SEALED PACKAGING FOR ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES FOR MEASURING FIT OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel sealed retail package for selling a retail electronic mobile accessory, e.g., cell phone/tablet case or a cell phone/tablet screen protector. The novel structure of the sealed retail package permits a retail customer to compare the size of the retail electronic mobile accessory to the customer's electronic mobile device, e.g., a cell phone/tablet. Preferably, the sealed retail package is a retail package containing at least one electronic mobile accessory having a particular preset size. The retail package has a planar front surface and a planar back surface with a shaped recessed indentation on the planar back surface of the retail package. The shaped recess indentation has a configuration for receiving the customer's electronic mobile device within the recessed indentation, for determining if the customer's electronic mobile device fits the electronic mobile accessory being offered for sale. In alternate embodiments, the application includes various other types of sealed packages with shaped recesses.

Claims

1) A sealed package for selling an electronic mobile accessory to a customer for comparing the size of the electronic mobile accessory to the size of the customer's electronic mobile device, comprising: a) a package containing at least one electronic mobile accessory having a preset size; b) said package having a planar front surface and a planar back surface; and c) a shaped recessed indentation on said planar back surface of said package having a configuration for receiving said customer's electronic mobile device within said recessed indentation, for determining if said customer's electronic mobile device fits said preset size of said electronic mobile accessory being offered for sale.

2) The sealed package of claim 1, wherein said package is an opaque or transparent retail package.

3) The sealed package of claim 1, wherein said electronic mobile device is a cell phone or an electronic tablet.

4) The sealed package of claim 1, wherein said electronic mobile accessory is a cell phone case, a tablet case, a cell phone screen protector, or an electronic tablet screen protector.

5) A sealed package for selling an electronic mobile accessory to a customer for comparing the size of the electronic mobile accessory to the size of the customer's electronic mobile device, comprising: a) a sealed container having a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein said sealed container includes at least one electronic mobile accessory having a preset size; b) a sleeve having a top wall, a bottom wall, and having an open side wall for receiving an electronic mobile device, wherein said bottom wall of said sealed container is attached to said bottom wall of said sleeve; and c) wherein said top wall of said sleeve having an open recess for receiving said customer's electronic mobile device within said open recess for determining if said customer's electronic mobile device fits said preset size of said electronic mobile accessory being offered for sale.

6) The sealed package of claim 5, wherein said electronic mobile device is a cell phone or an electronic tablet.

7) The sealed package of claim 5, wherein said electronic mobile accessory is a cell phone case, a tablet case, a cell phone screen protector, or an electronic tablet screen protector.

8) The sealed package of claim 5, wherein said sealed package is a retail package having an opaque or transparent open recess.

9) A sealed package for selling an electronic mobile accessory to a customer for comparing the size of the electronic mobile accessory to the size of the customer's electronic mobile device, comprising: a) a sealed container having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls joined to form a rectangular shape having an exterior surface, wherein said sealed container includes at least one electronic mobile accessory having a preset size; b) a cover flap attached to at least one of said walls of said sealed container, having a planar surface; and c) wherein said planar surface of said cover flap defines an open recess for receiving said customer's electronic mobile device within said open recess for determining if said customer's electronic mobile device fits said preset size of said electronic mobile accessory being offered for sale.

10) The sealed package of claim 9, wherein said package is a retail package having a cover flap which is fixedly attached to at least one of said walls of said sealed container.

11) The sealed package of claim 9, wherein said cover flap is pivotally attached to at least one of said walls of said sealed container.

12) The sealed package of claim 9, wherein said electronic mobile device is a cell phone or an electronic tablet.

13) The sealed package of claim 9, wherein said electronic mobile accessory is a cell phone case, a tablet case, a cell phone screen protector, or an electronic tablet screen protector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of the first embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device and for determining if it fits the size of an electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package;

[0020] FIG. 1A is a rear elevational view of the first embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package for measuring the size of a consumer's cell phone/tablet for determining if it fits the size of an electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package;

[0021] FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of the first embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package for measuring the size of a consumer's cell phone/tablet for determining if it fits the size of a cell phone/tablet case (shown in dotted lines) sold within the sealed package;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package with a sleeve having an open recess for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package;

[0023] FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package containing screen protectors (shown in dotted lines) with a sleeve having an open recess (not shown) for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device for determining if it fits the size of the screen protectors sold within the sealed package;

[0024] FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package with a sleeve having an open recess for measuring the size of a consumer's cell phone/tablet for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package with a pivoting cover flap in the open position having an open recess for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package;

[0026] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package containing screen protectors (shown in dotted lines) with a pivoting cover flap in the open position having an open recess for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package with a pivoting cover flap in a slightly closed position having an open recess for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package; and

[0028] FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention showing a sealed package with a pivoting cover flap in a closed position having an open recess for measuring the size of a consumer's electronic mobile device for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory sold within the sealed package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

First Embodiment

[0029] The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, provides a novel sealed retail package 10 for selling a retail electronic mobile accessory 12 to a retail customer. The novel structure of the sealed retail package 10 permits a customer to compare the size of a packaged retail electronic mobile accessory 12 to the size of the customer's electronic mobile device 14. Significantly, the novelty of this invention is that a retail customer does not have to open the sealed package in the retail store to measure the size of the cell phone/tablet cases or screen protectors being sold to determine if they fit the customer's cell phone or tablet.

