U.S. patent application number 13/491528 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-12 for communication elements for consumer products.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert R. Turvey. Invention is credited to Robert R. Turvey.
Application Number | 20130327660 13/491528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48700702 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130327660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turvey; Robert R. |
December 12, 2013 |
Communication Elements for Consumer Products
Abstract
A stream of products includes a first product having a first
communication element thereon and a second product having a second
communication element thereon. The first and second products are
interrelated for use in a particular activity. Further, the first
communication element and the second communication element interact
to produce a collaborative communication.
Inventors: |
Turvey; Robert R.; (Sanford,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Turvey; Robert R. |
Sanford |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48700702 |
Appl. No.: |
13/491528 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 29/04 20130101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 77/00 20060101
B65D077/00 |
Claims
1. A stream of products, comprising: a first product having a first
communication element thereon; and a second product having a second
communication element thereon, wherein the first and second
products are interrelated for use in a particular activity, and
wherein the first communication element and the second
communication element interact to produce a collaborative
communication.
2. The stream of products of claim 1, wherein the first product
includes an additional communication element thereon, wherein the
additional communication element interacts with the second
communication element to produce a collaborative communication.
3. The stream of products of claim 2, wherein the additional
communication element also interacts with the first communication
element.
4. The stream of products of claim 1 further including a third
product having a third communication element thereon.
5. The stream of products of claim 4, wherein the third
communication element interacts with the first communication
element to produce a collaborative communication.
6. The stream of products of claim 5, wherein the third
communication element interacts with an additional communication
element on the first product to produce a collaborative
communication.
7. The stream of products of claim 4, wherein the third
communication element interacts with the second communication
element to produce a collaborative communication.
8. The stream of products of claim 1, wherein the first and second
communication elements interact with a second stream of products to
produce a collaborative communication.
9. A lunch kit, comprising: a lunch bag having a first
communication element thereon; and a container having a second
communication element thereon, wherein the first and second
communication elements interact to produce a collaborative
communication.
10. The lunch kit of claim 9, wherein the container comprises a lid
and a bowl.
11. The lunch kit of claim 10, wherein the first communication
element is provided on the lid.
12. The lunch, kit of claim 11, wherein the container includes a
replacement lid for use with the bowl, wherein the replacement lid
has a third communication element printed thereon, and wherein the
third communication element interacts with the first communication
element to produce a collaborative communication.
13. The lunch kit of claim 9 further including a bottle having a
fourth communication element thereon, wherein the fourth
communication element, interacts with the first communication
element to produce a collaborative communication.
14. The lunch kit of claim 13, wherein the fourth communication
element may interact with any combination of the first
communication element and the second communication element to
provide a collaborative communication.
15. A system including a container having a plurality of disposable
lids with, communication elements thereon, comprising: a bowl; and
a plurality of disposable lids designed to seal an open top end of
the bowl, wherein a first lid of the plurality of lids is provided
with a first communication element thereon, which is disposed of
after placement and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of
the bowl and the first lid, and wherein a second lid of the
plurality of lids is provided with a second communication element
different than the first communication element, which is disposed
of after placement and subsequent removal from the bowl after use
of the bowl and the second lid.
16. The system of claim 15 further including a bag with a
communication element thereon.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first communication element
of the first lid interacts with the communication element of the
bag to produce a collaborative communication.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the second communication
element of the second lid interacts with the communication element
of the bag to provide a collaborative communication.
19. The system of claim 16 further including a closure device for
closing the bag, wherein the closure device is removable from the
bag.
20. The system of claim 19 further including a bottle having a
communication element thereon, wherein the communication element of
the bottle interacts with the first and second communication
elements of the first and second lids to produce first and second
collaborative communications, respectively.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0005] The present invention is directed to a stream of products
with communication elements that interact to provide a heightened
user experience.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background of the Disclosure
[0007] In our increasingly complex and busy world, it is common for
people to require or desire to use multiple goods or items during
the course of the day to accomplish a certain task or activity.
