Abstract:
The present invention discloses a large form factor media enclosure structure configured to removably retain a smaller form factor device therein. The large form factor media enclosure structure includes a first flexible retainer, and a second retainer oppositely disposed from said first retainer. A catch paw is disposed along the first retainer, for frictionally engaging the smaller form factor device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging, and more particularly to packaging for PC cards, flash memory cards, memory sticks, and other like electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     PC cards have become a popular standardized configuration for many electronic devices. There are currently at least three types of PC cards: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Each type is typically 54 mm wide and 85.6 mm long. Type I PC card are 3.3 mm high; Type II PC cards are 5.5 mm high; and Type III PC cards are 10.5 mm high. Typical Type I devices include ROM and RAM memory cards. Modems typically use the Type II configuration. While Type III devices include such things as disk drives and other large electronic devices. The sides of all three types of PC card have an edge thickness of 3.3 mm, corresponding to the Type I standard. Furthermore, the width of 54 mm is consistent for each type of PC card. However, the length and overall height can vary beyond the standard dimensions, in various commercial products. 
     Typically, PC cards and other like electronic devices are packaged for shipment to protect the device from damage. Furthermore, such electronic devices typically are shipped with an installation CD and associated documentation. 
     In the conventional art, the PC card, installation CD, and documentation are packaged in a cardboard box. The cardboard box is typically provided with cardboard dividers to provide separate compartments; one compartment for the PC card, and another for the CD and associated documentation. Furthermore, the various pieces of the documentation are usually shrink-rapped together, with another piece of cardboard so that the documentation is not bent or curled when the plastic is shrunk. Such a subassembly typically requires a label for inventory storage, inventory management, and/or kiting identification. The CD is also usually provided with a sleeve to protect it from damage by rubbing against other objects in the packaging. The box also typically has printed matter, such as product description and artwork, printed on or adhered to it. 
     Such packaging, according to the convention art, is typically specific to a particular product and even a particular model of a product. For example, if there are a number of models with varying dimensions, separate packaging material maybe required for each model in order to provide adequate product protection. 
     The packaging may also be comprised of a number of subassemblies. For example, the packaging may comprise an outer box and interior dividers. The installation CD and its associated sleeve and label may also comprise a subassembly. The documentation, cardboard filler, shrink rapping and label may comprise another subassembly. Each subassembly increases the kiting costs, storage costs, inventory management costs, and the like. 
     The packaging is also typically voluminous. For example, the cardboard thickness must be sufficient to hold the product and protect it from damage. The addition of dividers also adds to the volume of the product and increases the storage, shipping, and like costs. 
     Furthermore, if a particular feature of the product or model changes, some or all of the packaging must be scrapped because it is specific to the particular features of a given product or model. For example, the outside packaging will typically have printed matter on it. Therefore, any changes to the product which necessitate new printed matter will result in the existing packaging material needing to be scrapped. 
     Thus there is a continued need for an improved packaging for PC cards, flash memory cards, memory sticks, and the like devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a package having good protective qualities with relationship to the PC card or other like electronic device, the CD, and the associated documentation. The present invention also provides for reduction of packaging costs. The present invention also accommodates a number of different models and or products. The present invention also reduces the number of subassemblies. The present invention also provides for reduction of packaging volume. Furthermore, the present invention reduces or eliminates the need to scrap packaging material in the event of changes to the product. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a large form factor media enclosure structure configured to removably retain a smaller form factor device therein. The large form factor media enclosure structure includes a first flexible retainer, and a second retainer oppositely disposed from said first retainer. A catch paw is disposed along the first retainer, for frictionally engaging the smaller form factor device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a plain view of a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  show a top view and side sectional views, respectively, of a large form factor media enclosure structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-3F  show the operation of a release mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a plain view of a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a plain view of a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  show perspective views of a packaging in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view and side view of a packaging in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a plain view of a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the package  110  provides a holder  150  for a PC card, flash memory card, memory stick, or like electronic device  120  (herein referred to as a PC card). Additionally, the package  110  may also provide a holder  160  for a compact disc or like data carrier  130  (hereinafter referred to as a CD) and/or a holder  170  for associated documentation  140 . 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a PC card holder  150  along the inside of the top or bottom cover  180 ,  185 . In another embodiment, the present invention provides a PC card holder  150  and CD holder  160  along the inside of the top or bottom cover  180 ,  185 . In another embodiment, the present invention provides a PC card holder  150  and an associated documentation holder  170  along the inside of the top or bottom cover  180 ,  185 . In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a PC card holder  150 , a CD holder  160 , and an associated documentation holder  170  along the inside of the top or bottom cover  180 ,  185 . In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the PC car holder  150  and CD holder  160  are provided adjacent each other on the inside of the bottom cover  185 , while the associated documentation holder  170  is provided on the inside of the top cover  180 . 
