U.S. patent application number 11/858581 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-26 for system and method for informing consumers of patterned or textured products.
This patent application is currently assigned to POLY-AMERICA, LP. Invention is credited to Michael A. Ross.
Application Number | 20090077927 11/858581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40457834 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090077927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ross; Michael A. |
March 26, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INFORMING CONSUMERS OF PATTERNED OR TEXTURED
PRODUCTS
Abstract
The present invention provides a system and method for providing
a sensory experience for a consumer. The present invention
contemplates product packaging containing a retail product that has
one or more characteristic surfaces. A sample is affixed to the
exterior surface of the product packaging to provide a user with an
illustrative simulation or representation of the characteristics of
the retail product such as textures or patterns.
Inventors: |
Ross; Michael A.; (Dallas,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD, LLP
P O BOX 688
DALLAS
TX
75313-0688
US
|
Assignee: |
POLY-AMERICA, LP
Grand Prairie
TX
|
Family ID: |
40457834 |
Appl. No.: |
11/858581 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/410 ;
53/136.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/410 ;
53/136.1 |
International
Class: |
B65B 61/00 20060101
B65B061/00 |
Claims
1. A system for providing a sensory experience for a consumer,
comprising: a product packaging defining an interior cavity; a
retail product located in the interior cavity of the product
packaging, the retail product having at least one characteristic
surface; and a product sample affixed to an exterior surface of the
product packaging, wherein the product sample provides an
illustrative simulation or representation of the at least one
characteristic surface of the retail product, wherein the retail
product is a plastic trash bag.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the retail product is a plastic
film product.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the retail product is
substantially comprised of a paper material.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one characteristic
surface comprises a textured surface.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the textured surface is different
from an ordinary texture of the retail product.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one characteristic
surface comprises a patterned surface.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the patterned surface comprises
an arrangement of geometric forms.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the product packaging comprises
a sealed container, and wherein the sealed container does not
permit a consumer to physically contact the retail product located
in the interior cavity of the product packaging.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one characteristic
surface is an embossed surface.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the product sample provides a
three-dimensional simulation or representation of at least one
characteristic surface of the retail product.
13. A method for providing a tactile experience for a consumer of
retail goods, comprising the steps of: providing a retail product
having at least one characteristic surface; packaging the retail
product substantially inside a product packaging; and affixing a
sample to an exterior surface of the product packaging, wherein the
sample provides an illustrative simulation or representation of the
at least one characteristic surface of the retail product, wherein
the retail product is a plastic trash bag.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the retail product is a plastic
film product.
15. (canceled)
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of sealing
the product packaging, wherein a consumer cannot physically contact
the retail product.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the sample is manufactured from
a material that is the same as a material of the retail
product.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the retail product is
substantially of comprised of a paper material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to packaging and
containers for retail products. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a system and method of providing a prospective
consumer with a tactile and visual representation of a retail
product's texture, physical properties, or design patterns.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Retail product packaging comes in a variety of shapes and
configurations. Many products are sold in product packaging that
uses a combination of paper cardboard and clear or translucent
plastic. When the retail product is packaged with these materials,
the consumer is able to visually observe the product inside the
packaging. However, cost considerations and/or structural integrity
of the packaging often require that the container instead be
manufactured using low-cost/high-strength corrugated cardboard or
other opaque materials.
[0006] Retail product packaging serves an important role in the
merchandising and retailing process by providing the
consumer/prospective consumer with important information relating
to the retail product itself. If the product packaging utilizes a
clear plastic window or enclosure as previously mentioned, a
consumer has visual access to view part of, and possibly the
entirety of, a retail product. This visual observation can have a
profound effect on the likelihood of the consumer purchasing the
particular product. On the other hand, when a product is not
visible because of the product packaging used, the consumer must
rely more on the packaging itself to make a purchasing
decision.
[0007] Retail product packaging often features a myriad of
full-color images and text appearing over the majority of the
product packaging. The images and text provide the consumer with
critical information about the nature and performance of the retail
product. Images may also be used to provide the consumer with an
impression of the characteristics of the retail product, including
the product's texture or pattern. As an example, breakfast cereals
and other food products frequently use enlarged imagery to
communicate the texture of the food product to the consumer.
Accordingly, a consumer may be driven to make purchasing decisions
on whether a particular texture is perceived to be desirable.
However, images alone typically cannot effectively convey certain
product characteristics, such as the contours and feel of the
texture or pattern, to the consumer.
[0008] Tactile experience is also known to have a positive effect
on increasing sales of many products. In many cases, retailers may
provide a working or non-working exemplar of the product, allowing
the consumer to experience the product in a controlled environment.
This technique is common in the electronics and appliance sectors,
where consumers want to operate and manipulate the product before
making purchasing decisions. This tactile experience can
significantly enhance the likelihood that a consumer will purchase
the product. However, this technique is only practical in the event
that sufficient space is available to demonstrate the product, when
the product is durable enough to handle repetitive use, and when
the consumer is able to operate the product in a manner that
simulates actual use.
