U.S. patent application number 11/702918 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for display package and carrying case for a handheld device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Steven William Fisher, Jill Geurts, Young Kim, Shane Sykes, Eric Wahl.
Application Number | 20080185312 11/702918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39675251 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080185312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geurts; Jill ; et
al. |
August 7, 2008 |
Display package and carrying case for a handheld device
Abstract
A display package for a handheld device is described. One
disclosed embodiment comprises a base packaging structure
comprising a recess, and a substantially rigid device carrying case
rotatably suspended within the recess such that the device carrying
case is rotatable with respect to the base packaging structure.
This may allow a prospective purchase to view features on different
sides of the device without removing the display packaging from a
display shelf, and also provides a downstream use for a portion of
the display package.
Inventors: |
Geurts; Jill; (Kirkland,
WA) ; Wahl; Eric; (Kirkland, WA) ; Sykes;
Shane; (Woodinville, WA) ; Kim; Young;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Fisher; Steven William;
(Kirkland, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICROSOFT CORPORATION
ONE MICROSOFT WAY
REDMOND
WA
98052-6399
US
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
39675251 |
Appl. No.: |
11/702918 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/525 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/322 20130101;
B65D 2201/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/525 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A display package for a handheld device, comprising: a base
packaging structure comprising a recess; and a substantially rigid
device carrying case rotatably suspended within the recess in the
base packaging structure via at least one spindle such that the
device carrying case is rotatable with respect to the base
packaging structure.
2. The display package of claim 1, wherein the device carrying case
is rotatably suspended within the recess via a first spindle which
is integrated into the carrying case and a second spindle which is
removable from the carrying case.
3. The display package of claim 2, wherein the second spindle
comprises a carrying strap attachment structure.
4. The display package of claim 1, wherein the device carrying case
comprises a first piece and a second piece coupled together via a
hinge, and wherein the first piece and the second piece each
comprises an inner surface shaped to conform to an outer surface
contour of the handheld device.
5. The display package of claim 1, wherein the second piece
comprises an interior storage area and features disposed in the
storage area configured to accommodate an accessory to the handheld
device.
6. The display package of claim 1, wherein the device carrying case
is substantially transparent.
7. The display package of claim 6, wherein the carrying case
comprises surface details that highlight functional and/or
aesthetic features of the handheld device within the carrying
case.
8. A carrying case for a computer mouse, comprising: a
substantially rigid first piece comprising an inner surface shaped
to conform to a first outer portion of the mouse; a substantially
rigid second piece comprising an inner surface shaped to conform to
a shape of a second outer portion of the mouse; and a hinged
connection connecting the first piece and the second piece.
9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the first piece and second
piece are substantially transparent.
10. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein one or more of the first
piece and second piece comprises surface details that correspond to
functional and/or aesthetic features of the computer mouse within
the carrying case.
11. The carrying case of claim 8, further comprising a spindle
structure extending from a portion of the carrying case.
12. The carrying case of claim 8, further comprising an opening
configured to accommodate and retain a spindle structure when the
carrying case is closed.
13. The carrying case of claim 8, further comprising an interior
storage area and features disposed in the storage area configured
to accommodate an accessory to the computer mouse.
14. The carrying case of claim 13, wherein the accessory is an
antenna attachable to a computer to enable wireless communication
with the computer mouse.
15. A display package for a computer mouse, comprising: a base
packaging structure comprising a front face with a recess; a mouse
carrying case disposed within the recess and rotatably coupled with
the base packaging structure within the recess; a first spindle
extending from the mouse carrying case and coupling the mouse
carrying case to the base packaging structure; and a second spindle
removably coupled to the mouse carrying case and coupling the mouse
carrying case to the base packaging structure.
16. The display package of claim 15, wherein the first spindle
comprises a carrying strap attachment structure.
17. The display package of claim 15, wherein the mouse carrying
case comprises a first piece and a second piece coupled together
via a hinge, and wherein the first piece and the second piece each
comprises an inner surface shaped to conform to an outer surface
contour of the computer mouse.
