Compact disc package

[0002] None.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is for a compact disc package made of stiff paperboard for mailing and/or storing a compact disc.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] None.

[0007] The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved compact disc package.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a stiff paperboard blank, including three square panels connected end-to-end such that there is a center panel and two end panels attached to the center panel along fold lines. The center panel includes two flaps which fold inwardly. One of the end panels folds over the inwardly folded flaps and is adhered to the flaps, thus creating a pocket for receiving a compact disc. The other end panel then folds inwardly over the first folded end panel to complete the package. Both end panels include semicircular-shaped windows which align with each other when the end panels are in their folded position so that a section of the compact disc can be seen through the package. There is also an integral tab on the first folded end panel which prevents the compact disc from slipping out of the pocket.

[0009] One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a one-piece blank which is folded and adhered to create a pocket.

[0010] Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an integral tab which prevents the compact disc from slipping out of the pocket.

[0011] Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a set of aligned windows which allow the user to see a portion of the contained compact disc.

[0012] Having thus described an embodiment and significant aspects and features of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved compact disc package.

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive way to package compact discs for storage or mailing.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a means to prevent the compact disc from slipping out of the pocket.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide windows so the user can identify the contained compact disc without opening the package.

[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket for receiving a compact disc using a single stiff paperboard blank.

[0017] Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the blank for a compact disc package, the present invention; and,

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the compact disc package in use.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a compact disc package 10 which is formed from a stiff paperboard blank which has three square panels connected end-to-end such that there is a center panel 12 and two end panels 14 and 16 attached to the center panel 12 along fold lines 18 and 20. The center panel 12 includes two flaps 22 and 24 which fold inwardly along fold lines 26 and 28, respectively. End panel 16 is folded inwardly over the inwardly folded flaps 22 and 24 and is adhered to the flaps 22 and 24, thus creating a pocket for receiving a compact disc. End panel 14 then folds inwardly over end panel 16 to complete the compact disc package 10. The end panels 14 and 16 include semicircular-shaped windows 30 and 32, one in each panel. The windows 30 and 32 align with each other when end panels 14 and 16 are folded to their final position so that a segment of the compact disc can be seen through the aligned windows 30 and 32. End panel 16 has an integral tab 34 which engages the compact disc when it is inserted into the pocket to keep the compact disc from slipping out of the pocket.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the compact disc package in use, where all numerals correspond to those elements previously described. Illustrated in particular is the offset position of a compact disc 36 which is frictionally engaged by tab 34. Center panel 12 is not labeled, but it is understood that center panel 12 is located under end panel 16 and compact disc 36. The scope of the invention is not limited to compact discs, as the present invention can easily be modified to hold record albums, laser discs or any other flat, circular objects.

[0022] Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope hereof.