ACCESSORY CONTAINER FOR PACKAGE
An accessory container (100) for a package (10) includes a main body portion (110), formed of a folded sheet material. The main body portion (110) is provided with a back portion (111) and optionally two opposed side portions (113) extending substantially perpendicularly from the back portion. A housing portion (120) is provided and hingedly secured to the main body portion, and has at least one opening (125) defined therein for dispensing contents held within the housing portion.
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This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 61/111,122 filed on Nov. 4, 2008 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of consumer packaging and merchandise display. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a novel container for use with, packaging with, and/or displaying near a related product, such as a cigarette carton.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTA variety of containers and packages are known in the art for holding and/or displaying products at the point of purchase. Of such devices, many are specifically sized to, usually compactly, hold only the product contained therein, particularly if such containers or packages are intended to be disposed following consumption of the contents thereof.
Applicant has recognized a need in the packaging industry for providing an inexpensive container for holding items that can be used as an accessory to a retail package.
Some related attempts at providing accessory compartments in a package are illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,877 to Shurman (“Shurman”) and U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2005/0274633 to Ako. The packages illustrated therein include a plurality of accessory compartments, but are relatively expensive to manufacture, and can alter the size of the overall package such that the package is no longer a standard size, which presents issues in displaying the packages at the point of sale. In the case of Shurman, the accessory container described therein is of a different size than the package with which use thereof is intended, which also presents difficulty in displaying in standard displays at the point of sale. Moreover, the packages described therein integrally include such extra compartments, which does not give the vendor the option of including a bundled product, or selling the products separately in a combinable solution.
The subject accessory containers, described hereinbelow address the foregoing issues, and provide for inexpensive, versatile containers that are easily manufactured, distributed, displayed and utilized by the consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows. To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied, the invention includes, in one aspect, an accessory container for a package including a main body portion formed from folded sheet material, having at least a back portion and two opposed side portions extending from the back portion and a housing portion, hingedly secured to the main body portion, having at least one opening defined therein for dispensing contents held within the housing portion.
The present invention relates generally to accessory containers for use with a package. In one aspect, the invention relates to an add-on container for a retail package. As illustrated in the drawings, the invention includes, in one aspect, a container for use with any standard size cigarette package. Such containers can be used for any desired purpose, such as for holding confections including breath mints, candies, chewing gum, ingestible tobacco products, matches, a lighter, or for user-inserted items, such as cash or a house key, for example.
The present invention also includes an advantageous attachment arrangement, which allows for low manufacturing costs, and secure but removable attachment to the retail package, without requiring modification to the retail package.
As described in more detail below, the two opposed side portions can be configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the back portion. The term substantially perpendicularly means that the side portions are essentially upright, with respect to the back portion, although they may not be arranged at precisely a 90-degree angle with respect thereto. For the reasons described hereinbelow or because of other considerations with the particular application of the subject devices, the relative angle therebetween can differ from, and be greater or less than 90 degrees.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the entire accessory container can be formed out of a contiguous piece of folded sheet material. In such an instance, a fold line and/or a perforation, score or other line of weakness can define a hinge therein, as necessary.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the housing portion can be formed separately and hingedly attached to the body portion. In such an instance, the housing can be formed of a folded sheet material or, for example, from a molded material, such as an injection molded plastic. If formed separately, a flexible hinge such as a polymer sheet with adhesive coating can be used to connect the housing and the body portion.
The opening(s) provided in the housing portion can be configured so that the opening rests in a rear-facing position, and is sealed by way of abutting a rear inner wall of the body portion, when closed. Alternatively, the at least one opening can be provided in a wall of the housing, which in a closed position is at the bottom of the housing, and abuts a surface of the package with which it is used. Additionally or alternatively, a one-time or resealable adhesive flap can be provided for covering the opening(s). Alternatively still, a slideable or hinged door can be provided to cover the opening.
