Device for sending compact discs (CDs) or like plate-shaped data carriers

Abstract

A device for sending compact discs or like plate-shaped data carriers, comprising a storage box for the data carrier and a label, wherein the label preferably comprises at least an address field, the storage box being manufactured from plastic of high impact resistance and relatively high elasticity, such that the storage box is at least substantially unbreakable, the storage box comprising at least two box parts which are pivotable relative to each other and connected via pivot means, the label being designed for attachment on the storage box, such that the two box parts in closed condition are interconnected by the label, at a distance from the pivot means, the arrangement being such that a data carrier in the storage box can be locked between the box parts, whereupon the storage box can be closed off and sealed by the label, whereupon the box can be sent by mail, without further outer package, to an addressee stated on the label.

1 . A device for sending compact discs or like plate-shaped data carriers, comprising a storage box for the data carrier and a label, wherein the label preferably comprises at least an address field, the storage box being manufactured from plastic of high impact resistance and relatively high elasticity, such that the storage box is at least substantially unbreakable, the storage box comprising at least two box parts which are pivotable relative to each other and connected via pivot means, the label being designed for attachment on the storage box, such that the two box parts in closed condition are interconnected by the label, at a distance from the pivot means, the arrangement being such that a data carrier in the storage box can be locked between the box parts, whereupon the storage box can be closed off and sealed by the label, whereupon the box can be sent by mail, without further outer package, to an addressee stated on the label.  
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the label comprises a postage.  
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the label comprises a first panel on which the address field is at least substantially provided, said first panel being connected to a second panel via folding means, the first panel extending, during use, on a first one of the two box parts and being secured thereon, while the second panel extends on the opposite, second box part and is secured thereon and the folding means extend at least substantially against a lateral side of the storage box.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein the first panel and the second panel are interconnected by an intermediate panel which is connected via respective, substantially parallel folding lines, to the first and the second panel, the distance between the folding lines approximately corresponding to the thickness of the storage box.  
     
     
         5 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the label comprises a first panel on which the address field is provided, while on two opposite sides, a third panel is connected to the first panel, such that the first panel can be secured on a first box part, while when the storage box is closed, the third panels can be secured against the side of the second box part facing away from the first box part.  
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein the distance between the third panels is approximately equal to the width of the storage box, measured parallel to the sides of the box parts which are connected by the pivot means.  
     
     
         7 . A device according to any one of claims  3 - 6 , wherein the second panel is connected, via the folding means, to the first panel along a side of the first panel at right angles to the sides to which the third panels are connected, the length of the third panels and the first panel, measured at right angles to the second panel, being equal to or less than the relevant length of the storage box.  
     
     
         8 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a sender field is provided on the label.  
     
     
         9 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage box is manufactured from polypropylene or a like relatively elastic, flexible plastic, the storage box preferably being manufactured in one piece.  
     
     
         10 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage box is of the type as described in international patent publication WO97/20315.  
     
     
         11 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a chip or like memory-carrying means is included in the storage box, provided with sound-producing means, said chip preferably being activated at least during opening of the storage box.  
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 11 , wherein the chip is a music chip.  
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 11  or  12 , wherein the chip is programmable, at least designed so that a sound, such as music or speech, is selectively recordable thereon by a user.  
     
     
         14 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one data carrier is included with music, speech or other data recorded thereon.  
     
     
         15 . A device according to any one of claims  11 - 13  and  14 , wherein data recorded on the data carrier is subject-related, or at least thematically related, to sound, at least data, recorded in the chip.  
     
     
         16 . A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a data carrier is provided of a type on which information can be recorded by a consumer, at least a portion of the available memory space on the data carrier being pre-recorded and a portion of the data carrier being free for adding information by the user.  
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 16 , wherein the pre-recorded portion of the data carrier is write-protected, read only.  
     