     In one embodiment, the present invention holds a PC card  120  utilizing a pair of retainers  150  disposed along two opposite edges of the PC card  120 . In one implementation, the PC card  120  is inserted or extracted by pressing or pulling the PC card  120  into or out from between the pair of retainers  150 . In another implementation, one or both retainers  150  are provided with a release mechanism to facilitate insertion and extraction of the PC card  120  from between the retainers  150 . 
     In one embodiment, the present invention holds a CD  130  utilizing a retainer  160  disposed within the interior opening of the CD. In one implementation, the CD  130  is inserted or extracted by pressing or pulling on the CD  130  onto or off of the retainer  160 . In another implementation, the retainer  160  is provided with a release mechanism to facilitate insertion and extraction of the CD  130  from the retainer  160 . 
     In one embodiment, the present invention holds associated documentation  140  utilizing one or more retainers  170 . In one implementation, the retainer  170  holds the associated document  140  utilizing frictional force. In another implementation, the retainer  170  holds the associated document  140  utilizing a pocket. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2D , a top view and side sectional views, respectively, of a large form factor media enclosure structure  205  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are shown. As depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the large form factor media enclosure structure  205  provides an area  220  for holding a amaller form factor device. The large form factor media enclosure structure  205  includes a fixed retainer  210  and a flexible retainer  215 . The fixed retainer  215  provides a slot  225  for accepting an edge of the smaller form factor device. The flexible retainer  215  provides one or more catch paws  230  for engaging an edge of the smaller form factor device. The fixed retainer  210  and flexible retainer  215  are disposed opposite each other at a distance slightly greater than the width or length of the smaller form factor device. The catch paws  230  are located on the flexible retainer  215  at a height slightly greater then the edge height of the smaller form factor device. 
     Therefore, one implementation of the present invention can be used for holding multiple types of smaller form factor devices. Such an implementation is capable of accepting smaller form factor devices of varying lengths or widths, because the widthwise or lengthwise direction, respectively, of the smaller form factor devices are not obstructed by any retainer  210   215 . Furthermore, if the smaller form factor devices have the same edge height, the same implementation is capable of accepting smaller form factor devices of varying overall heights because the catch paws  230  and slot  225  engage the smaller form factor devices along the edges of the smaller form factor devices. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the large form factor media enclosure structure  205  is also provided with spacers  235 . The spacers  235  hold the smaller form factor device away from a base  240  of the large form factor media enclosure structure  205 . Thus, the spacers  235  provide additional protection for the smaller form factor device by spacing the smaller form factor device away from the base  240  of the large form factor media enclosure structure  205 . The large form factor media enclosure structure  205  with spacers  235  can also be utilized for smaller form factor devices having heights that vary above and/or below the edges of the smaller form factor devices. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the smaller form factor device can be inserted and removed by pressing or pulling on the smaller form factor device with sufficient force to cause the flexible retainer  215  to flex such that the catch paws  230  disengage or engage the edge of the smaller form factor device. The force necessary to insert and remove the smaller form factor device should be sufficiently large so that the product remains held under normal conditions, such as shipping and handling. However, the force necessary to insert and remove the smaller form factor device should not be so high as to cause damage to the smaller form factor device. In another embodiment of the present invention, a release mechanism can be provided for displacing the catch paws  230  for easier insertion and extraction of the smaller form factor device. 
