WO2008014015A2

WO2008014015A2 - Data-storing media case

Info

Publication number: WO2008014015A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/062296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jen-Lin Chen; Michael Johannes Frankenhauser
Original assignee: Jen-Lin Chen; Michael Johannes Frankenhauser
Priority date: 2006-07-26
Filing date: 2007-02-16
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: WO2008014015A3

Abstract

A data-storing media case for accommodating a data-storing media includes : a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory unit provided on the case body and having stored information that corresponds to the information stored in the data-storing media and that is accessible through the control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on the case body and coupled electrically to the control circuit for converting the stored information of the memory unit into an output signal.

Description

DATA-STORING MEDIA CASE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of German Utility Model Application No. 202006 Oil 656.7, filed on July 26, 2006 and German Utility Model Application No. 20 2006 016 824.9, filed on October 31, 2006. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

This invention relates to a data-storing media case, more particularly to a data-storing media case including a case body provided with an IC memory unit containing stored information corresponding to the information stored in a data-storing media accommodated in the data-storing media case. 2. Description of the related art

Conventional data-storing media cases, such as a CD case, a DVD case, a Secure Digital (SD) card case, and a Multi Media Card (MMC) case, include a case body for accommodating a data-storing media therein. The case body normally includes front and rear covers that are pivoted to each other so that the data-storing media can be taken out when the front and rear covers are opened. However, to a prospective buyer, the conventional data-storing media case, such as the CD case, has drawbacks in that, while it is possible in many music shops or stores to play and listen to a CD before making a decision to purchase the same, it involves substantial expenditure for the shop owner and inconvenient operation and possibly long waiting times for the prospective buyers. Another problem associated therewith is that since the CD case is enclosed with a transparent material or a cover sheet, the latter is required to be removed the re from to permit subsequent opening of the case body for the prospective buyer to listen to the CD, which is often undesirable because the product is hardly distinguishable as a new or a second-hand product, and because the case body is no longer protected by the cover sheet from being scratched. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a data-storing media case that can overcome the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data-storing media case that is adapted to accommodate a data-storing media therein and that comprises: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory unit provided on the case body and having stored information that corresponds to the information stored in the data-storing media and that is accessible through the control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on the case body and coupled electrically to the control circuit for converting the stored information of the memory unit into an output signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a disc case that is adapted to receive a disc therein and that comprises: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory- unit provided on the case body and having stored information that corresponds to the information stored in the disc and that is accessible through the control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on the case body and coupled electrically to the control circuit for converting the stored information of the memory- unit into an output signal.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory card case that is adapted to receive a memory card therein and that compr ises: a case bo'dy provided with a control circuit thereon; a card reader embedded in the case body, coupled electrically to the control circuit, and adapted to receive the memory card for accessing information stored in the memory card; and a signal output unit provided on the case body and coupled electrically to the control circuit for converting the information stored in the memory card into an output s ignal .

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a disc case that is adapted to receive a disc therein. The disc case comprises: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory unit provided on the case body and having stored information that corresponds to voice information and that is accessible through the control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on the case body and coupled electrically to the control circuit for converting the stored information of the memory unit into an output signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invent ion,

Fig.1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a data-storing media case according to this invention, illustrating a state where the data-storing media case is disposed at a closed position;

Fig.2 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment, illustrating a state where the data-storing media case is disposed at an opened position;

Fig. 3A is a schematic side view of a pressable button of the first preferred embodiment, disposed at a non-pressed position; Fig. 3B is a schematic top view of a circuit actuating unit of the first preferred embodiment;

Fig. 3C is a perspective view of a data-storing media case modified from the first preferred embodiment ;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention, illustrating the configuration of a pair of spaced apart conductive members of a printed conductive ink;

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention, illustrating the configuration of a controlling member;

Fig.5B is a perspective view illustrating a state where a dielectric card of the controlling member of the third preferred embodiment is disposed at a position to be spaced apart from first and second pins;

Fig. 5C is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the controlling member of the fourth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention; Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention;

