U.S. patent application number 13/007292 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for packaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Bartley K. ANDRE, Daniel J. COSTER, Daniele DE IULIIS, Richard P. HOWARTH, Jonathan P. IVE, Steve JOBS, Duncan Robert KERR, Shin NISHIBORI, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Peter RUSSELL-CLARKE, Douglas B. SATZGER, Calvin Q. SEID, Vincent Keane SEID, Christopher J. STRINGER, Eugene Antony WHANG, Rico ZORKENDORFER.
Application Number | 20110108449 13/007292 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39616940 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110108449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ANDRE; Bartley K. ; et
al. |
May 12, 2011 |
Packaging
Abstract
Packaging comprising a base having an interior space for
receiving an item, wherein the base includes a bottom surface and
one or more side surfaces; a ledge formed along a side surface; and
a holder supported by the ledge, wherein the holder includes a
retaining mechanism for retaining the item.
Inventors: |
ANDRE; Bartley K.; (Menlo
Park, CA) ; COSTER; Daniel J.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; DE IULIIS; Daniele; (San Francisco, CA)
; HOWARTH; Richard P.; (San Francisco, CA) ; IVE;
Jonathan P.; (San Francisco, CA) ; JOBS; Steve;
(Palo Alto, CA) ; KERR; Duncan Robert; (San
Francisco, CA) ; NISHIBORI; Shin; (Portola Valley,
CA) ; ROHRBACH; Matthew Dean; (San Francisco, CA)
; RUSSELL-CLARKE; Peter; (San Francisco, CA) ;
SATZGER; Douglas B.; (Menlo Park, CA) ; SEID; Calvin
Q.; (Palo Alto, CA) ; STRINGER; Christopher J.;
(Woodside, CA) ; WHANG; Eugene Antony; (San
Francisco, CA) ; ZORKENDORFER; Rico; (San Francisco,
CA) ; SEID; Vincent Keane; (Los Gatos, CA) |
Assignee: |
Apple Inc.
Cupertino
CA
|
Family ID: |
39616940 |
Appl. No.: |
13/007292 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11849176 |
Aug 31, 2007 |
7878326 |
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13007292 |
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29364391 |
Jun 23, 2010 |
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11849176 |
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29265951 |
Sep 11, 2006 |
D558571 |
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11849176 |
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29265952 |
Sep 11, 2006 |
D558572 |
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29265951 |
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29281505 |
Jun 25, 2007 |
D596485 |
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29265952 |
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29284343 |
Sep 5, 2007 |
D621256 |
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29364391 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/486 ;
206/565; 206/591 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/26 20130101;
H04R 1/1016 20130101; B65D 25/54 20130101; B65D 25/10 20130101;
B65D 77/20 20130101; H04R 1/1091 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/486 ;
206/565; 206/591 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. Packaging, comprising: a base having an interior space for
receiving an item, wherein the base includes a bottom surface and
one or more side surfaces; a ledge formed along a side surface; and
a holder supported by the ledge, wherein the holder includes a
retaining mechanism for retaining the item.
2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the holder includes a tray,
wherein the retaining mechanism includes a retaining arm, wherein
the retaining arm is disposed on the tray, and wherein the
retaining arm is configured to secure the item in a predetermined
position relative to the tray.
3. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the tray is flexible, wherein
the item is released by the retaining arm when the tray is in a
flexed position.
4. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the retaining arm is flexible,
and wherein the item is released by the retaining arm when the
retaining arm is in a flexed position.
5. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the retaining arm includes a
bar including an indented surface, and wherein the indented surface
is shaped to fit the profile of the item.
6. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the retaining arm includes a
locking bar shaped to extend over a portion of the item to secure
the item between the tray and the locking bar.
7. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the holder includes a pair of
retaining arms.
8. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the a pair of retaining arms
are disposed on opposite lengthwise ends of a top surface of the
tray.
9. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the retaining arm includes a
spacer attached to the tray.
10. The packaging of claim 2, wherein the retaining arm is
transparent.
11. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the retaining mechanism
includes a band, and wherein the band is coupled to the tray.
12. The packaging of claim 11, wherein a slit is formed in the
tray, and wherein the band is threaded through a slit formed in the
tray.
13. The packaging of claim 11, wherein the tray includes a pair of
slits, and wherein the band is threaded through the pair of
slits.
14. The packaging of claim 1, wherein a lid is disposed above the
base for closing the interior space formed in the base.
15. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the lid is transparent.
16. The packaging of claim 14, wherein an outside peripheral
juncture surface between the lid and the base is flush.
17. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the lid has an indented
lower rim formed along the circumference of the lid, and wherein
the indented lower rim is shaped to fit snugly inside the base.
18. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the lid includes: a top
surface; two lengthwise parallel vertical side surfaces; and two
widthwise parallel vertical side surfaces, wherein an area where
the top surface and the two lengthwise parallel vertical side
surfaces meet is curved.
19. The packaging of claim 14, wherein a width and a length of the
lid are slightly larger than a width and a length of the base so
that the base fits inside of the lid.
20. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the base includes: a bottom
surface; two lengthwise parallel vertical bottom surfaces; and two
widthwise parallel vertical bottom surfaces, wherein an area where
the bottom surface and the two lengthwise parallel vertical bottom
surfaces meet is curved.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/849,176 filed Aug. 31, 2007, and a continuation of U.S.
Application Ser. No. 29/364,391, filed Jun. 23, 2010; U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/849,176 is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 29/281,505 filed Jun. 25, 2007; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/849,176 is also a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/265,951
filed Sep. 11, 2006; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/849,176 is also a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/265,952
filed Sep. 11, 2006; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/364,391 is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/284,343, filed Sep. 5,
2007, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein, in
their entirety, by reference thereto.
[0002] The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/281,648 filed Jun. 27, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,880 filed Jan. 5, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,881 filed Jan. 5, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,885 filed Jan. 5, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,887 filed Jan. 5, 2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,888 filed Jan. 5, 2007 are also incorporated herein, in
their entirety, by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention generally relates to packaging, and
more particularly, to packaging for an article of manufacture.
[0005] 2. Background Art
[0006] The main purpose of packaging is to protect the product
during shipment and merchandising. However, as a marketplace
becomes more competitive, it becomes desirable for packaging to be
interesting and to attract consumers to a product either in
advertising or in product placement on retail shelves. The
packaging may be the first thing a potential consumer sees when
they first encounter a product. Therefore, packaging may be an
important tool used to generate consumer interest and to project
the image and brand of the company who produces the product.
[0007] Branding can be particularly important in the highly
competitive marketplace of consumer electronics, for example
portable, handheld electronic devices. Consumers of such devices
tend to be discriminating and savvy. As a result, competition for
their loyalty is fierce. For example, consumers have become
familiar with the clean, minimalist appearance of the iPod.RTM.
media players manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino Calif. The
iPod.RTM. media player is also known for its elegant, yet simple
design. It may diminish from the aura of such a well designed
product to present it to consumers in a standard cardboard box. A
package that is more fitting of the high-tech design of the product
is what consumers have come to expect.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates, in one embodiment, to
packaging comprising a base having an interior space for receiving
an item, wherein the base includes a bottom surface and one or more
side surfaces; a ledge formed along a side surface; and a holder
supported by the ledge, wherein the holder includes a retaining
mechanism for retaining the item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0009] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of packaging according to the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a side view of a tray or holder used in the
packaging of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a side view of another embodiment of a tray or
holder used in the packaging of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment
of packaging according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a is a top view of a holder used in the packaging
of FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a is a side view of the holder of FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
holder which may be used in the packaging of FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of the holder of FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment
of packaging according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG.
9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of a holder used in the packaging of
FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of packaging according to the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of packaging according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps have not been described
in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram of device packaging shown generally at
10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Device packaging 10 includes an enclosure 12 that is configured to
retain a device 11 (shown in phantom) therein for presentation
purposes. Enclosure 12 generally forms an internal cavity for
internal placement of device 11. In one embodiment, device
packaging 10 is configured to suspend internally positioned device
11 between one or more walls of enclosure 12. This may, for
example, give the appearance that device 11 is floating within the
cavity. Various retention mechanisms such as bars, frames, trays,
and the like may be used to suspend a device in enclosure 12.
[0026] The shape of enclosure 12 may be widely varied. It may, for
example, be rectilinear, curvilinear, or a combination of the two.
In the illustrated embodiment, device packaging 10 is somewhat
box-like such that it includes six walls: a top wall 24 and an
opposing bottom wall 16; a front wall 18 and an opposing back wall
20; a right side wall 14 and an opposing left side wall 22. Of
course, this is not a limitation. For example, enclosure 12 may
have a more complex shape such as a cylinder or uncommon shape for
packaging, such as an apple, for example.
