U.S. patent application number 11/807723 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for stacked product array with enhanced visibility and recognition.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Rhinn Paul Lucero Piczon.
Application Number | 20070241016 11/807723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38218365 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piczon; Rhinn Paul Lucero |
October 18, 2007 |
Stacked product array with enhanced visibility and recognition
Abstract
A stacked product array possesses a plurality of individual
products. Each individual product contains a visible graphic
designed such that each visible graphic is different. However, when
the individual products are aligned together at least one edge of
each visible graphic matches at least one edge of at least one
other visible graphic. So, when the individual products are stacked
appropriately the combination of the visible graphics forms at
least one continuous larger visible graphic whose area is larger
than the average area of the visible graphics. A process for
enhancing the visibility and recognition of a sacked product array
is also provided.
Inventors: |
Piczon; Rhinn Paul Lucero;
(Quezon, PH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412
6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
38218365 |
Appl. No.: |
11/807723 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/IB06/54857 |
Dec 14, 2006 |
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11807723 |
May 30, 2007 |
|
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60754064 |
Dec 27, 2005 |
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60754144 |
Dec 27, 2005 |
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60845569 |
Sep 19, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/429 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0209 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101; G09F 23/00 20130101; B65D 5/42 20130101; G06Q
30/02 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101; B65D 71/0088 20130101; B65D
2571/00061 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/429 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/38 20060101
B65D065/38 |
Claims
1. A stacked product array having enhanced visibility and
recognition comprising a plurality of individual products, each
individual product comprising a visible graphic, wherein when the
individual products are aligned together at least one edge of each
visible graphic matches at least one edge of at least one other
visible graphic, wherein at least one visible graphic is different
from at least one other visible graphic, wherein the individual
products are stacked appropriately the combination of the visible
graphics forms at least one continuous larger visible graphic
wherein the area of the continuous larger visible graphic is larger
than the average area of the visible graphics.
2. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein the
stacked product array is at least two individual products wide and
two individual products tall.
3. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein the
products are in the form of boxes.
4. The stacked product array according to claim 2, wherein the
stacked product array is at least three individual products
wide.
5. The stacked product array according to claim 2, wherein the
stacked product array is at least three individual products
tall.
6. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein the area
of the continuous larger visible graphic is from about 4 times to
about 81 times larger than the average area of the visible
graphics.
7. The stacked product array according to claim 6, wherein the
stacked product array comprises from about 4 to about 81 individual
products, and wherein the products are in the form of boxes.
8. The stacked product array according to claim 3, wherein the
boxes contain laundry detergent therein.
9. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein the
dimensions of each individual product are substantially
identical.
10. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein the
shape of each individual product is substantially identical.
11. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein the
continuous larger visible graphic is a non-repetitive continuous
larger visible graphic.
12. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein it is
located in a warehouse store.
13. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein each
individual product is removably stacked.
14. The stacked product array according to claim 1, further
comprising a shipping container, wherein the stacked product array
is stacked appropriately in the shipping container such that the
continuous larger graphic is formed.
15. A set of stacked product arrays comprising a first stacked
product array according to claim 1, and a second stacked product
array according to claim 1 stacked immediately deeper.
16. The set of stacked product arrays according to claim 15,
wherein the first stacked product array comprises a first set of
individual products which form the continuous larger visible
graphic, wherein the continuous larger visible graphic is a first
continuous larger visible graphic, and wherein the second stacked
product array comprises a second set of individual products stacked
immediately deeper than the first set of individual products, and
wherein at least one individual product in the second set of
individual products comprises the same visible graphic as a
corresponding individual product from the first set of individual
products, such that if the corresponding individual product is
removed, the visible graphic from the individual product from the
second set of individual products can appear to form part of the
first continuous larger visible graphic.
17. The stacked product array according to claim 16, wherein the
second stacked product array comprises a second continuous larger
visible graphic and wherein the first continuous larger visible
graphic is the same as the second continuous larger visible
graphic.
18. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein each
individual product further comprises a separate visible graphic,
and wherein each separate visible graphic is the same.
19. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein each
visible graphic matches at least two other visible graphics.
20. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein at
least 25% of the visible graphics are different from every other
visible graphic.
21. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein at
least 50% of the visible graphics are different from every other
visible graphic.
22. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein at
least 75% of the visible graphics are different from every other
visible graphic.
23. The stacked product array according to claim 1, wherein each
visible graphic is different from every other visible graphic.
24. A process for enhancing the visibility and recognition of a
stacked product array comprising the steps of: A. providing a
plurality of individual products, each individual product
comprising a visible graphic, wherein at least one edge of each
visible graphic matches at least one edge of at least one other
visible graphic, and wherein each visible graphic is different; and
B. stacking the individual products together such that the
combination of the visible graphics forms at least one continuous
larger visible graphic, wherein the area of the continuous larger
visible graphic is larger than the average area of the visible
graphics.
25. A continuous larger visible graphic having enhanced visibility
and recognition comprising a plurality of visible graphics aligned
together so as to form the larger visible graphic, each visible
graphic being attached to an individual product wherein at least
one visible graphic is different from at least one other visible
graphic, wherein at least one edge of each visible graphic matches
at least one edge of at least one other visible graphic and wherein
the area of the continuous larger visible graphic is larger than
the average area of the visible graphics.
26. The continuous larger visible graphic according to claim 25,
wherein when the visible graphics are aligned they form a stacked
product array.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a being filed under 35 U.S.C. 120 and is
a continuation of PCT Application No. IB2006/054857, filed Dec. 14,
2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/754,064 filed on Dec. 27, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/754,144 filed on Dec. 27, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/845569 filed on Sep. 19, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to packages. Specifically, the
present invention relates to packages containing artwork.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Products such as laundry detergents, cereals, tissues, etc.
are often sold as individual products which are often stacked
together in the store, during shipment, etc. Such products are
often contained in boxes. Typically, each box then contains an
identical graphic (i.e., artwork) thereupon which identifies the
product, provides information to the consumer, and may also provide
aesthetic benefits. However, in many stores, especially in, for
example, warehouse stores, supermarkets, and/or club stores such as
Wal-Mart, Carrefour, Target, Kroger, Aldi, Tesco, Sam's Club,
Costco, etc., many thousands of products are displayed
simultaneously, leading to low visibility for individual products.
Similarly, with the growing incidence of some stores marketing and
displaying their own products in colors and packages which are
increasingly similar to those of consumer products companies'
products, it is becoming increasingly difficult and time consuming
for consumers to easily see, recognize and find the products they
desire.
[0004] Various methods for increasing visibility and recognition of
products are known such as using specially-designed display cases,
separate signs hung above or from the products, shelf-stickers,
televisions, etc. However, such methods require additional
materials other than the product themselves. Such methods may also
take up additional floor space and/or store volume which is
essentially "dead-space" which can not be used to store or display
actual products for sale, and thereby decreases floor utilization
efficiency.
[0005] Accordingly, the need exists for a method and apparatus for
enhancing the visibility and recognition of a stacked product array
in a store, and especially a warehouse store, a supermarket or a
club store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a stacked product array
which possesses a plurality of individual products. Each individual
product contains a visible graphic designed such that each visible
graphic is different. However, when the individual products are
aligned together at least one edge of each visible graphic matches
at least one edge of at least one other visible graphic. So, when
the individual products are stacked appropriately the combination
of the visible graphics forms at least one continuous larger
visible graphic whose area is larger than the average area of the
visible graphics.
[0007] The present invention also relates to a process for
enhancing the visibility and recognition of a sacked product array
by providing a plurality of individual products, each of which
contains a visible graphic which is different. At least one edge of
each visible graphic matches at least one edge of at least one
other visible graphic. The individual products are stacked together
such that the combination of the visible graphics forms at least
one continuous larger graphic whose area is larger than the average
area of the visible graphics.
