WO2002086849A1

WO2002086849A1 - A jewel case with an animated presentation of images

Info

Publication number: WO2002086849A1
Application number: PCT/IL2002/000312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Itzchak Bar-Yona
Original assignee: Yemini, Zvi
Priority date: 2001-04-19
Filing date: 2002-04-18
Publication date: 2002-10-31
Also published as: IL142686A0

Abstract

A housing (1) for containing an object and for displaying dynamic images that comprises a case including a base (3) and a cover (5) associated therewith, an array of linear lenses coupled to, or integrally provided in, the cover or the rear surface of the base, a void provided behind the array of linear lenses, to receive a displaceable, light-weight indicia carrier (13) at a distance from the rear face of each lens substantially equaling the focal length thereof and an electrically operated drive means (16) to periodically displace the indicia carrier by a distance substantially equal to the spacing between two adjacent lenses.

Description

A JEWEL CASE WITH AN ANIMATED PRESENTATION OF

IMAGES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to storage devices for housing compact discs that contain digital data. More particularly, the invention relates to a jewel case which presents dynamic images relating to its content, i.e. CD, DVD, etc.

Background of the Invention

In addition to providing protection, a jewel case functions as a means for promoting and enhancing the sales of its contents, e.g., a compact disc (CD) stored therein. Promoters design various types of compact disc covers inserted within the jewel cases, each of which is provided with a different design and market approach in order to attract the attention of a potential customer.

The existing promotional methods are passive in nature, and serve to attract the customer through motionless figures. Some compact disc covers employ garish colors and others resort to provocative photographs to improve sales. A jewel case that provides a sample of the actual images that a potential customer would view, instead of a superficial graphic display, would increase customer interest in the product to be sold.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a jewel case with a dynamic display of the images associated with the compact disc stored therein.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a jewel case with a dynamic display of images whose cost is not substantially greater than conventional jewel cases. Summary of the Invention

This invention relates to a housing for containing an object and for displaying dynamic images, comprising: a) a case including a base and a cover associated therewith; b) an array of linear lenses coupled to, or integrally provided in, said cover or the rear surface of said base; c) a void provided behind said array of linear lenses, to receive a displaceable, light-weight indicia carrier at a distance from the rear face of each lens substantially equaling the focal length thereof; and d) an electrically operated drive means to periodically displace the indicia carrier by a distance substantially equal to the spacing between two adjacent lenses. The electrically operated drive means is a battery-operated DC drive or a solar energy-operated drive.

The present invention also relates to a jewel case for a compact disc in which a dynamic displaying of images is provided, comprising:

(a) a case including a generally rectangular base and a generally rectangular cover which are pivotably joined along a first edge thereof;

(b) an array of linear lenses coupled to, or integrally provided in said cover, having a lenticular front face and a flat rear face;

(c) a housing for receiving a displaceable, light-weight, substantially planar indicia carrier, disposed in said case at a distance from the rear face of each lens equaling the focal length thereof; and

(d) a receiving element, to receive a drive means suitable to periodically displace the indicia carrier by a distance equaling the spacing between two adjacent lenses.

The drive means comprises an electrical motor, and the indicia carrier comprises an interlaced print. A disc holder is provided, and the indicia carrier is fixed in position by a gap formed the rear face of the disc holder and by the rear face of said cover.

By means of the innovative structure of the jewel case, an interlaced print and a miniature high-efficiency motor, the jewel case is capable of generating two or more images providing animated or 3D effects relating in contents to the CD stored therein. For example, if the music of a singer were encoded on a CD, the image or photo of that singer may appear on the jewel case, in an animated fashion.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicia carrier is displaced by the drive means by means of an elongated slot which is formed in said indicia carrier, such that the width of said slot is substantially equal to the diameter of a cam driven by said drive means. The cam periodically contacts the slot whereby to displace said indicia carrier.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention the motor is provided within the jewel case, whereas according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention the motor is external to the jewel case.

When a CD and DND jewel box is concerned, it does not deviate from the existing standards, therefore retaining low manufacturing costs, using the same assembly-line, packaging and distribution standards.