[0027] The size of enclosure 12 may also be widely varied. By way
of example but not limitation, it may be sized to enclose portable
handheld electronic devices. For example, enclosure 12 may be sized
to enclose items much larger or much smaller than portable handheld
electronic devices.
[0028] In one embodiment, enclosure 12 generally follows the form
of device 11. For example, the spacing between device 11 and the
walls of enclosure 12 is substantially similar around the entire
periphery of device 11, such that device 11 is substantially
uniformly placed inside enclosure 12.
[0029] The various walls may be opaque, transparent, or
semitransparent. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the
front, for example front wall 18 of device packaging 10 is made
semitransparent or transparent so that a portion or the entire
front of the device may be seen through device packaging 10. In
another embodiment, at least a portion of the front, for example
front wall 18 of device packaging 10 as well as at least a portion
of top wall 24, bottom wall 16, or side walls 14 and 22 are made
semitransparent or transparent so that a portion or the entire
front and side of device 11 may be seen. In another embodiment, all
the walls of device packaging 10 are made semitransparent or
transparent.
[0030] Device packaging enclosure 12 may be integrally formed as a
single piece or formed as multiple pieces that are assembled
together. By way of example, device packing enclosure 12 may
include a top portion and a bottom portion that fit together to
form the entire enclosure. The interface may be configured for a
snug fit. In some cases, the interface may be designed to have the
outer surface of both portions flush when placed together.
[0031] Device packaging enclosure 12 may additionally include
therein other components of device 11, for example accessories used
with device 11. The accessories may be placed in an internal box
(not shown) inside enclosure 12, which can be opaque,
semitransparent or transparent.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, device 11 may be supported
inside enclosure 12 by a holder or tray (26 in FIGS. 2A and 28 in
FIG. 2B). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, tray 26 may
support device 11 in a raised position such that gap 30 is provided
between the top surface of tray 26 and the bottom surface of device
11. Tray 26 may, for example, include one or more retention arms 32
disposed between tray 26 and device 11. Retention arm(s) 32 may be
placed at a variety of locations along an axis, for example the
longitudinal axis, of device 11. For example, retention arm(s) 32
may be placed at the ends, in the middle, or at intermediate
positions along an axis of device 11. In the illustrated
embodiment, a pair of retention arms 32 are placed at opposing ends
of device 11. Retention arms 32 are typically configured to secure
device 11 in its desired position relative to tray 26.
[0033] Retention arms 32 may include retention feature 33.
Retention feature 33 may be widely varied; for example, retention
feature 33 may include detents, slots, latches, tabs, snaps or the
like. In one implementation, retention feature 33 is enabled by a
flexing action of retention arms 32, or tray 26, or both. The
flexing action allows tray 26 to be configured for capturing and
releasing device 11. By way of example, retention arms 32 may flex
by bending relative to tray 26 and/or tray 26 may flex by bending.
Tray 26 may flex by bending outwardly relative to device 11 to
capture/release device 11 and by bending inwardly relative to
device 11 to secure device 11 therein. By way of example, tray 26
and/or retention arms 32 may be bent open thus releasing/receiving
device 11, and bent closed thus capturing/retaining device 11
therein. When tray 26 and/or retention arms 32 are bent closed,
device 11 is trapped between retention arms 32. Put another way,
retaining arm(s) 32 may be fixed while tray 26 is flexible and/or
tray 26 may be fixed while retaining arm(s) 32 are flexible, or a
combination of both.
[0034] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, tray 28 includes
a recessed portion, void, or cavity 34, in which device 11 rests.
Recessed portion, void, or cavity 34 may, for example, be formed to
match the outer shape of device 11. In one example, recessed
portion, void, or cavity 34 is configured to receive a bottom
portion of device 11 therein, for example substantially the bottom
half of device 11.
[0035] In both embodiments of FIG. 2, they trays may be supported
internally within enclosure 12 by various means, for example,
flanges, ladders, legs, ledges, rims, tabs/slots, or the like. In
one example, the trays are supported by an internal ledge that is
disposed around the perimeter of the inside surface of the top,
bottom, and/or side walls of device packaging 10.
[0036] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises
packaging, shown generally at 110 in FIGS. 3 and 4, which is
comprised primarily of a base 112, a holder 126 and a lid 142, each
of which will now be described in more detail. Base 112 comprises
bottom wall 116, two lengthwise parallel vertical side walls 118,
and two widthwise parallel vertical side walls 120 joined to bottom
wall 116 to create a generally rectangular box shape forming an
interior space for receiving an article to be placed in packaging
110. Base 112 can be made of transparent material to give it a
modern feel. In one embodiment, the transparent material can be
plastic. To give packaging 110 a more aesthetically-pleasing look,
bottom wall 116 and side walls 118 may be formed as one piece, and
the area 122 where bottom wall 116 meets side walls 118 may be
curved. A ledge 114 is formed along the interior surface of walls
118 and 120, to support holder 126, as described in more detail
below.
[0037] An insert 124 may be placed in the interior of base 112 and
may be marked with identifying words or pictures to convey
information to the consumer about the product inside packaging 110.
Additionally, accessory items (not shown) for use with a product
contained in packaging 110 can be stored inside insert 124. For
example, power cords, earphones, USB connectors, and the like, or
warranties and instruction manuals can be stored inside insert
124.
[0038] Insert 124 may be shaped to conform to the shape of base 112
and is sized to fit snugly in the interior of base 112. In one
embodiment, insert 124 can be opaque so that any items stored
within are not visible when inside packaging 110. When insert 124
is opaque, for example white, and is inserted inside of a
transparent base 112, it gives packaging 110 a "glossy" look and
may additionally create the appearance that insert 124 is formed on
the interior surface or is "embedded" inside base 112.
[0039] Resting above insert 124, and supported by ledge 114, is
holder 126, which holds the product within packaging 110. Holder
126 includes a horizontal tray 128 which can be made of the same
transparent material from which base 112 is made. In one
embodiment, the transparent material can be plastic. Tray 128 can
be rectangular shaped to fit within the interior space created by
walls 116 and 118 of base 112. Tray 128 can take other shapes,
which mimic the shape of base 112. Holder 126 has a pair of
vertically disposed clips 130 extending upwardly from opposite ends
of tray 128 to support an item within packaging 110. Each clip 130
may be made of the same material as is tray 128 and is comprised of
a bar 134 suspended by a spacer 132 above the top surface of tray
128. Each bar 134 has an indented surface 136, which may be shaped
to fit the profile of a product 140 contained in packaging 110
(shown in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4). Item 140 can be trapped and
released between the pair of bars 134. This trapping is
accomplished by flexing either tray 128 and/or clips 130 to cause
clips 130 to come further apart so that item 140 can be received
there between in a spring loaded fashion. In order to release item
140, tray 128 and/or clips 130 can again be flexed outward and item
140 can be grasped by the user and released. While clips 130 are
shown along the width of tray 128, they may alternatively be placed
along the length thereof or both the length and width.
[0040] Spacer 132 suspends item 140 above the top surface of holder
126, giving the appearance that item 140 is unsupported and is
"floating" inside packaging 110. By way of example and not
limitation, item 140 may be an iPod.RTM. Nano.RTM. media player.
The iPod.RTM. Nano.RTM.media player is a flash MP3 player produced
by Apple Inc. It weighs 1.5 ounces and it is 3.5 inches high, 1.6
inches wide, and 0.27 inches deep. Item 140 can vary widely in
size, shape, and weight.
[0041] Alternate clips 135, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, can also
be used. In this embodiment, clips 135 are T-shaped and comprise a
spacer element 137 and a locking bar 139. Spacer 137 extends
generally vertically, and locking bar 139 extends generally
horizontally, giving clip 135 a T-shape. Locking bar 139 extends
over a portion of the width of item 140 to trap it between tray 128
and locking bar 139. Similar to the embodiment using clips 130,
this trapping is accomplished by flexing either of tray 128 and/or
clips 135 outward to receive item 140, and then releasing either of
tray 128 and/or clips 135 to retain item 140 in a spring-loaded
fashion. In order to release item 140, tray 128 and/or clips 135
can again be flexed outward and item 140 can be grasped by the user
and released. While clips 135 are shown along the width of tray
128, they may alternatively be placed along the length thereof or
both the length and width. They may also be L-shaped instead of
T-shaped, or various other shapes that will function to hold an
item 140 between them in the manner described herein.
