WO2019195125A1

WO2019195125A1 - Presentation point-of-use package

Info

Publication number: WO2019195125A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/025092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Edward DOLDER; Austin GAMBINO; Sarah HUDNALL; Victor MORALES; Steve MOSKOWITZ; Erica PTOHOS
Original assignee: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
Priority date: 2018-04-05
Filing date: 2019-04-01
Publication date: 2019-10-10

Abstract

Described herein is a device for packaging together a personal data device and a miniprojector useful as a point of use presentation device.

Description

PRESENTATION POINT-OF-USE PACKAGE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Notebook computers and similar hand-held data-handling devices, for example,

“smart phones”, referred to generally herein collectively as a“personal data device” are increasingly the tool of choice for sales personnel and individuals serving as technical representatives to provide professional presentations. Such presentations may be given either in small groups or in a 1: 1 setting where presentation facilities may not be readily available or where utilization of such would require a expenditure of a significant portion of the time available in which to provide the intended recipients with the information to be presented, used merely in setting up and assembling for the presentation. One example of such a presentation situation is the presentation study results for a commercial pharmaceutical to a physician within the physician’s professional facility or office.

[0002] In many such presentation situations it is preferable to project the information to be presented, and in some instances present the information in the form of a projected, prerecorded presentation to insure ease of viewing and maintain a high degree of consistency in presenting the information. A variety of projection devices are commercially available that may be interfaced to a personal device containing presentation materials, for example, the AX325UT™ from Hewlett Packard, the Laser Pro C200™ from Cremotech, the LED Pico Pocket Projector™ from AAXA, and the Prjg88™ from Pyle Pro. These types of projectors are generally only a few inches or less in height and usually less than 6 inches in any dimension. They are considered to be“palm-sized” and are referred to as

“miniprojectors”. It is well known that this type of equipment has numerous connectivity options to a personal device including various wired and wireless connections. The problem with use of this type of equipment conventionally is the set-up time required, which can consume a significant portion of the presentation time available in the situations described above.

[0003] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improving the speed with which a representative can engage in starting a presentation to their target audience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a presentation package comprising an interfaced personal data device and a miniprojector contained in proximity therein, wherein said miniprojector and interfaced personal data device are disposed within said package to permit the pair to be used in situ to project an image. In some embodiments said projector and said personal data assistant are interfaced either with appropriate data cables or using a wireless interface.

[0005] In one aspect the presentation package of the invention comprises a base plate having a portion that defines a plane into which is formed an indentation of sufficient length, width, and depth to contain therewithin a miniprojector such that when present the whole of said microprojector resides below said plane defined by the baseplate, the length and width of said indentation defining an opening of said indentation which is coplanar with said plane defined by the base plate plane, and wherein said base plate additionally provides: (i) one or more projections extending away from said plane defined by the base plate plane in a perpendicular direction, and above said indentation opening when said plane is oriented horizontally, said projections being disposed in a conformation sufficient to define a space of suitable length and width to accommodate therein the length and width of a personal data device, and wherein said projections are configured upon said base plate such that when a personal data device is placed within said space defined by said projections said personal data device is located proximal to said opening of said indentation for containing said miniprojector; and (ii) at least one structural feature or mechanism which can be operated to secure to said base plate a miniprojector placed in said indentation and a personal data device placed with said space defined by said projections. In some embodiments, the indentation walls contain inward projections which act to locate a mini projector placed therein. In some embodiments wherein said indentation comprises inward projections, said projections are elastic and exert a compression load on the sides of a miniprojector placed therewithin. In some embodiments wherein said indentations comprise inward projections, said projections comprise a latching mechanism which latchably interacts to locate a miniprojector placed therewithin.

