U.S. patent application number 09/782786 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for box with pre-printed graphics for children.
Invention is credited to Bollman, Jill C..
Application Number | 20020111106 09/782786 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25127175 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020111106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bollman, Jill C. |
August 15, 2002 |
Box with pre-printed graphics for children
Abstract
A box for holding contents during delivery to a user contains
play graphics associated with a play activity of a child, thus
encouraging reuse of the box as a toy by children. In one
embodiment, the box contains pre-printed play graphics on the
inside of the box and is of sufficient size so as to allow a
significant portion of the child to enter the box while the child
performs the play activity. In this embodiment, the original logos
displayed on the box are maintained. In another embodiment, the box
contains at least some graphics to be used to reconfigure the box
according to a predetermined configuration associated with the play
activity. The box is reconfigured for play, either alone or in
combination with one or more other boxes. The play graphics may
supplement or supplant the original logos on the box.
Inventors: |
Bollman, Jill C.; (Boise,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
Intellectual Property Administration
P.O. Box 272400
Fort Collins
CO
80527-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
25127175 |
Appl. No.: |
09/782786 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/71 ; 446/476;
446/82 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/368 20130101;
A63H 3/52 20130101; A63J 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/71 ; 446/82;
446/476 |
International
Class: |
A63H 003/52; A63J
019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A box for holding contents during delivery to a user comprising:
an exterior portion that includes content graphics associated with
the contents of the box during delivery; and an interior portion
that includes at least one play graphic associated with a play
activity of a child; wherein the box has dimensions of sufficient
sizes so as to allow a significant portion of the child to enter
the box while the child performs the play activity, and the at
least one play graphic is entirely useable by the child while the
box is substantially assembled.
2. The box of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one
play graphic comprises ink embedded into a section of the interior
portion of the box, said embedded ink graphic being invisible
during delivery of the box, the embedded ink graphic being capable
of being made visible after delivery of the box by wiping said
section with a liquid.
3. The box of claim 1, wherein the contents of said box during
delivery include: play utensils that are associated with the play
activity.
4. The box of claim 3, wherein the play utensils are selected from
the group consisting of: crayons, stickers, re-useable stickers,
paint, paint brushes, markers, pencils, and game pieces.
5. The box of claim 1, wherein: the at least one play graphic
comprises a plurality of board games, with at least one board game
on one side of the box and another board game on a another side of
the box; wherein the child plays the one board game by rotating the
box until the one board game is in a down position.
6. The box of claim 1, wherein said at least one play graphic
comprises a scene comprising at least a first graphic located on a
first panel of the interior portion of the box and a second play
graphic located on a second panel of the interior portion of the
box, whereby said first and second play graphics are coordinated to
form said scene.
7. The box of claim 1, wherein at least a section of one surface of
the interior portion of the box is coated with a material that
allows for ink markings to be made on the interior portion which
can then be erased.
8. A box assembly for delivery to a user comprising: a box for
holding contents during delivery to the user, said box comprising:
an exterior portion that includes at least one logo identifying a
source of the contents of said box during delivery; and an interior
portion; and contents for delivery to a user disposed within said
box; wherein at least one play graphic associated with a play
activity of a child is included in a portion of the box assembly
selected from the group consisting of the interior portion, the
contents, the exterior portion, and combinations thereof, at least
one of said at least one play graphic being capable of being
attached to the exterior portion of the box after delivery of said
box assembly to said user so as to alter the box according to a
predetermined configuration associated with the play activity.
9. The box assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one of said
at least one play graphic to be attached to the exterior portion is
to be attached in a manner that supplements said at least one
logo.
10. The box assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one of said
at least one play graphic to be attached to the exterior portion is
to be attached in a manner that replaces at least one of said at
least one logo.
