Packaging for an input device

Abstract

A package for computer peripherals includes a box having a bottom surface and sidewalls defining a cavity. A peripheral insert can be positioned within the cavity. The insert includes a back portion that engages with the rear sidewall of the box. A base portion extends at an angle from the bottom edge of the rear surface. A rear and front section of the base portion are pivotally connected. The back portion and the rear section define a tab. The insert can be moved between a collapsed configuration and an access configuration by applying force to the tab. In the collapsed configuration, the base portion sits against the bottom surface and the back portion is substantially parallel to the rear sidewall. In the access configuration, the rear and front sections are tent-shaped and the back portion of the insert is pulled away from and angled relative to the rear sidewall.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Computer peripherals are typically packaged using single-use plastics and / or other unsustainable materials. These materials can be formed into bags, cases, and / or other containers and / or linings that help protect the peripherals during transport and / or storage. However, such materials increase waste that negatively impacts the environment. To help reduce this waste, some packages are designed to better fit the size of the peripherals stored inside; however, due to the size mismatch, removing the peripherals from such packages can be difficult. Therefore, improvements to the packaging of computer peripherals are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention may include a package for a computer peripheral device. The package may include an outer box having a bottom surface defining an inner cavity and a plurality of sidewalls. The package may include a peripheral insert that can be positioned within the inner cavity. The peripheral insert may include a back portion connected to a rear sidewall of one of the plurality of sidewalls of the outer box. The peripheral insert may include a base portion extending at an angle from the bottom edge of the back portion. The base portion may include a rear section and a front section pivotally connected to each other. The rear section of the back portion and the base portion may define a tab. The peripheral insert can be moved between a collapsed configuration and an access configuration by applying a tension force to the tab. In the collapsed configuration, the base portion of the peripheral insert may sit against the bottom surface of the outer box, and the back portion of the peripheral insert may be substantially parallel to the rear sidewall of the outer box. In the access configuration, the rear and front sections of the base portion may be tent-shaped relative to each other.

[0003] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the rear section may be lower than the upper surface of the front section, forming a recess between the back section and the front section. At least a portion of the back section may be secured to the rear sidewall of the outer casing using one or more coupling features. The one or more coupling features may include a groove formed in one of the back section and the rear sidewall, and a corresponding connector tab formed in the other of the back section and the rear sidewall. The connector tab may engage in the groove to secure the back section to the rear sidewall of the outer casing. The back section may include two opposing walls that are joined to each other and extend over a portion of the rear sidewall of the outer casing. The tab may be defined in the two opposing walls such that when the back section of the peripheral insert is positioned on a portion of the rear sidewall of the outer casing, the distal end of the tab protrudes beyond the engagement that joins the opposing walls. The front section of the base section may include a flap extending at an angle from the peripheral edge of the front section. One of the plurality of sidewalls of the outer casing may define a recess sized and shaped to receive a connection mechanism for a peripheral device. When the rear and front sections of the base portion are tent-shaped relative to each other, the upper surface of each of the rear and front sections can be angled upward toward the center of the cavity. The front section of the base portion can define a slit sized to receive the user manual, such that when the peripheral insert is in the access configuration, the user manual is angled upward relative to the bottom surface of the outer box at a greater angle than when the peripheral insert is in the retracted configuration. In the access configuration, at least a portion of the back portion of the peripheral insert can be pulled away from the rear sidewall of the outer box and angled relative to the rear sidewall of the outer box.

[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention may cover a method for removing a computer peripheral device from a package. The method may include receiving the package in a collapsed configuration. The package may include an outer box having a bottom surface defining an inner cavity and a plurality of sidewalls. The package may include a peripheral insert positioned within the inner cavity. The peripheral insert may include a back portion coupled to a rear sidewall of one of the plurality of sidewalls of the outer box. The peripheral insert may include a base portion extending at an angle from a bottom edge of the back surface. The base portion may include a rear section and a front section pivotally coupled to each other. The rear section of the back portion and the base portion may define a tab. In the collapsed configuration, the base portion of the peripheral insert may sit abut against the bottom surface of the outer box, and the back portion of the peripheral insert may be substantially parallel to the rear sidewall of the outer box. The method may include receiving tension on a tab to change the package from a stowed configuration to an access configuration, in which the rear and front segments of the base portion are tent-shaped relative to each other, and at least a portion of the back portion of the peripheral insert is pulled away from the rear sidewall of the outer box and angled relative to the rear sidewall of the outer box.

