Patent Publication Number: US-8534463-B2

Title: Electronic device accessory system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to product packaging for consumer products, and more particularly, to an improved packaging system and method for packaging an electronic device for merchandising display in which a customer may gain access to a portion of the device, such as a desired connector, to assure suitability of use. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Portable consumer electronic devices are ubiquitous in modern life. Most customers own numerous devices of various types; each of these devices may need to be connected to one or more other electronic devices (including electronic device accessories), such as a power supply, charger, headset, earphone, cable, external monitor, speakers, or the like. (Throughout this disclosure, the term “electronic device” is intended to mean both electronic devices typically used on a standalone basis, and electronic device accessories typically used in connection with an electronic device.) However, electronic device manufacturers currently do not provide device connectors in a single, standard connector type. Instead, each device is configured with a particular type of device connector that will only fit and operate with the complementary type of dedicated connector. This lack of uniformity, wherein each accessory or other electronic device (having a dedicated connector) can only operate with one type and brand of electronic device, causes numerous disadvantages for customers and retailers. 
     To meet the needs of customers, retailers must stock each device or accessory with a variety of types of dedicated connectors. Customer frustration may occur when attempting to locate the electronic device having the proper dedicated connector that will mate with his or her device connector among the displayed rows of packaged electronic devices with diverse, assorted types of connectors. Confusion is increased by the small size of the connectors of the packaged electronic devices and their lack of distinguishing features. If the connectors are sealed within the electronic device packaging, customers must read a list of model numbers (often confusingly similar and printed in small type). These difficulties frequently result in damaged packaging, unwanted purchases, and returns of opened packages. Also, time and attention may be required from store personnel to assist customers in finding the right connectors and in accepting and dealing with returns. 
     Thus, an electronic device connector that can be accessed by customers and checked by them for compatibility with their electronic devices before purchase is highly advantageous for both retailers and customers. An advantageous design allows access to the connector through an opening in the packaging, herein denoted as a “try it” feature, yet retains the electronic device and most of the cord within the packaging. Customers can physically attempt to mate the dedicated electronic connector on the exterior of the packaging with their electronic devices, without breaking the seal of the merchandise, without damaging the packaging, and without purchasing the electronic device. 
     Various types of “try it” packaging have been disclosed, yet each fails to adequately meet the needs of the customer and the retailer. For example, a “try it” packaging for an electronic device is described by Eisenbraun in U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,950 as providing a front wall recess with an aperture in the blister package allowing the connector to be disposed in the front recess, exterior of the closed volume that packages the remainder of the electrical device. The front “try it” feature suffers from several problems, as embodied in the typical hanging display package. If the customer does not replace the cord and connector neatly within the front access opening, the messy result will obscure a portion of the front package information, lead to an unappealing display, and require additional employee time to straighten the display. Also, the row of packages may no longer hang compactly. For example, if the cord and connector are not restored correctly within the front recess of a rearwardly positioned hanging package, the forward packages will be displaced by the partially removed cord and connector and the row will be in disarray. Further, the already small area available on the front face of the small package is reduced by the access opening and recess; thus the prime front advertising and informational space is reduced and the packaging is rendered less appealing. 
     An Interactive Product Packaging is presented by 
     Dhuru et al. in U. S. Published Application No. 2009/0114564. A portion of a lock is accessible through a window (having at least one large circular portion) in the front of the package. This package and lock combination allows the customer to operate the lock by rotating a thumbturn exposed through the circular front window. Optionally, it also allows the customer to open the top of the packaging box to retrieve a reset key that can be inserted into a key slot exposed in the large circular front accessible window, so the deadbolt assembly can be rekeyed without removing the lock from the packaging. This packaging has a relatively large front access window, so also suffers from the above mentioned reduction in prime front advertising and informational space. Though the size and configuration of the circular front window may be suitable for exposing the circular portion of a sturdy lock that does not have loose members, the packaging presented does not lend itself to the retention of the connector and attached cord of a packaged electronic device. Thus, if such a packaging system is used to package an electronic device, shelf discipline would be reduced, usage of employee time would be increased, and damage to delicate electronic connectors and cords would be increased. 