The accessory container, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, is sized to fit conveniently in standardized racks and/or vending machines used to display and/or dispense the packages with which consumption of the contents of the subject accessory container is intended. In accordance with the invention, the subject accessory container can be sized such that in combination with a package with which combination is intended, the overall size of the combined product approximates the size of a standard size package.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the accessory container is sized to be about the same size as a standard box of cigarettes. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the housing portion can be sized to approximate the difference in dimensions between a standard box of cigarettes and a box of “100s” cigarettes. In such an instance, the height of the housing portion, when in a closed position, is about the difference in length between a standard box of cigarettes and a box of “100s” cigarettes.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the accessory container is adapted to releasably engage the package to which it is attached. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the container remains slideable with respect to the package. The body portion of the container can be configured so as to fit within an overwrap, which may be an overwrap provided with the package, or an overwrap provided with the accessory container. If the package and the accessory container are sold together, in a common overwrap, that overwrap can be utilized to maintain connection between the container and the package.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the accessory container is configured and adapted to frictionally engage the package. In accordance with the invention, the body portion of the accessory container can be configured, so as to have, as mentioned above, two opposed side portions extending from a back portion.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the side portions are angled at least slightly inwardly, so as to exert at least a slight frictional force on the package to engage the package. In accordance with this aspect, the side portions can be embodied, with at least a dual wall. In such an embodiment, for example with a double-walled side portion, the inner wall can be at least slightly shorter than the outer wall, with the two walls connected at a fold line, for example. When the inner wall is then secured against the back portion of the body, an inward posture of the sidewalls is obtained, due to the difference in length of the individual side walls. That is, the outer wall can bow slightly in this arrangement to compensate for the difference in length, while the inward angle of the inner wall and the side portion as a whole occurs in response to the internal stresses of the outer wall, to reach an equilibrium position. When the accessory container is then placed over the package, the force exerted by the bowing of the outer wall is applied through the inner walls of the opposed side portions, increasing the frictional force between the package and the accessory container, and increasing the security of their mutual engagement. The dimensions of the package, when inserted into the body portion of the container can cause a further bowing of the other wall, by forcing an outward angular displacement of the inner wall in order to accommodate the package. The increased bowing is then a side effect caused in reaching a further state of equilibrium, but which continues to exert a force on the package, thus increasing the frictional engagement between the accessory container and the package.
Alternatively, the container can be adhesively or otherwise securely attached to the package, such as by providing adhesive strips therebetween. Such adhesive can be essentially permanent, or alternatively can be removable and replaceable. Moreover, a hinged connection between the package and container can be provided, again, which may be embodied as a flexible adhesive polymeric strip, for example.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the accessory container is adapted and configured to be easily opened with one hand by sliding the package with respect to the accessory container, toward the housing portion of the accessory container. The container can be configured to respond to such upwardly directed force exerted by the user by way of the package, with the housing portion of the container rotating about the hinge joining the housing to the body portion thereof, to open and reveal the one or more openings through which the contents of the housing can be dispensed.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention, wherein:
Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The present invention relates generally to accessory containers for use with a package. In one aspect, the invention relates to an add-on container for a retail package. As illustrated in the drawings, the invention includes, in one aspect, a container for use with any of a standard size cigarette carton. Such containers can be used for any desired purpose, such as for breath mints, candies, chewing gum, matches, a lighter, or for user-inserted items.
The present invention also includes an advantageous attachment arrangement, which allows for low manufacturing costs, and secure but removable attachment to the retail package, without requiring modification to the retail package.
As set forth above, and as illustrated in
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the entire accessory container 100 can be formed out of a contiguous blank, or piece of sheet material. In such an instance, a fold line and/or a perforation, score or other line of weakness can be formed to define a hinge therein.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the housing 120 is formed separately and hingedly attached to the body portion 110. In such an instance, the housing 120 can be formed of a folded sheet material or, for example, from a molded material, such as with injection molded plastic. If formed separately, a flexible hinge, such as a polymer sheet with adhesive coating can be used to connect the housing 120 and the body 110 portion.