18. The display package of claim 15, wherein the second piece
comprises an interior storage area and features disposed in the
storage area configured to accommodate an accessory to the computer
mouse.
19. The display package of claim 15, wherein the mouse carrying
case is substantially transparent.
20. The display package of claim 19, wherein the carrying case
comprises a portion with a smooth surface divided from a portion
with a textured surface along a border that traces a design feature
of the computer mouse.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various electronic hand-held devices may have functional
components located on multiple sides of the device. For example, a
"presenter mouse" device may include presentation and multimedia
controls built into the mouse device to allow a user to control the
presentation of content to an audience, for example, via a
slideshow or multimedia program. The mouse controls may be located
on a top portion of the device (referring to the orientation of the
device when used as a mouse), while the presentation and multimedia
controls may be located on bottom and/or side portions of the
device.
[0002] A consumer wishing to purchase such a device may be
interested in seeing all of the device features before deciding
whether to make the purchase. However, due to the locations of the
different controls on different sides of the device, it may be
difficult to package the device in an attractive and
theft-deterrent manner such that all of the features of the device
are visible to a purchaser. Furthermore, packaging for such devices
is generally designed to be disposed of after use, thereby
generating waste.
SUMMARY
[0003] Accordingly, a display package for a handheld device that
allows multiple sides of the device to be viewed by a prospective
purchaser, and that incorporates packaging elements that are
reusable as a device carrying case, is described below in the
Detailed Description. One disclosed embodiment of a display package
for a handheld device comprises a base packaging structure
comprising a recess, and a substantially rigid device carrying case
rotatably suspended within the recess. In this manner, the device
carrying case is rotatable with respect to the base packaging
structure. This may allow a prospective purchase to view features
on different sides of the device without removing the display
packaging from a display shelf, and also provides a downstream use
for a portion of the packaging, thereby potentially reducing
waste.
[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not
limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages
noted in any part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a display package for an
electronic handheld device, with an embodiment of a device carrying
case shown in a first position.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the device
carrying case in a second position.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a top isometric view of the carrying case of
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a bottom isometric view of the carrying case of
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a view of an interior of the carrying case of
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a display package 10 for
an electronic handheld device. Display package 10 comprises a base
packaging structure 12 having a front face 14 with a recess 16
formed therein. Display package 10 further comprises a device
carrying case 20 disposed within recess 16, and a handheld
electronic device 22 disposed within device carrying case 20.
Device carrying case 20 is rotatably suspended within recess 16
such that a prospective purchaser can fully rotate carrying case 20
within recess 16. This allows prospective purchasers to rotate
carrying case 20 to view features on the bottom or sides of
handheld electronic device, as illustrated in FIG. 2. While the
carrying case of the depicted embodiment is depicted as being
rotatable by 360 degrees within recess 16, it will be appreciated
that display package 10 may be configured such that carrying case
has any suitable range of motion. Furthermore, while electronic
device 22 is depicted as a presenter mouse, it will be appreciated
that display packaging 10 may be used with any suitable device or
product.
[0012] Continuing with FIG. 1, base 12 may have any suitable
structure. Suitable structure for base 12 may include, but are not
limited to, structures of sufficient size to deter potential
shoplifters, and/or to accommodate electronic device 22 within
recess 16 in a desired orientation and/or position above a product
display shelf. Furthermore, base 12 may be configured to include
sufficient interior space to hold manuals, computer-readable
storage media containing software for use with electronic device
22, cords, straps, and/or other accessories. Additionally, front
face 14 of base 12 may include "blister" structures 24 configured
to hold and display accessories for electronic device 22 to show a
prospective purchaser the additional contents of the package. In
the depicted embodiment, an antenna device 26 configured to allow
electronic device 22 to communicate wirelessly with another
computing device is shown positioned within blister structure 24.
The display in blister structure 24 of an accessory important to
the operation of electronic device 22 may be advantageous, as it
may discourage would-be shoplifters from stealing electronic device
22 by tearing or carrying case 20 from base 12 on the basis that an
important accessory would be left behind in the packaging.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the construction of base 12 in more detail.
