WO2006052988A2

WO2006052988A2 - Combination package for game having card deck and disk

Info

Publication number: WO2006052988A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/040473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cynthia Mason
Original assignee: Mattel, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-11-08
Filing date: 2005-11-08
Publication date: 2006-05-18
Also published as: WO2006052987A3; WO2006052987A2; WO2006052988A3

Abstract

A somewhat flexible trifold base includes a center portion having first and second foldable portions hingedly secured thereto on opposite sides thereof. A molded plastic dual recess card unit is secured on the inner surface of the center portion. A molded plastic DVD unit having a DVD receiving receptacle therein is secured to the inner surface of one of the foldable portions. The remaining foldable portion forms the cover for the combined DVD and game card package when folded to overlie the inwardly folded DVD supporting portion of the package.

Description

COMBINATION PACKAGE FOR GAME HAVING CARD DECK AND DISK

SPECIFICATION

Cross-Reference to Related Patent Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U. S. C.

119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/626,387 entitled COMBINATION PACKAGE FOR GAME HAVING CARD DECK AND DISK filed November 8, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also incorporates by reference Provisional Patent Application No. 60/626,385, filed November 8, 2004 entitled DISK RETAINER FOR PACKAGE.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to toy and game packaging and particularly to packaging for use in securing game products having combinations of differently shaped objects therein such as one or more decks of cards and an information disk such as a digital video disk (DVD).

Background of the Invention

[0003] Product packaging is the subject of substantial effort by practitioners in the art. Practitioners endeavor to employ creative and imaginative packaging for their respective products which is both secure and attractive. Basically, product packaging in product areas such as toys and games requires that the packaging maintain the product elements in a secure environment for shipping and storage. Further, packaging must protect the packaged product elements from damage incurred through such shipping and storage activities. Further, practitioners in the packaging arts usually attempt to provide packaging which is attractive and suitable for display and therefore of interest to consumers. Finally, packaging for products such as toys and games is often expected to provide a reuseable storage package within which the user may conveniently maintain the game or toy product elements between uses.

[0004] In toy and game arts, intense interest and importance is placed upon packaging design. In particular, game products are often challenging in that they typically include diversely shaped combinations of elements such as decks of cards, tokens and chance devices. In addition to traditional games, more recently developed video interactive games often provide one or more DVDs for use in the game. DVDs represent a special challenge for packaging designers in that DVDs tend to be fragile and readily damaged in the event the information surfaces thereof becomes scratched or otherwise damaged. DVDs must be securely fixed in the packaging and restrained from sliding back and forth within the packaging during transit and handling. In addition, the shape of DVDs is usually not compatible with other typical game items such as decks of cards or the like. As a result, several unusual problems are presented in packaging toy and game products which include one or more DVDs.

[0005] In attempting to meet the challenge of packaging DVDs, practitioners in the art have provided a variety of DVD packages. For example, U.S. Patent 6,024,214 issued to Cowan sets forth a CONTAINER FOR STORING AND DISPLAYING AN ARTICLE which includes a drawer and tray both of which are slidable within a container housing. The improvement includes a tray in the shape of a "U" with apparatus which minimizes snagging against the housing as the drawer is moved in and out.

[0006] U.S. Patent 6,715,607 issued to Wetsch sets forth RECORDING

MEDIUM PACKAGE HAVING PAPERBOARD PANELS AND PLASTIC FRAME in which a book-like frame supports a compact disk on one side thereof. A pair of foldable flaps are supported along the upper and lower edges of the disk receiving portion of the book-like frame. The flaps fold inwardly to secure the disk within the frame.

[0007] U.S. Patent 5,884,761 issued to Gelardi, et al. sets forth a PLASTIC

TRAY BOARD ATTACHMENT in which a CD package includes a plastic tray having a central recess for receiving and holding a compact disk. Downward extensions on the sides of the tray have inwardly projecting rails which receive one of a pair of paper panels. The paper board and tray are permanently assembled to form a disk receiving package having a paper panel flap foldable thereover.

[0008] U.S. Patent 5,788,069 issued to Calhoun, III et al. sets forth a CD

HOLDER WITH SPRING having a disk receiving portion coverable by a foldable book-like flap. Within the disk receiving portion, a spring is positioned to urge the captive disk against a confining area of the disk receiving recess of the package.

[0009] U.S. Patent 5,531,321 issued to O'Brien, et al. sets forth a

GLUELESS STORAGE PACKAGE having a plurality of disk receiving panels which are interlockably securable within a common array.

[0010] U.S. Patent 5,236,081 issued to Fitzsimmons, et al. sets forth a

COMPACT DISK PACKAGE having a base unit configured to receive and secure a compact disk. A paper panel is configured to provide a backing and cover for the package.

