U.S. patent application number 12/343079 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for packaging system having an audio device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Paula Mary Sosalla.
Application Number | 20100155269 12/343079 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42264471 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100155269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sosalla; Paula Mary |
June 24, 2010 |
PACKAGING SYSTEM HAVING AN AUDIO DEVICE
Abstract
A packaging system for a consumer product includes a container
having an interior space for holding the consumer product therein
and an audio device having a prerecorded verbal message that is
related to the consumer product.
Inventors: |
Sosalla; Paula Mary;
(Appleton, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Christopher M. Goff (27839);ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
Neenah
WI
|
Family ID: |
42264471 |
Appl. No.: |
12/343079 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 79/00 20130101;
B65D 2203/12 20130101; G09B 19/0076 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 79/00 20060101
B65D079/00 |
Claims
1. A packaging system for a consumer product comprising a container
having an interior space for holding the consumer product therein
and an audio device having a prerecorded verbal message that is
related to the consumer product.
2. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 wherein the container
includes a bottom unit and a cover, the audio device being disposed
in the bottom unit and operatively connected to the cover such that
movement of the cover relative to the bottom unit activates the
audio device.
3. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 wherein the audio
device includes a push button actuator switch for causing the audio
device to play the prerecorded verbal message.
4. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 wherein a song is
prerecorded on the audio device.
5. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 wherein the
prerecorded verbal message comprises instructions on using the
consumer product.
6. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 wherein the
prerecorded verbal message comprises at least one warning related
to the consumer product.
7. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 in combination with
one or more personal care products.
8. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein the personal care
products are a plurality of absorbent articles.
9. The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein the plurality of
absorbent articles is a plurality of training pants.
10. The packaging system set forth in claim 1 in combination with
one or more food products.
11. A packaging system for a plurality of absorbent articles
comprising: a container having a bottom unit and a cover, the cover
and bottom unit cooperatively defining an interior space, the cover
being moveable relative to the bottom unit for gaining access to
the interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed
within the interior space of the container; and an audio device
operatively connected to the cover so that movement of the cover
relative to the bottom unit to gain access to the interior space of
the container activates the audio device.
12. The packaging system set forth in claim 11 wherein the
plurality of absorbent articles comprises a plurality of training
pants.
13. The packaging system set forth in claim 11 wherein the audio
device is prerecorded with information relating to potty training a
young child.
14. The packaging system set forth in claim 13 wherein the audio
device is prerecorded with instructions to the caregiver.
15. The packaging system set forth in claim 13 wherein the audio
device is prerecorded with a message directed to the wearer.
16. The packaging system set forth in claim 12 wherein the audio
device is programmed with music.
17. The packaging system set forth in claim 16 wherein at least one
of the training pants include an audio device that is activated
when an insult occurs.
18. The packaging system set forth in claim 12 wherein the training
pants are free of audio devices.
19. A packaging system for holding a food item comprises a
container having a bottom unit and a cover, the bottom unit
collectively defining an interior space for receiving the food
therein, and an audio device having a prerecorded message.
20. The packaging system set forth in claim 19 wherein the audio
device has a prerecorded message with information related to the
food disposed within the interior space.
21. The packaging system set forth in claim 19 wherein the audio
device has a prerecorded message with information unrelated to the
food disposed within the interior space.
22. A method of potty training a child, the method comprising:
obtaining a training pants from a container having an audio device,
the audio device being adapted for emitting a prerecorded message
stored thereon, the message being directed to potty training; and
playing the message stored on the audio device.
23. The method set forth in claim 22 wherein playing the message
comprises playing a message with instructions for the child.
24. The method set forth in claim 22 wherein playing the message
comprises playing a message with instructions for a caregiver of
the child.
25. The method set forth in claim 22 wherein playing the message
comprises playing a message that encourages the child.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of this invention relates generally to packaging
systems for consumer goods and in particular to packaging systems
for consumer goods having an audio device programmed to emit a
message.
[0002] Consumer products are often transported, stored, displayed
by a retailer, and purchased by a consumer while packaged in a
packaging system. Along with a container to hold the consumer
product or products, packaging systems often include written
literature related to the product (e.g., instructions, owner's
manual, product registration card, etc.). However, this information
is often ignored by the consumer. In some instances, the written
information is discarded with the container upon removal of the
consumer product from the container. This is often the case when
the written information is provided directly on the container. In
other instances, the written information, when provided separate
from the container, is often set aside or misplaced by the
consumer.