Base 12 comprises a front piece 30, a back piece 32, and an
intermediate piece 34. In the depicted embodiment, each of front
piece 30, back piece 32, and intermediate piece 34 is formed from a
relatively thin sheet of material that is molded, thermoformed, or
otherwise shaped into the desired packaging shape.
[0014] Front piece 30 comprises an opening 36 through which
carrying case is accessible when positioned within recess 16.
Opening 36 may have any suitable configuration. For example,
opening 16 may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of
opening 36, thereby forming a frame which may depend upon the shape
and appearance of carrying case 20 and/or electronic device 22.
[0015] Front piece 30 also may include one or more connecting
structures 38 configured to accept the insertion of complementary
connecting structures 40 on intermediate piece 34 to facilitate the
secure connection of front piece 30 to intermediate piece 34. The
depicted front piece 30 and intermediate piece 34 may be connected
by inserting complementary connecting structures 40 into connecting
structures 38. If a stronger connection is desired, a suitable
adhesive may be used to secure complementary connecting structures
40 within connecting structures 38. The tightly bonded two-ply
structure created by adhering complementary connecting structures
within connecting structures 38 may help to stiffen and reinforce
the areas where carrying case 20 connects to base 12, thereby
helping to prevent removal of carrying case 20 from recess 16 and
deterring theft. The depicted embodiment includes two connecting
structures 38, 38a and two complementary connecting structures 40,
40a. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable number
and/or type of connecting mechanism may be used to join and
reinforce front piece 30 and intermediate piece 34.
[0016] Continuing with FIG. 3, intermediate piece 34 comprises a
portion that defines recess 16, and a bracing structure 42 that
maintains intermediate piece 34 at a suitable spacing from back
piece 32. The depicted bracing structure 42 is configured to be
spaced above the bottom surfaces of front piece 30 and back piece
32. In this manner, a lower surface 44 of bracing structure 42, a
bottom inner surface 46 of back piece 32, and back inner surface 48
of back piece 32 define a storage area in base 12 for holding
manuals, batteries, carrying straps, and other such accessories
within base 12. This storage area may be hidden by one or more
printed inserts (not shown) disposed within base 12 that provide
product information, bar codes, packaging graphics, etc.
[0017] Intermediate piece 34 also comprises openings at locations
50 and 52 configured to respectively accommodate spindles or
protrusions 54 and 56 disposed on carrying case 20. In this manner,
carrying case 20 may be suspended within recess 16 wholly by
spindles 54 and 56, allowing carrying case 20 to be rotated about
the axis defined by spindles 54 and 56. As depicted in FIG. 3,
spindle 56 may be configured to be removable from carrying case 20.
This feature is described in more detail below.
[0018] Continuing with FIG. 3, back piece 32 comprises a continuous
back surface 60 having a profile shaped to provide an aesthetic
appearance to base 12. Further, back piece 32 comprises an outer
flange 62 configured to be sealed to a complimentary flange 64 on
front piece 30. Back piece 32 may be sealed to front piece 30 in
any suitable manner. Examples include, but are not limited to,
thermal welding and/or melting, adhesives, mechanical fasteners,
and/or combinations thereof.
[0019] Front piece 30, back piece 32 and intermediate piece 34 may
be formed from any suitable material or materials. Suitable
materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.
Likewise, these pieces may be formed in any suitable manner,
including but not limited to various molding techniques such as
thermoforming and injection molding. The thickness of the plastic
from which these pieces are formed may vary depending upon various
factors, such as desired rigidity, cost, weight, and other such
properties. Furthermore, the materials from which these pieces may
be formed may be clear, colored, shaded, or may have any other
desired appearance. Forming these pieces from a clear may increase
the utility of the pieces as recycled materials due to the lack of
any pigments or dyes within the material, and also may offer good
readability of printed inserts disposed within base 12. Either of
front piece 30 and back piece 34 may include perforated lines or
other features to facilitate the opening of base 12 to remove items
packaged within the base structure.
[0020] It will be depicted that the configuration of the depicted
base 12, including but not limited to the shape, size aspect
ratios, etc. of base 12 are shown merely for the purpose of example
and are not intended to be limiting in any sense, and that a base
packaging structure may have any other suitable configuration for
use in packaging any suitable product.
[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 show carrying case 20 in more detail.
Referring first to FIG. 4, carrying case 20 comprises a top piece
70 and a bottom piece 71 each shaped to conform to a shape of the
device contained within the carrying case 20. Further, top piece 70
and bottom piece 71 may include surface and/or shape details that
highlight functional and/or aesthetic features of the device
packaged within. For example, in the depicted embodiment, top piece
70 and bottom piece 71 each conform generally to the shape of a
presenter mouse contained within carrying case 20. Furthermore, top
piece 70 comprises an oval-shaped depression 72 with a wheel-shaped
protrusion extending therefrom to accommodate and draw attention to
a scroll wheel on a mouse packaged within carrying case 20.
Likewise, top piece 70 also comprises raised areas 74 on a side
portion of top piece 70 to highlight a thumb control button on a
presenter mouse packaged within.
[0022] Top piece 70 may further comprise a region 76 having a
different surface texture than adjacent regions. Region 76 may be
configured to correspond in shape to a decorative feature of a
presenter mouse packaged there, for example, a surface panel
section having a different color or shade of color as adjacent
surface panels. Where carrying case 20 is formed from a
substantially transparent material, the view of the decorative
features of the presenter mouse through the region 76 and the
adjacent regions may highlight the decorative feature on the mouse
and give display package 10 a pleasing appearance. In this manner,
a carrying case constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure may be configured to highlight functional and/or
decorative features of any desired device packaged within. It will
be appreciated that the terms "top piece" and "bottom piece" as
used herein are used in reference to the orientation of the top and
bottom pieces of the carrying case relative to a presenter mouse
packaged within carrying case 20. Further, it will be appreciated
that the term "substantially transparent" as used herein indicates
a material through which features of the packaged device may be
seen, and may include materials with pigments, dyes, surface
coatings and/or surface textures that do not substantially obscure
a prospective purchaser's view of the packaged device.
[0023] Continuing with FIG. 4, top piece 70 and bottom piece 71 are
connected by one or more hinges 78. Further, a tapered extension 80
may be provided adjacent to each hinge 78 to help prevent hinges 78
from hanging up when carrying case 20 is inserted into or removed
from a pocket, briefcase, purse, etc. While the depicted top piece
70 and bottom piece 71 are connected by hinges, it will be
appreciated that top piece 70 and bottom piece 71 may be connected
in any suitable manner that allows case 20 to be opened for device
insertion and removal, and closed for device storage.
[0024] FIG. 4 also illustrates top spindle 54 in more detail. As
depicted, top spindle 54 comprises a first spindle portion 54a
integrated with and extending from top piece 70, and a second
spindle portion 54b integrated with and extending from bottom piece
71. A recess 82 is formed in second spindle portion 54b to accept
the attachment of a carrying strap or lanyard to carrying case 20
via recess 82 and a second hole disposed through top spindle 54
(shown in FIG. 6).
[0025] Continuing with FIGS. 4 and 5, bottom piece 71 may include a
downwardly extending protrusion 84 configured to create a storage
space to hold an accessory, such antenna device 26. In the depicted
embodiment, protrusion 84 is molded into a centrally disposed
portion of bottom piece 71, and includes a generally flat bottom
surface corresponding to a shape of a wide face of antenna device
26. This allows antenna device 26 or any other desired accessory to
be carried along with the presenter mouse in carrying case 20,
thereby reducing the risk of loss of antenna device 26. The storage
space created by protrusion 84 is described in more detail in FIG.
6.
