FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to packaging system, more particularly to packaging system for shipping computers with accessories thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
After a computer system is produced, a packaging cushion is usually used for packing and protecting the computer system. Conventionally, a computer and a liquid crystal display (LCD) are respectively packed in separate cushions, and disposed in two different shipping boxes. A computer system is usually shipped to a consumer with many accessories, such as peripherals including a mouse, a keyboard, a battery charger, and a power cord. These peripherals are not connected to the computer but are still shipped with the computer and generally require separate packaging. However, the separate packaging of the computer, the LCD, and the accessories consume a great number of materials and occupy a great amount of space, which adds to the shipment cost of the computer system.
What is needed, therefore, is a packaging system, which allows shipment of the computer, the LCD, and the accessories all in one shipping box.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An examplary packaging system is provided for holding a computer and a liquid crystal display (LCD) together. The computer has four standoffs. The LCD includes a screen and a board protruding from a back of the screen. The packaging system includes a pair of opposite first cushions, second cushions and a carton. Each first cushion defines a window for receiving one end portion of the computer. A recess is defined in a top edge of each cushion adjacent to the window for receiving the screen of the LCD on the computer. Each second cushion sits atop a corresponding first cushion. Each second cushion includes a bottom surface with a shape configured to fit the back of the screen of the LCD. The carton defines a housing for receiving the assembled first and second cushions, computer, and LCD therein.
Other advantages and novel features will be drawn from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with attached drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of computer packaging in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a carton, a pair of first cushions, and a pair of second cushions;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one of the first cushions in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one of the second cushions in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is an isometric assembled view of FIG. 1;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, an all-in-one packaging system for shipping a computer system in accordance with the present invention includes a shipping carton 10, a pair of first cushions 30 for protecting a computer 20 having four standoffs 21, and a pair of second cushions 50 for protecting a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 60 and carrying a first accessory box 70 and a second accessory box 80. The LCD 60 includes a flat display screen 61, a rectangular board 63 protruding from a back of the screen 61, and a seat 65 integrated with the back of the screen 61.
The shipping carton 10 is a parallelepiped-shaped box, including four side walls. A housing 11 is defined by the side walls, for receiving the first cushions 30 and the second cushions 50. A pair of substantially elliptical slots 13 is respectively defined in two opposite side walls for facilitating transport of the shipping carton 10 containing the computer system. Also, the carton 10 includes four flaps 15 that are respectively coupled to the top edges of the four side walls.
Referring also to FIG. 2, each of the first cushions 30 includes a substantially U-shaped foam frame substantially fitting the carton 10. The U-shaped frame includes a pair of opposite arms 31 and 33, and a cross-member 35 connected between the opposite arms 31 and 33 at the ends thereof. A cross-section view of each of the arms 31 and 33 reveals a substantially right-angled shape. Each of the arms 31 and 33 includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface perpendicular thereto. The first inner surfaces are opposite to each other. The second inner surfaces are coplanar. A support bar 37 is connected between the first inner surfaces. The U-shaped frame and the support bar 37 together define a rectangular window 39 for receiving one end portion of the computer 20. The second inner surfaces stop a further movement of the computer 20 along the first inner surfaces when the computer 20 is received in the window 39. A pair of spaced rectangular recesses 335 is defined in the first inner surfaces of the arm 33, for receiving two of the standoffs 21 of the computer 20. A narrow notch 371 is defined along the bar 37, for receiving and supporting the LCD 60.
Referring also to FIG. 3, each second cushion 50 includes a rectangular base 51 having a bottom surface 511. A support board 53 extends along a centre portion of the bottom surface 511. The thickness of the support board 53 is less than that of the rectangular base 51. The support board 53 includes a top surface 533 (see FIG. 1), and a bottom surface 531 flush with the bottom surface 511. A recess 535 is defined in the bottom surface 531, for fitting one end portion of the rectangular board 63 of the LCD 60. The rectangular base 51 includes a side wall 513 perpendicular to the top surface 533 of the support board 53 (see FIG. 1). The first accessory box 70 is disposed between the side walls 513 of the pair of second cushion 50. A slot 515 is defined in the base 51 beside the side wall 513 and extending to the top surface 533 of the support board 53 (see FIG. 1). The second accessory box 80 is disposed on the support boards 53 of the second cushion 50 between the slots 515 thereof. Also, the pair of second cushions 50 can be formed as an integrated cushion.
Referring also to FIG. 4, in assembly, the computer 20 is disposed between the pair of first cushions 30 and received in the windows 39 thereof. The notches 371 of the first cushions 30 together form a receiving space. The flat screen 61 of the LCD 60 fits in the receiving space. Then, the pair of second cushions 50 is put on the pair of first cushions 30. The recesses 535 of the second cushions 50 fit on the rectangular board 63 of the LCD 60. The first accessory box 70 is disposed between the side walls 513 of the pair of second cushions 50. The second accessory box 80 is disposed between the slots 515 of the pair of second cushions 50. At last, the all-in-one packaging system is put in the housing 11 of the carton 10. The flaps 15 are closed. Then, the packaging process is finished.
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, together with details of the structures and functions of the preferred embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
Patent Grant
7559425
