Package and a method of forming the package

Abstract

A package and a method of forming the package are disclosed. The package includes a container configured to house a first product. The container has a base with at least one wall extending upward therefrom which forms an enclosure having an opening therein. A cover is moveably positioned over the opening to form an enclosed package. The enclosed package has at least one visually exposed surface. A receptacle is secured or built into the package and is capable of retaining a second product in open view. An aesthetically pleasing design is formed on the visually exposed surfaces of the package. The aesthetically pleasing design cooperates with the second product while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first product.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, many consumers need to use one or more kinds of personal care products, need to take certain kinds of medicine or apply certain lotions or ointments on a regular basis. Sometimes, a consumer is required to use such products on a daily basis. These products need to be kept handy in their purses, book bags, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc., since they are used so often. However, the user of such products may prefer to keep them concealed from others, even from other household members. For example, a teenage girl just starting to menstruate needs ready access to tampons, pantyliners or sanitary napkins but would most likely want to hide these products from her family members and guests. Another example is an adult who is required to use adult incontinence products but does not want her friends to know this. In some circumstances, the actual use of a certain product can carry a negative connotation that could be attached to the user to make him or her feel inferior, inadequate or old.

Now a package has been invented that is capable of concealing various kinds of products, such as personal care products, medicines, vitamins, lotions, ointments, etc. The package can contain an aesthetically pleasing design so that it blends into its customary surroundings. The package can be portable, such as a purse or a book bag. The package can also be configured to appear to be an object that is commonly found in a given room, for example, a flower vase positioned on a night table or on bathroom vanity. The package can further contain one or more separate compartments that can hold different products, with one product being hidden from normal view while the second product is in open view. The aesthetically pleasing design formed on the package can blend in with the second product while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first product contained within the package. A method of forming the package is also taught.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to a package and a method of forming the package. The package is capable of housing one or more products and provides the user of such products the option to conceal at least one of the products from open view. The package has a container configured to house a first product. The container includes a base with at least one wall extending upward therefrom which forms an enclosure having an opening therein. A cover is moveably positioned over the opening to form an enclosed package. The enclosed package has at least one visually exposed surface. A receptacle is secured or built into the package and is capable of retaining a second product in open view. An aesthetically pleasing design is formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces of the package. The aesthetically pleasing design cooperates with the second product while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first product contained within the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having an aesthetically pleasing design that is constructed from a container having a base and a circular wall with an opening formed therein, a cover is positioned over the opening, and a receptacle is secured or built into the cover which can hold an object, such as a flower.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1 showing the cover removed from the container and exposing the products stored therein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package having an aesthetically pleasing design that is constructed from a container having a base and a circular wall with an opening formed therein, a cover is positioned over the opening, and a receptacle is secured to the wall which can hold an object.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a package having an aesthetically pleasing design that is constructed from a container having a base and a circular wall with an opening formed therein, a cover is positioned over the opening, and a receptacle is secured to the cover which can hold multiple objects.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a six-sided package having a hinged lid that covers an opening and a receptacle is secured or built into the container which can hold multiple objects, such as dried flowers.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a six-sided package having a hinged lid that covers an opening and a receptacle is secured to the container which can hold multiple objects, such as artificial flowers.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a package having an aesthetically pleasing design that is constructed from a container having a base and a circular wall with an opening formed therein, a cover is positioned over the opening, and a receptacle is secured or built into the wall, which can hold multiple objects.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a package appearing as a book and having a hinged lid that covers an opening and wherein at least two different kinds of products are housed in the package.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the package shown in FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of forming a package that can hold one product in open view while concealing a second product.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a package formed from a pair of containers with the upper container at least partially being telescopically inserted into the lower container, the upper container containing potpourri while the lower container houses one or more personal care products which are hidden from view until the upper container is lifted away from the lower container.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing the upper container lifted away from the lower container and revealing two different kinds of personal care products.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a package formed from a pair of containers with the upper container at least partially being telescopically inserted into the lower container, the upper container containing cotton balls and cotton swabs while the lower container houses one or more personal care products which are hidden from view until the upper container is lifted away from the lower container.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of FIG. 13 showing the upper container lifted away from the lower container and revealing two stacks of different styles of sanitary napkins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a package 10 is shown having a container 12 configured to house a first product 14. The package 10 can be of any desired size, shape or configuration. Although the package 10 is depicted as having a cylindrical configuration, it can have any desired geometrical shape, including that of a polygon, a cube, a parallelogram, a parallelepiped, a pentagon, a hexagon, a sphere, a semi-sphere, etc. The package 10 can also be constructed of various materials, including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastic, thermoplastic films, laminates of two or more similar or different materials, wood, ferrous or non-ferrous metals, fiberglass, various composite materials, etc. The package 10 can be a rigid sided box-like structure or be a soft-sided bag-like structure.