     Another “try it” or interactive-type packaging is presented in U.S. Patent Publication 2004/0222118 by Melgaard. This packaging is only suitable for a product with a transverse handle extending from the body of the product, such as a hot glue gun. The body of the product and a tip of the handle are enclosed within the packaging, with a portion of the handle exposed so that a user can grip the handle of the product and engage the trigger while still in the packaging. 
     Another interactive packaging is the Clamshell Package with Spinner Insert by Begim presented in U.S. Patent Publication 2007/0056872. In this packaging system the customer interacts with the package, not with the product. The product is housed in a sealed compartment within the spinner. The spinner can be manually rotated within the outer clamshell package, but the customer is not allowed access to any portion of the product. Though the Begim package system may draw attention to the product on display, it is not adapted to allow the customer to determine suitability of fit of an electronic device connector, as the product is completely sealed within the spinner. 
     Similarly, U.S. Published Application No. 2006/0011505 by Chen presents a Sealed Packing Box with a Size Checking Space that allows the customer to interact with the packaging. The product is completely sealed within an intact compartment in the packaging. In another location of the packaging, the material of the packaging is contoured to provide a size-checking space that allows the customer to insert an article, such as a cell phone or nut, to determine if the article will generally fit within the packaged product, such as a cell phone case or wrench. Thus, the size-checking space is economically constructed and contoured from the packaging material, but the precision of fit is necessarily limited, though the rough estimate of the fit may be sufficient for the purposes presented. As connectors of electronic devices are quite small and must fit with sufficient precision to allow transmission of data and/or energy, a contour provided in packaging material does not have sufficient distinctness and accuracy to assure a correct fit. The customer interacts with the molded packaging and cannot access any part of the actual product. 
     Two interactive packages for a toy wheeled vehicle product are presented in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0284788 by Elliot et al. and in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0289297 by Tsang. Both have generally planar cardboard backing boards that are intact (without an interactive opening) and have an attached blister-pack-type cover defining a cavity for holding the toy. In the Tsang packaging a switch extends through the front of the package, with a conductor operative to conduct electricity between the switch and toy to cause the toy to move. In the Elliot packaging system the front blister-pack-type cover has a space between a center hub and a center front cover portion, allowing (through the front of the packaging) manual urging of movement of the toy within the packaging. Thus, neither toy packaging is suitable for allowing a customer to try the connector of a packaged electronic device while the packaged electronic device is sealed within the spinner. Moreover, both reduce valuable front display space. 
     Accordingly, there is an established need for an efficient packaging system that provides a readily accessible opening for allowing a customer to attain the electronic device connector for determining suitability of fit, yet leaves the front and the back of the packaging available for valuable advertising, informational and display space. In this way, advantages accrue to both customers (easily and quickly finding the correct electronic device) and retailers (reducing package size and shelf space required for display, preserving shelf order, reducing returns, and reducing usage of employee time for such work as tidying the display, handling returns, and providing assistance in determining the correct connector). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an electronic device packaging system that allows customer access to a connector of an enclosed electronic device through an accessible opening disposed on the side of the packaging system. The electronic device packaging system includes a front member that coordinates with a back member to form a clamshell-type outer enclosure to enclose the electronic device within a device-accommodating compartment. The device-accommodating compartment is sized and configured to contain the packaged electronic device. An optional inner securing member may secure at least a portion of the electronic device within the device-accommodating compartment. The electronic device connector is preferably restrained by an external side-wall restraint niche, reachable through the accessible opening disposed on the side of the device-accommodating compartment. The side accessible opening provides advantages for both customers and retailers. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device packaging system that allows full utilization of the valuable product display, advertising and informational space of the front and back of the package, while providing a convenient “try it” feature. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device packaging system that can be adapted to package a wide variety of electronic devices. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device packaging system that allows a customer to gain access to a portion of the packaged electronic device, such as a desired connector, to assure suitability of use. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device packaging system that provides advantages to retailers, such as a more compact package, a reduction in shelf display space, an increase in shelf tidiness, a reduction in labor, or a reduction in returned items. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view showing a first preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention with the packaged electronic device displayed within the packaging system; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view showing a first preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention without the electronic device displayed in the packaging system; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a first preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a first preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention without an inner securing member; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing an inner securing member configured to fit within the clamshell-type outer enclosure of  FIG. 3  of a first preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a second embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cut view from the end of a third embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention, illustrating multiple side accessible openings allowing access to multiple electronic device connectors; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view showing the assembly of a preferred embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the electronic device packaging system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward an efficient electronic device packaging system with at least one side accessible opening. The side accessible opening allows a customer to gain access to a portion of the packaged electronic device (such as a desired connector or other fitting) to assure suitability of use, i.e., a “try it” feature. The side of the package is not typically used for the display of the product or of informational material, such as advertising graphics or product details, thus the placement of the accessible opening on the side maximizes the availability of the front and back of the package for such informational material and product display. Consequently, the side placement allows the electronic device to be packaged in a smaller, more compact package, advantageously reducing shelf space required for display. 