[0005] In some embodiments, the back portion may include two opposing walls connected to each other and extending on a portion of the rear sidewall of the outer box. Changing the package from a stowed configuration to an access configuration may include pulling the front wall of the opposing walls away from the rear wall of the opposing walls. A portion of the rear wall may be securely connected to one of the rear sidewalls of the outer box using slots and connector tabs. The distal end of the tab may be folded toward the center of the cavity, such that the distal end of the tab extends over a computer peripheral disposed within the cavity. Changing the package from a stowed configuration to an access configuration may raise the computer peripheral disposed within the cavity, such that at least a portion of the computer peripheral extends above the top edges of the plurality of sidewalls of the outer box.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention may cover packaging inserts for computer peripherals. The packaging insert may include a back portion having at least one wall. The packaging insert may include a base portion coupled to the bottom edge of the back portion and extending at an angle relative to the back portion. The base portion may include a rear segment and a front segment pivotally connected to each other. The rear segment and the front segment are movable between a collapsed configuration and an access configuration, in which the bottom surfaces of the rear segment and the front segment form a first angle relative to each other, and in the access configuration, the bottom surfaces of the rear segment and the front segment form a second angle relative to each other. The first angle may be different from the second angle. The rear segment of the back portion and the base portion may define a tab.

[0007] In some implementations, in the access configuration, the rear and front sections may be tent-shaped relative to each other. The back portion may define one or both of a slot and a connector tab. The distal end of the tab may extend laterally away from the back portion. Attached Figure Description

[0008] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosed technology can be achieved by referring to the remainder of the specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1A This is an isometric view of the outer box of a computer peripheral device packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Top view of a partial cross-section of the outer box.

[0011] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Isometric view of a partial cross-section of the outer box.

[0012] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A rear-view perspective view of a partial cross-section of the outer box.

[0013] Figure 2A This is an isometric view of the outer insert of a computer peripheral device package according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Rear-view perspective of the peripheral insert.

[0015] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Top view of the outer insert.

[0016] Figure 2D It is in the collapsed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A Side view of the outer insert.

[0017] Figure 2E It is in the access configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A Side view of the outer insert.

[0018] Figure 2F It is in the folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A Top view of the outer insert.

[0019] Figure 3A This is a side view of a computer peripheral device package in a stowed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3B It is in the access configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A Side view of the computer peripheral equipment packaging.

[0021] Several figures are included as illustrations. It should be understood that the figures are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered to be to scale unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, as illustrations, the figures are provided to aid understanding and may not include all aspects or information compared to a true representation, and may include exaggerated material for illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is specifically described herein to satisfy legal requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways that may include different elements or steps, and may be used in combination with other existing or future technologies. Unless the order of the various steps or the arrangement of the elements is explicitly described, this description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement of the various steps or elements.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging for computer peripherals produced using sustainable materials. Furthermore, embodiments may provide packaging that includes features that allow for easier removal of the computer peripherals stored therein without the use of any additional tools or other objects. Specifically, embodiments may include a peripheral insert that can be positioned within an outer case and is movable between a collapsed configuration and an access configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the insert may be shaped such that the computer peripherals can be fully contained within an inner cavity defined by the outer case. In such a configuration, the outer case can be closed, for example by positioning a cover or other covering on the inner cavity. The peripheral insert can be moved to the access configuration, which may cause a portion of the peripheral insert to be tent-shaped and / or otherwise project upwards to at least partially remove the computer peripherals from the inner cavity, thereby presenting the computer peripherals to the user. This access configuration may provide the user with space to position one or more fingers behind the computer peripherals to remove them from the inner cavity of the outer case. Actuation of the peripheral insert can be performed by applying a tensile force to a tab defined in and / or otherwise connected to the peripheral insert.

[0024] In some implementations, the entire peripheral insert can be formed from a single piece of sustainable material, such as (but not limited to) cardboard. For example, cardboard sheets can be stamped and / or cut into the desired shape and then folded to form the final peripheral insert. This design simplifies manufacturing and also improves the sustainability of the packaging. While primarily discussed in the context of computer peripherals (such as keyboards, computer mice, etc.), it should be understood that the packaging technologies described herein are not limited to this but can be used in any other application requiring more sustainable packaging solutions.

