Untitled record

(54) Title: PACKAGING (30) Unionist Priority: 08/09/2003 dk pa 2003 01293: 08/09/2003 US 60 / 500,646; 10/03/2003 DK PA 2003 01461; 10/03/2003 US 60 / 507,969; 11/10/2003 US 60 / 518,320; 11/10/2003 DK PA 2003 01671: 21/01/2004 DK PA 2004 00078; 1/23/2004 US 60 / 538,309; 04/14/2004 DK PA 2004 00589 (71) Depositor (s): Glud & Marstrand A / S (DK) (72) Inventor (s): Jan Bjerregaard, Mazyar Abolfazlian, Esad Zubcevic, Poul Mikkelsen, Christian Orum, Torsten Brix, NielsToft Jorgensen (74) Attorney: Momsen, Leonardos & Cia (86) International Request: pct DK2004 / 000590 of 08/09/2004 (87) International Publication: wo 2005/024829 of 17/03/2005 (57) Summary : PACKAGING, AND, RETENTION COMPONENT TO RETENT AN OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA. A package is disclosed which comprises a first and a second outer part of metallic material, an internal part of non-metallic material made in one piece and comprising an opposing first and second side between which an element can be stored and an articulation part which forms at least one articulated connection of said sides and which allows the sides are rotated relative to each other at an angle in order to open the package and adapt the package to be produced on a machine for automatic packaging production. At least a part of a perimeter of the first and the second outer part is adapted to retain the inner part in order to attach said outer parts to said respective sides of said inner part to cover a substantial part of the outer surface of the sides.

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OPTICAL STORAGE MEDIA ”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to metal packaging for storing elements, such as data-carrying elements, such as Compact Discs or DVDs, which packaging is adapted to be produced in machines for the production of automatic packaging for plastic packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The CD and DVD industries have for decades invested substantial sums of money in the development of metal packaging. However, all these many efforts have not led to metal packaging that can be produced on standard automatic packaging machines normally used in these plastic packaging industries.

The total sum of investments in such machinery for the production of automatic packaging is immense, and the total number of packages produced in the CD and DVD industries exceeds 5 billion pieces per year.

Metal as a packaging component for CDs, DVDs and other forms of media has numerous advantages, including providing the packaging with substantially additional strength and giving it a unique appearance. Additional advantages are that it is possible to engrave a surface relief directly on the surface and that it is easier to print on metal surfaces.

However, as stated, the CD and DVD industries have not been able to provide packaging that uses these advantages, combined with the ability to be produced on machines for automatic packaging production in the industries. Packaging production machines require that the package be opened like a book, with an angle greater than 180 °, preferably 240 °. An example of a packaging production machine like this is shown in figure 25.

The common plastic CD and DVD packaging can be folded at this angle, which is necessary in the process of inserting a printed paper cover between the packaging itself and the transparent film wrapped around it. When the plastic packaging is folded 240 °, the transparent film and packaging will separate and thus form space for the insertion of the printed paper cover. The reason for this capacity is that the plastic CD and DVD packaging has an articulation, which allows the sides of the packaging to be rotated in relation to each other in order to open the packaging with an angle, in principle, of 360 °.

The metal packaging until then does not have this capacity, since such packaging cannot be opened like a book with an angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °. A package like this is shown in figure 24.

The challenge was thus to make this metal packaging act or imitate a plastic packaging on machines for the production of automatic packaging, for example, that the metal packaging can be opened like a book with an angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °.

The market demand for such packaging is being overcome, but the technical challenges are even greater. The reason for this is that, as stated, such packaging must be able to integrate different materials, that is, metal and, for example, plastic. This requires that the focus be on tolerances allowed when metal and plastic have to cooperate.

So far, no one has succeeded in creating the metal packaging that is accepted by machines for producing automatic packaging such as plastic packaging, that is, that allows the metal packaging to open at an angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °, also ensuring that the metal can cooperate, for example, with plastic.

Packages adapted to store data-carrying elements such as CDs and DVDs are well known in the art.

EP 0.576.256 BI discloses a packaging structure for an engraving medium or other items and which is composed of a plastic support frame and a laminated flexible body.

EP 744,746 and EP 874,768 disclose systems comprising metal. However, these packaging production systems cannot be designed like a book, because of the characteristics of the metal material.

US 6,431,352 discloses a support for CDs or DVDs that includes a molded plastic container sized to accommodate the disc. Along one side of the container on an inner wall of the container, there is an active joint. The disc is removed or inserted in the holder by pressing on the sides of the container, in such a way that a crack opens in a gap through which the disc can pass. The sides of the support cannot be separated.

WO 86/35628 discloses a composite package for use in storing a laser or optically readable disc. The package includes a lightweight frame for storing the disc, and the frame is enclosed by a sheath, which is firmly attached to an outer surface of the frame. The frame is made of plastic and the sheath is made of a suitable flexible material, such as cardboard, as it forms part of a joint that requires high flexibility.

