is presented

in an attention-arresting fashion, thereby to strongly attract the eye of a prospective customer.

Other features of the invention reside in the novel CD record case wherein a descriptive booklet having a durable and decorative graphic cover sheet can be ex¬ posed to the customer's touch, the cover sheet being embossed, stamped and/or otherwise decorated, all to enhance the attractiveness of the package, or alterna¬ tively wherein the booklet can be positioned behind the compact disk if it is desired to reveal the disk sur¬ face directly to view, as against being covered by parts of the package.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved CD record case as above described, which is especially easy to open and simple to operate with regard to removal and replacement of the disk and book¬ let, and wherein the booklet can be readily removed for inspection without in any way disturbing the CD record. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved and simplified CD record mailing case which is inexpensive to produce, and reliable in use.

In addition, the invention provides an especially secure mounting for the CD record, in such a way as to virtually eliminate the possibility of the CD record case imparting potentially damaging scratches to the recorded surface, thereby preserving the integrity of the recorded audio/video/computer data contained there¬ on.

In accomplishing the above objects the invention basically provides, in a hingeless CD record case, the combination of a plastic base in the form of a flat rectangular slab having in one side a shallow nest formation adapted to receive broadside and hold a com¬ pact disk record, a pair of plastic cover members car- ried by the base for disposition at one side thereof, together with cooperable slide mounting means on the

base and cover members, mounting at least one cover member for movement in a plane. The mounting means enables the cover member to be moved toward and away from the nest formation. The cover members have a pair of edges that face each other in a unique arrangement wherein portions of the facing edges of the members overlie areas of the nest formation of the base, so as to hold captive a disk record that has been previously inserted in the nest formation. The above objects are also accomplished by a case for a compact disk record, comprising in combination a flat, rectangular molded plastic tray having low, oppo¬ sitely-disposed side walls, the tray being adapted to receive broadside and to hold the compact disk record. The tray contains a plurality of integrally-molded spaced-apart shoulders which are adapted to engage peripheral edge portions of the disk record and to cen¬ tralize it in the tray. The arrangement is such that peripheral edge portions of the record are held spaced from the side walls of the tray. Openable cover means carried by the tray provide access thereto. The cover means when closed, retains the compact disk record in the tray.

The arrangement is such that the case can be easily and quickly opened by the user, utilizing a simple grasp and slide motion, and without the need to pry apart slab-like structures with one's fingernail or the like. Jamming and/or binding of the slide components does not occur, and the CD record is immediately accessible to the user within a matter of typically one second or less, from the time that he initially grasps the case.

There are no hinges to break, and no critical parts requiring special manipulation, as with the existing jewel cases currently found in the market- place.

Excellent reliability and ease of use by the con¬ sumer are thus realizeable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS in the accompanying drawings, illustrating several embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved CD record case in its open position, as provided by the invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the CD record case, in closed position.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of one of the slide mem¬ bers of the CD record case.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the upper edge of the slide member of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the lower edge of the slide member of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the inner edge of the slide member of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is an elevational view of the outer edge of the slide member of Fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the plastic base mem¬ ber of the record case.

Fig. 9 is an exploded elevational view of the right edge of the plastic base member and stiff backing board adapted to be attached to the base member.

Fig. 10 is an exploded elevational view of the left edge of the plastic base member and stiff backing board. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the top edge of the plas¬ tic base member having attached to it a stiff backing board.

Fig. 12 is an exploded plan view of the bottom edge of the plastic base member and stiff backing board adapted to be attached to the base member.

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of the cooperable detent means of the base and slide members of the CD record case, depicting the closed condition of the case. Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic representation similar to that of Fig. 13 but depicting the open condition of the case.

Fig. 15 is a layout of the descriptive booklet for the case, as provided by the invention. Fig. 16 is a fragmentary section of the case, taken on the line 16—16 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary section of the base mem¬ ber, taken on the line 17—17 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary section of a cover piece of the CD record case, taken on the line 18—18 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of the back of the CD rec¬ ord case.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a modified CD record case shown in its open position, and illustrat¬ ing in fragmentary dotted outline, a portion of a CD record in position in the case, constituting another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 21 is a top plan view of the CD record case of Fig. 20, in closed position.

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of a flat box or tray component of the CD record case of Figs. 20 and 21.

Fig. 23 is a side edge view of the tray component of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a top plan view of a slide cover member of the CD record case of Figs. 20 and 21.