[0006] In some embodiments the projections defining a space for placing a personal data device are in the form of a continuous or discontinuous lip configured to contact the side contour of at least one comer and at least a portion of each of two opposing sides of a personal data device placed within the space thereby defined. In some embodiments, whether continuous or discontinuous, said lip is configured to contact at least portions of all four sides of a personal data device placed within the space defined by said lip. In some embodiments, whether continuous or discontinuous, said lip is configured such that at least one area of the lip contacts a personal data device placed within the space defined by said lip in at least a portion of all four comers and a portion of all four sides of said personal data device. In some embodiments said lip is continuous and contacts at least some portion of the side perimeter of a personal data device placed therein between. [0007] In some embodiments said lip is in the form of a curved portion of said base plate and said lip is formed such that it is discontinuous about the perimeter of the space for placing a personal data device thereby defined. In some embodiments, wherein, when a personal data device is placed within the area defined by said lip, portions of the lip contact some portion of all four comers and some portion of all four sides of said personal data device. In some embodiments having a lip with an inwardly curved portion relative to the space defined by the lip, some part of the curved portion of said lip contacts the screen face of a personal data device placed within the space defined by said lip.

[0008] In some embodiments said base plate comprises a continuous or discontinuous lip disposed about at least three sides of the perimeter of said indentation opening which is coplanar with the plane defined by said base plate plane and are disposed about said indentation opening such that when a personal data device is placed within the space defined by said lip, said personal data device is located such that it covers, substantially or completely, a miniprojector residing within said indentation. In some embodiments, said lip is discontinuous and defines a space for locating said personal data device which includes said indentation opening.

[0009] The presentation package of the present invention comprises a mechanism for securing the miniprojector and the personal data device to the base plate within the package such that the package can be transported and used without the necessity of removing the miniprojector and the personal data device from the package and assembling them. In some embodiments the miniprojector and the personal data device are secured within the package, to the base plate, by a mechanism comprising a hinge-fixed to one portion of said base plate and disposed such that when a member attached thereto is pivoted on said hinge from a position permitting placement of a personal data device into the space defined by said projections, said hinged member contacts a personal data device placed within the area defined by said projections and engages a latching mechanism with a portion of said member, securing it from pivoting back to an orientation where it is not contacting said personal data device, thereby securing said personal data device to said base plate. In some embodiments the miniprojector and the personal data device are secured within the package, to the base plate, by forming the edge of said lip from an elastic material into an inwardly-arched portion which compressively contacts at least a portion of the screen face of the personal data device, and optionally some portion of the side perimeter of a personal data device placed within the area defined by said lip when the back of the personal data device is in contact with the portion of the back plate defining said plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is more fully described in the following detailed description and the appended figures in which:

[0011] Figure 1 presents a 3/4 back view of the shroud embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 presents on overhead view of the shroud embodiment of the present

invention looking into the indentation for the miniprojector in the base plate.

[0013] Figure 3 presents a cut-away view of a shroud-style presentation package with

personal data device and miniprojector in place looking on at the projection lens of the miniprojector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention is best understood with reference to the various drawings presented herein. Figure 1 depicts a“Shroud” style embodiment of the invention looking at the bottom of the presentation package, wherein base plate (10) is formed having the indentation (1) for containing a miniprojector and projections (4) about the perimeter of the base plate defining a space into which is placed a personal data device. With reference to Figure 2, a view of the top-side of the base plate, baseplate (10) defines plane (8), which is coplanar with the opening of indentation 1. In some embodiments, indentation (1) is dimensioned such that the length, width and depth of the indentation provide sufficient capacity that the selected miniprojector placed into the indentation fits entirely within the indentation and in all aspects resides below plane (8) when the plane is oriented horizontally with the opening of the indentation oriented up.