     Using the unexploited side of the packaging for the accessible opening provides advantages for customers and retailers. For retailers, the electronic device packaging system provides excellent product visibility, product shelf appeal, product security and product presentation, while reducing the packaging size, decreasing required shelf space, maximizing the space available on the package front and package back for graphics and product display, reducing the quantity and cost of manufacturing materials, preserving shelf order, lessening product returns, and decreasing employee time usage (such as for tidying the display, handling returns, and providing assistance in determining the correct connector). For customers, the placement of the accessible opening on the package side expedites the selection of the appropriate electronic device. The increase in usable space on the package front and/or package back (while still providing a “try it” feature) allows more useful information and graphics to be presented; thus the shopping experience of customers is enhanced through both the increase of available information space and the provision of the “try it” feature allowing them to attempt to mate the connector with their electronic device. 
     The electronic device packaging system of the present invention is particularly adapted for packaging of any of a wide variety of electronic devices having a dedicated electronic connector that connects to a customer&#39;s particular device electronic connector. Such packaged electronic devices include, for example, a power supply, DC or AC charger, headset, earphone, or other small customer electronic items having a cord with a distal connector, socket, or other fitting (such as, for example, cables having a connector on at least one end or small electronic devices having a connector disposed on a cord or cable). 
     Four embodiments of the electronic device packaging system, shown generally as reference number  10 , are presented, all with at least one side accessible opening  13 , all with a main portion of an electronic device enclosed within the packaging system and a secondary portion of the electronic device accessible to a user via the side accessible opening  13 , and all with the front and back walls free of accessible openings for maximum front and back display space for the product and informational material. The first embodiment of  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5  illustrates the side accessible opening  13  of the present invention incorporated into a typical clamshell-type outer enclosure with an inner securing member  20 . The second embodiment of  FIG. 6  illustrates a second type of clamshell-type outer enclosure with the side accessible opening  13  of the present invention. The third embodiment of  FIG. 7  illustrates the packaging of two electronic devices within the electronic device packaging system with side accessible openings  13  on two side walls. The fourth embodiment of  FIG. 9  illustrates the side accessible opening  13  of the present invention as utilized with a third type of clamshell-type outer enclosure having sides contoured to correspond to the enclosed electronic device  40  and without the optional inner securing member  20 . 
     All four embodiments comprise a front member  12  and a back member  11  that cooperate to form a device-accommodating compartment  60  that is adapted to receive the electronic device  40 . The front member  12  is configured to be engageable with a back member  11 , and when engaged, forms an inner void or cavity within the device-accommodating compartment  60 . The device-accommodating compartment  60  includes a front wall  19  ( FIG. 3 ), back wall  47  (FIG.  6 ),and a plurality of side walls. Though herein illustrated with the device-accommodating compartment  60  generally rectangular with four side walls, it may optionally be formed in other geometric shapes, such as triangular, hexagonal, etc. as desired to suit the enclosed electronic device. The device-accommodating compartment  60  has at least one side configured with a side accessible opening  13 . When the main portion of the electronic device  40  is enclosed within the device-accommodating compartment  60  of the electronic device packaging system  10 , a secondary portion, such as connector  45  (preferably held within a recessed restraint niche  31 ) is manually accessible or graspable through the side accessible opening  13 . The specific size, shape, and positioning of the side accessible opening  13  may vary based on functional and aesthetic considerations. (The directions “front,” “back,” “upper,” and “lower,” as used herein, refer to the directions when the packaging system is hanging from hanging apparatus  49 .) 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A  to  FIG. 5 , the electronic device packaging system, is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  shows the compact, space-efficient design of the electronic device packaging system  10 , minimizing shelf space required for retail display. 
