U.S. patent application number 12/172421 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for packaging assembly having a sensory interactable element.
Invention is credited to Michael Guercio Ferrari, John Patrick Goodall, Kenneth Stephen McGuire, Jerry Ray Stephens.
Application Number | 20100006462 12/172421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41170154 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100006462 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGuire; Kenneth Stephen ;
et al. |
January 14, 2010 |
PACKAGING ASSEMBLY HAVING A SENSORY INTERACTABLE ELEMENT
Abstract
A sensory interactable packaging assembly having a base and a
container. The base has a power supply. The container may contain a
consumer product. The container is removably attachable to the
base. The container has an outer surface and a sensory interactable
element disposed on the outer surface and a control system having
an output. The control system is s in electrical communication with
the sensory interactable element and the sensory interactable
element is responsive to the output of the control system when the
container is proximate to the base and the control system is in
electrical communication with the power supply.
Inventors: |
McGuire; Kenneth Stephen;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Goodall; John Patrick;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Stephens; Jerry Ray; (Hamilton,
OH) ; Ferrari; Michael Guercio; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TREXLER, BUSHNELL, GIANGIORGI,;BLACKSTONE & MARR, LTD.
105 WEST ADAMS STREET, SUITE 3600
CHICAGO
IL
60603
US
|
Family ID: |
41170154 |
Appl. No.: |
12/172421 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/457 ;
340/686.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 2023/0025 20130101;
B65D 83/0894 20130101; G09F 27/00 20130101; G09F 13/04 20130101;
B65D 2203/12 20130101; G09F 2013/0477 20130101; G09F 23/06
20130101; G09F 23/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/457 ;
340/686.6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 79/00 20060101
B65D079/00 |
Claims
1. A sensory interactable packaging assembly comprising: (i) a base
comprising a power supply; (ii) a container for containing a
consumer product, wherein the container is removably attachable to
the base, wherein the container comprises: 1. an outer surface;
and, 2. a sensory interactable element disposed on the outer
surface; and (iii) a control system having an output, wherein the
control system is integral with the container, wherein the control
system is in electrical communication with the sensory interactable
element; and wherein the sensory interactable element is capable of
being responsive to the output of the control system when the
container is proximate to the base and the control system is in
electrical communication with the power supply.
2. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 1 wherein
the sensory interactable element is selected from the group
consisting of: illuminatable elements, odoriferously interactable
elements, auditorily activatable elements, and combinations
thereof.
3. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 2 wherein
the sensory interactable element is an illuminatable element, and
the illuminatable element is selected from the group consisting of:
electroluminescent elements, organic LEDs, LEDs, incandescent
elements, chemiluminescent elements, cathodoluminescent elements,
triboluminescent elements, photoluminescent elements, and
phosphorescent elements, and combinations thereof.
4. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 3 wherein
the illuminatable element is an electroluminescent element.
5. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 1 wherein
the container further comprises a first conductive unit in
electrical communication with the power supply, the base further
comprises a second conductive unit in electrical communication to
the control system, and wherein the first conductive unit and
second conductive unit are capable of contacting.
6. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 5 wherein
the sensory interactable element is responsive to contacting
engagement of the first conductive unit and the second conductive
unit.
7. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 1 wherein
the package comprises a plurality of illuminatable sensory
interactable elements.
8. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 7 wherein
the plurality of illuminatable sensory interactable elements are
cooperatively combined to form an image.
9. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 7 wherein
the image is an animation.
10. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 1 wherein
the sensory interactable element is activatable upon mating
engagement between the container and the base.
11. A sensory interactable packaging assembly comprising: (i) a
base comprising a power supply; (ii) a container for containing a
consumer product, wherein the container is removably attachable to
the base, wherein the container comprises: (1) an outer surface;
and, (2) a sensory interactable element disposed on the outer
surface; and (iii) a control system having an output, wherein the
control system is integrated with the base, wherein the control
system is in electrical communication with the sensory interactable
element; and wherein the sensory interactable element is capable of
being responsive to the output of the control system when the
container is proximate to the base and the control system is in
electrical communication to the power supply.
12. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 11 wherein
the sensory interactable element is selected from the group
consisting of: illuminatable elements, odoriferously interactable
elements, auditorily activatable elements, and combinations
thereof.
13. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 12 wherein
the sensory interactable element is an illuminatable element, and
the illuminatable element selected from the group consisting of:
electroluminescent elements, organic LEDs, LEDs, incandescent
elements, chemiluminescent elements, cathodoluminescent elements,
triboluminescent elements, photoluminescent elements, and
phosphorescent elements, and combinations thereof.
14. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 13 wherein
the illuminatable element is an electroluminescent element.
15. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 11 wherein
the container further comprises a first conductive unit in
electrical communication with the power supply, the base further
comprises a second conductive unit in electrical communication to
the control system, and wherein the first conductive unit and
second conductive unit are capable of contacting engagement.
16. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 15 wherein
the sensory interactable element is responsive to contacting
engagement of the first conductive unit and the second conductive
unit.
17. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 12 wherein
the package comprises a plurality of illuminatable sensory
interactable elements.
18. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 17 wherein
the plurality of illuminatable sensory interactable elements
combine to form an image.
19. The sensory interactable packaging assembly of claim 11 wherein
the sensory interactable element is activated upon mating
engagement between the container and the base.
20. A sensory interactable packaging assembly comprising: (i) a
base comprising a magnet; (ii) a container for containing a
consumer product, wherein the container is removably attachable to
the base, wherein the container comprises: 1. an outer surface;
and, 2. a sensory interactable element disposed on the outer
surface; (iv) a control system having an output, wherein the
control system is integrated with the container, wherein the
control system is in electrical communication with the sensory
interactable element; (v) a power supply wherein the power supply
is integrated with the container, wherein the power supply is in
electrical communication with the control system; and wherein a
circuit between the power supply and the control system is
completed when the container is proximate to the base.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging assembly. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a packaging assembly
having one or more sensory interactable elements that are capable
of effect at least a partial response on one or more of the senses
of touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Consumers are increasingly aware of aesthetic qualities in
everyday products that are placed in, and around, the home. A
current trend in the design and manufacturing of consumer products
is to create products and product packaging that enhances the decor
of a consumer's home. For example, the Febreze.RTM. product offered
by the Procter & Gamble Co. (Cincinnati, Ohio) includes a
"decor" collection which includes a highly artistic bottle which is
intended to be left out as a home decor item. Similarly, the
Febreze.RTM. product line includes a Febreze Candles.TM. collection
which includes votive-style candles in a glass jar which is
intended to be left out as a home decor item. Due to the success of
such styled containers and packaging, consumer product packaging is
often highly stylized.
[0003] However, optimized packaging efforts remain static and, due
to the inundation of shelf space with such packages, the bold shape
of a single container may be lost in a sea of otherwise boldly
shaped containers. The use of illumination, smell, or sound on
product packaging has been limited due to difficulties in providing
sufficient power and control systems to the packaging. Further, the
costs associated with providing such attributes (i.e.,
illumination, smell, sound) to a product packaging have
traditionally been prohibitive due to high costs associated with
components and materials.
[0004] It is highly desirable to provide a package that will
provide consumers with a strong aesthetic impact, but at the same
time, is cost-efficient to produce. Surprisingly, it was found that
a product package or container having a sensory interactable
element can provide consumers with a unique experience at the
shelf, thus separating that product from other products on the
shelf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a sensory interactable packaging assembly comprising a
base, a container, and a control system. The base comprises a power
supply. The container may be used for containing consumer product,
and may be removably attachable to the base. The container further
comprises an outer surface and a sensory interactable element
disposed on the outer surface. The control system may be integrated
into the container. The control system further comprises an output
and is in electrical communication with the sensory interactable
element such that the sensory interactable element is responsive to
the output of the control system when the container is proximate to
the base. The control system is in electrical communication with
the power supply.
