Communication Elements for Consumer Products

Abstract

A stream of products includes a first product having a first communication element thereon and a second product having a second communication element thereon. The first and second products are interrelated for use in a particular activity. Further, the first communication element and the second communication element interact to produce a collaborative communication.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention is directed to a stream of products with communication elements that interact to provide a heightened user experience.

2. Description of the Background of the Disclosure

In our increasingly complex and busy world, it is common for people to require or desire to use multiple goods or items during the course of the day to accomplish a certain task or activity. Whether at work or school, at home or on vacation, it is often the case that various items become bundled or inter-connected in a manner that necessitates or makes it desirable to use at least two, and often more, of these items to effect a desired outcome or to enhance that outcome. For example, it is common for a worker in an office to use a pen, a stapler, and a notepad on a consistent basis during the work day. A family on vacation may find it desirable to use a pest control device, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight on a regular basis during a camping trip. A student may find it beneficial to use a lunch bag, a plastic fluid bottle, and a sandwich container during lunch every day at school. In all of these non-limiting examples, a single manufacturer, or in other instances a group of manufacturers, may supply the entire stream of products used during these experiences. However, each item is, in and of itself, a distinct and separate product that provides a utilitarian function that is not inter-connected in any substantive manner with the other products except for the fact that it is used during the same experience. There is a need for the suppliers of these products to enhance the experience of the users to create a more enjoyable experience during the use of these products. One solution is to provide interactive communication elements on at least two products typically used during the same activity, which require the use of both products to bring about an enhanced experience. More particularly; such interactive communication elements may provide a first communication element. On a first product and a second communication element on a second product, which when utilized or interpreted by a consumer provide a collaborative communication distinct from the individual first and second communication elements that enhances the user's overall experience.

One particular activity in which consumers would benefit greatly from having items that enhance the experience is the activity of eating lunch. The stream of products used for eating lunch may be generically described as a lunch kit, which a consumer brings with them, for example, to school or work. The lunch kit generally includes products for storing and carrying food and beverages, such as a bag, container, plastic fluid bottle, etc. However, these products do not interact with the consumer or other consumers to enhance the lunch experience. Although lunch is a time to rest and refuel, ethnographic studies indicate that the primary, focus of lunch to a consumer is not about the food, but about having some time during the day to share with friends and co-workers. This is especially true for children who often eat the same, thing for lunch everyday and are transitioning through a formative period of their lives where social interaction is important to their development. Unfortunately, there are no products available to enhance the consumer's lunch experience to facilitate this need. Some lunch bags and other lunch kit items have indicia, such as a picture or text, printed on them to try and enhance the consumer's lunch experience. However, this indicia does not interact with the other products in the kit or the products of the consumer's friends and co-workers. Additionally, the indicia does not change, which causes the consumer to lose interest in the products.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a stream of products that interact with the consumer and with other consumers to enhance the user's experience using the individual products beyond their utilitarian aspects. With respect to the particular activity of eating lunch, a need exists for a lunch kit containing products that heighten the experience of eating lunch. These items will continuously change and engage the consumer and provide a conversation point to help the consumer interact with friends and coworkers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a stream of products includes a first product having a first communication element thereon and a second product having a second communication element thereon. The first and second products are interrelated for use in a particular activity. Further, the first communication element and the second communication element interact to produce a collaborative communication.

According to another embodiment, a lunch kit includes a lunch bag having a first communication element thereon and a container having a second communication element thereon. The first and second communication elements interact to produce a collaborative communication.

According to yet another embodiment, a system includes a container having a plurality of disposable lids with communication elements thereon. The system includes a bowl and a plurality of disposable lids designed to seal an open top end of the bowl. A first lid of the plurality of lids is provided with a first communication element thereon, which is disposed of after placement and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of the bowl and the first lid. Further, a second lid of the plurality of lids is provided with a second communication element different than the first communication element, which is disposed of after placement and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of the bowl and the second lid.

The above and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is schematic view of a first stream of products;

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the first stream of products;

FIG. 1C is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the first stream of products;

FIG. 1D is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the first stream of products;

FIG. 1E is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the first stream of products and a second stream of products;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the first stream of products, which is shown as a lunch kit including a bag, a container, and a plastic fluid bottle;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bag of FIG. 2, wherein a closure mechanism has been removed for clarity;

FIGS. 4A-C each illustrate the bag of FIG. 3 in use with the closure device;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the container of FIG. 2 including a lid and a bowl;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a bottom side and two edges of the lid of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a bottom wall and two sidewalls of a further embodiment of a bowl for a container;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a lid including a removable disc;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the bowl of FIG. 7 showing the removable disc of FIG. 8 inserted into the bottom of the bowl;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an another embodiment of the bag of FIG. 3, wherein the removable disc of FIG. 8 is retained therein; and

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the plastic fluid bottle of FIG. 2 having a communication element thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

“Stream of products” or “stream of articles” as used herein, refers to at least two distinct products that are used together, or separately, some time during an activity engaged in by a user of those products. Each product comprises a distinct article that has its own functional and utilitarian benefit in connection with the activity independent of the other products or distinct articles, regardless of whether a user could use the two or more products together to effect their functional and utilitarian attributes. In some instances, the two or more products may comprise a kit.

“Activity” as used herein, refers to an event or set of events that affords a consumer the ability to experience the use of two or more products together. An activity may comprise any number of events, of which several non-limiting examples are a lunch, camping, school, work, sporting events, etc., in which two or more products, i.e., the stream of products, related to that particular activity are utilized. An activity may also be broadly characterized as a theme that connects two or more products together, of which several non-limiting examples are a holiday, a birthday, a wedding, a cartoon, a movie, etc.

“Consumer,” as used herein, refers to any person or entity that may purchase a product or a stream of products or otherwise use a product or a stream of products. In one non-limiting embodiment, the consumer may also be the end user of the product or the stream of products.

“Experience” as used herein, refers to any intended or unintended effect on a consumer that is a consequence of their direct participation in or observation of an activity utilizing a stream of articles. In some embodiments, the experience is the consumer's personal observation or encounter with two or more products.

“Communication element” as used herein, relates to a means for communicating some form of information to a consumer besides the functional or utilitarian aspects of a product. Communication elements of the present embodiment may include, but are not limited to: graphical material or images, such as artwork, pictures, photos, third party advertisements, and licensed material; textual messages such as jokes, riddles, trivia, fun facts, inspirational messages, fortunes, brain teasers, famous quotations, and other written material; games such as puzzles, word searches, crosswords, Sudoku, connect-the-dots, tic-tac-toe, mazes, I-spy, cryptograms, and word boggles; educational information; news such as current events or entertainment news; lifestyle information such as nutritional tips and fitness information; instructions for using the products; or other means of decoration and/or information used to provide an enhanced user experience.

“Collaborative communication” as used herein, relates to the interaction between two or more communication elements provided on two or more products within a stream of products to provide a heightened user experience beyond the functional and utilitarian aspects of the stream of products. In connection with the present disclosure, first and second products may each include communication elements that provide or effect a heighted user experience that would not have occurred but for the interaction between the communication elements of the distinct products. For example, the communication element on the first product might be a code and the communication element on the second product might be a key such that the code would not be able to be solved but for the interaction between the communication elements of the distinct products.

However, collaborative communication does not constitute a general theme between distinct products in the stream of products. Rather, it is the interaction between the communication elements provided on the products that provides a heightened user experience beyond the experience achieved from using the products individually. For example, a fast food restaurant may provide a meal kit that includes a bag, a wrapper, and a cup that all have images of a cartoon character printed thereon. Indeed, each of the products in the stream are part of the user experience and each provide a distinct and separate experience, however, the products do not interact to provide a heightened consumer experience beyond the experience provided by using the products individually.