[0003] For consumer products, such as those geared toward young
children, the consumer is unable to read the written information.
Disposable absorbent training pants, which are useful in toilet (or
potty) training children, are one example of a consumer product
directed to young children. Training pants provide a child
undergoing toilet training with an undergarment that eases the
transition from diapers to washable, cloth underwear as they become
more confident in their ability to use the toilet independently.
Typically, disposable absorbent training pants are similar to
washable, cloth underwear in the manner in which they are put on
and worn, yet provide an absorbent function similar to diapers to
maintain skin health and prevent leakage. More specifically,
conventional training pants include an absorbent body disposed
between an inner layer adapted for contacting the wearer's skin and
an outer layer for inhibiting liquid waste absorbed by the
absorbent body from leaking out of the pants. The inner layer of
the training pants is typically liquid permeable to permit body
waste to pass therethrough for absorption by the absorbent
body.
[0004] The toilet training process is usually a frustrating
experience for both the caregiver and the child (or wearer). This
process can be much less frustrating when both the caregiver and
child are informed about the toilet training process and how to go
about it. It would also be less frustrating if it can be made more
fun for the young child. Thus, there is a need for a packaging
system that is able to inform both the caregiver and child about
the toilet training process while making the process more fun for
the child.
[0005] It is understood that the need for more suitable packaging
systems extends beyond those for training pants and that packaging
systems for many other consumer products suffer from similar
shortcomings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In one aspect, a packaging system for a consumer product
generally comprises a container having an interior space for
holding the consumer product therein and an audio device having a
prerecorded verbal message that is related to the consumer
product.
[0007] In another aspect, a packaging system for a plurality of
absorbent articles generally comprises a container having a bottom
unit and a cover. The cover and bottom unit cooperatively define an
interior space. The cover is moveable relative to the bottom unit
for gaining access to the interior space. A plurality of absorbent
articles is disposed within the interior space of the container. An
audio device is operatively connected to the cover so that movement
of the cover relative to the bottom unit to gain access to the
interior space of the container activates the audio device.
[0008] In yet another aspect, a packaging system for holding a food
item generally comprises a container having a bottom unit and a
cover. The bottom unit collectively defines an interior space for
receiving the food therein. The packaging system also includes an
audio device having a prerecorded message.
[0009] In still another aspect, a method of potty training a child
generally comprises obtaining a training pants from a container
having an audio device. The audio device is adapted for emitting a
prerecorded message that is directed to potty training. The message
stored on the audio device is played.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a partially-cutaway perspective view of one
embodiment of a packaging system for personal care products wherein
the packaging system includes a storage bin with a bottom unit and
a cover.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging system of FIG.
1 with the cover removed from the bottom unit.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
packaging system wherein the packaging system includes a container
for receiving a food product.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging system of FIG.
3 with a cover of the container opened and showing the food product
therein.
[0014] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a packaging system 100 of a
first embodiment includes a storage bin 110 (broadly, a
"container") having a bottom unit 115 and a cover 120 (broadly, a
"closure"). The cover 120 can be formed integrally with the storage
bin bottom unit 115 or can be formed separately. In other words,
the cover 120 can either be partially (e.g., living hinge,
mechanical hinge) or completely removable from the storage bin
bottom unit 115, and can be capable of being reattached to or
re-set upon the storage bin bottom unit to close the storage bin
110. The cover 120 can be a separate piece that is attached to the
storage bin 110 with a tab-and-slot mechanism that forms a usable,
flip-top opening and closing lid. In another embodiment, a flip-top
cover can be a component of the storage bin bottom unit 115 and can
form a usable, flip-top opening and closing lid employing a scored,
folded hinge. In yet another embodiment, the cover 120 can be in
the form of single or multiple flaps. The illustrated storage bin
110 is a generally rectangular box but can be formed in any
suitable shape, e.g., an oval, a hemisphere, a triangle, a
square.
[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage bin bottom unit
115 and cover 120 together define an interior space 125 of the
storage bin 110. In one suitable embodiment, the interior space 125
of the storage bin 110 can contain one or more consumer products
for transport, retail sale, and home use. In one particularly
suitable embodiment, the consumer product can be a plurality of
personal care products, for instance, a moist or dry wipe, a
toiletry, or an absorbent article such as a diaper, a training
pant, an incontinence product, a feminine hygiene product, a
medical garment, a bandage, or the like. Often personal care
products are disposable, meaning that they are designed to be
discarded after a limited use rather than being laundered or
otherwise restored for reuse. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
interior space 125 of the storage bin 110 is seen containing a
plurality of disposable training pants 200, each being in a folded
configuration. It is understood that any suitable consumer product
can be placed into the interior space 125 of the storage bin 110
for transport, retail sale, and home use.
[0017] In one suitable embodiment, the packaging system 100 is
adapted to be reused and/or recycled. In one example, the interior
space 125 of the storage bin 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can
be restocked with a new supply of training pants 200. In another
example, the interior space 125 of the storage bin 110 can be used
to store other items, e.g., toys, clothes, books, or the like. In
other words, the illustrated storage bin 110 can be restocked with
the original consumer product or can be used to store different
items.
[0018] As seen in FIG. 1, the training pants 200 can be contained
within one or more inner packages 160. Such inner packages 160 can
provide compression, containment, environmental protection, and/or
organization. In one embodiment, the inner package 160 is a
flexible consumer package, which refers to non-rigid containers
such as polyethylene bags, which are adapted to contain personal
care products and are adapted to be presented to a consumer. In
other embodiments, the inner package 160 is manufactured from
standard poly film, paper, woven or nonwoven fabric, or from any
other suitable material or combination of materials and in any
suitable manner. The training pants 200 can be removed from the
inner package 160 making them easier to access by either the
caregiver or the wearer as seen in FIG. 2. It is also contemplated
that the inner packages 160 can be omitted. In this embodiment, the
training pants 200 can be placed directly into the interior space
125 of the storage bin.
[0019] The interior space 125 of the storage bin 110 can include
dividers or other structure (not shown) suitable for breaking up
the interior space 125 into smaller portions. The cover 120 of the
storage bin 110 can also be configured such that it is a drawer
that is slidably inserted into the interior space 125 of the
storage bin 110. Positioning the storage bin 110 such that the
storage bin opening is on a side of the storage bin 110 enhances
the use of the drawer and the appearance of the storage bin 110 as
a dresser. In this aspect, the drawer can include dividers or other
structure suitable for breaking up the drawer into smaller
portions. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the
interior space 125 of the storage bin 110 can include different
consumer products, which may or may not be related.
[0020] The storage bin 110 can be manufactured from any suitable
material including corrugated cardboard, injection-molded or other
plastic, film material, wood, woven or nonwoven fabrics, or a
combination of these. As a result, the storage bin 110 can be rigid
or flexible. The entire storage bin 110 or portions thereof can be
opaque, translucent, or generally transparent, and can be of any
suitable color. In one example, the storage bin 110 can be
manufactured from corrugated cardboard sturdy enough to support
reuse of the storage bin 110 by the consumer. In one suitable
embodiment, the storage bin 110 is made from containerboard.
Containerboard has two main components: a linerboard and a medium.
The linerboard is a flat facing or liner and is adhered to the
medium. The medium is corrugated or fluted paper glued between at
least two linerboard facings. The linerboard can be single face,
single wall, double wall, or triple wall. Flutes come in several
common sizes or profiles ranging from size A (33 flutes/foot) to
size F (125 flutes/foot). Smaller flute profiles provide enhanced
structural and graphics capability for primary and retail
packaging, while larger flute profiles provide greater vertical
compression strength and cushioning. Different flute profiles can
be combined in one piece of combined board. Mixing flute profiles
allows designers to manipulate the compression strength and total
thickness of the combined board.
[0021] A flat piece of containerboard that has been cut, slotted,
and scored is called a box blank. For some box styles, in order to
make a box, the ends of the box blank must be fastened together
with glue, tape, staples, or other suitable fasteners. The location
where the ends meet is known as a manufacturer's joint. For the
illustrated storage bin 110, a manufacturer's joint is located on
the inside of the storage bin. This is done for both aesthetics and
safety reasons. Also, for the storage bin 110 and cover 120 in
general, it is desired to use glue versus taped or stapled.
Suitable glues include starch-based adhesives that are available in
several levels of water resistance.
[0022] In one embodiment, the cover 120 can include a latching
element (not shown) to allow the cover to be positively attached to
the storage bin bottom unit 115. The latching element can be any
suitable mechanism, including adhesives, rigid or flexible tabs
that engage a slot or other device, elements to allow the cover 120
to be snapped onto the storage bin bottom unit 115, a simple
friction fit, hardware such as hinges and hasps, or any combination
of these. The cover 120 can have an indentation sized to the
outline of the lower face 130 of another storage bin 110 to assist
in positioning and to provide stability while stacking storage bins
110.
[0023] The packaging system 100 includes product-identifying
graphics 195, such as, the type or types of personal care products
disposed in the interior space 125 (e.g., training pants 200) of
the storage bin 110, the size or sizes of personal care products
disposed in the interior space, and the count, amount, or volume of
personal care products disposed in the interior space 125.
Product-identifying graphics 195 can also include the name of the
manufacturer, trademarks, customer service information,
instructions, patent markings, and any other information typically
disposed on a package of personal care products or other consumer
product.
[0024] Further, to enhance the caregiver's and wearer's interest in
reusing the storage bin 110, the storage bin can also include
non-product-identifying graphics 190. The non-product-identifying
graphics 190 can include designs, patterns, characters, or any
other suitable graphic elements, including those that might be
attractive to a child or other users of the storage bin 110. For
example, the non-product-identifying graphics 190 can include
depictions of a popular cartoon character as well as depictions of
items and/or colors associated with that character. The
non-product-identifying graphics 190 on the storage bin 110 can be
registered in relation to the storage bin bottom unit 115. The
non-product-identifying graphics 190 on the storage bin 110 can
include graphic elements such as labels, hinges, hasps, locks, and
other elements to enhance the look of the storage bin 110. The
non-product-identifying graphics 190 can further, or alternatively,
include textured elements such as those that can be supplied by
embossing. Non-product-identifying graphics 190 can also be applied
or otherwise disposed within the interior space 125 of the storage
bin 110 (i.e., disposed on the inner surfaces of the storage
bin).
[0025] Still further, the non-product-identifying graphics 190 can
include graphic elements designed to make the storage bin 110
resemble a household item, including a household storage item such
as a chest, a dresser, a cabinet, a toy box, a toy, a wardrobe, a
trunk, a jewelry box, or a similar item. For example, the addition
of real or graphic hinges and pulls and coordinating graphics can
make the storage bin 110 resemble such a household storage item. In
one embodiment, the storage bin 110 can include one or more
attachments or accessories to enhance the resemblance of the
storage bin to a household item, including simulated feet, handles,
or backs. Such attachments or accessories can be attached to the
storage bin 110 or included within the storage bin 110 by the
manufacturer, or may be provided to the consumer by any suitable
means for further assembly by the consumer.
[0026] The storage bin 110 can include a label 180 for allowing the
consumer to label the storage bin 110 with a child's name, the
contents of the storage bin, or other desired or identifying
information. The label 180 can be positioned on any face or surface
of the storage bin 110.
[0027] The packaging system 100 can also include an enclosure that
partially or completely envelops the storage bin 110. The enclosure
can assist in ensuring the cover 120 stays in place atop the
storage bin bottom unit 115 through shipping and retail handling.
The enclosure can also provide space on which to provide product,
brand, shipping, and other labeling information. The enclosure can
provide environmental protection to shield the storage bin 110 from
dust, dirt, water, and other hazards that might otherwise adversely
affect the appearance, performance, and value of the storage bin
110 and the products within.
[0028] In one suitable embodiment, the bin enclosure is an overwrap
175 that surrounds all or part of the storage bin 110. In general,
the overwrap 175 encloses the storage bin 110 to provide a means of
keeping the cover 120 in place atop the storage bin bottom unit
115, an additional surface on which to provide product, brand,
shipping, and other labeling information, and environmental
protection of the storage bin 110 and its contents. The overwrap
175 can be manufactured from poly film, polarizing film, woven or
nonwoven fabric, or any other suitable material or combination of
materials. The overwrap 175 is wrapped around the storage bin 110
and then attached to itself and/or the storage bin 110 using heat,
shrinking, adhesives, tabs, or any other suitable mechanisms.
[0029] The packaging system 100 can include a sleeve 170 that
surrounds all or part of the vertical perimeter of the storage bin
110. In general, the sleeve encircles the storage bin 110 to
provide both a means of keeping the cover 120 in place atop the
storage bin bottom unit 115 and an additional surface to provide
product, brand, shipping, and other labeling information. The
sleeve 170 has a bin-facing side and an outward-facing side. The
sleeve 170 can be manufactured from paperboard, poly film, woven or
nonwoven fabric, or any other suitable material or combination of
materials. The sleeve 170 is wrapped around the storage bin 110 and
then attached to itself and/or the storage bin 110 using adhesives,
tabs, or any other suitable mechanisms. The sleeve 170 can be
centered on the storage bin 110 (as illustrated) or can be offset
toward one side of the storage bin 110.
[0030] In some embodiments the packaging system 100 can include
both a sleeve 170 and an overwrap 175. The sleeve 170 is typically
placed directly on the storage bin 110 as a means of keeping the
cover 120 in place atop the storage bin bottom unit 115. The
overwrap 175 is then placed to enclose both the storage bin 110 and
the sleeve 170 as environmental protection of the storage bin 110
and its contents. Either or both of the sleeve 170 and the overwrap
175 can be used as a surface to provide product-identifying
graphics 195 including product, brand, and other labeling
information. The sleeve 170 and/or the overwrap 175 of the
packaging system can include indicia indicating one or more
secondary uses of the storage bin 110. It is understood, however,
that either or both of the sleeve 170 and the overwrap 175 can be
omitted from the packaging system 100.
[0031] The storage bin 110 can also include at least one hand-hold
155 adapted to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand to
facilitate grasping the storage bin 110 such as for lifting the
storage bin. The hand-hold 155 can be positioned on any side, on
the lower face 130, or on the cover 120. The storage bin 110 can
alternatively include a plurality of hand-holds 155 positioned on
any or all of those locations. In one suitable embodiment, the
hand-hold 155 is defined by a hole formed in the storage bin 110.
The hand-hold 155 can also be a handle or any other suitable device
that can affixed to the storage bin 110 and is adapted for grasping
such as for lifting the storage bin 110.
[0032] The storage bin 110 can be used as a training aid in the
toilet training process. Children are aware that their clothing is
kept in dresser drawers, in a closet, etc. Choosing what they want
to wear and trying to dress themselves is one of the first steps to
becoming a "big kid" and it is a step that children find fun and
exciting. At the same time, choosing clothing is a real step
towards autonomy for them. Keeping the child's training pants 200
in the child's own special place, such as a drawer, puts more focus
on the product as more underwear-like, and less like a diaper,
because diapers are for babies and are kept in a bag or in a stack
on the changing table.
[0033] The practice of keeping training pants 200 in the child's
own drawer, for example, meets many of the criteria for a
successful training aid. It is motivational for the child. It
teaches that absorbent articles designed for training are more like
clothing/underwear than like a diaper. It makes the child feel
special because the drawer is their possession. It makes the child
feel grown-up because they can open and close the storage
themselves, and can even have their name on it. It can even
precipitate the move into real, cloth underwear by eventually
keeping some cloth underwear in "their drawer" in addition to their
training pants 200 to wear during the day or whenever they feel
like trying real underwear. In addition, graphic design features
that aid in toilet training, e.g., a progress chart or other type
of reward chart, can be provided on the storage bin 110.
[0034] The packaging system 100 can also include one or more
informational items meant to instruct a caregiver with respect to
the approaches and benefits described above. The informational item
can describe the philosophy behind treating the storage bin 110 as
the child's own possession (e.g., their drawer) and in instructing
the child to take ownership of the storage bin 110 and the
absorbent articles within it. The informational item can also
include information with respect to other tips and approaches to
successful toilet training including information regarding
appropriate responses to an insult incident. Appropriate responses
to an insult incident can include discussing the physical
sensations with the wearer; informing the wearer with respect to
the relation between the physical sensations and the imminence of
the insult; taking the wearer to a bathroom; positioning the wearer
on a toilet; encouraging the wearer to produce an insult;
recognizing positive actions by the wearer; and recognizing toilet
training progress by the wearer.
[0035] In other embodiments, the packaging system 100 can include
other informational items such as instructions in the use of the
product and tips for toilet training, enuresis control, or
incontinence control. As used herein, the term "informational item"
refers to objects that are provided in addition to training pants
200, are adapted to communicate information to the user and/or
consumer of the training pants, and are associated with individual
components of the packaging system 100. Examples of informational
items include cards, paper, electronic media, printing on the
packaging, or other suitable media capable of storing and conveying
information. In another aspect of the present application, an
informational item can be incorporated into the
non-product-identifying graphics 190. For example, if the
non-product-identifying graphics 190 include a car, a progress
chart in the form of a racetrack can be incorporated into the
non-product-identifying graphics 190.
[0036] In one particularly suitable embodiment, information
relating to the use of the product and tips for toilet training,
enuresis control, or incontinence control can be auditorily
conveyed to the caregiver and/or the user of the training pants 200
via an audio device 300 (FIG. 2). In one suitable embodiment, the
audio device 300 can include prerecorded verbal messages for the
caregiver with instructions, guidance, and information with respect
to potty training a young child. The caregiver can be instructed to
respond to an insult while the insult is occurring or as soon as
possible thereafter. For example, the caregiver may be instructed
to discuss the physical sensations sensed by the wearer before the
insult occurs, while the insult is occurring, and after the insult
has occurred, such physical sensations include sensations of
pressure, temperature, wetness, and any other appropriate
sensations. The caregiver and wearer may also be auditorily
instructed to discuss the relation between the physical sensations
and the imminence of the insult. For example, the caregiver may be
instructed to point out the sensations experienced by the wearer
just before the insult (i.e., the feeling of a full bladder) and
help the wearer associate those sensations with the imminence of an
insult.
[0037] The audio device 300 can also include verbal messages
reminding the caregiver to take the wearer to a bathroom and by
discussing the relationship between an insult and the bathroom. The
caregiver may be further instructed to place the wearer on the
toilet or other suitable receptacle (e.g., a potty chair) and to
encourage the wearer to produce an insult while positioned on the
toilet. The audio device 300 may also provide an auditory reminder
the caregiver to complete the progress chart and acknowledge that
the wearer is becoming a "big kid" when the wearer successfully
uses the toilet.
[0038] The audio device 300 can also contain verbal messages
directed to the wearer. For example, the message may remind the
wearer to use the bathroom frequently, to keep his training pants
dry, or to wash his/her hands after using the toilet. The audio
message can also provide encouragement to the wearer. For example,
encouraging audio messages may be "Great job keeping your training
pants dry"; "Good work potty training" and/or "You're a big kid
now". The message can also be audio reminders for the wearer, such
as, "Did you remember to wash your hands?" and/or "Did you remember
to flush the toilet?"
[0039] In another suitable embodiment, the audio device 300 can
include a message that is related to the branding and/or marketing
theme of the product. In one example, the message stored on the
audio device 300 can be related to the branding and/or marketing
theme of the training pants 200 disposed in the storage bin 110. In
one embodiment, for example, the message can be recorded in the
voice of a cartoon character whose image also appears on the
training pants 200.
[0040] The audio device 300 can also be programmed with music. In
one embodiment, the storage bin 110 can be placed in the bathroom
in close proximity to the toilet other suitable receptacle so that
the wearer could activate the audio device while he/she is on the
toilet. In a suitable embodiment, the audio device 300 would be
preprogrammed with a potty training song that would play when the
audio device is activated. Thus, in this embodiment, the potty
training song can be selectively played by the wearer (or
caregiver) while the wearer is on the toilet.
[0041] In one embodiment, the training pants 200 can include an
audio device that is activated when an insult occurs, such as that
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/799,209 filed Apr.
30, 2007 and titled Wetness Sensor with Audible Signal for an
Absorbent Article, which is incorporated herein by reference. The
message and/or music stored on the audio device 300 mounted on the
storage bin 110 can be complementary or otherwise related to the
message and/or music stored on the audio devices mounted to the
training pants 200. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the
audio device 300 mounted on the storage bin 110 plays the same
message and/or music as the audio devices secured to the training
pants 200. As a result, the message and/or music played by the
storage bin 110 mounted audio device 300 can remind the wearer and
the caregiver that each of the training pants 200 contain an audio
device and that the wearer should try to avoid activating the audio
device in the training pants. It is also contemplated that the
storage bin 110 having the audio device 300 can be used to store
conventional training pants (e.g., training pants without an audio
device).
[0042] It is contemplated that the audio device 300 can be
prerecorded with a plurality of audio messages. In one suitable
embodiment, the audio device 300 can include audio messages
directed to both the caregiver and the wearer. It is also
contemplated that a selection switch can be provided on the audio
device 300 to change between the different messages. It is further
contemplated that the caregiver can record a custom message on the
audio device 300 that can be specifically tailored toward the
wearer, e.g., "Johnny, you did a great job staying dry all day
yesterday."
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the audio device 300 is located in
the interior space of the storage bin and affixed to the interior
of the sidewall adjacent the cover. The audio device 300 can be
located in other areas of the storage bin. In one embodiment, the
audio device 300 includes a prerecorded sound chip, a circuit
board, a source of electrical power (e.g., batteries), a speaker,
and a housing 310 for containing the components of the audio
device. The speaker is connected to the sound chip via the circuit
board so that the prerecorded messages stored in the sound chip can
be emitted through the speaker. The audio device 300 may be mounted
on the storage bin in any suitable way without departing from the
scope of this invention. In one suitable embodiment, the housing
310 of the audio device 300 is adhered to the interior surface of
one of the sidewalls of the storage bin 110.
[0044] In one embodiment, the audio device 300 includes an actuator
switch 312 for activating the audio device (i.e., causing it to
play the recorded message(s)). The actuator switch 312 may be
operatively connected to the cover 120 so that removal of the cover
activates the audio device 300. In another embodiment and as
illustrated in FIG. 2, the actuator switch 312 is a push button
that can be selectively activated by the caregiver or wearer by
manually pushing the button inward. In yet another embodiment, the
actuator switch 312 can be a light sensor that activates the audio
device 300 when there is a sufficient amount of light present, such
as when the cover 120 is removed, and deactivated when there is an
insufficient amount of light present, such as when the cover is
placed on the bottom unit 115.
[0045] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another embodiment of a packaging
system 500 for holding a consumer product in the form of a food
item 600. In this embodiment, the packaging system 500 includes a
generally rectangular container 510 having a bottom unit 515 and a
cover 520. The bottom unit 515 and cover 520 collectively define an
interior space 525 for receiving the food therein. In one suitable
embodiment, the cover 520 of the container 510 includes a line of
weakness 526 for facilitating opening the container. The
illustrated container 510 is a generally rectangular box but can be
formed in any suitable shape, e.g., an oval, a hemisphere, a
triangle, a square. It is also contemplated that other suitable
ways of opening the container 510 can be provided (e.g., a pull
tab).
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the packaging system includes an
audio device 700 having prerecorded messages. The audio device 700
is substantially the same as the audio device 300 described above
with respect to FIG. 1 and 2 except for the prerecorded messages.
In this embodiment, the prerecorded messages can provide the
consumer with information relating to the food disposed within the
container 510 including cooking instructions, nutritional
information, and/or a description of the food. The prerecorded
message can also provide warnings regarding potential food
allergies, such as, "Warning this meal contains peanuts." The
messages can further provide general nutritional information such
as reminding the consumer to eat their fruit and vegetables or to
limit their intact of chips, candy, and fried foods.
[0047] The message prerecorded on the audio device 300 can also be
unrelated to the food item (i.e., the consumer product) disposed in
the container 510. In one example, music is prerecorded on the
audio device 300. In another example, the prerecorded message is a
reminder, such as, "Remember to wash your hands before you
eat."
[0048] In another suitable embodiment, the packaging system 500 can
be configured to hold prescription or non-prescription drugs. In
this embodiment, the prerecorded message on the audio device 700
can provide the consumer with information relating to the drug
disposed within the container 510, such as, the recommended dosage,
how often the drug should be taken, and if the drug needs to be
taken with water and/or food. The prerecorded message can also
provide the consumer with warnings regarding the drug including
potential drug allergies, drug interactions, and/or side effects of
the drug.
[0049] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising," "including", and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0050] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
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