The direction of a perpendicular line drawn between the indicia carrier and rear face of disc holder will be referred to hereinafter as "longitudinal." The direction perpendicular to the two sidewalls of the cover will be referred to hereinafter as "transversal." Published Israeli Patent Application No. 121005 discloses a self-powered display unit for displaying several consecutively changing images, and its description is fully incorporated herein by reference. The rotation of a cam is configured to correspond to such a linear displacement of an indicia carrier so as to effect a consecutive display of the images formed on the surface of the indicia carrier. The total linear displacement of the indicia carrier, i.e. from its original position, up to its maximal displacement point and back again to the original position, is at least equal to the distance between two focal lines of two adjacent lenses in the direction of displacement. The present invention utilizes the technology disclosed in the aforementioned Israeli patent application, and therefore details of the generation of dynamic images, which can be appreciated by the skilled person, are not repeated herein, for the sake of brevity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

- Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a jewel case according to one preferred embodiment of the invention in which the array of linear lenses is shown partially removed;

- Fig. 2 is an exploded drawing of various components of the jewel case of Fig.1;

- Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the jewel case of Fig.l, taken internally to the jewel case cover, showing the drive means casing partially removed;

- Fig. 4 is a vertical cross section of the jewel case of Fig.3, cut about plane A-A;

- Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 6 is an exploded drawing of various components of the jewel case of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a vertical cross section of the jewel case of Fig.6, cut along plane B-B;

- Fig. 8 is a rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 5; and

- Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a jewel case according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figs. 1 and 2 show a jewel case 1, suitable for a compact disc, comprising base 3 and cover 5, both of which are substantially rectangular in shape. Jewel case 1 is manufactured in a cost- effective manner, such as by injection molding. Base 3 is provided with sidewall portions 4, which extend perpendicularly therefrom. Sidewall portions 8 and front wall portion 9 extend perpendicularly from cover 5. Sidewall portions 4 and 8 are pivotably joined by inwardly extending pins 6 and apertures 2, wherein sidewall portions 8 are disposed inwardly of sidewall portions 4. An aperture 2 is formed in each sidewall 8 and a pin 6 extends from each sidewall 4. Cover 5 is in a closed position as front wall portion 9 abuts base 3, and a cavity is thereby formed between base 3 and cover 5 for the insertion of a compact disc therein. Cover 5 is comprised of transparent cover plate 7 and disc holder 17, and may receive an indicia carrier 13. Cover plate 7 is provided with an array of lenses (not shown), each of which has a lenticular front face and a flat rear face, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Text insert 11 may be introduced to base 3, which may be transparent, by means of guide tabs 12.

Front wall portion 9 is provided with transversely disposed slot 10 through which indicia carrier 13 is inserted. Indicia carrier 13 is light-weight and substantially planar, and is preferably an interlaced print. Transversal slot 10 is positioned so that indicia carrier 13 is disposed at a distance from the rear face of each lens equaling the focal length thereof. Cam 14 protrudes from an elongated slot 15 cut from indicia carrier 13 having a width substantially equal to the diameter of eccentric cam 14. According to one embodiment cam 14 rotates only when being in a horizontal disposition, and the drive means may be configured, for example, with a limit switch (not shown), so that the drive means is deactivated when cover 5 is in a closed position. Cam 14 is configured with an eccentric shape such that in a particular rotational position it abuts one of the transversal extremities of elongated slot 15, thereby displacing indicia carrier 13 in a periodic transversal movement. The indicia carrier is displaced at a distance equaling the spacing between two adjacent lenses to produce dynamic images. Indicia carrier 13 is easily replaceable by the end user, and may be removed from transversal slot 10.

Fig. 3 shows a rear view of jewel case 1 when opened. Disc holder 17, conventional and well known to persons skilled in the art, is integrally formed from a plurality of coplanar peripheral regions 19, which define a recessed circular central region 20 sized for the placement of the CD therein, and drive means casing 18. The planar surface of central region 20 has a diameter slightly larger than the CD and is provided with disc engagement assembly 22. Disc engagement assembly 22 is preferably comprised of, but not limited to, a plurality of upwardly and radially inwardly projecting fingers, which are arranged in a circular configuration. The fingers protrude from central region 20 and have an upper surface which is substantially coplanar with peripheral regions 19. The fingers are made of a resilient plastic whereby they may be flexed radially inwards to be received in the central opening of the CD and to apply a radially outwardly directed force to resist disengagement of the CD therefrom. This is also conventionally made in the art. The rear of disc holder 17, viz. the side closest to cover 5, is provided with annular projection 21 (Fig. 2) having a diameter substantially equal to central region 20.