Turning to FIG. 1A, a first embodiment of a stream of products 100 is illustrated. The stream of products 100 generally includes a first product 102 having a first communication element 102A thereon and a second product 104 having a second communication element 104A thereon. The communication element 104A of the second product 104 interacts with the communication element 102A of the first product 102 to produce a collaborative communication. Additionally, the stream of products 100 may also include third, fourth, and fifth products 106, 108, and 110, respectively, having third, fourth, and fifth communication elements 106A, 168A, 110A, respectively. The third, fourth, and fifth communication elements 106A, 108A, 110A interact with the communication element 102A of the first product 102 to produce a collaborative communication and a heightened user experience.

Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the first stream of products 100, as shown in FIG. 1B, the communication element 102A of the first product 102 may interact with the communication elements 104A, 106A of the second and third products 104, 106 as discussed above. However, instead of the communication elements 108A, 110A of the fourth and fifth products 108, 110 interacting with the communication element 102A of the first product 102, the communication elements 108A, 110A of the fourth and fifth products 108, 110 interact with the communication element 104k on the second product 104.

In a different embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the communication elements 102A, 104A, 106A, 108A, and 110A of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth products 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110, respectively, all interact with one another. For example, the communication element 102A of the first product 102 interacts with the communication elements 104A, 106A, 108A, 110A on the second, third, fourth, and fifth products 104, 106, 108, 110, the communication element 104A on the second product 104 interacts with the communication elements 102A, 106A, 108A, 110A on the first, third, fourth, and fifth products 102, 106, 108, 110, and so on.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, another embodiment of the first stream of products 100 illustrates how the first product 102 may include a plurality of communication elements, such as second and third communication elements 102B, 102C, respectively, in addition to the first communication element 102A. In this embodiment, the communication element 104A on the second product 104 interacts with the first and second communication elements 102A, 102B on the first product 102. The communication element 106A on the third product 106 interacts with the first and third communication elements 102A, 102C on the first product 102. Additionally, the first communication element 102A of the first product 102 may interact with the second communication element 102B on the first product 102 in addition to interacting with the communication elements 104A, 106A on the second and third products 104, 106.

Still further, in a different embodiment the communication elements 102A, 104A, 106A, 108A, 110A of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth products 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 in the stream of products 100 may each interact with communication elements 202A, 204A, 206A, 208A, 210A on a plurality of products 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 in a second stream of products 200 in addition to interacting with each other (see FIG. 1E).

The above-noted embodiments are exemplary of various manners in which communication elements on multiple products in a first stream of products 100 may be utilized to create a collaborative communication that enhances a consumer's experience and should not be considered as limiting embodiments. For example, the stream of products 100 is not limited to the five products as illustrated above. Rather, the stream of products 100 may include any number of products having any number of communication elements thereon. The communication elements of the products may interact according to any one of the examples illustrated above or the communication elements may interact according to any combination of the above-illustrated examples. Further, it is contemplated that any number of products streams may also be utilized.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-11, one particular example of an activity that will benefit the consumer's experience is the utilization of collaborative communication elements in connection with consumer's lunches. The consumer typically uses a stream of products, such as a lunch kit 300, in order to store and carry his food to school or work. As discussed above, ethnographic studies indicate that for a consumer, the primary focus of lunch is not about the food, but about having some time during the day to share with friends and co-workers. The presently disclosed lunch kit 300 enhances the user experience by becoming a part of the lunch conversation through the utilization of collaborative communication between the products in the lunch kit. Collaborative communication during this type of activity not only provides for a heightened lunch experience for the consumer, but third parties are also provided with positive experiences through the promotion of social interaction between the consumer and the third party. Having a product that enhances the lunch experience beyond the food involved is important, especially for children who are developing both mentally and socially.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first item of the lunch kit 300 may include a bag 302. The bag 302 may be one of the bags described in the U.S. patent application entitled “A Detachable Closure Device for a Bag,” which was filed on the same day as the present application. In a preferred embodiment, the bag 302 is a gusseted bag including a bottom panel 304 and a plurality of side panels 306A-D extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the bottom panel 304 to form a top edge of an open top, such as edge 308. Other configurations of the bag 302 are also contemplated with any number of corresponding panels. For example, in certain embodiments, the bag 302 does not include a bottom panel but two side panels that are connected, to each other at corresponding peripheral edges thereof such that a pouch with an open top is formed (not shown). Moreover, one or more panels of the bag 302 may be of any suitable shape, such as planar, polygonal, or circular.

