WO2005008670A1

WO2005008670A1 - Packaging for disc-type media

Info

Publication number: WO2005008670A1
Application number: PCT/CA2004/001042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael P. Schafer, Jr.; Simon C. W. Lee
Original assignee: Tri-Tec Industries, Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-07-21
Filing date: 2004-07-16
Publication date: 2005-01-27
Also published as: TW200515387A; AR046396A1

Abstract

A packaging or case for disc type media, the packaging comprises a base having a planar base surface, a cover, and a spine, with the spine interconnecting the base and the cover. A surrounding formation extends from the planar base surface, the surrounding formation forms a circular upstanding wall. The surrounding formation has a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, a gap space separates the first connecting support surface from the second connecting support surface. A security member is provided and is connected to the first connecting support surface and connected to the second connecting support surface and the security member used for securing the disc in the packaging. The security member is movable between a convex open position wherein a disc can be removed or installed on a hub formation formed in the case, and a concave locked position wherein a disc cannot be removed from the case. The hub formation comprises a button connected to fingers having disc retaining protrusions. Applying pressure to the button moves the disc retaining protrusions radially inward, thus allowing the removal or installation of a disc therefrom.

Description

Packaging For Disc-Type Media

Priority Claim This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Serial Number 60/488,853 and filed on July 21, 2003, to Schafer et al . , and entitled Packaging For Disc-Type Media. Field of Invention This invention relates to the field of packaging for compact discs, digital versatile discs, and similar disc-type storage media. Background Compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs) , hereinafter referred to as discs, are sold and shipped in a variety of different packaging. These discs are frequently packaged in boxes or cases that have a cover, base, and spine, with the spine interconnecting the cover and base. The disc is placed over a hub in the case or box, and resilient fingers in the case hold the disc in place in the case or box. Thieves, of course, do not want to get caught exiting a store with a disc case or box on their person. This is especially true if the case or box is equipped with an antitheft device that sets off an alarm. As a result, thieves have developed ways to steal the disc from the box or case. For example, thieves bend the back of the boxes or cases to dislodge the disc from the hub that holds the disc, and then they slice the side of the box and remove the disc. They then place the disc in a pocket or purse and walk out of the store undetected, while the empty box or case is left behind. The store loses money due to stolen discs. Also, the goodwill of the store is decreased because paying customers end up buying an empty case or box. The paying customer must then return to the store claiming that they were sold an empty box. Hence, there is a need for a device to prevent the theft of discs from boxes and cases so that stores and retailers do not lose money do to the theft of discs. It would be desirable if the device for preventing the thefts could be mass produced without significantly increasing costs, yet at the same time was easy to use. Summary Of The Invention The present invention overcomes the above-described problems because it provides for security members that lock a disc in the disc packaging or disc case. The packaging or case for the discs comprises a base having a planar base surface, a cover, and a spine, with the spine interconnecting the base and the cover. A surrounding formation extends from the planar base surface. The surrounding formation has a curved surface that extends from the planar base surface to an edge. A circular upstanding wall extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface, and it surrounds the circular shaped surface. The circular shaped surface extends to a hub formation used for supporting the disc. The surrounding formation has a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, with a gap space separating the first connecting support surface from the second connecting support surface. A security member is connected to the first connecting support surface and is connected to the second connecting support surface and the security member used for securing the disc in the packaging or case. The security member comprises a body that is movable from a position not over the disc such that the disc can be removed from or installed on the hub formation, to a position over the disc such that the disc cannot be removed from the hub formation. The security member has a first hinge connected to the first connecting support surface, a second hinge connected to the second connecting support surface, a first portion connected to the first hinge, a second portion connected to the second hinge, and a flexible joint connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first hinge is connected to the first connecting support surface along a flexible connection, the second hinge is connected to the second connecting support surface along a flexible connection, the first portion is connected to the first hinge along a flexible connection, and the second portion is connected to the second hinge along a flexible connection. The first and second portions of the security member are curved. The first hinge is connected to the first connecting support surface and the second hinge is connected to the second connecting support surface at a locking distance above the planar base surface. Thus, the security member is supported a locking distance above the planar base surface. The locking distance is used for providing clearance such that the disc can be positioned between the security member and the planar base surface. The base has security walls extending