[0008] It has now been found that since the area of the continuous
larger visible graphic is significantly larger than the average
area of the visible graphics, the visibility and recognition of the
array of products is significantly increased. Such an improved
stacked product array also helps a consumer recognize the product
from farther away and also to more quickly "cut through the visual
clutter" in the store, in order to find a desired product in a
crowded warehouse store, supermarket, or club store.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the invention will be better understood from the following
description of the accompanying figures in which like reference
numerals identify like elements, and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a stacked product array of individual products
according to the present invention stacked appropriately;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a stacked product array of individual products
according to the present invention stacked appropriately, with an
individual product removed, and seen from point A in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a comparative drawing of a typical shelf in a
store;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a shelf in a store with a plurality
of stacked product arrays of individual products according to the
present invention stacked appropriately; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a stacked product array of individual products
according to the present invention stacked appropriately.
[0015] The figures herein are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other
steps, ingredients, elements, etc. which do not adversely affect
the end result can be added. This term encompasses the terms
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".
[0017] As used herein with respect to any specific stacked product
array, the terms "deep" and "deeper" indicates farther away from a
viewer (see point A in FIG. 1) who is facing the continuous larger
visible graphic. i.e., as per the Z dimension in FIG. 1.
[0018] As used herein, the term "matches" and various forms thereof
such as "matching" mean that when an edge of a visible graphic is
correctly aligned with the corresponding edge of another visible
graphic, the patterns, colors, lines, and/or visual elements of
each of the visible graphics together form what appears to be a
continuous image. See, for example, the discussion relating to
edges 113a' and 113c' in FIG. 1.
[0019] As used herein, the terms "stack appropriately" and "stacked
appropriately" indicates that the individual products with their
visible graphics are aligned and stacked, at least initially, in a
manner consistent with forming, and so as to form, the desired
continuous larger visible graphic.
[0020] As used herein, with respect to any specific stacked product
array, the term "tall" indicates up-and-down from the point of view
of a viewer (see point A in FIG. 1) who is facing the continuous
larger visible graphic. i.e., as per the Y dimension in FIG. 1.
[0021] As used herein with respect to any specific stacked product
array, the term "wide" indicates from left-to-right from the point
of view of a viewer (see point A in FIG. 1) who is facing the
continuous larger visible graphic. i.e., as per the X dimension in
FIG. 1.
[0022] Stacked product arrays are common in large stores,
especially at the ends of rows, or in the aisles and open areas
where they are intended to draw attention. Such displays are also
often used for special promotions or sales. However, with the
growth in floor space of the larger stores combined with the
proliferation of such stacked products, it can be increasingly
difficult to rapidly recognize and identify specific desired
products. Previously, problems such as a lack of visibility was
addressed by preparing special advertising materials and in-store
materials such as hanging flags, special display cases, and even
placing television screens to attract and hold the attention of
customers. However, such methods may be expensive and add extra
expense over and beyond the price of the individual products
themselves. Such use of additional in-store materials can also
reduce the profitability of each square meter of floor space as
costs tend to increase, and as floor space is taken up with
non-saleable goods. Thus, dead-space is decreased, and existing
floor space may be used more efficiently and profitably.
[0023] The present invention provides a way of using the actual
individual products to be sold as a larger advertising medium by
forming a continuous larger visible graphic, and thereby reducing
or eliminating the need for additional in-store promotion
materials. Especially in a typical large warehouse store, such a
continuous larger visible graphic may be more easily seen from a
distance whereas multiple smaller graphics would be lost in the
visual clutter of the store.
[0024] Accordingly, the present invention provides a stacked
product array having enhanced visibility and recognition which
contains a plurality of individual products, each individual
product comprising a visible graphic. When the individual products
are aligned together at least one edge of each visible graphic
matches at least one edge of at least one other visible graphic. In
contrast to typical in-market products, each visible graphic is
different, so that when the individual products are stacked
appropriately the combination of the visible graphics forms at
least one continuous larger visible graphic. In order to be
effective, the area of the continuous larger visible graphic is
larger than the average area of the visible graphics.