Fig. 6B is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a rolling ball switch of the fifth preferred embodiment in a disconnected state;

Fig. 6C is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the rolling ball switch of the fifth preferred embodiment in a connected state;

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention; Fig. 7B is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of amotion detection switch of the sixth preferred embodiment in a disconnected state;

Fig. 7C is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the motion detection switch of the sixth preferred embodiment in a connected state;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the eighth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention, illustrating a state where a case body is disposed at an opened position;

Fig. 1OA is a perspective view of the ninth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention, illustrating a state where the case body is disposed at a closed position;

Fig. 1OB is a perspective view of the ninth preferred embodiment, illustrating a state where the case body is disposed at an opened position; Fig. HA is a perspective view of the tenth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention, illustrating a state where the case body is disposed at a closed position;

Fig. 11B is a perspective view of the tenth preferred embodiment, illustrating a state where the case body is disposed at an opened position; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the eleventh preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention; and

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the twelfth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that same reference numerals have been used to denote like elements throughout the specification.

Figs. 1, 2, 3A and 3B illustrate the first preferred embodiment of a data-storing media case according to this invention. The data-storing media case serves to accommodate a data-storing media, and can be a disc case, such as a CD case or a DVD case, or a memory card case, such as a SD card case or a MMC case. In the following embodiments of this invention, the disc case, which is used for accommodating a CD or a DVD, is used as an example for illustrating of the merits the data-storing media case of this invention.

The data-storing media case of this embodiment includes: a case body 1 provided with a control circuit 100 thereon; a memory unit 6 provided on the case body 1 and having stored information that corresponds to the information stored in the data-storing media (not shown) and that is accessible through the control circuit 100; and a signal output unit 5 provided on the case body 1 and coupled electrically to the control circuit 100 for converting the stored information of the memory unit 6 into an output signal. The case body 1 defines an accommodating space 10 for receiving the data-storing media therein, and includes front and rear covers 11, 12 that are movable relative to each other between an opened position (see Fig. 2), in which access to the data-storing media in the accommodating space 10 is permitted, and a closed position (see Fig. 1) , in which access to the data-storing media in the accommodating space 10 is denied. The rear cover 12 is formed with a disc holder 13 protruding into the accommodating space 10 and adapted to hold the disc. The data-storing media case further includes a first circuit actuating unit 8 that is mounted on the case body 1 for controlling circuit states of the control circuit 100 for enabling and disabling the signal output unit 5. The first circuit actuating unit 8 includes first and second conductive members 81, 82 coupled to the control circuit 100 in such a manner that electrical connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 81, 82 correspond respectively to the circuit states of the control circuit 100.

A cover sheet 101, such as a transparent material, is employed to enclose the case body 1, the memory- unit 6, the signal output unit 5, and the first circuit actuating unit 8 for protecting the case body 1 from scratching and stain.

The control circuit 100 includes a printed circuit board 103, an IC controller (not shown) mounted on the printed circuit board 103, and electronic components 9 mounted on the printed circuit board 103. A battery unit 7 is mounted on the printed circuit board 103 for supplying power to the control circuit 100. In this embodiment, the output signal unit 5 includes a speaker 51 and an earphone jack 52 which are embedded in the front cover 11. The earphone jack

52 is adapted to receive an earphone plug (not shown) .

The first circuit actuating unit 8 further includes a controlling member 80 (see Figs. 3A and 3B) for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 81, 82. The controlling member 80 is embedded in the front cover 11, and includes a circuit board 83 and a pressable button 84 that is mounted on the circuit board 83 and that has a conductive connecting element 841. The first and second conductive members 81, 82 have finger-like portions formed on the circuit board 83. The pressable button 84 is movable between a pre s sed pos it ion (not shown) , in which the connect ing element 841 bridges electrically the first and second conductive members 81, 82, and a non-pressed position