[0030] The disclosed customer's electronic mobile device may be a cell phone, an electronic tablet, or any similar electronic mobile device known in the art. Also, the disclosed retail packaged electronic mobile accessory may be a cell phone case, an electronic tablet case, a cell phone screen protector, an electronic tablet screen protector, or any similar electronic mobile accessory having particular sized dimensions that is compatible with a similarly sized electronic mobile device.

[0031] More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel sealed package for selling electronic mobile accessories, including for example, cell phone cases, tablet cases, cell phone screen protectors, or electronic tablet screen protectors that are compatible with an Apple iPhone, or a Samsung Galaxy phone, or other similar cell phones and electronic tablets. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that the approximate dimensions of a cell phone (such as an Apple iPhone, or a Samsung Galaxy phone) and compatible cell phone cases and screen protectors is approximately 3 inches in width and 5 inches in height. It would also be understood by those skilled in the art that the approximate dimensions of an electronic tablet (such as an Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle) and compatible tablet cases and screen protectors is approximately 5 inches in width and 8 inches in height. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that current developments relative to the size of cell phones, such as an Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone and the like, are already similar in size to tablets, such as an Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle. This invention is intended to include these developments.

[0032] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, the sealed retail package 10 is a retail package, e.g., a blister package, containing at least one electronic mobile accessory 12 having a particular preset size. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the sealed retail package 10 contains a retail cell phone/tablet case 12 (shown in clotted lines) that is compatible with the customer's cell phone or tablet 14.

[0033] The sealed retail package 10 which can be made of opaque or transparent plastic, has a planar front surface 16 and a planar back surface 18 with a shaped recessed indentation 20 on the planar back surface 18 of the sealed retail package. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the shaped recess indentation 20 has a configuration for receiving the customer's electronic mobile device 14 within the recessed indentation 20. This permits the customer to determine if their electronic mobile device 14 fits the electronic mobile accessory 12 being offered for sale without having to open the sealed package 10. For example, FIG. 1A, shows the sealed package 10 having a shaped recessed indentation 20 on the planar back surface 18 of the sealed retail package 10 for measuring the size of a consumer's cell phone/tablet 14 and for determining if it fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory 12, e.g., a retail cell phone/tablet case, sold within the sealed package.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the shaped recessed indentation 20 on the planar back surface 18 of the sealed package for measuring the fit of the electronic mobile device 14 is made to be a close or exact fit of the electronic mobile accessory 12. If the electronic mobile device 14 fits flush within the recessed indentation 20, it will fit and be compatible with the electronic mobile accessory 12 being sold in the package 10. If the electronic mobile device 14 does not fit flush within the recessed indentation 20, it will not fit the size of the electronic mobile accessory 12 being sold in the package 10. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1A, the structure of this sealed package 10 enables the consumer to be able to insert their electronic mobile device 14 into the sealed electronic mobile accessory package 10 to determine if it fits the packaged electronic mobile accessory 12, without damaging the electronic mobile accessory package 10 for re-sale. This structure of the sealed package 10 also prevents theft, since if the retailer permits a perspective customer to open the sealed electronic mobile accessory 12 for determining the fit of their electronic mobile device 14, the electronic mobile accessory 12 can easily be stolen once it is removed from the package 10. Also, this structure helps avoid the consumer having to return the package 10 and electronic mobile accessory 12 to the place of retail purchase if the incorrect size electronic mobile accessory 12 (e.g., cell phone case or screen protector) was purchased.

[0035] These described benefits of this novel sealed packaging 10 are similarly present in the alternate embodiments of this invention described below.

Second Embodiment

[0036] In a second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B, a sealed retail package 100 is provided for selling an electronic mobile accessory 112 to a retail customer. The novel structure of the sealed retail package 100 permits a customer to compare the size of a packaged retail electronic mobile accessory 112 to the size of the customer's electronic mobile device 114. Significantly, the novelty of this invention is that a retail customer does not have to open the sealed package in the retail store to measure the size of the cell phone/tablet cases or screen protectors being sold to determine if they fit the customer's cell phone or tablet.