Other documents related to media storage / packaging are US 6,220,431, EP 0 895 243,

US 4,714,157, US 5,908,109, US 6,375,003, US 5,725,105, EP 0 671 743,

WO 03/023783, EP 1 100 088, WO 00/74057, FR 2 753 297, US 4,722,439,

US 5,477,961, EP 0 866 458, US 5,788,068, US 6,502,694 and US D473,520.

The common characteristics of these systems are that they cannot be designed as a book with the ability to open at an angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °, because of the characteristics, among others, of the metallic material and, therefore, cannot be produced on machines for automatic packaging production.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a metal package that overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages.

Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a metal packaging that is adapted to be produced, and that can be produced, in machines for the production of traditional automatic packaging in order to avoid the need to invest very substantial additional money in development and implementation of new machines for the production of automatic packaging.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide packaging for CD or DVD that has greater strength and a more exclusive appearance than known packaging.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, a package is provided which consists of external metal parts attached to an internal part of non-metallic material with an articulation for opening the package. This gives a freedom of design known for non-metallic materials, such as plastic, and a resistance and exclusivity of metal, also allowing the packaging to be produced in sets of machines for the production of automatic packaging.

Thus, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a package comprising:

- a first and a second part of metallic material,

- an internal part of non-metallic material made in a single piece and comprising;

- a first and a second opposite side between which an element can be stored,

- an articulation part that forms at least one articulation that connects said sides and that allows the sides to be rotated in relation to each other at an angle in order to open the package and adapt the package to be produced on a production machine automatic packaging, at least a part of a perimeter of the first and second outer parts being adapted to retain the inner part in order to attach said outer parts to said respective sides of said inner part to cover a substantial part of the outer surfaces of the sides.

Preferably, the width of the package is between 134 mm and 138 mm, and the length of the package is between 188 mm and 194 mm, when the package is in a closed condition.

The width of the package is preferably between 280 mm and 286 mm in an open condition, where the sides are rotated 180 ° relative to each other.

The hinge preferably allows the sides to be rotated with respect to each other by an angle of 180 ° or more, such as 190 ° or 200 ° or 210 ° or 220 ° or 230 ° or 240 ° or more than 240 °.

The inner part of the package is preferably made in one piece, comprising a first side and a second side interconnected by an articulation part, which can comprise one or more articulations provided in groups or evenly distributed.

The first and second sides together define a cavity in which the element can be stored. This gives the possibility of opening and closing the package like a book with an angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240., which is essential in order to be produced on machines for the production of automatic packaging, which require both sides of the packaging have to be opened like a book at an angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °. This is possible with the packaging according to the invention, since the inner part and the hinge part can be made of a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic, which allows the sides to fold back at an angle of more 180 °, preferably 240 °.

At least a part of a perimeter of the first and second outer parts can be adapted to retain the inner part. At least a part of the perimeter of the first and second outer part may comprise a crimped edge portion and / or a flange extending transversely to a plane defined by an intermediate part of the parts. In this way, the inner part can be pressed on the first and second outer parts and, in order to be removed, it must pass the crimped edge portion. It may be possible to provide the curved portion and the crimped edge portion by means of a punching machine or a deep drawing machine. Such machines give the possibility to manufacture a part in which at least a part of the perimeter of the part comprises said beaded wedding portion and / or a flange which extends transversely - or any other area of ​​the part. Said crimped portion can be provided by the lamination step (s) of the edge. The laminated crimped portion may extend over the entire perimeter of the outer part (s) depending on the radius of curvature of the corners.

The crimping of the outer part (s) ensures that there are no sharp edges, contrary to the known metal packaging.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer parts comprise shell-like components. which consist of an intermediate part that has a side wall (s) that extends upwards, in such a way that the internal part is pressed into said shells. Preferably, the side wall (s) end (s) at a portion of the crimped or slightly curved edge which is adapted to hold tightly around the corresponding edges of the inner part in order to retain the inner part.

The package is preferably quadrangular, and the shell-like lengths comprise side walls that extend upwardly on at least three edges, such that the shell substantially surrounds the sides of the inner part on at least three sides.

In one embodiment, the first and second sides comprise indentations along a perimeter to receive corresponding protrusions provided on said external parts in order to provide attachment between said sides and said parts. Thus, the first and second parts can be attached to the internal part by clicking on them.

The first and second parts can be U-shaped, in such a way that the legs of the U define the side walls of the parts, said side walls can comprise the protuberances for attaching them to the internal part.

Alternatively, or in addition, the inner part can be attached to the first and second parts by means of glue and / or solder and / or at least one pressure lock.

The inner part can be integrated with the first and second parts by means of injection molding. Thus, the inner part can be shaped around the first and the second part. This can be done through insertion molding, in which the outer parts are placed in the tool in which the molding is taking place.