(see Fig. 3A), in which the connecting element 841 is disconnected from at least one of the first and second conductive members 81, 82. A push mark (not shown) , which is located above the pressable button 84, is marked on the cover sheet 101 for the user to press thereon for trial listening. In use, the push mark is pressed so as to result in downward movement of the pressable button 84 to the pressed position, thereby actuating a corresponding circuit state of the control circuit 100 so as to play an audio sample stored in the memory unit 6 without removing the cover sheet 101 or opening the case body 1. Hence, with the inclusion of the control circuit 100 and the memory unit 6 in the data-storingmedia case of this invention, the aforesaid drawbacks, i.e., the inconvenient operation, long waiting times, and requirement in removing the cover sheet for subsequent trial listening, associated with the conventional data-storing media case can be eliminated. When the controlling member 80 is actuated through pressing action, the front cover 11 of the case body 1 is preferably made from a material, such as a paper board or plasties, that is slightly and resiliently depressible so as to permit actuation of the controlling member 80 upon pressing the push mark without removing the cover sheet 101 and so as to permit restoration of the front cover 11 to its normal shape. In this embodiment, the front cover 11 is made from a paper board .

Alternatively, instead of using the pressable button 84 as the controlling member 80, the earphone jack 52 can also cooperate with the earphone plug (not shown) to serve as the controlling member 80 through electrical connection with the first and second conductive members 81, 82 for controlling the circuit states of the control circuit 100 (see Fig. 3C) . Fig. 4 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The second preferred embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that actuation of the control circuit 100 can be conducted by the user's finger without using the controlling member

80. In this embodiment, the case body 1 has an outer surface 110, the cover sheet 101 is formed with a window 105, and each of the first and second conductive members

81, 82 has an end portion 800 formed on the outer surface 110 of the case body 1 and exposed from the window

105 in the cover sheet 101 so as to permit access to and electrical bridging of the end portions 800 of the first and second conductive members 81, 82. Preferably, the end portions 800 of the first and second conductive members 81, 82 are in the form of a printed conductive ink. As such, actuation of one of the circuit states of the control circuit 100 so as to play a music sample stored in the memory unit 6 can be conducted by contacting the end portions 800 of the first and second conductive members 81, 82 solely with the user' s finger without removing the cover sheet 101 or opening the case body 1.

Figs. 5A and 5B, in combination with Fig. 1, illustrate the third preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The third preferred embodiment differs from the first preferred embodiment in that actuation of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a different controlling member 80. In this embodiment, the front cover 11 is formed with a slot 115, and the controlling member 80 includes a circuit board 83 that is embedded in the front cover 11 and that is accessible through the slot 115, a dielectric card 85 that extends into the slot 115, a first pin 812 fixed to the circuit board 83 and connected to the first conductive member 81, and a second pin 822 that has a first end portion 8221 fixed to the circuit board 83 and connected to the second conductive member 82, and a second end portion 8222 extending from the first end portion 8221 and abutting resiliently against the first pin 812 so as to connect electrically the first conductive member 81 to the second conductive member 82. The dielectric card 85 is slidable on the circuit board 83 between a first position (see Fig. 5B) , in which the dielectric card 85 is spaced apart from the first and second pins 812, 822, and a second position (not shown) , in which the dielectric card 85 is disposed between the first and second pins 812, 822, thereby disconnecting electrically the first conductive member 81 from the second conductive member 82. As such, actuation of one of the circuit states of the control circuit 100 so as to play a music sample stored in the memory unit 6 can be conducted solely by moving the dielectric card 85 between the first and second positions without removing the cover sheet 101 or opening the case body 1.