Whether at work or school, at home or on vacation, it is often the
case that various items become bundled or inter-connected in a
manner that necessitates or makes it desirable to use at least two,
and often more, of these items to effect a desired outcome or to
enhance that outcome. For example, it is common for a worker in an
office to use a pen, a stapler, and a notepad on a consistent basis
during the work day. A family on vacation may find it desirable to
use a pest control device, a sleeping bag, and a flashlight on a
regular basis during a camping trip. A student may find it
beneficial to use a lunch bag, a plastic fluid bottle, and a
sandwich container during lunch every day at school. In all of
these non-limiting examples, a single manufacturer, or in other
instances a group of manufacturers, may supply the entire stream of
products used during these experiences. However, each item is, in
and of itself, a distinct and separate product that provides a
utilitarian function that is not inter-connected in any substantive
manner with the other products except for the fact that it is used
during the same experience. There is a need for the suppliers of
these products to enhance the experience of the users to create a
more enjoyable experience during the use of these products. One
solution is to provide interactive communication elements on at
least two products typically used during the same activity, which
require the use of both products to bring about an enhanced
experience. More particularly; such interactive communication
elements may provide a first communication element. On a first
product and a second communication element on a second product,
which when utilized or interpreted by a consumer provide a
collaborative communication distinct from the individual first and
second communication elements that enhances the user's overall
experience.
[0008] One particular activity in which consumers would benefit
greatly from having items that enhance the experience is the
activity of eating lunch. The stream of products used for eating
lunch may be generically described as a lunch kit, which a consumer
brings with them, for example, to school or work. The lunch kit
generally includes products for storing and carrying food and
beverages, such as a bag, container, plastic fluid bottle, etc.
However, these products do not interact with the consumer or other
consumers to enhance the lunch experience. Although lunch is a time
to rest and refuel, ethnographic studies indicate that the primary,
focus of lunch to a consumer is not about the food, but about
having some time during the day to share with friends and
co-workers. This is especially true for children who often eat the
same, thing for lunch everyday and are transitioning through a
formative period of their lives where social interaction is
important to their development. Unfortunately, there are no
products available to enhance the consumer's lunch experience to
facilitate this need. Some lunch bags and other lunch kit items
have indicia, such as a picture or text, printed on them to try and
enhance the consumer's lunch experience. However, this indicia does
not interact with the other products in the kit or the products of
the consumer's friends and co-workers. Additionally, the indicia
does not change, which causes the consumer to lose interest in the
products.
[0009] Thus, there is a need in the art for a stream of products
that interact with the consumer and with other consumers to enhance
the user's experience using the individual products beyond their
utilitarian aspects. With respect to the particular activity of
eating lunch, a need exists for a lunch kit containing products
that heighten the experience of eating lunch. These items will
continuously change and engage the consumer and provide a
conversation point to help the consumer interact with friends and
coworkers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one embodiment, a stream of products includes a
first product having a first communication element thereon and a
second product having a second communication element thereon. The
first and second products are interrelated for use in a particular
activity. Further, the first communication element and the second
communication element interact to produce a collaborative
communication.
[0011] According to another embodiment, a lunch kit includes a
lunch bag having a first communication element thereon and a
container having a second communication element thereon. The first
and second communication elements interact to produce a
collaborative communication.
[0012] According to yet another embodiment, a system includes a
container having a plurality of disposable lids with communication
elements thereon. The system includes a bowl and a plurality of
disposable lids designed to seal an open top end of the bowl. A
first lid of the plurality of lids is provided with a first
communication element thereon, which is disposed of after placement
and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of the bowl and the
first lid. Further, a second lid of the plurality of lids is
provided with a second communication element different than the
first communication element, which is disposed of after placement
and subsequent removal from the bowl after use of the bowl and the
second lid.