[0026] FIG. 5 also shows an embodiment of a latch structure that
may be used to hold top piece 70 and bottom piece 71 in a closed
configuration. The latch structure comprises an inner latch
structure 90 disposed on bottom piece 71, and two outer latch
structures 92 disposed on top piece 70. When in a closed
configuration, inner latch structure 90 is disposed between outer
latch structures 92. This allows carrying case 20 to be opened by
moving pressing inner latch structure 90 and outer latch structure
92 in opposite direction via a pinching motion. In some
embodiments, when in the closed position, inner latch structure 90
may extend far enough through outer latch structures 92 such that
inner latch structure 90 is slightly raised relative to outer latch
structures 92. This may help a user to determine by feel alone
where to pinch the latch structures to open the case. It will be
appreciated that the depicted latch structures are shown for
purposes of example, and that any other suitable structure or
structures, including but not limited to other latches, may be used
to hold carrying case 20 in a closed configuration.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows carrying case 20 in an opened configuration,
and illustrates various interior structures of carrying case 20.
First, top piece 70 and bottom piece 71 each include inner surfaces
100, 101 contoured to closely match a surface contour of a
presenter mouse contained within carrying case 20. This may provide
a sufficiently snug fit for carrying case to provide a measure of
protection for a presenter mouse contained within carrying case 20.
For example, if the carrying case is dropped, a relatively close
fit of carrying case 20 around the presenter mouse may help to
distribute forces from the impact across a broader surface area of
the presenter mouse than if the mouse were stored in a commonly
used soft carrying case or were unprotected. This may help to
protect the presenter mouse against damage from drops from three
feet or higher onto a hard surface.
[0028] The selection of the material or materials from which
carrying case 20 is made may further contribute to the protective
properties of carrying case 20. For example, rigid materials may
offer better protection against impacts than soft materials.
Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to,
injection molded PET and polycarbonates.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 6, the interior portion of
protrusion 84 is shown as storage space 104. As mentioned above,
storage space 104 may be configured to have sufficient room to
store various accessories, such as antenna device 26, used with
presenter mouse. Also, the relatively wide, flat bottom profile of
storage space 104 allows protrusion 84 to act as a stable base for
resting carrying case on a surface such as a table or desk.
[0030] Further, features may be provided in storage space 104 for
positioning and retaining an accessory within storage space 104. In
the specific example of antenna structure 26, a first set of
positioning features 106 may be provided for holding antenna
structure 26 in position along a long dimension ("length") of
carrying case 20, while a second set 108 of positioning features
may be provided for holding antenna structure 26 in a transverse
direction. Further, either of positioning features 106 or 108 may
be configured to accommodate antenna structure 26 only in specific
orientations. For example, in the depicted embodiment, features 108
may be spaced such that a universal serial bus (USB) connector on
antenna structure 26 fits between features 108, but a wider body
portion of antenna structure 26 does not.
[0031] Continuing with FIG. 6, top pieced 70 and bottom piece 71
each includes a spindle opening, shown respectively at 109a and
109b, to accommodate bottom spindle 56 such that bottom spindle 56
is held within carrying case 20 when the case is closed, and is
removable from carrying case 20 when the case is opened. This
allows bottom spindle 56 to be securely held in carrying case 20
while used as a display package 10, and then removed by a purchaser
after purchase to make carrying case 20 more attractive. Either or
both of spindle openings 109a and 109b may include a tab 110
configured to extend through a complimentary slot 112 in bottom
spindle 56 to hold bottom spindle 56 in a rotationally fixed
position. Likewise, bottom spindle 56 may include flanges 114 and
116 having larger radii than spindle openings 109a and 109b to
prevent bottom spindle from sliding out of carrying case 20 when
carrying case 20 is closed.
[0032] While disclosed herein in the context of a presenter mouse,
it will be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may also
be used with any other suitable handheld product, including but not
limited to other presentation controllers and mouse/trackball
computer input devices, other handheld electronic devices such as
memory devices, cameras, cellular phones, personal digital
assistants, portable media players, etc., as well as non-electronic
items. Further, it will be appreciated that the configurations of
display packaging for a handheld electronic device depicted and
described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific
embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting
sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter
of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious
combinations and subcombinations of the various processes, systems
and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or
properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *