BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a wide array of containers on the shelves of convenience stores, grocery stores and markets containing a variety of products. These products often have other items associated with them that may aid or enhance the enjoyment or use of the product. These associated products may be located on separate shelves several aisles away or available through the mail. The separation of the product from its associated products forces consumers to track down the associated product or to forego the associated product due to inconvenience or lack of time.
Shelf space in convenience stores, grocery stores and markets is cramped and product placement can be important for the success or failure of a product. Enlarging a products footprint on the store shelf can cause problems for the store. If a product's footprint changes, the store must either put less product on the shelf or shift or remove adjacent products to make room for the enlarged footprint.
Past attempts at combining a bottled product and its associated products have had deficiencies. Attaching an associated product to the side of the product enlarges the product's footprint requiring a change or shift in product placement Advertising an associated product on the bottle of the product forces consumers to look elsewhere in the store for that advertised product. Using mail in coupons to receive associated products at a later date forces the consumer to take the extra step of mailing in the coupon and generally requires the added expense of shipping and handling.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A container combination is provided where a display is removably attached to the lid of a container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container combination according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container combination illustrating a manner of connecting the combination together according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container combination according to the present invention illustrating the separation of a first container of the combination from the second container.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container combination according to the present invention illustrating the separation of a first container from a second component of the combination.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second container of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second component of the second embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate second container of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate second component of the second embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the alternate second container of the first embodiment according to the present invention in an open configuration.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate second container of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate second component of the second embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate bottom of the alternate second component of the second embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container combination illustrating a manner of connecting the combination together according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second container of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present container combination includes, but is not limited to, a combination of a first container 1 and a second component, e.g. FIGS. 5 and 6. In a first embodiment, the second component, e.g. FIG. 5, is a second container 2. The first container 1 preferably includes a closure mechanism such as a screw on lid 3 that preferably is in a form of a child proof screw on lid, a snap on cap that preferably is in a form of a child proof snap on cap, or other suitable container closure. Where a screw on lid is used, the lid preferably includes indentations to improve the ability of the user to grip the lid during removal.
For marketability, it is preferred that the combination be visible to the consumer. Therefore, it is preferred that the combination not be marketed within a third container, such as a box. Preferably, the first container is joined to the second container using transparent and or clear shrink wrap 4 surrounding at least a portion of both the first and second containers. The shrink film material 4 may include a break-perforation. Alternatively, the combination may be joined together in a manner that does not impede the viewing of the combination by the consumer using glue, or any other mechanism which permits the consumer to visually perceive the combination.
In the first embodiment, the first container 1 is preferably a bottle having an opening at one end. The opening is formed at the end of a neck 45 at the top of the bottle. The bottle may be made from plastic, glass, or other suitable material such as PET or HDPE. Preferably, the bottle is made from a clear or transparent plastic when the container is to be used to contain children's products, such as children's vitamins. As seen in FIG. 1, the first container 1 is a bottle having a round configuration. The bottle includes a screw on lid 3 to seal the large bottle. Alternatively, the lid is a snap on lid or the lid is attached to the first container 1 using alternate methods such as plastic snaps. The combination further includes a second smaller container 2. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the smaller container is preferably joined to the large bottle by a clear shrink film material 4 using a heat process and engaging a portion of the neck 45 of the large bottle, the lid 3 of the large bottle, and a portion of the second container 2. The shrink film material 4 may include a break-perforation.
In the first embodiment, the second container 2 is suitable for use as a travel case wherein the consumer may take on trips, such as vacation, small quantities of the product sold in the bottle without the need to carry the bottle. Preferably, the second container 2 is formed from a plastic material such as injection molded PVC. As seen in FIG. 7, the second container 2 includes an upper closure portion 5 and a lower bowl portion 6. As seen in FIG. 9, the upper closure 5 includes an exterior surrounding wall 7 and an interior open space 8. The exterior wall is closed at one end forming the top 9 of the upper closure portion 5 (FIG. 7). At the opposite end of the exterior wall 7 a groove 10 is cut on the interior portion of the wall for use to frictionally engage the lower bowl 6. In addition, the upper closure 5 on the exterior wall 7 at the same opposite end includes a small tab 11 to permit engagement of the upper closure 5 by the finger or nail of the consumer. As seen in FIG. 14, on the interior of the exterior wall 7 opposite the exterior tab 11 is a small indentation 12 for receiving the tab 13 from the lower bowl 6.
