Closure system for packaging

Abstract

The present invention is a system for closure of data storage or other packages. The present invention relates particularly to stacks of one or more rigid holders for holding compact disc and DVDs. The closure devices of the present invention are made to fit various numbers of display devices. In one embodiment, interlocking extension surfaces are pressed together to secure the holders. The extensions have locking ribs along contacting sides. The closure system is adjustable to accommodate various numbers and sizes of rigid holders. Another embodiment utilizes an elastic band that is attached to a cover holder and stretched over a cantilevered finger on the opposite cover. The band stretches to accommodate various numbers and sizes of holders. Another embodiment has an extension off a cover attached by a living hinge. The extension snaps onto the top surface of an opposite cover to secure the stack of rigid holders closed. Another embodiment uses straps connected to the cover and base holders and connected together with buckle, snap or micro hook and loop connections.

1 . A closure system apparatus for packaging comprising: 
 a stack of one or more rigid holders,    a cover holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge,    a cover extension surface extending from the opening edge of the cover holder away from the outer surface of the cover holder,    one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,    a base holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge,    a base extension surface extending from the opening edge of the base holder away from the outer surface of the base holder,    one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface facing the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,    a connection mechanism for connecting the spine edge of the cover holder, a spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder,    wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface contact the one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface when the closure apparatus is in a closed position, and    wherein the contact prevents movement of the cover holder and base holder relative to one another.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more rigid holders are containers for holding digital media.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connection mechanism is a series of hinges.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the hinges are hinged mechanical binding clips attached to the spine edge of the cover holder, the spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder, and wherein the hinged mechanical binding clips are locked into position.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising molded clips in the cover holder and base holder for holding printed materials.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein a user opens the closure apparatus by gripping the outermost of the cover extension surface or the base extension surface, lifting the cover extension surface or the base extension surface away from the opposite extension surface, and pulling the cover holder and the base holder apart.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a user closes the closure apparatus by pushing the cover holder towards the base holder, and sliding the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface against the one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cover extension surface and the base extension surface have leading angles for facilitating proper contact and alignment of the closure apparatus.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface and the base extension surface are rounded.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface and the base extension surface are angular.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop on the cover holder or base holder for preventing over-tightening of the closure apparatus.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more engaging ribs on the cover holder and base holder are flat.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein a user lifts the flat engaging ribs of the cover holder over the flat engaging ribs of the base holder and the cover holder is held in position relative to the base holder by a tension interaction.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cover extension surface and the base extension surface do not overlap completely.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a tab on the outermost of either the cover extension surface or base extension surface for facilitating opening and closing by a user.  
   
   
       16 . A closure method for packaging comprising: 
 providing a stack of one or more rigid holders,    providing a cover holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge, a cover extension surface extending from the opening edge of the cover holder away from the outer surface of the cover holder, and one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,    providing a base holder with a spine edge, opening edge, top edge and bottom edge, a base extension surface extending from the opening edge of the base holder away from the outer surface of the base holder, and one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface facing the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface,    providing a connection mechanism for connecting the spine edge of the cover holder, a spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder,    opening the closure apparatus by gripping the outermost of the cover extension surface or the base extension surface,    lifting the cover extension surface or the base extension surface away from the opposite extension surface,    pulling the cover holder and the base holder apart,    closing the closure apparatus by pushing the cover holder towards the base holder, and    sliding the one or more engaging ribs on the cover extension surface against the one or more engaging ribs on the base extension surface.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more rigid holders are containers for holding digital media.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the connection mechanism is a series of hinges.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the hinges are hinged mechanical binding clips attached to the spine edge of the cover holder, the spine of the stack of one or more rigid holders and the spine edge of the base holder, and wherein the hinged mechanical binding clips are locked into position.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein clips are molded in the cover holder and base holder for holding printed materials.  
   
   
       21 - 91 . (canceled)