Other production processes may be suitable, such as blow molding, extrusion or hot molding, depending on the desired design.

The first and second parts can be riveted or screwed on the inside, depending, for example, on the type of advertisement that is preferred.

The outer parts can cover part of the outer surface, or all of it, of the inner part. In a preferred embodiment, the outer parts cover substantially all of the outer surfaces of the inner part. In the mode where the outer parts are U-shaped, they cover only a central part and two sides of the inner part.

It is preferable that the package can be closed in just one step, requiring no further tightening on the locking parts. Therefore, the latch part (s) is (are) preferably arranged close to indentations, which is used to open and close the package like a book, in order to reduce the amount of force to close and make sure the package is closed in one step. In addition, the outer portion may be substantially thick and / or comprise reinforcement ribs in order to provide a more rigid lid that does not twist during closing or opening of the package.

The edge portion of the first and second part may extend around the entire edge of each of the two sides of the inner part, including said indentations used to open. Thus, indentations can be formed of metal in order to provide a stronger and more rigid grip feature.

The inner part may comprise one or more locking pins provided as protrusions, in order to lock the first and second parts on the inner part. Said pins are preferably provided on the internal part in a location adjacent to said indentations of the first and second part (when these parts are attached to the internal part). Thus, the pins can engage a portion of the edge of the first and second parts, respectively, in order to provide a lock between them, and thus prevent the first and second parts from being detached from the internal part by accident.

In particular, a portion of the metal rim may be provided on the outer parts and extending along the sides of the two sides of the inner part, which constitutes the rear edge of each side, i.e., the edge close to the hinge area.

A rear part of the inner part can make up the articulation part between the two sides, and the back part can be covered by a metal part / layer. The rear edge is preferably moved inwards towards the inner area on each two sides of the inner part, in such a way that the rear edge is flush with the outer edge of the rear side of the package, when the package is closed. The metal part / layer covering the back can be glued to it. Alternatively, or in addition, the metal part / layer may comprise cursors that can be folded around the top and bottom edge of the rear in order to attach the metal part / layer. The edges of the metal part / layer can be folded or crimped to reinforce its rigidity. The metal part / layer can be attached to the rear by means of insertion molding and / or click mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the hinge part comprises two hinges, one on each side of the inner part. Preferably, the joints each define a notch that extends inwardly on the rear side of the package, the notches being provided to click the first and second outer part on the inner part, since the protuberances on each outer part can penetrate and engage the notches , respectively. Also, the aforementioned layer / metal part covering the rear can be attached to the rear with a click. Preferably, the notches extend along the entire length of the joints, in such a way that a corresponding crimped or folded edge that defines the protrusions on the outer parts and on the metal layer / part can extend along its entire length, which reinforces the parts / layer.

In addition, the notches provide conditions for any sharp edges on said external parts and on the metal part / layer to be hidden or enveloped by said notch, and so that no sharp edges can be seen and touched.

When opening the package at an angle of 180 °, the level of the rear part between the two hinges is preferably higher than the level of the two sides of the inner part. Thus, the rear part is moved inwardly in relation to the sides. This mode allows the rear part to be moved inwards towards the inside towards the inside of the package when the package is closed, which then increases the resistance and provides a smoother finish, where the inside is better covered by external metal parts. The described mode is shown in figure 21.

When attaching the metal part / layer to the rear, the combination of two materials requires certain precautions, such as choosing the appropriate attachment mechanism such as an adhesive such as glue and facilitating the cooperation of the two materials.

In a preferred embodiment, the metal part / layer is thus not covering the entire rear, and thus allowing the rear part to change dimensions without the metal part / layer becoming improperly sized, and the attachment mechanism such as an adhesive like glue is chosen from a range of mechanisms, which are able to absorb the different reactions of the two materials in various circumstances, such as climatic circumstances.

Preferably, the attachment mechanism is a glue, which can be a double-sided adhesive, such as TESA 4965 and / or 3M 9088FL. However, any glue or other adhesive, which is able to absorb the different reactions of the two materials in various circumstances, can be used.

In another mode, the back can be labeled by lettering on the template.

Preferably, the package comprises guide components to allow the closing step to be carried out in a controlled manner, preventing the two sides of the package from moving in relation to each other. The guide components may comprise a male component that has a tapered end (such as a tapered end) that engages a female component. Said guide components can be positioned in the corners of the inner part, in such a way that they also provide a reinforcement of the corners of the package. Thus, the corners of the first and second outer parts may not be serrated if the package falls.

In another embodiment, the guide components are provided adjacent to the corners, first meeting with each other, during the closing of the package. The guide components comprise one or more protrusions provided on one of said sides and being adapted to engage notches provided on the opposite side.