     As shown, the electronic device packaging system  10  of the first embodiment includes a clamshell-type outer enclosure with at least one side accessible opening  13  ( FIG. 2 ) and includes an optional inner securing member  20  ( FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 4 ). The clamshell-type outer enclosure comprises front member  12  ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 8 ) engageable with back member  11  to form device-accommodating compartment  60  ( FIG. 3 ) for receiving the electronic device  40 , which is secured by the inner securing member  20 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , the clamshell-type outer enclosure is shown with the optional inner securing member  20  inserted, and in  FIG. 3 , with the inner securing member  20  removed. The removed inner securing member  20  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The inner securing member  20  is configured to fit within the device-accommodating compartment  60  and is designed to aid in advantageously displaying the electronic device  40 . 
     Inner securing member  20  is preferably designed with one or more particularly formed or molded device-receiving recesses  23 , having a predetermined, generally concave, shape suitable for receiving at least a portion of the body and/or the cord of the electronic device  40 . The device-receiving recesses  23  can be varied to conform to the outline of one or more portions of the electronic device  40 . For example, the recesses  23  may include cord channel recesses (shown as device-receiving recess  23   a ,  23   b ,  FIG. 1 ). The device-receiving recesses  23  can be configured to restrain or hold portions of the electronic device  40  tightly in one or more particular areas, or the concave device-receiving recesses  23  can be configured to allow the electronic device  40  to merely rest within the indentations  23  without restraint. The device-receiving recesses  23  also assist in providing an aesthetically pleasing display of the electronic device  40 , while allowing customers to quickly identify the type of electronic device  40  within the electronic device packaging system  10 . 
     The inner securing member  20  may be further configured with one or more cord conduits  26  providing a passageway from above to below the inner securing member  20 . The one or more cord conduits  26  may be arranged to allow a portion of the cord  44  to run from above the inner securing member  20  to an underneath area (where the length of cord  44  may be stored in a less visible, more aesthetically pleasing position). In an exemplary routing of cord  44 , as shown in  FIG. 1A , the cord of the electronic device  40  may partially lie within a device-receiving recess  23   a  (cord portion  44   a ,  FIG. 1A ), may run through a cord conduit  26 , may then run between the inner securing member  20  and the back member  11  (cord portion  44   b ), may pass through a second cord conduit  26   a  and run through a second device-receiving recess  23   b  (cord portion  44   c ). 
     The cord portion of the device-receiving recess  23   b  adjacent to the accessible opening  13  is preferably configured to allow a degree of movement of the cord  44 , so as not to bind the connector  45  to such a degree that the customer cannot try the electronic connector  45 . Yet, preferably, the cord portion of the device-receiving recess  23   b  is configured to provide a degree of restraint to prevent the customer from easily drawing a long length of cord  44  from the packaging system  10 , which would be difficult to reinsert to recreate a tidy shelf display. 
     The particular design of the inner securing member  20  and its components, such as the device-receiving recesses  23  and cord conduit(s)  26 , may be customized to the size and shape of the electronic device  40  and the size and length of the cord  44 . For example, as the size, length, shape and type (coiled or uncoiled) of cord  44  may vary depending on the particular use and design of the electronic device, the size, shape and configuration of cord conduit(s)  26  and the device-receiving recesses  23  that hold portions of the cord  45  may vary to accommodate any cord  44 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in the first embodiment a section of the inner securing member  20  is exposed through the accessible opening  13 . This exposed inner-securing-member section is preferably configured with a particularly formed restraint niche  31  ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 4 ) having a pre-determined shape for receiving electronic connector  45  and for providing a degree of holding or confinement to the electronic connector  45 . The pre-determined shape corresponds to at least a portion of the electronic connector  45 , allowing a degree of frictional engagement of electronic connector  45  within restraint niche  31 . The degree of engagement provided by the pre-determined shape allows the electronic connector  45  to be manually inserted, manually removed, and frictionally held within restraint niche  31 . 