[0009] Retail packaging may also provide a way for a consumer to
tactilely experience the product by touching or feeling the actual
retail product prior to purchase. In certain retail categories,
such as children's toys, the product packaging may allow a consumer
to touch or operate a product through an opening in the product
packaging. The tactile experience of a plush toy can again have a
positive effect on the consumer's purchasing decisions. Indeed,
consumer sensory experiences of the retail product, whether through
visual observation and/or tactile interaction, typically have an
impact on consumer purchasing decisions. Unfortunately, however,
tactile interaction with the product is simply not practical nor
feasible in certain retail contexts.
[0010] In some retail categories, consumers want reassurance that
the product has not been tampered with or otherwise damaged prior
to purchase. This consumer desire has resulted in a wide range of
tamper-resistant and tamper-proof product packaging, especially in
the food, drug, and household product categories. These sealed
retail packages prevent people from tampering with or otherwise
damaging the retail product, thus enhancing consumer confidence
that the purchased product will be effective and that it has not
been altered since it was manufactured. However, sealed retail
packaging also prevents the consumer from experiencing the product
prior to making a purchasing decision.
[0011] When visual observation of, or tactile interaction with, a
particular retail product is not practical or reasonable, it would
be advantageous to provide sensory experiences to the consumer in
an effort to positively influence purchasing decisions. Therefore,
it would further be advantageous to provide a multi-dimensional
sample of a retail product on the exterior of product packaging,
especially for packages that are sealed or tamper-resistant.
Moreover, it would be advantageous if the multi-dimensional sample
emphasized the retail product's characteristics, such as the
material, texture, and/or pattern. Indeed, this would provide a
potential consumer with sensory experiences in both a tactile and
visual manner that would far exceed the experience provided by the
traditional 2-dimensional imagery used on product packaging as
known in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The following description and the appended illustrations set
forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the present
invention. These embodiments are only exemplars of some of the
various ways in which the principles of the present invention may
be employed. Therefore, this disclosure provides an outline, in
rather broad terms, of the features of the invention in order that
the detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art
may be better appreciated.
[0013] The present invention provides a system for enhancing
sensory experiences for a consumer. Some embodiments of the present
invention contemplate a product packaging that defines an inner
cavity in which a retail product is located. The retail product
will have at least one characteristic surface. A sample is affixed
to the exterior surface of the product packaging to provide an
illustrative simulation or representation of at least one
characteristic surface of the retail product.
[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention contemplate retail
products that are substantially comprised of plastic material, such
as plastic trash bags, but also retail products substantially
comprised of paper materials. Similarly, some embodiments of the
present invention also contemplate the characteristic surface, or
surfaces, of the retail product to be a textured or patterned
surface. Textured surfaces may include any conceivable texture, but
especially contemplates textures that are imparted into the
material, i.e. textures that are not natural textures of the
material used for the retail product. Furthermore, patterned
surfaces also include the arrangement of geometric forms to form
the patterned surface. The characteristic surfaces, including
textured or patterned surfaces, may be imparted into the material
through the use of an embossing process, or any other method that
generates a three-dimensional simulation or representation of the
characteristic surface(s) of the retail product.
[0015] Yet another embodiment of the present invention contemplates
a method for providing a tactile experience for a consumer of
retail products. The contemplated method includes providing a
retail product having at least one, if not more, characteristic
surfaces. A sample of the retail product may be affixed to an
exterior surface of the retail packaging for providing an
illustrative simulation or representation of the characteristic
surface, or surfaces, of the retail product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The preceding summary of the invention, and the following
detailed description of the illustrations, are intended to provide
a better understanding of the general principles and concepts of
the present invention when viewed with reference to the preferred
embodiments shown in the illustrations. It is understood that the
present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments and
precise arrangements disclosed herein. Rather, the appended claims
are intended to more accurately describe the scope of the present
invention. Furthermore, the illustrations are not necessarily to
scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating
the principles of the present invention. Finally, the illustrations
are provided with various reference numerals, with like reference
numerals designating corresponding parts throughout the several
views.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product packaging
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of a particular
product that might be provided in conjunction with the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a tactile product exemplar as
contemplated by an embodiment of the present invention with respect
to FIG. 2A.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a plan view of another example of a particular
product, an embossed plastic sheet, that may be suitably used in
conjunction with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a tactile and visual product
exemplar as contemplated by another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. The
general principles described herein may be applied to numerous
embodiments, including applications other than those detailed
below, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. The present invention is more generally defined by the
appended claims. Therefore, the present invention is not intended
to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed
herein in view of the prior art.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of the system
contemplated by the present invention is illustrated for providing
a tactile and visual simulation and/or representation of the retail
product to a potential consumer. The system contemplated by the
present invention can be provided for any particular type of
product packaging 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the product
packaging 100 is a box-like container manufactured from cardboard
to provide the necessary rigidity and strength for a relatively
heavy retail product (not shown) contained inside the product
packaging 100. The product packaging 100 has a plurality of side
walls 102, 104, 106 and 108, a solid, interlocking bottom panel
110, and a pair of top flaps 112 and 114 for sealing the product
inside the box. The product packaging 100, as a whole, may be
tamper-resistant, in the sense that when sealed, using an adhesive
or other suitable means, a person cannot access the retail product
itself, which is in the interior of the product packaging 100,
without breaking the adhesive seals.