Fig. 5C, in combinat ion wi th Fig . 5A, illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The fourth preferred embodiment differs from the third preferred embodiment in that actuation of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a different controlling member 80. In this embodiment, the controlling member 80 includes a circuit board 83 that is embedded in the front cover 11, a pin-holding block 86 that is mounted on the circuit board 83, and a dielectric card 85 that extends into the slot 115 and that is formed with a recess 851 defined by a reces s -de fining wall 852. The first conductive member 81 has a first pin 812 that is fixed to the pin-holding block 86 and that has a free end 8121 disposed adjacent to the recess 851. The second conductive member 82 has a second pin 822 that is fixed to the pin-holding block 86 and that has a free end 8221 extending into the recess 851. The dielectric card 85 is slidable between a first position (see Fig. 5C) , in which the dielectric card 85 is spaced apart from the first and second pins 812, 822, and a second position (not shown) , in which the reces s -de fining wall 852 of the dielectric card 85 presses the free end 8221 of the second pin 822 to abut resiliently against the free end 8121 of the first pin 812, thereby connecting electrically the first conductive member 81 to the second conductive member 82. Hence, operation and effect of the controlling member 80 of this embodiment are similar to those of the third preferred embodiment. Figs. 6A to 6C illustrate the fifth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The fifth preferred embodiment differs from the first preferred embodiment in that actuation of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a rolling ball switch 31 instead of using the controlling member 80. In this embodiment , the rolling ball switch 31 is mounted on the circuit board 103, and is coupled to the first and second conductive members 81, 82 for controlling connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 81, 82. To illustrate in a more detail, the rolling ball switch 31 includes a ball housing 87 and a conductive ball 312 that is disposed movably in the ball housing 87. The ball housing 87 has a conductive surrounding wall 871 connected electrically to the first conductive member 81 and defining one end of the ball housing 87, a frame-like dielectric end wall 872 defining the other end of the ball housing 87, and a conductive pad 873 surrounded by the dielectric end wall 872 and connected electrically to the second conductive member 82. As such, the conductive ball 312 can be moved to a selective one of the two ends of the ball housing 87 by tilting the ball housing 87 to a corresponding direction. When the data-storing media case is tilted in a direction such that the conductive ball 312 is moved from said one end (see Fig. 6B) of the ball housing 87 to the other end (see Fig. 6C) of the ball housing 87, i.e., the dielectric end wall 872, by virtue of gravity, the conductive ball 312 is in electrical connection with the first and second conductive members 81, 82 through the conductive surrounding wall 871 and the conductive pad 873. Hence, the user can actuate one of the circuit states of the control circuit 100 by tilting the data-storing media case so as to play a music sample stored in the memory unit 6 without removing the cover sheet 101 or opening the case body 1.

Figs. 7A to 7C illustrate the sixth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The sixth preferred embodiment differs from the fifth preferred embodiment in that actuation of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a motion switch 32. In this embodiment, the motion switch 32 includes a coil spring housing 88 and a conductive coil spring 322 that is disposed and that is swingable in the coil spring housing 88 such that shaking the data-storing media case results in swinging of the coil spring 322, which, in turn, results in electrical connection or disconnection between the first and second conductive members 81, 82. To illustrate in a more detail, the coil spring housing 88 has a conductive surrounding wall 881 connected electrically to the first conductive member 81, and a dielectric end wall 882 defining one end of the coil spring housing 88. The conductive coil spring 322 has a fixed end that is secured to the dielectric end wall 882 and that is connected electrically to the second conductive member 82, and a free end that is opposite to the fixed end and that is swingable. As such, shaking of the data-storing media case results in swinging of the free end of the conductive coil spring 322, which, in turn, can result in electrical contact between the free end of the conductive coil spring

322 and the conductive surrounding wall 881 (see Fig.

7C) . The free end of the conductive coil spring 322 is self restored resiliently to its original position

(see Fig. 7B) when the swinging action is stopped.

Hence, the user can actuate one of the circuit states of the control circuit 100 by shaking the data-storing media case so as to play a music sample stored in the memory unit 6 without removing the cover sheet 101 or opening the case body 1.

Fig. 8 illustrates the seventh preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The seventh preferred embodiment differs from the first preferred embodiment in that actuation of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a light sensor 33 instead of using the controlling member 80. In this embodiment, the front cover 11 is formed with a sensor receiving-hole 115. The light sensor 33 is mounted in the sensor-receiving hole 115, and is coupled to the first and second conductive members 81, 82 for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between the first and second conductive members 81, 82. Hence, the user can actuate one of the circuit states of the control circuit 100 by covering the sensor-receiving hole 115 solely with the user's finger so as to play a music sample stored in the memory unit 6 without removing the cover sheet 101 or opening the case body 1.