Cover plate 7 supports disc holder 17 as attachment appendage 26 (Fig. 2) is snapped in position. Disc holder 17 frictionally abuts front wall portion 9 by means of sloped appendage 28 (Fig. 4). Drive means 16 and battery 25 are affixed to mounting plate 27 (Fig. 2), which is attached to drive means casing 18 by screws (not shown). Mounting plate 27 is made from a rigid material, such as PCB. Drive means casing 18 is parallel to peripheral regions 19 and is separated therefrom by spacer 23, which is provided with a slightly sloped inclination (Fig. 4). Spacer 24 perpendicularly extends from a peripheral region 19, which is interposed between spacers 23 and 24.

As shown in Fig. 4, the longitudinal movement of indicia carrier 13 is limited by a uniform gap formed by annular projection 21 and cover plate 7. Spacer 24 additionally supports indicia carrier 13. Spine 29, which perpendicularly extends from cover plate 7, limits the descent of indicia carrier 13. Transversal slot 10 is formed in front wall portion 9 with such a width so as to provide indicia carrier 13, when inserted therethrough, with a longitudinal disposition which enables cam 14 to cooperate with elongated slot 15.

Drive means 16 comprises a high efficient stepping motor with low energy consumption and a compact construction, or alternatively, a solar energy operated drive, which rotates cam 14. Drive means 16 must produce a torque of at least 2 gem, which is large enough to overcome the frictional resistance of indicia carrier 13. The operating speed is preferably between 2 and 4 rpm, in order to effect a dynamic displaying of images in harmonious fashion. Drive means 16 also includes a quartz crystal oscillator which is powered by battery 25 and connected to an electromagnet having two ferromagnetic arms. A capacitor is also provided to extend the duration of each electric impulse provided by the oscillator. Each of the free ends of the arms is configured as an armature, surrounding but not contacting a magnetic core, directly or indirectly coupled to transmission gears for driving cam 14. Each pulse emitted by the oscillator effects a 180° rotation of the core.

Cam 14 is cylindrical, wherein its drive shaft (not shown) is parallel but not coincident with the centerline thereof. Since cam 14 is driven with uniform motion, its rotation is translated into a horizontal and linear reciprocal displacement of indicia carrier 13. Cam 14 periodically contacts each transversal periphery of elongated slot 15 (Figs. 1,2), which is formed in the indicia carrier, such that the width of elongated slot 15 is substantially equal to the diameter of cam 14. The total linear displacement of indicia carrier 13 in each transversal direction is configured to effect a consecutive display of images formed on the surface of the indicia carrier. Since the weight of the indicia carrier is minimal and in view of drive means 16, which is activated only during the relatively short duration of the pulse generated by the oscillator, the power required to operate jewel case 1 is also minimal. Therefore the jewel case can operate over extended periods of time, e.g. approximately two months with an alkaline battery, with requiring a change of battery. Battery 25 may be replaced after disc holder 17 is removed from cover plate 7 and the battery is removed from the contact strips. Alternatively, an opening may be provided in drive means casing 18 to enable battery insertion and removal.

Storage compartment 30 for drive means 16 and battery 25 is defined by spacers 23 and 24, drive means casing 18, spine 29, and mounting plate 27. Storage compartment 30 is configured to allow for the closing of cover 5 without interference, and therefore longitudinal extremity 31 of spacer 23 will not abut the longitudinal extremities of base 3 and text insert 11, respectively, when rotated about pins 6 (Fig. 2).

Figure 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in which jewel case 40 may be separated from the drive means, which is disposed within jewel case holder 42. In this embodiment, the end user requires a single jewel case holder 42 for providing dynamic images for a plurality of jewel cases 40. A jewel case with dynamic images may therefore be provided at a cost almost equaling the standard jewel cases available in stores. Since the dimensions of the jewel case are similar to conventional jewel cases, manufacturing costs may be reduced, using the same assembly line, packaging and distribution standards of prevalent jewel cases.