Preferably, there is a space between the inner part of the first and / or second outer part (such as 0.5 mm) in order to provide space for an embossed relief that extends inwardly on the inner side (s) ) of the outer part (s) and / or an embossed relief extending outwardly on the outer side (s) of the inner part (s). The space can be obtained by scraping at least part of the internal part, during its molding. If an embossed relief has to extend outwards on the outside, then the part containing said relief must be countersunk before embossing, in such a way that the packaging can be stacked on one another by means of embossing that is provided on the surface.

There may also be a relief engraved on the inner sides of the inner parts.

The inner part and / or the first and / or second outer part can serve as a latch adapted to lock the book-like packaging. This lock can be operable with one hand, or two hands can be used to open the book and thus unlock the package. The inner part of the package can be provided with a locking part, in such a way that the first and second sides can be locked together. A locking part like this can comprise magnets, which hold the first and second sides together. In other embodiments, the locking part is a pressure lock or lock that requires a key or lock that can be opened only once, where after that, it cannot be locked again. The locking parts may comprise a male locking component engageable with a female locking component.

The first and second outer parts can cover at least the central part of the outer surface of the inner part, and the outer surface of the inner part can comprise recesses that have a shape and depth substantially corresponding to the shape and thickness of the outer parts, respectively. Thus, the outer parts can be attached to the inner part in such a way that the outermost surface of the outer part is flush with the outermost surface of the inner part.

The shape of the first and second outer parts are preferably provided by folding or extrusion, or deep drawing.

The inner part may comprise one or more protrusions extending inwardly into the package. The protrusions can be provided on one side of the inner part, and that pushes the element (s) towards an opposite side of the inner part, when the package is closed. Thus, the element is further affixed to the packaging. Preferably, the protuberances are positioned on the inside of the hinged area and also on the area near the edge, the inside near the locking parts.

The first and second outer parts comprise metallic material. For example, the outer part can be a composite comprising elements of metal and / or fiber reinforcing material. In some embodiments, the outer parts are all made of the same material, while in other embodiments the outer parts are each made of a different material. For example, the outer part may be made of a metal and / or alloy comprising aluminum and / or bronze and / or steel and / or stainless steel and / or iron and / or magnesium and / or titanium and / or copper and / or nickel and / or zinc and / or silver and / or gold and / or platinum and / or sheet metal and / or tinplate or a combination thereof.

A layer of metallic or non-metallic material can be provided in the outer part (s) which, in such embodiments, can be a film, cardboard, cardboard, plywood, polymer, textile or film laminates.

One embodiment may comprise a layer of metal on the outside of the package. As an example, the layer can be a layer of another with a decorative effect. The metal layer can be polished or machined.

The internal and / or external surface of the first and second parts could, in some embodiments, be covered / covered with a protective layer and / or a decorative layer, for example, comprising colors. The protective layer can be in contact with the external parts or it can be in contact with the decorative layer. The protective layer and / or the decorative layer can cover all and / or part of the internal and / or external surface. The layer can be metallic or non-metallic.

The inner part comprises a non-metallic material. For example, the internal material can be made of paper and / or cardboard and / or rubber and / or wood and / or leather and / or silicone and / or plastic (polymer), such as PP, PA, PMMA, PC, PELD , HDPE, PET or elastomers or polymers or rubber or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the inner part may comprise a part made of a plastic or other non-metallic material, while another inner part - for example, the hinged part - is made of another non-metallic material, such as polypropylene.

The element can be welded together with at least a part of the inner part and / or the first and / or second part (s) end (s). Thus, in order to use the element for the first time, the welded area must be broken, and this makes it possible to see that the element has been used at least once. The package may comprise one or more boxes.

At least a part of the inner part can be shaped to engage at least a part of the at least one element in the package. For example, a part of the inner part may have the same shape, or substantially the same shape, as the element, in such a way that the element fits into the inter part. The shape of the inner part can be complementary to the shape of the element, that is, if the element has a round shape, then a round hole can be provided in one part of the package, and the round shape then fits into the round hole.

When the element is placed in the package, it can then be affixed in such a way that it does not move around the package, when said package moves from one place to another, or when the package is shaken. The inner part and / or the first and second outer part may comprise mechanisms adapted to engage the element by means of pressure locks or other locks. Such other locks could be locks that require a key in order to lock and / or unlock. The lock could also be of the type that must be partially damaged in order to remove the element. This makes it possible to see if the element has already been removed from the packaging. In some embodiments, the element can be replaced, while in others, it is not possible to replace the element.

In one embodiment, at least a part of the inner part is shaped so as to retain at least one element in the package in a predetermined position. The inner element could be modeled in such a way that only a part of the element is retained in a predetermined position. For example, the inner part may comprise a round projecting member which is adapted to engage a round hole in the member. Such an element could be a CD and / or a DVD or any other data-bearing element with a similar hole or shape or any other data-carrying element.