[0025] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a stacked product
array, 100, of individual products stacked appropriately. The
stacked product array, 100, contains a plurality of individual
products, 110. The contents of the individual product may be
selected from, for example, a laundry or other type of detergent, a
cosmetic, a gift pack, an electric or manual appliance, a razor, a
hair product, a skin product, a feminine protection product, a
diaper, an adult incontinence product, a consumable product such as
food, etc. Each individual product, 110, is removably stacked
within the stacked product array, 100, such that it can be
repeatedly removed and replaced with the same individual product,
or another. The individual products, 110, are aligned in a first
stacked product array, 100, which is two individual products wide
and two individual products tall. In the first stacked product
array, 100, each individual product has a visible graphic, 112a,
112b, 112c, and 112d, which is different from each other visible
graphic.
[0026] In FIG. 1, each visible graphic, 112, has two edges, 113,
which match the edges, 113 of two other visible graphics, 112.
Specifically, the edge, 113a, of visible graphic, 112a, matches the
edge, 113b, of visible graphic, 112b. The edge, 113a', of visible
graphic, 112a, matches the edge, 113c', of visible graphic 112c.
The edge, 113d', of visible graphic, 112d, also matches the edge,
112b', of visible graphic, 112b. The edge, 113d, of visible graphic
112d also matches the edge, 113c, of visible graphic 112c. In an
embodiment herein, each visible graphic has at least one edge which
matches an edge of at least one other visible graphic. In an
embodiment herein, each visible graphic has at least two edges
which match at least two edges from two other visible graphics. In
an embodiment herein, each visible graphic has from about 2 to
about 4 edges which match edges from the same number of other
visible graphics. The visible graphics herein may be attached to
the individual products by any manner known in the art, such as
printing, etching, laminating, gluing/adhesives, silk-screening,
etc. In an embodiment herein, the visible graphic is embedded into
the individual product during the production process, and/or is
formed as part of the individual product's package, for example,
with a bottle or in a blow-molding process.
[0027] In FIG. 1, the visible graphics, 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d,
match to form a continuous larger visible graphic, 114, whose area
is approximately 4 times larger than the average area of the
visible graphics. In FIG. 1, each visible graphic, 112, is
represented by a part of the Ariel logo, 116, including a
corresponding part of the "Atomium", 118. Thus, each visible
graphic, 112, possesses roughly the same area and is about the same
shape; i.e., about one quarter of the continuous larger visible
graphic, 114, represented by the large Ariel logo, 116, and the
large "Atomium", 118. However, it is recognized that depending on
the actual embodiment, the size and shape of each visible graphic
may vary widely. It is recognized herein that the continuous larger
visible graphic may be solely a picture, a trademark, a logo, etc.
which promotes recognition of the individual product, or in many
cases the continuous larger visible graphic may contain therein a
picture, a trademark, a logo, etc. which promotes recognition of
the individual product.
[0028] The continuous larger visible graphic of FIG. 1 is a
non-repetitive continuous larger visible graphic, which means that
the same continuous larger visible graphic is not repeated within
the same array. i.e., there is only one large Ariel logo and
Atomium graphic in the stacked product array. Such non-repetitive
continuous larger visible graphics are believed to be more easily
visible and recognizable from a distance than larger continuous
visible graphics which repeat within the same array. However, it is
recognized that different arrays may be placed together (see FIG.