[0025] Now turn to Figures 1A to 1D The illustration shows an embodiment of the outer box 100. The outer box 100 can be used as part of packaging for computer peripheral inserts, which will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the outer box 100 may have a generally rectangular prism shape, although other shapes are possible in various embodiments. Figure 1BAs best illustrated, the outer casing 100 may include a bottom surface 102 and one or more sidewalls 104 extending upward from the bottom surface 102. The sidewalls 104 may each be formed from one or more layers of material. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 102 and the sidewalls 104 may be formed from one or more material pieces that have been folded and secured to form the structure of the outer casing 100. The material of the outer casing 100 may be secured using adhesives and / or mechanical fasteners, such as grooves and tabs, slits, and / or other engagement features formed in one or more areas of the material. In cases where the outer casing 100 has a rectangular prism shape, the outer casing 100 may include four sidewalls 104 extending around the periphery of the bottom surface 102. The sidewalls 104, together with the bottom surface 102, define an interior cavity 106 that may be sized and shaped to receive computer peripherals (not shown). Computer peripherals may include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, computer mouse, webcam, speaker, monitor, and / or other devices that may be physically and / or communicatively connected to a computing device.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more sidewalls of sidewall 104 may be used to insert a peripheral insert (e.g., as described below). Figures 2A to 2F The described peripheral insert 200 is secured within the outer casing 100. As illustrated, the rear sidewall 104a of the outer casing 100 may include an inner layer 108 and an outer layer 110 that are substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the inner layer 108 of the rear sidewall 104a may be at least substantially continuous and may not include features that interfere with a visually smooth appearance and / or a relatively smooth feel. In other embodiments, the inner layer 108 may include one or more features that can be used to secure the peripheral insert within the outer casing 100. For example, the inner layer 108 may define one or more slots 112, slits, connector tabs, and / or other features that can be used to secure the peripheral insert against the rear sidewall 104a. Figure 1C As best illustrated herein, two slots 112 are defined in the inner layer 108 and spaced apart from each other along the length of the rear sidewall 104a. While two slots 112 are shown, it should be understood that any number of slots 112 and / or other fixing features may be formed in the rear sidewall 104a. For example, the rear sidewall 104a may define and / or include at least one fixing feature, at least two fixing features, at least three fixing features, at least four fixing features, at least five fixing features, or more fixing features. Fixing features may be formed at any height and / or lateral position with respect to the rear sidewall 104a. Although illustrated and described as formed in and / or otherwise included as part of the rear sidewall 104a, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the structure of the rear sidewall 104a described herein may be incorporated into any one or more sidewalls of the sidewall 104.

[0027] In some embodiments, one or more sidewalls of sidewall 104 may define one or more storage features, which may accommodate one or more components of a computer peripheral device. For example, as in Figure 1D As best illustrated, the front sidewall 104b may define a recess 114 sized and shaped to receive a connection mechanism for a peripheral device. In certain embodiments, the recess 114 may be sized and shaped to receive a Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongle and / or other connectors for peripheral devices. For example, the recess 114 may include an upper region 116 and a lower region 118. In some embodiments, the upper region 116 may be wider than the lower region 118. For example, the lower region 118 may be sized (e.g., by friction engagement) to securely receive the USB connector of the dongle, while the upper region 116 may be sized to receive the dongle housing, which can be gripped by a user, when the dongle engages with a port on a computer device (or engages within the lower region 118). Each region of the recess 114 may be deep enough that when the dongle or other connector is received within the recess 114, the top of the connector is positioned at or below the top edge of the sidewall 104.

[0028] The outer box 100 may include a cover 120. In some embodiments, the cover 120 may be integrally formed with one or more sidewalls 104. For example, as in Figure 1A As illustrated, the cover 120 extends from the top edge of the rear sidewall 104a and can pivot on the cavity 106. The cover 120 may include a closure flap 122 foldable onto the front sidewall 104b, wherein one or more closure inserts (not shown) may be inserted into slots (not shown) formed in the transverse sidewall 104c to secure the cover 120 in a closed position. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the cover 120 may include other closure mechanisms. In some embodiments, the cover 120 may be completely separate from the bottom surface 102 and the sidewalls 104. For example, the cover may include a top surface and a plurality of sidewalls. The sidewalls of the cover may define an open interior sized to receive the sidewalls 104, such that the cover can receive the sidewalls 104 to enclose the cavity 106 and articles stored therein.