11. The box assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of said at
least one play graphic to be attached to the exterior portion
comprises a graphic pre-printed on the interior portion of the box
prior to delivery of the box, whereby the pre-printed graphic is to
be attached to the exterior portion of the box after delivery of
the box by a section of the box containing the pre-printed graphic
being removed from the box and reattached to the exterior portion
of the box in a manner that enhances the predetermined
configuration of the box.
12. The box assembly of claim 11, wherein said pre-printed graphic
comprises ink embedded into a section of the interior portion of
the box, said embedded ink graphic being invisible during delivery
of the box, the embedded ink graphic being capable of being made
visible after delivery of the box by wiping said section with a
liquid.
13. The box assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of said at
least one play graphic to be attached to the exterior portion
includes a new logo associated with the play activity.
14. The box assembly of claim 8, wherein the contents of the box
assembly include: play pieces that are associated with the play
activity.
15. The box assembly of claim 8, wherein the box, after delivery of
the box to the user, may be coordinated with at least one
additional box for holding contents during delivery to the user
according to the predetermined configuration.
16. The box assembly of claim 15, wherein said at least one
additional box includes at least one play graphic associated with
the predetermined configuration that was attached to the exterior
portion of the additional box after delivery of the additional box
to the user to alter the additional box according to the
predetermined configuration.
17. A method for providing a delivery container for holding
contents during delivery to a user that may, after delivery of the
delivery container and removal of the contents therein, be altered
according to a predetermined configuration associated with a play
activity of a child, the method comprising: assembling the delivery
container, the delivery container having an exterior portion that
includes at least one logo identifying a source of the contents of
the delivery container and an interior portion; and placing the
contents for delivery to the user within the delivery container;
whereby at least one play graphic associated with a play activity
of a child is included in a portion of the combined delivery
container and contents, said portion selected from the group
consisting of the interior portion of the delivery container, the
contents, the exterior portion of the delivery container, and
combinations thereof, at least one of said at least one play
graphic being capable of being attached to the exterior portion of
the delivery container after delivery of the delivery container to
the user so as to alter the delivery container according to a
predetermined configuration associated with the play activity.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of said at least
one play graphic to be attached to the exterior portion comprises a
graphic pre-printed on the interior portion of the container prior
to delivery of the container, whereby the pre-printed graphic is to
be attached to the exterior portion of the container after delivery
of the container by a section of the container including the
pre-printed graphic being removed from the container and reattached
to the exterior portion of the container in a manner that enhances
the predetermined configuration of the container.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said pre-printed graphic
comprises ink embedded into a section of the interior portion of
the container, said embedded ink graphic being invisible during
delivery of the container, the embedded ink graphic being capable
of being made visible after delivery of the box by wiping said
section with a liquid.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of said at least
one play graphic to be attached to the exterior portion includes a
new logo associated with the play activity.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Boxes and other forms of delivery containers are used by
manufacturers as containers to hold and protect their contents
until received by consumers. Boxes may have instructions printed on
the outside for the consumers that assist the consumer in
constructing, preparing, or using the contents. Boxes also may have
information printed on the outside that describe the contents, e.g.
a nutritional label or ingredients label. Also printed on the
outside of the box are one or more logos, e.g., trademarks, used by
the manufacturer in selling the contents. A manufacturer typically
expends large amounts of money to promote and protect their
logos.
[0002] Boxes themselves are not typically designed for long term
storage, but rather are used merely for the transport of the
contents to the consumer. Once emptying the box of the contents,
the consumer typically disposes of the box, e.g. throws the box in
the trash. Thus, the consumers viewing of the logos on the box is
ended when the box is emptied of the contents (and subsequently
trashed).
[0003] However, children will sometimes use boxes in their play.
Typically, the children use the box independent of the markings and
logos on the boxes.
[0004] One manufacturer, i.e. Quaker Oats.TM. Company, has included
pre-printed search and find games on the inside of the box, i.e.