     In an another implementation of the above-described embodiment, the fixed retainer provides a closed slot  225 , for accepting an edge of the smaller form factor device. The slot  225  having closed ends provides additional retention of the smaller form factor device with respect to forces acting in a parallel direction to the lengthwise direction of the slot  225 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3F , operation of a release mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIGS. 3A , the release  310  is coupled to a flexible retainer  315  and a flexible member  320 . Both the flexible retainer  315  and flexible member  320  are anchored to a base  325  of the large form factor media enclosure structure. The edges of a smaller form factor device  350  are engaged by a slot  330  in a fixed retainer  335  and a catch paw  340  on the flexible retainer  315 , when the release mechanism  310  is in the static state. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the release  310  acts to disengage the catch paw  340  from an edge  345  of the smaller form factor device  350 . The release  310  is activated by a downward force  355 , which causes the flexible retainer  315  to flex in toward the release  310 . As the flexible retainer  315  bends in toward the release  310 , the catch paw  340  is drawn away from the smaller form factor device  350 , thereby releasing the smaller form factor device  350 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , the smaller form factor device  350  is then extracted. The edge  345  of the smaller form factor device  355  adjacent the flexible retainer  315  is lifted up and slightly toward  360  the flexible retainer  315  such that the opposite edge  365  of the smaller form factor device is removed from the slot  330  in the fixed retainer  335 . The force  355  on the release  310  mechanism can then be release once the smaller form factor device  350  has been extracted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3D-3F , the smaller form factor device  350  can also be inserted using the release  310  mechanism. First, one edge  365  of the smaller form factor device  350  can be inserted into the slot  330  provided by the fixed retainer  335  as shown in FIG.  3 D. The release  310  mechanism is then activated to allow the opposite edge  345  of the smaller form factor device to be lowered  370  bellow the catch paw  340 , as shown in FIG.  3 E. As shown in  FIG. 3F , when the release  310  is allowed to return to its static state, the catch paw  340  on the flexible member  315  engages the associated edge  345  of the smaller form factor device  350 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a plain view of a package  410  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the package  410  provides for an area  415  for holding a PC card and an area  420  for holding a CD. 
     In one embodiment, the fixed retainer  425  provides a slot of approximately 3.3 mm wide for accepting an edge of a PC card along its lengthwise direction. In such an embodiment the flexible retainer  430  is disposed approximately 54 mm from the fixed retainer  425 . While the catch paw is located on the flexible retainer  430  at a height of approximately 3.3 mm for engaging the opposite lengthwise edge of the PC card. Thus, the embodiment is capable of accepting PC cards of varying heights, because the retainers engage the PC card along the edges, which are of a consistent thickness. Furthermore, the retainers  425   430  are spaced according to the standard PC card width, which is also consistent among the various PC cards. Therefore, the embodiment is also capable of accepting PC cards of varying lengths, because the lengthwise direction is not obstructed by any retainer  425   430 . 
     In another implementation of the above-described embodiment, the PC card holder is also provided with a release mechanism  435 . The release is coupled to the flexible retainer  430  and a member  440 . Both the flexible retainer  430  and member  440  are anchored to a surface of the package. The release  435  is activated by a downward force. The downward motion of the release causes the flexible retainer  435  to flex in toward the release  440 . As the flexible retainer  430  bends in toward the release  435 , the catch paw on the flexible retainer  430  is drawn away from the PC card, thereby releasing the PC card. For inserting the PC card into the package, one lengthwise edge of the PC card can be inserted into the slot provided by the fixed retainer  425 . The release mechanism  435  is then activated to allow the adjacent lengthwise edge of the PC card to be lowered bellow the catch paw on the flexible retainer  430 . When the release  435  is allowed to return to its static state, the catch paw on the flexible retainer  430  engages the adjacent edge of the PC card, thereby securing the PC card. 
     The present embodiment also provides a means for holding a CD  445 . The CD may be held by any number of known means for retaining CDs. For example, a substantially circular segmented lug having a plurality of retention teeth and a release button is provided. The diameter of the segmented lug is slightly smaller in size then the central opening in the CD. The retention teeth protrude from the segmented lug such that the teeth extend circumferentially wider then the central opening in the CD, thus providing the means for holding the CD about the segmented lug. The release button when depressed acts to draw the segments lug together whereby the central opening of the CD is able to clear the retention teeth, allowing the CD to be removed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a plain view of a package  510  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the package  510  provides an area  515  for holding a PC card, an area  520  for holding a CD, and an area  525  for holding associated documentation. 