[0029] Figures 2A to 2FA peripheral insert 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The peripheral insert 200 can be inserted into the inner cavity of an outer box, such as (but not limited to) the outer box 100 described herein. The peripheral insert 200 may include a back portion 202 that can be coupled to a side wall (e.g., rear side wall 104a) of the outer box. For example, the back portion 202 may include two or more opposing walls 204 connected to each other. Figure 2D As best illustrated, the back portion 202 includes two opposing walls 204 connected to each other, for example, formed by creating a plurality of creases within the material of the peripheral insert 200 to form two walls 204 that are at least substantially parallel to each other, wherein the material connecting the two walls 204 forms the upper surface 206 of the back portion 202. The walls 204 and the upper surface 206 may define a generally U-shaped channel 240 that may receive a portion of a sidewall of the outer box. For example, the channel 240 may receive an inner layer (e.g., inner layer 108) of the sidewall of the outer box, such that the upper surface 206 is positioned on the top edge of the inner layer. The rear wall 204a may be sandwiched between the inner and outer layers (e.g., outer layer 110) of the outer box, which may help secure the peripheral insert 200 in place within the cavity of the outer box. In some embodiments, the back portion 202 may include one or more features for securing the back portion 202 relative to the sidewall of the outer box. For example, the back portion 202 may define one or more connector tabs 208, slots, slits, and / or other features that can be used to secure the peripheral insert 200 to the sidewall of the outer housing. The shape of the securing features on the peripheral insert 200 can be selected to engage with corresponding securing features on the outer housing. For example, the outer housing and the peripheral insert 200 may include slots and connector tab connections, sliding connections, and / or other connections. Figure 2BAs illustrated, connector tabs 208 are defined in the rear wall 204a and spaced apart from each other along the length of the rear wall 204a. Although two connector tabs 208 are shown, it should be understood that any number of connector tabs 208 and / or other fixing features may be formed in the rear wall 204a. For example, the rear wall 204a may define and / or include at least one fixing feature, at least two fixing features, at least three fixing features, at least four fixing features, at least five fixing features, or more fixing features. The fixing features may be formed at any height and / or lateral position with respect to the rear wall 204a and may correspond to the position of fixing features (such as, but not limited to, slot 112) formed in the corresponding sidewall of the outer casing. In some embodiments, in addition to using mechanical couplings to fix the rear wall 204a to the sidewall of the outer casing, or in addition to using mechanical couplings to fix the rear wall 204a to the sidewall of the outer casing, an adhesive may be applied between the rear wall 204a and the sidewall of the outer casing to securely connect the components. Although the rear wall 204a can be fixedly connected to the side wall of the outer box, the front wall 204b of the back portion 202 can be movable relative to the rear wall 204a and / or the side wall of the outer box, which allows the peripheral insert 200 to move between a stowed configuration and an access configuration, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0030] The peripheral insert 200 may include a base portion 210 extending at an angle from the bottom edge of the back portion 202. In some embodiments, the base portion 210 may be at least substantially perpendicular to the back portion 210, although other angles are possible in different embodiments. The base portion 210 may extend from the back portion 202 in a forward direction. The base portion 210 may include a rear segment 212 and a front segment 214 pivotally connected to each other. For example, a crease may be formed between the two segments, allowing the two segments to pivot relative to each other. This allows the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 to be in a stowed configuration (e.g., Figure 2D (as shown) and access configurations (such as) Figure 2EAs shown, in the retracted configuration, the bottom surfaces of the rear section 212 and the front section 214 form a first larger angle α relative to each other; in the access configuration, the bottom surfaces of the rear section 212 and the front section 214 form a second smaller angle β relative to each other. For example, in the access configuration, the rear section 212 and the front section 214 may be tent-shaped relative to each other, wherein the upper surface of each of the rear section 212 and the front section 214 is angled upward toward the center of the inner cavity of the peripheral insert 200 and / or the outer casing. In some embodiments, the angle α may be between approximately 160 degrees and 200 degrees, between approximately 165 degrees and 195 degrees, between approximately 170 degrees and 190 degrees, between approximately 175 degrees and 185 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees. In some implementations, the angle β can be between about 75 degrees and 145 degrees, between about 80 degrees and 140 degrees, between about 85 degrees and 135 degrees, between about 90 degrees and 130 degrees, between about 95 degrees and 125 degrees, between about 100 degrees and 120 degrees, between about 105 degrees and 115 degrees, or about 110 degrees.

[0031] In some embodiments, the width and / or length of the base portion 210 may be selected to substantially match the corresponding dimensions of the inner cavity of the outer box, such that one or more edges of the base portion 210 contact the inner surfaces of one or more sidewalls of the outer box. This contact can generate friction between the peripheral insert 200 and the outer box, thereby allowing the peripheral insert 20 to remain in a desired configuration (e.g., a stowed configuration or an access configuration) until an external force is applied to at least a portion of the peripheral insert 200, which will be described below. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Describe it.

[0032] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the rear segment 212 is lower than the upper surface of the front segment 214, such that a recess 216 is formed between the back portion 202 and the front segment 214. In other words, the rear segment 212 can be formed as the bottom surface of the recess 216. The recess 216 can be provided when the peripheral insert 200 and the outer case are used to package certain peripheral devices, such as a keyboard. For example, the rear portion of the keyboard can be thicker than the front portion of the keyboard to accommodate, for example, a battery, feet, and / or other features. In such embodiments, the thicker portion of the peripheral device can sit on top of the rear segment 212 within the recess 216, while the thinner portion of the peripheral device can sit on top of the front segment 214. This allows the top surface of the peripheral device to be at least substantially parallel to the cover of the outer case (e.g., cover 120) and can reduce the size of the open space within the closed outer case to help limit unwanted movement of the peripheral device within the case.

