Patent Publication Number: US-9850062-B2

Title: Packaging with double collar lid

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/235,317, filed on Sep. 30, 2015, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to packaging and specifically to packaging with a double collar lid. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Packaging may be used for electronic products for shipping or presentation to a consumer. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details systems, apparatuses, and methods related to packaging with a double collar lid. A package for an electronic device may include a base, a tray disposed within the base and configured to support the electronic device to be raised relative to a bottom of the base, wherein an available area for the electronic device is disposed above a top of the base, and a lid comprising an outer portion and a first inner collar configured to constrain the position of the electronic device within the available area such that when the lid is removed from the base the electronic device is framed by the tray. 
     In some embodiments, at least one half of the available area for the electronic device is disposed above the top of the base. 
     In some embodiments, the outer portion comprises a top, and the distance between the top of the outer portion and the tray is at least twice the distance between the top of the base and the tray. In some embodiments, the outer portion comprises a top, and a distance between the top of the outer portion and the tray is equal to a height of the first inner collar. In some embodiments, the packaging further comprises a second inner collar disposed between the outer portion and the first inner collar. In some embodiments, the outer portion comprises a top, and a distance between the top of the outer portion and the top of the base is equal to a height of the second inner collar. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second inner collars comprises a thickness that is equal to or greater than a thickness of a side of the base. In some embodiments, each of the first and second inner collars comprises a thickness, and the thickness of one of the first and second inner collars is at least two millimeters. 
     In some embodiments, the first inner collar is configured to horizontally constrain the position of the electronic device and the second inner collar comprises a vertical stop for the lid with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the first inner collar comprises a height that is at least half of a height of a side of the base. In some embodiments, the first inner collar is configured to constrain the position of the electronic device as the lid is being removed from the base. 
     In some embodiments, the tray and the base form a cavity underneath the tray. 
     In some embodiments, a packaged electronic device includes the package according to some embodiments and the electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a computer mouse. In some embodiments, a packaged electronic device includes the package according to some embodiments and the electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a phone. 
     In some embodiments, a packaged electronic device includes the package according to some embodiments and the electronic device, wherein the electronic device is closely adjacent to the first inner collar. In some embodiments, a packaged electronic device includes the package according to some embodiments and the electronic device, wherein the outer portion comprises a top, and wherein the electronic device is closely adjacent to the top. 
     In some embodiments, a lid includes a top, a side wall connected to the top, a first collar disposed on an inner surface of the side wall adjacent to the top, and a second collar disposed on an inner surface of the first collar adjacent to the top, wherein the second collar extends further away from the top than the first collar. 
     In some embodiments, the side wall comprises four side wall segments. In some embodiments, the first collar is adhered to the inner surface of the side wall. In some embodiments, the second collar is adhered to the inner surface of the first collar. 
     In some embodiments, the side wall extends further away from the top than does the second collar. In some embodiments, the first collar is in contact with the top. In some embodiments, the second collar is in contact with the top. 
     In some embodiments, a package for an electronic device includes a base, and a lid configured to interface with the base to close the package that includes a top, a side wall connected to the top, wherein the side wall is disposed on an outside of the base when the package is closed, a first collar disposed on an inner surface of the side wall adjacent the top, wherein the first collar abuts the base when the package is closed, and a second collar disposed on an inner surface of the first collar adjacent the top, wherein the second collar is disposed on an inside of the base when the package is closed. 
     In some embodiments, the side wall extends to a bottom of the base when the package is closed. In some embodiments, the package also includes a layer of protective material forming an inner surface of the top. In some embodiments, the package also includes the electronic device disposed within the package, wherein the second collar is configured to constrain the position of the electronic device when the package is closed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of packaging with a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-section view of packaging with a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side cross-section view of the double collar lid of  FIG. 5  at line  6 - 6  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a front cross-section view of the double collar lid of  FIG. 5  at line  7 - 7  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a base box according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of a base box according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top view of a base box according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a side cross-section view of the base box of  FIG. 10  at line  11 - 11  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a front cross-section view of the base box of  FIG. 10  at line  12 - 12  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a tray according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  shows a tray according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  shows a tray according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of a tray and a base box according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top perspective view of a tray in a base box according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of packaging with a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  shows a cross-section view of packaging with a double collar lid according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  shows a bottom view of a double collar lid with a product according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  shows a tray with a product according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     A consumer&#39;s first experience with a product after purchase is related to the product&#39;s packaging and the removal of the product from the packaging. Packaging may be used to protect the product during shipping and handling. Packaging may also be used to present the product to the customer in a pleasing way. While it is desirable to protect the product, it is also desirable to configure the packaging so that the product is easily accessible when the consumer is ready to remove the packaging and use the product. 