In addition to the use of the first circuit actuating unit 8, which serves to actuate the circuit states of the control circuit 100, the data-storing media case can further include a second circuit actuating unit 2, which can serve to actuate operating states of the control circuit 100, and which will be described in a greater detail in the following embodiments.

Fig. 9 illustrates the eighth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. In this embodiment, the second circuit actuating unit 2 includes a light sensing switch 21 that is mounted on the circuit board 103 and that is coupled electrically to the control circuit 100. The light sensing switch 21 is exposed within the accommodating space 10 in the case body 1 so as to control the operating states of the control circuit 100 that correspond respectively to the opened and closed positions of the front and rear covers 11, 12. As such, the light sensing switch 21 is exposed to ambient light and is enabled so as to actuate a corresponding operating state of the control circuit 100 when the case body 1 is opened, thereby resulting in an output signal, such as playing a music sample or a greeting sound. Figs. 1OA and 1OB illustrate the ninth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The ninth preferred embodiment differs from the eighth preferred embodiment in that actuation of the operating states of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a different switch. In this embodiment, the second circuit actuating unit 2 includes a pressable button switch 22 coupled electrically to the control circuit 100 through the circuit board 103, protruding from the front cover 11 toward the rear cover 12 , andmovable between pressed and non-pressed positions for controlling the operating states of the control circuit 100. The pressable button switch 22 is disposed at the pressed position (see Fig. 10A) when the front and rear covers 11, 12 are disposed at the closed position, and is disposed at the non-pressed position (see Fig. 10B) when the front and rear covers 11, 12 are disposed at the opened position. Hence, the pressable button switch 22 can perform the same effect as the aforesaid light sensing switch 21.

Figs. HA and HB illustrate the tenth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The tenth preferred embodiment differs from the eighth preferred embodiment in that actuation of the operating states of the control circuit 100 is conducted using a different switch. In this embodiment, the second circuit actuating unit 2 includes a reed switch 23 mounted on the front cover 11 and coupled electrically to the control circuit 100 through the circuit board 103, and a magnet 24 mounted on the rear cover 12 and associated with the reed switch 23 in such a manner that movement of the front and rear covers 11, 12 between the opened and closed positions results in enabling and disabling of the reed switch 23, respectively. Hence, the reed switch 23 can also perform the same effect as the aforesaid light sensing switch 21.

Fig. 12 illustrates the eleventh preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The eleventh preferred embodiment differs from the first preferred embodiment in that an LCD display 200, a card reader 300, and a volume controller 400 are further included in the data-storing media case and are coupled electrically to the control circuit 100. The LCD display 200 serves to display the information stored in the memory unit 6 when a corresponding circuit state of the control circuit 100 is actuated. The volume controller 400 serves to control the volume of the speaker 51. The card reader 300 is embedded in the front cover 11, and has a slot entrance 301 exposed from the outside of the case body 1 for insertion of an external memory card 600, such a s a S D ca rd or an MMC card , therethrough. As such, the external memory card 600 is to be inserted into the card reader 300 from the outside of the case body 1. The information stored in the memory card 600 can be displayed through the LCD display 200 or output through the speaker 51. In addition, the rear cover 12 of the case body 1 is formed with a booklet- s lot 125 adapted to receive a booklet 70 therein.

Fig. 13 illustrates the twelfth preferred embodiment of the data-storing media case according to this invention. The twelfth preferred embodiment differs from the eleventh preferred embodiment in that the card reader 300 is embedded in the front cover 11 and is disposed in such a manner that the slot entrance 301 is in spatial communication with the accommodating space 10 in the case body 1. As such, the external memory card 600 is to be inserted into the card reader 300 from the inside of the case body 1.

With the inclusion of the control circuit 100 and the memory unit 6 in the data-storing media case of this invention, the aforesaid drawbacks associated with the prior art can be eliminated. Moreover, if an artist of a CD is not known in public and if there is not enough advertisement for the artist, by the features of the data-storing case of this invention, the music of the unknown artist can be listened to. Since the data-storing case of this invention has the trial listening function, the expensive equipments normally installed in the music shops for trial listening can be dispensed with, and CD can be better sold now at any other store than a music store.

