METHODE ET SYSTEME PERMETTANT D'UTILISER UN BOITIER D'ENREGISTREMENT MULTIMEDIA COMME ORNEMENT

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING A MULTIMEDIA RECORDING CASE AS AN ORNAMENT

Abrégé anglais

The present invention relates generally to an ornament comprising a
case housing a multimedia medium such as a CD or DVD disc. The
ornament is designed so that the medium is contained within a case with
decorative features. The case or the decorative features are provided with
a hook to allow the user to hang the case from a support such as a
Christmas tree.

Revendications

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I CLAIM:
1. A case for a multimedia recording medium, said case having a
decorative feature and a hook for suspension.
2. The case of claim 1 wherein said decorative feature is removable from
said case.
3. The case of claim 1 wherein said decorative feature is affixed
permanently to said case.
4. The case of claim 1 wherein said decorative feature is manufactured as
an integral portion of said case.
5. The case of claim 1 wherein said hook is attached to said case.
6. The case of claim 1 wherein said hook is attached to said decorative
feature.
7. A method for creating a case for a multimedia recording medium, said
method comprising the steps of:
a) manufacturing said case; and
b) providing a decorative feature for said case.
8. The method of claim. 7 further comprising the step of manufacturing
said case so that said decorative feature is removable from said case.

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9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of manufacturing
said case so said decorative feature is affixed permanently to said case.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of manufacturing
said case so said decorative feature is manufactured as an integral portion
of said case.
11. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of integrating a
hook with said case.
12. The method of claim 7 wherein further comprising the step of
integrating a hook with said decorative feature.

Description

CA 02481794 2004-10-12
Canadian Patent Application
For
Title: A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING A MULTIMEDIA
RECORDING CASE AS AN ORNAMENT
Inventor: Mary-Lynne Snedden

CA 02481794 2004-10-12
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION: A Method and System for Utilizing a
Multimedia Recording Case as an Ornament
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for
utilizing a multimedia recording medium such as a CD/DVD contained
within a case. The case has a decorative feature and either the case or the
design includes a hook tha allows the case to be hung from the branch of a
Christmas tree or other support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many providers of craft materials have suggested the use of
Compact Discs (CD's) to create ornaments. These ornaments make use of
unwanted CD's as a canvas, which is decorated to create an inexpensive
and unique ornament. There are also numerous suppliers that provide
"CD Christmas Ornaments" where a CD is labelled with a festive theme
and hung on a tree. These CD's typically contain Christmas music and are
playable on a standard CD player.
However, none have considered the concept of decorating a CD or
DVD case in a theme appropriate for a festive occasion, such as Christmas, ,
a birthday or anniversary. Further, none have considered providing a loop
on the case or decorative fea ure to allow it and its contents to be hung
from a support, such as a Christmas tree. Thus, there is a need for a

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multimedia recording case that may be decorated in a specific theme. The
present invention addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a case for a multimedia recording
medium, said case having a decorative feature and a hook for suspension.
The present invention is al o directed to a case wherein a hock is attached
to a decorative feature.
The present invention is also directed to a method for creating a case for a
multimedia recording medium, said method comprising the steps of:
a) manufacturing said cased and
b) providing a decorative feature to be attached to said case.
The present invention is also directed to the step of manufacturing said
case so that said decorative feature is removable or affixed permanently to
said case.
The present invention is further directed to the step of providing a hook
integrated with said case or said decorative feature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show
more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,

CA 02481794 2004-10-12
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by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which aid in
understanding embodiments of the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 is a front plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention
showing the case closed;
Figure 2 is a front plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the
case open;
Figure 3 is a side plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a front plan view of a second embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 5 is a side plan view illustrating means for attaching a decorative
feature to the present invention;
Figure 6 illustrates means for attaching a decorative feature to the present
invention; and
Figure 7 is a front plan view of decorative features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTLON OF THE INVENTION
Referring first to Figure 1 a front plan view of a first embodiment of
the present invention showing the case closed is shown generally as 10.
The case 10 comprises a front dace 12, a hinge 14, a hub 16, a closure 18, a
support hook 20 and a support base 22. In use, closure 18 is released to
allow front face 12 to open pivoting on hinge 14. Within case 10 a
multimedia recording medium such as a CD or DVD may be stored by
attaching the medium to hub 16 as is well known in the industry. Case 10
with the medium enclosed may be hung from a support such as the branch