[0006] In another nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention is
directed to a sensory interactable packaging assembly comprising a
base, a container, and a control system. The base comprises a power
supply. The container may be used for containing consumer product.
The container may be removably attachable to the base. The
container further comprises an outer surface and a sensory
interactable element disposed on the outer surface. The control
system further comprises an output and the may be in electrical
communication with the sensory interactable element. The sensory
interactable element is responsive to the output of the control
system when the container is proximate to the base and the control
system is in electrical communication with the power supply.
[0007] In yet another nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention
is directed to a sensory interactable packaging assembly comprising
a base, a container, and a control system. The base comprises a
magnet. The container may be used for containing consumer product.
The container may be removably attachable to the base. The
container further comprises an outer surface and a sensory
interactable element disposed on the outer surface. The control
system further comprises an output and the may be in electrical
communication with the sensory interactable element. A sensory
interactable element is responsive to the output of the control
system when the container is proximate to the base and the control
system is in electrical communication with the power supply. A
circuit between the power supply and the control system is
completed when the container is proximate to the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A is an exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly
according to the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1B is another exemplary embodiment of a packaging
assembly according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is yet another an exemplary embodiment of a packaging
assembly according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 2
taken along line 3-3.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an additional exemplary embodiment of a packaging
assembly according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is yet another exemplary embodiment of a packaging
assembly according to the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is yet still another exemplary embodiment of a
packaging assembly according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a retail shelf that may
be used as a packaging assembly according to the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is another exemplary embodiment of a packaging
assembly according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8
taken along line 9-9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] "Base", as used herein, refers to any module or unit that
may act as a support surface and/or foundation for a container of
the present invention. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a base may
further comprise components or parts that may activate, provide
power to and/or manage additional components associated with a
packaging assembly, such as a sensory interactive element. In
another nonlimiting embodiment, a container may fit into, onto, or
be supported by, the base. In yet another nonlimiting embodiment, a
container comprises a controller.
[0019] "Consumer", as used herein, refers to any person or entity
that may purchase, make a decision to purchase, or contemplate
purchasing a product. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the consumer
may be the end user of a product.
[0020] "Container", as used herein, refers to any covering
material, box, holder, vessel, envelope, carton, overwrap, outer
covering, or any other embodiment in which at least a portion of a
product can be placed for shipping, transport, storage and/or sale.
A container may be any shape or size that is required for the
desired function or product. In a nonlimiting example, a container
may be cubic, cylindrical, or pyramidal. A container may be made of
any material that is required for the desired function. Exemplary
nonlimiting materials include cardboard, plastic, glass, metal,
paper, wood, and combinations thereof.
[0021] "Control system", as used herein, refers to a device or set
of devices that are capable of managing, commanding, directing or
regulating the behavior of other devices or systems via an output.
For example, a control system may be utilized to activate and/or
deactivate one or more sensory interactable elements. Without
wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that there are two
common classes of control systems, with many variations and
combinations: logic or sequential controls, and feedback or linear
controls. An automatic sequential control system may trigger a
series of mechanical actuators in the correct sequence to perform a
designated task. In the case of linear feedback systems, a control
loop, including sensors, control algorithms and actuators, may be
arranged in such a fashion as to try to regulate a variable to a
set point or reference value. Exemplary control systems are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,797,795, 7,233,831, and 6,987,787.
Exemplary devices that a control system may control are a sensory
interactable element and/or power supply.
[0022] In one nonlimiting embodiment, a control system may be
integrated into a container. For example, a control system may be
printed on the surface of the container itself using any printed
electronics technology that is known to one of skill in the art. In
another exemplary embodiment, a control system may be provided into
the body of the container by a chip or circuit board.
