U.S. patent application number 10/778408 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for merchandise container with internal storage compartment and method of distributing merchandise.
Invention is credited to Granick, Daniel H..
Application Number | 20050178940 10/778408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838170 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050178940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Granick, Daniel H. |
August 18, 2005 |
Merchandise container with internal storage compartment and method
of distributing merchandise
Abstract
A merchandise container comprises a coaster member including a
top surface, for receiving a beverage container thereon; a storage
compartment positioned within the coaster member for receiving and
storing a merchandise item therein; and a means for securing the
merchandise item within the storage compartment.
Inventors: |
Granick, Daniel H.; (Buffalo
Grove, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
77 WEST WACKER DRIVE
SUITE 2500
CHICAGO
IL
60601-1732
US
|
Family ID: |
34838170 |
Appl. No.: |
10/778408 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.11 ;
G9B/33.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/0422
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.11 |
International
Class: |
B65D 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A merchandise container comprising: a coaster including a top
surface capable of displaying at least one of graphical or text
images, said top surface being capable of accepting a beverage
container; a storage compartment for receipt of an item therein,
said storage compartment being within said coaster and beneath said
top surface; and means for securing said item within said storage
compartment.
2. The merchandise container of claim 1, wherein said means for
securing said item within said storage compartment is accomplished
through a friction, interference fit between said item and said
storage compartment's walls.
3. The merchandise container of claim 1, wherein said item
comprises a compact disc.
4. The merchandise container of claim 3, wherein said means for
maintaining said item within said storage compartment comprises a
hub, said hub extending from adjacent said top surface and being
operably positioned within said storage compartment so as to be at
least partially inserted through said compact disc towards
maintaining said compact disc within said storage compartment.
5. The merchandise container of claim 3, wherein the means for
maintaining the merchandise item within the storage compartment
comprises a closure member adapted for insertion within the storage
compartment.
6. The merchandise container of claim 5, wherein the closure m
ember is maintained in place within the storage compartment by
means of a friction fit between the closure member and the storage
compartment.
7. The merchandise container of claim 5, wherein the closure:
member comprises a tab for engagement with the storage compartment,
for maintaining the closure member in place within the storage
compartment.
8. The merchandise container of claim 1, wherein the coaster member
includes graphics imprinted on the flat top surface thereof.
9. The merchandise container of claim 1, wherein the coaster member
is constructed from a moisture-absorbent material.
10. The merchandise container of claim 9, wherein the
moisture-absorbent material comprises paper.
11. The merchandise container of claim 1, wherein the coaster
member is constructed from a non-absorbent material.
12. The merchandise container of claim 11, wherein the
non-absorbent material is plastic.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention is directed to a merchandise container
for the mass distribution of merchandise items, such as compact
discs, and, more specifically, a drink coaster having a storage
compartment into which a compact disc or other merchandise item may
be placed prior to distribution thereof, together with a method of
distributing merchandise utilizing such a container.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] It is well known for companies to distribute inexpensive
promotional merchandise items bearing the company's logo,
advertising, and other information through various channels of mass
distribution. One particular merchandise item which is commonly
distributed to the public are compact discs (CDs), which include
CD-ROMs (for both data and audio) and Digital Video Discs ("DVDs").
Companies often distribute promotional CDs for free through various
channels, including via direct mail, at retail outlets, and on the
street. CDs are well suited for mass promotional distribution
through such channels, due to the fact that they are relatively
inexpensive to produce in large quantities and are highly durable.
Companies that have been known to distribute promotional CDs in
this manner include Internet service providers, which typically
distribute CD-ROMs containing their access software. Many other
types of companies have also been known to distribute CD-ROMs in
this manner, which typically include screen savers, games, product
information, and various other types of software.
[0008] Various distribution devices for CDs or other promotional
merchandise items are known in the prior art. The standard
distribution devices for CDs are paper sleeves and plastic "jewel
box" cases. However, in order to find new and unique ways of
distributing such items in a manner which catches the attention of
consumers, other devices for distributing CDs have been used. One
such distribution device is a lid for a disposable drink cup having
an internal compartment for holding a CD or similar item. Such a
device is disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,070,752 and 6,196,411.
