U.S. patent application number 10/007462 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-04 for packaging arrangement having recesses for preventing a switch from being placed in a continuously-on position.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dr. John Products, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Blaustein, Lawrence A., Nottingham, John R., Osher, John, Spirk, John W..
Application Number | 20020038772 10/007462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24139698 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020038772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blaustein, Lawrence A. ; et
al. |
April 4, 2002 |
Packaging arrangement having recesses for preventing a switch from
being placed in a continuously-on position
Abstract
A package for an article incorporating an on/off switch having a
momentary-on position and a continuously-on position is disclosed.
The package includes a cover such as a blister-type cover at least
partially enclosing the article, and a recess arrangement formed in
the cover proximate the switch. The recess arrangement prevents the
switch from being slid into the continuously-on position while
permitting the switch to be depressed into a momentary-on position.
The recess arrangement includes a first recess positioned directly
over the switch, and a second recess positioned directly adjacent
the switch.
Inventors: |
Blaustein, Lawrence A.;
(Moreland Hills, OH) ; Osher, John; (Moreland
Hills, OH) ; Nottingham, John R.; (Hunting Valley,
OH) ; Spirk, John W.; (Gates Mills, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY, SHARPE, FAGAN, MINNICH & McKEE, LLP
Seventh Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Assignee: |
Dr. John Products, Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
24139698 |
Appl. No.: |
10/007462 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10007462 |
Nov 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
09536731 |
Mar 28, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/362.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/36 20130101;
Y10S 206/806 20130101; B65D 2201/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/362.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/10 |
Claims
Having thus described the preferred embodiment, the invention is
now claimed to be:
1. A package for an article incorporating a switch having a
momentary-on position and a continuously-on position, the package
comprising: a cover at least partially enclosing the article; and a
recess arrangement formed in the cover proximate the switch, the
recess arrangement preventing the switch from being urged into the
continuously-on position.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the recess arrangement includes
a first recess positioned directly over the switch and a second
recess positioned directly adjacent the switch.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein the second recess is spaced from
the first recess by a rib.
4. The package of claim 3, wherein the switch includes a raised
portion and a lower portion, and wherein the rib generally conforms
to and covers the switch raised portion.
5. The package of claim 2, wherein the second recess extends below
an upper extent of the switch to prevent the switch from being
urged into the continuously-on position.
6. The package of claim 1, wherein the switch is depressed to
momentarily energize the article and the switch is slid to
continuously energize the article; and the recess arrangement
includes a first recess to facilitate depressing the switch, and a
second recess that prevents the switch from being slid into the
continuously-on position.
7. The package of claim 1, wherein the cover is formed from a
thermoplastic material and the recess arrangement is formed on an
upper surface of the cover.
8. The package of claim 1, further including a backing card
adhesively bonded to the cover.
9. The package of claim 1, wherein the article is a
battery-operated toothbrush.
10. The package of claim 1, wherein the recess arrangement
facilitates depressing the switch into the momentary-on
position.
11. A packaging arrangement for an article incorporating a
two-position switch, the packaging arrangement comprising: a cover
at least partially enclosing the article; and a recess arrangement
associated with the cover, the recess arrangement permitting the
switch to be placed into a first position and preventing the switch
from being placed into a second position.
12. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, wherein the cover is a
thermoplastic cover with the recess arrangement formed in an upper
surface of the cover proximate the two-position switch.
13. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, wherein the recess
arrangement includes a first recess positioned directly over the
switch, and a second recess positioned directly adjacent the
switch.
14. The packaging arrangement of claim 13, wherein the second
recess is spaced from the first recess by a rib that resists
prevents the first recess from be crushed.
15. The packaging arrangement of claim 14, wherein the switch
includes a raised portion and a lower portion, and wherein the rib
generally conforms to and covers the switch raised portion.
16. The packaging arrangement of claim 13, wherein the second
recess extends below an upper extent of the switch to prevent the
switch from being urged into the continuously-on position.
17. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, wherein the switch is
depressed to momentarily energize the article and the switch is
slid to continuously energize the article; and the recess
arrangement includes a first recess to facilitate depressing the
switch, and a second recess that prevents the switch from being
slid into the continuously-on position.
18. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, further including a
backing card adhesively bonded to the cover.
19. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, wherein the article is a
battery-operated toothbrush.
20. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, wherein the recess
arrangement facilitates depressing the switch into a momentary-on
position.
21. The packaging arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first
position is a momentary-on position and the second position is a
continuously-on position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the product
packaging art, and more particularly, to a recess arrangement for a
blister pack that allows a switch or button to be placed into a
first position, and prevents the switch or button from being placed
into a second position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Blister packs or cards, and variants thereof such as skin
packs or packages, contour packs or packages, and bubble packs or
packages, are ubiquitous in the retail merchandising industry.
Blister packaging generally refers to a method of packaging
articles in transparent, thermoformed "blisters" or pouches that
range from precisely matching to generally matching or otherwise
corresponding to the contours of the article to be packaged. The
preformed (e.g. vacuum formed) blisters are made of thermoplastics
such as vinyls (e.g. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), polystyrene, or
cellulosic plastics. They are typically placed inverted in
fixtures, loaded with the articles, then cards coated with an
adhesive are applied and sealed to the flanges of the blisters by
means of heat and pressure.
[0003] The retail merchandising industry has recently embraced the
so-called "try me" marketing strategy whereby potential purchasers
are invited to try out or otherwise test a product prior to making
a purchase. In the case of electronically operated products,
manufacturers must install batteries into the product if potential
purchasers are to activate or energize the product.
[0004] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,025, issued to Anten,
discloses a point-of-purchase display that permits a potential
purchaser to temporarily energize a toy packaged within a
blister-type packaging arrangement. The toy includes activation
buttons which are accessible through an opening in the bottom of
the package. The opening may be covered by a reinforced plastic
membrane. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,222, issued to Pierce
discloses a blister-type display package arrangement with recesses
that permit a potential purchaser to squeeze an animated timepiece
and thereby actuate a switch that causes the animated timepiece to
actuate.
[0005] Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,129,516; 4,702,374; and 5,718,335;
issued to Theros, Kelner, and Boudreaux, respectively, generally
disclose blister-type packaging arrangements that have apertures to
permit access to a product so that a potential purchaser can
directly manipulate the product in some manner. For instance, the
Theros patent discloses a blister package for a tape measure
including an opening for accessing and withdrawing the measuring
tape from the tape measure housing. Lastly, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,919,074; 5,289,916; and 5,411,138, issued to Honda, Mickelberg,
and Klawiter, respectively, generally disclose packaging
arrangements that permit access to a switch for activating
battery-operated products such as toys, dolls, etc.
[0006] Some articles or products incorporate a two-feature
activation or on/off switch or button. A "press and hold" feature
of the switch permits the product to be energized and de-energized
by simply depressing and releasing the on/off switch (e.g. a
temporarily-on feature). A "press and slide" feature of the switch
permits the product to remain energized when the on/off switch is
slid in a first direction and then released (e.g. a continuously-on
feature). The product is deactivated by sliding the on/off switch
in an opposing direction.
[0007] In the case of try-me packaging for an article having a
two-feature on/off switch, it is contemplated that a potential
purchaser could inadvertently or maliciously slide the on/off
switch into the continuously on position, thereby continuously
energizing the article and expending or otherwise draining the
batteries. Further, it is possible that the switch could slide into
the continuously on position during shipment of the product from
the manufacturer, thus draining the batteries prior to arriving at
the retailer. Clearly, it is less desirable to purchase a product
with spent or discharged batteries, than a product with
substantially fully charged batteries.
[0008] Further, known "try me" blister pack-type packaging
arrangements are not suitable for use with articles or products
that should remain in a sanitary state. That is, providing a hole
or aperture through a blister in order to directly access a button
or switch of the article, also serves to permit contaminates
(pathological, biological, or otherwise) to reach the article.