from the circular shaped surface and wherein the security walls are used for supporting the disc and used for preventing a prying device from being slid under the disc. The security member is movable between a convex position and a concave position. In the convex position the security member does not interfere with the installation or removal of a disc from the base. In the convex position the security member extends over the disc supported on the hub formation such that the disc cannot be lifted off the hub formation. The packaging or case can comprise polypropylene, plastics, and polypropylene combined with additives such as talc, these materials allow living hinges" to be formed in the case . The hub formation comprises a central round step wall that meets at a central wall edge with a hub surface. Extending above the hub surface are disc supports which are used for supporting the disc from a portion thereof without information stored thereon. The hub has eight fingers extending from the hub surface and each of the eight fingers is separated by a slot. Every other finger has a disc retaining protrusion. Each finger connects with a planar finger portion that extends radially inward and wherein the planar finger portions each connect with narrow finger portions . The narrow finger portion extend radially inward and connect to a button having a pressure surface and a center point. When pressure is applied to the pressure surface the fingers are draw radially inward in a direction toward the button so that the diameter of the hub formation decreases, such that the disc can thus be moved on or off the hub formation. In a second embodiment, the above described security member is replaced with a security member comprising a flexible band movable between a concave open position and a convex locked position. The flexible band comprises narrow portions that connect to the first connecting support surface and the second connecting support surface. The flexible band is movable from a convex open position to a close locked position by applying force to the band. The flexible band may also be embodied to have a uniform width. A method of making a packaging or case for disc type media is provided which includes the steps of: a) providing base having a planar base surface, providing a cover, and providing a spine, and interconnecting the base and the cover, b) forming a surrounding formation that extends from the planar base surface, and providing surrounding formation with a curved surface and extending the curved surface from the planar base surface to an edge, c) providing a circular upstanding wall that extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface, surrounding the circular shaped surface with the circular upstanding wall, and extending the circular shaped surface to a hub formation used for supporting the disc, d) providing the surrounding formation with a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, and defining a gap space between the first connecting support surface and the second connecting support surface, e) providing a security member and connecting the security member to the first connecting support surface and connecting the security member to the second connecting support surface, and using the security member for securing the disc in the packaging, f) providing the security member with a first hinge and connecting the first hinge to the first connecting support surface, providing a second hinge and connecting the second hinge to the second connecting support surface, providing a first portion and connecting the first portion to the first hinge, providing a second portion and connecting the second portion to the second hinge, and a providing a flexible joint and connecting the first portion and the second portion with the flexible joint, and h) providing the hub formation with a hub surface and extending fingers from the hub surface and providing disc retaining protrusions on the fingers and connecting the fingers with a button. Brief Description Of The Figures The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the packaging prior to installation of a disc showing the security members in the convex open position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging with a disc secured therein by the security members in the concave locked position. FIG. 3A is a top plan view, partly in section, of the packaging wherein a disc is installed and the security member is in the convex open position. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the security member portion of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4A is a top plan view, partly in section, of the packaging wherein a disc is installed and the security member is in the concave locked position. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a the security member portion of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a side elevational view, partly in section and taken along cut line A-A, of the packaging with disc installed and security member in the convex open position. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a side elevational view, partly in section and taken along cut line B-B, of the packaging with the disc installed and the security member in the concave locked position. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 is top plan view of the hub formation. FIG. 8A is a perspective view, partly in section, of the hub formation with a disc installed. FIG. 8B is a sectional view, taken along cut line C-C, of the hub formation showing the shape of the fingers when no load is applied on the button of the hub formation. FIG. 8C is a sectional view, taken along cut line C-C, of the hub formation showing the shape of the fingers when a load is applied on the button of the hub formation. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the packaging for disc type media or case showing a second embodiment of the security members . Detailed Description FIG. 1 shows the packaging or case 10 that is used for holding a disc 100. As shown, the disc 100 has an opening 102 which is aligned along a Z axis with a hub formation 70 formed in the case 10. It is noted that the disc 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be a compact disc (CD) , digital versatile disc (DVD), or other media disc. The case 10 comprises a body 11 having a base 12, a cover 14, with a spine 16 interconnecting the base 12 and the cover 14. The cover 14 and base 12 move relative to one another along the spine 16, thus allowing the case 10 to be opened and closed. In particular, to close the case the base 12 and cover 14 are brought together, and pressure is applied. The closing devices 23 formed in the cover 14 engage with the closing devices 25 formed in the base 12 thus securely closing the case 10. As shown, the cover also has clips 15. The base 12 has an interior side 18 and an exterior side (not shown) . The base 12 has a planar base surface 22. Extending from the planar base surface 22 is a first side wall 24 and a second side wall 26, the first and second side walls 24, 26, respectively, are parallel. A third side wall 28 extends from the planar surface 22 of the base 12 and extends between and connects with the first and second side walls 24, 26, respectively. The base 12 connects with the spine 16, as shown, along a spine connecting portion 17a. The cover 14 connects to the spine 16 along another spine connecting portion 17b, and in this manner the spine 16 interconnects the base 12 and cover 14. A surrounding formation 40 extends from the planar base surface 22 and is formed integral with the base 12. The surrounding formation 40 extends a distance, designated F in FIGS. 5B and 6B, above the planar base surface 22. The surrounding formation 40 has a curved surface 42 where it meets with and extends from the planar base surface 22. The curved surface 42 extends to an edge 44. At the edge 44 the curved surface 42 meets with a circular upstanding wall 46. The circular upstanding wall 46 extends from the edge 44 to a circular shaped surface 48. A truncated surface 41, shown in FIG. 1, is formed in the surrounding formation 40, and it extends to the planar base surface 22. Also, extending from the circular shaped surface 48 are security walls 49 that will be described in greater detail presently. The security walls 49 are spaced a distance, designated W in FIGS. 5B and 6B, above the circular shaped surface 48, and they are positioned in the vicinity of the security members 114. The security walls 49 can be curved as shown It is noted that the portions 52 of the surrounding formation 40 adjacent the spine 16 and adjacent the third side wall 28 have planar formation surfaces commonly designated by reference number 54. It is further noted that the surrounding wall 40 has sloped portions 47 that extend to the planar base surface 22, as shown in FIG. 2. Defined between the sloped portions 47 are finger recesses 53. The finger recesses 53 are used for facilitating the manual installation and removal of the discs 100 from the packaging or case 10. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, the surrounding formation 40, truncated curved surfaces 41, and circular upstanding wall 46 meet at first and second connecting support surfaces 106a, 106b. As will be described presently, each security member 114 extends between and is connected to a first connecting support surface 106a and a second connecting support surface 106b. The first and second connecting support surfaces 106a, 106b, face one another, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. The first and second connecting support surfaces 106a, 106b, respectively, are spaced apart from one another by a gap space 108, designated G in FIGS. 3B and 4B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 there are two such gap spaces 108 formed in the surrounding formation 40. The gap space 108 is such that a security member 114 can be positioned there-between in a manner to be described presently. The security member 114 comprises a body 115 that is movable from a position not over the disc 100 such that the disc 100 can be removed from or installed on the hub formation 70, to a position over the disc 100 such that the disc 100 cannot be removed from the hub formation 70. Thus, the security member 114 is used for preventing a disc 100 from being lifted off the hub formation 70, which in turn prevents the disc 100 from being stolen from the packaging or case 10. There can be two security members 114 formed in the case 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is noted that the security member 114 is preferably formed integral with the packaging or case 10 when the packaging or case 10 is being molded. As shown in FIGS 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, each security member 114 comprises a first hinge 118 that is hinged along a flexible connection 107a to the first connecting support surface 106a, and further comprises a second hinge 120 that is hinged along a flexible connection 107b to the second connecting support surface 106b. The first and second hinges 118, 120, respectively, are flexibly connected by the flexible connections 107a, 107b, respectively, to the first and second connecting support surfaces 106a, 106b, respectively, at a locking distance, designated L in FIGS. 5B and 6B, above the planar base surface 22. It is noted that the locking distance designated L is greater than the height of the security wall 49 shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B. The security member 114 further comprises a first portion 122 that is hinged or flexibly connected to the first hinge 118 along flexible connection 123, and a second portion 124 that is hinged or flexibly connected to the second hinge 120 along a flexible connection 125. The first and second portions 122, 124, respectively, of the security member 114 are connected to one another along a central flexible connection 126. The first and second portions 122,124, respectively of the security member 114 are each curved, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B. The flexible connections 107a, 107b, 123, 125, and central flexible connection 126 are formed integral with the case 10 during molding thereof.