[0009] A limitation of such a device, however, is the fact that the
possible universe of distribution outlets is limited to
establishments that sell drinks requiring lids. A further
limitation of such a device is the fact that such a cup lid, which
is typically constructed from a thin, clear or semi-transparent
plastic material, is not well-suited for bearing high-impact
graphics designed to catch the attention of consumers. As a result,
the potential for using the lid itself as a medium for bearing
advertising is lost. Additionally, a distribution device of this
type is unlikely to serve as an effective container for retail sale
of merchandise, as its use is limited to the cup lid
environment.
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a distribution device for CDs, DVDs or other promotional
merchandise items which is well-suited for distribution through a
large number of establishments. It is a further object of the
present invention to provide such a distribution device which is
suitable for bearing high-impact graphics designed to catch the
attention of consumers, thereby facilitating the placement of
advertising on the device itself. It is yet another object of the
present invention to provide such a distribution device which is
suitable for use as a container for the retail sale of merchandise,
such as CDs and DVDs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A merchandise container according to the present invention
comprises a coaster member including a flat top surface for the
receipt of a beverage container, a storage compartment positioned
beneath the coaster member for receiving and storing a merchandise
item therein, and a means for securing the merchandise item within
the storage compartment. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the storage compartment is of a size and shape adapted
for receiving and storing a compact disc therein, and the
merchandise item comprises a compact disc. The coaster member
preferably includes graphics imprinted on the flat top surface
thereof.
[0012] The coaster member may be constructed either from a
moisture-absorbent material, such as paper, or a non-absorbent
material, such as plastic, as desired.
[0013] The means for maintaining the merchandise item within the
storage compartment may comprise a hub member disposed within the
storage compartment, the hub member being of a size and shape
adapted for receiving a compact disc thereon. Alternatively, the
means for maintaining the merchandise item within the storage
compartment may comprise a closure member adapted for insertion
within the storage compartment. The closure member may be
maintained in place either by means of a friction fit between the
closure member and the storage compartment, or alternatively by a
tab associated with the closure member and adapted for engagement
with the storage compartment.
[0014] A method of distributing merchandise items comprises
assembling a merchandise container according to the present
invention, inserting a merchandise item into the storage
compartment, securing the merchandise item within the storage
compartment by way of the securing means, and distributing the
merchandise container through a desired means of mass distribution.
The means of mass distribution may include distribution of the
merchandise containers to customers at beverage-serving
establishments, distribution of the merchandise containers via
mail, retail sale of the merchandise containers, or any other
desired means of distribution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a
drink coaster according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the drink coaster of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drink coaster of
FIG. 1, taken along the line "A-A" of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the drink
coaster of FIG. 1, taken along the line "A-A" of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a drink
coaster according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the drink coaster of FIG.
5.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the drink coaster of
FIG. 1, taken along the line "A-A" of FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the drink
coaster of FIG. 1, taken along the line "A-A" of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will be
described in detail herein, several specific embodiments, with the
understanding that the present embodiments are to be considered as
an exemplification of the principles of the invention and are not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0024] The present invention is directed to a container for the
mass distribution of promotional items. The preferred embodiments
of the invention comprise a drink coaster 10 and 110 specifically
adapted for the distribution of compact discs (either-CD-ROMs or
audio CDs), digital video discs ("DVDs") or similar items. While
the preferred embodiments of the invention are directed to a drink
coaster of a particular size and shape which is specifically
adapted to contain a compact disc, it is also contemplated that a
container according to the invention may assume different sizes or
shapes as desired, so as to be adapted to contain various other
promotional items. Such items may include floppy disks, books,
catalogs, coupons, postcards, pens, pencils, buttons, food items,
product samples, and any number of other desired items. Moreover,
the container may assume other forms in addition to the drink
coaster of the preferred embodiment.
[0025] Coaster 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-4 as including top portion 20
and chamber portion 30. Top portion 20 may be preferably
constructed from a paper-based material that is capable of
absorbing moisture or a rubber-based material capable of repelling
moisture, as is well known in the art of drink coasters.
Alternatively, the coaster may be manufactured out of any material
suitable for its purpose, such as plastic, and known in the art.
