Multi-segment container

Abstract

A multi-segment container comprises identical segments hinged together and forming an enclosure, the segment side walls having detent hinges for detachable engagement with adjoining segments. The detent hinges are located on flexible tab portions located externally of the container as side wall extensions. A three-segment embodiment forms a cylindrical container with flat side portions having raised area portions to serve as abuttment stops for adjoining segments. The segments can be used singly or arranged in a variety of displays, and the container can serve as a CD case with separation grooves for the individual discs, or be used as an open display.

1 . A multi-segment container having a plurality of substantially identical segments in mutually hinged array to form an enclosure, wherein peripheral portions of the segments collectively comprise a peripheral wall of the container, and adjoining side portions of the segments collectively form a pair of end walls in mutually spaced relation, each said segment including hinge means for detachable engagement with an adjoining segment.  
   
   
       2 . The container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said segment side portions each includes a pair of tab portions located outside said segment peripheral portion, and including elements of said hinge means.  
   
   
       3 . The container as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said pair of tab portions include a male and a female hinge portion.  
   
   
       4 . The container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said peripheral wall is substantially continuous.  
   
   
       5 . The container as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said end walls are substantially continuous.  
   
   
       6 . The container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said segment peripheral wall has separation means on the inner surface thereof, in use for separating elements of predetermined size when inserted into the segment.  
   
   
       7 . The container as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said separation means are corrugations having spaces of predetermined width therebetween.  
   
   
       8 . The container as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said peripheral wall is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       9 . The container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said segment side portions include a projecting edge portion to form a stabilizing heel for the container.  
   
   
       10 . The container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said segment side portions include raised edge portions to serve as stabilizing contact surfaces with adjoined container segments.  
   
   
       11 . The container as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said hinge means consist of female and male detent portions in removable, mutually pivotal, attached relation.  
   
   
       12 . The container as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said male and female detent portions are in mutually spaced relation such that, when adjacent said segments are in assembled relation, gaps of predetermined size are created between adjacent surface portions of the container, to ventilate the container.