     In one embodiment, a fixed retainer  530  provides a slot of approximately 3.3 mm wide for accepting an edge of a PC card along the PC card&#39;s lengthwise direction. A flexible retainer  535  is disposed approximately 54 mm from the fixed retainer  530 . While a catch paw is located on the flexible retainer  535  at a height of approximately 3.3 mm for engaging the opposite lengthwise edge of a PC card. Thus, the embodiment is capable of accepting PC cards of varying heights, because the retainers  530   535  engage the PC card along the edges, which are of a consistent thickness. Furthermore, the retainers  530   535  are spaced according to the standard PC card width, which is also consistent among the various PC cards. Therefore, the embodiment is also capable of accepting PC cards of varying lengths, because the lengthwise direction is not obstructed by any retainer. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the PC card holder is also provided with a release mechanism  540 . The release  540  is coupled to the flexible retainer  535  and a member  545 . Both the flexible retainer  535  and member  545  are anchored to a surface of the package. The release  540  is activated by a downward force. The downward motion of the release  540  causes the flexible retainer  535  to flex in toward the release  540 . As the flexible retainer  535  bends in toward the release  540 , the catch paw on the flexible retainer  535  is drawn away from the PC card, thereby releasing the PC card. For inserting the PC card into the package, one lengthwise edge of the PC card is inserted into the slot provided by the fixed retainer  530 . The release  540  mechanism is then activated to allow the adjacent lengthwise edge of the PC card to be lowered bellow the catch paw on the flexible retainer  535 . When the release  540  is allowed to return to its static state, the catch paw on the flexible retainer  535  engages the adjacent edge of the PC card, thereby securing the PC card. 
     The present embodiment also provides a means for holding  550  a CD. The CD may be held  550  in place by any number of known means for retaining CDs. For example, a substantially circular segmented lug having a plurality of retention teeth and a release button is provided. The diameter of the segmented lug is slightly smaller in size then the central opening in the CD. The retention teeth protrude from the segmented lug such that the teeth extend circumferentially wider then the central opening in the CD, thus providing the means for holding the CD about the segmented lug. The release button when depressed acts to draw the segments lug together whereby the central opening on the CD is able to clear the retention teeth, allowing the CD to be removed. 
     The present embodiment also provides a means for holding  525  associated documentation. The associated document may be held in place by any number of known means for retaining documents. For example, one or more vertically spaced clips can be used. The documentation is inserted laterally under the clips and held in place therein by frictional force supplied by the clips. Alternatively, a vertical, horizontal or diagonal packet  555  can be provided for holding the associated documentation. 
     The location for holding the PC card, CD, and or documentation can be at any location in the package. For example, the associate documentation can be held on the interior of the top fold, while the PC card and CD can be held adjacent each other on the interior of the bottom fold. However, any convenient organization, location, or the like may be chosen. Thus, it is not necessary that the PC card, CD and associated documentation be located as indicated in the drawings. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is molded in one or more pieces of ESD plastic. The ESD plastic provides protection to the PC card against electrostatic discharge, which might damage the device. In another embodiment, the present invention is treated with ESD proof chemicals (i.e. chemically shielded). In yet another embodiment, the present invention does not provide protection against electrostatic discharge. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a substantial reduction in the packaging volume. In one implementation, a reduction in volume of approximately 75% has been achieved in comparison to current PC card packaging. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a substantial reduction in the packaging costs. In one implementation, a reduction in cost of approximately 35% has been achieved, in comparison to current PC card packaging. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , a perspective view of a package  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIG. 6A , the packaging  600  comprises a top and bottom cover  610 ,  615 . The top and bottom covers  610 ,  615  are flexible connected  620  along adjacent sides, such that when the package  600  is folded the PC card, the CD and/or the associated documentation are contained within a protective enclosure defined by the top and bottom cover  610 ,  615 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6B , a perspective view of a package  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIG. 6B , the packaging  600  comprises a top and bottom cover  610 ,  615  and side walls  630 . The top and bottom covers  610 ,  615  are pivotally connected  640  at adjacent oppositely disposed ends of the side walls  630 , such that when the package is folded the PC card, the CD and/or the associated documentation are contained within a protective enclosure defined by the top and bottom cover  610 ,  615 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective and side view of a package  710  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the exterior of a top  715  and/or bottom  720  cover is provided with a sleeve  725 . The sleeve  725  is capable of accepting printed matter  730  such as product description, artwork, and the like. The sleeve  725 , for example, may be a clear piece of plastic attached to an exterior surface  735  of the package  710  along three corresponding edges of the plastic and cover. The fourth edge is left unattached, thereby providing an opening for insertion of the printed matter  730 . The plastic is attached to the cover of the package  710  such that friction force between the printed matter  730  and the sleeve  725  securely holds the printed matter  730  flush against the exterior of the package  735 . The clear plastic provides a transparent window for display of the printed matter  730 . 
     The sleeve  725  provides a simple means for changing printed matter  730  in response to changes in the product. The sleeve  725  also provides for reducing rework and or scrap costs, because the printed matter  730  is separate from the rest of the packaging; unlike the current method, whereby the printed matter is printed directly on or adhered to the outer cardboard box. The current method therefore requires that the cardboard box be scrapped if changes need to be made to the printed matter. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.