U.S. patent application number 13/682215 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-30 for light activated try-me packaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ryan BUYNAK, Michael WEINSTEIN.
Application Number | 20130134056 13/682215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47560468 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130134056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BUYNAK; Ryan ; et
al. |
May 30, 2013 |
Light Activated Try-Me Packaging
Abstract
A toy package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly
configures a product and a light source within a blister pack,
where the product is illuminated by a light source. The blister
pack contains at least one tapered surface that configures the
product within the blister pack to maximize the amount of light
from the light source that illuminates the product. The product
contains a color changing portion that reacts to the light from the
light source by changing color. In one embodiment, the product is a
toy vehicle, and in another embodiment, the product is a doll.
Inventors: |
BUYNAK; Ryan; (West
Hollywood, CA) ; WEINSTEIN; Michael; (Redondo Beach,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc.; |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
47560468 |
Appl. No.: |
13/682215 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61564385 |
Nov 29, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/12 20130101;
B65D 2201/00 20130101; B65D 75/367 20130101; B65D 75/368 20130101;
B65D 75/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/223 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/36 20060101
B65D075/36 |
Claims
1. A packaging assembly for a toy, comprising: a backing sheet; and
a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack
comprising: a body portion, an insert positioned within the body
portion, the insert comprising a first and second cavity, a light
source positioned within the first cavity of the insert, and a
product positioned within the second cavity of the insert so the
light source illuminates the product when actuated.
2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the product contains
a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced
from the light source.
3. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert contains a
tapered surface for the light source and for the product, for
positioning the light source and product at an angle with respect
to each other for casting the light beam from the light source over
a greater area of the product.
4. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the body portion
comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.
5. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source
comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.
6. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source
emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).
7. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the product comprises
wheels.
8. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the backing sheet
comprises a front surface.
9. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the backing sheet
comprises a top edge that comprises a groove.
10. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the blister pack is
constructed of a translucent material.
11. A product assembly, comprising: a backing sheet; and a blister
pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack comprising: a
body portion, and an insert placed within the body portion with a
receptacle and a channel, a light source placed within the
receptacle, and a product placed within the insert with at least a
portion of the product placed within the channel of the insert.
12. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the product contains
a color changing portion that is responsive to the light produced
from the light source.
13. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the product comprises
a doll with hair.
14. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of
the hair of comprises the color changing portion of the
product.
15. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the insert contains a
tapered surface for the channel for positioning the at least a
portion of the product within the channel at an angle with respect
to light source for casting a light beam over a greater area of the
product.
16. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the body portion
comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.
17. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the light source
comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.
18. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the light source is
in the shape of a wand.
19. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the light source
emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).
20. The product assembly of claim 11, wherein the backing sheet
includes a front surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/564,385, filed Nov. 29, 2011,
Attorney Docket No. 1389.0359P/16996P, entitled "Light Activated
Try-Me Packaging," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging for a product,
such as a toy, and in particular, to packaging that allows for the
activation of a light source to demonstrate the color changing
effect of the product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Some conventional product package assemblies employ the
concept of a "Try-Me" feature for the product contained within the
package assembly, enabling potential purchasers to try the product
before purchasing it. Furthermore, some package assemblies utilize
lights or sounds to attract attention to the product within. Many
toy packaged assemblies, however, lack the combination of the
"Try-Me" feature of a product and a light source that activates a
color change element in the product.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for package assembly that enables
potential purchasers to try a product with a light source and, in
particular, activate a color changing product that reacts to the
light source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a product package
assembly. In one embodiment, the package assembly contains an
insert with at least one tapered surface to position a light source
and/or a toy product with respect to each other. The package
assembly positions a light source and a toy product in a manner
that optimizes the amount of light that illuminates the toy
product. The toy product includes a color changing portion that
reacts to the light beam from the light source. The toy package
assembly further includes an opening allowing actuation of the
light source.
[0006] In one embodiment, a package or packaging assembly for a toy
comprises a backing sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing
sheet, the blister pack comprising a body portion and an insert
placed within the body portion, the insert comprising a first and
second cavity, a light source positioned within the first cavity of
the insert, and a product positioned within the second cavity of
the insert so the light source illuminates the product when
actuated.
[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the product contains a color
changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the
light source.
[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the insert contains a tapered
surface for the light source and for the product that positions the
light source and product at an angle with respect to each other for
casting the light beam from the light source over a greater area of
the product.
[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the body portion of the
blister pack comprises an opening that corresponds to or is
substantially aligned with the light source.
[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the light source comprises an
actuator, an LED, and a power source.
[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the light source emits a light
beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).
[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the product includes
wheels.
[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the backing sheet has a front
surface. In addition, the backing sheet includes a top edge that
comprises a groove.
[0014] In an alternative embodiment, a product assembly comprises a
backing sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the
blister pack comprising a body portion and an insert, the insert
defining a receptacle and a channel placed within the body portion,
a light source placed within the receptacle, and a product placed
within the insert with at least a portion of the product placed
within the channel of the insert.
[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the product contains a color
changing portion that is responsive to the light produced from the
light source.
[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the product comprises a doll
with hair
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the hair of the product
includes a color changing portion that is at least a portion of the
hair of the doll.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the insert has a tapered
surface for the channel for positioning the at least a portion of
the product within the channel at an angle with respect to a light
source for casting a light beam over a greater area of the
product.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the body portion of the
blister pack defines an opening that corresponds to the light
source.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the light source comprises an
actuator, an LED, and a power source.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the light source is in the
shape of a wand.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the light source emits a light
beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).
[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the backing sheet has of a
front surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an
embodiment of product packaging according to the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of product
packaging according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the blister
pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the blister pack insert of
the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up front view of the light source
and color changing portion of the product illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the light
source and blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated
in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the
product packaging according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic side view of the light source
and blister pack insert of the product packaging illustrated in
FIG. 7.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the blister pack
insert of the product packaging illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0033] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] A product package assembly according to the present
invention includes packaging, a light source, and a product that is
positioned or coupled to the packaging so that it is illuminated by
the light source. In one embodiment, the light source is an LED. In
other embodiments, the light source is a lamp, a bulb, or other
light emitting member. In another embodiment, the light source
emits a light beam near the UV light spectrum, about 400 nm to 300
nm. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the product has a
color changing element that reacts to illumination from a light
source. In another embodiment, the color change element of the
product is constructed from photochromic materials.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic block diagram of a package
assembly according to the present invention is illustrated. Package
assembly 5 contains a package or packaging 10, which houses a light
source 12 and a product 20. In one embodiment, the packaging 10 is
configured to substantially or fully enclose the product 20. In
another embodiment, the packaging 10 is configured to support the
product 20 in a manner in which the product 20 is not enclosed.
[0036] The product 20 has a color change portion/element 22, which
can encompass the entire product 20 or a portion of the product 20.
In one embodiment, the light source 12 is an LED and is illuminated
in response to user activation of a switch and/or actuator. When
the light source 12 is illuminated within the packaging 10, the
light source 12 emits a light beam 14 that illuminates the product
20, and more specifically, the color change portion/element 22,
changing the color of the color change portion/element 22.
[0037] Illustrated in FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the package
assembly 5. Referring to FIG. 2, the package assembly 100 includes
product packaging 101, a light source 160, and a product 180.
Product packaging 101 is formed from backing sheet 110 and blister
pack 120. In one embodiment, backing sheet 110 is constructed from
cardboard. In another embodiment, backing sheet 110 is constructed
from other materials, such as paper stock, plastic, or other
deformable materials that provide structure for the blister pack.
In one embodiment, backing sheet 100 contains a front surface 112
and a top edge 114. Front surface 112 may contain graphical images
or words that describe, advertise, or provide information about the
product 180. Top edge 114 may contain a groove 116, which allows
the package assembly 100 to be hung for display on fixtures within
stores.
[0038] The blister pack 120 includes a body portion 122 and an
insert 140 (see FIG. 3). Blister pack 120 may be constructed from a
transparent or translucent material, such as plastic. In one
embodiment, body portion 122 may have a substantially rectangular
or square shape. In other embodiments, body portion 122 may have
another substantially geometric shape, such as a circle or
triangle. Additionally, body portion 122 contains a front surface
124 and a bottom surface 130. Bottom surface 130 allows for the
package assembly 100 to be placed on shelves in an upright
position. Front surface 124 may further contain an opening 128 and
an opening edge 126 that defines the opening 128. The opening 128
may be placed on the front surface 124 in a location proximate to
the light source 160 to allow potential purchasers to actuate the
light source 160 through opening 128.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the insert 140 of blister pack 120
contains a first wall portion 142 and a second wall portion 148.
First wall portion 142 defines a first cavity 146, which is
designed to contain light source 160 in the package assembly 100.
The light source 160 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 170 as
described below. Second wall portion 148 defines a second cavity
152, which is designed to house the product 180 in the package
assembly 5. Furthermore, light source 160, when placed in the first
cavity 146, is positioned in proximity to the opening 128 in front
surface 124 of body portion 122. This positioning allows potential
purchasers to utilize actuator 168 on light source 160 via opening
128.
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 2, product 180 is in the shape of a
toy vehicle. In this embodiment, product 180 includes a body 182
and wheels 188 coupled to the body 182. The body 182 of the product
180 has an outer surface 184 that contains a color change
portion/element or area 186. As described previously, the color
change portion/element area, when illuminated by light source 160,
changes color in response to the near UV light from the light
source 160.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, insert 140 is supporting light source
160 within first cavity 146 and product 180 within second cavity
152, as described above. As shown, first wall portion 142 contains
a first tapered surface 144. When light source 160 is placed within
first cavity 146, light source 160 is supported by first wall
portion 142 and first tapered surface 144. First tapered surface
144 positions light source 160 within first cavity 146 where the
light source 160 stands offset from a vertical plane.
[0042] Similarly, second wall portion 148 contains a second tapered
surface 150. When product 180 is placed within second cavity 152,
product 180 is held in place by second wall portion 148 and
supported by second tapered surface 150. Second tapered surface 150
supports product 180 within second cavity 152 situating or
positioning product 180 offset from the horizontal plane. As a
result, in this embodiment, the product 180 is oriented at an angle
such that the color change portion/element is easily visible by a
consumer.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, insert 140 is supporting light source
160 within first cavity 146 and product 180 within second cavity
152. As previously described, light source 160 is offset from the
vertical plane when positioned in first cavity 146 of insert 140.
This vertical offset is due to the support provided by first
tapered surface 144. Furthermore, as previously described, product
180 is offset from the horizontal plane when positioned in second
cavity 152 of insert 140. This horizontal offset is provided by
second tapered surface 150. Due to the positioning of the light
source 160 by the first tapered surface 144 and product 180 by the
second tapered surface 150, the light beam 174, emitted by light
source 160, illuminates product 180 at an angle other than ninety
(90) degrees. This positioning of the light source 160 optimizes
the amount of light that illuminates the color change
portion/element 186 of the product 180.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, a close-up view of a portion of the
package assembly 100. In this embodiment, light source 160 contains
a housing 162 and a first opening 164 in the housing 162. In this
embodiment, the opening 164 is shaped and sized to receive an LED
170. In other embodiments, the opening 164 in the housing 162 is
shaped and sized to fit a light emitting member, such as a lamp or
a bulb. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the LED 170 of the light
source 160 is direction upon and illuminates the outer surface 184
of the body 182 of the product 180, the portion of the outer
surface 184 on which the LED 170 is directed changes color as the
body 182 of the product includes a color change material, such as a
photochromic material therein.
[0045] Another view of the light source 160 and product 180 is
illustrated in FIG. 6. The housing 162 of the light source 160
includes a second opening 166 configured to fit an actuator 168. In
this embodiment, the actuator 168 is a push button. When the
actuator 168 is depressed, the light source 160 is activated or
turned on and the LED 170 emits a light beam 174. In another
embodiment, the actuator 168 may be a different type of actuator,
such as a switch, a slider, or a rotating element, such as a dial.
Furthermore, within housing 162 is a power source (not shown) that
is used to power the LED 170 to create a light beam 174. In the
present embodiment, the power source is a battery. In another
embodiment, the power source may be an external power source.
[0046] Moreover, FIG. 6 illustrates a color change that occurred on
a portion of the outer surface 184 of the body 182 of the product
180. The color change portion/element 186 reacts to the LED 172 of
the light source 160 when the LED 172 emits a light beam 174. In
this present embodiment, the color change portion/element 186 is
constructed from photochromic material, making it susceptible to
dramatic variations of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the present
embodiment, the LED 172 emits a light beam 174 in the near UV
spectrum, which is in the range of 400 nm to 300 nm.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, package assembly 200
includes product packaging 201, a light source 240, and a product
260. Product packaging 201 is formed from backing sheet 210 and
blister pack 220. Similar to backing sheet 110, backing sheet 210
is constructed from a deformable material that provides structure,
such as cardboard, and has a front surface 212 with graphical
images or words that describe, advertise, or provide information on
the product 260. In this embodiment, the blister pack 220 is
attached to the backing sheet 210, where the blister pack 220
covers the entire backing sheet 210. The blister pack 220 may be
attached to the backing sheet 210 in several ways, such as being
glued onto the front surface 212 of the backing sheet 210.
[0048] The blister pack 220 contains a body portion 222 and an
insert 230 (see FIG. 8). Held within the blister pack 220 are the
product 260 and a light source 240. The body portion 222 contains a
front surface 224 which is transparent or translucent, allowing the
product 260 and the light source 240 to be visible. Front surface
224 contains an opening 228 and an opening edge 226 defining the
opening 228, which are positioned in proximity to the light source
240.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the product
260 is a toy figure, such as a doll. The product 260 has a body 262
resembling that of a doll, and hair 264, which encompasses the
color change element 266 of the product 260. In other words, at
least a portion of the hair 264 of the doll 260 is made of a color
change material that functions as the color change element 266.
Furthermore, the light source 260 in this embodiment is in the
shape of a wand. The light source 260 contains a port/opening 242
for light to shine from a light source, such as an LED, located
within the housing of the wand, and an actuator 246.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, a side view of the insert 230, the
light source 240, and the hair 264 is illustrated. As shown, the
light source 240 has a housing 242 and an actuator 246. Within the
housing 242 are a power source 250 and an LED 248. The power source
250 enables the LED 248 to emit a light beam 252 when the actuator
246 is depressed. Furthermore, as previously discussed, a light
producing device other than an LED 248 may be used to produce a
light beam 252 from the light source 240.
[0051] The side view of the insert 230 illustrated in FIG. 8,
displays insert 230 having a tapered surface 234 with hair 264
positioned on top of the tapered surface 234. The hair contains
color changing portion/element 266, which in this embodiment
entails a portion of the hair 264 containing a photochromic
material. In one implementation, the photochromic material is
formed in the strands of hair. In another implementation, the
photochromic material is a coating that is applied to the strands
of hair. The insert 230 positions hair 264 on the tapered surface
234 and the light source 240 is oriented to illuminate the tapered
surface 234 with light beam 252. The tapered surface 234 of the
insert 230 allows the light beam 252 of the light source 240 to
illuminate the hair 264 at an optimized angle, illuminating a
greater area of the hair 264. The tapered surface 234 enables more
of the hair 264 that contains the color change portion/element 266
to be illuminated, and react to the light beam 252 from light
source 240.
[0052] A perspective view of an insert 230 according to the
alternative embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates
the insert 230 having a housing 231 including a light source
receptacle 236 with receptacle wall 238. The combination of the
light source receptacle 236 and receptacle wall 238 in the insert
230 allow for placement of the light source 240 in the receptacle
in the insert 230. The light source receptacle 236 is shaped to
mate with the light source 240. The light source receptacle 236 and
the receptacle wall 238 keep the light source in place within the
blister pack 220 and the product packaging 201 during movement of
the product package assembly 200. Furthermore, as illustrated by
FIG. 9, insert 230 contains a channel 232 which extends from the
light source receptacle 236, along the tapered surface 234 of the
insert 230. The hair 264 of the product 260 fits within channel
232. This channel 232 enables the hair 264 of the product 260 to be
positioned relative to the light source 260, maximizing the
exposure of the hair 264 with the color changing portion/element
266 to the light beam 252 of the light source 240. The channel 232
aligns the hair 264 with the port/opening 242 of the light source
240.
[0053] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right,"
"top," "bottom," "front," "end," "rear," "side," "height,"
"length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior,"
"inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely
described points or portions of reference and do not limit the
present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.
Further, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., merely
identify one of a number of portions, components, and/or points of
reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present
invention to any particular configuration or orientation.
[0054] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In
addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be
incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner
consistent with the scope of the disclosure.
[0055] Exemplary descriptions of the present invention include the
following:
[0056] A. A packaging assembly for a toy, comprising: a backing
sheet, a blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister
pack comprising a body portion and an insert positioned within the
body portion, the insert comprising a first and second cavity, a
light source positioned within the first cavity of the insert, and
a product positioned within the second cavity of the insert so the
light source illuminates the product when actuated.
[0057] B. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the product
contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light
produced from the light source.
[0058] C. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the insert
contains a tapered surface for the light source and for the
product, for positioning the light source and product at an angle
with respect to each other for casting the light beam from the
light source over a greater area of the product.
[0059] D. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the body
portion comprises an opening that corresponds to the light
source.
[0060] E. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the light
source comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.
[0061] F. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the light
source emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).
[0062] G. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the product
comprises wheels.
[0063] H. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the backing
sheet comprises a front surface.
[0064] I. The packaging assembly of A above, wherein the backing
sheet comprises a top edge that comprises a groove.
[0065] J. A product assembly, comprising: a backing sheet, a
blister pack attached to the backing sheet, the blister pack
comprising a body portion and an insert placed within the body
portion with a receptacle and a channel, a light source placed
within the receptacle, and a product placed within the insert with
at least a portion of the product placed within the channel of the
insert.
[0066] K. The product assembly of J above, wherein the product
contains a color changing portion that is responsive to the light
produced from the light source.
[0067] L. The packaging assembly of J above, wherein the product
comprises a doll with hair
[0068] M. The packaging assembly of J above, wherein at least a
portion of the hair of comprises the color changing portion of the
product.
[0069] N. The product assembly of J above, wherein the insert
contains a tapered surface for the channel for positioning the at
least a portion of the product within the channel at an angle with
respect to light source for casting a light beam over a greater
area of the product.
[0070] O. The product assembly of J above, wherein the body portion
comprises an opening that corresponds to the light source.
[0071] P. The product assembly of J above, wherein the light source
comprises an actuator, an LED, and a power source.
[0072] Q. The product assembly of J above, wherein the light source
is in the shape of a wand.
[0073] R. The product assembly of J above, wherein the light source
emits a light beam in the UV spectrum (400 nm-300 nm).
[0074] S. The product assembly of J above, wherein the backing
sheet includes a front surface.
* * * * *