Disc storage package

Abstract

A storage package for recording media (especially CD's) includes a fastener with a central member that is attached to a packaging panel. The fastener also includes a flexible planar member positioned on the side of the recording medium opposite the packaging panel and connected to the central member, so that the recording medium remains attached to the panel. The flexible planar member need not be attached to the recording medium, but its diameter is greater than the central aperture so that the fastener cannot easily (or accidentally) extend through the aperture to release the recording medium from the packaging panel. Alternatively, the flexible planar member is attached to the recording medium, so that the fastener forms a direct connection between the packaging panel and the recording medium.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A storage package containing a flat recording medium with a central aperture, the storage package comprising a panel and fastener to fasten the recording medium to the panel, the fastener comprising a central member extending through the central aperture and an outer member, one end of the central member being attached to the panel and the opposite end of the central member being connected to the outer member, the outer member being larger than the aperture to resist disengagement of the recording medium in association from the panel.  
     
     
         2 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the recording medium is a compact disc.  
     
     
         3 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the flexible planar member is a polymeric material.  
     
     
         4 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the central member is sized to move loosely within the aperture, and the flexible planar member is not attached to the recording medium, leaving the disc to rotate independent of the fastener.  
     
     
         5 . The disc storage package of  claim 4  in which the aperture is generally round and the outer member is also generally round having a diameter significantly larger than the aperture diameter and a stiffness selected so that the outer member does not readily pass through the aperture.  
     
     
         6 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the central member is a polymer foam.  
     
     
         7 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  or  claim 6  in which the central member is a polymer foam.  
     
     
         8 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the central member is attached by adhesive to the flexible planar member.  
     
     
         9 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the central member and the outer member are an integral polymeric part.  
     
     
         10 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the outer member is attached to the storage medium.  
     
     
         11 . The disc storage package of  claim 9  in which the outer member is attached to the storage medium and the central member is a central segment of the outer member, deformed to extend through the aperture for attachment to the panel.  
     
     
         12 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  further comprising hinged faces attached to a folding pop-up display, said display being folded between said faces when the faces closed and said display poping up as said hinged faces are opened, the packaging panel is attached to said pop-up display.  
     
     
         13 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the outer member is generally flexible and planar.  
     
     
         14 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the outer member is not attached to the recording medium.  
     
     
         15 . The disc storage package of  claim 1  in which the fastener is an injection molded fastening cap which comprises the central member and the outer member.  
     
     
         16 . The disc storage package of  claim 15  in which the fastener is a one-piece injection molded part.  
     
     
         17 . The disc storage package of  claim 15  or  claim 16  in which the central member includes a top surface with an embossed or moleded design.  
     
     
         18 . The disc storage package of  claim 15  in which the outer member includes a positioning key for orientation.