[0011] Design Patent Des.377,333 issued to Anderson sets forth a

COMPACT DISK AND BUSINESS CARD HOLDER having a book-like package with one side serving as a cover and the remaining side defining a circular recess for receiving a compact disk and a rectangular recess for receiving business cards. [0012] U.S. Patent 5,630,504 issued to Fitzsimmons, et al. sets forth a

COMPACT DISK PACKAGE WITH PLASTIC TRAY while Published U.S. Patent Application U.S. 2004/0069661 filed by Telleen sets forth a FOLDABLE THREE ELEMENT PACKAGE having a center portion for receiving a compact disk and left and right folding flaps which support other materials such as a credit card and a map.

[0013] U.S. Patent 6,202,839 issued to Petersen, et al. sets forth a TRI-

FOLD BUSINESS CARD AND CD PORTFOLIO in which a center portion supports a plurality of page leaves each capable of receiving and supporting a plurality of business cards. The portfolio also includes first and second end stages foldable between closed and open positions. The first section supports a pair of compact disk pockets while the second section provides a cover in the folded configuration.

[0014] Several Published U.S. Patent Applications set forth apparatus for receiving and containing compact disks. Thus, Published U.S. Patent Application U.S. 2003/0226775 filed by Chung; Published Application U.S. 2002/0070135 filed by Sanders and Published Application U.S. 2001/0050238 filed by Senior set forth representative structures of such recently filed patent applications.

[0015] Japanese Patent Jap. 8337281 issued to Rie sets forth a compact disk holder which is formed of a molded plastic material and includes a center post within a circular recess. The plastic base unit is securable within an appropriate covering.

[0016] U.S. Patent 6,745,896 issued to Palmer and 6,016,908 issued to

Gaetano set forth examples of envelope-like storage containers for compact disks.

[0017] U.S. Patent 5,584,387 issued to Grant sets forth a COMBINATION

BOOK AND PACKAGE CASE ASSEMBLY while U.S. Patent 5,310,061 issued to Kanbar and U.S. Patent 4,163,559 issued to Stenstrom set forth game boxes suitable for securing and storing decks of cards.

[0018] While the prior art devices described above have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved, secure and effective packaging apparatus for use in combination products such as toys and games which utilize both decks of cards and disk media packaged within a common package structure.

Summary of the Invention

[0019] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved combination product package. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved product package which accommodates a combination DVD and card product.

[0020] The present invention provides a novel combination package for game apparatus which is particularly well suited to packaging combinations including one or more decks of cards and one or more DVDs. The invention utilizes a generally planar flexible plastic base having a plurality of hingelines formed therein. The hingelines divide the base into a trio of generally rectangular planar regions connected by hinge bindings formed by the closely spaced pairs of hinged lines. The package further includes a card holder separately fabricated from the base and secured thereto by conventional attachment such as adhesive or sonic welding or the like. The base defines a pair of card receptacles within which pluralities of playing cards are received and supported. The package further includes a DVD retainer formed to define a generally circular recess sized to receive a DVD. The recess includes apparatus for securing and restraining the DVD within the recess. The package is moveable between an open configuration in which the base forms a generally planar structure and a closed configuration in which the right side and left side planar portions are folded inwardly to provide closure. In the closed configuration, the DVD within its recess and the cards within their respective recesses are fully enclosed by the base member.

[0021] More specifically, the present invention provides a combination package for game card deck and disk, said combination package comprising: a generally planar base formed to define a center portion, a first fold portion joined to the center portion by a first hingeline and a second fold portion joined to the center portion by a second hingeline, the first and second portions being foldable over the center portion to define a closed configuration and openable to a generally planar open configuration; a card unit secured to one of the portions having at least one receptacle for receiving a plurality of cards; and a disk unit secured to one of the portions having a disk receiving disk receptacle formed therein, the card unit and the disk unit being enclosed within the base when in the closed configuration and exposed when in the open configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

[0023] Figure 1 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a combination package constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention combination package in its closed configuration;

[0025] Figure 3 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention combination package showing the initial step of opening the package; [0026] Figure 4 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention combination package in its open configuration;

[0027] Figure 5 sets forth a rear perspective view of the present invention combination package in its open configuration; and

[0028] Figure 6 sets forth a perspective view of the DVD support portion of the present invention combination package.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0029] Figure 1 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a combination package for game constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 100. By way of overview, package 100 includes a generally planar multiply folded base 10 which receives a DVD support unit 50 together with a card unit 40 and which may be folded between open and closed configurations. Base 10 is divided by a plurality of hinge or fold lines to produce a book-like package which may be folded to a closed configuration or unfolded to an open configuration.