The first product 14 contained in the package 10 can be a disposable personal care product, medication, vitamins, lotions, ointments or the like. Usually, the first product 14 is used by a consumer on a regular or frequent basis, for example, at least several times a month, a couple of times per week or even at least once a day. For this reason, this first product 14 needs to be readily accessible and handy. It should not be covered by other boxes, packages, articles, etc., or be stored in a closet or cabinet wherein it is hard to locate and retrieve. Normally, such products are kept in the user's bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, etc. However, there may be some negative connotation in the mind of the consumer connected with using such products, and, therefore, the user would like to conceal this fact from other people that may frequent such rooms. For example, a teenage girl who has just started to menstruate (undergo menstruation) and is beginning to use sanitary products may not want her family members, in particular her father or other male siblings or house guests to be aware of this event.

It should be noted that the package 10 can also be a portable device that the user carries around, such as a purse, a book bag, a tote bag, a brief case, a back pack, etc. In this case, the protected first product 14 could be protected from damage as it is being transported.

The first product 14 can be almost any kind of product but normally will be a discreet product that the user does not want others to know he or she is using. The first product 14 can be a personal care product, a particular medicine, vitamins, lotions, ointments, etc. When the first product 14 is a personal care product, it can be a disposable absorbent article intended to be disposed of after a single use or be a non-disposable article that can be laundered or cleaned for subsequent uses. The first product 14 can be a disposable absorbent article, such as a tampon, a pantyliner, a sanitary napkin, a diaper, a training pant, an overnight pant, a menstrual panty, a light incontinence pad or an incontinence undergarment. It should be noted that almost any size, style or kind of first product 14 can be retained or housed in the container 12. The size and shape of the container 12 can vary to accommodate the first products 14 that are to be stored therein.

Referring to FIG. 2, the container 12 includes a base 16 with at least one wall 18 extending upward therefrom, which forms an enclosure 20 having an opening 22 therein. It should be noted that two or more walls may be present depending upon the final shape and configuration of the package. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the single wall 18 is depicted as a circular wall, which cooperates with the base 16 to form a hollow cylindrical container with the opening 22 being formed in the upper end. The package 10 also includes a cover 24 moveably positioned over the opening 22. The cover 24 can be constructed such that it is capable of being completely removed from the container 12, as is shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the cover 24 can merely lie over the opening 22 or be constructed as a cap that can snuggly fit onto the container 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 24 is depicted as a hollow end cap that is sized to fit securely over the opening 22 and closes off the upper end of the container 12. Other options include movably attaching or connecting the cover 24 to the container 12 in some other fashion known to those skilled in the art. For example, the cover 24 can be hinged to the container 12 or be joined by a mechanism that allows it to pivot, rotate, swivel, bend, etc., without being separated completely from the container 12. Furthermore, the cover 24 can be attached to the container 12 by a living hinge that is formed from the same material as the cover 24, the container 12, or both. These and other attachment or joining means are known to those skilled in the packaging art. In FIG. 1, the cover 24 is shown completely covering the opening 22 to form a closed package. In FIG. 2, the cover 24 is shown having been moved away or separated from the container 12, such that the opening 22 is unobstructed and the first products 14 can be removed from or be inserted into the container 12. Normally, a plurality of the first products 14 are housed in the container 12. The first products 14 can be neatly or randomly arranged within the container 12. For example, the first products 14 can be vertically stacked one on top of another or they can be aligned in a side by side arrangement. The package 10 further includes at least one visually exposed surface 26. The number and size of such surfaces 26 will depend upon the size and shape of the package 10.