The lower bowl portion 6 (FIG. 7) is formed in a similar manner to the upper closure 5. As seen in FIG. 14, the lower bowl 6 includes an exterior surrounding wall 14 and an interior open space 15. The exterior wall 14 is closed at one end forming the bottom 16 of the lower bowl 6. At the opposite end of the exterior wall 14 from the bottom 16 a groove 17 is cut on the exterior portion of the wall for use to frictionally engage the upper closure. In this manner, the lip (46, 47) of each of the leading edges of the surrounding exterior walls (7, 14) of the upper closure 5 and lower bowl 6 engage each other in an overlapping frictional engagement. In addition, the lower bowl 6 on the interior of the exterior surrounding wall 14 includes a tab 13 running from the bottom 16 of the bowl along the surface of the interior of the exterior surrounding wall and extending above the lip of the surrounding wall. The tab frictionally engages the small recess 12 on the interior surrounding wall 7 of the upper closure 5.
Preferably, the upper closure is joined to the lower bowl using two hinges 18 (FIG. 14). Alternately, the upper closure may be joined to the lower bowl using a living hinge or any other suitable means of joining the upper closure to the lower bowl while still permitting opening of the container to access the contents, such as a plastic connection or a metal pin or rod.
On the top 9 of the upper closure 5 (FIG. 7) is preferably attached a display, e.g. 19 (FIG. 5). The display, e.g. 19, 20, or 21 is preferably formed from plastic or other suitable material such as injection molded PVC. The display is preferably representative of the contents of the first container 1 or of the labeling indicia 44 (FIG. 1) of the first container providing a visual link between the contents of the first container and the second container. For instance, where the contents of the first container are children's vitamins in the shape of a train engine or the labeling indicia signifies a train engine, the display is likewise formed in the shape of a train engine 19 (FIG. 5). Other such displays may include figures such as a monkey 20 (FIG. 10). In such an instance where a figure is used, the display may be of the entire body of the figure while the contents of the large container correspond to some portion of the figure such as the face of a monkey. As seen in FIG. 7, alternatively, the display may be in the form of a picture frame 21 including indicia 22 directly linking the frame to the contents of the first container. Such indicia may be, for instance, hearts 22 arranged around the exterior of the picture frame 21 which correspond to the shapes of hearts contained within the large container. Preferably, indicia 44 on the exterior of the first container also are indicative of the shape of the contents of the large container and of the display.
Where the display is in the form of a picture frame 21 (FIG. 7), the frame preferably is formed from a back wall section 23 joined to a front picture frame 24 forming a center open area 25 where a picture may be viewed. Preferably, the back wall is in the form of a picture frame with a support 33 extended. Preferably, where the picture frame is joined to the back wall at the upper end, an opening 26 is provided for permitting the removal and insertion of a picture. In this manner the display may be sold with a marketing picture 27 linked to indicia found on the exterior of the large container. Once purchased by the consumer, the child may maintain the marketing picture or replace the marketing picture with another picture of the child's own choosing.
Preferably, the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, is attached to the top 9 of the upper closure 5 using glue. Alternatively, where the upper closure is formed from a plastic and the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, is formed from a similar plastic, the upper closure 5 and display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, may be formed simultaneously as a single piece using common plastic molding techniques. The upper closure 5 when formed from a plastic may also be joined to the plastic display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, using melt techniques.
In the second embodiment, the first container 1 is preferably a bottle having an opening at one end. The opening is formed at the end of a neck 45 at the top of the bottle. The bottle may be made from plastic, glass, or other suitable material such as PET or HDPE. Preferably the bottle is made from a clear or transparent plastic when the container is to be used to contain children's products, such as children's vitamins. As seen in FIG. 4, the first container is a large bottle having a round configuration. The large bottle includes a screw on lid 3 to seal the large bottle. Alternatively, the lid is a snap on lid or the lid is attached to the first container 1 using alternate methods such as plastic snaps. The combination further includes a marketing component. The marketing component is preferably joined to the large bottle by a clear shrink film 29 (FIG. 13) material using a heat process and engaging a portion of the neck of the large bottle 45, the lid of the large bottle 3, and the base of the component, e.g. 31. The shrink film material 29 may include a break-perforation.