4, at 200), but this would not include the case where individual
boxes, each containing exactly the same graphics are stacked on top
of each other (see FIG. 4 at 150). In FIG. 1, the individual
products are in the form of boxes, however other product forms and
shapes are also useful herein. The individual products in the
Figures contain rectangular or square cross-sections, but other
shaped cross-sections are also specifically contemplated and
included herein, such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, round,
etc., as desired. Boxes may be made with materials known in the
packaging art such as paper, cardboard, plastics, resins,
laminates, films, metal, wood, glass, etc., and by processes known
in the packaging art. In an embodiment herein the shape of each
individual product is substantially identical, as such shapes may
be easier to stack appropriately to form the continuous larger
visible graphic, may be more stable upon stacking, and/or may fit
together better, either structurally, or so as to form the
continuous larger visible graphic. In an embodiment herein the
dimensions of each individual product are substantially identical,
as such shapes may be easier to stack appropriately to form the
continuous larger visible graphic, may be more stable upon
stacking, and/or may fit together better. In an embodiment herein,
the individual products are in the form of boxes which are easy to
stack appropriately and which are relatively stable once stacked.
Such boxes may be cubes, or boxes with two or more rectangular
sides, as preferred. In an embodiment herein the boxes are cubes.
In an embodiment herein the boxes have four rectangular sides and
two square sides. In another embodiment herein at least one
individual product has a different shape from at least one other
individual product.
[0029] Behind and immediately deeper than the first stacked product
array in FIG. 1 is a second stacked product array, 100', also
formed of a plurality of individual products, 110', stacked two
individual products wide, and two individual products tall. The
second continuous larger visible graphic of the second stacked
product array, 100' is not visible in FIG. 1, as it is hidden by
the first stacked product array, 100. In an embodiment herein, a
set of stacked product arrays contains a first stacked product
array and a second stacked product array stacked immediately deeper
than the first stacked product array, as shown in FIG. 1. Such a
first stacked product array contains a first set of individual
products which form the continuous larger visible graphic which is
designated as a first continuous larger visible graphic. The second
stacked product array contains a second set of individual products,
often identical to those of the first stacked product array. As
shown in FIG. 1, the second stacked product array is stacked
immediately deeper than the first stacked product array, such that
the second set of individual products are stacked immediately
deeper than the first set of individual products. At least one,
preferably all, of the second set of individual products contains
the same visible graphic as a corresponding individual product from
the first set of individual products. As used herein, a
"corresponding individual product" in a first set of individual
products indicates that when a viewer is facing and looking at the
continuous larger visible graphic, the corresponding individual
product is closer to the viewer and blocking the view of the
individual product in the second set of individual products. For
example, in FIG. 1, when seen from the eye at point A, the
individual product 110c would have the same visible graphic as
individual product 110c', even though it is currently blocked by
individual product 110c. Thus, when individual product 110c is
removed from the stacked product array, 100, the visible graphic
from the individual product, 110c', from the second set of
individual products (in the second stacked product array) can
appear to form a part of the first continuous larger visual
graphic, as seen in FIG. 2. Such a set of stacked product arrays
allows the continuous larger visible graphic to be seen, even when
some individual products in the first stacked product array are
removed or missing. Embodiments containing more than two stacked
product arrays are included herein. In an embodiment herein, the
set of stacked product arrays contains two stacked product arrays.
In an embodiment herein, the set of stacked product arrays contains
from about 3 to about 9, or from about 4 to about 6 stacked product
arrays.
[0030] While not shown in the Figures herein, it is contemplated
that even with only 8 boxes as in FIG. 1, four distinct continuous
larger visible graphics could be shown, one on each facet of the
cube formed by the 8 boxes when they are stacked together.
Furthermore, each continuous larger visible graphic could be either
the same, or different from each other continuous larger visible
graphic.
