Media disk case with edge retention bracket

Abstract

A media disk case is disclosed, of a type having two covers joined along rear edges in a book-like fashion, and a spine interposed between the rear edges of the two covers. The two covers may be closed together to form an enclosed case having an interior compartment with walls comprised of surfaces of the covers and of the spine, and opened in book-like fashion to reveal the interior compartment. The media disk case includes an edge retention bracket secured to the spine. The edge retention bracket includes a channel extending from the spine in a semi-circular direction. The channel is configured to retain a media disk by contact around a portion of a perimeter thereof. In particular, the channel is configured to retain the media disk solely by contact around the portion its perimeter, whereby the use of a center rosette along with the associated disadvantages may be eliminated. In an embodiment of the invention, the edge retention bracket is a rigid member rigidly attached to the spine, whereby the edge retention bracket is held apart, i.e., “pops-up” from both of the two covers when the media disk case is opened to reveal the interior compartment.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A media disk case comprising: 
 two covers joined along rear edges thereof;    a spine interposed between the rear edges of the two covers and hinged to each of the two covers, whereby the two covers may be closed together to form an enclosed case having an interior compartment with walls comprised of surfaces of the covers and of the spine, and opened in book-like fashion to reveal the interior compartment; and    an edge retention bracket secured to the spine, the edge retention bracket comprising a channel extending from the spine in a semi-circular direction, the channel configured to retain a media disk by contact around a portion of a perimeter thereof.    
     
     
         2 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is configured to retain the media disk solely by contact around the portion of the perimeter thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the channel further comprises an interior soft protrusion for grasping the media disk when the two covers are closed together.  
     
     
         4 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the edge retention bracket consists essentially of a rigid plastic material.  
     
     
         5 . The media disk case of  claim 4 , wherein the rigid plastic material is softer than the media disk.  
     
     
         6 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the two covers and the spine consist essentially of a rigid plastic material.  
     
     
         7 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the edge retention bracket is configured to be compressed between the two covers when the two covers are closed together, whereby the channel is caused to grip an edge of the media disk.  
     
     
         8 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the channel of the edge retention bracket is flared outward at an open edge thereof to direct insertion of the media disk therein.  
     
     
         9 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the edge retention bracket is a rigid member rigidly attached to the spine, whereby the edge retention bracket is held apart from both of the two covers when the media disk case is opened to reveal the interior compartment.  
     
     
         10 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , further comprising a second edge retention bracket secured to the spine, the second edge retention bracket comprising a channel extending from the spine in a semi-circular direction, the channel configured to retain a media disk by contact around a portion of a perimeter thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The media disk case of  claim 10 , wherein the second edge retention bracket is a rigid member rigidly attached to the spine, whereby the second edge retention bracket is held apart from both of the two covers and from the edge retention bracket when the media case is opened to reveal the interior compartment.  
     
     
         12 . The media disk case of  claim 1 , wherein the edge retention bracket, the two covers, and the spine are formed together from a single piece of molded plastic.  
     
     
         13 . The media disk case of  claim 12 , wherein the edge retention bracket is formed by cutting opposing forms from portions of the two covers adjoining the spine, folding the two forms towards the interior compartment, and attaching the two forms together.