The inner part of the package may comprise a retaining component adapted to move between a retaining position, in which it holds the element in a predetermined position, and a non-retaining position, in which the element is not retained. The retaining member can be shaped in such a way that it engages a hole in the element. Thus, the retaining component can be of a shape that is complementary to the shape of the sides of the hole, i.e., if the hole is circular, then the retaining component can comprise two parts that are modeled as semicircles. When an object or a finger applies pressure to the two semicircles, the retaining component can move out of engagement as it moves into the non-retaining position. When the retaining member is in the non-retaining position, the member can be removed.

The inner part may comprise more than one retaining component, such as one on each side of the inner part. Thus, the package can store one, two, three or more elements, such as CD or DVD.

In one embodiment, the inner part may comprise a retaining component that has a plurality of retaining taps arranged adjacent in a circle and surrounding a release tap and adapted to engage the edge of a hole in a CD or DVD. The taps are positioned elevated in relation to the internal part, in such a way that the taps can disengage from said hole by pressing down on the release tap and thus releasing the taps CD or DVD. Preferably, the taps are adapted to hold one, two or three attached CD or DVD to each other. The package may comprise more than one such retaining component, such as two, for example, one positioned on each side of the inner part.

When the retaining component is in the retaining position, it may be possible to insert an object under the retaining component between the retaining component and the inner part and / or one of the first and second outer parts. If an object is inserted, it may not be possible to move the retaining component towards the non-retaining position. This results in a situation where it is not possible to remove the element. In this way, the package may, in one embodiment, comprise a safety component adapted to retain the retaining component in the retaining position.

The safety component can be modeled in such a way that the package has to be opened in order to access the safety component. An advantage of such a package is that if the package is supplied with a mechanism to detect whether the package has been opened or not, then it is known that, if the product has not been opened, the safety component will be present in the packaging. In other modalities, the safety component can be inserted from the outside of the package. Thus, it is possible for a store to insert the security component, for example, when the product arrives. This allows a store to use a security system of its own choice. Thus, a store is not forced to use the security component provided by the supplier. The safety component can be of the type described in US D468 621.

In some embodiments, the security component comprises a signal emitting device. Such a signal emitting device could be adapted to emit electromagnetic signals and / or magnetic fields. Thus, when the package moves outside a specific area, for example, outside the range of two signal detection mechanisms, it is possible to activate an alarm. Since at least part of the packaging is made of a metallic material, it is essential that the packaging does not isolate the magnetic field and / or the electromagnetic signals. This can be done by removing the metal from an area, in such a way that the remaining metal is so thin that it is possible for the fields / signals to cross the metal surface. In other embodiments, an antenna can be provided. The antenna can be adapted to transmit the fields / signals from inside the package. In some embodiments, the first and / or second external parts serve as an antenna and thus the ability of the metal part to transmit fields / signals can be used.

A part of at least one of the elements can be integrated into the interior. As an example, a book sleeve or cover can be a part of the inside. An integrated part like this can be separated from the rest of the internal part by means of a weakening line, which makes it possible to remove the integrated part by tearing it or pushing it out of the internal part. The inner part may furthermore comprise mechanisms for retaining such an element, which was originally an integrated part of the inner part.

In some embodiments, a film is provided on the inside, and the film must be removed in order to access the element. The removed film may comprise information about the product in the package, and thus a mechanism for maintaining the film after removal can be provided, for example, in such a way that it is visible from the outside of the package. The film can be made in such a way that it is possible to place it on a laser printer and so that it is possible to print information on the surface, for example, about the music stored on an optical storage disc kept in the packaging.

At least a part of the inner part can be slidable in relation to the first and the second outer part and / or other internal parts. The slidable part can be slidable between a protected position, where it is stored in the package, and an accessible position, where it has slid out of the package, and is thus accessible. Such a sliding part would comprise a projecting part adapted to engage the stored element. The sliding part can be rotated out of the package. A plurality of slidable and / or rotatable parts can be provided in the package.

In some embodiments, the inner part and / or the first and second outer parts may comprise magnetic properties. The magnetic properties make it possible to retain the element by means of a magnetic force. For example, an optical storage medium made of a metallic material that can be attracted by the force of a magnet can be held in a predetermined position. As an example, the sliding part can be made of a plastic material that comprises magnets in certain positions and, when the part slips out of the package, the disc can be placed on the sliding part that holds the optical element through the magnets.

In one embodiment, the stored element comprises an optical or electronic medium, such as an optical or electronic medium that comprises a central hole. The diameter of the stored element can be between 119.7 and 120.3 mm, or between 78.8 and 80.2 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the element is between 10 and 500 mm, such as between 5 and 300 mm, such as between 10 and 250 mm, such as 20 and 200 mm, as between 50 and 150 mm, as between 75 and 125 millimeters. The diameter of the central hole of the optical storage medium can be between 15.25 and 15.35 mm or between 15.3 and 15.4 mm. In other embodiments, the diameter of the central hole is between 1 and 50 millimeters, as well as between 5 and 25 millimeters, as well as between 10 and 15 millimeters.