[0033] In some embodiments, the front segment 214 may include one or more flaps 218 extending downward at an angle from one or more peripheral edges of the front segment 214. Typically, the flaps 218 may be at least substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the front segment 214. Each flap 218 may have a height between about 5 mm and 20 mm, about 6 mm and 18 mm, about 7 mm and 16 mm, about 8 mm and 14 mm, or about 10 mm and 12 mm. The height of each flap 218 may be selected to match the depth of the recess 216. Such a height allows the bottom edge of each flap 218 to help support the front segment 214 at a height raised relative to the rear segment 212 when the peripheral device is positioned above the base portion 210 in the retracted configuration of the peripheral insert 200. In addition to supporting the front section 214 at the raised height, the flap 218 can also increase the contact area (and subsequent friction) between the peripheral insert 200 and the side wall of the outer box, which can help keep the peripheral insert 200 in the desired configuration when no external force is applied to the peripheral insert 200.

[0034] The peripheral insert 200 may include a tab 220, which is movable between a retracted configuration and an access configuration, for example, by applying a thrust to the tab 220. In some embodiments, the tab 220 may be defined by a back portion 202 and / or a base portion 210. For example, as in Figure 2AAs illustrated, the rear segment 212 of both the back portion 202 and the base portion 210 defines a portion of the tab 220. This design ensures that when tension is applied to the tab 220, the rear segment 212 pivots upward relative to the bottom edge of the back portion 202. In some embodiments, the tab 220 may extend through all or a portion of the front wall 204b and / or the rear wall 204a of the back portion 202. For example, as illustrated, the tab 220 extends through all of the front wall 204b and a portion of the rear wall 204a. By defining at least a portion of the tab 220 within the two opposing walls 204 of the back portion 202, the distal end 222 of the tab 220 may protrude beyond the joint (e.g., upper surface 206) that joins the opposing walls 204. For example, the body of tab 220 may be folded and / or otherwise shaped to be substantially planar and / or parallel to the rear segment 212 of base portion 210 and parallel to back portion 202, while the distal end 222 of tab 220 may extend laterally away from back portion 202. The distal end 222 of tab 220 may be folded toward the center of the periphery insert 200 and / or the inner cavity of the outer casing, such that the distal end 222 of tab 220 extends within the computer peripheral device disposed within the inner cavity of the outer casing. Such positioning ensures that tab 220 is easily visible to the user of the computer peripheral device and can be gripped by the user. Tab 220 may be positioned at any lateral location along back portion 202, but is typically centered on back portion 202 to ensure that lifting tab 220 evenly raises the computer peripheral device disposed above periphery insert 200. In some embodiments, the tab 220 may include one or more markings 224 that indicate the direction in which the tab 220 is pulled to move the peripheral insert 200 from a retracted configuration to an access configuration. For example, as illustrated, the marking 224 may include a triangular cutout pointing away from the back portion 202. In other embodiments, the marking 224 may be an arrow and / or other shape indicating the direction of force. In some embodiments, the marking 224 may be formed using printing, perforation, embossing, and / or stamping, defining a shape that indicates the direction of the pulling force.

[0035] Once the tab 220 has been pulled and the peripheral insert 200 has been moved to the access configuration (e.g., ... Figure 2EAs shown, the rear segment 212 and front segment 214 of the base portion 210 of the peripheral insert 200 can be tented relative to each other. For example, when tented, the upper surface of each of the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 can be angled upward toward the center of the peripheral insert 200. As the tab 220 is pulled, the front wall 204b of the back portion 202 can be pulled away from the rear wall 204a, which can force the rear segment 212 along the direction of the front segment 214. The movement of the rear segment 212 can bend the base portion 210, which can force the inner edges of the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 to rise (e.g., tented), while the outer edges of the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 can remain substantially in place.

[0036] In some implementations, the peripheral insert 200 may define one or more features providing additional storage locations. As an example only, the peripheral insert 200 may define one or more slits 226, which may be sized and shaped to receive one or more items, such as (but not limited to) user manuals, power cables, warranty cards, and / or other objects. As illustrated, the slits 226 extend through the upper and rear lateral surfaces of the front segment 214 (e.g., near the rear flap 218a of the rear segment 212), allowing the slits 226 to move upwards as the peripheral insert 200 moves into an access configuration. For example, with the front segment 214 and rear segment 212 tent-like relative to each other, the slits 226 may project upwards to present the object to the user after the computer peripheral has been removed from the peripheral insert 200. In other words, when the peripheral insert 200 is in the access configuration, the user manual or other object can be angled upwards at a greater angle relative to the bottom surface of the outer casing compared to when the peripheral insert 200 is in the retracted configuration. It should be understood that the slit 226 can be located anywhere on the peripheral insert 200 (laterally or from front to back), and is not limited to being located on the front section 214. In some embodiments, the opening or aperture forming the slit 226 can have a constant width, while in other embodiments, the aperture can include one or more areas with increased width. These larger areas can improve the ease with which the user can access items positioned within the slit 226.