[0030] More specifically, base 10 is preferably formed of a somewhat flexible but also somewhat rigid sheet of material such as plastic or the like. Base 10 includes a center card portion 20, a DVD portion 11 positioned generally on the right side of card portion 20 and a cover portion 30 positioned generally on the left side of card portion 20. A binding portion 12 is formed between DVD portion 11 and card portion 20 by a pair of generally parallel hinges 13 and 14, Similarly, a binding portion 21 is formed between card portion 20 and cover portion 30 by a pair of generally parallel hinges 22 and 23. Base 10 further includes a folding flap 17 joined to DVD portion 11 by a hinge 18. Package 100 further includes a DVD unit 50 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a DVD receptacle 51 having a center post therein. DVD unit 50 is sized and configured to be secured to inner surface 15 of DVD portion 11. A conventional DVD 53 having an aperture 54 is receivable upon post 52. Package 100 further includes a card unit 40 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a pair of card receptacles 41 and 42. Card unit 40 is secured to inner surface 25 of card portion 20 by conventional attachment. Card unit 40 receives a plurality of game cards 43 and 44 within receptacles 41 and 42. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that card unit 40 and DVD unit 50 may be alternatively attached to different ones of center portion 20, portion 30 or portion 11 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0031] With DVD unit 50 secured to inner surface 15 of DVD portion 11 by conventional attachment such as sonic welding or the like and with card unit 40 secured to inner surface 25 of card portion 20, package 100 is generally complete. In addition, a pair of cooperating fasteners such as conventional fabric hook and loop fasteners formed by cooperating fastener elements 19 and 31 are supported upon outer surface 16 of DVD portion 11 and inner surface 35 of cover portion 30. Fasteners 19 and 31 cooperate to facilitate closure of cover 30 upon outer surface 16 of DVD portion 11 in the manner shown in Figure 2 to maintain secure package closure.

[0032] Figure 2 sets forth a perspective view of combination package 100 in its fully closed configuration. As mentioned above, package 100 includes a cover portion 30 which defines an outer surface 36 and which is joined to a binding portion 21. In the closed configuration shown in Figure 2, DVD 53 and game cards 43 and 44 (seen in Figure 1) are contained and confined within package 100. The resulting package securely holds disk media and card decks in a convenient "book-like" package.

[0033] Figure 3 sets forth a perspective view of package 100 during the initial step of opening package 100. As described above, package 100 includes a cover portion 30 having an inner surface 35 which supports a fabric hook and loop fastener 31. As is also described above, package 100 includes a DVD portion 11 having an outer surface 16 which supports a cooperative hook and loop fastener 19. Package 100 further includes a binding 12 and a binding 21. Card unit 40 and DVD unit 50 are shown supported by DVD portion 11 and card portion 20. In the position shown, fasteners 19 and 31 have been separated and the user has pivoted cover portion 30 away from DVD portion 11 in a "book opening" type movement.

[0034] Figure 4 sets forth a perspective view of package 100 in its open configuration. As mentioned above, package 100 is foldable in book-like fashion to captivate and enclose a DVD and plurality of game cards in a convenient fashion.

[0035] More specifically, base 10 is preferably formed of a somewhat flexible but also somewhat rigid sheet of material such as plastic or the like. Base 10 includes a center card portion 20, a DVD portion 11 positioned generally on the right side of card portion 20 and a cover portion 30 positioned generally on the left side of card portion 20. A binding portion 12 is formed between DVD portion 11 and card portion 20 by a pair of generally parallel hinges 13 and 14. Similarly, a binding portion 21 is formed between card portion 20 and cover portion 30 by a pair of generally parallel hinges 22 and 23. Base 10 further includes a folding flap 17 joined to DVD portion 11 by a hinge 18. Package 100 further includes a DVD unit 50 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a DVD receptacle 51 having a center post 52 therein. DVD unit 50 is sized and configured to be secured to inner surface 15 of DVD portion 11. A conventional DVD 53 having an aperture 54 is receivable upon post 52 and secured by edge clasp 55. Package 100 further includes a card unit 40 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a pair of card receptacles 41 and 42. Card unit 40 is secured to inner surface 25 of card portion 20 by conventional attachment. Card unit 40 receives a plurality of game cards 43 and 44 within receptacles 41 and 42. [0036] Edge clasp 55 is preferably fabricated in accordance with the edge clasp provided in the above-referenced Provisional Patent Application. As set forth therein, edge clasp 55 secures one edge of DVD 53 and in cooperation with center post 52 maintains the secure positioning of DVD 53 within DVD receptacle 51. Alternatively, however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while clasp 55 utilizing an edge clasp and center post cooperation is the preferred fabrication of disk retention within DVD unit 50, alternative apparatus for securing DVD 53 within DVD unit 50 may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Of importance with respect to the fabrication of DVD unit 50 is the provision of secure retention of DVD 53 within the DVD unit and the protective environment which prevents damage to DVD 53 during storage and use.