As shown in Fig. 6, jewel case 40 is comprised of generally rectangular cover panel 41 formed by array of linear lenses 43 having a lenticular front face and a flat rear face, generally rectangular rear panel 45, disc holder 74, spine portion 59 (Fig. 7) and indicia carrier 46. Array of linear lenses 43 and cover panel 41 are formed at once, for example, by one-shot injection molding. Cover panel 41 and rear panel 45 are pivotably joined by pins 50, each of which inwardly extends from the sidewalls 39 of the rear panel, respectively, wherein cover plate 41 is disposed inwardly of rear panel 45. Spine portion 59 is interposed between the sidewalls of cover panel 41, on the opposing side to its front wall, and essentially constitutes the rear wall of the jewel case. Cover panel 41 is in a closed position when its front wall portion abuts rear panel 45. Indicia carrier 46 is inserted into a transversely disposed slot 66 formed at the top of jewel case 40, and is longitudinally fixed in position by the rear face of cover panel 41and the rear face of disc holder 44. The descent of indicia carrier 46 into jewel case 40 is limited by spine portion 59. A portion of disc holder 74 and rear panel 45 is removed, corresponding to the disposition of the drive means as will hereinafter be described, to enable displacement of indicia carrier 46. Disc holder 74 is comprised of a substantially planar and rectangular plate 75, a disc engagement assembly (not shown) mounted on the front face of plate 75, viz. the side facing rear panel 45, and lower projection 78. Lower projection 78 is substantially parallel to plate 75, and is longitudinally separated therefrom. Plate 75 is snapped into position within a cavity formed by the interior of cover panel 41. Lower projection 78 in which opening 80 is formed, as shown more clearly in Fig. 8, has the same transversal dimension as plate 75. Opening 80 is rectilinear and is formed from a portion cut away from the lower portion of plate 75 which is closest to lower projection 78, hereinafter referred to as "bottom", and from the entire linear dimension of lower projection 78 relative to the bottom extremity when the jewel case is placed in an upright position, hereinafter referred to as "height". Opening 80 is formed between the transversal extremities of jewel case 40, at a transversal location corresponding to that of the drive means. The entire bottom of rear panel 45, and the bottom longitudinal end of sidewalls 39 which is closest to rear panel 45 is removed, at a sufficient height to allow for the accessibility of opening 80.

As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, jewel case holder 42 has a substantially planar base 52, which is provided with a plurality of support feet 53. Partially convex props 54 with an arc of approximately 90 degrees, commencing with base 52 and terminating at rear case support 55, are provided at the transversal extremities of holder 42, respectively. Upper casing 51 and rear casing 57 are interposed between props 54. Upper casing 51 is arcuate and terminates in rear casing 57, which is inclined with respect to base 52. Opening 63 is formed in rear casing 57 to facilitate the insertion and removal of battery 61. Holder 42 is provided with bottom case support 58 which is interposed between and perpendicularly extends from front case support 56 and rear case support 55. Notch 49 is provided in rear case support 55 (Fig. 5) with a sufficient transversal dimension to accommodate the linear displacement of indicia carrier 46. Support members 55,56, and 58 define an opening which is provided at an inclination so that jewel case 40, when inserted therein, is disposed at an angle of approximately 75 degrees with respect to base 52. This inclination facilitates not just the insertion of the jewel case, but also the viewing of the dynamic images. Front case support 56 extends from a height corresponding to slightly above the bottom extremity of cover panel 41 to base 52. The horizontal transversal dimension of holder 42 is substantially equal to that of jewel case 40. Solar cells 67 may be mounted within front case support 56 when a solar energy powered motor is employed.

Drive means 48 and battery 61 are affixed to mounting plate 62, which is attached to rear case support 55 by screws 69 passing through apertures 64 and 65. An alternative configuration by which mounting plate 62 is affixed to rear case support 55 includes appendage 68, which longitudinally extends from and is parallel to the latter. Mounting plate 62 is made from a rigid material, such as PCB. Accordingly, drive means 48, which is a high-efficiency stepping motor, and its associated battery 61 are imbedded within holder 42, at an inclination such that shaft 60 which drives eccentric cam 47 is at a substantially parallel disposition with respect to bottom case support 58. The position at which mounting plate 62 is connected to rear case support 55 is selected to allow for the protrusion of cam 47 through notch 49.

Jewel case 40 is inserted into holder 42 at an orientation whereby spine portion 59 abuts bottom case support 58, and at a transversal disposition to allow for the protrusion of cam 47 into the interior of the jewel case, through opening 80. Opening 80 is several times longer than the diameter of cam 47 so as to permit flexibility in the placement of jewel case 40. Indicia carrier 46 is lowered in such an orientation that its elongated slot 44, similar to that of the embodiment of Fig.l, cooperates with cam 47 to produce periodic transverse displacement and correspondingly, the appearance of dynamic images on lenses 43.

Fig. 9 illustrates an additional embodiment wherein provision is made for the insertion of a pamphlet with text and photos. Drive means 86, its means of being mounted, base 85 and disc holder 88 are similar to those shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1. Cover plate 87 is provided with sidewalls 83, such that the bottom extremity of cover plate 87 is higher than the bottom extremity of sidewalls 83, thereby defining passageway 89. A plurality of tabs 91 perpendicularly project from the inner wall of sidewalls 83, at a uniform spacing along the respective transversal extremities for the insertion therein of pamphlet 81. Pamphlet 81 is prevented from descending below the lowermost tab. Disc holder 88 is affixed to base 85, and to effect displacement of indicia carrier 92, an aperture (not shown) is formed in drive means casing 90 through which the driven cam (not shown) protrudes. Lenticular panel 95 is welded to cover plate 87, leaving a narrow gap of about 0.5 mm into which indicia carrier 92, having elongated slot 93 for the accommodation of the cam, is placed. A user who may want to view a print of his favorite singer or movie star may replace indicia carrier 60 with another interlaced print. This same arrangement may be applied to the embodiment of Fig.5.

The invention has been described with particular reference to CD jewel cases, but is of course not limited to any particular storage device, and all that has been said with respect to jewel cases applies, mutatis mutandis, to any other casing for any other item. While embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be understood that the invention can be carried out by persons skilled in the art with many modifications, variations and adaptations, without departing from its spirit or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing for containing an object and for displaying dynamic images, comprising: a) a case including a base and a cover associated therewith; b) an array of linear lenses coupled to, or integrally provided in, said cover or the rear surface of said base; c) a void provided behind said array of linear lenses, to receive a displaceable, light-weight indicia carrier at a distance from the rear face of each lens substantially equaling the focal length thereof; and d) an electrically operated drive means to periodically displace the indicia carrier by a distance substantially equal to the spacing between two adjacent lenses.

2. A housing according to claim 1, wherein the electrically operated drive means is a battery-operated DC drive or a solar-operated drive.

3. A jewel case for a compact disc in which a dynamic displaying of images is provided, comprising:

4. The jewel case of claim 3, wherein the drive means comprises a cam.

5. The jewel case of claim 4, wherein an elongated slot is formed in the indicia carrier such that the width of said slot is substantially equal to the diameter of the cam, said cam periodically contacting said slot whereby to displace said indicia carrier.

6. The jewel case of claim 3, further comprising a disc holder.

7. The jewel case of claim 6, wherein the indicia carrier is fixed in place by a gap formed by the rear face of the disc holder and by the rear face of said cover.

8. The jewel case of claim 4, wherein the drive means comprises an electric motor that operates the cam.

9. The jewel case of claim 4, wherein the drive means comprises a solar energy powered motor that operates the cam.

10. The jewel case of claim 8 or 9, wherein the motor is provided within the jewel case.

11. The jewel case of claim 8 or 9, wherein the motor is external to the jewel case.

12. The jewel case of claim 8 or 9, wherein the motor produces a torque of at least 2 gem.

13. The jewel case of claim 8 or 9, wherein the motor has an operating speed of between 2 and 4 rpm.

14. The jewel case of claim 7, further comprising a means for the inclusion of a pamphlet.

15. The jewel case of claim 7, wherein said drive means is disposed within a jewel case holder.

16. The jewel case of claim 15, which is provided with an opening for receiving a cam, said cam protruding through said opening whereby to displace said indicia carrier.

17. The jewel case of claim 16, which is inclined at an angle of approximately 75 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

18. The jewel case of claim 17, further comprising means for receiving a pamphlet.