[0037] As described above, in some embodiments, the peripheral insert 200 may be formed from a single piece of sustainable material (such as, but not limited to, cardboard). For example, the peripheral insert 200 may be formed from a single sheet of material that is cut, stamped, and / or otherwise folded to form the final peripheral insert 200. Figure 2FThe illustration shows the peripheral insert 200 in a flat, folded state, which demonstrates how the peripheral insert 200 can be formed from a single piece of material. For example, the back portion 202 and the base portion 210 (including the rear segment 212, the front segment 214, and the flap 218) can be formed from a single piece of material, wherein each segment is separated by one or more creases 228 (bent towards the drawing as illustrated) and / or reverse creases 230 (bent away from the drawing as illustrated).

[0038] As illustrated, the rear wall 204a and front wall 204b of the rear portion 202 are separated by creases 228a and 228b. When folded such that the rear wall 204a and front wall 204b are at least substantially parallel, a U-shaped channel 240 is formed between the walls 204. The area between creases 228a and 228b forms the upper surface 206 of the back portion 202. A reverse crease 230a is provided at the bottom edge of the front wall 204b and is marked as the final boundary of the rear segment 212 of the base portion 210. A reverse crease 230b marks the foremost boundary of the rear segment 212. The area between the reverse crease 230b and crease 228c forms a generally vertical surface (e.g., a rear flap 218a) that defines the relative height difference between the front segment 214 and the rear segment 212, and thereby defines the depth of the recess 216. The length of the upper surface of the front segment 214 is defined by creases 228c and 228d. Material extending in front of crease 228d can be formed as a front flap 218b of the peripheral insert 200. Crease 228e can define the lateral boundary of the upper surface of the front segment 214. The area between creases 228e and 228f on each side of the front segment 214 can form a lateral flap 218c.

[0039] In some embodiments, the peripheral insert 200 may include reinforcing flaps 232 that can fold under the front section 214 to help support the front section 214 at an elevated height relative to the rear section 212 when the peripheral device is positioned above the base section 210. For example, a plurality of creases 228g and 228h on each reinforcing flap 232 may form the boundary of the vertical section 234, wherein some or all of the creases 228h are provided with retaining flaps 236. The retaining flaps 236 can fold under the front section 214 and may form part of a platform supporting the weight of the peripheral device to hold the front section 214 at the elevated height. In some embodiments, one or more retaining flaps 236 may include an adhesive that allows the retaining flaps 236 to be adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the front section 214. For example, as illustrated, the outermost fixing flap 236 on either side of the front segment 214 may include an adhesive.

[0040] The tab 220 can be cut into the material, for example, by cutting and / or otherwise embedding it into the material to form a generally U-shaped slit in the material, thereby separating the tab 220 from the rest of the material. As described above, the tab 220 can be formed as part of the rear segment 212 of the base portion 210, the front wall 204b of the back portion 202, and / or the rear wall 204a of the back portion 202. The tab 220 may include a reverse crease 230c aligned with the reverse crease 230b and a crease 228i substantially aligned with the crease 228b. When folded, the reverse crease 230c and the crease 228i allow the tab 220 to be substantially aligned with the rear segment 212 and the back portion 202, thereby preventing the tab 220 from occupying additional space within the open interior of the outer casing. A reverse crease 230d can be provided at the base of the distal end 222 of the tab 220, allowing the distal end 222 to fold toward the center of the peripheral insert 200 and extend over at least a portion of the top surface of the peripheral device seated on the peripheral insert 200. In some embodiments, the slit 226 can cut into the material, for example, by forming an aperture in the front segment 214 and / or the rear tab 218a. Once folded, the aperture can form a three-dimensional slit 226, sized and shaped 108 to receive one or more objects in both the collapsed and access configurations. In some embodiments, connector tabs 208, slots, slits, and / or other fixing features can be formed in the rear wall 204a of the back portion 202. By folding the material in the correct orientation at each crease 228 and the reverse crease 230, the peripheral insert 200 can be assembled into Figures 2A to 2E The form shown in the diagram.

[0041] Although described as being formed of a single material, it should be understood that in some embodiments, additional materials may be used to form a portion of the peripheral insert 200. By way of example only, the tab may be a separate component that can be formed of the same or different material as the rest of the peripheral insert. In such embodiments, the tab may be adhered to and / or otherwise secured to a rear segment of the peripheral insert to enable the tab to be used to switch the peripheral insert between a retracted configuration and an access configuration.

[0042] Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe illustration shows a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a product package 300 that can be used to package computer peripherals. Package 300 may include an outer box 100 (or any other outer box defining an inner cavity). A peripheral insert 200 may be positioned within the inner cavity 106 of the outer box 100, wherein an inner layer 108 of a rear sidewall 104a is received within a U-shaped channel 240 formed between the rear wall 204a and the front wall 204b of the back portion 202 of the peripheral insert 200. In embodiments where the inner layer 108 and the rear wall 204a include securing features, corresponding securing features for each component may be engaged to securely connect the inner layer 108 and the rear wall 204a. The peripheral insert 200 may be sized such that at least some of its lateral edges (e.g., the edges of the back portion 202 and / or the base portion 210) contact the inner surfaces of one or more sidewalls 104 of the outer box 100. This contact can generate friction between the peripheral insert 200 and the outer casing 100 to hold the peripheral insert 200 in a desired configuration until an external force is applied to at least a portion of the peripheral insert 200.

[0043] As described above, the peripheral insert 200 can move between a retracted configuration and an access configuration. Figure 3A The illustration shows a peripheral device 200 in a stowed configuration within an outer casing 100. In the stowed configuration, the base portion 210 of the peripheral insert 200 (including the rear segment 212 and / or the front segment 214) can sit abutting against the bottom surface 102 of the outer casing 100. For example, the bottom surface of the rear segment 212 of the peripheral insert 200 can sit on top of the bottom surface 102 of the outer casing 100, while the bottom edges of the reinforcing flaps 232 and / or flaps 218 of the front segment 214 can sit on top of the bottom surface 102 to hold the front segment 214 in an elevated position relative to the rear segment 212. In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the rear segment 212 and / or the front segment 214 can be at least substantially parallel to the bottom surface 102 of the outer casing 100, although other angles are possible in various embodiments. When in the stowed configuration, the back portion 202 of the peripheral insert 200 can be substantially parallel to the rear sidewall 104a of the outer casing 100. For example, the rear wall 204a and the front wall 204b can be positioned against and / or otherwise at least substantially parallel to the rear sidewall 104a.

[0044] Package 300 can be received by a user in a stowed configuration, for example, by positioning cover 120 on cavity 106. Cover 120 can be removed to expose peripheral equipment within cavity 106. The distal end 222 of tab 220 can extend onto the top surface of peripheral equipment. The user can apply force, such as tension, to the distal end 222 of tab 220 to transform package 300 from a stowed configuration. Figure 3BThe access configuration is shown. For example, in some embodiments, a user can apply a pulling force in a direction indicated by one or more markings 224 provided on the distal end 222 of the tab 220. In the access configuration, the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 of the base portion 210 of the peripheral insert 200 can be tented relative to each other. For example, when tented, the upper surface of each of the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 can be angled upward toward the center of the cavity 106 of the peripheral insert 200 and / or the outer box 100. At least some portions of the back portion 202 of the peripheral insert 200 can be pulled away from the rear sidewall 104a of the outer box 100 and angled relative to the rear sidewall 104a of the outer box 100. For example, as the tab 220 is pulled, the front wall 204b of the back portion 202 can be pulled away from the inner layer 108 and / or the rear wall 204a, which can force the rear segment 212 to move in the direction of the front segment 214. The movement of the rear segment 212 can cause the base portion 210 to bend at the reverse crease 230b, which can force the inner edges of the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 (i.e., the edges closest to the reverse crease 230b) to rise relative to the bottom surface 102 of the outer box 100 (e.g., into a tent shape), while the outer edges of the rear segment 212 and the front segment 214 (i.e., the edges furthest from the reverse crease 230b) can remain in contact with or otherwise approach the bottom surface 102. When the front section 214 and the rear section 212 are tent-shaped, the inner edges of the rear section 212 and the front section 214 may protrude vertically and, in some embodiments, may be located at a height close to and possibly higher than the top edge of the side wall 104 of the outer casing 100, to lift or otherwise raise the computer peripheral device disposed within the inner cavity 106 and raised within the inner cavity 106, such that at least a portion of the computer peripheral device extends above the top edge of the side wall 104 to better enable the user to grip the peripheral device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the package 300 can be reused, for example, to store peripheral devices when not in use (e.g., for storage), during transport, and / or for other purposes. For reuse of the package, the peripheral insert 200 can be converted from an access configuration to a stowed configuration, allowing the cover 120 to re-engage with the remainder of the outer box 100. In some embodiments, the peripheral insert 200 can be converted to a stowed configuration by applying a downward force to the inner edges (e.g., tent-shaped portions) of the front segment 214 and the rear segment 212. The downward force can press down on the inner edges and force the rear edge of the rear segment 212 toward the rear wall 104a of the outer box 100. This, in turn, can move the front wall 204b of the rear portion 210 of the peripheral insert 200 rearward toward (and possibly against) the inner layer 108 of the rear sidewall 104a, allowing the peripheral insert 200 to return to its stowed configuration. Figure 3A The collapsed configuration is shown in the figure.

[0046] It should be noted that the systems and devices discussed above are intended only as examples. It must be emphasized that various procedures or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added in various embodiments. Furthermore, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Moreover, it should be emphasized that technology is evolving, and therefore, many of these elements are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0047] Specific details are provided in this specification to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. This description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with a description of feasible embodiments for carrying out the invention. Various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “containing,” “accommodating,” “containing,” “including,” “comprising,” and “having” are intended, when used in this specification and the following claims, to specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, components, or steps, but they do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, components, steps, actions, or groups.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or more (i.e., at least one) grammatical objects. For example, “element” means one or more elements. The terms “about” and / or “approximately” as used herein, when referring to measurable values ​​such as quantity or duration, cover variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% relative to a specified value, as such variations are appropriate to the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. The term “substantially” as used herein, when referring to measurable values ​​such as quantity, duration, or physical properties (e.g., frequency), also covers variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% relative to a specified value, as such variations are appropriate to the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein.

[0050] When a numerical range is provided, it should be understood that, unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise, each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed as a minimum fraction of the following limit unit. This encompasses any narrower range between any specified or unspecified intermediate value within the specified range and any other specified or intermediate value within that specified range. The upper and lower limits of these narrower ranges may be independently included in or excluded from the range, and each range in which any limit, no limit, or both limits are included is also covered in this technique, subject to any explicitly excluded limit within the specified range. Where the specified range includes one or both limits, it also includes ranges excluding any or both of those included limits.

[0051] As used herein and in the claims, the use of "and" in a list of items beginning with "at least one of..." or "one or more of..." indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any combination of A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, and / or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, where items A, B, or C may appear or be used more than once, multiple uses of A, B, and / or C may form part of the intended combination. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

Claims

1. A package for computer peripherals, comprising: The outer box includes a bottom surface defining an inner cavity and a plurality of sidewalls; as well as A peripheral inserter, the peripheral inserter being positionable within the inner cavity, the peripheral inserter comprising: The back portion is connected to the rear sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the outer box; The base portion extends at an angle from the bottom edge of the back portion, wherein: The base portion includes a rear section and a front section that are pivotally connected to each other; The rear portion of the back portion and the base portion define a tab; The peripheral insert can be moved between a retracted configuration and an access configuration by applying a pulling force to the protrusion; In the collapsed configuration, the base portion of the peripheral insert sits abutting against the bottom surface of the outer box, and the back portion of the peripheral insert is substantially parallel to the rear sidewall of the outer box. In the access configuration, the rear and front sections of the base portion are tent-shaped relative to each other, and at least a portion of the back portion of the peripheral insert is pulled away from the rear sidewall of the outer casing and angled relative to the rear sidewall of the outer casing; and At least a portion of the back section is secured to the rear sidewall of the outer box using one or more connecting features. The one or more connection features include a groove formed in one of the back portion and the rear sidewall, and a corresponding connector tab formed in the other of the back portion and the rear sidewall, the connector tab being capable of engaging in the groove to secure the back portion to the rear sidewall of the outer casing.

2. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 1, wherein: The upper surface of the rear section is lower than the upper surface of the front section, so that a recess is formed between the back portion and the front section.

3. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 1, wherein: The back portion includes two opposing walls that are connected to each other and extend on a portion of the rear sidewall of the outer box.

4. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 3, wherein: The tab is defined in the two opposing walls such that when the back portion of the peripheral insert is positioned on a portion of the rear sidewall of the outer casing, the distal end of the tab protrudes beyond the joint that connects the opposing walls.

5. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 1, wherein: The front section of the base portion includes a flap extending at an angle from the peripheral edge of the front section.

6. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 1, wherein: One of the plurality of sidewalls of the outer casing defines a recess that is sized and shaped to receive a connection mechanism for a peripheral device.

7. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 1, wherein: When the rear section and the front section of the base portion are tent-shaped relative to each other, the upper surface of each of the rear section and the front section is angled upward toward the center of the cavity.

8. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 6, wherein: The front section of the base portion defines a slit sized to receive a user manual, such that when the peripheral insert is in the access configuration, the user manual is angled upward relative to the bottom surface of the outer casing at a greater angle than when the peripheral insert is in the retracted configuration.

9. The packaging for computer peripherals according to claim 6, wherein: In the access configuration, at least a portion of the back portion of the peripheral insert is pulled away from the rear sidewall of the outer box and at an angle relative to the rear sidewall of the outer box.

10. A packaging insert for a computer peripheral device, comprising: The back portion has at least one wall; A base portion, said base portion being connected to the bottom edge of said back portion and extending at an angle relative to said back portion, wherein: The base portion includes a rear section and a front section that are pivotally connected to each other; The rear section and the front section are movable between a collapsed configuration and an access configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the bottom surfaces of the rear section and the front section form a first angle relative to each other. In the access configuration, the bottom surfaces of the rear section and the front section form a second angle relative to each other. The first angle is different from the second angle; The rear portion of the back portion and the rear section of the base portion define a protrusion; and The back portion defines one or both of the groove and the connector tab.

11. The packaging insert for computer peripherals according to claim 10, wherein: In the access configuration, the rear section and the front section are tent-shaped relative to each other.

12. The packaging insert for computer peripherals according to claim 10, wherein: The distal end of the tab extends laterally away from the back portion.

Images