| 摘要 |
An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member provided with a first chamber and a first opening, and a second member provided with a second chamber and a second opening for the storage of other materials in such second chamber. The first member may include an inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of interaction of such inner structure with the annular opening at the center of the disc media, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media. Alternatively, the disc-shaped media may be retained and supported within an envelope that may be attached either to the lid or the first member, or within a protective element having corresponding, interlocking elements attached by means of a flexible hinge, said protective element being having a generally clam shell-like shape. Other means of retaining and supporting the disc-shaped media include a removable safety seal or shrink-wrapped plastic attached about the opening to the chamber within the first member, or by means of a plurality of tabs or protrusions disposed about the internal diameter of the chamber within the first member, said tabs being positioned so as to suspend the disc-shaped media above the bottom surface of the chamber. The lid is then engaged with and secured to the first member by means of a compression fit, although other attachment means, such as snaps, tabs, adhesives, and the like are contemplated. Once stored within the first member, access to the disc-shaped media may be obtained by removing the lid, or alternatively, by splitting or breaking the first member along a scored line. If a shrink wrap or safety seal have been used, either a tab or other similar means for removing the seal or the wrap should also be provided. The first member with lid affixed is then inserted into and engaged with the second opening to the second chamber such that the combined first member and affixed lid serve to close and seal the second opening to the second chamber. The means for engagement include a variety of conventional attaching means, such as a compression fit, or, alternatively, snapping the combined first member and lid into the opening, screwing the combined first member and lid into the opening, or using fins on the exterior surface of the first member to frictionally engage with the inner surface of the second member. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
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