[0013] The above and other aspects of the present invention will be
apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A is schematic view of a first stream of products;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the
first stream of products;
[0016] FIG. 1C is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the
first stream of products;
[0017] FIG. 1D is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the
first stream of products;
[0018] FIG. 1E is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the
first stream of products and a second stream of products;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of
the first stream of products, which is shown as a lunch kit
including a bag, a container, and a plastic fluid bottle;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bag of FIG. 2, wherein a
closure mechanism has been removed for clarity;
[0021] FIGS. 4A-C each illustrate the bag of FIG. 3 in use with the
closure device;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the container of
FIG. 2 including a lid and a bowl;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a bottom side and two edges
of the lid of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a bottom wall and two
sidewalls of a further embodiment of a bowl for a container;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a lid
including a removable disc;
[0026] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the bowl of FIG. 7 showing
the removable disc of FIG. 8 inserted into the bottom of the
bowl;
[0027] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an another embodiment of the
bag of FIG. 3, wherein the removable disc of FIG. 8 is retained
therein; and
[0028] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the plastic fluid bottle of
FIG. 2 having a communication element thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] "Stream of products" or "stream of articles" as used herein,
refers to at least two distinct products that are used together, or
separately, some time during an activity engaged in by a user of
those products. Each product comprises a distinct article that has
its own functional and utilitarian benefit in connection with the
activity independent of the other products or distinct articles,
regardless of whether a user could use the two or more products
together to effect their functional and utilitarian attributes. In
some instances, the two or more products may comprise a kit.
[0030] "Activity" as used herein, refers to an event or set of
events that affords a consumer the ability to experience the use of
two or more products together. An activity may comprise any number
of events, of which several non-limiting examples are a lunch,
camping, school, work, sporting events, etc., in which two or more
products, i.e., the stream of products, related to that particular
activity are utilized. An activity may also be broadly
characterized as a theme that connects two or more products
together, of which several non-limiting examples are a holiday, a
birthday, a wedding, a cartoon, a movie, etc.
[0031] "Consumer," as used herein, refers to any person or entity
that may purchase a product or a stream of products or otherwise
use a product or a stream of products. In one non-limiting
embodiment, the consumer may also be the end user of the product or
the stream of products.
[0032] "Experience" as used herein, refers to any intended or
unintended effect on a consumer that is a consequence of their
direct participation in or observation of an activity utilizing a
stream of articles. In some embodiments, the experience is the
consumer's personal observation or encounter with two or more
products.
[0033] "Communication element" as used herein, relates to a means
for communicating some form of information to a consumer besides
the functional or utilitarian aspects of a product. Communication
elements of the present embodiment may include, but are not limited
to: graphical material or images, such as artwork, pictures,
photos, third party advertisements, and licensed material; textual
messages such as jokes, riddles, trivia, fun facts, inspirational
messages, fortunes, brain teasers, famous quotations, and other
written material; games such as puzzles, word searches, crosswords,
Sudoku, connect-the-dots, tic-tac-toe, mazes, I-spy, cryptograms,
and word boggles; educational information; news such as current
events or entertainment news; lifestyle information such as
nutritional tips and fitness information; instructions for using
the products; or other means of decoration and/or information used
to provide an enhanced user experience.
[0034] "Collaborative communication" as used herein, relates to the
interaction between two or more communication elements provided on
two or more products within a stream of products to provide a
heightened user experience beyond the functional and utilitarian
aspects of the stream of products. In connection with the present
disclosure, first and second products may each include
communication elements that provide or effect a heighted user
experience that would not have occurred but for the interaction
between the communication elements of the distinct products. For
example, the communication element on the first product might be a
code and the communication element on the second product might be a
key such that the code would not be able to be solved but for the
interaction between the communication elements of the distinct
products.
[0035] However, collaborative communication does not constitute a
general theme between distinct products in the stream of products.