     The customer can easily disengage the electronic connector  45  from the restraint niche  31  to determine if a correct correspondence exists between the electronic device connector  45  and the customer&#39;s electronic device. The customer can also easily re-engage the electronic connector  45  within the restraint niche  31 , thus preserving the orderly appearance of the electronic device packaging system  10 . This side “try it” feature increases customer satisfaction, reduces merchandise returns, and increases salability of the electronic device, as the packaging does not need to be opened or destroyed to access the electronic connector  45 . Further, if the customer does not reposition the electronic connector  45  correctly within the restraint niche  31 , the side positioning of the “try it” feature (accessible opening  13  and restraint niche  31 ) allow the unrestrained connector  45  to extend laterally from the side of the package; the front of the packaging remains visible, and the rows of electronic device packaging still hang tightly, without the cord  44  and the connector  45  causing obstructions between adjacent packages. 
     The inner securing member  20  is also preferably configured with a formed finger depression  33  adjacent to restraint niche  31 . The formed finger depression  33  is sized and configured to allow a customer to contact a recessed portion of electronic connector  45 , thus facilitating removal of the electronic connector  45  from restraint niche  31 . 
     In the first embodiment, the restraint niche  31  and formed finger depression  33  are disposed on side  28  ( FIG. 4 ) of the inner securing member  20 , and are positioned to be accessible through the accessibility opening  13  ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ). Optionally, as shown in the third embodiment of  FIG. 7 , multiple restraint niches  31  (with or without one or more formed finger depressions  33 ) may be included to hold multiple electronic device connectors  45 . Alternatively, the restraint niche  31  (as shown in the fourth embodiment of  FIG. 9 ) and the formed finger depression  33  (not shown) may be disposed on a side section  17  of the device-accommodating compartment  60 . 
     The inner securing member  20 , though depicted for clarity as a separate component, may be formed in any of a variety of manners or combinations, while preserving the securing functionality. For example, the inner securing member  20  can be formed separately and remain unattached when inserted within the clamshell-type outer enclosure; the inner securing member can be formed separately and then be attached to one or more portions of the clamshell-type outer enclosure; the inner securing member  20  may be integrally formed with the clamshell-type outer enclosure; the inner securing member  20  may be formed integrally with the front member  12 ; the inner securing member  20  may be formed integrally with the back member  11 ; the inner securing member  20  may comprise multiple sections, with one or more sections formed integrally with the front member  12  and with one or more sections formed integrally with the back member  11 ; portions of the inner securing member  20  may be elevated and/or portions may be recessed, particularly to accommodate the device cord  44  or for functional or aesthetic reasons. 
     In the first embodiment, the front member  12  comprises the larger front portion  60 F ( FIG. 5 ) of the device-accommodating compartment  60 , with the back member  11  comprising the remainder, generally planar, back portion  60 B ( FIG. 5 ). 
     The front portion  60 F of device-accommodating compartment  60  protrudes forwardly a sufficient distance to accommodate the electronic device  40  and any inner securing member  20 . Although the foregoing discloses a forwardly protruding expansion, and the balance of this disclosure refers primarily to embodiments where the device-accommodating compartment  60  is forwardly protruding, it may be understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to those embodiments, but may relate equally to embodiments where the compartment  60  protrudes backwardly from back member  11 , such as in the case where it is preferred to display packaging graphics or copy on front member  12  (or on a blister card placed within or adhesively attached to front member  12 ) rather than display the electronic device  40 . In such a case, it may be understood that all other functions as disclosed herein need only be varied to the small degree necessary to accommodate this “reverse” positioning of the expansion  60 . In the same vein, this disclosure expressly encompasses embodiments where front member  12  and back member  11  cooperate to form the expansion  60  containing the electronic device  40 , as shown in the second embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
     The side walls in the first embodiment include a bottom wall  18 , a first lateral wall  17 , a second lateral wall  16  ( FIG. 7 ), and a top wall  15  ( FIG. 8 ). The first lateral wall  17 , is configured with the side accessible opening  13 , permitting access to the restraint niche  31  and the optional formed finger depression  33 . 
     As shown in the third embodiment of  FIG. 7 , multiple side walls (shown as side wall  16  and side wall  17 ) may be configured with side accessible openings  13   a ,  13   b . This configuration allows multiple electronic devices  40   a ,  40   b  (or a single electronic device  40  with multiple connectors  45   a ,  45   b , not shown) to be packaged, displayed, and sold together. In this embodiment the multiple electronic devices  40   a ,  40   b  are supported within device-receiving recesses  23   c ,  23   d , respectively, before front member  12  is positioned over back member  11 . In this aspect of the invention, the electronic connectors  45   a ,  45   b  are held by restraint niches  31   a ,  31   b , which are accessed through the side accessible openings  13   a ,  13   b . To select a properly corresponding accessory or other device, the customer may remove one or both of the electronic connectors  45   a ,  45   b  from restraint niches  31   a ,  31   b  to attempt to mate the connectors  45   a ,  45   b  of the packaged device with the dedicated device connector of his or her portable electronic device. 
     Front wall  19  is preferably substantially transparent to allow viewing of at least a portion of the enclosed electronic device and of any inserted front label. Front wall  19  may be substantially planar and, thus, suitable for receiving a front label. The availability of the entire front wall  19 , providing valuable advertising and informational space, allows use of any combination of one or more inserted front labels, adhered front labels, printing, and unobstructed viewing areas. Similarly, the back wall  47  ( FIG. 6 ), is also free of accessible openings, so available for display of the product, informational materials or inserted labels. 
     The back member  11  is configured to engage with front member  12  utilizing any closure or folding mechanism as is known in the art. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , back member  11  may comprise a substantially planar rim border  24  extending inwardly from the perimeter. Front member  12  and back member  11  are configured with corresponding forward-protruding lips  25 ,  35 , which are frictionally engageable to at least partially secure the clamshell-type outer enclosure. Extending inwardly from the perimeter of front member  12  is a substantially planar rim border  34  ( FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 8 ); protruding forwardly from this front-member rim border  34  is front-member lip  35 . Front-member lip  35  includes a lower front-member lip  35   a  ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 8 ), a first side front-member lip  35   b  ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 8 ), a top front-member lip  35   c  ( FIG. 8 ), and a second side front-member lip  35   d  ( FIG. 1B ). A generally planar shelf  46  ( FIG. 8 ) extends inwardly from the forward edge of lip  35  to intersect with the backward edge of the forward-protruding device-accommodating compartment  60 . Back-member lip  25  ( FIG. 8 ) protrudes forwardly from back-member rim border  24 , having a size and shape corresponding to the front-member lip  35 , thus allowing front-member lip  35  to be slidingly engaged over back-member lip  25  for closure of the clamshell-type outer enclosure. A back-member shelf  56  extends inwardly from the forward edge of back-member lip  25  forming a platform onto which the inner securing member  20  is positioned or may extend inwardly to intersect with the integrally formed inner securing member  20 . 
     The front member  12  and the back member  11  of the clamshell-type outer enclosure may be formed as separate pieces (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) or may be formed as a unit (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) with an integral hinge  14  disposed between them. The front member  12  and the back member  11  may be sealed with temporary, semi-permanent or permanent devices and sealing methods, as are known or become known in the art. A temporary clamshell sealing method such as a snap lock or frictional seal may be used. A semi-permanent method such as stapling or riveting, as illustrated by the staples (clamshell fastener  48 ,  FIG. 2 ) may optionally be used. Or, a permanent sealing mechanism or sealing technique, such as adhesives, spot sealing, UV sealing, ultrasonic sealing or radio frequency sealing may be utilized. 
     The clamshell-type outer enclosure is preferably configured with a hanging apparatus  49 , such as an aperture, a tab, a hook, or other apparatus suitable for suspending the electronic device packaging system  10  from a hanging rack, peg or other projection in a retail store. 
     Though illustrated and described herein primarily with the back member  11  being generally planar to form the device-accommodating compartment back portion  60 B ( FIG. 5 ) and the compartment front portion  60 F of front member  12  expanded to accommodate the device  40 , other alternative constructions are within the scope of the invention. For example, the compartment front portion  60 F may be generally planar and the back member  11  may comprise an expanded compartment back portion  60 B to form a cavity to receive the electronic device as mentioned above (the reverse of  FIG. 5 ). Alternatively, as illustrated in the second embodiment of  FIG. 6  the front member  12  and back member  11  may cooperate more equally to form the cavity, e.g., the device-accommodating compartment front portion  60 F may include a fraction of an expanded area with the device-accommodating compartment back portion  60 B including the remaining fraction of the expanded area. Like the first embodiment, at least one of the four side walls (the upper, lower, left or right side wall) is configured with an accessible opening  13 . Also, as in the first embodiment both the front wall  19  and the back wall  47  are unobstructed and free of accessible openings, therefore allowing maximum space for display of the product and informational materials, such as advertising, special offers, pricing data, packaging graphics, product details or the like. 
     The fourth embodiment of  FIG. 9  illustrates the functionality of the side accessible opening  13  when integrated into a blister pack or clamshell-type packaging having contoured side walls generally conforming to the shape of the electronic device  40 . The device-accommodating compartment  60  is contoured, as opposed to the more rectangular compartment  60  of the first three embodiments. 
     The fourth embodiment further illustrates the use of the electronic device packaging system  10  of the present invention without an inner securing member  20 . Additionally, the restraint niche  31  of the fourth embodiment is formed within the compartment front portion  60 F (as opposed to being formed as a part of the inner securing member  20 , as in the first three embodiments). 
     The electronic device packaging system  10  of the present invention may be manufactured of any of a variety of materials, as are known or become known in the art, such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), polypropylene or other plastic compounds. Preferably, the material chosen is substantially transparent to allow visual inspection of the enclosed device  40  and of any inserted front labels or other printed, descriptive material inserted within the electronic device packaging system  10 ; however, materials that are translucent or opaque are within the scope of the invention. 
     The variance in the size, shape, and design of the electronic device to be displayed and sold in the packaging system  10  may impose certain design constraints upon particular components of the electronic device packaging system  10 . For example, one or more of the following customizations of the electronic device packaging system  10  may be desirable: customizing the shape, positioning and design of the side accessible opening  13  to fit the size and design of the connector; fashioning the device-accommodating compartment  60  in various shapes, such as a generally rectangular void ( FIG. 3 ) or a contoured void ( FIG. 9 ); constructing the components of the electronic device packaging system  10  with rounded or angular walls and edges; modifying the connector-restraint niche  31  due to the connector  45  design; designing the formed finger depression  33  to function with various connectors  45 ; adapting the inner securing member  20  to fit the device; forming the inner securing member  20  unitarily or of multiple sections; and/or customizing the clamshell-type outer enclosure for optimum display and utilization, such as by construction of the clamshell-type outer enclosure as a tri-fold package with a bottom section, thus providing flexibility to hang the product on a peg or to stand it on the shelf. 
     A retailer would typically receive multiple electronic devices  40 , each contained within an electronic device packaging system  10  of the present invention. Each type of device  40  would then typically be placed in a row for display for convenience of perusal by the retail customer. 
     The retail customer can easily inspect the contents of the electronic device packaging system  10  and can choose a potentially satisfactory device  40 . The customer can assure a suitable fit of the electronic connector  45  (usually after removing the electronic device packaging system  10  from the display) by inserting a finger tip into the formed finger depression  33  to draw out the electronic device connector  45  from the restraint niche  31 . Then, the customer can attempt to mate the electronic connector  45  to the potentially corresponding connector on his or her electronic device. If the electronic connector  45  does not match the device connector, the customer can easily re-engage the electronic connector  45  into the restraint niche  31  before replacing the electronic device package  10  back on the display hook, thereby leaving the store display orderly. 
     From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the electronic device packaging system  10  of the current invention provides a smaller, more compact package that is adapted for use with a wide variety of electronic devices  40 . The packaging system  10  provides advantages to retailers, such as a reduction in required shelf space, a reduction in labor, and a reduction in returned items. The trim, compact packaging system  10  provides advantages to manufacturers and distributors, such as a reduction in materials required for manufacture and a reduction in transportation costs. Further, the front wall  19  is unobstructed and free of an accessible opening, allowing a greater display area for marketing information or suitability details. The side customer-accessible “try it” feature also provides advantages to the customer, as the connection electronic connector  45  is easily accessible to determine suitability so the correct, complementary device  40  can be quickly purchased. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.