Fig. 25 is an inner elevational view of the cover member of Fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is a detail, enlarged, of the circled por- tion of the cover member seen in Fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is an enlarged sectional view of the cover member, taken on the line 118—118 of Fig. 24.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged sectional view of the cover member, taken on the line 119—119 of Fig. 24. Fig. 29 is a plan view of an insert component of the CD record case of Figs. 20 and 21.

Fig. 30 is a diametric sectional view of the insert component, taken on the line 111—111 of Fig. 29.

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the insert component taken at the encircled portion of Fig. 29.

Fig. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the CD record case, taken on the line 113—113 of Fig. 21. Fig. 33 is a top plan view of the CD record case of Figs. 20 and 21, adapted for use in mailing.

Fig. 34 is a top plan view of a filler panel as used in the case of Fig. 33, for mailing purposes, and

Fig. 35 is a section taken on the line 116—116 of Fig. 34.

MODES FOR CARRYING OOT THE INVENTION

Basically the present improved CD record case or package comprises a unique combination in the form of a flat, slab-like assemblage constituted of three molded or otherwise formed plastic components which are slid- ably related to each other, two of said components being cover pieces and essentially duplicates of each other, and the third comprising a base member. In addi¬ tion to these, there is a descriptive backing sheet or paper board for attachment to the third or base compo¬ nent, and a descriptive multi-sheet booklet preferably having a stiff cover page to serve as a portion of the front of the package, at the front of the base member.

If desired, an overwrap could also be used, to enclose the above entire assemblage.

In accordance with the present invention and as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the base or base member comprises a rigid molded plastic part 10 which carries in a slid- able arrangement, two rigid identical plastic cover pieces 12. The base member 10, Fig. 8, is in the form of a thin, flat slab having in one side a circular recess 16 defining a nest formation in which a CD rec- ord (not shown) can be comfortably fitted. At the center of the recess 16 there is a slotted, resilient retainer boss 18 which can be frictionally received in the center hole of the CD record, thereby to mount the record against looseness. Surrounding the boss 18 is a slightly raised por¬ tion or safety land 20 which tends to protect the under- surface of the record by spacing it from the expansive surrounding area which constitutes the remainder of the recess 16. The base member 10 has four somewhat triangular corner portions as formed by the recess 16, which por¬ tions can be cored out to reduce the amount of plastic required in forming the base member. The resulting spaces at the underside of the base member are covered over by a backing sheet or paper board 26, this being shown in its affixed, assembled position in Fig. 11. The board 26 is shown separately in Figs. 9, 10 and 12. It can be constituted of 0.014 inch (0.36 mm.) thick bleached sulphate paper stock, for example, and as shown herein it has opposite angled edge portions or flanges 28 which are folded at right angles and which fit against and are affixed to the opposite edge or end surfaces 30 of the base member 10. With such arrange¬ ment the board 26 can be pre-printed or otherwise pro- vided with descriptive material relating to the con¬ tents of the package or case. Indicia on the flanges 28

can thus appear through two flanges 44 (later identi¬ fied) of the cover pieces 12 if these latter are trans¬ parent, and can constitute an advantageous way of identi¬ fying the contents of the package. The board or panel 26 can be constituted of thinner stock if desired. Instead of 0.014 inches (0.36 mm.) thickness, a thickness of 0.010 inches (0.25 mm.) or less can be employed. An easier folding of the flanges 28 of the paper board can be expected when thinner stock is employed.

In addition to the opposite edges 30 of the base member 10, the latter also has opposite edges 31, Fig. 8, which are respectively interrupted by the recess 16 as seen in Figs. 8 and 12. Considering now the two cover members or pieces

12, since these can be identical to each other only the right-most piece 12 as viewed in Fig. 2 will be described in detail. Referring to Figs. 3-7 the cover member or piece 12 shown therein can be economically injection molded of styrene or other suitable plastic, comprising essentially a front panel portion 32 which has somewhat of a U-shape or yoke configuration with three straight edges 34, 36 and 38, and a curved or concave edge 40 which latter is disposed opposite the straight edge 36. The straight edges 34, 36 and 38 have narrow flanges 42, 44 and 46 respectively at the underside of the panel portion 32 as seen in Fig. 3. The flange 46 is shown in larger detail in Figs. 16 and 18 also. The three flanges 42, 44 and 46 have the same widths as each other, and the size of the panel 32 is such that the base 10 as measured between the edges 31 can slid- ably snugly fit between the flanges 42 and 46.

The present invention provides a unique slidable mounting means between the cover pieces 12 and the base member 10 whereby the cover pieces can be shifted from their closed, disk-retaining positions shown in full

lines in Fig. 2, to open positions, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2 and in full lines as illustrated in Fig. 1. In such open positions, access is had to the recess 16 which defines the nest formation, for the removal or replacement of a compact disk record from or to said formation. Fig. 2 shows the crescent-shaped areas of the nest formation defined by the recess 16 and delineated by the curved or concave edges 40, for the two positions of the cover pieces 12. In accomplishing the above, the base member 10 is provided with slide ribs 50 on the edges 31, and the cover pieces are formed with grooves 52 in the flanges 42 and 46, adapted to slidably receive the ribs 50 of the base. In addition, tracks having nibs are provided, arranged to be coextensive with the ribs and grooves.

In connection with this latter, referring to Figs. 9-12, the base 10 has tracks 54 on its edges 31, said tracks being coextensive with the ribs 50 and having nibs 56 and 58 shown in Figs. 11 and 12. In addition, the track 54 of Fig. 12 has special nibs 60 adjacent the nibs 58 of this figure for a purpose explained below. In Fig. 6, the cover piece 12 has tracks 64 on the flanges 42 and 46, which are coextensive with the grooves 52 in said flanges. The tracks 64 of the cover piece 12 have nibs 66 and 68 which are cooperable with the nibs 56 and 58 of the base 10.

With respect to the special nibs 60 on the lower portion of the base 10 as the base is viewed in Fig. 8, these are cooperable with the associated nibs 66 on the track 64 on the lower portion of the cover piece 12 as the cover piece is viewed in Fig. 3. Their purpose is to provide a positive stop and lock, when opening the casing, so that the cover pieces 12 do not come off of the base 10. Reference is now made to the schematic showings of Figs. 13 and 14, which reveal the above designated nibs

and tracks and their desired locations on the compo¬ nents 10 and 12 of the package. The closed condition of the package as shown in Fig. 2 is represented by the showing of Fig. 13. The nibs 56 and 68 are in engage- ent with each other and constitute yieldable detents which normally hold the cover pieces closed. The user exerts separating pull on the cover pieces in opposite directions, thereby overcoming the restraint of the nibs 56, 68. The left-most cover piece 12 moves to the left, and the right-most cover piece 12 moves to the right, this latter cover piece 12 assuming the position now shown in Fig. 14. Here the nib 66 has been forced to the right, past the nib 58 and has come to a stop in engagement with the special positive stop nib 60. Both of the cover pieces 12 can now be as shown in the dot¬ ted line positions of Fig. 2.

As seen in Fig. 2, the facing curved edges 40 of the cover pieces 12 have a larger radius than the radi- us of the recess 16, whereby the cover pieces need not be opened to the extent that would otherwise be required if all the radii were to be the same, in order to pro¬ vide full access for the removal or replacement of the CD record.

Figs. 1 and 2 also show a tamper-evident strip 69 which has been applied to adjacent flanges 46 of the respective cover pieces 12. The strip 69 prevents open¬ ing of the package unless it is torn at the joint between the cover pieces to separate it into two parts. The invention further provides a folded filler piece 70, 72, 74 or booklet, shown in opened position in Fig. 15, which when folded closed, fits into the recess 16 on top of the CD record, to close the space existing between the curved edges 40 of the two cover pieces 12. The piece 70, 72, 74 can consist of multiple pages, three of which are pictured in Fig. 15. In this figure, the front or cover page is designated 70, and

such page can be advantageously constituted of thicker or stiffer material such as 0.014 inch (0.36 mm.) bleached sulphate board, if desired. The booklet pages 70, 72, 74 are connected along fold lines 76. The cover sheet 70 can be embossed, decorated with hot leaf stamp¬ ing, or with matte and/or shiny lacquers. Braille char¬ acters, etc.

Figure 19 shows the underside of the base 10, revealing the coring of the triangular corner portions thereof. The coring is arranged to provide land surfaces or lands 78, 80, 82 and 84 in the form of ribs adapted to be engaged by and adhered to the paperboard 26 so as to act as a back-up for the same.

It will now be seen that the present improved CD record case has very few components which are character¬ ized by great simplicity whereby exceptionally low manu¬ facturing cost is achieved, without sacrificing relia¬ bility and resistance to breakage or malfunctioning. The case can be accommodated in existing racks or hold- ers, displays, etc., and has space not only on its front and back panels, but also on its top and side edges for identification and ornamentation purposes.

The booklet component of the package serves as part of the front panel, and can have embossing, hot stamping ornamentation, unique coloring treatment and the like, to contribute to the attractiveness of the case. The circular booklet shape functions somewhat in the nature of a bull's eye, catching the eye of the prospective customer. For display purposes, the booklet can be placed in back of the CD record itself, if it is desired to have the ornamentation or documentation of the actual record in full view. Substantially less plastic material is required in the production of the case, further reduc- ing the weight and costs, and inexpensive well-known molding techniques can be used. The booklet can be

removed and inspected without disturbing in any way, the CD record.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 20 and 21, illustrating the tray component as comprising a rigid molded plastic box-like part or tray 110 which carries in a slidable arrangement, two rigid identical plastic cover pieces 112. The tray 110, Fig. 22, is in the form of a low, open-top flat box having a rectangular bottom wall 114 and a plurality of low side walls 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 and 126. The walls 116 and 118 are in alignment with each other, as are the walls 122 and 124.

As in the first embodiment, the two cover members 112 are identical to each other, and accordingly, only the left-most member 112 as viewed in Fig. 21 will be described in detail. Referring to Figs. 24-26, the cover member shown therein can be economically injection mold¬ ed of styrene or other suitable plastic, comprising essentially a top or front panel 128 which has somewhat of a U-shape or yoke configuration, with three straight edges 130, 132 and 134, and a curved or concave edge 136 ending in cusps 137, the edge 136 being disposed opposite the straight edge 130. The straight edges 130, 132 and 134 form a "U" shape, and the edges 132 and 134 have free ends. The edges also have narrow flanges 135, 138 and 140 respectively at the underside of the panel portion 128 as seen in Figs. 25-28. The flange 138 is shown in larger detail in Fig. 26. Also, the two flanges 138 and 140 have the same widths as each other and are spaced apart a distance such that the tray 110 as measured between the side walls 116, 118 and 122, 124 can slidably snugly fit between the flanges 138 and 140. These flanges are provided with slides or rails 142, 144 which underlie the bottom wall 114 of the tray 110, thereby to effect a sliding fit of the two cover members 112 on the tray 110, Figs. 20 and 21.

Incidental removal of the cover members 112 from their sliding positions on the tray 110 is prevented by stop shoulders 146, Figs. 24 and 27, on the underside of the panels 128, which interact with the top edges of the side walls 120 and 126 of the tray 110. The purpose is to provide a positive stop and lock when opening the case, so that the cover pieces 112 do not come off of the tray 110.

Figs. 24 and 27 also show detent nibs or protuber- ances 148 and 150 at the underside of the panel 128 of the cover member 112, to control the positioning of the cover member. The closed condition of the CD record package is shown in Fig. 21. The nibs 150, Fig. 27, are engaged with the top edge of the side wall 126 of the tray and constitute yieldable detents which normally hold the cover members 112 closed. The user exerts a separating pull on the cover members 112 in opposite directions to open the case, thereby overcoming the restraint of the nibs 150 and 148. The left-most cover piece 112 moves to the left, and the right-most cover piece 112 moves to the right, these pieces assuming the positions shown in Fig. 20. Here the nibs 148 have been forced to the left, past the top edge of the side wall 126 (shown dotted in Fig. 27) and the top edge of the side wall 126 has come to a stop in engagement with the special positive stop shoulders 146. Both of the cover pieces 112 can now be as shown in the dotted-line, open positions of Fig. 21.

As seen in Fig. 21, the facing curved or concave edges 136 of the cover pieces 112 have a larger radius than the radius of the recess in the insert member to be described below, whereby the cover pieces 112 need not be opened to the extent that would otherwise be required if all of the radii were to be the same, in order to provide full access for the removal or inser¬ tion of the CD record.

Figs. 20 and 21 also show a tamper-evident strip 154 which has been applied to adjacent flanges 138, 140 of the respective cover pieces 112. The strip 154 pre¬ vents opening of the package unless it is torn at the joint between the cover pieces to separate it into two parts.

The present invention provides a unique nest for¬ mation or means for nesting and properly positioning the CD record, resulting in advantages in presenting copy and historical data relating to the recording, and also in a saving of material. This means involves the provision of a novel insert or nest member 158 for the tray 110, Figs. 29 and 30, and in the provision of novel shoulders 160 having ramp portions 162 in the tray 110, Figs. 20-23. In accordance with the present invention, the shoulders 160 centralize a CD record 161 shown in dotted fragmentary representation in Fig. 20, such that peripheral edge portions of the CD record 161 are main¬ tained spaced from the sides of the tray by such shoul- ders 160 at all times, and additionally the radially inner, recording surface of the CD record is spaced from all parts of the insert member 158, so as to avoid physical contact therewith, and minimize the possibility of damage to the CD record's data-containing surface, from scratching or abrasion by the insert member per se.

The insert or nest member 158 having the nest formation can be formed, as by molding, of inexpensive plastic or paper-like material so as to have a rectangu- lar configuration that can be easily dropped into the tray 110. As shown in Figs. 29, 30 and 32, the insert member 158 has raised portions 164 extending along two opposite side edges 166, such raised portions defining oppositely-disposed, facing, curved semi-cylindrical shoulders 168 adapted to receive between them a CD rec¬ ord. The shoulders 168 form a recess, and as noted above

the radius of curvature of the shoulders 168 is less than the radius of curvature of the curved edges 136 of the cover pieces. Inwardly of the shoulders 168 is a flat, central body portion comprising two spokes 170 extending outwardly from a stepped center hub or grip¬ per 172 which snugly fits into the center portion of a CD record, and a land portion 173 which holds the rec¬ ord raised from the spokes 170. The body of the insert member 158 also comprises a flat circular portion 174 which joins together the raised portions 164 in the form of an inner periphery. With such construction there is formed a central circular opening 175 slightly smaller than the periphery of a compact disk record. The portions 170 can be thought of as spokes in the circular opening 175. The opening results in a con¬ siderable saving of material, as well as enabling any advertising copy or ornamentation that might be dis¬ posed under the insert to be viewed from the front of the case, when there is no CD record stored in the case. The insert member 158 can be chosen of a material which is protective of the CD record, and by its very shape it cradles or nests the record in a protective manner, so as to avoid surface contact with the record¬ ing area of the CD record, as noted above. Further, in accordance with the invention, the flat connector portion 174 of the insert is provided with clearance slots 176 through which the shoulders 160 and ramps 162 of the tray 110 can project, for engagement with the peripheral edge of the CD record, to centralize the latter. The ramps 162 serve an important function during insertion of the record, since they will cam upward the record edge if the user inserts the record angularly. Preferably the shoulders 160 engage the CD record solely at diametrically oppo- site edges, or at spaced apart locations on the CD rec-

ord edge or periphery, to provide optimal support along a minimal area of engagement of the periphery.

The insert member 158, when molded of suitable material such as plastic, can be economically provided with a rubberized finish on its surfaces. This provides an excellent protection for the highly finished, vulner¬ able surfaces of CD records.

The upper surfaces of the raised portions 164 of the insert member 158 can be provided with depressions or grooves 180 which give clearance spaces for the nibs 148, 150 and stop shoulders 146 at the undersides of the cover members 112.

Convenient finger grip ridges 182, Fig. 32, are provided on the cover member 112, to facilitate the opening and closing of the same.

Figs. 33, 34 and 35 depict the present CD record case as adapted for mailing purposes. In Figs. 34 and 35 a circular insert panel 186 is shown, having a raised circular central portion 188 bounded by crescent-shaped flanges 190 which can fit under the top panel portions 128 of the cover pieces 112 when the latter are in their closed positions as shown in Fig. 33. The cover pieces 112 are secured against opening by the tamper-evident pieces of tape 154. The insert panel 186 covers and protects the contents of the CD record case, and is removed by the user and discarded when the tapes 154 are first removed.

From the above it can be seen that I have provid¬ ed novel and improved cases for a CD record, which are simple in structure, and which feature significantly enhanced ease of use for the consumer, requiring only a simple grasp and slide motion. There are no hinges to break, and no special manipulations requiring unusual manual dexterity by the consumer, as with many prior constructions.

The case is characterized by both freedom from malfunction and long life expectancy.

The disclosed devices are thus seen to represent a distinct advance and improvement in the field of CD records.

Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Each and every one of the appended claims defines an aspect of the invention which is separate and dis- tinct from all others, and accordingly it is intended that each claim be treated in this manner when examined in the light of the prior art devices in any determina¬ tion of novelty or validity.