Rather, it is the interaction between the communication elements
provided on the products that provides a heightened user experience
beyond the experience achieved from using the products
individually. For example, a fast food restaurant may provide a
meal kit that includes a bag, a wrapper, and a cup that all have
images of a cartoon character printed thereon. Indeed, each of the
products in the stream are part of the user experience and each
provide a distinct and separate experience, however, the products
do not interact to provide a heightened consumer experience beyond
the experience provided by using the products individually.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 1A, a first embodiment of a stream of
products 100 is illustrated. The stream of products 100 generally
includes a first product 102 having a first communication element
102A thereon and a second product 104 having a second communication
element 104A thereon. The communication element 104A of the second
product 104 interacts with the communication element 102A of the
first product 102 to produce a collaborative communication.
Additionally, the stream of products 100 may also include third,
fourth, and fifth products 106, 108, and 110, respectively, having
third, fourth, and fifth communication elements 106A, 168A, 110A,
respectively. The third, fourth, and fifth communication elements
106A, 108A, 110A interact with the communication element 102A of
the first product 102 to produce a collaborative communication and
a heightened user experience.
[0037] Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the first stream of
products 100, as shown in FIG. 1B, the communication element 102A
of the first product 102 may interact with the communication
elements 104A, 106A of the second and third products 104, 106 as
discussed above. However, instead of the communication elements
108A, 110A of the fourth and fifth products 108, 110 interacting
with the communication element 102A of the first product 102, the
communication elements 108A, 110A of the fourth and fifth products
108, 110 interact with the communication element 104k on the second
product 104.
[0038] In a different embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the
communication elements 102A, 104A, 106A, 108A, and 110A of the
first, second, third, fourth, and fifth products 102, 104, 106,
108, and 110, respectively, all interact with one another. For
example, the communication element 102A of the first product 102
interacts with the communication elements 104A, 106A, 108A, 110A on
the second, third, fourth, and fifth products 104, 106, 108, 110,
the communication element 104A on the second product 104 interacts
with the communication elements 102A, 106A, 108A, 110A on the
first, third, fourth, and fifth products 102, 106, 108, 110, and so
on.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1D, another embodiment of the first
stream of products 100 illustrates how the first product 102 may
include a plurality of communication elements, such as second and
third communication elements 102B, 102C, respectively, in addition
to the first communication element 102A. In this embodiment, the
communication element 104A on the second product 104 interacts with
the first and second communication elements 102A, 102B on the first
product 102. The communication element 106A on the third product
106 interacts with the first and third communication elements 102A,
102C on the first product 102. Additionally, the first
communication element 102A of the first product 102 may interact
with the second communication element 102B on the first product 102
in addition to interacting with the communication elements 104A,
106A on the second and third products 104, 106.
[0040] Still further, in a different embodiment the communication
elements 102A, 104A, 106A, 108A, 110A of the first, second, third,
fourth, and fifth products 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 in the stream of
products 100 may each interact with communication elements 202A,
204A, 206A, 208A, 210A on a plurality of products 202, 204, 206,
208, 210 in a second stream of products 200 in addition to
interacting with each other (see FIG. 1E).
[0041] The above-noted embodiments are exemplary of various manners
in which communication elements on multiple products in a first
stream of products 100 may be utilized to create a collaborative
communication that enhances a consumer's experience and should not
be considered as limiting embodiments. For example, the stream of
products 100 is not limited to the five products as illustrated
above. Rather, the stream of products 100 may include any number of
products having any number of communication elements thereon. The
communication elements of the products may interact according to
any one of the examples illustrated above or the communication
elements may interact according to any combination of the
above-illustrated examples. Further, it is contemplated that any
number of products streams may also be utilized.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 2-11, one particular example of an
activity that will benefit the consumer's experience is the
utilization of collaborative communication elements in connection
with consumer's lunches. The consumer typically uses a stream of
products, such as a lunch kit 300, in order to store and carry his
food to school or work. As discussed above, ethnographic studies
indicate that for a consumer, the primary focus of lunch is not
about the food, but about having some time during the day to share
with friends and co-workers. The presently disclosed lunch kit 300
enhances the user experience by becoming a part of the lunch
conversation through the utilization of collaborative communication
between the products in the lunch kit. Collaborative communication
during this type of activity not only provides for a heightened
lunch experience for the consumer, but third parties are also
provided with positive experiences through the promotion of social
interaction between the consumer and the third party. Having a
product that enhances the lunch experience beyond the food involved
is important, especially for children who are developing both
mentally and socially.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, a first item of the lunch kit 300 may
include a bag 302. The bag 302 may be one of the bags described in
the U.S. patent application entitled "A Detachable Closure Device
for a Bag," which was filed on the same day as the present
application. In a preferred embodiment, the bag 302 is a gusseted
bag including a bottom panel 304 and a plurality of side panels
306A-D extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the bottom
panel 304 to form a top edge of an open top, such as edge 308.