     
         18 . An assembly of a device according to any one of the preceding claims and a locking element, wherein the locking element is designed for positioning on or adjacent an edge of a data carrier to be placed in the storage box, such that it is locked between the box parts, and that when the storage box is closed, movement of the data carrier within the storage box is substantially prevented.  
     
     
         19 . An assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the locking element comprises at least one slot with which it is slidable over a longitudinal edge of a data carrier, the locking element having a thickness, measured approximately at right angles to an inserting direction of the slot, which substantially corresponds to the corresponding distance of the inwardly facing side of the box parts.  
     
     
         20 . An assembly according to  claim 19 , wherein at least two slots are provided in the locking element, above or next to each other, substantially parallel to each other.  
     
     
         21 . An assembly of a storage device according to any one of claims  1 - 17  or an assembly according to any one of claims  18 - 20  and a picture postcard, wherein the picture postcard is locked in the storage box or between the storage box and the label.  
     
     
         22 . A locking element for CDs and like data carriers in a storage box, wherein the locking element is provided with at least one slot whereby, during use, it can be placed on or adjacent a longitudinal edge of the data carrier, and the locking element, when the storage box is closed, is locked between two sides of the storage box which extend on either side of the data carrier.  
     
     
         23 . A label for sending a storage box with CD or like data carrier included therein, said storage box having at least the usual thickness and width of a jewelbox-type CD box or of a CD box as known from WO97/20315, wherein the label comprises a first panel and a second panel connected thereto, a third panel being provided between the first and the second panel, the third panel having a height between the first and the third panel that approximately corresponds to said thickness of the storage box, and at least the first and the second panel being provided, along a portion of their longitudinal edges, with adhesives for fixing them on respectively a front and rear side of the storage box, such that the third panel abuts against a side of the storage box which can be opened during use.  
     
     
         24 . A label according to  claim 23 , wherein a third panel is connected on either side of the first panel, said third panels being arranged for attachment thereof over at least opposite sides of the storage box, the width of the first panel enclosed between the third panels being approximately equal to said width of the storage box.  
     
     
         25 . A label according to  claim 24 , wherein the second panel is connected to the third panels, such that the label is somewhat sleeve-shaped and can be slid from a side over the storage box and subsequently adhered thereon.  
     
     
         26 . A method for sending a CD or like data carrier, wherein the CD is locked in a CD box, whereafter a label is adhered on the CD box, such that the label covers at least a side of the CD box to be opened, remote from the pivoting side thereof, and is fitted on the two parts pivoting relative to each other, while an address and postage means are provided on the label, at least on the CD box, and the CD box is sent without further outer package.  
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 26 , wherein the postage means are printed on the label, at least fixedly connected thereto, the label being sold together with the postage means.  
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 26  or  27 , wherein an address sticker or like addressing means is provided on the CD box, next to or at least partially over the label.  
     
     
         29 . A method for use of a device according to any one of claims  1 - 17  or an assembly according to any one of claims  18 - 20 , wherein in the storage box, a data carrier is locked, such as a CD or diskette, a portion of which is provided with pre-recorded music or other data, said portion being preferably protected against manipulation by a read-only protection, a further portion being provided with data by a user.  
     
     
         30 . A method for conveying a message, in particular wishes or greetings, wherein a thematically selected data carrier with the desired information is sent to an intended receiver in a device according to any one of claims  1 - 17  or an assembly according to any one of claims  18 - 20 , wherein, preferably, the sender himself provides or causes to provide a part of the information.  
     
     
         31 . An assembly of a number of devices according to any one of claims  1 - 17  or a number of assemblies according to any one of claims  18 - 20  and a corresponding number of labels, packaged jointly.  
     
     
         32 . An assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein a corresponding number of picture postcards or the like is packaged along.  
     
     
         33 . An assembly according to  claim 31  or  32 , wherein the devices and/or assemblies, in particular packaged-along data carriers and picture postcards, are matched to each other thematically.