A receptacle 28 is secured to the package 10 and is capable of retaining a second product 30 in open view. The second product 30 can be almost any article that the consumer would want to reveal or show off to others. The second product 30 should be different from the first product 14 but does not necessarily have to be an article that is useable. For example, the second product 30 can be a decorative item such as potpourri, which is a mixture of dried flower petals and spices, used to scent the air. The second product 30 can also be a live flower, a dried flower or an artificial flower. The second product 30 can also be an item commonly found in the room or environment where the package 10 is being displayed. For example, the second product 30 can be a toothbrush, a comb, scissors, tweezers, etc. when the package 10 is placed on a bathroom vanity or counter. The second product 30 can be a pen, a pencil, a note pad, etc., when the package 10 is placed on a kitchen counter. Furthermore, the second product 30 can be simply an article that is pleasant to look at. Still further, the second product 30 can be a food item, such as candy, nuts, peanuts, cashews, etc. The second product 30 can also be a disposable article such as a bar of soap, hand towels, facial tissues, liquid hand soap, wet wipes, an air freshener, etc.

The receptacle 28 is shown being partially positioned in the container 12 and extending through the cover 24. The receptacle 28 can be secured or attached to the container 12, to the cover 24, or to both members 12 and 24, if desired. The receptacle 28 can be of any desired size, shape or configuration and can have a constant, non-constant or irregular cross-sectional area. For example, the receptacle 28 can have a circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometrically cross-sectional shape. The receptacle 28 can have a shallow depth or be deep. The receptacle 28 can have one or more side walls that are aligned parallel to one another or which taper relative to one another. The side walls can be linear or non-linear in configuration. An example of a non-linear side wall is an arcuate or curved wall.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the receptacle 28 is shown in the form of a hollow tube 32 having a first end 34 and a second end 36. The first end 34 is aligned opposite to and is spaced apart from the second end 36. The first end 34 is open and accessible while the second end 36 is closed. However, the second end 36 can be open as well, depending on the type of second product 30 that will be retained therein. The hollow tube 32 is depicted as being capable of receiving and holding a second product 30. The hollow tube 32 has a diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.54 millimeters (mm)) or less. Desirably, the hollow tube 32 has a diameter of less than about 0.5 inches (about 1.27 mm). In FIGS. 1 and 2, the second product 30 is a live flower. The flower is positioned above the cover 24 and has a stem 38 that extends down into the hollow tube 32. Since the hollow tube 32 is closed or sealed at its lower or second end 36, water can be inserted into the hollow tube 32 to keep the flower fresh and alive.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the receptacle 28 can be secured to the package 10 in a variety of ways. The receptacle 28 is shown extending through the cover 24 and into the container 12. In this embodiment, the first end 34 of the hollow tube 32 is approximately flush with the top or upper surface of the cover 24. Alternatively, the receptacle 28 can be secured only to the cover 24 and stop short of entering the enclosed space of the container 12. In still another embodiment, the receptacle 28 can pass through the cover 24 and be positioned inside of the container 12. It is also possible to extend the length of the receptacle 28 such that it passes through both the cover 24 and the container 12.

The package 10 further has an aesthetically pleasing design 40 formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 26. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 cooperates with, blends into or works together with the second product 30 to provide a pleasing impression, defining a synergistic relationship. In other words, the aesthetically pleasing design 40 provides the package 10 with a unique appearance; say the appearance of a decorative bowl, a vase, a pencil holder, etc., and the second product 30 can be one or more articles that are normally found in such items; such as potpourri arranged in a bowl, flowers or a floral design extending out of the vase, and one or more pencils resting in a pencil holder. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 can be created by almost any known medium, such as painting, printing, spraying, embossing, coloring, stamping, pasting, applying or attaching art, letters or symbols onto the exposed surfaces 26. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 can include graphics, artistic images and/or characters, photos, the use of one or more colors, art work, printed images, word phrases, etc. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 can include abstract or contemporary art, art of real objects, people, animals, plants, trees, water, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, sky, clouds, acts of nature, pastoral scenes, etc. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 is meant to conceal the presence of the first product 14 while accentuating and stressing the relationship with the second product 30. Desirably, the aesthetically pleasing design 40 will generally not be indicative of the presence of the first product 14.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternatively constructed package 10′ is depicted that is similar in appearance to the package 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that it has a receptacle 42 that is secured or attached to an outer surface of the container 12. The receptacle 42 is depicted as a hollow tube 44 having an open first end 46 and an opposite, spaced apart open second end 48. The first end 46 of the hollow tube 44 is located at or below the plane where the cover 24 is secured to the container 12. One advantage of attaching the receptacle 42 in this fashion is that the cover 24 can be removed from or be again joined to the container 12 without disturbing the second product 30. This design facilitates the ability of the user to remove the cover 24 and retrieve a first product 14 and then replace the cover 24 without having to interfere or disarrange the floral arrangement. Another benefit to having the receptacle 42 secured to the outside of the container 12 is that it will not interfere with any of the products housed in the container 12. This could provide more space in the container 12 to hold additional first products 14.

Still referring to FIG. 3, since the two ends 46 and 48 of the hollow tube 44 are open, the hollow tube 44 cannot hold water as was recited for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the hollow tube 44 can still hold the stem of a dried or an artificial flower in an upright position. As mentioned above, in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hollow tube 44 can be sized and configured to receive and hold any kind of second product 30.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a package 10″ is depicted which is similar to FIG. 1 except that the cover 24 has multiple receptacles 50 which are formed in the container 12. Three receptacles 50 are shown each holding a pencil 52. Each of the receptacles 50 can pass through the cover 24 and into the container 12, if desired. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 formed on the package 10″ represents pencils to give the package the appearance of a pencil holder. The pencils 52 that extend out of the top of the cover 24 can be useable pencils or be fake pencils that are present only to add an artistic affect. When fake pencils 52 are utilized, they do not have to extend into the container 12.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, two six sided or hexagon shaped packages 11 and 11′ are depicted. Both of the packages 11 and 11′ include a container 12 configured to house a vertical stack of first products 14. The container 12 has a base 16 with multiple walls 18, four walls to be specific, extending upward from the base 16, which form a rectangular cross-sectional enclosure 20, having an opening 22 formed therein. A cover 54, in the shape of a lid, is moveable positioned over the opening 22. The cover 54 is joined to an upper wall 56 of the container 12 by a hinge 58 and can pivot or rotate from an open position, as shown, to a closed position to form an enclosed package 10. The hinge 58 can be a living hinge that is integrally formed with the upper wall 56, if desired. The hinge 58 is shown being spaced inward from one of the adjacent walls 18 but could be located at the junction of a vertical wall 18 and the upper wall 56, if desired. Each of the enclosed packages 11 and 11′ has five visually exposed surfaces 26 made up of the four sidewalls 18 and the upper wall 56. Normally, the bottom surface is not visible.

A plurality of receptacles 28 are formed in the packages 11 and 11′. By “plurality” it is meant two or more receptacles 28. In FIG. 5, there are five receptacles 28 attached to at least one of the exposed surfaces 26 of the package 11. Each of the five receptacles 28 is depicted as a hollow tube 44 which is open at both ends. Each of the hollow tubes 44 has a diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.54 mm) or less, and desirably, less than about 0.5 inches (about 1.27 mm). Each of the five receptacles 28 is capable of retaining a second product 30 in open view. The second product 30 is depicted as a non-personal care product. For example, the second product 30 can be a flower, such as a daisy or tulip, or a grassy plant. This is in contrast to the first products 14 which are depicted as a number of feminine pads stacked in the container 12. In FIG. 5, the five receptacles 28 are formed in the upper wall 56 of the container 12, while in FIG. 6, the five receptacles 28 are formed in an outwardly protruding flange 60. The flange 60 is secured to one of the outer surfaces of the container 12 and has an upper surface 62 which lies below the upper wall 56 of the container 12. In this embodiment, the upper surface 62 of the flange 60 is positioned below the cover 24.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, each of the five receptacles 28 passes through the upper wall 56 and extends into the container 12. However, the receptacles 28 do not pass through the cover 24 nor interfere with the opening or closing of the cover 24 relative to the upper surface 56 of the container 12. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is slightly different in that each of the five receptacles 28 are actually hollow sleeves or openings that pass through the thickness of the flange 60. This means that the receptacles 28 are located outside of the container 12 and will not interfere with the first products 14 housed within the container 12. Also, like the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the receptacles 28 in FIG. 6 do not interfere with the opening or closing of the cover 24. As one looks at FIG. 6, one can see the stems 38 of the tulips 30 passing through the receptacles 28. In either embodiment, the cover 24 is capable of pivoting between an open and a closed position without disturbing the second products 30 that extend above the upper surface 56.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the packages 11 and 11′ also have an aesthetically pleasing design 40 formed on at least one, and desirably, on most if not all of the visually exposed surfaces 26. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 is depicted as a floral scene and cooperates with the second products 30, i.e. the daisy or tulips, while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first products 14, i.e. the feminine pads, contained in the package 11 or 11′.

It should be noted that the packages 11 and 11′ have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and the aesthetically pleasing design 40 can have a three-dimensional affect that obscures the rectangular cross-sectional configuration. It is possible to construct an aesthetically pleasing design 40 on the package 11 or 11′ that will actually visibly alter the appearance and shape of the package in the eyes of the beholder. For example, the aesthetically pleasing design 40 can make a polygon-shaped package appear to have rounded or curved edges. Those skilled in graphic design and/or structural packaging design are familiar with using two and three dimensional artwork to camouflage or change the overall appearance of a package. Holography can be used to make the packages 11 and 11′ appear to have different shapes or configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 7, still another embodiment of a package 11″ is shown which includes a container 12 configured to house a personal care product 14 (not shown). The container 12 has a base 16 with a circular wall 18 extending upward from the base 16 to form an enclosure having an opening (not shown). The opening is formed in one end of the container 12. A cover 24 is movably positioned over the opening to form an enclosed package 11″. The cover 24 is not permanently attached or joined to the container 12 so that it is possible to completely remove the cover 24 from the container to allow the first products 14 to be inserted into or be removed from the container 12. The enclosed package 11″ has at least one visually exposed surface 26. The package 11″ also has an arcuate segment 64 secured to a portion of the visually exposed surface 26 below the plane of where the cover 24 meets with the container 12 while in a closed position. Two receptacles 28, in the form of hollow and tapered sleeves are formed in the arcuate segment 64. Each of the two receptacles 28 is capable of retaining a non-personal care product 30 in open view. In this embodiment, the non-personal care products 30 are depicted as lead pencils. Each of the tapered sleeves is sized to allow a pencil to be inserted therein but the taper will eventually restrict the pencil from sliding completely through the opening.

The package 11″ further includes an aesthetically pleasing design 40 formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 26. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 cooperates with the non-personal care products 30 while being generally not indicative of the presence of the personal care products 14, i.e. the feminine pads, contained within the package 11″. For example, the aesthetically pleasing design 40 depicts a plurality of pencils and gives the package 11″ the appearance of being a pencil holder.

It should be noted that the package 11″ could be formed or constructed to appear as some other type of containers, such as an art supply holder with a false bottom, a clock with a secret compartment, etc.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the cylindrical configuration of the package 11″ has a longitudinal axis X-X. The package 11″ also has a height h which is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X. The cover 24 has a height h₁ which is also measured parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X. The height h₁ of the cover 24 is less than about 20% of the height h of the package 11″. Desirably, the height h₁ of the cover 24 is from between about 5% to about 20% of the height h of the package 11″. More desirably, the height h₁ of the cover 24 is from between about 5% to about 15% of the height h of the package 11″. By dimensioning the cover 24 in this way, one can be assured that the arcuate segment 64 can be mounted to an upper portion of the container 12. The arcuate segment 64 is also sized such that the receptacles 28 are spaced away from the outer surface 26 of the container 12 by a distance d. The distance d should be at least about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 mm). Desirably, the distance d should range from between about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 mm) to about 1 inch (about 2.54 mm). More desirably, the distance d should range from between about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 mm) to about 0.75 inches (about 1.9 mm). This is a sufficient distance to allow the cover 24 to be attached to or be removed from the container 12 without interfering with the second products 30.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a package 13 is shown in the form of a book. The package 13 includes a container 12 configured to house two different kinds of personal care products 66 and 68. The container 12 has a base 16 with four walls 18, two of which are visible, extending upward from the base 16 to form a rectangular cross-sectional enclosure 20 having an opening 22. A cover 70, in the form of a lid, is movably positioned over the opening 22 to form an enclosed package 13. The cover 70 is joined to an upper wall 72 of the container 12 by a hinge 74 and can pivot from an open position, as shown, to a closed position to form an enclosed package 13. The hinge 74 can be a living hinge or a common hinge that is integrally formed with the upper wall 72. The hinge 74 can be spaced inward from one of the adjacent walls 18 or be located at the junction of the upper wall 72 and one of the four sidewalls 18. The enclosed package 13 has five visually exposed surfaces 26, of which three are shown in FIG. 8.

Turning now to FIG. 9, a receptacle 76, in the form of a hollow opening, is formed in one of the four walls 18. The receptacle 76 can vary in size, shape and configuration. The receptacle 76 is secured to the package 13 and is capable of retaining a second product 78 in open view. In FIG. 9, the package 13 appears as a closed book and the second product 78 appears as a bookmark extending out of an end of the book. The bookmark is a non-personal care product and is in open view to make it appear that the book is being read. This helps to camouflage the package 13 and draws attention away from the personal care products 14 housed in the package 13.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the package 13 further includes an aesthetically pleasing design 80 formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 26. The aesthetically pleasing design 80 is shown as an ornamental line or scrollwork formed in the upper wall 72 of the package 13. The aesthetically pleasing design 80 could also be a fake title, if desired. The aesthetically pleasing design 80 cooperates with the non-personal care products 78 while being generally not indicative of the presence of the two different personal care products 66 and 68 contained within the package 13.

Method

A method of forming a package 10 that can hold one product in open view while concealing one or more different products will now be explained with reference to the flow diagram shown in FIG. 10. The method includes the steps of constructing a container 12 configured to house a first product 14. The container 12 includes a base 16 with at least one wall 18 extending upward therefrom. The base 16 and the wall(s) 18 form an enclosure 20 having an opening 22 therein. A cover 24 is movably positioned over the opening 22 to form a closed package 10. The closed package 10 has at least one visually exposed surface 26. A receptacle 28 is then secured to the package 10. The receptacle 28 is capable of retaining a second product 30 in open view. An aesthetically pleasing design 40 is then formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 26. The aesthetically pleasing design 40 cooperates with the second product 30 while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first product 14 within the package 10. It should be noted that the steps of positioning the cover 24 on the container 12 and the step of securing the receptacle to the package 10 can be interchanged without deviating from the essence of this invention. Likewise, the step of forming the aesthetically pleasing design 40 on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 26 can occur by applying graphics or artwork onto the material that will be used to construct the container 12 and/or the cover 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, two additional embodiments of packages are depicted. In FIGS. 11 and 12, a package 82 is shown, including a lower container 84 configured to house a first product 86, see FIG. 12. The first product 86 can include one or more personal care products. In FIG. 12, two different personal care products 88 and 90 are shown. The product 88 includes a plurality of tampons while the product 90 includes a plurality of feminine pads. It should be noted that any kind or type of personal care products can be stored in the package 82. The tampons 88 and the feminine care pads 90 are only representative of two such products.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the lower container 84 includes a base 92 having four walls 94 extending upward therefrom, which forms an enclosure 96 having an opening 98 therein. The package 82 also has a cover 100 moveably positioned over the opening 98 to form a closed package having at least one visually exposed surface 102. A receptacle 104 is temporarily secured to the package 82. The receptacle 104 is capable of retaining a second product 106 in open view. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the second product 106 is shown as potpourri, which is a mixture of dried flower petals and spices, used to scent the air. The cover 100 and the receptacle 104 can be united into a single container 108 that can be inserted or nested into the lower container 84. In FIG. 12, the upper container 108 is sized to be inserted or be telescopically received into the lower container 84 and will rest on a pair of ledges 110 formed on the inside surfaces of two of the oppositely aligned walls 94. The pair of ledges 110 will prevent the upper container 108 from crushing or squeezing the first product 86 housed in the lower container 84. It should also be noted that the first product 86 will not become visible until the upper container 108 is lifted off of the lower container 84. A person unfamiliar with the package 82 may not know that the upper container 108 can be removed from the lower container 84. Accordingly, the first product 86, i.e. the tampons 88 and the feminine pads 90, will not be discovered.

The package 82 further includes an aesthetically pleasing design 112 formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 102 of the package 82. The aesthetically pleasing design 112 is illustrated to be flowers and grass stems which cooperate with the second product 106, the potpourri, while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first product 86.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, still another embodiment of a package 82′ is shown. The package 82′ includes a container 84′ configured to house a first product 86′, see FIG. 14. The first product 86′ can include one or more personal care products. In FIG. 14, two stacks of feminine pantyliners 89 are shown. Each stack contains several pantyliners 89. It should be noted that any kind or type of personal care products can be stored in the package 82′. The pantyliners 89 are only representative of one kind of personal care product.

Still referring to FIG. 14, the container 84′ includes a base 92′ (not shown) having four walls 94′ extending upward therefrom, which form an enclosure 96′ having an opening 98′ therein. The package 82′ also has a cover 100′ moveably positioned over the opening 98′ to form a closed package having at least one visually exposed surface 102′. A receptacle 104′ is temporarily secured to the package 82′. The receptacle 104′ is capable of retaining a second product 106′ in open view. In FIG. 14, the second product 106′ is shown as a plurality of cotton balls 107 and a plurality of cotton swabs 107′. These products are normally found in a bathroom. The cover 100′ and the receptacle 104′ can be united into a single container 108′ that can be inserted or nested into the container 84′. In FIG. 14, the upper container 108′ is sized to be inserted or be telescopically received into the lower container 84′ and will rest on four ledges 110′ formed on the inside surfaces of the walls 94′. The four ledges 110′ will prevent the upper container 108′ from crushing or squeezing the first product 86′ housed in the lower container 84′. The upper container 108′ further includes a lid 114 that is moveably attached to an upper wall 116 of the upper container 108′ by a hinge 118. The hinge 118 allows the lid 114 to pivot or rotate from a closed position, as shown, to an open position wherein the cotton balls 107 and the cotton swabs 107′ are exposed and can be withdrawn from the receptacle 104′. The hinge 118 can be a living hinge that is integrally formed with the upper wall 116, if desired. The hinge 118 is shown being spaced inward from one of the adjacent walls 94′ but could be located at the junction of the vertical wall 94′ and the upper wall 116, if desired.