Alternatively, a control system may be disposed onto the inner
surface of a container. One of skill in the art will appreciate
that a control system may be provided such the control system is in
electrical communication with the sensory activatable element
and/or the power source by induction or direct connection. In
another nonlimiting embodiment, a control system may be integrated
into a unit separate from the base or the container. For example, a
control system and/or power supply may be integrated into a
shelving unit or other display unit at a retail location so that
the retailer may have an active product package or container on
display without necessarily having a base unit on the same display.
In the exemplified embodiment, supra, the retail shelving unit may
comprise both the power supply and the control system are capable
of interaction with the sensory element on the container to provide
the packaging assembly with the appropriate electronic signals to
function.
[0023] "Packaging assembly", as used herein, refers to a group of
components that may be used alone or in combination to provide a
single packaging unit. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a packaging
assembly comprises a container, base, control system, product, and
sensory interactable element.
[0024] "Power supply", as used herein, refers to any device or
equipment that provides a source of energy to another device or
piece of equipment. One of skill in the art may appreciate that a
power supply may provide electrical energy or output, or another
form of energy to a load. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a power
supply generates an electric field which may be used to cause the
electrons in a material to move into an excited state. The excited
electrons may then drop out of the excited state and, in doing so,
may release energy in the form of light. In some nonlimiting
embodiments, a power supply may also describe a switched-mode power
supply, linear regulator, rectifier, inverter, batteries, chemical
fuel cells, solar cells, and combinations thereof. Exemplary power
supplies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,262,559, 7,023,109,
7,227,652, 6,897,623, 6,348,766, and 7,317,303.
[0025] "Product", as used herein, refers to any object, material or
substance that is intended for use by a consumer. In some
nonlimiting embodiments, a product may be selected from the group
consisting of wipes, napkins, facial tissues, bathroom tissue,
paper towels, baby care products, feminine care products, household
care products, personal care products, and combinations
thereof.
[0026] "Sensory interactable element", as used herein, refers to
any mechanism, piece of equipment, apparatus, device, or the like
that provides at least partial stimulation to any one or more of
the senses--including the sense of smell, sight, touch, taste,
and/or sound. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a sensory interactable
element may be illuminatable (e.g., provides a light when
activated). In another nonlimiting embodiment, a sensory
interactable element may be auditorily activatable (e.g., provides
a sound or noise when activated). In another nonlimiting
embodiment, a sensory interactable element may be odoriferously
activatable (e.g., provides a smell or odor when activated).
[0027] "Illuminatable sensory interactable element" or
"illuminatable device" or "illuminatable element", as used herein,
refers to an element or device that may be disposed on a substrate
emit or radiate light over any range of the visible spectrum.
Exemplary illuminatable sensory interactable elements include
electroluminescent elements, LEDs (including organic LEDs),
incandescent elements, chemiluminescent elements,
cathodoluminescent elements, triboluminescent elements,
photoluminescent elements, and phosphorescent elements, and
combinations thereof. In one nonlimiting embodiment of the present
invention, an illuminatable sensory interactable element comprises
an electroluminescent element. Illuminatable sensory interactable
elements may be configured to form letters, words, shapes,
animations and combinations thereof. One of skill in the art may
appreciate that an electroluminescent element may provide the
benefits of relatively low energy consumption, relatively little
generation of thermal energy, capable of being printed onto a
substrate, may provide easily changeable and relatively
free-flowing illuminatable areas, and may be powered by a power
supply that provides an electric field or from a power supply that
is directly coupled to the control system. One of skill in the art
will appreciate that other illuminatable elements such as organic
LEDs or inorganic LEDs, may also be powered in a similar manner.
Exemplary electroluminescent element devices are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,361,885, 6,759,146, 7,345,301, 7,227,313, 6,740,429,
and 6,767,654. An electroluminescent device may be any color or
shape that is suitable for the desired application.
[0028] In one nonlimiting embodiment, a plurality of illuminatable
sensory interactable elements may be used in combination. For
example, the plurality of illuminatable elements may be coordinated
to illuminate sequentially, in unison, intermittently, or randomly
to form an animation. For example, a plurality of illuminatable
elements may be disposed on a package or container to simulate a
number of lights dispersed on a wreath or tree. Alternatively, a
number of illuminatable elements may be disposed on a package or
container to simulate an animated light board or marquee. In
another nonlimiting embodiment, an illuminatable element may be
used to provide a light source on a package or container. For
example, an illuminatable element may be disposed on, or near, an
opening of a package or container to assist a consumer who may be
attempting to access the product in the dark, similar to a night
light. Such an embodiment may be contemplated to be particularly
useful for a box of facial tissues or for a box of wipes.
[0029] "Odoriferously interactable", as used herein, refers to the
quality of an element or device that may emit a scent upon
activation. Exemplary odoriferously activatable devices are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,903,710 and 4,931,224.
[0030] "Auditorily interactable", as used herein, refers to the
quality of an element or device that may emit a sound upon
activation. Exemplary auditorily activatable devices are described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,441,921, 5,063,698, and 6,260,703.
[0031] Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that
consumers may prefer to have a more than one sensory interactable
feature on the package or container. For example, a container may
have a plurality of electroluminescent devices configured to
simulate a rainbow and the container may further comprise an
auditorily interactable element that plays Arlen and Harburg's
"Over the Rainbow." Alternatively, a container may have a plurality
of electroluminescent devices configured to simulate apples on an
apple tree and the package may further comprise an odoriferously
interactable element that releases a simulated apple pie scent upon
use. An example of a device combining an odoriferously interactable
element with an illuminatable sensory interactable element is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,559.
Electronic Devices
[0032] In a first nonlimiting embodiment, an electronic device such
as a sensory interactable element and/or control system may be
provided by using printing technology to dispose conductive,
printed electronic circuits onto the outer, or inner, surface of a
container, base, or any other desired unit. For example, a sensory
activatable element and/or control system may be printed onto a
substrate, such as a card, which may be adhesively or mechanically
affixed onto a container, base, or other unit.
[0033] Without wishing to be limited by theory, an electronic
device may be printed by applying conductive inks through screen
printing, gravure printing, ink jet printing, flexographic
printing, or any other printing method familiar to those skilled in
the printing art, onto the surface of the container. In one
nonlimiting embodiment, a plurality of different printing methods
may be used to apply the ink to the surface being printed on. It
has been found that a non-trivial amount of space and money may be
saved by using printed electronic circuits instead of using
individually manufactured components such as resistors, light
bulbs, capacitors, and the like. An exemplary printed electronic
circuit is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,980,196.
Base
[0034] A base of the present invention may act as a foundation or
support surface/structure for a container of the present invention.
In one nonlimiting embodiment, the base may comprise an orifice or
other opening with which to provide mating engagement with the
container. In another nonlimiting embodiment, a container may
simply come into contact with the base. In yet another nonlimiting
embodiment, components of the base may be in electrical
communication with components of the container without having the
base and container come into direct physical contact.
[0035] A base may provide additional functionality to the overall
product package assembly. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a base may
contain elements or devices which may provide a source of power
(e.g., a power supply, electric field, etc.) to the packaging
assembly in order to activate and/or control sensory interactable
elements and/or a controller. In one embodiment, the base may
comprise any necessary circuitry and/or componentry to accept power
from a wall outlet. In another nonlimiting embodiment, the base may
contain any necessary circuitry and/or componentry to accept power
from a battery or from a photocell or other device.
[0036] In another nonlimiting embodiment, the base may comprise a
control unit. For example, the base may have a control system
integrated therein where the control system comprises an output
which may control some additional feature (such as a sensory
activatable element) that may be incorporated in the base, on the
container, electrically coupled to the container, or in some other
part of the assembly, such as a container.
[0037] While the embodiments described supra indicate that the base
may act as a foundation or support unit for a package of the
assembly, it is contemplated that the base does not necessarily
have to directly support the container (e.g., fit underneath the
container), but may operate with the assembly in any configuration
with, or while proximate to, the package or container. An exemplary
nonlimiting embodiment is a base comprising a device capable of
providing an electric field and/or a magnetic field. An exemplary
container may comprise a sensory interactable element, such as an
electroluminescent device, which is activated by an electric field
proximate thereto. In another nonlimiting embodiment, an exemplary
container comprises a sensory interactable element, power supply,
and control system which may be activated when placed proximate to
a magnet, the magnet providing a magnetic field which then
completes a circuit between the sensory interactable element, power
supply, and control system.
Container
[0038] The container may be designed such that it is removably
attachable to the base. Nonlimiting examples of a container
according to the present invention may include: a box, holder,
vessel, envelope, carton, overwrap, outer covering, and
combinations thereof that may be used to contain, store, secure,
stock, and combinations thereof any product that the consumer may
desire. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the product may be selected
from the group consisting of paper products, feminine care
products, wipes, paper towel products, bathroom tissue products,
napkins, baby care products, facial tissue products, and
combinations thereof. One of skill in the art will appreciate that
any product, and not only the ones listed, may be used in the
present invention packaging assembly. A container may comprise one
or more openings for a consumer to access a product stored
therein.
[0039] In another nonlimiting embodiment, the container further
comprises additional elements of the packaging assembly. For
example, a container may comprise a power supply, control system,
sensory interactable element, and combinations thereof. In one
nonlimiting embodiment, the container may comprise the circuitry
and/or wiring and/or componentry to accept power from a power
supply. In another example, the container may contain the circuitry
and/or wiring and/or componentry to provide electrical
communication between a control system and a sensory interactable
element.
[0040] In another nonlimiting embodiment, the container may
comprise a control system. In the exemplary embodiment, the
container may have a control system integrated therein wherein the
control system comprises an output. The control system may control
some additional feature, such as a sensory activatable element,
that may be incorporated in the container, or in some other part of
the packaging assembly, such as a base. The control system may be
adapted to receive electrical, or some other, power from a power
supply.
[0041] A container may further comprise a sensory interactable
element as described supra. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the
sensory interactable element is illuminatable as described supra.
In another nonlimiting embodiment, a plurality of illuminatable
sensory interactable elements may be used in combination. For
example, all of the illuminatable elements may illuminate in
unison, or may illuminate intermittently to form an animated image.
Such an animated image may be controlled using a control system as
described infra. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a control system
may control a plurality of sensory interactable elements. For
example, a plurality of illuminatable elements may be disposed on a
package or container to simulate a number of lights on a wreath or
tree. Alternatively, a number of illuminatable elements may be
disposed on a package or container to simulate an animated light
board or marquee. In another nonlimiting embodiment, an
illuminatable element may be used to provide a light source on a
package or container. For example, an illuminatable element may be
disposed on, or near, an opening of a package or container to act
as a "night light" and assist a consumer who may be attempting to
access the product in the dark. Such an embodiment is contemplated
to be particularly useful for a box of facial tissues or for a box
of wipes.
[0042] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the sensory interactable
element may be integrated directly into the container. For example,
the sensory interactable element may be adhered directly to the
surface of the container. In another nonlimiting embodiment, the
sensory interactable element may be printed onto the surface of the
container (i.e., using an electroluminescent ink) as described
supra.
[0043] The container may be of any shape that is suitable for the
desired application. For example, the container may have a
cylindrical shape wherein base is circular or oblong.
Alternatively, the base may be any polygon, such as a square,
hexagon, octagon, triangle, and combinations thereof.
Control System
[0044] In one nonlimiting embodiment the purpose of the control
system may be to convert power from the power supply into an
appropriate form for providing electrical communication to a
sensory interactable element. For example, an embodiment in which
the sensory interactable element comprises an electroluminescent
material may require an alternating current to illuminate. In this
example, the control system may convert the power from the power
supply to an alternating current. Such control systems are known to
those of skill in the electrical art. In another nonlimiting
embodiment, it may be preferred to provide electrical communication
between the control system and the sensory interactable element via
induction. One of skill in the art will appreciate that electrical
communication provided via induction may preclude the use of a
direct mechanical interconnection between the control system and
the sensory interactable element. In this case, the control system
would have to convert the power from the power supply into an
electromagnetic field to interact with a parasitic inductor, such
as a sensorial element.
[0045] The control system can also provide the function of
"sequencing" the sensorial elements to, for example, create an
illuminated animation on the package. In this case, the power from
the power supply may be converted to the appropriate form and then
be turned "on" and "off" in some desired timed sequence to provide
the animated effect. Other sensorial effects such as sound and
smell could also be controlled by the control system.
[0046] In one nonlimiting embodiment, the control system may be
provided by printing conductive inks onto a container or some other
substrate in a form that complements the sensory interactable
elements. For example, the control system may be printed on the
outer surface of a container such that the overall ink pattern
(both conductive and non-conductive ink) may take the appearance of
a wreath. A plurality of illuminatable sensory interactable
elements, such as electroluminescent devices, may be also printed
to provide the appearance of a number of lights on the wreath.
Thus, the overall image on the outer surface of the container is
one of a wreath with lights, wherein at least portions of the
printed wreath actually function as the control system which may
control the sequence and/or timing of the illumination of the
electroluminescent devices.
Power Supply
[0047] Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that
a power supply may be used to provide the control system and
sensory interactable elements with power for them to operate. It is
thought that the control system may receive power from the power
supply in any number of ways. One example of a method of
transferring power from the power supply to the control system is
through a direct, conductive contact. This may be in the form of a
plug and receptacle if, for example, the system requires that the
power supply and control system be assembled or disassembled for
use. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the power from the
power supply may be transferred to the control system by inductive
means, such as using electrical or magnetic fields, thereby
eliminating the requirement of directly connecting the two.
[0048] In a nonlimiting embodiment of the present invention
packaging assembly, a power supply may provide power either
directly or inductively. In one embodiment, a power supply may be
directly electrically connected with the control system. In another
nonlimiting embodiment, a power supply generates an electric field
and/or a magnetic field which inductively activates the control
system and/or sensory interactable element. A power supply may be
selected from the group consisting of: a direct wall outlet,
batteries, photocells, solar cells, fuel cells, linear power
supplies, switching power supplies, or any other power source known
to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof. In a
specific, but nonlimiting, embodiment, power may supplied by one or
more battery which may be integrated into the base of the present
invention packaging assembly.
Sensory Interactable Consumer Product Package
[0049] FIG. 1A provides an exemplary nonlimiting embodiment of a
packaging assembly having a sensory interactable element
("assembly") 10 of the present invention. In the nonlimiting
exemplary embodiment, the assembly 10 comprises a base 20, a
container 30, a control system 32, and a power supply 25. The
container 30 may be designed such that it is removably attachable
to the base. The assembly 10 further comprises an animation 40
disposed on the outer surface 33 of the container 30. In the
exemplary embodiment, the animation 40 further comprises a
plurality of individual sensory interactable elements ("elements")
42 which are individually or collectively illuminatable. The
assembly optionally comprises a plurality of product 35.
[0050] The elements 42 may be configured in any arrangement that
may be suitable for the desired application. In the exemplary
embodiment, the elements 42 are configured to simulate rays of
sunlight. Similarly, the control system 32 may be provided as a
discrete unit in, or on, the container 30 as exemplified in FIG.