Additionally, since the security member 114 can be molded through the base 12, there is an opening 39 defined in the base 12, at a position below the security member 114. The opening 31 is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B. The above-described security member 114 can be moved between the convex open position 130, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B, and the concave locked position 132, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4A, 4b, 6A, 6B. Also, because the material used for making the case 10, for example plastics, polypropylene, polypropylene combined with additives such as talc, and other suitable materials, the security member 114 can be manually manipulated between the convex position 130 and concave position 132. In a convex open position 130 the security member 114 has a convex curvature that extends outward, and which is similar to the curvature of the surrounding formation 40, as shown in FIG. 1. In the convex position or open position 130, the first and second portions 122, 124 of the security member 114 are flexed outward relative to the surrounding formation 40. This is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, and 5B. When the security member 114 is in the convex open position 130 it cannot interfere with the removal or installation of a disc 100 from the hub formation 70. This is because there is clearance between the disc edge 104 and the security member 114. In the concave locked position 132, shown in FIGS. 2, 4A, 4b, 6A, 6B, the security member 114 extends inward and is concave relative to the surrounding formation 40. In the concave locked position 132 the security member 114 extends in a direction toward the hub formation 70. When the security member 114 is in the locked position 132 the disc 100 cannot be lifted off the hub formation 70, because the disc 100 is positioned between the security member 114 and supported on the security wall 49, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. It is noted that the security wall 49 can also be used for preventing a prying device (not shown) from being slid under the disc 100, which makes it difficult for a would be thief to steal the disc 100. In the concave position or locked position 132 the security member 114 is positioned over the disc 100 and thus prevents the disc 100 from being lifted off the hub formation 70. Turning now to the hub formation 70, shown in FIGS. 1, 5A, and 6A, 7, and 8A-8C, the circular shaped surface 48 extends from the circular upstanding wall 46 to a central round step wall 56, shown in FIG. 1. The central round step wall 56 meets a central round step wall edge 58, and a hub surface 60 extends from the from the central round wall step edge 58. Disc supports 62 extend from the central round step wall edge 58 a distance, designated K in FIGS. 5A and 6A, above the hub surface 60. The disc supports 62 are spaced equal distances from one another about the central round step wall edge 56, and as shown in FIG. 1 there are four disc supports 62. The disc supports 62 are used for supporting a disc 100, and in particular for supporting a disc 100 at a position 109 on the disc 100 where the disc 100 has no information stored. This position 109 of the disc 100 having no information stored on it is the portion of the disc 100 closest the central opening 102 defined in the disc 100. The hub surface 60 extends from the central round step wall edge 58 to the hub formation 70. As shown in FIGS. 7, and 8A-8C, the hub formation 70 is used for supporting the disc 100 and in particular is used for receiving the central opening 102 defined in the disc 100. The hub formation 70 comprises fingers 72, and in particular comprises fingers 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, 74e, 74f, 74g, 74h. Each of the fingers 74a-74h extends from the hub surface 60 and is perpendicular to the hub surface 60. The fingers 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, 74e, 74f, 74g, 74h are separated by slots 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d, 76e, 76f, 76g, 76h, as shown in FIG. 8A. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, fingers 74a, 74c, 74e, and 74g each comprises an identically shaped disc retaining protrusion 78. The disc retaining protrusions 78 are formed integral with the fingers 74a, 74c, 74e, and 74g.

The disc retaining protrusions 78 are used for securing a disc 100 on the hub formation 70 such that the disc 100 cannot be lifted off the hub. Each of the fingers 72 has a curved portion 80 having a first end 82, as shown in FIGS. 8B-8C, connected with the hub surface 60. At the second end 84 of the curved portion 80 is a finger edge 86 where the curved portion 80 meets a planar finger portion 88. The planar finger portions 88 extends radially inward in a direction toward the center point 51 of the button 90. It is noted that the Z axis extends through the center point 51 of the button 90, such that it is perpendicular to the pressure surface 92 of the button 90. As shown in FIG. 8B, the disc retaining protrusions 78 cause the hub formation 70 to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening 102 in the disc 100, such that the disc 100 cannot be lifted off the hub formation 70. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the planar finger portions 88 connect to a narrow portions 89, and the narrow portions 89 connect to the button 90. The button 90 is used for releasing and discs 100 from the hub formation 70. This is accomplished by applying pressure to the pressure surface 92 of the button 90, which causes the narrow portions 89 to pull the fingers 72 radially inward, in a direction toward the center point 51 of the button 90. As this happens, the diameter of the hub formation decreases because the fingers 72 and associated disc retaining protrusions 78 all move radially inward. Then, because of the reduction of diameter of the hub formation 70, shown in FIG. 8C, the opening 102 in the disc 100 can be fitted over and around the hub formation 70 and associated disc retaining protrusions 78. After the disc 100 is installed or removed from the hub formation 70 in this manner, the pressure on the button 90 is relieved, and the disc retaining protrusions 78 return to their at rest position shown in FIG. 8B. Thus, while a thief may be able to open the side of the packaging or case 10 with a knife or his or her fingers, he or she cannot lift the disc 100 over the hub formation 100 because of the security member 114, and also cannot lift the disc 100 off the hub formation 70 because of the disc retaining protrusions 78 formed in and extending from fingers 74a, 74c, 74e, and 74g. Hence, the possibility of a thief being able to remove a disc from the packaging or case 10 is greatly reduced. The following methodology describes movement of the security member 114 as it is moved, for example at the factory where discs 100 are being loaded into the packaging or cases 10, from the convex open position 130 to the concave locked position 132. The disc 100 is first installed on the hub formation 70 by applying a force to the pressure surface 92 of the button 90 in a direction along the Z axis. As a result of this force, the disc retaining protrusions 78 contract, or move radially inward toward the button 90, and, as described above, this provides room for the opening 102 in defined in the disc 100 to be fitted about the disc retaining protrusions 78. The pressure is removed from the button 90 after the disc 100 moves past the disc retaining protrusions 78. The disc 100 is thus positioned on the disc formation 70, and is supported on the disc supports 62. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 5A, and the enlarged view 5B, the security member 114 in the convex open position 130. Next, to secure the disc 10 on the hub formation 70, the security member 114 is moved from the convex open position 130 to the convex or locked position 132. This is accomplished by applying a force to the security member 114. The force can be applied in the vicinity of the flexible joint 126 formed between the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, of the security member 114. As force is continually applied, the first and second hinges, 118, 120, respectively begin to rotate about the first and second flexible connections 107a, 107b, respectively, in a direction toward the button 90, and move radially inward. As this movement occurs about the flexible connections 107a, 107b, the entire security member 114 moves radially inward toward the button 90, that is, the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, of the security member 114 do not move relative to one another. In other words, while the security member 114 is moving toward the center point 51, there is no relative movement between the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, along the flexible joint 126. Then, as pressure continues to be applied to the security member 114 in the vicinity of the flexible joint 126, the flexible joint 126 begins to allow movement between the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, of the security member 114. At the same time, pressure internal to the security member 114 begins to build because the curved first and second portions 122, 124, respectively, are being forced to straighten relative to one another. This, in turn, causes the security member 114 to exert more force on the first and second connecting support surfaces 106a, 106b, respectively. The force exerted on the first and second portions 122, 124, respectively, of the security member 114 continues to increase. Then, with the continued addition of pressure to the flexible joint 126, the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, move rapidly or spring radially inward toward the center point 51, into the concave position or locked 132 shown in FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B, 6A, and 6B. The quick movement of the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, of the security member 114 relieves the pressure that built up in the security member 114 as it was being moved radially inward. Once in the concave locked position 132, the security member 114 will remain in the locked position 132 until a force, opposite to the one described above, is applied to move the security member 114 radially outward. Also, because the tray 10 and security member 114 can be molded polypropylene, plastic, or polypropylene combined with additives, the security member 114 can be moved without cracking or breaking. Then, to remove a disc 100 that is in the case 10 and locked therein by the security member 114, the user, for example the end user, need only open the case 12, and apply force on the security member 114 in a direction toward the circular upstanding wall 46. When the radially outward force is applied to the security member 114, the entire security member 114 moves outward in a direction toward the circular upstanding wall 46. Then, as force is increased, the first and second portions 122,124, respectively, straighten relative to one another, and the security member 114 exerts force on the first and second connecting support surfaces 106a, 106b. As force continues, the 'security member 114 moves rapidly radially outward and away from the center point 51, and the first and second portions 122, 124 are no longer straight with respect to one another, but together take on a convex shape. Thus, the security member 114 is in the convex or open 130 position. Then, the security member 114 no longer is an obstacle to removing the disc 100. From thereafter, the user need only deliver axial force to the pressure surface 92 the button 90, in the manner described above, to remove or install a disc 100 from the case 