The package 82′ further includes an aesthetically pleasing design 112′ formed on at least one of the visually exposed surfaces 102′ of the package 82′. The aesthetically pleasing design 112′ is simply illustrated as an area labeled “ART WORK”. Any kind or type of art can be displayed on the visually exposed surfaces 102′ of the package 82′. The aesthetically pleasing design 112′ cooperates with the second product 106′ while being generally not indicative of the presence of the first product 86′.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package comprising:

a) a container configured to house a first product, said container including a base with at least one wall extending upward therefrom which forms an enclosure having an opening therein;

b) a cover moveably positioned over said opening to form a closed package having at least one visually exposed surface;

c) a receptacle secured to said package, said receptacle capable of retaining a second product in open view; and

d) an aesthetically pleasing design formed on at least one of said visually exposed surfaces of said package, said aesthetically pleasing design cooperating with said second product while being generally not indicative of the presence of said first product.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is secured to said container and is capable of retaining said second product in open view regardless of the position of said cover.

3. The package of claim 2 wherein said first product is a personal care product.

4. The package of claim 2 wherein said second product is a non-personal care product.

5. The package of claim 1 wherein said package is a rigid sided box-like structure.

6. The package of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is partially inserted into said container.

7. The package of claim 1 wherein said receptacle extends through said cover and into said container.

8. The package of claim 7 wherein said receptacle is a hollow tube that is open at one end and closed at an opposite end.

9. The package of claim 8 wherein said hollow tube has a diameter of less than about 0.5 inches.

10. A package comprising:

a) a container configured to house a first product, said container including a base with multiple walls extending upward therefrom which form an enclosure having an opening therein;

b) a cover moveably positioned over said opening to form a closed package having at least one visually exposed surface;

c) a receptacle secured to said container, said receptacle capable of retaining a second product in open view, said second product being different from said first product; and

d) an aesthetically pleasing design formed on at least one said visually exposed surfaces of said package, said aesthetically pleasing design cooperating with said second product while being generally not indicative of the presence of said first product.

11. The package of claim 10 wherein said package has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and said aesthetically pleasing design has a three-dimensional affect that obscures said rectangular shape.

12. The package of claim 10 wherein said receptacle is positioned below said cover and said cover can be removed from said package without disturbing said receptacle.

13. The package of claim 10 wherein there are at least two receptacles attached to said container.

14. The package of claim 10 wherein said receptacle is a hollow tube which is open at an upper end, said tube having a diameter of less than about 0.5 inches.

15. The package of claim 14 wherein said package is a hexagon and said hollow tube is capable of holding a flower stem.

16. A package for personal care products comprising:

a) a container configured to house a personal care product, said container including a base with at least one wall extending upward therefrom which forms an enclosure having an open end;

b) a cover moveably positioned over said open end to form a closed package having at least one visually exposed surface;

c) a receptacle secured to said package, said receptacle capable of retaining a non-personal care product in open view; and

d) an aesthetically pleasing design formed on at least one of said visually exposed surfaces of said package, said aesthetically pleasing design cooperating with said non-personal care product while being generally not indicative of the presence of said personal care product contained within said package.

17. The package of claim 16 wherein said package has a cylindrical configuration with a longitudinal axis and a height h, which is measured parallel to said longitudinal axis, and said cover has a height h1 which is less than about 20% of said height h.

18. The package of claim 17 wherein said cover has a height h1 which is from between about 5% to about 20% of said height h.

19. The package of claim 16 wherein said receptacle is a hollow tube having an open end and an opposite closed end, and a diameter of less than about 1 inch, said hollow tube capable of holding a stem of a flower such that said flower is positioned about said cover.

20. The package of claim 16 wherein said receptacle is spaced away from said container by at least about 0.25 inches.

21. A method of forming a package that can hold one product in open view while concealing a second product involves the steps of:

a) constructing a container configured to house a first product, said container including a base with at least one wall extending upward therefrom which forms an enclosure having an opening therein;

b) positioning a cover over said opening to form a closed package having at least one visually exposed surface;

c) securing a receptacle to said package, said receptacle capable of retaining a second product in open view; and

d) forming an aesthetically pleasing design on said at least one visually exposed surface, said aesthetically pleasing design cooperating with said second product while being generally not indicative of the presence of said first product.