CA 02481794 2004-10-12
of a Christmas tree through the use of support hook 20 which is attached to
support base 22.
Referring next to Figure 2 a front plan view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 is illustrated showing the case 10 of Figure 1 open. Feature 12a is
the inside of face 12 and feature 12b is the internal rear portion of case 10.
Referring next to Figure 3 a side plan view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 is shown generally as 40. Feature 16a is the male portion of hub 16
and feature 16b is the female portion of hub 16. Feature 18a is the male
portion of closure 18 and feature 18b is the female portion of closure 18.
Referring next to Figure 4 a front plan view of a second embodiment
of the present invention is shown generally as 50. Figure 4 differs from the
embodiment of Figure 1 in that hook 20a does not utilize a support base 22.
It is not the intent of the inventor to restrict the manner or construction of
hook 20. Any means for providing a hook to hang cases 10 or 50 may be
utilized. Similarly, hinge 14 may have multiple configurations; the intent is
simply that cases 10 or 50 maybe opened on a hinge 14 to expose faces 12a
and 12b to provide access' o the multimedia recording medium contained
therein. The case of embodiment 50 contains three studs 52 projecting
from the rear of front face 12, which allow the user to affix a decorative
feature to face 12. Any number of studs 52 may be used in any
configuration, however for stability in affixing a decorative feature; the
inventor has chosen the number of studs 52 to be three in a triangular
pattern.

CA 02481794 2004-10-12
Referring now to Figure 5 a side plan view illustrating means for
attaching a decorative feature to the present invention is shown generally
as &0. Projecting from front face 12 are studs 52, which are designed to
receive a decorative feature.
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Referring now to Figure 6 an illustration of means for attaching
decorative features to the present invention is shown generally as 70. The
means for attaching a decorative feature to face 12 utilize a stud 52a, 52b
and a receptor 54a; 54c. Studs 52a and 52b correspond to implementations
of feature 52 as shown in Figure 5. Receptors 54a and 52b are affixed to the
rear of a decorative feature to be attached to the present invention. It is
not
the intent of the inventor to restrict the means of attaching a decorative
feature to the present invention to the two embodiments illustrated, they
merely serve as examples. Any means of attachment, including permanent
bonding by glue or other. quick detachable means may be utilized. As
illustrated, features 52a and 54a utilize a connection that is simple in
design
for easy insertion and removal. Such a design would be useful should the
decorative feature need to be removed and or replaced. Features 52b and
54b provide a more robust and less easily disengaged connection, through
the utilization of an irregular edge 72.
Referring next to Figure ~ a front plan view of exemplary decorative
features, which may be utilized, is shown generally as 80. Any number of
decorative features may be utilized and Figure 7 provides four examples.
Each decorative feature 82, 84, 86 or 88 may be applied to face 12 by a
permanent connection such as glue or through the use of receptors and
studs (see Figures 5 and 6). Decorative feature 82 in the shape of a star

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provides an alternative hook 20b which is attached to decorative feature 82
rather than case 10 or 50. Similarly decorative feature 84 illustrates another
alternative hook 20c. Decorative feature $6 shows an animal motif, in this
case a pig utilizing the hook 20a of Figure 4. Finally, decorative feature 88
makes use of a wider hook 20d secured either to case 10 or decorative
feature 88.
It is not the intent of the inventor to restrict the range of decorative
features or support hooks to those illustrated in the Figures. As can be well
appreciated there are infinite possibilities for decorative features, as
innumerable as snowflakes. The embodiments of decorative features
shown in figure ~ are merely meant to be examples for illustrative
purposes of how the invention may be implemented.
It is the intent of the inventor that the case (10,50) house a
multimedia medium such as a CD or DVD and that medium would contain
material comprising movies, photographs, voice or sound. The decorative
feature (Figure 7) attached to the case may provide a thematic reference to
the material contained therein. Perhaps a favourite photograph or a
holiday theme, the possibilities are infinite. Further, through the use of
posts and receptors (Figure 6) a case may be reused by simply replacing the
decorative feature and the content therein.
Although this disclosure has referred to the decorative feature being
attached to the face of a case; it may just as easily be attached to the back
portion of a case. Further, portions of the decorative feature may be
attached to both the front and back of the case. For example, the decorative

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feature 86 of Figure 7 may have a pig tail attached to the rear of the case.
As well, the decorative portions be they on the face or the rear of the case
may be manufactured as an integral portion of the case and as such would
not be required to be glued on or snapped on.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain
specific embodiments; various modifications thereof will be apparent to
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.

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