The opening 125 provided in the housing portion 120, as illustrates, is configured so that the opening 125 rests in a rear-facing position, and is sealed by way of abutting a rear inner wall 112 of the back portion 111 of the body 110, when closed. Alternatively, the opening 125 can be provided in a wall, which in a closed position is at the bottom of the housing, and abuts a surface of the package 10 with which it is used. Additionally or alternatively, a one-time or resealable adhesive flap can be provided for covering the at least one opening. Alternatively still, a slideable or hinged door can be provided to cover the opening.
The accessory container 100, is preferably sized to fit conveniently in standardized racks and/or vending machines used to display and/or dispense the packages with which consumption of the contents of the subject accessory container is intended. In accordance with the invention, the subject accessory container can be sized such that in combination with a package with which combination is intended, the overall size of the combined product approximates the size of a standard size package.
When offered for sale, the subject container 100 can be provided with an overwrap to secure the contents of the package. The overwrap can cover the entire container, or can include a wrap band at one or more locations along the length thereof to reduce material and cost. Printed indicia can be applied to the overwrap or bands, or alternatively can be provided on one or more surfaces of the container. In accordance with one aspect, the container is provided in a retail display or vending machine “upside down” as illustrated in
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the accessory container 100 is sized to be about the same size as a standard box of cigarettes. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the housing portion can be sized to approximate the difference in dimensions between a standard box of cigarettes and a box of “100s” cigarettes. In such an instance, the height of the housing portion 120, when in a closed position, is about the difference in length between a standard box of cigarettes and a box of “100s” cigarettes. Alternatively, the subject containers can be sized to approximate the size of a box of “100s” cigarettes to be easily displayed in racking systems and vending machines configured for such larger packages.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, and as illustrated, the accessory container 100 is adapted to releasably engage the package 10 to which it is attached. In accordance with a preferred aspect, the container 100 remains slideable with respect to the package. The body portion 110 of the container 100 can be configured so as to fit within an overwrap, which may be an overwrap provided with the package 10, or an overwrap provided with the accessory container 100. If the package 10 and the accessory container 100 are sold together in a common overwrap, that overwrap can be utilized to maintain connection between the container and the package.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the accessory container 100 is configured and adapted to frictionally engage the package 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 110 of the accessory container 100 is configured so as to have, as mentioned above, two opposed side portions 113 extending from a back portion 111. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the side portions 113 are angled at least slightly inwardly, so as to exert at least a slight force on the package 10 to engage the package 10. In accordance with this aspect, the side portions can be embodied, with at least a dual wall, comprised of inner walls 113a and outer walls 113b. In such an embodiment, for example, with a double-walled side portion 113, the inner wall 113 can be at least slightly shorter than the other wall, with the two walls 113a,113b connected at a fold line F1, for example. When the inner wall 113a is then secured against the back portion 111 of the body 110, an inward posture of the sidewalls 113 is obtained, due to the difference in length of the individual side walls 113a,113b. This can be securely effected by adhering extension portions 119 to the back portion 111, as by an adhesive, for example. A fold, score, perforation, or other line of weakness can be provided between the sidewalls 113a, 113b and the extension portion 119.
The outer wall 113b, if so configured, bows slightly in the above-described arrangement to compensate for the difference in length, while the inward angle of the inner wall 113a and the side portion 113 as a whole occurs in response to the internal stresses of the outer wall 113b, to reach an equilibrium position. When the accessory container 100 is then placed over the package 10, the force exerted by the bowing of the outer wall 113b is applied through the inner walls 113a of the opposed side portions 113, increasing the frictional force between the package 10 and the body portion 110 of the accessory container 100, and increasing the security of their mutual engagement. The dimensions of the package 10, when inserted into the body portion of the container can cause a further bowing of the outer wall 113b, by forcing an outward angular displacement of the inner wall 113a in order to accommodate the package 10. The increased bowing is then a side effect of reaching a further state of equilibrium, but which continues to exert a force on the package 10, thus increasing the frictional engagement between the accessory container 100 and the package 10.