At least one side of the inside may comprise a fixture for a CD. The fixation can engage the CD in the central hole or on the outer edge of the disc.

A first external dimension of the package can be between

135.1 and 136.8 mm. The first external dimension can be the width of the package. A second external dimension of the package can be between

190.2 and 192.0 millimeters. The second external dimension can be the length of the package. A third external dimension of the package can be between 14.7 and 15.3 mm. The third external dimension can be the thickness of the package. In particular, the first and second dimensions are important for packaging, so that it is produced on a machine for the production of traditional automatic packaging.

The machine for automatic packaging production will typically be of the type called Ilsemann KCD-30, Kyoto DVD 100 and GIMA DVD872.

In some embodiments, the first and / or the second and / or the third external dimension is between 10 and 5,000 mm, such as between 25 and 3,000 mm, such as between 50 and 2,000 mm, such as between 75 and 1,500 mm, such as as between 100 and 1,250 millimeters, as between 150 and 1,000 millimeters, as between 175 and 750 millimeters, as between 200 and 500 millimeters, as between 300 and 400 millimeters.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the first external dimension can be between 124.6 and 125.0 mm and / or a second external dimension can be between 142.2 and 142.6 mm and / or a third external dimension could be between 6.9 and 7.1 mm, or between 10.2 and 10.6 mm. Such a modality can also be produced on an automatic packaging machine.

In some embodiments, the first and / or second external parts may comprise a decoration. The decoration may contain text, photos, figures, drawings, etc. and could contain information about the contents of the package. If the content is a data medium, the decoration can give details about the songs, files or films contained in the medium. The decoration can cover all or part of the packaging. Preferably, each side of the first and / or second outer part is decorated, in such a way that the decorations appear on both the inner and outer sides of the package. The internal part in this modality is transparent, in order to make the decoration visible on the inside. This combination allows exclusive possibilities for decorations and thus visual effects on the packaging.

One embodiment of the present invention may comprise a surface relief on an internal or external surface of the package. A surface relief like this can be a hologram, a reticle, a figure or any other type of surface relief. The surface relief can be used for safety purposes, as it can demonstrate the genuineness of the product. The surface relief can serve as product identification or as price information. The hologram can be readable by an optical reader and thus form part of an information pack made up on the pack. The surface relief can be engraved on the surface of the first and / or second external part. The embossing process can be done using a roll or a stamping process.

The package can be provided on an upper or lower edge with embossed surface relief indicating the contents of the package, for example, the name of the composer and the title of a data carrier. Thus, the package can be distinguished from another package, if it is stacked on a shelf or in a drawer. The first and second outer parts may comprise embossed surface relief and / or graphic prints on one or more surfaces, both inside and / or outside the package.

The package can be adapted to comprise and accommodate a computer-readable memory element, such as a memory card.

In some embodiments, the surface relief is engraved with a device for processing a substrate, said device having a tool plane and a reaction plane, the tool plane comprising a multilayered construction with:

- a core that has a substantially inflexible outer surface,

- at least one tool that is attached to the surface of the core, in which the flexible force absorption mechanism is provided in at least part of the tool plane and / or in the reaction plane, in order to locally absorb the forces applied by the plans. The flexible force-absorbing mechanism can be a double-sided adhesive tape, which is used to attach a tool to the tool plane. The flexible properties of the tape are used to absorb local differences in the applied part. The method of embossing can be one described in PCT / DK02 / 00787, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The inner part, that is, one side, can be substantially transparent. Thus, a decoration or surface relief can be visible on both sides through the transparent material. This makes it possible to see information provided on the surface from the inside or outside of the first and second external parts. In order to provide additional visual effects, the inner part may comprise a transparent color. In some areas, the color may be full, that is, in such a way that it is not possible to see through it, while in other areas the color may be transparent. If, for example, a surface relief is provided on the inner surface of the first and second outer parts, then the transparent color can give the visual effect of coloring some of the areas of the surface relief. Colors can additionally be provided in the surface relief and / or in the decoration. Thus, the designer can be provided with the possibility of providing color directly on the decoration and / or surface relief. Another option is that it can provide colors away from the decoration and / or surface relief, providing it in the inner part. The internal part can be provided with text, logos, marks, matte / rectified finish, super transparent surfaces, or it can be decorated, provided with labels, holograms or metal layers.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a retaining component for retaining a data-carrying medium that comprises a central hole in a package, the component comprising a plurality of derivations arranged adjacent in a circle in one part base and involving a release tap, the taps being adapted to engage an edge of said hole, the taps being positioned high in relation to said base part, in such a way that the taps are adapted to be released from the medium by pressing on the release tap towards said base part.