10. The end user will typically have no need to use the security members 114 when removing and installing personal discs 100 from the case 10. It is noted that the case 10 can comprise polypropylene, polypropylene comprising talc, and plastics, and that these materials allow for living hinges. In addition, the plastic or polypropylene allows for the security member 114 to be molded integral with the case 10 during the molding thereof. Thus, the first and second hinges 118, 120, respectively, and the first and second portions 122, 124, respectively of the security member 114 are all formed integral with the case 10 during molding. A second embodiment of a packaging for disc type media or case 200 is shown in FIG. 9. The case 200 is identical to the case 10 described in connection with the first embodiment, except that the security member 214 of the second embodiment comprises a body 115a. The security member 214 comprises a flexible band 216, which can comprise plastic, polypropylene, or polypropylene combined with additives, for example talc. The flexible band 216 has a central portion 218 having a central portion width. The flexible band 214 narrows at a reduced width first portion 220, and the flexible band 216 narrows at a reduced width second portion 222. The flexible band 216 reduced width first portion 220 connects with the first support wall 106a, and the reduced width second portion 222 connects with the second support wall 106b. The reduced width first and second portions 200, 222 function as living hinge such that the flexible band 200 is movable between a convex position and a concave position. Before the disc 100 is installed on the hub formation 70 the flexible band 216 is in the convex open position 240 shown in FIG. 9, such that its curvature is similar to the curvature of the circular upstanding wall 46. After the disc 100 is installed on the hub formation 70 the flexible band 216 is moved radially inward in a direction toward the button 90, and is moved into the concave locked position, such that it is concave with respect to the circular upstanding wall 46. In the concave position the disc is secured in the case 12 and cannot be lifted off the hub formation 70 unless the flexible band 216 is moved radially outward to the convex position. In this embodiment the security member 214 is formed integral with the case 10. The case 10 may have one, two, or more such security flexible band security members 216. In other embodiments, the flexible band 216 could have a uniform width and connect with the first and second support walls 106a, 106b, respectively. The method of making the case 10 comprises the step of providing a mold and molding the entire case 10 from, for example, polypropylene, plastic, or polypropylene combined with additives. The process includes the steps of providing a mold that defines recesses having the shape of the case 10 to be formed. The process or method of making the case 10 includes the steps of: a) providing base 12 having a planar base surface 22, providing a cover 14, and providing a spine 16, and interconnecting the base 12 and the cover 14, b) forming a surrounding formation 40 that extends from the planar base surface 22, and providing surrounding formation 40 with a curved surface 42 and extending the curved surface 42 from the planar base surface 22 to an edge 44, c) providing a circular upstanding wall 46 that extends from the edge 44 to a circular shaped surface 48, surrounding the circular shaped surface 48 with the circular upstanding wall 46, and extending the circular shaped surface 48 to a hub formation 70 used for supporting the disc 100, d) providing the surrounding formation 40 with a first connecting support surface 106a and a second connecting support surface 106b, and defining a gap space 108 between the first connecting support surface 106a and the second connecting support surface 106b, e) providing a security member 114 and connecting the security member to the first connecting support surface 106a and connecting the security member 114 to the second connecting support surface 106b, and using the security member 114 for securing the disc 100 in the packaging 10, f) providing the security member 114 with a first hinge 118 and connecting the first hinge 118 to the first connecting support surface 106a, providing a second hinge 120 and connecting the second hinge 120 to the second connecting support surface 120, providing a first portion 122 and connecting the first portion 122 to the first hinge 118, providing a second portion 124 and connecting the second portion 124 to the second hinge 120, and providing a flexible joint 126 and connecting the first portion 122 and the second portion 124 with the flexible joint "126, g) providing flexible connections 107 between the first hinge 118 and the first connecting support surface 106a, between the second hinge 120 and the second connecting support surface 106b, between the first portion 122 and the first hinge 118, and between the second portion 124 to the second hinge 120, and h) providing the hub formation 70 with a hub surface 60 and extending fingers 72 from the hub surface 60 and providing disc retaining protrusions 78 on the fingers 72. It is noted that the invention may be embodied with a singe security member 114, two security members 114 as shown in the figures, or more than two security members 114. The same is true for the second embodiment which can have one security member 214, two security member 114 as shown, or more than two security members 214. Thus, the security member 114 of the first embodiment and the security member 214 of the second embodiment each virtually eliminates the possibility of a thief stealing the disc 100 from the case 10. That, combined with the hub formation having disc retaining protrusions 78 provides for a high level of security. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while a packaging for disc type media 10 has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the packaging for disc type media 10 is not necessarily so limited and other embodiments, examples, uses, and modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses may be made without departing from the packaging for disc type media 10. All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope and spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A packaging for disc type media, the packaging comprising: a) a base having a planar base surface, a cover, and a spine, the spine interconnecting the base and the cover, b) a surrounding formation, the surrounding formation extends from the planar base surface, the surrounding formation comprises a curved surface that extends from the planar base surface to an edge, c) a circular upstanding wall that extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface and wherein the circular shaped surface is surrounded by the circular upstanding wall and further wherein the circular shaped surface extends to a hub formation used for supporting the disc, d) the surrounding formation has a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, a gap space separating the first connecting support surface from the second connecting support surface, and e) a security member the security member connected to the first connecting support surface and connected to the second connecting support surface and the security member used for securing a disc in the packaging.

2. The packaging according to claim 1 wherein the security member comprises a first hinge connected to the first connecting support surface, a second hinge connected to the second connecting support surface, a first portion connected to the first hinge, a second portion connected to the second hinge, and a flexible joint connecting the first portion and the second portion.

3. The packaging according to claim 2 wherein the first hinge is connected to the first connecting support surface along a flexible connection, the second hinge connected to the second connecting support surface along a flexible connection, the first portion is connected to the first hinge along a flexible connection, and the second portion is connected to the second hinge along a flexible connection.

4. The packaging according to claim 2 wherein the first portion is curved and the second portion is curved.

5. The packaging according to claim 2 wherein the first hinge is connected to the first connecting support surface and the second hinge is connected to the second connecting support surface at a locking distance above the planar base surface such that the security member is supported a locking distance above the planar base surface.

6. The packaging according to claim 5 wherein the locking distance is used for providing clearance such that the disc can be positioned between the security member and the planar base surface.

7. The packaging according to claim 6 further comprising security walls extending from the circular shaped surface and wherein the security walls are used for supporting the disc and used for preventing a prying device from being slid under the disc.

8. The packaging according to claim 1 wherein the security member is movable between a convex position and a concave position, and wherein in the convex position the security member does not interfere with the installation or removal of a disc from the base and wherein in the convex position the security member extends over the disc supported on the hub formation such that the disc cannot be lifted off the hub formation.

9. The packaging according to claim 1 wherein the packaging is comprises polypropylene, polypropylene blends, and/or plastic.

10. The packaging according to claim 1 wherein the hub formation comprises a plurality of fingers having disc retaining protrusions.

11. A packaging for disc type media, the packaging comprising: a) a base having a planar base surface, a cover, and a spine, the spine interconnecting the base and the cover, b) a surrounding formation, the surrounding formation extends from the planar base surface, the surrounding formation comprises a curved surface that extends from the planar base surface to an edge, c) a circular upstanding wall extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface and wherein the circular shaped surface is surrounded by the circular upstanding wall and wherein the circular shaped surface extends to a hub formation comprising a central round step wall, d) the surrounding formation has a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, a gap space separating the first connecting support surface from the second connecting support surface, and e) a security member connected to the first connecting support surface and connected to the second connecting support surface and the security member used for securing the disc in the packaging.

12. A packaging according to claim 11 wherein the hub formation further comprises a central wall edge and a hub surface and wherein the central wall edge meets with the hub surface and the central wall step.

13. A packaging according to claim 12 wherein the hub formation further comprises disc supports that extend above the hub surface and are used for supporting the disc from a portion thereof without information stored thereon.

14. A packaging according to claim 13 wherein the hub formation further comprises eight fingers extending from the hub surface and where each of the eight fingers is separated by a slot.

15. A packaging according to claim 14 wherein the hub formation further comprises fingers having disc retaining protrusions used for retaining the disc on the hub formation.

16. A packaging according to claim 15 wherein the eight fingers each connect with planar finger portions that extend radially inward and wherein the planar finger portions each connect with narrow finger portions that each extend radially inward.

17. A packaging according to claim 16 wherein each of the narrow finger portions connect with a button.

18. A packaging according to claim 16 wherein the button has a pressure surface and a center point, such that when pressure is applied to the pressure surface the fingers are drawn radially inward in a direction toward the button so that the diameter of the hub formation decreases and the disc can be moved on or off the hub formation.

19. The packaging according to claim 11 wherein the a security member comprises a first hinge connected to the first connecting support surface, a second hinge connected to the second connecting support surface, a first portion connected to the first hinge, a second portion connected to the second hinge, and a flexible joint connecting the first portion and the second portion.

20. The packaging according to claim 19 wherein the first hinge is connected to the first connecting support surface along a flexible connection, the second hinge connected to the second connecting support surface along a flexible connection, the first portion is connected to the first hinge along a flexible connection, and the second portion is connected to the second hinge along a flexible connection.

21. A packaging for disc type media, the packaging comprising : a) a base having a planar base surface, a cover, and a spine, the spine interconnecting the base and the cover, b) a surrounding formation, the surrounding formation extends from the planar base surface, the surrounding formation comprises a curved surface that extends from the planar base surface to an edge, c) a circular upstanding wall extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface and wherein the circular shaped surface is surrounded by the circular upstanding wall and the wherein circular shaped surface extends to a hub formation used for supporting the disc, d) the surrounding formation has a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, a gap space separating the first connecting support surface from the second connecting support surface, e) a security member, the security member connected to the first connecting support surface and connected to the second connecting support surface, and f) wherein the security member comprises a flexible band movable between a concave open position and a convex locked position.

22. The packaging for disc media according to claim 21 wherein the flexible band further comprises narrow portions that connect to the first connecting support surface and the second connecting support surface.

23. A method of making packaging for disc type media, the method comprising the step of: a) providing base having a planar base surface, providing a cover, and providing a spine, and interconnecting the base and the cover, b) forming a surrounding formation that extends from the planar base surface, and providing surrounding formation with a curved surface and extending the curved surface from the planar base surface to an edge, c) providing a circular upstanding wall that extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface, surrounding the circular shaped surface with the circular upstanding wall, and extending the circular shaped surface to a hub formation used for supporting the disc, d) providing the surrounding formation with a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, and defining a gap space between the first connecting support surface and the second connecting support surface, and e) providing a security member and connecting the security member to the first connecting support surface and connecting the security member to the second connecting support surface, and using the security member for securing a disc in the packaging.

24. The method of making packaging for disc type media according to claim 23 comprising the further steps providing the security member with a first hinge and connecting the first hinge to the first connecting support surface, providing a second hinge and connecting the second hinge to the second connecting support surface, providing a first portion and connecting the first portion to the first hinge, providing a second portion and connecting the second portion to the second hinge, and a providing a flexible joint and connecting the first portion and the second portion with the flexible joint.

25. The method of making packaging for disc type media according to claim 24 comprising the further steps of providing flexible connections between the first hinge and the first connecting support surface, between the second hinge and the second connecting support surface, between the first portion and the first hinge, and between the second portion to the second hinge.

26. The method of making packaging for disc type media according to claim 24 comprising the further steps of moving the security member between a convex position and a concave position, and wherein in the convex position the security member does not interfere with the installation or removal of a disc from the base and wherein in the convex position the security member extends over the disc supported on the hub formation such that the disc cannot be lifted out of the packaging.

27. The method of making packaging for disc type media according to claim according to claim 24 comprising the further steps of providing the hub formation with a hub surface and extending fingers from the hub surface and providing disc retaining protrusions on the fingers.

28. The method of making packaging for disc type media according to claim according to claim 27 comprising the further steps of extending planar portions radially inward from the fingers and extending narrow portions radially inward from the planar portions and connecting the narrow portions with a button.

29. A method of making packaging for disc type media, the method comprising the step of: a) providing base having a planar base surface, providing a cover, and providing a spine, and interconnecting the base and the cover, b) forming a surrounding formation that extends from the planar base surface, and providing surrounding formation with a curved surface and extending the curved surface from the planar base surface to an edge, c) providing a circular upstanding wall that extends from the edge to a circular shaped surface, surrounding the circular shaped surface with the circular upstanding wall, and extending the circular shaped surface to a hub formation used for supporting the disc, d) providing the surrounding formation with a first connecting support surface and a second connecting support surface, and defining a gap space between the first connecting support surface and the second connecting support surface, and e) providing a security member and forming the security member as a band having ends and connecting the ends of the band to the first connecting support surface and to the second connecting support surface, and using the security member for securing the disc in the packaging.

30. A method of making packaging for disc type media, the method comprising the further steps of providing the band with narrow portions at its ends .