[0031] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each individual product, 110,
further contains a separate visible graphic, 120, which is
identical on each individual product, 110, although the actual
positioning of the separate visible graphic, 120, on each
individual product, 110, varies. Such a separate visible graphic is
not intended to interact with other separate visible graphics or
visible graphics on other individual packages, but is intended to
further enhance the recognition of the individual product when it
is viewed outside of the context of the stacked product array, for
example, when brought home for actual use. In an embodiment herein,
the separate visible graphic is a smaller version of the continuous
larger visible graphic.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a stacked product array of individual products,
100, according to the present invention stacked appropriately and
seen from point A in FIG. 1. An individual product (see 110c in
FIG. 1) is removed. FIG. 2 shows that the visible graphic, 112c',
on the individual product, 110c', which is immediately deeper than
previous individual product 110c, is the same as the visible
graphic, 112c, on the previous individual product, 110c, with the
same edges, matching, etc. In fact, in this embodiment, the
individual products 110c and 110c' are identical, except for their
physical locations.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a comparative drawing of a typical shelf in a
store. The view is confusing and visually cluttered. Individual
boxes, 150, with exactly the same graphics (or nearly the same
graphics if different variants are located close to each other) are
stacked on top of each other and/or next to each other on the
shelves. This is the way current products are typically displayed
in stores around the world.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a drawing of a shelf in a store with a
plurality of stacked product arrays, 100, of individual products
according to the present invention stacked appropriately. As can be
seen in comparison to FIG. 3, the stacked product array and
continuous larger visible graphic of the present invention
significantly enhance visibility and recognition of the individual
products from a distance. Compare, for example, the visibility and
recognition of individual boxes, 150, or even the combination, 152,
of four (4) such individual boxes, 150, as compared to the
continuous larger visible graphic, 114, and the stacked product
array, 100. Such comparisons are equally, if not more powerful when
considered in a warehouse store.
[0035] In FIG. 4, multiple stacked product arrays, 100, are placed
next to each other and/or on top of each other as seen at 200. It
is expected that multiple stacked product arrays will typically be
stacked together as seen at 200.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a stacked product array, 100, of individual
products, 110, according to the present invention stacked
appropriately. The stacked product array is three individual
products wide, and three individual products tall. In this stacked
product array, 100, the four corner individual products, 122, each
have a visible graphic, 112, which has two edges, 113 which match
the visible graphic, 112, of the two adjoining individual products,
the same as in FIG. 1. However, as each side individual product,
124, touches three other individual products (i.e., two corner
individual products, 122, and a center individual product, 126),
the side individual product actually has a visible graphic, 112,
with three edges, 113', 113'', and 113''' which match with the
corresponding edges of the adjacent visible graphics, 112, and
individual products, 110. Furthermore, the center individual
product, 126, has a visible graphic, 112, with four edges, 113,
which match with the corresponding edges of the adjacent visible
graphics, 112, and individual products, 110. In this case, the
continuous larger graphic, 114, has an area which is about 9 times
the size of the average area of the visible graphics.
[0037] The stacked product array is typically at least two
individual products wide and at least two individual products tall.
Without intending to be limited by theory, it has been found that
increasing both the height and width can significantly enhance
visibility and recognition of a product in a store-like
environment, as compared to merely increasing height or width,
alone. This is true even if the total area of the continuous larger
visible graphic is the same. i.e., a 2.times.2 stack is more
visible and recognizable than a 4.times.1 row or a 1.times.4
column. In an embodiment herein, the stacked product array is from
about 2 to about 9, or from about 3 to about 5 individual products
wide In an embodiment herein, the stacked product array is from
about 2 to about 9, or from about 3 to about 5 individual products
tall. In another embodiment herein, the stacked product array
contains from about 4 to about 81, or from about 6 to about 45, or
from about 9 to about 25 individual products. In an embodiment
herein, the area of the continuous larger visible graphic is from
about 4 times to about 81 times, or from about 6 to about 45 times,
or from about 9 to about 25 times larger than the average area of
the visible graphics.
[0038] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, it can be seen that while the
corner individual products possess separate visible graphics, 120,
the side individual products, 124 and the center individual
product, 126, do not contain separate visible graphics, 120.
Furthermore, a second stacked product array, 100', according to the
present invention is also present which employs corner individual
product, 122', in both the first stacked product array, 100, as
well as the second stacked product array, 100'.