Preferably, the medium comprises a CD or DVD, and the holding member can be adapted to hold one, two or three stacked CDs or DVDs.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a package adapted to store an element, the package comprising one or more external parts and an inner part, the inner part comprising a first side and a second side interconnected by means of a articulation part, and in which an outer part is attached to the first and / or second side, respectively.

The external parts can be attached to the sides, respectively, by means of glue and / or solder and / or a pressure lock, or they can be integrated with the internal part by means of molding, crimping, folding or the like.

The inside can be made of plastic, such as clear plastic or colored plastic, and the outside can be made of metal.

The internal part may comprise indentations along a circumference to receive corresponding protuberances provided on the external parts, in order to provide a click-type attachment between them. The outer parts are preferably U-shaped, the legs of the U comprising said protuberances. Thus, the external parts are clicked on the internal part which can be an internal part according to the invention, or another internal part.

The inner part may comprise recesses on each side with a shape and depth substantially corresponding to the shape and thickness of the outer parts, respectively.

The shape of the outer parts is provided by folding or extrusion.

The packaging according to each of the various aspects can comprise any of the mentioned resources related to other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an open package,

Figure 2 shows two closed packages according to the present invention,

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the package,

Figures 4-9 show different ways of attaching the first and second sides and the first and second external parts,

Figures 10-12 show cross-sectional views of the package, and

Figures 13-22E show drawings of the packaging,

Figure 23 shows a package with preferred dimensions in order to be packed in a machine for packaging production,

Figure 24 shows a prior art packaging, and Figure 25 shows an automatic packaging production machine for producing the packaging according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In figure 1 there is shown a package 2 comprising an inner part with a first side 4 and a second side 6 interconnected by a hinge part 8. The package 2 can be opened like a book and thus sides 4 and 6 can be separated articulated away from each other like the covers of a book. A first outer part 10 is attached to side 4 and a second outer part 12 is attached to side 6. The side 4 additionally comprises a lower inner element 14, which is attached to the outer part 10. These two are glued together. In a similar manner, the second side 6 comprises an upper end element 16 glued to the outer part 12. The outer parts 10 and 12 are made of a metal material, and the inner parts 14 and 16 are made of a plastic material. The upper end element 16 is adapted to store an optical element by means of an engagement mechanism 18. The engagement mechanism 18 is circular in shape and comprises an outer ring 20 and a retaining element in the center of said ring (not shown). The outer ring 20 comprises an indentation 22, which facilitates the holding of the storage medium. The lower inner element 14 comprises longitudinal reinforcement bar 24 and a transverse reinforcement bar 26. The lower inner element 14 furthermore comprises two retaining components 28 which are adapted to contain an element, for example, a booklet which comprises information about the optical storage medium. The lower part 4 and the upper part 6 comprise handling indentations 30 that the user can use when the package has to be opened like a book. During opening of the storage medium 2, the male locking member 32 disengages the female locking member 34.

Figure 2 shows two packages 2 that comprise a first side 4, a second side 6 and a hinge part 8. The package furthermore comprises handling indentations 30.

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the package 2, comprising a first side 4, a second side 6 and a hinge part 8. The figure shows the containment component 28, which is movable in the manner shown by the arrow 36.0 locking component male 32 comprises a projecting part 38 which is adapted to engage the edge 40 of the female locking member 34. The handling indentations 30 are seen in the figure.

Figures 4-9 show different modalities of the first and / or second outer parts 42 with an intermediate part 44. The parts are made of a metal material, which is bent so as to provide a first flange 46 which extends transversely or even perpendicular to the intermediate part 44. In some embodiments, the first flange 46 is further folded in order to define a second flange 48 into which an inner element 54 must pass in order to be removed from the outer part 42, see figures 7-9. In other embodiments, the first flange 46 or the second flange 48 defines a beaded edge portion 50. Also in other embodiments, the first flange 46 defines a protrusion 52. The protrusion 52, the crimped edge portion 50 and the second flange 48 can be adapted to retain an internal element 54. In some embodiments, the second flange 48 is provided along the entire periphery of the flange 46, as shown in figure 7 (A-A ') and in figure 8. In other embodiments, the second flange 48 is provided at different locations along the first flange 48, as shown in figure 7 (B-B') and in figure 9.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view from the side of the inner part 60 (such as the upper part 6 of figure 1) of the package 2 comprising a retaining component for engaging and retaining a CD or DVD. The retainer component has a plurality of retainer leads 55 arranged adjacent in a circle and surrounding a release lead 56. Leads 55 are adapted to engage a hole edge of a CD or DVD. The taps 55, 56 are positioned elevated 57 in relation to the base 58 of the internal part, in such a way that the taps can disengage from said hole by pressing down on the release tap and thus releasing the taps CD or DVD.

The latching mechanism further comprises a plurality of semicircles 59 surrounding the CD or DVD.