In addition, the stored information stored in the memory unit 6 may contain solely audio information that corresponds to voice information, such as an introduction information, a greeting information or an inspiring information, etc., of the same person who recorded the recorded voice in format ion in digital form in the disc or of people other than the one who recorded the recorded voice information in the disc, or may further contain the aforesaid audio information in addition to the information corresponding to the audio sample (s) stored in the disc, which can serve as a backgroundmusic for the audio information. Hence, the above feature of the data-storing case of this invention gives the CD more value and more value to the consumer .

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiment s, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A data-storing media case adapted to accommodate a data-storing media therein, comprising: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory unit provided on said case body and having stored in format ion that corresponds to the information stored in the data-storing media and that is accessible through said control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on said case body and coupled electrically to said control circuit for converting said stored information of said memory unit into an output signal.

2. The data-storing media case of claim 1, wherein said case body defines an accommodating space for receiving the data- storing media therein, and includes front and rear covers that are movable relative to each other between an opened position, in which access to the data-storing media in said accommodating space is permitted, and a closed position, in which access to the data-storing media in said accommodating space i s denied .

3. The data-storing media case of claim 2, further comprising a first circuit actuating unit that is mounted on said case body for controlling circuit states of said control circuit for enabling and disabling said signal output unit, said first circuit actuating unit including first and second conductive members coupled to said control circuit in such a manner that electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members correspond respectively to the circuit states of said control ci rcui t .

4. The data-storing media case of claim 3, further comprising a cover sheet enclosing said case body, said memory unit, said signal output unit, and said first circuit actuating unit.

5. The data-storing media case of claim 3, wherein said front cover of said case body is slightly depressible, said first circuit actuating unit further including a controlling member for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members, said controlling member being embedded in said front cover and including a circuit board and a pressable button that is mounted on said circuit board and that has a conductive connecting element, said first and second conductive members having portions formed on said circuit board, said pressable button being movable between a pressed position, in which said connecting element bridges electrically said first and second conductive members , and a non-pressed position, in which said connecting element is disconnected from at least one of said first and second conductive members.

6. The data-storing media case of claim 4, wherein said case body has an outer surface, said cover sheet being formed with a window, each of said first and second conductive members having an end portion formed on said outer surface of said case body and exposed from said window in said cover sheet so as to permit access to and electrical bridging of said end portions of said first and second conductive members.

7. The data-storing media case of claim 6, wherein said end portion of each of said first and second conductive members is in the form of a printed conductive ink.

8. The data-storing media case of claim 3, wherein said front cover is formed with a slot, said first circuit actuating unit further including a controlling member for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members, said controlling member including a circuit board that is embedded in said front cover and that is accessible through said slot, and a dielectric card that extends into said slot, said first conductive member having a first pin fixed to said circuit board, said second conductive member having a second pin that has a first end portion fixed to said circuit board and a second end portion extending from said first end portion and abutting resiliently against said first pin so as to connect electrically said first conductive member to said second conductive member, said dielectric card being slidable on said circuit board between a first position, in which said dielectric card is spaced apart from said first and second pins, and a second position, in which said dielectric card is disposed between said first and second pins, thereby- disconnecting electrically said first conductive member from said second conductive member.

9. The data-storing media case of claim 3, wherein said front cover is formed with a slot, said first circuit actuating unit further including a controlling member for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members, said controlling member including a circuit board that is embedded in said front cover, a pin-holding block that is mounted on said circuit board, and a dielectric card that extends into said slot and that is formed with a recess defined by a reces s -de fining wall, said first conductive member having a first pin that is fixed to said pin-holding block and that has a free end disposed adjacent to said recess, said second conductive member having a second pin that is fixed to said pin-holding block and that has a free end extending into said recess, said dielectric card being slidable between a first position, in which said dielectric card is spaced apart from said first and second pins, and a second position, in which said reces s -de fining wall of said dielectric card presses said free end of said second pin to abut resiliently against said free end of said first pin, thereby connecting electrically said first conductive member to said second conductive member.