Top portion 20 includes top surface 22 which bears graphics 24.
[0026] Coaster 10 is designed to be used for placing a hot or cold
beverage cup (not shown) directly upon top surface 22, which will
absorb or repel any condensation or spillage therefrom. As such,
top surface 22 is suited for the display of graphics 24 designed to
catch the attention of consumers to whom coaster 10 may be
distributed, as are commonly found on disposable drink coasters
used in restaurants, bars and other establishments where beverages
are served. Graphics 24 may include logos and/or advertising of the
company distributing the compact disc 50 contained therewithin, or
other graphics targeted to consumers to whom the compact disc 50 is
being distributed. Additionally, graphics 24 may function as a
selling point of coaster 10, permitting the use of coaster 10 as a
container for the retail sale of compact discs or other similar
items.
[0027] Alternatively, graphics 24 may be utilized for the purpose
of marketing coaster 10 as a collectible item, to be sold either
with or without compact disc 50, as desired. In such case, graphics
24 may comprise likenesses of athletes or celebrities, photographs,
works of art, cartoon characters, or any other desired graphics or
text.
[0028] Chamber portion 30 is within Coaster 10 and below top
portion 20. Chamber portion 30 is hollow, and includes chamber 32,
opening 34, hub 36 and detents 38. While Chamber portion may be
constructed from the same material as top portion 20, or any other
material suitable to its purpose and known in the art, Chamber
portion 30 is preferably constructed from a material which is
moisture-resistant, such as plastic, thereby serving to prevent
moisture absorbed by top portion 20 from entering into chamber 32.
Chamber 32 is preferably of a size and shape which conforms to a
standard compact disc 50. Compact disc 50 may include computer
files and/or audio files thereon, as desired. Hub 36 of chamber
portion 30 is sized so as to receive a standard compact disc 50
thereon by way of its center hole, with detents 38 serving to
maintain compact disc 50 in place within chamber 32. Compact disc
50 may be easily removed from chamber 32 simply by pulling upward
on an edge thereof, which will cause flexible detents 38 to bend
upward sufficiently to allow for removal of compact disc 50. Other
mechanisms for maintaining compact disc 50 on hub 36 may be used as
desired, without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0029] Additionally, both top portion 20 and chamber portion 30 may
be constructed from other materials, as desired, without departing
from the scope of the invention. Further, top portion 20 and
chamber portion 30 may form a single, unitary member, if desired,
in order to simplify the manufacturing process of coaster 10.
[0030] A second embodiment of the present invention, coaster 110,
is shown in FIGS. 5-8 as including top portion 120, chamber portion
130, and closure portion 140. Coaster 110 is substantially similar
to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, albeit having an alternate means of
maintaining compact disc 50 in place within chamber portion 130, as
described further below.
[0031] Chamber portion 130 is affixed to the bottom of top portion
20, and includes chamber 132 and opening 134. Chamber 132 is
preferably of a size and shape which conforms to a standard compact
disc 50, so as to form a friction fit between compact disc 50 and
the walls of chamber 132.
[0032] Closure portion 140 is adapted to fit within opening 134 of
chamber 132 to close opening 134, thereby enclosing compact disc 50
within chamber 132. Closure portion 140 is preferably held in place
within chamber 132 by means of a friction fit 144 between the outer
wall of closure portion 140 and the inner wall of chamber portion
130. Alternatively, closure portion 140 may include tabs or detents
(not shown) which engage with the inner wall of chamber portion 130
to secure closure portion 140 in place. Closure portion 140 may
also include flap 142 extending outwardly from the outer edge of
bottom surface 146, which facilitates removal of closure portion
140 from within chamber portion 130. Namely, the recipient of
coaster 110 can remove compact disc 50 from coaster 110 simply by
pulling upwardly on flap 142, in order to remove closure portion
410 from within chamber portion 130, and then pulling upwardly on
an edge of compact disc 50 to remove it from chamber 132.
[0033] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and
illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto
except insofar as the pending claims are so limited, as those
skilled in the art and having the present disclosure before them
will be able to make modifications and variations therein without
departing from the scope of the invention.
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