Other configurations of the bag 302 are also contemplated with any
number of corresponding panels. For example, in certain
embodiments, the bag 302 does not include a bottom panel but two
side panels that are connected, to each other at corresponding
peripheral edges thereof such that a pouch with an open top is
formed (not shown). Moreover, one or more panels of the bag 302 may
be of any suitable shape, such as planar, polygonal, or
circular.
[0044] The bag 302 may also include an engaging mechanism 310 which
includes a plurality of apertures 311 provided proximate to the top
edge 308 of the side panel 106A of the bag. Referring to FIGS.
4A-4C, the engaging mechanism 310 engages with a closure device 312
to detachably affix the closure 312 device to the bag 302. Once the
closure device 312 is detachably affixed to the side panel 306A, an
open top 314 of the bag 302 is closed by bringing the opposing side
panel 306C of the bag 302 in proximity to the attached closure
device 312. The two opposing panels 306A, 306C of the bag 302 are
rolled down over each other toward the bottom panel 304 of the bag
302. After rolling, opposing ends 316A, 316B of the closure device
312 interconnect via an attachment mechanism 318, thereby fixing
the rolled down portion of the bag 302 in position. The bag 302 is
opened by releasing the attachment mechanism 318 and unrolling the
bag 302. The closure device 312 may be detached from the bag 302 so
that it can be reused with another bag. However, the bag 302 may
also be used without the closure device 312.
[0045] The bag 302 includes a first communication element 302A
printed on any of the side panels 306A-D or the bottom panel 304.
The first communication element 302A on the bag 302 may interact
with communication elements on other products of the lunch kit 300
as will be described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the
bag 302 may include a second communication element 302B that
interacts with the first communication element 302A on the bag 302.
For example, the first communication element 302A disposed on the
sidewall 106A of the bag is a trivia question and the second
communication element 302B is an answer to the trivia question. The
second communication element 302B is shown on the same side panel
306A as the first communication element 302A, however, the second
communication element 302B may be located on the same or a
different side or bottom panel.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a second product of the lunch kit 300,
which in this example is a container 322. The container 322 may be
one of the containers generally shown in the U.S. patent
application entitled "Container and Lid Therefor," which was filed
on the same day as the present application. The container 322
generally includes a bowl 324 and a removable lid 326 for closing
the bowl 324. While the container 322 is illustrated as being
generally square, it is contemplated that the container 322 may
have a different shape, such as circular, rectangular, or any
curvilinear or polygonal shape, for example.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, the lid 326 of the present
embodiment, includes a generally planar body 328 portion having top
and bottom sides 328A, 328B. The lid 326 also includes a tab 330
for assisting a consumer in removing the lid 326 from the bowl 324,
however, it is contemplated the tab 330 may be omitted in other
embodiments. The lid 326 is preferably made of a disposable
material such as paperboard and the like and may be coated in a wax
or a polyethylene film layer to provide moisture resistance and
waterproofing. Paper lids are beneficial for many reasons,
including that they are cheaper to manufacture than non-paper lids,
they are biodegradable, and it is relatively easy to print graphics
and text on paper lids.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 5, the bowl 324 generally includes a bottom
332 for resting on a support surface (not shown) and a continuous
sidewall 334 extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 332
to define a bowl cavity 336. The sidewall 334 terminates in a
continuous rim 338, which defines an opening 340 of the bowl 324.