1A. The base 20 may comprise a power supply 25 which provides an
electric or magnetic field. The field can then be inductively
coupled to the control system 32 disposed upon the outer surface 33
of the container 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the power supply
25 and control system 32 may be in electrical communication when
the base 20 and container 30 are in direct physical contact or when
the base 20 is proximate to, but not necessarily in direct physical
contact with, the container 30.
[0051] The control system further comprises an output which can
cause the elements 42 to be illuminated, or otherwise activated.
The control system 32 may be programmed to cause the individual
elements 42 to illuminate in a coordinated fashion so as to create
an animated-appearing image. For example, in the exemplary
embodiment, the control system 32 may be programmed so as to cause
the elements 42 to illuminate from the center of the pattern
outwards--thus creating an effect in the overall animation 40 that
the sun is radiating light outwards. An alternative exemplary
embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B wherein the control system 32 may be
provided as at least a portion of an element of the animation 40.
In the exemplary embodiment the control system 32 is printed onto
the outer surface 33 of the container 30 to simulate a waterfall,
and the elements 42 simulate the spray at the bottom of the
waterfall. As is exemplified in the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the
elements 42 do not necessarily have to be the same shape or
color.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment of an assembly
10. In the exemplary embodiment, the assembly 10 comprises a base
20 and a container 30. The assembly 10 further comprises an
animation 40 formed from a plurality of elements 42 and the
container 30 may be provided with a plurality of consumer product
35. The packaging assembly 10 further comprises a control system 32
(FIG. 4), and a power supply 25 (FIG. 4) which are integrated into
the bodies of the container and base, respectively.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 2
taken along the line 3-3. The control system 32 and power supply 32
are shown as being integrated into the inner surface of the
container 30 and the body of the base 20, respectively.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the assembly 10 wherein
the container 30 further comprises a first conductive unit 31 in
electrical communication with the power supply 25, control system
32 and/or sensory interactable elements 42. In the exemplary
embodiment, the base 20 may further comprise a second conductive
unit 21 in electrical communication with the control system 32,
power supply 25 and/or elements 42. In this embodiment, a circuit
is completed when the first and second conductive units 31, 21 are
brought into physical contact, thus providing power to the
animation 40.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the assembly 10
wherein the container 30 comprises plurality of elements 42, a
power supply 25, and control system 32, and optionally product 35.
The elements form an animation 40. The base 20 comprises a magnet
70 wherein the magnet 70 completes an electrical circuit between
the power supply 25 and control system 32 when the container 30 is
proximate to the base 20. Upon completion of the circuit, the
elements 42 may be activated.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the assembly 10
wherein the base 60 of the container 30 is oblong.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention assembly
10 wherein the base 20 is a retail product shelf. In the exemplary
embodiment a power supply 25 may be integrated into a retail
product shelf which may serve as a base 20. The containers 30 may
then be active while on display in a retail location. Without
wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that an advantage of
using a retail product shelf as a base is that replacement
containers 30 may be sold separately from a unit containing an
individual base 20 (as shown in FIGS. 1-6), but wherein the
replacement containers 30 may still demonstrate their functionality
to the consumers while in a retail location. Further, a plurality
of individual containers 30 may be configured in a retail location
to form a larger animation 40.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment of an assembly
10 which comprises a base 20 and a container 30. The assembly 10
further comprises an animation 40 formed from a plurality of
elements 42 and the container 30 may be provided with a plurality
of consumer product 35. The packaging assembly 10 further comprises
a control system 32 (FIG. 9) and a power supply 25 (FIG. 9) which
are integrated into the body of the base. In an alternative
embodiment, the power supply 25 and/or control system 32 may be
disposed on any suitable surface of, or area within, the base.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 2
taken along the line 3-3. The control system 32 and power supply 32
are shown as being integrated into the inner surface of the
container 30 and the body of the base 20, respectively.
[0060] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0061] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0062] 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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