Apparatus for and method of holding an article

Abstract

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for (and a method of) holding information storage media or other articles is provided in which a holder (or other structure) is composed of a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel, a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having at least one holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media or other articles. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the holder (or other structure) is adapted to receive a security device which holds at least two of the panels in a closed configuration when installed in the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the security device is composed of first and second arms and each of the two of the panels has an aperture for receiving a respective arm. In a preferred embodiment, the holding means on at least one of the panels is adapted to receive an arm of the security device so as to prevent release of storage media therefrom until the security device is withdrawn therefrom.

1 . Apparatus for holding information storage media or other articles, comprising a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having holding means integrally formed therein for holding information storage media or other articles.  
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which the holding means is adapted for holding a disk.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  in which the holding means comprises a hub onto which the disk can be mounted via its central aperture.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  in which the holding means comprises a surround for extending around the periphery of a disk.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  in which each of the three panels is provided with holding means.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which the first and second edges of the second panel are opposite each other.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which in the closed position the third panel is sandwiched between the first and second panels.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  in which the first and second panels are provided with mutually engageable fastening members for holding the apparatus in the closed configuration.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  which is adapted to receive a security member for locking it in the closed position.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  in which the first and third panels have apertures for receiving first and second arms of a security member.  
   
   
       11 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  having a transparent sleeve which extends across the rear face of all three panels.  
   
   
       12 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  in which the panels and holding means are formed of a plastics material in one piece.  
   
   
       13 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  formed by injection-molding.