The bowl 324 is preferably reusable and integrally molded from a
seamless thermoplastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyolefin, or other resilient polymeric material. The engagement
between the bowl 324 and the lid 326 can generally be described as
an interference fit, in which the body portion 328 of the lid 326
is larger than the opening 340 of the bowl 324. The interference
fit causes the lid 326 to press against the bowl 324, thus
frictionally engaging the bowl to provide a seal between the bowl
324 and the lid 326. However, the lid 326 may be affixed to the
bowl 324 by any means known to those having skill in the art.
[0049] Still with reference to FIG. 5, a first communication
element 322A is printed on the lid 326. The first communication
element 322A interacts with the first communication element 302A on
the bag 302. In one non-limiting example, the first communication
element 302A on the bag 302 is an image containing a plurality of
items and the first communication element 322A on the container 322
is an I-spy command that directs the consumer to locate one of the
items within the image. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the lid
326 may include a second communication element 322B that interacts
with the first communication element 322A on the lid 326. For
example, the first communication element 322A may be printed on the
top side 328A of the lid 326 and may be a trivia question, whereas
the second communication element 322B may be printed on the bottom
side 328B of the lid 326 and may be the answer to the trivia
question (see FIG. 6). In another example, the first and second
communication elements 322A, 322B are both printed on the top side
328A of the lid 326 or the first and second communication elements
322A, 322B are printed on the bottom side 32813 of the lid 326. The
container 322 may also include more than two communication
elements. Additionally, the communication elements may be printed
on the bowl instead of the lid, or the communication elements may
be printed on both the bowl and the lid.
[0050] In certain embodiments, the bowl 324 is successively reused
with a plurality of disposable lids 326, each having at least one
communication element 322A printed thereon. The at least one
communication element 322A is designed to interact with the
communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag. To illustrate, in one
example, a consumer places food within the bowl 324 of the
container 322 and uses a first disposable lid 326 to seal the bowl
324. The first lid 326 includes a first communication element that
interacts with the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag. At
lunch, the disposable lid 326 is removed, the food consumed, and
the disposable lid 326 is thereafter disposed of while the bowl 324
is kept for later re-use. The bowl 324 may be washed and made
available for use with a second disposable lid 326'. The second lid
326' includes at least one communication element 322A' that
interacts with the communication elements 302A, 302B on the bag
302. Thus, the communication elements 322A, 322A' on the individual
lids 326, 326' interact with the bag 302 in a different way,
thereby making the bag 302 appear "new" and exciting each day. For
example, in one embodiment, the communication element 322A of the
first lid 326 is a cryptogram code that interacts with the
communication element 302A of the bag, which in this embodiment is
a key for determining the code. The communication element 322A' on
the second lid 326' is a second cryptogram code that interacts with
the key on the bag 302, such that when the second lid 326' is used
together with the bag 302 a different phrase is decoded using the
same key on the bag 302. Alternatively, the communication element
302A on the bag 302 may be an image having multiple items therein.
The communication element 322A on the first lid 326 is an I-spy
command that directs the user to locate a first item within the
image on the bag 302. The communication element 322A' on the second
lid 326' is also an I-spy command, which tells the user to locate a
second item within the image, thereby changing the user's
perception of the bag 302 each day.