The bag 302 may also include an engaging mechanism 310 which includes a plurality of apertures 311 provided proximate to the top edge 308 of the side panel 106A of the bag. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, the engaging mechanism 310 engages with a closure device 312 to detachably affix the closure 312 device to the bag 302. Once the closure device 312 is detachably affixed to the side panel 306A, an open top 314 of the bag 302 is closed by bringing the opposing side panel 306C of the bag 302 in proximity to the attached closure device 312. The two opposing panels 306A, 306C of the bag 302 are rolled down over each other toward the bottom panel 304 of the bag 302. After rolling, opposing ends 316A, 316B of the closure device 312 interconnect via an attachment mechanism 318, thereby fixing the rolled down portion of the bag 302 in position. The bag 302 is opened by releasing the attachment mechanism 318 and unrolling the bag 302. The closure device 312 may be detached from the bag 302 so that it can be reused with another bag. However, the bag 302 may also be used without the closure device 312.

The bag 302 includes a first communication element 302A printed on any of the side panels 306A-D or the bottom panel 304. The first communication element 302A on the bag 302 may interact with communication elements on other products of the lunch kit 300 as will be described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the bag 302 may include a second communication element 302B that interacts with the first communication element 302A on the bag 302. For example, the first communication element 302A disposed on the sidewall 106A of the bag is a trivia question and the second communication element 302B is an answer to the trivia question. The second communication element 302B is shown on the same side panel 306A as the first communication element 302A, however, the second communication element 302B may be located on the same or a different side or bottom panel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second product of the lunch kit 300, which in this example is a container 322. The container 322 may be one of the containers generally shown in the U.S. patent application entitled “Container and Lid Therefor,” which was filed on the same day as the present application. The container 322 generally includes a bowl 324 and a removable lid 326 for closing the bowl 324. While the container 322 is illustrated as being generally square, it is contemplated that the container 322 may have a different shape, such as circular, rectangular, or any curvilinear or polygonal shape, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the lid 326 of the present embodiment, includes a generally planar body 328 portion having top and bottom sides 328A, 328B. The lid 326 also includes a tab 330 for assisting a consumer in removing the lid 326 from the bowl 324, however, it is contemplated the tab 330 may be omitted in other embodiments. The lid 326 is preferably made of a disposable material such as paperboard and the like and may be coated in a wax or a polyethylene film layer to provide moisture resistance and waterproofing. Paper lids are beneficial for many reasons, including that they are cheaper to manufacture than non-paper lids, they are biodegradable, and it is relatively easy to print graphics and text on paper lids.

Turning to FIG. 5, the bowl 324 generally includes a bottom 332 for resting on a support surface (not shown) and a continuous sidewall 334 extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 332 to define a bowl cavity 336. The sidewall 334 terminates in a continuous rim 338, which defines an opening 340 of the bowl 324. The bowl 324 is preferably reusable and integrally molded from a seamless thermoplastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, or other resilient polymeric material. The engagement between the bowl 324 and the lid 326 can generally be described as an interference fit, in which the body portion 328 of the lid 326 is larger than the opening 340 of the bowl 324. The interference fit causes the lid 326 to press against the bowl 324, thus frictionally engaging the bowl to provide a seal between the bowl 324 and the lid 326. However, the lid 326 may be affixed to the bowl 324 by any means known to those having skill in the art.

Still with reference to FIG. 5, a first communication element 322A is printed on the lid 326. The first communication element 322A interacts with the first communication element 302A on the bag 302. In one non-limiting example, the first communication element 302A on the bag 302 is an image containing a plurality of items and the first communication element 322A on the container 322 is an I-spy command that directs the consumer to locate one of the items within the image. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the lid 326 may include a second communication element 322B that interacts with the first communication element 322A on the lid 326. For example, the first communication element 322A may be printed on the top side 328A of the lid 326 and may be a trivia question, whereas the second communication element 322B may be printed on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326 and may be the answer to the trivia question (see FIG. 6). In another example, the first and second communication elements 322A, 322B are both printed on the top side 328A of the lid 326 or the first and second communication elements 322A, 322B are printed on the bottom side 32813 of the lid 326. The container 322 may also include more than two communication elements. Additionally, the communication elements may be printed on the bowl instead of the lid, or the communication elements may be printed on both the bowl and the lid.

In certain embodiments, the bowl 324 is successively reused with a plurality of disposable lids 326, each having at least one communication element 322A printed thereon. The at least one communication element 322A is designed to interact with the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag. To illustrate, in one example, a consumer places food within the bowl 324 of the container 322 and uses a first disposable lid 326 to seal the bowl 324. The first lid 326 includes a first communication element that interacts with the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag. At lunch, the disposable lid 326 is removed, the food consumed, and the disposable lid 326 is thereafter disposed of while the bowl 324 is kept for later re-use. The bowl 324 may be washed and made available for use with a second disposable lid 326′. The second lid 326′ includes at least one communication element 322A′ that interacts with the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag 302. Thus, the communication elements 322A, 322A′ on the individual lids 326, 326′ interact with the bag 302 in a different way, thereby making the bag 302 appear “new” and exciting each day. For example, in one embodiment, the communication element 322A of the first lid 326 is a cryptogram code that interacts with the communication element 302A of the bag, which in this embodiment is a key for determining the code. The communication element 322A′ on the second lid 326′ is a second cryptogram code that interacts with the key on the bag 302, such that when the second lid 326′ is used together with the bag 302 a different phrase is decoded using the same key on the bag 302. Alternatively, the communication element 302A on the bag 302 may be an image having multiple items therein. The communication element 322A on the first lid 326 is an I-spy command that directs the user to locate a first item within the image on the bag 302. The communication element 322A′ on the second lid 326′ is also an I-spy command, which tells the user to locate a second item within the image, thereby changing the user's perception of the bag 302 each day.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, an underside 342 of the bowl 324 includes a reservoir 344 that is designed to receive a removable article 346 therein. In the present embodiment, the reservoir 344 is designed to retain a generally rectangular article 346, however, the reservoir 344 could be designed to receive articles 346 of various shapes.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lid 326 is adapted to include the removable article 346. The article 346 is attached to the main body portion 328 of the lid 326 by a perforated edge 348. In use, a consumer removes the article 346 from the lid 326. In some embodiments, the consumer may write a note on the article 346. In other embodiments, the article 346 may have a communication element 346A such as a graphic or note already printed thereon. After separating the article 346 from the lid 326, the consumer inserts the article 346 into the reservoir 344. The article 346 may be retained within the reservoir 344 by an interference fit, flanges, or any other engagement mechanism known in the art. The bowl 324 may be transparent such that the communication element 346A on the article 346 can be viewed through the bowl 324 when the article 346 is retained within the reservoir 344 (see FIG. 9).

The article 346 in combination with the lid 326 of the container 322 provides a staged viewing experience, in which the user's experience is heightened as they progressively interact with the communication elements 322A, 322B, 346A. For example, prior to opening the container, the consumer sees and interacts with at least one communication element 322A disposed on the top side 328A of the lid 326. When the consumer removes the lid 326 from the container 322, the consumer sees the second communication element 322B provided on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326. The second communication element 322B on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326 may interact with the at least one communication element 322A disposed on the top side 328A of the lid 326. Next, the user removes the contents disposed within the container 322, thereby revealing the article 346 retained within the reservoir 344. The communication element 346A on the article 346 interacts with the at least one communication element 322A on the top side 328A of the lid 326, or it may interact with the communication element 322B on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326, or it may interact with both communication elements 322A, 322B. For example, the at least one communication element 322A on the top side 328A of the lid 326 is a trivia question, the communication element 322B on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326 is a hint about how to answer the trivia question, and the communication element 346A on the article 346 is the answer to the trivia question.

The consumer or another user may remove the article 346 from the reservoir 344 of the container 322 in order to save and collect the article 346. Alternatively, the consumer may trade the article 346 with a third person, which promotes social interaction. Additionally, the consumer may use the article 346 to customize other products in the lunch kit 300. For example, the bag 302 may include a plurality of display pockets 350 into which the user may place the article 346 to customize the bag 302 (see FIG. 10). Alternatively, the closure device 312 may be designed to retain the article 346. Further, the article 346 could be used as a token, for a promotional prize or other sweepstakes in which there is a prize for collecting a specific number of articles 346.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a third item in the lunch kit may be a plastic liquid bottle 352. The bottle 352 generally includes a body portion 354 for containing a liquid therein and a spout 356 for dispensing the liquid from within the body 354. The body portion 354 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, or other resilient polymeric material. A communication element 352A is disposed on a sidewall 358 of the body 354 of the bottle 352. The communication element 352A is designed to interact with the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag 302 and/or the communication elements 322A, 322B on the container 322. The body portion 354 may also be transparent or include some kind of colored film, such that when the pouch is placed over the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag 302 or the communication elements 322A, 322B on the container 322, the bottle 354 reveals a phrase, code, image or other communication element that was not visible without the bottle 354.

Other products in the stream of products comprising the lunch kit 300 may include a snack container, which is a smaller version of the container described above, a paper-sandwich bag, a Ziploc® brand snack bag, a thermos or other leak proof container, napkins, and/or a toy or prize.

Each product in the lunch kit 300 can be used alone such that a communication element thereon will communicate with the child or with another communication element on the same product to provide entertainment and means of social interaction during lunch. However, enhanced value is created by utilizing the various communication elements on the products with communication elements on different products in the lunch kit 300. When the products are used together, the communication elements on the distinct products 302, 322, 352 in the lunch kit 300 provide a collaborative communication such that the consumer has an enhanced experience with the stream of the products 300. For example, the container 322 having a code printed on it can still be utilized for its functional or utilitarian purpose of storing food, however, when used in combination with the bag 302 having the key printed thereon, the lunch experience becomes more than just about the food and the containers for the food.

Additionally, the products in the first stream of products making up the lunch kit 300 are designed to interact with a second stream of products making up a second lunch kit. For example, in one embodiment, a first consumer's bag may include a communication element such as a cryptogram key that can interact with a communication element on the lid of a second consumer's container, such that the second consumer is able to solve a code printed on the lid of his container. This uniformity between lunch kits promotes further social interaction between consumers.

The products in the lunch kit 300 are all part of a lunch kit system. In a preferred embodiment, the lunch kit system includes a bowl 324, a plurality of lids 326, a bag 302, and a closure device 312. In some embodiments, the lunch kit system also includes a bottle 352. The lunch kit system preferably includes 20 to 40 lids. In use, a user replaces the lid 326 on the container 324 daily as described above. In one embodiment, after the lunch kit system runs out of lids 326, the container 324 is disposed of and a new system is purchased. Alternatively, the plurality of lids 326 may be sold separately from the system as a refill system. In a different embodiment, when the lunch kit system runs out of the lids 326, it indicates to a consumer that the bag 302 should be replaced. Further, the communication element 302A on the bag 302 may inform the user when it is time to replace the bag 302. Before disposing of the bag 302, the closure device 312 is removed from the bag 302 and later reused with a new bag 302. In a preferred embodiment, the bag 302 is used for three months prior to being disposed of, however, the bag 302 may be used for longer or shorter periods of time than the preferred 3 month period.

In certain embodiments, the user has the option to personalize the lunch kit 300. The user may go online and choose colors, images, and the types of communication elements they would like to see on the products in their lunch kit 300. The user can place an order for her customized lunch kit 300 online. Further, it is contemplated that the lunch kit system may include lids that are blank such that they do not include any communication elements disposed thereon. A user can buy the blank lids, and after creating her customized lids online, the user can print the lids in the convenience of her home.

Further, the communication elements may incorporate an advertisement or licensed material from a third party. The advertisement is incorporated with the interaction of the communication elements such that a user actually takes the time to read the advertisement or notice a sponsor. For example, the advertisement can be incorporated in a cryptogram code on a lid of a container that the user solves with a key on the bag. Alternatively, the name of the sponsor may be an answer to a trivia question or may be included as one of the words to find in a word search.

In other embodiments, the communication element may be a QR code, another code, or a website address that the user can use online to access a special website, thereby linking the communication element with digital content. The digital content in addition to the other communication elements allows the user to further interact with the products of the lunch kit. For example, if the communication element on the bag of the lunch kit includes a graphic or a cartoon character, the code would allow a user to watch a secret video that only someone who knows the code on the bag can see. It is further anticipated that two or more communication elements on different products may collaboratively provide or communicate a code or website to a consumer if the products are used interactively as noted herein.

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, various modifications can be made within the scope of the aforesaid description. Such modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the art form a part of the present invention and are embraced by the appended claims.

Other embodiments of the disclosure including all the possible different and various combinations of the individual features of each of the foregoing described embodiments and examples are specifically included herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. All patents, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference as they appear in this document in their entirety. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims

1. A stream of products, comprising:

a first product having a first communication element thereon; and

a second product having a second communication element thereon, wherein the first and second products are interrelated for use in a particular activity, and

wherein the first communication element and the second communication element interact to produce a collaborative communication.

2. The stream of products of claim 1, wherein the first product includes an additional communication element thereon, wherein the additional communication element interacts with the second communication element to produce a collaborative communication.

3. The stream of products of claim 2, wherein the additional communication element also interacts with the first communication element.

4. The stream of products of claim 1 further including a third product having a third communication element thereon.

5. The stream of products of claim 4, wherein the third communication element interacts with the first communication element to produce a collaborative communication.

6. The stream of products of claim 5, wherein the third communication element interacts with an additional communication element on the first product to produce a collaborative communication.

7. The stream of products of claim 4, wherein the third communication element interacts with the second communication element to produce a collaborative communication.

8. The stream of products of claim 1, wherein the first and second communication elements interact with a second stream of products to produce a collaborative communication.

9. A lunch kit, comprising:

a lunch bag having a first communication element thereon; and

a container having a second communication element thereon,

wherein the first and second communication elements interact to produce a collaborative communication.

10. The lunch kit of claim 9, wherein the container comprises a lid and a bowl.

11. The lunch kit of claim 10, wherein the first communication element is provided on the lid.

12. The lunch, kit of claim 11, wherein the container includes a replacement lid for use with the bowl, wherein the replacement lid has a third communication element printed thereon, and wherein the third communication element interacts with the first communication element to produce a collaborative communication.

13. The lunch kit of claim 9 further including a bottle having a fourth communication element thereon, wherein the fourth communication element, interacts with the first communication element to produce a collaborative communication.

14. The lunch kit of claim 13, wherein the fourth communication element may interact with any combination of the first communication element and the second communication element to provide a collaborative communication.

15. A system including a container having a plurality of disposable lids with, communication elements thereon, comprising:

a bowl; and

a plurality of disposable lids designed to seal an open top end of the bowl,

wherein a first lid of the plurality of lids is provided with a first communication element thereon, which is disposed of after placement and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of the bowl and the first lid, and

wherein a second lid of the plurality of lids is provided with a second communication element different than the first communication element, which is disposed of after placement and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of the bowl and the second lid.

16. The system of claim 15 further including a bag with a communication element thereon.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first communication element of the first lid interacts with the communication element of the bag to produce a collaborative communication.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second communication element of the second lid interacts with the communication element of the bag to provide a collaborative communication.

19. The system of claim 16 further including a closure device for closing the bag, wherein the closure device is removable from the bag.

20. The system of claim 19 further including a bottle having a communication element thereon, wherein the communication element of the bottle interacts with the first and second communication elements of the first and second lids to produce first and second collaborative communications, respectively.