[0037] The disclosed customer's electronic mobile device may be a cell phone, an electronic tablet, or any similar electronic mobile device known in the art. Also, the disclosed retail packaged electronic mobile accessory may be a cell phone case, an electronic tablet case, a cell phone screen protector, an electronic tablet screen protector, or any similar electronic mobile accessory having particular sized dimensions that is compatible with a similarly sized electronic mobile device.

[0038] More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel sealed package for selling electronic mobile accessories, including for example, cell phone cases, tablet cases, cell phone screen protectors, or electronic tablet screen protectors that are compatible with an Apple iPhone, or a Samsung Galaxy phone, or other similar cell phones and electronic tablets. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that the approximate dimensions of a cell phone (such as an Apple iPhone, or a Samsung Galaxy phone) and compatible cell phone cases and screen protectors is approximately 3 inches in width and 5 inches in height. It would also be understood by those skilled in the art that the approximate dimensions of an electronic tablet (such as an Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle) and compatible tablet cases and screen protectors is approximately 5 inches in width and 8 inches in height. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that current developments relative to the size of cell phones, such as an Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone and the like, are already similar in size to tablets, such as an Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle. This invention is intended to include these developments.

[0039] The sealed retail package 100 includes a sealed container 116 having a top wall 116a and a bottom wall 116b, wherein the sealed container 116 includes at least one electronic mobile accessory 112 (e.g., a cell phone case or screen protectors) having a particular preset size. For example, FIG. 2A shows the sealed retail package 100 containing screen protectors 112 (shown in dotted lines) that are compatible with the customer's cell phone or tablet 114.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2B, the sealed retail package 100 also includes a sleeve 118 having a top wall 118a, a bottom wall 118b, and inner walls 118c. Also, the sleeve 118 has an open side 120. Further, the bottom wall of the sealed container 116b is integrally attached to the bottom wall of the sleeve 118b using rivets, screws, latch members, adhesives, glue, thermo bonding, or any other means known within the art.

[0041] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2B, the top wall of the sleeve 118a has an open recess 122 for receiving the customer's electronic mobile device 114 within the open recess 122. This permits the customer to determine if their electronic mobile device 114 fits the electronic mobile accessory 112 being offered for sale. The open recess 122 is preferably made from clear plastic and has a contoured shape to fit the shape and contours of a compatible electronic mobile device 114.

[0042] A shown in FIGS. 2 and 2B, in practice, the open side 120 and open recess 122 of the sleeve 118 permit the consumer to slide their electronic mobile device 114, e.g., a cell phone or tablet, into the side opening 120 of the sleeve 118, so that the consumer can then place their electronic mobile device 114 into the open recess 122 of the sleeve 118. The consumer can then determine if the electronic mobile device fits within the open recess 122 which corresponds to the particular size of the electronic mobile accessory 112 being sold in the sealed container 116 without having to open the sealed package 100. As shown in FIG. 2B, if the electronic mobile device 114 fits flush within the open recess 122 it will fit the sized electronic mobile accessory 112 being sold in the package 100, If the electronic mobile device 114 does not fit flush within the open recess 122, it will not fit the size of the electronic mobile accessory 112 being sold in the package 100.

[0043] For example, if the user wants to purchase a tempered glass screen protector, and determine the correct size and match for their cell phone, the purchaser can slide their phone into the sleeve 118, through the open side 120, and up into the open recess 122. This allows the purchaser to see their phone through the clear plastic open recess 122 which enables the purchaser to see if the size of packaged electronic mobile accessories 112, e.g., screen protectors, fit exactly the contours and size of the purchaser's cell phone 114 and screen.

[0044] Thus, the unique structure of this sealed package 100 avoids the consumer having to return the package 100 to the place of purchase because the incorrect size electronic mobile accessory 112 was purchased. The unique structure of this sealed package 100 also avoids theft of the electronic mobile accessory 112 being sold since there is no need for consumers to open the sealed packages to determine if the enclosed electronic mobile accessory 112 fits the consumer's particular sized electronic mobile device 114.

Third Embodiment

[0045] In a third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 4 and 5, a sealed retail package 200 is provided for selling an electronic mobile accessory 212 to a retail customer. The novel structure of the sealed retail package 200 permits a customer to compare the size of a packaged retail electronic mobile accessory 212 to the size of the customer's electronic mobile device 214 (not shown). Significantly, the novelty of this invention is that a retail customer does not have to open the sealed package in the retail store to measure the size of the cell phone/tablet cases or screen protectors being sold to determine if they fit the customer's cell phone or tablet.

[0046] The disclosed customer's electronic mobile device may be a cell phone, an electronic tablet, or any similar electronic mobile device known in the art. Also, the disclosed retail packaged electronic mobile accessory may be a cell phone case, an electronic tablet case, a cell phone screen protector, an electronic tablet screen protector, or any similar electronic mobile accessory having particular sized dimensions that is compatible with a similarly sized electronic mobile device.

[0047] More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel sealed package for selling electronic mobile accessories, including for example, cell phone cases, tablet cases, cell phone screen protectors, or electronic tablet screen protectors that are compatible with an Apple iPhone, or a Samsung Galaxy phone, or other similar cell phones and electronic tablets. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that the approximate dimensions of a cell phone (such as an Apple iPhone, or a Samsung Galaxy phone) and compatible cell phone cases and screen protectors is approximately 3 inches in width and 5 inches in height. It would also be understood by those skilled in the art that the approximate dimensions of an electronic tablet (such as an Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle) and compatible tablet cases and screen protectors is approximately 5 inches in width and 8 inches in height. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that current developments relative to the size of cell phones, such as an Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone and the like, are already similar in size to tablets, such as an Apple iPad or Amazon Kindle. This invention is intended to include these developments.

[0048] The sealed retail package 200 includes a sealed container 216 having a top wall 216a, a back wall 216b, and two side walls 216c and 216d, joined to form a rectangular shape. The sealed container 216 includes at least one electronic mobile accessory 212 having a particular preset size. For example, FIG. 3A shows the sealed retail package 200 containing screen protectors 212 (shown in dotted lines) that are compatible with the customer's cell phone or tablet 214 (not shown).

[0049] The sealed retail package 200 also includes a cover flap 220 having a planar surface 222. The cover flap 220 is attached to at least one of the walls 216a, 216b, 216c or 216d of the sealed container 216 by either a fixed or a pivotal connection. The pivotal connection may be accomplished using a pivot connection, or a rotational grommet coupling, or other mechanisms for allowing pivotal movement, such as a ratcheting swivel or pivot, a ball and socket mechanism, a latch, a clip, and/or one or more straps, etc.

[0050] The pivotal connection between the cover flap 220 and the sealed container 216 permits the cover flap 220 to pivotally move from an open position to a closed position with respect to the sealed container 216. For example, FIG. 3 shows the sealed package 200 with the pivoting cover flap 220 in the open position; FIG. 4 shows the sealed package 200 with the pivoting cover flap 220 in a slightly closed position; and FIG. 5 shows the sealed package 200 with the pivoting cover flap 220 in a closed position.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the planar surface 222 of the cover flap 220 further includes an open recess 224 for receiving the customer's electronic mobile device 214 (not shown) within the open recess 224. This permits the customer to determining if their electronic mobile device 214 (not shown) fits the size of the electronic mobile accessory 212 being offered for sale without having to open the sealed package 200. The open recess 224 is preferably made from clear plastic and has a contoured shape to fit the shape and contours of a compatible cell phone and screen.

[0052] If the electronic mobile device 214 (not shown) fits flush within the open recess 224, it will fit the sized electronic mobile accessory 212 being sold in the package 200. If the electronic mobile device 214 (not shown) does not fit flush within the open recess 224, it will not fit the sized electronic mobile accessory 212 being sold in the package 200.

[0053] For example, if the user wants to purchase a tempered glass screen protector, and determine the correct size and match for their cell phone, the purchaser places their phone 214 into the open recess 224 of the cover flap 220. This allows the purchaser to see their phone 214 through the clear plastic open recess 224 which enables the purchaser to see if the size of the packaged screen protectors 212 fit exactly the contours and size of the purchaser's cell phone 214 (not shown) and screen (not shown).

[0054] Thus, the unique structure of this sealed package 200 avoids the consumer having to return the package 200 to the place of purchase because the incorrect size electronic mobile accessory was purchased. The unique structure of this sealed package 200 also avoids theft of the electronic mobile accessory 212 being sold since there will be no need for consumers to open the sealed packages to determine if the enclosed electronic mobile accessory 212 fits a consumer's particular sized electronic mobile device 214 (not shown).

Advantages of the Present Invention

[0055] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide novel sealed packages for selling mobile electronic accessories in retail stores, wherein a retail customer does not have to open the sealed packages in the retail store in order to measure whether the size of the mobile electronic accessory being sold fits the customer's mobile electronic device.

[0056] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide novel sealed packages for selling mobile electronic accessories having transparent packages which provide for a visual look of the mobile electronic accessory without the need to open the package.

[0057] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide novel sealed package for selling mobile electronic accessories in retail stores that help prevent theft of the packaged mobile electronic accessories.

[0058] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide novel sealed packages for selling mobile electronic accessories in retail stores that have a durable and reliable construction.

[0059] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide novel sealed package for selling mobile electronic accessories in retail stores that have a low cost of manufacture with regard to materials and labor, and have a low cost to the consumer.

[0060] A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.