[0039] Such a stacked product array may be stacked appropriately by
hand, by a machine during the production process, etc. In an
embodiment herein, the stacked product array is stacked
appropriately in a shipping container, such as a cardboard box or a
shrink-wrapped film, which is appropriately sealed and shipped to
the store. The shipping container serves multiple purposes, such as
protection of the individual products during shipping and handling,
assuring that the stacked product array stays stacked
appropriately, etc. Upon arrival in the store, a store employee or
other individual removes at least a portion of the shipping
container (i.e., by removing one or more side panels of the
cardboard box or cutting away the shrink-wrap) to reveal the
continuous larger visible graphic. Such an embodiment is especially
advantageous as it significantly reduces work in the store to set
up the stacked product array, and also provides a stacked product
array which serves a double purpose as a display counter. The
shipping container may also contain a separate visible graphic
thereupon. In an embodiment herein, a stacked product array is
further stacked on top of at least one other stacked product array
so as to more efficiently use the floor space and also increase the
visibility of the stacked product arrays from a distance. While the
embodiments in the Figures all show rectangular or square stacked
product arrays, other shapes and configurations are also
specifically encompassed herein, such as, for example, pyramids,
globes, circles, triangles, etc. Furthermore, it is recognized that
the continuous larger visible graphic herein need not be in the
same vertical or horizontal plane, and thus such a continuous
larger visible graphic is specifically encompassed herein.
[0040] In an embodiment herein, the individual products are
packages which contain multiple items therein each of which is
further intended for individual sale.
EXAMPLE 1
[0041] A first stacked product array according to FIG. 1 is formed
by providing 4 individual products in the form of boxes. Each box
is of substantially identical dimensions, are rectangular on 4
sides and square on 2 sides, and hold about 1 kg of granular
laundry detergent. Each individual product contains a visible
graphic containing two edges which match with the corresponding
edges of two separate other individual products as in FIG. 1. Each
visible graphic on the 4 boxes is different, but each box also
contains a separate visible graphic of the Ariel logo and the
Atomium.
[0042] A manufacturing line assures that the individual products
are stacked appropriately such that the combination of the visible
graphics forms a single continuous larger visible graphic of the
Ariel logo and the Atomium. The area of the continuous larger
visible graphic is about 4 times lager than the average area of the
visible graphics. A second stacked product array is then provided
and stacked immediately deeper to the first stacked product array,
and a third stacked product array is provided and stacked
immediately deeper to the second stacked product array. The
manufacturing line then forms a cardboard box shipping container
around the set of three stacked product arrays. The shipping
container contains easy-tear perforations and tape around the base
to allow someone to easily remove the side panels to display the
continuous larger visible graphic without having to separately take
each individual product out of the shipping container and re-stack
them appropriately. The shipping container also contains an Ariel
logo and Atomium on 4 sides thereof. The shipping container
containing the three stacked product arrays is then shipped via
standard transportation to a warehouse store for display and
sale.
EXAMPLE 2
[0043] A stacked product array according to FIG. 5 is provided by
producing 27 individual products in boxes having substantially
identical dimensions. Each box contains a visible graphic and is
stacked appropriately by hand in the store to form a rough cube.
All four horizontal sides of the cube each contain a continuous
larger visible graphic, however each of these four continuous
larger visible graphics is different.
EXAMPLE 3
[0044] A stacked product array according to FIG. 5 is provided by
producing 27 individual products in boxes having substantially
identical dimensions. Each box also initially contains identical
graphics, and are aligned and stacked by hand in the store to form
a rough cube 3 individual products wide, 3 individual products tall
and 3 individual products deep. A continuous larger visible graphic
which is printed onto a poster-sized sheet of paper and which is
substantially identical in size to one side of the cube is then
prepared. The continuous larger visible graphic is then cut up into
9 visible graphics whose size and shape correspond to the side of
the individual products. Each visible graphic is then affixed to
the corresponding individual product so as to re-form the
continuous larger visible graphic.
[0045] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0046] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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