[0042] Lid 142 forms the top of packaging 110. In one embodiment,
lid 142 can be made of the same transparent material from which
base 112 and holder 126 are made. In one embodiment, the
transparent material can be plastic. Lid 142 comprises a top wall
144 joined along its periphery to two lengthwise parallel vertical
walls 146, and two widthwise parallel vertical walls 148 creating a
generally rectangular shape similar to base 112. To give packaging
110 a more aesthetically-pleasing look, top wall 144 and side walls
146 may be formed as one piece, and the area 152 where the top wall
144 meets the side walls 146 may be curved. Lid 142 has an indented
lower rim 150 along its outer periphery which is shaped to fit
snugly inside base 112, and to mate with ledge 114 on the interior
surface of walls 118 and 120 above ledge 114 on base 112 to form a
flush juncture 154 between lid 142 and base 112, which is best seen
in FIG. 4. Rim 150 may be formed along the entire circumference of
lid 142.
[0043] The unique "floating" effect of the present invention is
best seen in FIG. 4. When item 140 is placed on tray 128 of holder
126, it is trapped and suspended by clips 130. Because base 112,
lid 142, and holder 126 are all transparent, it creates the
illusion that item 140 is floating within packaging 110. The
"floating" effect may be further enhanced by giving packaging 110 a
glossy appearance to make packaging 110 visually striking to the
consumer.
[0044] The present invention also comprises another embodiment of
packaging, shown generally at 160 in FIGS. 9 and 10, which is
comprised of the same base 112, insert 124, and lid 142 as
packaging 110; however, packaging 160 includes holder 162 for
holding item 170 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 9 and 10). Holder 162
may be generally rectangular in shape and may fit snugly inside of
base 112 above insert 124, resting on ledge 114, similar to holder
126. By way of example and not limitation, item 170 may be an
iPod.RTM. Shuffle.RTM. media player, which is a flash MP3 player
produced by Apple Inc. It weighs 0.55 ounces and it is 1.07 inches
high, 1.62 inches wide, and 0.41 inches deep. Item 170 can vary
widely in size, shape, and weight. However, rather than having
clips, holder 162 has a pair of slits 166 formed in a horizontal
tray portion 164. As seen in FIG. 11, slits 166 accommodate a band
168 which is threaded through slits 166 to form a tab to which item
170 can be clipped, or otherwise attached. As best seen in FIG. 10,
once packaging 160 is assembled, item 170 also appears to be
"floating" within base 112 and lid 142. Slits 166 can be disposed
horizontally on tray 164 as shown or can be disposed vertically.
Further, while band 168 is shown threaded through slits 166, it may
be looped through slits 166, or it may alternatively extend through
slits 166 at each end thereof and then be fastened at each end to
the underside of tray 164.
[0045] The present invention also comprises another embodiment of
packaging, shown generally at 180 in FIG. 12, which is composed
primarily of a base 182, a holder 200, and a lid 210, each of which
will now be described in more detail. Base 182 comprises bottom
wall 186, two lengthwise parallel vertical side walls 188, and two
widthwise parallel vertical side walls 190 joined to bottom wall
186 to create a generally rectangular box shape forming an interior
space for receiving an article to be placed in packaging 180.
Compartments 192 are formed in base 182 to store accessory items
(not shown), for example, power cords, earphones, USB connectors,
and the like, or warranties and instruction manuals. A ledge 184 is
formed along the interior surface of walls 188 and 190, to support
holder 200, as described in more detail below.
[0046] A substantially horizontal, planar insert 196 may be placed
inside base 182 resting on ledge 184. Insert 196 may be opaque and
can be used to conceal accessory items (not shown) which may be
stored in compartments 192. Holder 200 rests on top of insert 196
and, can be made of transparent material. In one embodiment, the
transparent material is plastic. Insert 196 may include a tab 198
aligned with an opening 202 formed in holder 200. When item 204
(shown in phantom) is removed from packaging 180, the user can grip
tab 198 to remove holder 200 and insert 196 in order to have easy
access to compartments 192 formed in base 182. While opening 202
and tab 198 are shown as circular, other geometric shapes are
possible.
[0047] Resting above insert 196, and also supported by ledge 184 is
holder 200, which holds item 204 within packaging 180. Holder 200
includes a horizontal tray 206, which can be made of transparent
material. In one embodiment, the transparent material is plastic.
In one embodiment, holder 200 can be rectangular shaped to fit
within the interior space created by walls 188 and 190 of base 182.