[0051] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, an underside 342 of
the bowl 324 includes a reservoir 344 that is designed to receive a
removable article 346 therein. In the present embodiment, the
reservoir 344 is designed to retain a generally rectangular article
346, however, the reservoir 344 could be designed to receive
articles 346 of various shapes.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the lid 326 is adapted to include the
removable article 346. The article 346 is attached to the main body
portion 328 of the lid 326 by a perforated edge 348. In use, a
consumer removes the article 346 from the lid 326. In some
embodiments, the consumer may write a note on the article 346. In
other embodiments, the article 346 may have a communication element
346A such as a graphic or note already printed thereon. After
separating the article 346 from the lid 326, the consumer inserts
the article 346 into the reservoir 344. The article 346 may be
retained within the reservoir 344 by an interference fit, flanges,
or any other engagement mechanism known in the art. The bowl 324
may be transparent such that the communication element 346A on the
article 346 can be viewed through the bowl 324 when the article 346
is retained within the reservoir 344 (see FIG. 9).
[0053] The article 346 in combination with the lid 326 of the
container 322 provides a staged viewing experience, in which the
user's experience is heightened as they progressively interact with
the communication elements 322A, 322B, 346A. For example, prior to
opening the container, the consumer sees and interacts with at
least one communication element 322A disposed on the top side 328A
of the lid 326. When the consumer removes the lid 326 from the
container 322, the consumer sees the second communication element
322B provided on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326. The second
communication element 322B on the bottom side 328B of the lid 326
may interact with the at least one communication element 322A
disposed on the top side 328A of the lid 326. Next, the user
removes the contents disposed within the container 322, thereby
revealing the article 346 retained within the reservoir 344. The
communication element 346A on the article 346 interacts with the at
least one communication element 322A on the top side 328A of the
lid 326, or it may interact with the communication element 322B on
the bottom side 328B of the lid 326, or it may interact with both
communication elements 322A, 322B. For example, the at least one
communication element 322A on the top side 328A of the lid 326 is a
trivia question, the communication element 322B on the bottom side
328B of the lid 326 is a hint about how to answer the trivia
question, and the communication element 346A on the article 346 is
the answer to the trivia question.
[0054] The consumer or another user may remove the article 346 from
the reservoir 344 of the container 322 in order to save and collect
the article 346. Alternatively, the consumer may trade the article
346 with a third person, which promotes social interaction.
Additionally, the consumer may use the article 346 to customize
other products in the lunch kit 300. For example, the bag 302 may
include a plurality of display pockets 350 into which the user may
place the article 346 to customize the bag 302 (see FIG. 10).
Alternatively, the closure device 312 may be designed to retain the
article 346. Further, the article 346 could be used as a token, for
a promotional prize or other sweepstakes in which there is a prize
for collecting a specific number of articles 346.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 11, a third item in the lunch kit may
be a plastic liquid bottle 352. The bottle 352 generally includes a
body portion 354 for containing a liquid therein and a spout 356
for dispensing the liquid from within the body 354. The body
portion 354 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material such as
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, or other resilient
polymeric material. A communication element 352A is disposed on a
sidewall 358 of the body 354 of the bottle 352. The communication
element 352A is designed to interact with the communication
elements 302A, 302B on the bag 302 and/or the communication
elements 322A, 322B on the container 322. The body portion 354 may
also be transparent or include some kind of colored film, such that
when the pouch is placed over the communication elements 302A, 302B
on the bag 302 or the communication elements 322A, 322B on the
container 322, the bottle 354 reveals a phrase, code, image or
other communication element that was not visible without the bottle
354.
[0056] Other products in the stream of products comprising the
lunch kit 300 may include a snack container, which is a smaller
version of the container described above, a paper-sandwich bag, a
Ziploc.RTM. brand snack bag, a thermos or other leak proof
container, napkins, and/or a toy or prize.
[0057] Each product in the lunch kit 300 can be used alone such
that a communication element thereon will communicate with the
child or with another communication element on the same product to
provide entertainment and means of social interaction during lunch.
However, enhanced value is created by utilizing the various
communication elements on the products with communication elements
on different products in the lunch kit 300. When the products are
used together, the communication elements on the distinct products
302, 322, 352 in the lunch kit 300 provide a collaborative
communication such that the consumer has an enhanced experience
with the stream of the products 300. For example, the container 322
having a code printed on it can still be utilized for its
functional or utilitarian purpose of storing food, however, when
used in combination with the bag 302 having the key printed
thereon, the lunch experience becomes more than just about the food
and the containers for the food.
[0058] Additionally, the products in the first stream of products
making up the lunch kit 300 are designed to interact with a second
stream of products making up a second lunch kit. For example, in
one embodiment, a first consumer's bag may include a communication
element such as a cryptogram key that can interact with a
communication element on the lid of a second consumer's container,
such that the second consumer is able to solve a code printed on
the lid of his container. This uniformity between lunch kits
promotes further social interaction between consumers.
[0059] The products in the lunch kit 300 are all part of a lunch
kit system. In a preferred embodiment, the lunch kit system
includes a bowl 324, a plurality of lids 326, a bag 302, and a
closure device 312. In some embodiments, the lunch kit system also
includes a bottle 352. The lunch kit system preferably includes 20
to 40 lids. In use, a user replaces the lid 326 on the container
324 daily as described above. In one embodiment, after the lunch
kit system runs out of lids 326, the container 324 is disposed of
and a new system is purchased. Alternatively, the plurality of lids
326 may be sold separately from the system as a refill system. In a
different embodiment, when the lunch kit system runs out of the
lids 326, it indicates to a consumer that the bag 302 should be
replaced. Further, the communication element 302A on the bag 302
may inform the user when it is time to replace the bag 302. Before
disposing of the bag 302, the closure device 312 is removed from
the bag 302 and later reused with a new bag 302. In a preferred
embodiment, the bag 302 is used for three months prior to being
disposed of, however, the bag 302 may be used for longer or shorter
periods of time than the preferred 3 month period.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the user has the option to
personalize the lunch kit 300. The user may go online and choose
colors, images, and the types of communication elements they would
like to see on the products in their lunch kit 300. The user can
place an order for her customized lunch kit 300 online. Further, it
is contemplated that the lunch kit system may include lids that are
blank such that they do not include any communication elements
disposed thereon. A user can buy the blank lids, and after creating
her customized lids online, the user can print the lids in the
convenience of her home.
[0061] Further, the communication elements may incorporate an
advertisement or licensed material from a third party. The
advertisement is incorporated with the interaction of the
communication elements such that a user actually takes the time to
read the advertisement or notice a sponsor. For example, the
advertisement can be incorporated in a cryptogram code on a lid of
a container that the user solves with a key on the bag.
Alternatively, the name of the sponsor may be an answer to a trivia
question or may be included as one of the words to find in a word
search.
[0062] In other embodiments, the communication element may be a QR
code, another code, or a website address that the user can use
online to access a special website, thereby linking the
communication element with digital content. The digital content in
addition to the other communication elements allows the user to
further interact with the products of the lunch kit. For example,
if the communication element on the bag of the lunch kit includes a
graphic or a cartoon character, the code would allow a user to
watch a secret video that only someone who knows the code on the
bag can see. It is further anticipated that two or more
communication elements on different products may collaboratively
provide or communicate a code or website to a consumer if the
products are used interactively as noted herein.
[0063] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended
to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the
invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in
order to explain the principles of the present invention so that
others skilled in the art may practice the invention. As will be
apparent to one skilled in the art, various modifications can be
made within the scope of the aforesaid description. Such
modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the art
form a part of the present invention and are embraced by the
appended claims.
[0064] Other embodiments of the disclosure including all the
possible different and various combinations of the individual
features of each of the foregoing described embodiments and
examples are specifically included herein.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0065] Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this
description is to be construed as illustrative only and is
presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to
make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying
out same. All patents, patent applications, and other references
cited herein are incorporated herein by reference as they appear in
this document in their entirety. The exclusive rights to all
modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims
are reserved.
* * * * *