[0009] Accordingly, it is considered desirable to provide a new and
improved blister pack that is enclosed to maintain the sanitary
condition of article while at the same time permitting a
two-feature switch/button to be placed in a first position while
preventing the switch/button from being placed in a second
position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The principal object of the present invention is to provide
a blister-type packaging arrangement that is sealed to maintain the
sanitary condition of article while at the same time permitting a
switch/button to be placed in a first position while preventing the
switch/button from being placed in a second position.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
package for an article incorporating a switch having a momentary-on
position and a continuously-on position is disclosed. The package
includes a cover at least partially enclosing the article, and a
recess arrangement formed in the cover proximate the switch. The
recess arrangement prevents the switch from being urged into the
continuously-on position.
[0012] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
a packaging arrangement for an article incorporating a two-position
switch is disclosed. The packaging arrangement includes a cover at
least partially enclosing the article, and a recess arrangement
associated with the cover, the recess arrangement permitting the
switch to be placed into a first position and preventing the switch
from being placed into a second position.
[0013] One advantage of the present invention is the provision of a
new and improved packaging arrangement that prevents an on/off
switch associated with a packaged article from being slid into a
continuously-on position while permitting the switch to be
depressed into a momentary-on position.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is the provision
of a try-me packaging arrangement that maintains a sanitary state
of the packaged article.
[0015] Still another advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a packaging arrangement that incorporates a rib for
preventing a recess from collapsing from repeated use.
[0016] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a packaging arrangement that provides a recess for
preventing a switch from being slid into a continuously-on
position.
[0017] A further advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a packaging arrangement that permits a potential
purchaser to test or otherwise try-out a product at the
point-of-purchase.
[0018] Yet a further advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a try-me packaging arrangement that prevents batteries
associated with the packaged product from being drained or
discharged.
[0019] A still further advantage of the present invention is the
provision of a packaging arrangement that prevents an on/off switch
associated with a product from being moved into a continuously-on
position during transit or shipment to a retailer.
[0020] Still further advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
and understanding the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention may take form in various components and
arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements
of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating a
preferred embodiment, and are not to be construed as limiting the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an exemplary article that is
sealed within a blister-type packaging arrangement that
incorporates the features of the present invention therein;
[0023] FIG. 2 is side elevation view of the exemplary article and
blister pack of FIG. 1; and
[0024] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a switch portion of the
exemplary article and associated recess arrangement of the blister
pack of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown an exemplary
article 10 that is enclosed within a blister-type packaging
arrangement 12. In the embodiment being described, the article 10
is a battery-operated toothbrush product that includes oscillating
bristles 14 that can be activated and deactivated by a conventional
two-feature or two-position on/off switch 16.
[0026] Certain terminology is used herein to describe the article
10 and blister-type packaging arrangement 12 for convenience in
reference only, and is not to be construed as limiting. For
example, as best shown in FIG. 3, the on/off switch 16 is contoured
with a raised "forward" portion 16a that facilitates urging the
switch into a "forward" continuously-on position, and a "lower" or
rear portion 16b with slight projections that provide a user with a
gripping surface.
[0027] A "press and hold" feature of the switch 16 permits the
toothbrush 10 to be energized by depressing and holding the switch
16 in a momentary-on position (i.e. in the direction of arrow 20).
The toothbrush 10 is de-energized by simply releasing the switch
16. A "press and slide" feature of the switch 16 permits the
toothbrush 10 to remain energized when the on/off switch 16 is slid
forward (i.e. in a direction toward the bristles 14) into the
continuously-on position and then released. The toothbrush is
de-activated from the continuously-on position by simply sliding
the switch 16 backward in a direction away from the bristles
14.
[0028] The toothbrush 10 is packaged for sale with a backing card
22, such as a conventional paperboard backing card, that is covered
by a transparent blister 24. In the embodiment being described,
flanges 24a of the blister 24 can be adhesively bonded to the
backing card 22 in a conventional manner. The blister 24 can be
molded into the shape of the toothbrush 10 with conventional
techniques such as vacuum molding. In addition, the blister 24 can
be formed from conventional thermoplastic materials such as vinyls
(e.g. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), polystyrene, or cellulosic
plastics. As is known in the art, the blister 24 is somewhat
flexible and resilient. That is, the blister 24 will resiliently
return to its original shape if slightly deformed.