Quaker Instant Oatmeal.TM.. However, in order to play the games,
the box must be destroyed, e.g. the glued portions must be cut or
split and the box un-folded. Note that during the process of
un-folding, the interior graphics may be damaged, thereby reducing
or eliminating the playing of the games. Moreover, the box includes
a mail-in certificate, which when cut-out removes the largest logos
from the box. Also, cutting the certificate out weakens the
remaining portion, making it more likely that the remaining portion
will be thrown out.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] These and other objects, features and technical advantages
are achieved by a system and method which includes having
pre-printed graphics on and/or in boxes or other such delivery
containers to interest a child in playing with the delivery
container, and thereby keeping the logos around the customer for a
longer period of time.
[0006] The invention has at least two embodiments. In a first
embodiment, the original logos are maintained. This embodiment has
pre-printed graphics on the inside of the box. The box is large
enough to allow a significant portion of child to fit inside the
box, e.g. a computer monitor box. The graphics are then within
reach of the child, and the child can play with the box. A
significant portion of a child is defined as being at least one arm
and the head of the child. Note that a child is someone at least
old enough to play with the box, i.e. older than a baby. The
graphics are also useable by the child while the box is
substantially assembled. Substantially assembled means that the box
is open on one end and not unfolded.
[0007] A second embodiment includes at least one graphic to be used
on the outside of the box. This graphic, or graphics, may include
new logos which are designed to enhance a predetermined
configuration for the box. The box is reconfigured for play, either
alone or in combination with one or more other boxes. The outside
graphic(s) may include stickers or other attachable graphics
provided with the box that are to be attached to the reconfigured
box.
[0008] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in
which:
[0010] FIGS. 1A-1C depict a first embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the interior of the box includes preprinted
graphic portions;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an alternative arrangement of the embodiment
of FIGS. 1A-1C, wherein the exterior of the box includes a
graphical portion;
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a second embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the original logos have been replaced with
graphical portions that incorporate new logos; and
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an alternative arrangement of the
invention of FIGS. 3A and 3B that includes both exterior and
interior graphical portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a box 14 that includes a first
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1A is a cut-away view, showing
two inside panels of the box 14. FIG. 1B depicts an elevation view
of the exterior of the box 14. These inside panels include graphics
portions 10 and 11. Graphic portion 10 is a game that would
interest a child. For example, graphic portion 10 could comprise
one or more of a maze, a word jumble, a cross-word puzzle, a word
search, a coloring picture to be colored with crayons, markers,
pencils, or paint, a search and find picture where a child locates
hidden objects in the picture, a sticker picture where a child
attaches stickers to the picture (the stickers could be permanent
or re-attachable), and/or a fill in the blank game where a child
would read a passage that has words left out and fill in the words.
Note that the graphic could comprise combinations of these games,
for example a search and find picture that can be colored. Play
utensils 12, e.g crayons, stickers, re-useable stickers, markers,
pencils, paint, or combinations thereof, can be provided with the
box. The stickers can be incorporated into the padding or coverings
used to hold the contents of the box, or included in the box. For
example, plastic sheets are typically used to cover a computer
monitor in the box. Note that the logos 13 and 15 are still
displayed on the outside of the box.
[0015] Graphic portions 10 and 11 can also comprise board game
layouts, e.g. checkers, chess, Chinese checkers, tic-tac-toe grid,
etc. The box can be rotated until the desired layout is down and
can be used by the child or children. Play utensils 12 can also
include board game pieces, e.g. checker, chess, X's and O's,
etc.
[0016] Note that the graphic portions could extend to the full
inside dimensions of the panel or panels of the box 14. FIG. 1C
depicts full dimension graphics on the bottom and two sides,
however, additional graphics can be located on the top panel and
other side panel (not shown). Each panel can include a different
game or depict a different picture. As shown in FIG. 1C, the
graphic portions on the different panels can also be coordinated
with each other to depict a common scene, e.g. a beach scene 16.
