U.S. patent application number 14/209738 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for container for holding essential oils.
This patent application is currently assigned to Young Living Essential Oils, LC. The applicant listed for this patent is Young Living Essential Oils, LC. Invention is credited to Son Q. Le, Brian A. White, D. Gary Young.
Application Number | 20140262904 14/209738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522676 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140262904 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; D. Gary ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
CONTAINER FOR HOLDING ESSENTIAL OILS
Abstract
A container for holding a sample of essential oils is disclosed.
The container can be substantially flat and flexible. The container
can also be formed to include an internal pocket for holding
essential oil. In some implementations, the container may be
combined with and inserted into a sleeve. The sleeve may act as a
business card or other marketing material, which can be handed out
to individuals interested in learning more about essential
oils.
Inventors: |
Young; D. Gary; (Alpine,
UT) ; White; Brian A.; (Mapleton, UT) ; Le;
Son Q.; (Highland, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Young Living Essential Oils, LC |
Lehi |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Young Living Essential Oils,
LC
Lehi
UT
|
Family ID: |
51522676 |
Appl. No.: |
14/209738 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61788793 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
206/484; 206/524.2; 206/525 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5811 20130101;
B65D 77/06 20130101; B65D 75/5822 20130101; B65D 75/28
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 ;
206/525; 206/524.2; 206/484 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A container for holding essential oils comprising: a container
body, the container body being substantially flat and substantially
flexible, the container body defining an internal pocket therein;
and a composition consisting essentially of essential oil being
disposed within the pocket.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is a sachet, and
wherein the composition has a total volume equal to or less than
0.75 mL.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the composition has a total
volume equal to or less than 0.3 mL.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container body includes
two layers of material coupled together to form the pocket therein,
the pocket being sealed between the two layers of material.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the two layers of material are
layers of sheet material sealed together about their edges to form
the pocket there between.
6. The container of claim 4, wherein the container body includes a
tearing feature configured to aid in tearing a portion of the
container body.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the tearing feature is a
V-shaped notch.
8. The container of claim 1, further comprising label information
printed on the container body, the label information being about
essential oils required by government regulations.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the composition consists
essentially of 100% pure essential oil.
10. A container for containing essential oils, the container
comprising: a main body that is compressible and is biased in an
uncompressed state, the main body defining an inner pocket when in
the uncompressed state, the main body being compressible to a
compressed state in which the inner pocket has a lesser volume than
when in the uncompressed state; and a composition consisting
essentially of essential oils disposed within the pocket.
11. The container of claim 10, further comprising an extension
portion coupled to the main body, and wherein the inner pocket
extends at least partially into the extension portion.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the extension portion is
shaped and sized to be grippable by human fingers.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the extension portion
includes a tearing feature configured to aid in tearing a portion
of the extension portion.
14. The container of claim 10, wherein the composition has a total
volume equal to or less than 0.75 mL.
15. The container of claim 10, wherein the composition has a total
volume equal to or less than 0.3 mL.
16. A sales tool for distributing samples of essential oils, the
tool comprising: a sleeve that is substantially flat; and a sachet
containing a composition within a sealed portion of the sachet, the
sachet being selectively disposed within an interior of the sleeve,
the sachet being substantially flat and substantially flexible, the
composition consisting essentially of essential oils.
17. The sales tool of claim 16, wherein the sleeve is made of paper
that is folded and coupled together to form a sleeve.
18. The sales tool of claim 17, wherein the sleeve is imprinted
with business-card-type information.
19. The sales tool of claim 18, wherein the composition has a total
volume equal to or less than 0.3 mL and the composition consists
essentially of 100% pure essential oils.
20. The sales tool of claim 19, wherein the sachet includes two
layers of material coupled together to form the pocket therein, the
pocket being sealed between the two layers of material.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/788,793 filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled CONTAINER
FOR HOLDING ESSENTIAL OILS, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Essential oils are natural aromatic liquids found in the
roots, stem, bark, seeds, flowers, and other parts of plants.
Technically, essential oils are fat soluble, non-water-based
phytochemicals that include volatile organic compounds. The
chemistry of any particular essential oil can be very complex and
may consist of hundreds of different and unique chemical compounds.
These oils give plants their distinctive smells, provide protection
against disease, and assist in pollination. In their pure form,
essential oils are translucent with colors ranging from clear to
pink to blue. At different times throughout history, essential oils
have also been used for medical purposes in which these oils have
been inhaled, topically applied, or ingested.
[0003] The market for essential oils for personal use has grown
rapidly over the last few decades with a large number of companies
emerging to capitalize on their popularity. These oils are marketed
via traditional retail channels as well as through network
marketing organizations, in which independent distributors teach
friends, co-workers, and others within their personal networks
about essential oils. In such presentations, distributors may allow
individuals interested in these oils to sample drops from the
distributor's bottles, which typically hold approximately 5, 10, or
15 mL of essential oil.
[0004] To facilitate the distribution of oil samples, some
companies produce small sample vials that can hold between 1 to 3
mL of essential oil (between about 17 to 40 drops of essential oil
may be contained in 1 mL, depending on the oil type), which can be
provided to interested individuals free of charge or at a
relatively low cost. Glass is the material of choice for such a
container, since essential oils tend to react with and/or dissolve
the materials commonly used to form such containers. Moreover,
relatively opaque and colored glass is preferred since the
integrity of the essential oils may be compromised from prolonged
exposure to ambient light. Vials that hold less than 1 mL of oil
can be less expensive, but are considered ineffective because it is
difficult to insert and remove oils through the vial's small
opening. Small vials are also too small to hold the necessary
labeling information required by government regulations, and as
such must be filled by third parties or placed in a larger package
that includes this information.
[0005] Given the cost of essential oils, each small sample vial of
oil may cost several dollars, which can become very expensive to
companies and individuals who give away many sample vials. Despite
the cost of current sample vials of essential oils, each year tens
of thousands of distributors give these small sample vials to their
friends and associates at a substantial cost to themselves or the
receiving parties. Similarly, each year numerous retail stores,
online websites, and other commercial entities seek to entice new
consumers into the market for essential oils using similar small
bottles or vials. Despite the large number of parties (estimated to
number at least one-quarter billion) who have sought to provide low
cost samples of essential oils over the past few decades and
despite the high cost of current sample vials, the technology used
to provide and distribute sample amounts of essential oils for
personal use has remained unchanged.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides a container that is capable
of holding a sample amount of essential oils. Such a container can
reduce the cost of providing samples of essential oils, while also
increasing the ability to distribute such samples. In some
implementations of the invention, the container is a flexible and
substantially-flat sachet that can be easily handed out, mailed, or
included in a product brochure or card.
[0007] In other implementations, the container is compressible, and
can be formed in the shape of a bubble or the like, which can be
squeezed to eject the sample quantity of essential oils that are
contained within the pocket. The container can have a main body
that is compressible and is biased in an uncompressed state. The
main body can define an inner pocket and be compressible to a
compressed state in which the inner pocket has a lesser volume than
when in the uncompressed state.
[0008] Some aspects of the invention further include a sleeve into
which the container can be inserted to form a combined sales tool.
The sleeve can be a business card, brochure, invitation or the
like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.
These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and
are not therefore to be considered to limit the scope of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a representative container
suitable for containing a sample amount of essential oils, in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1B is side view of the container shown in FIG. 1A, in
accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another representative
container suitable for containing a sample amount of essential
oils, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a sachet containing
essential oils that is only partially inserted into a sleeve that
can hold the sachet therein, in accordance with some embodiments of
the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a sachet fully inserted
into the sleeve of FIG. 3B, in accordance with some embodiments of
the invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows the sleeve of FIGS. 3A-3B when it is unfolded,
in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows the sachet of FIGS. 3A-3B prior to being formed
and filled, in accordance with some embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] This specification describes exemplary embodiments and
applications of the invention. The invention, however, is not
limited to these exemplary embodiments and applications or to the
manner in which the exemplary embodiments and applications operate
or are described herein. Where reference is made to a list of
elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to
include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination
of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of
all of the listed elements.
[0018] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a
range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is
used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be
interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also as
including all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges
encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and
sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical
range of "about 1 to 5" should be interpreted to include not only
the explicitly recited values of about 1 to 5, but also include
individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus,
included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2,
3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as 1-3, 2-4, and 3-5, etc. This same
principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and
should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the
characteristics being described.
[0019] The term "substantially" means that the recited
characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly,
but that deviations or variations, including for example,
tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and
other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in
amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was
intended to provide.
[0020] The present invention relates generally to a container used
to contain a sample amount of essential oils within an internal
pocket. FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a representative container in the
form of a sachet 10, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. The sachet 10 can be flexible and substantially flat so
that it is capable of holding a few drops of essential oil, such as
between one to fifteen drops. Such sachets 10 can reduce the cost
of providing samples of essential oils, while also increasing the
ability to distribute such samples since these sachets 10 can be
easily handed out, mailed, or included with sales tools and
marketing materials. Moreover, the sachet 10 provides surfaces that
are sufficiently large enough to contain all of the labeling
information required to be included with this product, such as
nutritional information, safety, quantity, and other such
information.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B the sachet 10 can include two or
more sheets of material ("sheets") 30, 32 that are coupled together
to form an internal pocket 16. The sheets 30, 32 can be
substantially flexible, such that they can be manipulated,
compressed, and/or folded with the hands. As such, when the sachet
10 is opened, essential oil within the pocket 16 can be squeezed
out by pressing inwardly on the pocket 16. The sachet 10 can
include a tearing feature 22, such as a tear line, score, scored
line(s), notch (including a V-shaped notch), cut, or other such
structure(s) or void(s) that can facilitate tearing away a portion
of the body of the sachet 10.
[0022] The sheets 30, 32 can include one or more layers that are
capable of containing an essential oil without reacting with these
oils and that can preserve the integrity of the oils. Such layers
can include an opaque material that prevents light from entering
the container. Such layers can additionally or alternatively
include a material that can contact essential oils, even very
corrosive oils (e.g., lemon oil), for prolonged periods (e.g., up
to one or two years) and through harsh temperatures without
substantially reacting with the oils or affecting the properties of
the oils. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include
polymer materials or a metal or metal alloy (e.g., aluminum,
aluminum foil, tin foil, mylar, silver, and/or other suitable
metals). In some instances, a suitable material may be one layer of
the sheets 30, 32, such as an internal layer while another outer
layer may be coupled to the internal layer, to provide other
properties to the sheet 30, 32. In some instances, the sheets 30,
32 are substantially flexible.
[0023] As mentioned, the two or more sheets 30, 32 can be coupled
together to form an internal pocket 16. These sheets 30, 32 can be
coupled together via various means including ultrasonic sealing,
ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, RF sealing, pressure sealing, and
other suitable coupling techniques. The coupling can result in a
seal 18 that encompasses the pocket 16 to prevent its contents from
leaking out. As such, in some embodiments, the two or more sheets
30, 32 are sealed together to define the internal pocket 16.
[0024] In some embodiments, the sachet 10 includes a tab portion 14
or an otherwise grippable portion that can be gripped and
completely or partially torn away from the body of the sachet 10 to
create an opening into the pocket 16. This tab portion 14 can be
gripped by a user when tearing the pocket 16 open with or without
the aid of a tearing feature 22. The tab portion 14 can include two
or more sheets 30, 32 that are coupled together. Additionally, the
tab portion 14 can include a portion 20 of the pocket 16 that is
torn opened when the tab portion 14 is pulled and a tear is
created. The tear can rip the tab portion 14 away from the main
body of the sachet 10, creating an opening in the portion 20 of the
pocket 16 that extends into the tab portion 14. Essential oils
within the pocket 16 can then be dispensed through the opening.
[0025] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the sachet 10. As shown, in
some embodiments, the sachet 10 is substantially flat. The
relatively small thickness of the sachet 10 may permit it to be
unobtrusively included in a standard mailing envelope, attached to
a packet of papers, inserted into a sleeve (as shown in FIGS.
3A-4), or included with introductory or instructional materials
about essential oils and their use. The thickness 34 of the seal 18
can be approximately the thickness of the two or more sheets 30,
32. Each sheet can have a thickness of between approximately
0.001-0.02 inches. When essential oil is included within the pocket
16, the thickness 36 of the pocket 16 can increase as the pocket 16
is filled with essential oil. In some instances, the thickness 36
of the pocket 16 may increase to between approximately 1.1 to 15
times (such as between 1.5 to 10 times or between 1.5 to 7 times)
the thicknesses 34 of the seal 18. If air is inserted into the
pocket, the thickness 36 may be even greater.
[0026] In some embodiments, the volume of oils capable of being
inserted into the pocket 16 or inserted within the pocket 16 can be
less than approximately 1 mL, for example, less than or equal to
approximately 0.75 mL, less than or equal to approximately 0.7 mL,
less than or equal to approximately 0.65 mL, less than or equal to
approximately 0.6 mL, less than or equal to approximately 0.55 mL,
less than or equal to approximately 0.5 mL, less than or equal to
approximately 0.45 mL, less than or equal to approximately 0.4 mL,
less than or equal to approximately 0.35 mL, less than or equal to
approximately 0.3 mL, less than or equal to approximately 0.25 mL,
less than or equal to approximately 0.2 mL, less than or equal to
approximately 0.15 mL, less than or equal to approximately 0.1 mL,
or less than or equal to approximately 0.05 mL of essential oils.
The volume of essential oils disposed within the pocket 16 can also
be measured in terms of number of drops of that particular oil.
This volume can be less than or equal to approximately 25 drops,
less than or equal to approximately 20 drops, less than or equal to
approximately 15 drops, less than or equal to approximately 12
drops, less than or equal to approximately 10 drops, less than or
equal to approximately 7 drops, less than or equal to approximately
5 drops, less than or equal to approximately 4 drops, less than or
equal to approximately 3 drops, less than or equal to approximately
2 drops, or approximately 1 drop. In other embodiments, the volume
of oils capable of being inserted into the pocket 16 or inserted
within the pocket 16 can be equal to or more than approximately 1
mL, such as 1.5 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, and 15 mL.
[0027] As mentioned, in some embodiments, the container (e.g., the
sachet 10) can contain a composition containing one or more
essential oils, including a blend of two or more essential oils. In
some embodiments, the composition consists essentially of essential
oils. In other embodiments, the composition consists solely of
essential oils. The essential oils can be substantially pure and
uncut essential oils. Essential oils are naturally occurring
aromatic liquids found in the roots, stems, bark, seeds, flowers,
and other parts of plants. These oils are fat soluble,
non-water-based phytochemicals that include volatile organic
compounds. The chemistry of any particular essential oil can be
very complex and may consist of hundreds of different and unique
chemical compounds. In nature, these oils give plants their
distinctive smells, provide protection against disease, and assist
in pollination. When separated from their parent plant, essential
oils in their pure form are translucent with colors ranging from
clear to pink or blue.