[0015] With further reference to Figure 2, the dotted lines (14) outline the length and breadth of the area defined by projections (4) into which a personal data device is placed. Returning to Figure 1, indentation (1) contains openings (2) which are positioned to align with the projection lens of the selected miniprojector. Exemplary mini projectors which may be sourced in commerce include the AX325UT™ from Hewlett Packard, the Laser Pro C200™ from Cremotech, the LED Pico Pocket Projector™ from AAXA, and the Pijg88™ from Pyle Pro, but it will be appreciated that any“palm-sized” miniprojector which can be interfaced to a personal data assistant may alternatively be employed. As will be appreciated from the list of commercial miniprojectors presented herein and others generally available in commerce, most models have a footprint which defines a rectangle, with the projection lens being located variously on one long side or one short side of the rectangle. [0016] Returning to Figure 2, which depicts the shroud embodiment looking into indentation (1) in base plate (10) from above, for orientation purposes, projections (4) and openings (5) are also marked. As with Figure 1, Figure 2 shows relief notches (7) cut into the base plate (10) which give additional flexibility to projections (4) and arched edge portions (11), useful in facilitating in insertion of a personal data device into area (14) defined by projections (4).

It will be appreciated that, although not required in all embodiments, in some embodiments relief notches (7) may be provided of sufficient size and in sufficient number and appropriate location to afford sufficient flexibility to projections (4) and edge (11) to facilitate easy mounting and demounting of the personal data device into or from the shroud. In another embodiment, the relief notches (7) may be absent on one side of the base plate (10), which will facilitate the attachment of a portable keyboard to the baseplate (10).

[0017] While Figures 1 and 2 depict the opening of indentation (1) being located

symmetrically centered within the space defined by projections (4) that define the space into which a personal data device is placed, and additionally depict that the long edges of the rectangular opening of the indentation align parallel with the long edges of the rectangular space defined by projections (4), it will be appreciated that the orientation of the indentation may be at any convenient angle with respect to the space defined by projections (4) for placing a personal data device. Further, the opening of indentation (1) may be located off center or even adjacent to the space defined by projections (4) and be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0018] In some embodiments, for the sake of maintaining a minimum footprint of the presentation package, it is preferable to locate indentation (1) within the area of the space defined by projections (4) such that when a miniprojector is placed within the indentation and a personal data device is placed within the space defined by projections (4), the personal data device covers the miniprojector partially or completely and is located above the miniprojector when the back of the personal data device is contacting plane (8) defined by base plate (10).

It will be appreciated that with the indentation opening and the space defined by projections (4) so oriented, securing the personal data device within its space (14) to base plate (10) will in turn secure the miniprojector within indentation (1).

[0019] In some embodiments, to maintain readability of the screen of the personal data device when the presentation package is used to give a presentation, indentation (1) will be aligned with the space defined by projections (4) such that a personal data device inserted in the space can be read while facing the direction which a miniprojector placed in indentation (1) is projecting.

[0020] In some embodiments, a strap may be attached across the back of the indentation (1), or the back of the base plate (10), in order to facilitate carrying or holding the presentation package.

[0021] With reference to Figure 2, in some embodiments the indentation contains projections (9) from the walls of the indentation. In embodiments which include projections (9), the indentation contains projections on at least two opposite walls, but may include 3 projections on each of three walls, or four projections, one on each wall. Even though the projections (9) are depicted in the figure as being a single piece, it will be appreciated that the projections on any given wall of indentation (1) can be discontinuous along a given line, or comprise a series of smaller indentation which are distributed along the length and depth of each wall and therefore a given wall may have a plethora of projections distributed across its length and depth and still be within the scope of the invention. [0022] Projections (9) may be prepared from an elastic material, for example, spring steel, rigid plastic or any other material which exhibits a suitable elastic moment, or an elastomeric material, for example, natural or synthetic rubber and some forms of plastic, or any other material which exhibits the stress/strain curve of a typical elastomer. When such a material is employed the projection exerts a compressive moment upon a miniprojector placed within indentation (1) where said projection contacts it, stabilizing said miniprojector within the indentation. Alternatively, projections (9) can be rigid material which has a flexible member, for example, a latching mechanism, wherein the projection latchably engages a feature on or relief in the side of a miniprojector at the point said projection (9) contacts the miniprojector, thereby securing it within the indentation. In some embodiments an elastic or elastomeric member may be placed on top of a miniprojector residing within the indentation, thereby exerting a compressive force on the top of the projector when a personal data device is placed with the space (14) defined by projections (4) and secured to base plate (10), thus additionally or alternatively securing the miniprojector within the indentation.

[0023] In some embodiments it is preferred to form the base plate in accordance with the shroud embodiment and secure the personal data device and miniprojector to the base plate by forming the edge of said lip from an elastic material, for example, nylon, for example nylon PA2200™ from EOS (Electro Optical Systems, Munich, Germany) and providing it with an inwardly-arched profile which compressively contacts at least a portion of the screen face, and optionally some portion of the side perimeter of a personal data device placed within the area defined by said lip when the back of the personal data device is in contact with the portion of the back plate defining said plane. [0024] In some embodiments it is preferred for said lip to be discontinuous and define a space for said personal data device which space includes the indentation opening.

[0025] With further reference to Figures 1 and 2, when the base plate is in the form of a shroud, shown, a personal data device may be secured to the base plate within the presentation package by forming portions of the edges of the member defining the base plate 10 into a rolled area which serves to provide projections (4), and continuing to roll the edge into an inward arch (11), with respect to space (14) defined by projections (4). With reference to Figure 3, when the arched edge (11) of projections (4) is formed from an elastic or elastomeric material, and sufficiently arched, the structure can compressively impinge on a personal data device placed into the area defined by projections (4). In this configuration , if the personal data device is pressed“back-first” into space (14) until it contacts the base plate (10) in the area of plane (8), the edge of arch (11) will compressively contact the screen face of personal data device (17) and, where projections (4) are also elastic or elastomeric material, projections (4) will compressively engage the sides of a personal data device inserted into space (14), thereby securing said device to the base plate (10).

[0026] In some embodiments it may be preferable to secure the personal data device within space (14) defined by projections (4) by including an additional member (not shown) hingably fixed to a portion of projections (4) or to a boss member located proximal to one of relief areas (7) such that, when pivoted to one extreme, space (14) is accessible in which to place a personal data device, and with a personal data device placed in space (14), said member can be pivoted on its hinge to lie across part or all of the personal data device, engaging a latch at the end of its pivot which fixes it in place, securing the personal data device to the base plate. [0027] While the present invention contemplates that any personal data device may be employed in the presentation package, and it will be appreciated that the elements of the backing plate defining space (14) can be arranged to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of personal data devices, in some embodiments it is preferred to provide a space which accommodates a device from the IPad Air™ line of notebook computers from

Apple™.

[0028] With further reference to Figures 1 and 2, indentation (1) and base plate (10) also have conveniently located openings (5) to facilitate disengagement and removal of a personal data device and a miniprojector put in place therein.

[0029] With further reference to Figure 1, elevation foot (6) is depicted. Elevation foot (6) may be a fixed member fashioned from or added to indentation (1) or to base plate (10), for example at two adjacent comers of the base plate. In some embodiments elevation foot (6) is selected to be an adjustable member (not shown) affixed to the bottom of indentation (1) or the base plate (10), or threaded into one or more threaded boss members (not shown) added to or formed from the bottom of indentation (1) or base plate (10).

[0030] With reference to Figure 3, when not selected to be an adjustable feature, elevation foot (6) is provided suitably positioned and dimensioned such that when the presentation package is place on a horizontal surface (18), miniprojector (13) is elevated to a convenient height to use as a projection screen any conveniently proximal surface (not shown) which is perpendicular to horizontal surface (18), for viewing by the selected audience. It will be appreciated that where a fixed presentation foot is selected, routine experimentation will permit one of ordinary skill to determine the size and placement of a fixed presentation foot to facilitate projection in common situations in which the presentation package is employed. [0031] Where presentation foot (6) is selected to be adjustable, it will be appreciated that there are numerous adjustment mechanisms known in the art which can be provided that will permit variability of the projection angle of the package when placed on a horizontal surface. Where an adjustable presentation foot (6) is selected, in use it is intended that the presenter will set the presentation foot to the appropriate position for the venue in which it is to be used prior to engaging the audience, facilitating maximum use of the time allotted for the presentation.

[0032] In some embodiments it is preferable to prepare the base plate for the presentation package by conventional manufacturing methods. In some embodiments the base plate for the presentation package is prepared by additive manufacturing, for example, by employing an additive manufacturing technique such as 3-D printing. As is known, additive manufacturing, which term includes 3-D printing, is a process of forming a 3 dimensional object by building up successive layers of material using a precision gantry device, or other precision servo device, to place a dispensing mechanism via computer control to selectively deposit the material of choice in a predetermined pattern, building up a 3 dimensional object. This may be accomplished through any number of techniques including melt-solidification of a native material such as plastic or metal which solidifies upon the target to build up successive layers, and layer-by-layer spray deposition of successive layers of adhesive followed by particulate or filaments of material which are adhered by the adhesive to the emerging object. This may also include post-generation processing to cure or fuse the object thus formed, thereby imparting desirable mechanical properties, or the equipment may be arranged so that material once fused attains the desired mechanical properties. [0033] As is known, in some techniques a substrate upon which successive layers are deposited is employed. In some techniques a 3-dimensional object is formed by merely depositing successive layers upon a platen which is translated away from the source of the material as layer thickness is progressively increased. The Wikipedia article“3-D Printing” submitted herewith and the references cited therein are incorporated by reference herein to further amplify this subject.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the selection of materials to be employed, for example, plastic, for example, nylon, will dictate the exact type and nature of the equipment and manufacturing technique employed. Examples of commercially available equipment suitable for additive manufacturing include, but are not limited to: (i) MakerBot Replicator™; (ii) EOS Eosint printing systems, for example, the Eosint M 280™ metal printing system and Eosint 700 for plastics; (iii) Dimension 3D printing equipment, for example Dimension l200es™; (iv) Fortus 3D printers, for example, Fortus 250mc™; (v) Projet 3D printing systems, for example the Projet 3500 HD Max™; (vi) the Ogjet Eden 260V™; (vii) uPrint 3D printers, for example the uPrint SE; and (viii) Mojo printers, for example, the Mojo 039™. The term“additive manufacturing” as used herein is meant to include any and all manners of creating 3 dimensional objects in any material by selectively adding material to realize a 3 dimensional object.

Example 1: Presentation Package of the Shroud embodiment

[0035] With reference to Figure 3, a cutaway view of a presentation package utilizing a shroud-style base plate shown (e.g. Figure 1) was made of PA2200 nylon plastic (Electro Optical Systems, Munich, Germany) by 3D printing. With reference to Figure 3, a Laser Beam Pro C200™ miniprojector from Cremotech (13) was inserted into indentation (1) in contact with retainers (9). An IPad Air™ personal data device (12) was placed into space (14) defined by lip (4) and arched section (11), back side first until it contacted base plate (10). When pressed into place the IPad Air was positioned by lip (4) such that it completely covered miniprojector (13) residing in indentation (1). When the IPad Air™ (12) was pressed into space (14) arched edge (11) of lip (4) was placed into compressive contact (16, 17) with the side (17) and with the screen face (16) of IPad Air™ (12). In this configuration, the personal data device (12) was interfaced wirelessly with miniprojector (13). If a wired interface were needed, or the equipment in the package was in need of charging, access to jacks for this purpose is provided by conveniently located openings in indentation 1 and lip 4 (See Figure 1, openings (3). Other openings (3) serve to permit cooling air to circulate through the package when it is in use. Miniprojector lens (15) projects content through an opening in the side of indentation (1) (not shown in the cut-away view, Figure 1, openings (2)) and presentation foot( 6) insures sufficient elevation of the presentation package for conveniently projecting the information needed onto a conveniently proximal wall near the desk (18) upon which the presentation package is placed in a manner such that presentation foot (6) is in contact with the desk and the presentation is presented to the audience (not shown) seated at desk (18) on a wall proximal to the desk (not shown).

[0036] The examples herein are presented to illustrate and not limit the invention, as various adaptations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill from the information presented in this disclosure. All such adaptations and modifications are contemplated herein and form part of the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A presentation package comprising an interfaced personal data device and a

miniprojector contained in proximity, wherein said miniprojector and interfaced personal data device are disposed within said package to permit the pair to be used in situ to project an image.

2. The package of Claim 1 comprising a base plate having a portion that defines a plane into which is formed an indentation wherein said miniprojector resides below said plane defined by the baseplate when said plane is placed in a horizontal position, and wherein the length and width of said indentation defines an opening of said indentation which is coplanar with said plane defined by the base plate plane, and wherein said base plate additionally provides: (i) one or more projections extending in a perpendicular direction extending away from said plane defined by the base plate plane in a perpendicular direction, and above said indentation opening when said plane is oriented horizontally, said projections being disposed in a conformation sufficient to define a space of suitable length and width to accommodate therein the length and width of a personal data device, and wherein said projections are configured upon said base plate such that when a personal data device is placed within said space defined by said projections said personal data device is located proximal to said opening of said indentation for containing said miniprojector; and (ii) at least one structural feature or mechanism which can be operated to secure to said base plate a miniprojector placed in said indentation and a personal data device placed with said space defined by said projections.

3. The base plate of Claim 2 wherein said projections defining a space for placing a personal data device are in the form of a continuous or discontinuous lip configured to contact the side contour of at least one comer and at least a portion of each of two opposing sides of a personal data device placed within the space thereby defined.

4. The base plate of Claim 2 wherein said projections for locating said personal data

device comprise a continuous or discontinuous lip configured to contact at least portions of all four sides of a personal data device placed within the space defined by said lip.

5. The base plate of Claim 3 or Claim 4 wherein said lip is in the form of a curved portion of said base plate and said lip is formed such that it is discontinuous about the perimeter of the space for placing a personal data device thereby defined.

6. The base plate of Claim 5 wherein, when a personal data device is placed within the area defined by said lip at least on area of the lip contacts at least a portion of said personal data device at all four comers and all four sides of said personal data device.

7. The base plate of Claim 4 wherein said lip is continuous and contacts at least some portion of the side perimeter of a personal data device placed therein between.

8. The baseplate of any of Claims 2 to 7 wherein said projections from said base plate comprises a continuous or discontinuous lip disposed about at least three sides of the perimeter of said indentation opening which is coplanar with the plane defined by said base plate and are disposed about said indentation opening such that when a personal data device is placed within the space defined by said lip, said personal data device is located such that it covers, substantially or completely, a miniprojector residing within said indentation.

9. The base plate of any of Claims 2 to 8 wherein the miniprojector and the personal data device are secured within the package, to the base plate, by a hinge member fixed to one portion of said base plate and disposed such that when a member fixed to said hinge is pivoted on said hinge from a position permitting placement of a personal data device into the space defined by said projections, said member contacts a personal data device placed within the area defined by said projections and engages a latch securing said member fixed to said hinge from pivoting back to an orientation where it is not contacting said personal data device, thereby securing said personal data device to said base plate.

10. The base plate of any of Claims 3 to 8 wherein the mini projector and the personal data device are secured to the base plate by forming the edge of said lip from an elastic material and providing it with an inwardly-arched profile which compressively contacts at least a portion of the screen face of said personal data device, and optionally some portion of the side perimeter of said personal data, device placed within the area defined by said lip when the back of the personal data device is in contact with the portion of the back plate defining said plane.

11. The package of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein said lip is discontinuous and defines a space for said personal data device which space includes the indentation opening.

12. The package of Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein said lip is discontinuous and defines a space for said personal data device which includes the indentation opening.

13. The package of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein said projector and said personal data device are interfaced either with appropriate data cables or using a wireless interface.