Holder 200 has an impression 208, which substantially conforms to
the shape of item 204, or to whatever item is intended to be
contained in impression 208. Not only does this securely hold item
204, but it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance
suggesting that item 204 is "floating" in packaging 180. By way of
example and not limitation, item 204 may be an iPhone.RTM. smart
phone which is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/281,648 filed Jun. 27, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,880 filed Jan. 5, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,885 filed Jan. 5, 2007, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,887 filed Jan. 5, 2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,888 filed Jan. 5, 2007, the disclosures of which are all
incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto. The
iPhone.RTM. smart phone is produced by Apple Inc. It weighs 4.8
ounces, and it is 4.5 inches high, 2.4 inches wide, and 0.46 inches
deep. Item 204 can vary widely in size, shape, and weight.
[0048] A lid 210 forms the top of packaging 180. Lid 210 has a has
a top wall 212 joined along its periphery to two lengthwise
parallel vertical walls 214 (only one is shown), and two widthwise
parallel vertical walls 216 to form a generally rectangular box
shape similar to base 182. Although not shown, a graphical
representation of the item contained in packaging 180 may be
presented on top wall 212. The width and length of lid 210 are
slightly larger than the width and length of base 182 so that lid
210 fits snugly over base 182. While base 182 and lid 210 are shown
in the Figures as rectangular shaped, they may be other geometric
shapes such as square or round.
[0049] As in earlier embodiments, where holder 200 is made of
transparent plastic material, and the shape of impression 208
closely conforms to the shape of item 204, item 204 appears to be
"floating" in packaging 180. While one impression 208 is shown in
the Figures, in an alternative embodiment, multiple impressions 208
may be formed in holder 200 to support multiple items.
[0050] The present invention also comprises another embodiment of
packaging, shown generally at 218 in FIG. 13, which is comprised
primarily of a base 222, a holder 224, and a lid 226, each of which
will now be described in more detail. Base 222 comprises bottom
wall 228, two lengthwise parallel vertical side walls 230, and two
widthwise parallel vertical side walls 232 joined to bottom wall
228 to create a generally rectangular box shape. While base 222 is
shown to be rectangular shaped, it may alternatively be another
geometric shape. Compartments 234 are formed in base 222 to store
accessory items (not shown), for example, power cords, earphones,
USB connectors, and the like, or warranties and instruction
manuals. A ledge 236 is formed along the interior surface of walls
230 and 232 and to support holder 224, as described in more detail
below.
[0051] A substantially horizontal, planar insert 238 may be placed
inside base 222 to separate compartments 234 from the rest of
packaging 218. Holder 224 rests on top of insert 238. Holder 224
may be transparent. In one embodiment, the transparent material is
plastic. Insert 238 is may be made of opaque material and can be
used to conceal accessory items (not shown) which may be stored in
compartments 234.
[0052] Resting above insert 238, and supported by ledge 236 is
holder 224, which holds item 240 (shown in phantom) within
packaging 218. Holder 224 includes a horizontal tray 242, which may
be transparent. In one embodiment, the transparent material is
plastic. Tray 242 may be rectangular shaped to fit within the
interior space created by walls 230 and 232 of base 222. Holder 224
has an impression 244, which substantially conforms to the shape of
item 240, or to whatever item is intended to be contained in
impression 244. By way of example and not limitation, item 240 may
be a Bluetooth earpiece for the iPhone.RTM. smart phone mentioned
above, and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
29/270,881, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference thereto. Item 240 can vary widely in size,
shape, and weight. Not only does packaging 218 securely hold item
240, but it also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance
suggesting that item 240 is "floating" in packaging 218. While only
one item is shown contained on holder 224, package 218 may
alternatively contain multiple items on holder 224.
[0053] Lid 226 comprises a top wall 246, two lengthwise parallel
vertical side walls 248 (only one is shown), and two widthwise
parallel vertical side walls 250 joined to top wall 246 to create a
generally rectangular box shape, similar to base 222. The width and
length of lid 226 are slightly larger than the width and length of
base 222 so that lid 226 fits snugly over base 222. While base 222
and lid 226 are shown in the Figures as rectangular shaped, they
may be other geometric shapes, such as square or round.
[0054] While the invention has been described in terms of several
preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and
equivalents, which fall with the scope of this invention. For
example, the packaging can be used for items other than handheld
electronic devices. It is therefore intended that the following
appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations,
permutations, and equivalents as fall with the true spirit and
scope of the present invention.
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