[0037] It will be apparent that in the open configuration shown in Figure 4, the user may readily remove game cards 43 and 44 from receptacles 41 and 42 respectively in card unit 40. Further, in the open configuration shown in Figure 4, the user may readily remove DVD 53 from DVD unit 50 and utilize both the cards and DVD in game play. Once game play has been completed or terminated, the user then replaces cards 43 and 44 into receptacles 41 and 42 and further replaces DVD 53 within receptacle 51. Thereafter, the user folds DVD portion 11 inwardly to overlie card portion 40 and thereafter folds cover portion 30 to overlie the outer surface of DVD portion 11 to return package 100 to its closed configuration.

[0038] Figure 5 sets forth a rear perspective view of package 100 in the open configuration shown in Figure 4. Of importance to note is the book-like structure of base 10 with binding portions 12 and 21 separating the respective portions thereof.

[0039] More specifically, base 10 is preferably formed of a somewhat flexible but also somewhat rigid sheet of material such as plastic or the like. Base 10 includes a center card portion 20, a DVD portion 11 positioned generally on the right side of card portion 20 and a cover portion 30 positioned generally on the left side of card portion 20. A binding portion 12 is formed between DVD portion 11 and card portion 20 by a pair of generally parallel hinges 13 and 14. Similarly, a binding portion 21 is formed between card portion 20 and cover portion 30 by a pair of generally parallel hinges 22 and 23. Base 10 further includes a folding flap 17joined to DVD portion 11 by a hinge 18. Package 100 further includes a DVD unit 50 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a DVD receptacle 51 having a center post therein. DVD unit 50 is sized and configured to be secured to inner surface 15 of DVD portion 11. A conventional DVD 53 having an aperture 54 is receivable upon post 52. Package 100 further includes a card unit 40 preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a pair of card receptacles 41 and 42. Card unit 40 is secured to inner surface 25 of card portion 20 by conventional attachment. Card unit 40 receives a plurality of game cards 43 and 44 within receptacles 41 and 42.

[0040] As will be apparent from Figure 5, the planar flexible but somewhat rigid structure of base 10 provides a continuous covering for the contents of package 100 for an extremely secure closure and storage.

[0041] Figure 6 sets forth a top perspective view of DVD unit 50. DVD unit 50 is preferably fabricated of a molded plastic material and defines a circular DVD receptacle 51 having a center post 52 formed therein. DVD unit 50 is secured to the remainder of package 100 by conventional attachment (not shown). DVD unit 50 also includes a disk retention apparatus comprised of a resilient clasp 55 and a fixed tab 56 as described in the above-referenced incorporated Provisional Patent Application. However, while the fabrication of clasp 55 and tab 56 described in the above-referenced incorporated Provisional Patent Application has been found to be the preferred mechanism for disk retention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of presently available DVD holding mechanisms may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The important function of DVD unit 50 is to provide a secure holding or retention of DVD 53 (seen in Figure 1) within receptacle 51.

[0042] What has been shown is a combination package for game having card deck and disk which is particularly well adapted to packaging and securing a game which utilizes a DVD together with a plurality of game cards.

[0043] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A combination package for game card deck and disk, said combination package comprising:

a generally planar base formed to define a center portion, a first fold portion joined to said center portion by a first hingeline and a second fold portion joined to said center portion by a second hingeline, said first and second portions being foldable over said center portion to define a closed configuration and openable to a generally planar open configuration;

a card unit secured to one of said portions having at least one receptacle for receiving a plurality of cards; and

a disk unit secured to one of said portions having a disk receiving disk receptacle formed therein,

said card unit and said disk unit being enclosed within said base when in said closed configuration and exposed when in said open configuration.

2. The combination package set forth in claim 1 wherein said card unit is secured to said center portion and said disk unit is secured to said first fold portion.

3. The combination package set forth in claim 2 wherein said card unit defines two card receptacles.

4. The combination package set forth in claim 3 wherein said first hingeline includes a first binding joined to said center portion by a first hinge and to said first portion by a second hinge.

5. The combination package set forth in claim 4 wherein said second hingeline includes a second binding joined to said center portion by a third hinge and to said second portion by a fourth hinge.

6. The combination package set forth in claim 5 wherein said base is formed from a single sheet of plastic material.

7. The combination package set forth in claim 1 wherein said base is formed from a single sheet of plastic material.

8. The combination package set forth in claim 7 wherein said card unit is secured to said center portion and said disk unit is secured to said first fold portion.

9. The combination package set forth in claim 8 wherein said card unit defines two card receptacles.