Alternatively, the container 100 can be adhesively or otherwise securely attached to the package 10, such as by providing adhesive strips therebetween. Such adhesive can be essentially permanent, or alternatively can be removable and repositionable. Moreover, a hinged connection between the package 10 and container 100 can be provided, again, which may be embodied as a flexible adhesive polymeric strip, for example.
As illustrated in
Also as illustrated in
As illustrated, for example in
As illustrated, the container 600 is assembled by cutting a sheet material and folding the cutout along the respective lines. In the illustrated embodiment, solid lines represent cut or fold lines, while broken lines represent perforations or other lines of weakness. Following folding, the housing portion 620 takes on a shape capable of holding contents. The back portion(s) 611a, 611b can remain unattached to one another, or can be connected in any suitable manner, including but not limited to adhesives, mechanical fasteners, a mechanical interlock, such as paper tabs and mating slits or slots, and/or hook and loop fasteners.
When used with a package such as a cigarette box, the back portion(s) 611a, 611b can be inserted under an overwrap of the cigarette box, between the box and the overwrap. Accordingly, a slideable engagement therebetween is achieved relatively simply. As illustrated, the back portion(s) 611a, 611b can include a tapered end portion 618 to facilitate insertion under the overwrap. If the container 600 is pre-packaged with a cigarette box or other package, the overwrap can be provided over the entire combined package, and be easily partly removable, leaving a portion thereof to hold the container 600 and package together.
As with the container 100 of
Naturally, further details of the container 600 of
If desired, the housing 620 can be provided with an engagement feature to inhibit untended opening by way of rotation away from a surface of the package. Such engagement can take the form of a catch and tab arrangement as with the tabs 127 and apertures 117 of the container 100 of
FIGS. 7 and 8A-8E show a further alternate embodiment of a container 700 in accordance with the invention.
As illustrated in
An aperture 725 is defined in the housing portion 720 by a cut, perforation, score or other line of weakness 729, also thereby defining an openable cover 728 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, an optional tab 718 is likewise defined in the body 710 by a cut, score, perforation or other line of weakness 719. When assembled, the openable cover 729 is adhered to the tab 718, which can be provided with an alignment guide, such as marking 714 to facilitate assembly of the container 700 by aligning and guiding adhesive application thereto, if applicable.
The cutout shown in
The front panel 710a, of the body 710 is folded along a central fold 717, folded over the back panel 710b of the body 710 and adhered or otherwise secured thereto. The tab 718 defined by the perforation 719, is adhered to the cover 728 of the housing portion 720, which maintains the housing 720 in an initial vending position, as shown in
Naturally, further details of the container 700 of
The devices of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, include advantageous features, as described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the devices and related methods of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An accessory container for a package comprising:
- a) a main body portion formed of a folded sheet material, having at least a back portion and two opposed side portions extending from the back portion; and
- b) a housing portion, hingedly secured to the main body portion, having at least one opening defined therein for dispensing contents held within the housing portion.
2. An accessory container for a package comprising:
- a) a main body portion formed of a sheet material, having at least a back portion; and
- b) a housing portion, hingedly secured to the main body portion, having at least one opening defined therein for dispensing contents held within the housing portion.
3. The accessory container of claim 2, wherein the housing portion is formed of the sheet material from which the main body portion is formed, being contiguously with the main body portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 4, 2009
Publication Date: Sep 15, 2011
Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION (Richmond, VA)
Inventor: Bradford J. Walling (Chesterfield, VA)
Application Number: 13/127,676
International Classification: B65D 51/28 (20060101); B65D 5/48 (20060101);