[0024] In addition to the imagery and text that may be provided on
the product packaging 100, a potential consumer is provided with a
tactile sensory experience for the retail product by affixing a
product sample 150 to the exterior surface of the product packaging
100. The affixed product sample 150 is a representation or
simulation of the product, thereby providing the consumer with
additional visual and tactile information relative to the retail
product. As will be discussed more fully with respect to FIGS. 2A,
2B, 3A, and 3B, the product sample 150 can be manufactured in a
variety of different ways with any number of different
materials.
[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the product
sample 150 may be manufactured from the exact same material used to
manufacture the retail product. The source material may be cut into
a plurality of product samples before being affixed to the exterior
of the product packaging 100.
[0026] In other embodiments of the present invention, a modified
manufacturing process may be used in conjunction with the actual
material of the retail product to provide a product sample 150 with
physical properties and characteristics differing slightly from
those of the actual retail product. These embodiments contemplate
providing a product sample 150 that may be accentuated relative to
the retail product, emphasizing certain properties, traits, or
characteristics of the retail product. For example, the product
sample 150 may be enlarged or reduced relative to the retail
product to emphasize a particular texture or pattern. Similarly,
the product sample 150 may also accentuate embossed or engraved
patterns in the material, giving pronounced emphasis to the amount
of vertical relief in the product sample 150 compared to the actual
product.
[0027] In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the
product sample 150 may be manufactured from material that differs
from the material of the actual retail product, yet conveys similar
visual and tactile properties. In these cases, the product sample
150 may, for instance, be manufactured using a material that is
more durable or thicker than the material used for the retail
product. As an example, if the retail product is manufactured from
a thin, polymeric material as used in a plastic trash bag, it may
be desirable to use a thicker plastic or paper material as source
material for the product sample 150. This may be necessary due to
the rigors of transportation and the exposure of the product sample
150 and the product packaging 100 to a multitude of potential
purchasers.
[0028] It should be understood that although the illustration in
FIG. 1 generally depicts a solid, rigid, and box-shaped product
packaging 100, the present invention contemplates a variety of
other materials and shapes that may be utilized for the product
packaging 100. For example, it is contemplated that the present
invention may be utilized in combination with product packaging 100
constructed or manufactured using materials such as, but not
limited to, cellophane, corrugated cardboard, or rigid plastic.
Furthermore, the present invention can be utilized with product
packaging 100 of essentially any shape or size, as long as the
sample may be suitably affixed, in some way, to the exterior
surface of the product packaging 100.
[0029] In addition to the variety of product packaging 100
contemplated by the present invention, it is also contemplated that
any number of suitable methods may be employed to affix, either
permanently or temporarily, the product sample 150 to the exterior
surface of the product packaging 100. As discussed subsequently,
the present invention preferably employs an adhesive on the rear
surface of the product sample 150 to affixing it to the product
packaging 100. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art
would instantly recognize that numerous other methods and
techniques can be used to affix the product sample 150 to the
product packaging 100.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2A, an example retail product is
shown. In this particular example, an illustration of a textured
and patterned product 120 is shown as the example retail product.
The particular material of the retail product is not of any
particular importance to the operation of the present invention,
and may therefore be any textured material such as paper or plastic
film. The illustrated product 120 has a plurality of textured
ridges 122 forming a cross-hatch or diamond pattern.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a product sample 150 corresponding
to the product 120 of FIG. 2A is shown. Although not shown, it is
clearly contemplated that the product sample 150 would be affixed
to the exterior surface of the product packaging 100 as illustrated
in FIG. 1. As mentioned above, the method of manufacture and choice
of material used to produce the sample material 154 can be the same
or different than those used in the manufacture of the particular
product 120.
[0032] This particular embodiment of the product sample 150 also
comprises a backing 152 on which the sample material 154 is
mounted, to provide additional rigidity to the product sample 150
as a whole, if such additional structure is deemed necessary.
Furthermore, the backing 152 may be provided with an adhesive on
the opposing side to allow the product sample 150 to be affixed to
product packaging 100.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a second product is
depicted as may be used in conjunction with the present invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, an embossed plastic bag 140 is
shown. The darker areas represent an embossed portion 142 which in
turn forms a checkerboard-like pattern across the walls of the
plastic bag. Looking at the corresponding product sample 150 it can
be seen that a simulation of the plastic bag's texture and pattern
is provided. In this case, the product sample 150 is provided with
embossed portions 164 that may be significantly larger and
pronounced in depth than the actual plastic bag 140. As with the
product sample 150 of FIG. 2B, a backing 152 provides additional
rigidity to the sample material while also providing an adhesive on
the opposite side for affixing to a product packaging 100.
* * * * *