10. The data-storing media case of claim 3, wherein said control circuit includes a circuit board embedded in said front cover, said first circuit actuating unit further including a rolling ball switch mounted on said circuit board and coupled to said first and second conductive members for controlling connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members.

11. The data-storing media case of claim 3, wherein said control circuit includes a circuit board embedded in said front cover, said first circuit actuating unit further including a motion detection switch mounted on said circuit board and coupled to said first and second conductive members for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members.

12. The data-storing media case of claim 3, wherein said front cover is formed with a sensor receiving-hole, said first circuit actuating unit further including a light sensor mounted in said sensor-receiving hole and coupled to said first and second conductive members for controlling electrical connection and disconnection between said first and second conductive members.

13. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said control circuit includes a circuit board embedded in said front cover, said data-storing media case further comprising a second circuit actuating unit for controlling operating states of said control circuit, said second circuit actuating unit including a light sensing switch mounted on said circuit board and coupled electrically to said control circuit, said light sensing switch being exposed within said accommodating space in said case body so as to control the operating states of said control circuit that correspond respectively to the opened and closed positions of said front and rear covers.

14. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said control circuit includes a circuit board embedded in said front cover, said data-storing media case further comprising a second circuit actuating unit for controlling operating states of said control circuit, said second circuit actuating unit including a press able button switch coupled electrically to said control circuit through said circuit board, protruding from said front cover toward said rear cover, and movable between pressed and non-pressed positions for controlling the operating states of said control circuit, said pressable button switch being disposed at the pressed position when said front and rear covers are disposed at the closed position, and being disposed at the non-pressed position when said front and rear covers are disposed at the opened position.

15. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said control circuit includes a circuit board embedded in said front cover, said data-storing media case further comprising a second circuit actuating unit for controlling operating states of said control circuit, said second circuit actuating unit including a reed switch mounted on said front cover and coupled electrically to said control circuit through said circuit board, and a magnet mounted on said rear cover and associated with said reed switch in such a manner that movement of said front and rear covers between the opened and closed positions results in enabling and disabling of said reed switch, respectively.

16. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said signal output unit includes a speaker and a volume controller coupled to said control circuit for controlling volume of said speaker.

17. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said signal output unit includes a liquid crystal display coupled to said control circuit for displaying said stored information of said memory unit.

18. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said case body is provided with a card reader embedded in said front cover, coupled to said control circuit, and having a slot entrance exposed from the outside of said case body for insertion of an external memory- card therethrough.

19. The data-storing media case of claim 2, wherein said case body is provided with a card reader embedded in said front cover, coupled to said control circuit, and having a slot entrance in spatial communication with said accommodating space in said case body for insertion of an external memory card therethrough.

20. The data-storing media case of claim 1, wherein said case body is formed with a booklet-slot adapted to receive a booklet therein.

21. The data-storing media case of claim 1, wherein said case body is provided with an earphone j ack coupled to said control circuit and adapted to receive an earphone plug.

22. The data-storing media case of claim 1, wherein said control circuit includes a circuit board embedded in said case body, said data-storing media case further comprising a battery unit mounted on said circuit board and coupled to said control circuit.

23. A disc case adapted to receive a disc therein, compr i sing: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory unit provided on said case body and having stored in format ion that corresponds to the information stored in the disc and that is accessible through said control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on said case body and coupled electrically to said control circuit for converting said stored information of said memory unit into an output signal.

24. A memory card case adapted to receive a memory card therein, comprising: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a card reader embedded in said case body, coupled electrically to said control circuit, and adapted to receive the memory card for accessing information stored in the memory card; and a signal output unit provided on said case body and coupled electrically to said control circuit for converting the information stored in the memory card into an output signal.

25. A disc case adapted to receive a disc therein, said disc case comprising: a case body provided with a control circuit thereon; a memory unit provided on said case body and having stored information that corresponds to voice information and that is accessible through said control circuit; and a signal output unit provided on said case body and coupled electrically to said control circuit for converting said stored in format ion of said memory unit into an output signal.