This would allow a child to use the box 14 to play with action
figure(s) and/or other toy(s), e.g. Matchbox.TM. car(s), G.I
Joe.TM. and/or Barbie.TM. doll(s). The beach scene is by way of
example only as other scenes could be shown, for example, a city, a
town, a mountain, a jungle, a school, a house, an apartment, a ski
hill, a battlefield, and/or a lake, etc.
[0017] The graphical portions could comprise stickers placed on the
proper locations, or they could comprise printed portions that are
pre-printed onto the proper locations. The graphical portions may
also comprise inked colors that are embedded into the cardboard,
and that when wiped with, e.g., water or some solution, the
color(s) and thus the graphic(s) appear. Moreover, the graphical
portions could comprise a combination of the above.
[0018] The box is large enough to allow a significant portion of
child to fit inside the box, e.g. a computer monitor box. The
graphics are then within reach of the child, and the child can play
with the box. A significant portion of a child is defined as being
at least one arm and the head of the child. Note that a child is
someone at least old enough to play with the box, i.e. older than a
baby. To allow access to the inside of the box to more than one
child and/or for a larger child, two sides of the box may be cut.
For example, edges 17 and 18 of panel 19 could be cut. This would
allow the outer end of panel 19 to pulled out, and create a larger
front entrance to the inside of the box 14, but still maintain the
structure of the box.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts an alternative arrangement for the
embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C. In this arrangement, the original logos
13 and 15 are still present, but are supplemented with graphics
(e.g., graphical portions 21 and 22) in order to alter the box
according to a predetermined configuration associated with a
child's play activity. In this embodiment, graphical portion 22
incorporates a new logo associated with the play activity. These
graphics could comprise a sticker or be preprinted on a portion of
the box that is to be cut-away for the activity. For example, FIG.
2 depicts a puppet theater which includes hole portion 20. The
graphical portion 22 could preprinted on the inside of box 14 and
is cut-out to form hole 20. Portion 22 is then attached to the
outside of the box at a proper location. Also such a graphic could
be printed on the inside of flap 23. The flap would be cut away,
and then the flap (or a portion thereof) would be attached to the
outside of the box at a proper location. Moreover, these
supplemental graphics may be a combination of the above (e.g.,
graphic portion 22 could be pre-printed and graphic portion 21
could be a sticker). Furthermore, the exterior portion of the box
may originally include graphics (not shown) associated with the
predetermined configuration. The stickers can be incorporated into
the padding or coverings used to hold the contents of the box, or
included in the box. Note that the puppet theater is shown by way
of example only, as other configurations could be used by cutting
different portions away. For example, a lemonade stand could be
made by cutting the same portion away. A store (e.g. bank, grocery
store, car garage, doctor's office, etc.) could be made by forming
a door instead of hole 20. The interior graphical portions 10, 11,
etc. could be coordinated with the exterior arrangement.
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a second embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the original logos (13 and 15 of FIG. 1B) have
been substantially (preferably completely) replaced with graphics
(such as graphical portions 30-38 and 55) designed to enhance a
predetermined configuration for the box. In the embodiments of
FIGS. 3A and 3B, the graphical portions may incorporate new logos,
e.g., the logos of graphics 35, 36, 37, and 38, that are associated
with a play activity.
[0021] The graphical portions could comprise stickers placed on the
proper locations. The stickers can be incorporated into the padding
or coverings used to hold the contents of the box, or included in
the box. The graphical portions could also comprise pre-printed
graphics that are printed onto the proper locations, or the
portions can be preprinted an a portion of the box that is to be
cut-away for the activity, and then relocated and attached to the
proper location. The graphical portions may also comprise inked
colors that are embedded into the cardboard, such that when wiped
with, e.g., water or some solution, the color(s) and thus the
graphic(s) appears. Moreover, the replacement graphics could
comprise any combination of the above. In addition, the exterior
portion of the box of FIGS. 3A and 3B may originally include
graphics (not shown) that enhance the predetermined
configuration.