     The following disclosure relates to packaging with a double collar lid. Packaging according to embodiments of the present invention may be used for any type of consumer product, including electronic devices. For example, the packaging disclosed herein may be used for a computer mouse, smart phone, tablet, computer, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, packaging may include a lid, a base box, and a tray. The lid may include an outer portion and two collars disposed within the outer portion. The base box may also include an outer portion and a collar disposed within the outer portion. The tray is configured to rest upon the collar of the base box and support the product within the packaging. Thus, the product is raised up relative to the base box to be presented to the consumer immediately upon removing the lid from the base box in a designated space. The designated space presents the product in an aesthetically pleasing way. For example, the tray may provide a frame around the product. In this configuration, an available area for the electronic device extends above a top of the base. Thus, a portion of the product may be raised above the top of the base box. Thus, the consumer can immediately and easily remove the product from the packaging and begin using the product. 
     Presenting the product in this fashion, while convenient and beneficial for presentation and accessibility, introduces challenges with protecting the product prior to use. For example, during shipping or upon handling in retail stores, packaging may drop and experience other movements that can tend to cause movement of a product within packaging. Accordingly, the double collar lid as described herein can provide stability and protection to the product while the product is within the packaging. 
     In some embodiments, when the lid is on the base box, the outer portion of the double collar lid is disposed outside of the outer portion of the base box, one of the two collars of the lid abuts with the outer portion of the base box, and the other of the two collars is disposed on the inside of the outer portion of the base box. The product is disposed closely adjacent to the second collar to minimize movement of the product within the packaging. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing packaging  100  according to some embodiments. Packaging  100  may be configured to package a variety of products. For example, packaging  100  may package an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a computer mouse, phone, tablet, computer, or watch. Accordingly, packaging  100  may be shaped and sized to accommodate the particular device being packaged. Packaging  100  may be a rectangular box, as shown, or it may be a circular box, square box, or any other suitably shaped box. 
     In some embodiments, packaging  100  includes a lid  200 , a base box  300 , and a tray  400 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Tray  400  supports an electronic device  500 . In some embodiments, tray  400  supports electronic device  500  to be raised relative to a bottom of base box  300 . In some embodiments, an available area for the electronic device is at least partially disposed above a top of the base. 
     According to some embodiments, a portion of electronic device  500  is disposed above the top of base box  300 . For example, at least one third of electronic device  500  may be disposed above the top of base box  300 . In other embodiments, at least half of electronic device  500  is disposed above the top of base box  300 . In other embodiments, at least two thirds of electronic device  500  is disposed above the top of base box  300 . 
     With tray  400  supporting electronic device  500  such that a portion of electronic device  500  is disposed above the top of base box  300 , electronic device  500  is immediately presented to a consumer upon opening packaging  100 . In addition, electronic device  500  is easily accessible. For example, a consumer has no need to reach into a constrained space of base box  300  to remove electronic device  500 . 
     Lid  200 , according to some embodiments, comprises an outer portion  210 , a first collar  220 , and a second collar  230 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-7 . Lid  200  may also include a protective layer  240 , which may be formed of a nonwoven material. Outer portion  210  includes a top  212  and sides  214 . Outer portion  210  may include any number of sides  214 . For example, if packaging  100  is a rectangular box, outer portion  210  includes four sides  214 . 
     According to some embodiments, sides  214  have a height that is taller than first collar  220  and second collar  230 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, sides  214  have a height that is at least as tall as the combined heights of base box  300  and first collar  220  so that when lid  200  is on base box  300  the bottom of sides  214  are either flush with the bottom of base box  300  or extend beyond the bottom of base box  300 . Sides  214  are disposed on the outside of base box  300  when lid  200  is on base box  300 . In some embodiments, the height of one or both of first collar  220  and second collar  230  is at least half the height of sides  214 . In some embodiments, the height of one or both of first collar  220  and second collar  230  is at least two thirds the height of sides  214 . 
     In some embodiments, outer portion  210  is composed of paper materials. For example, outer portion  210  may be composed of layers of solid bleached sulphite (SBS) and grey board. In some embodiments, outer portion  210  includes a layer of grey board within two layers of SBS. According to some embodiments, a layer of finish paper is disposed on the outside of outer portion  210  to provide a desired look and feel for packaging  100 . Some embodiments of outer portion  210  may also include a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) matte film for lamination. 
     In some embodiments, protective layer  240  is disposed on an inside surface of top  212 . In some embodiments, top  212  comprises protective layer  240 . In other embodiments, protective layer  240  may be adhered to the inside surface of top  212  with an adhesive. Protective layer  240  may be glued in a manner to avoid any wrinkles in the material after assembly. Protective layer  240  may be a layer of nonwoven material that protects electronic device  500  by reducing scratching of electronic device  500 . Protective layer  240  may also include a layer of SBS. 
