Jewel case for compact laser disc

Claim 1

A jewel case for a disc element comprising: a case including a generally rectangular base, and a generally rectangular cover which are hingeably joined along a first side edge thereof, said base and said cover being hingeably movable to a closed position wherein said base and said cover are received in interfitting relation to define an interior cavity for receiving a disc element therein and to further define an edge opening opposite said first side edge, said base and said cover further being movable to an open position wherein the interior cavity is exposed for access to said disc element; a resilient disc holder positioned in said case for receiving a disc element thereon, said disc holder including a spine portion arranged adjacent to the first side edge of the case, said spine portion merging outwardly from a central portion thereof in a U-shaped configuration to form a pair of spaced arm portions which terminate adjacent to the edge opening, said disc holder including a raised shoulder extending in an arcuate contour around the arm portions and the spine portion, said arcuate contour opening outwardly toward said edge opening, said raised shoulder cooperating with said arm portions to define a ledge which receives and supports the edge margin of the disc while the raised shoulder engages the peripheral side edges of the disc, said raised shoulder extending in an arc of greater than 180 degrees wherein the end points of the arc define capture points which capture the disc within said arcuate contour when the disc is received between said arm portions; and means for resiliently deflecting said arm portions outwardly to a deflected position wherein said capture points are disengaged from the peripheral side edges of the disc element thereby releasing said disc element from said arm portions.