The edge portion 61 of the outer part 62 contains the inner part 60, and the side wall of the inner part 60 comprises reinforcement ribs 63.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an open package comprising two sides 64 and 65 and a hinge part 66. A simple inner part 60 constitutes both the left, right side and the hinge part of the package. An outer metallic part 62 is attached to one of the two sides of the inner part, and an outer metallic part 67 is attached to the hinge part of the inner part. Each of the outer metal parts 62 comprises an edge portion 68 that forms the rear edge of the package. The hinge part 66 is offset a distance from the level of the metal parts 62, such that, when the package is closed, the hinge part 66 is aligned with the corners 69 of the metal parts. During opening of package 2, the male lock component 32 disengages from the female lock component

34. The hinge part comprises a reinforcement rib 70.

A small space is provided between the outer parts 62 and the inner part 60 in order to provide space for the relief engraved on the outer parts.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the containment member 28, which is movable in the manner shown by the arrow

36.

Figure 13 shows the package in the open condition.

Figures 14-15 show the packaging in a closed condition from the front to the rear side, respectively. The rear part 71 of the inner part makes up the articulation connection between the two sides, and the rear part is covered by a metal part / layer 72. As shown, the rear edge is moved inwards towards the inner area on each of the two sides of the inner part, in such a way that the rear edge 71 is flush with the outermost edge 73 of the back side of the package, when the packaging is closed. The handle resources 76 for opening the package are provided on the outer parts 62.

Figure 16 shows the inner part 60 detached from the outer parts 62 and the metal layer 72..

Figures 17 and 17A show an inner part 60 detached from the outer parts 62, the outer parts comprising two U-shaped metal parts, which are clicked on the inner part.

The inner part 60 has indentations 74, in which the legs 75 of the U-shaped metal parts can be attached when they are clicked on.

Figure 18 shows an open package, where the outer parts 62 are clicked on the inner part 60. A plurality of packages stacked one after the other are also shown.

Figures 19-20 show an open package, where the outer part 62 is clicked on the inner part 60. As shown, the package is open like a book with an angle (hi) of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °. Thus, it is possible to put the packaging on a conventional packaging machine to produce it.

Figure 21 shows a cross section of a packaging embodiment comprising an inner part with two sides 64, 65 and a rear part 71 which defines the articulation part with two hinges 77, one for each side of the inner part. The hinges 77 each define a notch 78, said notches being provided to click the first and second outer parts 79 on the inner part, just as the protrusion 80 provided as a curved edge on each outer can penetrate and engage the notches 77, respectively . Also, a metal layer / part (not shown) that covers the rear can be attached to the rear with a click. Thus, any sharp edge on said external parts and the metal part / layer can be hidden or surrounded by said notch, and thus no sharp edge can be seen and touched. Preferably, the notches extend along the entire length of the joints, such that the protuberances 80 can extend along the entire length of the edge of the outer parts and / or metal layer / part that reinforces said parts.

As seen in figure 21, when opening the package at a 180 ° angle shown, the level of the rear part 71 between the two hinges is higher than the level of the two sides 64, 65 of the inner part. This mode allows the rear part to be moved further inwards towards the inside of the package, when the package is closed, which then increases the resistance and provides a smoother finish where the inner part is better covered by the parts of external metal.

Figures 22A-E show a packaging embodiment according to the invention. The inner part 60 comprises locking pins 81 provided as protuberances for locking the first and second parts 62 in the inner part 60. Said pins 81 are provided in the inner part 60 at the location adjacent to the indentations 82 in the first and second part 62, 60 at the location adjacent to the indentations 82 in the first and second part 62, which defines the handle resources for opening the package. The pins 81 engage an edge portion 83 of the first and second part, respectively, in order to provide a lock between them, and thus prevent the first and second parts 62 from detaching from the internal part 60 by accident.

Figure 23 shows a package with preferred dimensions in order to be produced on a machine for automatic packaging production. Thus, the packaging according to the invention was developed in order to meet these dimensions, said dimensions being preferably:

A: from 282 mm to 284 mm,

B: 191 mm to ± 0.8 mm

C: 135.6 mm + 0.9 / -0.5

D: 15 mm ± 0.5, and

E: from 68.7 mm to 70.3 mm.

Figure 24 shows a prior art package. The packaging is an example of known packaging, which cannot be folded more than approximately 190 ° (o;) or even up to 240 °, so it cannot be produced on a machine for the usual automatic packaging production, such as packaging according to the invention.

Figure 25 shows an automatic packaging production machine (Ilsemann) for producing a package 2 according to the invention. Empty package 2 is stored in a container 84 from which package 2 is loaded into protractor 85. Package 2 is opened at an angle of approximately 180 ° and then a CD or DVD or other material is inserted into package 2 by means of a rotating packaging module 86, in which module 86 packaging 2 is folded back in one angle of more than 180 °, preferably 240 °.

At the end of protractor 85, the package is closed and produced together with the other package and put in batteries 87.

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