[0029] A "try-me" feature of the blister pack permits a potential
purchaser to demonstrate the oscillation of the bristles 14 by
activating the toothbrush 10 at the point-of-purchase. The "try-me"
feature includes a first recess 26, second recess 28, and rib 30
positioned between the first recess 26 and second recess 30. The
recesses 26, 28 and rib 30 are formed in an upper surface 32 of the
blister 24.
[0030] The first recess 26 is substantially aligned with the lower
portion 16b of the on/off switch 16. In the embodiment being
described, the recess 26 includes a generally upright,
substantially cylindrical side wall 34 and a substantially circular
bottom wall 36. The bottom wall 36 is adapted to contact the lower
portion 16b of the switch 16. The second recess 28 is positioned
immediately adjacent (i.e. in front of) the switch forward portion
16a. In the embodiment being described, the recess 28 includes a
generally upright, substantially rectangular side wall 38 and a
bottom wall 40. The bottom wall 40 of the second recess 28 extends
below an upper extent of the switch forward portion 16a. The rib
30, formed from adjacent portions of the sidewalls 34, 38,
generally conforms to the shape of, and substantially covers, the
forward portion 16a of the switch 16.
[0031] In operation, the toothbrush 10 can be temporarily energized
at the point-of-sale by simply pressing the recess 26 down into
contact with the switch 16. Continued pressure on the recess 26
depresses the switch 16 against a spring force into the
momentary-on position thereby actuating the bristles 14. When the
pressure on the recess 26 is released, the recess 26 and switch 16
return to their original position and the toothbrush 10 is
deactivated.
[0032] When the recess 26 is urged into contact with the switch
lower portion 16b, the bottom wall 40 of the second recess 28
contacts an upper surface 42 of the toothbrush 10 to effectively
block or otherwise prevent the switch 16 from being inadvertently
or maliciously slid forward into the continuously-on position. It
should be appreciated that the rib 30 is substantially rigid and
unyielding. Thus, the rib 30 assists in preventing the switch 16
from being placed in the forward momentary-on position by capturing
and retaining the switch forward portion 16a.
[0033] Further, under a slight downward pressure, the bottom wall
40 of the recess 28 contacts the upper surface 42 of the toothbrush
10 at approximately the same point that the bottom wall 36 of the
recess 26 contacts the switch lower portion 16b. A relatively large
amount of additional downward force is then necessary in order to
slightly deform the blister 24 and urge the switch 16 downward into
the momentary-on position. Thus, the slight amount of downward
forces that may be generated during the vagrancies of shipping
products from the manufacturer to the retailer will only result in
urging the bottom wall 40 of recess 28 against the toothbrush, and
not result in urging the switch 16 downward into the momentary-on
position.
[0034] With regard to the recess 26 alone, it is contemplated that
the recess 26 could inevitably be compressed, flattened, or
otherwise crushed by being repeatedly depressed. In such a state,
it is possible that such a crushed recess 26 would apply a
continuous downward pressure to the switch 16 to continuously
energize the toothbrush 10 in the momentary-on position and thereby
drain the batteries. However, because the adjacent rib 30 is
substantially rigid and unyielding, it serves to prevent the recess
26 from being deformed after repeated usage, or from being crushed
during shipment to the retailer.
[0035] Lastly, in view of the fact that the toothbrush 10 is
activated and deactivated by indirect contact with the switch 16
vis-a-vis the recess 26, the toothbrush 10 is maintained in a
sanitary state within the fully enclosed blister 24.
[0036] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will
occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof. For instance, while the article 10 has been
described and illustrated as a toothbrush, it is contemplated that
the blister pack recess arrangement of the present invention can be
used with other types of packaged articles. Further, the packaging
arrangement has been described and illustrated with a blister-type
cover. However, it is contemplated that the recess arrangement of
the present invention is equally suitable for use with packaging
materials other that thermoplastic blister covers.
* * * * *