In the second embodiment, the marketing component is suitable for use as a toy or collectible that can be placed on a shelf or other mode of viewing. As seen in FIG. 6, the component includes a display 29 and a stand 30. The stand 30 is preferably plastic or other suitable material such as injection molded PVC. The display, e.g. 19, 20, or 21 is preferably formed from plastic or other suitable material such as injection molded PVC. The stand 30 is preferably in the form of a disc having upper 31 (FIG. 11) and lower 32 (FIG. 12) surfaces and preferably the disc is the same circumference as the lid of the bottle.
On the upper surface 31 of the stand is preferably attached a display, e.g. 35 (FIG. 11). The display is preferably representative of the contents of the first container or of the labeling indicia 44 of the first container providing a visual link between the first container 1 and the component, e.g. FIGS. 5 and 6. For instance, where the contents of the first container are children's vitamins in the shape of a train engine or where labeling indicia on the container is indicative of a train engine 44, the display is likewise in the form of a train engine 29. Other such displays include figures such as a monkey 35. In such an instance where a figure is used, the display may be of the entire body of the figure, e.g. 35, while the contents of the large container or the labeling indicia corresponds to some portion of the figure such as the face of a monkey. Alternatively, the display may be in the form of a picture frame 36 including indicia 37 directly linking the frame to the contents of the first container 1. Such indicia may be for instance, hearts 37 arranged around the exterior of the picture frame 36 which correspond to the shapes of hearts contained within the large container 1. Preferably, indicia 44 on the exterior of the large container 1 also are indicative of the shape of the contents of the large container 1 and of the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21.
Where the display is in the form of a picture frame 36, as seen in FIG. 8, the frame is preferably formed from a back wall section 38 joined to a front picture frame 39 forming a center open area 40 where a picture may be viewed. Preferably, the back wall 38 is in the form of a picture frame with a support 41 extended. Preferably, at the upper end, where the picture frame is joined to the back wall, an opening 42 is provided for permitting the removal and insertion of a picture, e.g. 43. In this manner the display may be sold with a marketing picture 43 linked to indicia found on the exterior of the large container, e.g. 44. Once purchased by the consumer, the child may maintain the marketing picture 43 or replace the marketing picture with another picture of the child's own choosing.
Preferably, the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, is attached to the upper surface of the stand 31 using glue. Alternatively, where the stand 31 is formed from a plastic and the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, is formed from a similar plastic, the stand 31 and display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, may be formed simultaneously as a single piece using common plastic molding techniques. The stand 31, when formed from a plastic, may also be joined to the plastic display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, using melt techniques.
In one form, the lower surface 32 (FIG. 12) of the stand 31 is etched or otherwise molded to form a shape suitable for use as a stamp 34 where stamp 34 can be used to form impressions in a soft material such as a clay or where the stamp may be suitable for use in forming an image using an ink. A child can mark paper or other suitable material using an inkpad, paint or other ink using the stamp 34. The stamp 34 can also be used to mark clay, play dough or other suitable modeling compounds. The stamp 34 is preferably representative of the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, and of the first container 1 or of the labeling indicia 44 of the first container 1 providing a visual link between the display, e.g. 19, 20, 21, the first container 1 and the stamp 34. For instance, where the contents of the first container are children's vitamins in the shape of a train engine, the display is likewise a train engine FIG. 29, and the stamp 34 is also a train engine outline. Other such stamps include figures such as a monkey 48 (FIG. 12). In such an instance, where a figure is used, the stamp 34 may be of the face of the figure, e.g. 48, while the display corresponds to the entire body of the FIG. 20 while the contents of the large container correspond to some portion of the figure such as the face of a monkey. Alternatively, the stamp 34 may be in the form of indicia 44 directly linking the stamp to the contents of the first container
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