     According to some embodiments, first collar  220  is disposed on an inner surface of sides  214 . In some embodiments, first collar  220  is adhered to the inner surface of sides  214  with an adhesive. First collar  220  may also be disposed adjacent to top  212  or protective layer  240 . For example, first collar  220  may be in contact with either top  212  or protective layer  240 . 
     In some embodiments, first collar  220  has a height that is shorter than second collar  230 . First collar  220  is configured to abut base box  300  when lid  200  is on base box  300 , as in  FIG. 2 . Thus, first collar  220  may have a height equal to a distance between an inner surface of top  212  of outer portion  210  and a top surface of a side  314  of base box  300 . In some embodiments, the height of first collar  220  defines the available area for electronic device  500  that is disposed above a top of the base. 
     According to some embodiments, first collar  220  includes a separate piece for each side  214  of outer portion  210 . For example, when packaging  100  is a rectangular box, first collar  220  includes two shorter pieces and two longer pieces. When each piece is adhered to the appropriate side  214 , the pieces combine to form first collar  220 . 
     First collar  220 , according to some embodiments, is composed of paper materials. For example, first collar  220  may be composed of layers of clay coated news back (CCNB), grey board, and finish paper. In some embodiments, first collar  220  includes one layer of CCNB, one layer of grey board, and one layer of finish paper. 
     According to some embodiments, second collar  230  is disposed on an inner surface of first collar  220 . In some embodiments, second collar  230  is adhered to the inner surface of first collar  220  with an adhesive. Second collar  230  may also be disposed adjacent to top  212  or protective layer  240 . For example, second collar  230  may be in contact with either top  212  or protective layer  240 . 
     In some embodiments, second collar  230  has a height that is taller than first collar  220 . For example, the height of first collar  220  may be less than three-fourths the height of collar  230 , or less than one-half the height of collar  230 . Second collar  230  may be configured to be disposed on an inside of base box  300  when lid  200  is on base box  300 , as in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, second collar  230  extends from top  212  to tray  400 . Thus, second collar  230  may have a height equal to a distance between an inner surface of top  212  of outer portion  210  and a top surface of tray  400 . In some embodiments, the relationship between the height of first collar  220  and the height of second collar  230  reflects the relationship between the amount of available area for electronic device  500  that is disposed above the top of base box  300  and the amount of available area for electronic device  500  that is disposed below the top of base box  300 . In some embodiments, second collar  230  extends from top  212  to near tray  400 , but does not contact tray  400 . 
     According to some embodiments, second collar  230  includes a separate piece for each side  214  of first collar  220 . For example, when packaging  100  is a rectangular box, second collar  230  includes two shorter pieces and two longer pieces. When each piece is adhered to the appropriate side of first collar  220 , the pieces combine to form second collar  230 . 
     Second collar  230 , according to some embodiments, is composed of paper materials. For example, second collar  230  may be composed of layers of CCNB, grey board, and finish paper. In some embodiments, first collar  220  includes one layer of CCNB, one layer of grey board, and one layer of finish paper. In some embodiments, an innermost side of second collar  230  is formed of a protective material, which may be softer than other materials forming lid  200  or second collar  230 . For example, the innermost side of second collar  230  may be formed of microfiber (e.g., a microfiber layer) or another type of nonwoven material. 
     First collar  220  and second collar  230 , according to some embodiments, have the same thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of first collar  220  and second collar  230  differ. The thickness of each of first collar  220  and second collar  230  may be thicker than the thickness of a side  314  of base box  300 . One or both of first collar  220  and second collar  230  may have a thickness of at least two millimeters. One or both of first collar  220  and second collar  230  may have a thickness of at least three millimeters. In some embodiments first collar  220  may have the same or greater thickness as the thickness of a side  314  of base box  300 , such that side  314  of base box  300  can fit between side  214  of lid  200  and second collar  230 . 
     According to some embodiments, first collar  220  and second collar  230  fill in space between sides  214  and electronic device  500 . Thus, second collar  230  may be closely adjacent to the sides of electronic device  500  (e.g., spaced apart by less than 2 millimeters, for example, 1 millimeter or less, or 0.5 millimeters or less). Closely adjacent, as used herein, means close enough to constrain movement, but not necessarily touching when packaging  100  is upright. Thus, here, second collar  230  does not touch electronic device  500  when packaging  100  is lying upright on a flat surface. But if packaging  100  is dropped or turned to the side, second collar  230  will constrain appreciable movement of electronic device  500  so that electronic device  500  maintains its original position when returned to the upright position. 
     In some embodiments, because first collar  220  abuts base box  300 , first collar  220  defines the distance between an inner surface of top  212  and the top of base box  300  and thus defines the available area for electronic device  500  that is disposed above the top of base box  300 . In some embodiments, the portion of electronic device  500  that is disposed above base box  300  has a height that is approximately the same as the height of first collar  220 , thus using the full height of available area for electronic device  500  that is disposed above the top of base box  300 . In some embodiments, top  212  is closely adjacent to the highest point of electronic device  500  (e.g., spaced apart by less than 2 millimeters, for example, 1 millimeter or less, or 0.5 millimeters or less). Top  212  therefore does not necessarily touch electronic device  500  when packaging  100  is lying upright on a flat surface. But if packaging  100  is dropped or turned upside down, top  212  will constrain movement of electronic device  500  so that electronic device  500  maintains its original position when returned to the upright position. 
     Base box  300 , according to some embodiments, comprises an outer portion  310  and a collar  320 , as shown, for example in  FIGS. 8-12 . Outer portion  310  may include a bottom  312  and sides  314 . The shape of outer portion  310  mirrors the shape of outer portion  210 , but with slightly smaller dimensions so that sides  214  will be disposed on the outside of sides  314  when lid  200  is on base box  300 . Sides  214  may provide a hard stop for lid  200  by abutting with first collar  220 . 
     In some embodiments, outer portion  310  is composed of paper materials. For example, outer portion  310  may be composed of layers of SBS and grey board. In some embodiments, outer portion  310  includes a layer of grey board within two layers of SBS. According to some embodiments, a layer of finish paper is disposed on the outside of outer portion  310  to provide a desired look and feel for packaging  100 . Some embodiments of outer portion  310  may also include a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) matte film for lamination. 
     According to some embodiments, collar  320  is disposed on an inner surface of sides  314 . In some embodiments, collar  320  is adhered to the inner surface of sides  314  with an adhesive. Collar  320  may also be disposed adjacent to bottom  312 . For example, collar  320  may be in contact with bottom  312 . 
     In some embodiments, collar  320  supports tray  400 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . Accordingly, the height of collar  320  affects the portion of electronic device  500  that is disposed above the base box. In some embodiments, the height of collar  320  is at least half the height of sides  314 . In some embodiments, the height of collar  320  is at least two thirds the height of sides  314 . In some embodiments, the height of collar  320  is only slightly less than the height of sides  314  such that when tray  400  is supported by collar  320 , tray  400  is just below the top of sides  314 . 
     In some embodiments, the configuration of first collar  220 , second collar  230 , and collar  320  is such that the distance between an inner surface of top  212  of outer portion  210  and a top surface of tray  400  is at least twice the distance between the top of sides  314  and a top surface of tray  400 . For example, the distance between an inner surface of top  212  of outer portion  210  and a top surface of tray  400  may be at least three, four, or five times the distance between the top of sides  314  and a top surface of tray  400 . 
     Collar  320 , according to some embodiments, is composed of paper materials. For example, collar  320  may be composed of layers of paper (e.g., finish paper and CCNB). In some embodiments, first collar  220  includes one layer of finish paper and one layer of CCNB. 
     Tray  400 , according to some embodiments, is supported by collar  320  and is configured to support electronic device  500 . In some embodiments, tray  400  includes an inset portion  410  shaped and sized to support electronic device  500 . Inset portion  410  is the designated placement for electronic device  500 . Thus, in some embodiments, inset portion  410  defines a part of the available area for electronic device  500 . Some embodiments of tray  400  include an aperture  420  within inset portion  410 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 13 and 15 . Other embodiments do not include an aperture  420  in tray  400 . Some embodiments of tray  400  have an aperture  420  instead of or in addition to an inset portion  410 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 14, 15, 16, and 19 . 
     According to some embodiments, tray  400  provides a frame surrounding electronic device  500  when lid  200  is removed from base box  300 . When tray  400  is supported on collar  320 , tray  400  and base box  300  form a cavity  350 . According to some embodiments, manuals, supporting accessories, and other parts may be disposed within cavity  350 . Tray  400  may comprise a molded fiber tray. 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  500  comprises an electronic device  510  (e.g., a computer mouse, phone, a tablet, a computer, or a watch), as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 18-21 . In some of these embodiments, tray  400  comprises an aperture  420 . Aperture  420  may be configured to receive feet  512  of electronic device  510 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . Aperture  420  may help hold electronic device  510  in place in conjunction with features of lid  200  with first collar  220  and second collar  230  as described above. For example, the above-described features of lid  200  may help hold electronic device  510  in place and distribute forces that may be applied to electronic device  510  during handling. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. 
     The detailed description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.