[0022] The graphical portions, and preferably the new logos, are
selected to be associated with a play activity. For example, FIGS.
3A and 3B depict a race car configuration 39. Thus the logos and
the graphical portions are selected to be associated with a race
car, e.g. tires, license plates, instrument gauges, doors, lights,
car body panels, etc. Note that the style of the logos and
graphical portions could be associated with existing marketing
efforts. For example, if the corporation sponsors a professional
race car, then the appearance the logos and graphical portions
could be similar to that of the professional race car. Note that
interior graphical portions, e.g. 33, could also be associated with
the play activity. In addition, play elements could be attached to
the box to enhance the play activity. For example, rather than
being depicted in a graphic, the steering wheel, the brake lights,
and/or the headlights of graphical portions 30, 34, and 55
respectively, could instead comprise play replicas of such objects.
For example, brake lights 55 could comprise reflectors or
battery-operable lights that may be adhered to the box. Such
elements could be made from padding or other packaging, or could be
provided along with the product. Note that the race car arrangement
is by way of example only as other arrangements could be used, for
example, a space ship, a military fort, a boat or ship, or train
car.
[0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an alternative arrangement for the
embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B. This arrangement uses additional
boxes or packaging, which fits onto predetermined locations of the
box 14 to enhance the appearance of the box. For example, the base
41 of the house could be formed from a computer monitor box, while
the roof 42 could be formed from a computer keyboard box. The parts
of the arrangement could be attached to each other via tape, glue,
or other adhesive material, or by a tab and slot arrangement (e.g.
insert tab A into slot 1), or some combination thereof. As in other
embodiments, graphical portions 43, 44, and 45 are designed to
enhance a predetermined configuration for the box. Interior
graphical portions 46 and 47 could also be associated with the play
activity. The graphical portions may also incorporate new logos 48
and 49. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a house arrangement. Thus the logos
and the graphical portions are selected to be associated with a
house, e.g. windows, doors, roof, bushes, trees, porch(es), walls,
ceiling, furniture, etc. Additional play elements, such as a second
interior floor could be attached to the inside of the box to
enhance the play activity. Such elements could be made from padding
or other packaging, or could be provided along with the product.
Note that additional boxes can be used to add additional features,
for example chimney 50 or a garage. One portion of wall 51 could be
cut on four sides to be removed, or on three sides to swing open,
and thereby allow access to the inside of the box. Note that door
portions and window portions could also be similarly cut to allow
access to the inside of the box. The house arrangement is by way of
example only as other arrangements could be used, for example, a
barn, an auto repair shop, a car parking garage, an apartment
building, and a store.
[0024] The sides (inside and/or outside) of the boxes of FIGS. 1-4
could be coated with a plastic material. This would allow the box
to last longer, particularly the portions that are going to be used
by children. Moreover, the coating may allow the children to make
marks (e.g., writing and/or pictures) on the box which can then be
erased.
[0025] Note that the portion(s) of the box(es) that are to be cut,
removed or cut-away can included pre-perforated outlines or
pre-marked boarders.
[0026] Further note that some boxes contain additional packing
materials, e.g. foam peanuts, plastic wraps, foam wraps, cardboard
pieces, smaller boxes, etc. These materials could be pre-perforated
and/or pre-marked to serve as accessories for the box. For example,
dolls, people, cars, animals, furniture, etc.
[0027] Further note that the numbers, types, and stylings of the
logos depicted and described herein are by way of example only, as
different numbers, types, and stylings of logos could be used.
[0028] The box described herein may be formed from any material
suitable for use in a play activity of a child (e.g., cardboard).
Moreover, the square shape of the box depicted in FIGS. 1-4 is by
way of example only as other shapes may be used (e.g., triangular,
trapezoidal, etc.). Furthermore, the present invention is not
limited to boxes but may be used with any delivery container
suitable for use in a play activity of a child.
[0029] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *