Light Activated Try-Me Packaging

Abstract

A toy package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly configures a product and a light source within a blister pack, where the product is illuminated by a light source. The blister pack contains at least one tapered surface that configures the product within the blister pack to maximize the amount of light from the light source that illuminates the product. The product contains a color changing portion that reacts to the light from the light source by changing color. In one embodiment, the product is a toy vehicle, and in another embodiment, the product is a doll.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/564,385, filed Nov. 29, 2011, Attorney Docket No. 1389.0359P/16996P, entitled “Light Activated Try-Me Packaging,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging for a product, such as a toy, and in particular, to packaging that allows for the activation of a light source to demonstrate the color changing effect of the product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some conventional product package assemblies employ the concept of a “Try-Me” feature for the product contained within the package assembly, enabling potential purchasers to try the product before purchasing it. Furthermore, some package assemblies utilize lights or sounds to attract attention to the product within. Many toy packaged assemblies, however, lack the combination of the “Try-Me” feature of a product and a light source that activates a color change element in the product.

Therefore, there is a need for package assembly that enables potential purchasers to try a product with a light source and, in particular, activate a color changing product that reacts to the light source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a product package assembly. In one embodiment, the package assembly contains an insert with at least one tapered surface to position a light source and/or a toy product with respect to each other. The package assembly positions a light source and a toy product in a manner that optimizes the amount of light that illuminates the toy product. The toy product includes a color changing portion that reacts to the light beam from the light source. The toy package assembly further includes an opening allowing actuation of the light source.

In one embodiment, a package or packaging assembly for a toy comprises a backing sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising a body portion and an insert placed within the body portion, the insert comprising a first and second cavity, a light source positioned within the first cavity of the insert, and a product positioned within the second cavity of the insert so the light source illuminates the product when actuated.

In an alternative embodiment, the product contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the light source.

In an alternative embodiment, the insert contains a tapered surface for the light source and for the product that positions the light source and product at an angle with respect to each other for casting the light beam from the light source over a greater area of the product.

In an alternative embodiment, the body portion of the blister pack comprises an opening that corresponds to or is substantially aligned with the light source.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).

In an alternative embodiment, the product includes wheels.

In an alternative embodiment, the backing sheet has a front surface. In addition, the backing sheet includes a top edge that comprises a groove.

In an alternative embodiment, a product assembly comprises a backing sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising a body portion and an insert, the insert defining a receptacle and a channel placed within the body portion, a light source placed within the receptacle, and a product placed within the insert with at least a portion of the product placed within the channel of the insert.

In an alternative embodiment, the product contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the light source.

In an alternative embodiment, the product comprises a doll with hair

In an alternative embodiment, the hair of the product includes a color changing portion that is at least a portion of the hair of the doll.

In an alternative embodiment, the insert has a tapered surface for the channel for positioning the at least a portion of the product within the channel at an angle with respect to a light source for casting a light beam over a greater area of the product.

In an alternative embodiment, the body portion of the blister pack defines an opening that corresponds to the light source.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source is in the shape of a wand.

In an alternative embodiment, the light source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).

In an alternative embodiment, the backing sheet has of a front surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of product packaging according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of product packaging according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up front view of the light source and color changing portion of the product illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the light source and blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the product packaging according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic side view of the light source and blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 7.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A product package assembly according to the present invention includes packaging, a light source, and a product that is positioned or coupled to the packaging so that it is illuminated by the light source. In one embodiment, the light source is an LED. In other embodiments, the light source is a lamp, a bulb, or other light emitting member. In another embodiment, the light source emits a light beam near the UV light spectrum, about 400 nm to 300 nm. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the product has a color changing element that reacts to illumination from a light source. In another embodiment, the color change element of the product is constructed from photochromic materials.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram of a package assembly according to the present invention is illustrated. Package assembly 5 contains a package or packaging 10, which houses a light source 12 and a product 20. In one embodiment, the packaging 10 is configured to substantially or fully enclose the product 20. In another embodiment, the packaging 10 is configured to support the product 20 in a manner in which the product 20 is not enclosed.

The product 20 has a color change portion/element 22, which can encompass the entire product 20 or a portion of the product 20. In one embodiment, the light source 12 is an LED and is illuminated in response to user activation of a switch and/or actuator. When the light source 12 is illuminated within the packaging 10, the light source 12 emits a light beam 14 that illuminates the product 20, and more specifically, the color change portion/element 22, changing the color of the color change portion/element 22.

Illustrated in FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the package assembly 5. Referring to FIG. 2, the package assembly 100 includes product packaging 101, a light source 160, and a product 180. Product packaging 101 is formed from backing sheet 110 and blister pack 120. In one embodiment, backing sheet 110 is constructed from cardboard. In another embodiment, backing sheet 110 is constructed from other materials, such as paper stock, plastic, or other deformable materials that provide structure for the blister pack. In one embodiment, backing sheet 100 contains a front surface 112 and a top edge 114. Front surface 112 may contain graphical images or words that describe, advertise, or provide information about the product 180. Top edge 114 may contain a groove 116, which allows the package assembly 100 to be hung for display on fixtures within stores.

The blister pack 120 includes a body portion 122 and an insert 140 (see FIG. 3). Blister pack 120 may be constructed from a transparent or translucent material, such as plastic. In one embodiment, body portion 122 may have a substantially rectangular or square shape. In other embodiments, body portion 122 may have another substantially geometric shape, such as a circle or triangle. Additionally, body portion 122 contains a front surface 124 and a bottom surface 130. Bottom surface 130 allows for the package assembly 100 to be placed on shelves in an upright position. Front surface 124 may further contain an opening 128 and an opening edge 126 that defines the opening 128. The opening 128 may be placed on the front surface 124 in a location proximate to the light source 160 to allow potential purchasers to actuate the light source 160 through opening 128.

Referring to FIG. 3, the insert 140 of blister pack 120 contains a first wall portion 142 and a second wall portion 148. First wall portion 142 defines a first cavity 146, which is designed to contain light source 160 in the package assembly 100. The light source 160 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 170 as described below. Second wall portion 148 defines a second cavity 152, which is designed to house the product 180 in the package assembly 5. Furthermore, light source 160, when placed in the first cavity 146, is positioned in proximity to the opening 128 in front surface 124 of body portion 122. This positioning allows potential purchasers to utilize actuator 168 on light source 160 via opening 128.

Referring back to FIG. 2, product 180 is in the shape of a toy vehicle. In this embodiment, product 180 includes a body 182 and wheels 188 coupled to the body 182. The body 182 of the product 180 has an outer surface 184 that contains a color change portion/element or area 186. As described previously, the color change portion/element area, when illuminated by light source 160, changes color in response to the near UV light from the light source 160.

Referring to FIG. 3, insert 140 is supporting light source 160 within first cavity 146 and product 180 within second cavity 152, as described above. As shown, first wall portion 142 contains a first tapered surface 144. When light source 160 is placed within first cavity 146, light source 160 is supported by first wall portion 142 and first tapered surface 144. First tapered surface 144 positions light source 160 within first cavity 146 where the light source 160 stands offset from a vertical plane.

Similarly, second wall portion 148 contains a second tapered surface 150. When product 180 is placed within second cavity 152, product 180 is held in place by second wall portion 148 and supported by second tapered surface 150. Second tapered surface 150 supports product 180 within second cavity 152 situating or positioning product 180 offset from the horizontal plane. As a result, in this embodiment, the product 180 is oriented at an angle such that the color change portion/element is easily visible by a consumer.

Referring to FIG. 4, insert 140 is supporting light source 160 within first cavity 146 and product 180 within second cavity 152. As previously described, light source 160 is offset from the vertical plane when positioned in first cavity 146 of insert 140. This vertical offset is due to the support provided by first tapered surface 144. Furthermore, as previously described, product 180 is offset from the horizontal plane when positioned in second cavity 152 of insert 140. This horizontal offset is provided by second tapered surface 150. Due to the positioning of the light source 160 by the first tapered surface 144 and product 180 by the second tapered surface 150, the light beam 174, emitted by light source 160, illuminates product 180 at an angle other than ninety (90) degrees. This positioning of the light source 160 optimizes the amount of light that illuminates the color change portion/element 186 of the product 180.

Referring to FIG. 5, a close-up view of a portion of the package assembly 100. In this embodiment, light source 160 contains a housing 162 and a first opening 164 in the housing 162. In this embodiment, the opening 164 is shaped and sized to receive an LED 170. In other embodiments, the opening 164 in the housing 162 is shaped and sized to fit a light emitting member, such as a lamp or a bulb. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the LED 170 of the light source 160 is direction upon and illuminates the outer surface 184 of the body 182 of the product 180, the portion of the outer surface 184 on which the LED 170 is directed changes color as the body 182 of the product includes a color change material, such as a photochromic material therein.

Another view of the light source 160 and product 180 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The housing 162 of the light source 160 includes a second opening 166 configured to fit an actuator 168. In this embodiment, the actuator 168 is a push button. When the actuator 168 is depressed, the light source 160 is activated or turned on and the LED 170 emits a light beam 174. In another embodiment, the actuator 168 may be a different type of actuator, such as a switch, a slider, or a rotating element, such as a dial. Furthermore, within housing 162 is a power source (not shown) that is used to power the LED 170 to create a light beam 174. In the present embodiment, the power source is a battery. In another embodiment, the power source may be an external power source.

Moreover, FIG. 6 illustrates a color change that occurred on a portion of the outer surface 184 of the body 182 of the product 180. The color change portion/element 186 reacts to the LED 172 of the light source 160 when the LED 172 emits a light beam 174. In this present embodiment, the color change portion/element 186 is constructed from photochromic material, making it susceptible to dramatic variations of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the present embodiment, the LED 172 emits a light beam 174 in the near UV spectrum, which is in the range of 400 nm to 300 nm.

Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, package assembly 200 includes product packaging 201, a light source 240, and a product 260. Product packaging 201 is formed from backing sheet 210 and blister pack 220. Similar to backing sheet 110, backing sheet 210 is constructed from a deformable material that provides structure, such as cardboard, and has a front surface 212 with graphical images or words that describe, advertise, or provide information on the product 260. In this embodiment, the blister pack 220 is attached to the backing sheet 210, where the blister pack 220 covers the entire backing sheet 210. The blister pack 220 may be attached to the backing sheet 210 in several ways, such as being glued onto the front surface 212 of the backing sheet 210.

The blister pack 220 contains a body portion 222 and an insert 230 (see FIG. 8). Held within the blister pack 220 are the product 260 and a light source 240. The body portion 222 contains a front surface 224 which is transparent or translucent, allowing the product 260 and the light source 240 to be visible. Front surface 224 contains an opening 228 and an opening edge 226 defining the opening 228, which are positioned in proximity to the light source 240.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the product 260 is a toy figure, such as a doll. The product 260 has a body 262 resembling that of a doll, and hair 264, which encompasses the color change element 266 of the product 260. In other words, at least a portion of the hair 264 of the doll 260 is made of a color change material that functions as the color change element 266. Furthermore, the light source 260 in this embodiment is in the shape of a wand. The light source 260 contains a port/opening 242 for light to shine from a light source, such as an LED, located within the housing of the wand, and an actuator 246.

Referring to FIG. 8, a side view of the insert 230, the light source 240, and the hair 264 is illustrated. As shown, the light source 240 has a housing 242 and an actuator 246. Within the housing 242 are a power source 250 and an LED 248. The power source 250 enables the LED 248 to emit a light beam 252 when the actuator 246 is depressed. Furthermore, as previously discussed, a light producing device other than an LED 248 may be used to produce a light beam 252 from the light source 240.

The side view of the insert 230 illustrated in FIG. 8, displays insert 230 having a tapered surface 234 with hair 264 positioned on top of the tapered surface 234. The hair contains color changing portion/element 266, which in this embodiment entails a portion of the hair 264 containing a photochromic material. In one implementation, the photochromic material is formed in the strands of hair. In another implementation, the photochromic material is a coating that is applied to the strands of hair. The insert 230 positions hair 264 on the tapered surface 234 and the light source 240 is oriented to illuminate the tapered surface 234 with light beam 252. The tapered surface 234 of the insert 230 allows the light beam 252 of the light source 240 to illuminate the hair 264 at an optimized angle, illuminating a greater area of the hair 264. The tapered surface 234 enables more of the hair 264 that contains the color change portion/element 266 to be illuminated, and react to the light beam 252 from light source 240.

A perspective view of an insert 230 according to the alternative embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates the insert 230 having a housing 231 including a light source receptacle 236 with receptacle wall 238. The combination of the light source receptacle 236 and receptacle wall 238 in the insert 230 allow for placement of the light source 240 in the receptacle in the insert 230. The light source receptacle 236 is shaped to mate with the light source 240. The light source receptacle 236 and the receptacle wall 238 keep the light source in place within the blister pack 220 and the product packaging 201 during movement of the product package assembly 200. Furthermore, as illustrated by FIG. 9, insert 230 contains a channel 232 which extends from the light source receptacle 236, along the tapered surface 234 of the insert 230. The hair 264 of the product 260 fits within channel 232. This channel 232 enables the hair 264 of the product 260 to be positioned relative to the light source 260, maximizing the exposure of the hair 264 with the color changing portion/element 266 to the light beam 252 of the light source 240. The channel 232 aligns the hair 264 with the port/opening 242 of the light source 240.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “end,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely described points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

Exemplary descriptions of the present invention include the following:

A. A packaging assembly for a toy, comprising: a backing sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising a body portion and an insert positioned within the body portion, the insert comprising a first and second cavity, a light source positioned within the first cavity of the insert, and a product positioned within the second cavity of the insert so the light source illuminates the product when actuated.

B. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the product contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the light source.

C. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the insert contains a tapered surface for the light source and for the product, for positioning the light source and product at an angle with respect to each other for casting the light beam from the light source over a greater area of the product.

D. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the body portion comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.

E. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the light source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.

F. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the light source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).

G. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the product comprises wheels.

H. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the backing sheet comprises a front surface.

I. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the backing sheet comprises a top edge that comprises a groove.

J. A product assembly, comprising: a backing sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising a body portion and an insert placed within the body portion with a receptacle and a channel, a light source placed within the receptacle, and a product placed within the insert with at least a portion of the product placed within the channel of the insert.

K. The product assembly of J above, wherein the product contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the light source.

L. The packaging assembly of J above, wherein the product comprises a doll with hair

M. The packaging assembly of J above, wherein at least a portion of the hair of comprises the color changing portion of the product.

N. The product assembly of J above, wherein the insert contains a tapered surface for the channel for positioning the at least a portion of the product within the channel at an angle with respect to light source for casting a light beam over a greater area of the product.

O. The product assembly of J above, wherein the body portion comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.

P. The product assembly of J above, wherein the light source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.

Q. The product assembly of J above, wherein the light source is in the shape of a wand.

R. The product assembly of J above, wherein the light source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).

S. The product assembly of J above, wherein the backing sheet includes a front surface.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly for a toy, comprising:

a backing sheet; and

a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising: a body portion, an insert positioned within the body portion, the insert comprising a first and second cavity, a light source positioned within the first cavity of the insert, and a product positioned within the second cavity of the insert so the light source illuminates the product when actuated.

2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the product contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the light source.

3. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert contains a tapered surface for the light source and for the product, for positioning the light source and product at an angle with respect to each other for casting the light beam from the light source over a greater area of the product.

4. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.

5. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.

6. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).

7. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the product comprises wheels.

8. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the backing sheet comprises a front surface.

9. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the backing sheet comprises a top edge that comprises a groove.

10. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the blister pack is constructed of a translucent material.

11. A product assembly, comprising:

a backing sheet; and

a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising: a body portion, and an insert placed within the body portion with a receptacle and a channel, a light source placed within the receptacle, and a product placed within the insert with at least a portion of the product placed within the channel of the insert.

12. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the product contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the light source.

13. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the product comprises a doll with hair.

14. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the hair of comprises the color changing portion of the product.

15. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the insert contains a tapered surface for the channel for positioning the at least a portion of the product within the channel at an angle with respect to light source for casting a light beam over a greater area of the product.

16. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the body portion comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.

17. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.

18. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the light source is in the shape of a wand.

19. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the light source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).

20. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the backing sheet includes a front surface.