The present invention relates generally to the art of packaging for game console controllers. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel packaging arrangement by which portions of a game console controller can be tested by a consumer prior to purchase, while at the same time the packaging protects more delicate portions of the controller, such as a directional stick.
Several techniques are used by retail facilities to display products for sale to consumers. For example, products can be stored in paper boxes, which can be opened to allow access to the product inside. One advantage of this technique is that the consumer will have the opportunity to operate and/or try the feel of the product prior to purchase. Due to shoplifting concerns, however, many retail stores will only locate boxed reels behind a sales counter. As a result, the consumer may not be able to operate the reel except in the presence of a salesperson. In addition, boxed products are generally not suitable for hanging, or so-called “peg board,” display.
Alternatively, products may be packaged in a “blister pack,” i.e., a sealed package made of transparent and semirigid plastic material. Typically, a blister pack will include a hanging aperture for pegboard display. In addition, the transparent nature of the blister pack permits the product to be visually inspected by a consumer. Because the blister pack is closed, however, the user cannot operate or feel the product prior to purchase.
Other packaging systems for products have developed a “try me” feature. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,617 to Chen discloses a packaging arrangement for fishing reel that permits the reel to be tested by a consumer on a limited basis, while the reel remains in the package.
Additionally, published U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/850,502 discloses a display package that allows the product to be touched while it remains secure in the package.
Accordingly, a continuing need exists for a improved packaging system that allows the testing of specific portions a game controller while allow the remaining portions of the game controller to be safely enclosed in the packaging system.
An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system for a game controller for a video game console.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system for a game controller for a video game console that allows a consumer to test and/or feel a portion of the game controller.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging system for a game controller for a video game console that allows a consumer to test a portion of the game controller, while at the same time protecting delicate portions of the game controller.
The foregoing objects are basically obtained by providing packaging for a game console controller, the game console controller including at least one button and at least one directional control device. The packaging includes a first section, and a second section coupled to the first section. Whereby the controller for a game console is positioned between at least a portion of the first section and the second section, so that the at least one button is accessible and the at least one directional control device is covered by at least one of the first and second sections.
The foregoing objects are also obtained by providing packaging for a game controller, the game controller including a main portion, a first handle and a second handle, the first handle having at least one control button thereon and the second handle having at least one directional control device thereon. The packaging includes a front portion, and a back portion coupled to the front portion, such that the front and back portions enclose the second handle and a portion of the main portion. An opening is formed between the front and the back portions, the opening being adapted to allow substantially the entire first handle to extend therethrough and thereby expose the at least one control button.
Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention.
Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
Controller 16 is preferably formed of plastic and has a front or first side 18 and a back or second side 20. The controller is divided into three portions, a main portion 22, a first handle 24 and a second handle 26, each handle 24 and 26 being connected to main portion 22. Main portion 22 has a top side 28 and a bottom side 30 and also has a directional control stick or “joystick” 32 and a directional control pad 34 positioned thereon each adjacent the bottom side 30. Directional control stick 32 and directional control pad 34 are conventional control devices known in the art.
As shown in
Second handle 26 is substantially similar to first handle 24; however, handle 24 preferably has a directional control stick 40 and two control buttons 42 and 44 thereon. Directional control stick 40 is a conventional control device known in the art. Handle 26 also has a trigger 64 on the underside thereof.
As with handle 24, handle 26 is sized and configured to allow an adult hand to comfortably hold the controller with the palm resting on the rubber grip 46, the thumb manipulating joystick 32 and the index finger manipulating the trigger 64. Furthermore, handle 26 does not necessarily need to have a directional control stick and two control buttons thereon, and can have any number of buttons desired or any other additional controls, such as another directional stick or a directional control pad, or no control devices at all.
Packaging system 10 is preferably a blister pack formed in the conventional manner using transparent plastic and has two sections or portions, first portion 12 and second portion 14, as disclosed above. However, the packaging system can be formed of any suitable material and does not necessarily need to be transparent. As shown in
As shown in
The middle section 43 of first section 12 has a molded protrusion or area 47 that is molded to follow the contours of first surface 18 of controller 16, including specific molded protrusions or areas that cover the directional sticks and pads. For example, as shown specifically in
There are additional areas adjacent the main compartment 47, such as area 54 and area 56 in section 41 and section 45, respectively, that can be used for any reason desired, such as storage for accessories, an electrical cord or graphics for a display, as will be discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, first section 12 preferably has a substantially L-shaped cut out area 58 that can be used to hang the packaging system and controller on a display hook (not shown).
Section 14 is preferably a molded substantially C-shaped piece of transparent plastic, and substantially matches the overall shape and size of section 12. For example, section 12 also has a top portion 51, a middle portion 53 and bottom portion 55 that form the substantially C-shape. However, it is noted that section 14 can be any shaped or material desired, as long as section 14 can be coupled to section 12. Middle portion 53 of section 12 has a molded area or protrusion 60 that conforms to the shape of the game controller second surface 20, and a molded area or protrusion 62 that protects and substantially covers trigger 64. The remaining portions of section 14 are substantially flat. Section 14 has a substantially L-shaped cut out area 66 that matches L-shaped cut out area 58, and allows the packaging system and controller to be displayed on a display hook (not shown).
During packaging, section 12 is coupled to section 14, enclosing at least a portion of controller 16 therein. Section 12 is coupled to section 14 using any conventional method, such as heat sealing, glue, or any other mechanical or chemical means desired, or any other suitable means desired. When sections 12 and 14 are coupled together, the form a main portion 80, an upper leg 82 and a lower leg 84 of the overall C-shape configuration. Generally, as shown in
Second cavity 69 is formed between protrusion 56 in section 12 and bottom portion 55 of section 14 in lower leg 82. Cavity 69 is preferably used to hold the controller cord and suitable graphics; however, as with cavity 68, cavity 69 can have any desired use.
Third cavity 70 is sized and configured to receive portions or a majority of controller 16, and is formed by protrusion 47 in the first section 12 and protrusion 60 in second section 14 in main portion 80. As described above, both protrusions 47 and 60 substantially conform to a respective surface of the controller. As shown in
Since majority of the controller 12, including sensitive portions such the direction control sticks and buttons, is protected and covered by the packaging system, the controller will be protected from damage and/or harm during shipping, packing and/or handling by the vender and the consumer. Furthermore, since substantially the entire first handle 24 is exposed or uncovered by the packaging system, a consumer may hold and test the control for comfort and possible playability. For example, as shown in
Additionally, since the first section of the packaging system has portions 41 and 45 that extend beyond the middle section 43, and the second section has portions 51 and 55 that extend beyond the middle section 53, the exposed first handle is protected from damage. As shown in
While a specific embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application, Ser. No. 10/695,942, filed Oct. 30, 2003, entitled, “GAME CONTROLLER PACKAGING WITH LIMITED CONSUMER ACCESS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10695942 | Oct 2003 | US |
Child | 10985564 | Nov 2004 | US |