[0028] Suitable essential oils that can be contained within the
container, in accordance with some embodiments, include, but not
limited to, essential oils from one or more of the following plants
(and related plant species): ajowan, almond, allspice, aloe, ammi
visnaga (khella), amyris, angelica, anise, apricot, arnica,
avocado, copaiba, balsam, basil, bay laurel, benzoin, bergamot,
bergaptene, birch, borage, boronia, buchu, cajeput, calalmus,
calendula, camellia, cannabis, caraway, cardamom, carnation,
carrot, cassia, castor, catnip, cedar, cedarwood, celery, chamomile
(including blue chamomile, German chamomile, Moroccan chamomile,
Moroccan wild chamomile, and Roman chamomile), champaca, cilantro,
cinnamon, cistus, citronella, ciste, clary sage, clementine, clove,
cocoa, coconut, combava petitgrain, coriander, cornmint, costus,
cumin, cypress, davana, dill, dill weed, elemi, erideron
(fleabane), eucalyptus, fennel, sweet fennel, fenugreek, fir,
frankincense, galbanum, garlic, genet, geranium, ginger, ginsing,
grapefruit, pink grapefruit, white grapefruit, grapeseed, hazelnut,
helichrysum, hemp, honeysuckle, hyssop, immortelle, fragrant aster
inula, Jamaican gold, jasmine, grandiflorum jasmine, jojoba,
jobquille, juniper, lanolin, lantana camara, laurel nobilis,
lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, litsea, litsea cubeba, lotus,
macadamia, mace, mandarin, manuka, marigold, marjarom, massoia,
melissa, mimosa, monarda, mugwort, musk, myrrh, myrtle, narcissus,
neroli, niaouli, nutmeg, oakmoss, ocotea, olibanum, opopanax,
orange, blood orange, sweet orange, oregano, orris, osmanthus,
palm, palmarosa, paprika, parsley, patchouli, peanut, pecan,
pennyroyal, pepper, black pepper, peppermint, petitgrain, white
pine, pine, primrose, ravensara anisata, redberry, rose, rosehip,
rosemary, rosewood, rue, sage, sandalwood, seabuckthorn, sesame,
shea, spikenard, spruce, blue spruce, St. John's wort, styrax,
tagetes, tangerine, tea tree, thuja, thyme, tuberose, valerian,
vanilla, verbena, vetiver, violete, vitex, walnut, wintergreen,
wormwood, yarrow, and ylang ylang.
[0029] Reference will now be made to FIG. 2, which illustrates
another representative container 40 that is at least semi-rigid and
that is compressible. The container 40 can be formed as an inflated
or semi-inflated bubble or pill shape or an otherwise
non-substantially-flat shape. The container 40 can define an inner
pocket 44 that can hold essential oils, in accordance with some
embodiments of the invention. Such a container 40 can be shaped and
sized to have an inner pocket 44 that can contain the various
sample amounts previously mentioned.
[0030] As shown, in some embodiments, the container 40 can include
a main body 42 and an extension portion 46 that is joined to the
main body 42 by a neck 48 or neck portion. The main body 42 can
form an inner pocket 44 that is biased in an uncompressed state.
The pocket 44 can extend at least partially into the neck 48 and/or
the extension portion 46. The extension portion 46 can be shaped
and sized to be grippable by human fingers. When gripped, the
extension portion 46 can be twisted or pulled to tear an opening
into the portion of the pocket 44 that extends into the neck 48
and/or extension portion 46. Alternatively, the extension portion
46 may be configured such that it does not tear easily, but is most
easily opened by a cutting instrument (e.g., scissors, knife,
etc.)
[0031] As mentioned, the main body 42 can be at least partially
compressible and can be formed to define an internal pocket 44 that
can hold essential oils. The main body 42 can also be semi-rigid,
such that it maintains its form until it is compressed. When
compressed from a non-compressed state to a compressed state, the
main body 42 can at least partially collapse or deform inward into
the pocket 44, applying pressure to the contents of the pocket 44.
After the pocket 44 is opened essential oils or other contents
within the container 40 can seep out or be manually ejected upon
compression of the main body 42.
[0032] To permit the main body 42 to be compressible, the entire
container 40, main body 42, and/or neck 48 or portions thereof can
be manufactured using one or more compressible materials. Moreover,
to permit the main body 42 to maintain its non-compressed state,
the entire container 40, main body 42, and/or neck 48 can be
manufactured using one or more semi-rigid materials. Alternatively,
the main body 42 can be manufactured from a semi-flexible material
that can be inflated to form a bulge but which collapses in the
absence of a material within the pocket 44. To permit the container
40 to contain essential oils, the entire container 40, main body
42, and/or neck 48 can be manufactured using one or more materials
that will not react with or be degraded by the essential oils even
when left for an extended period (e.g., one to two years). This
material can include one or more layers, which may include any of
the materials previously described.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, some embodiments of the container 40
include a seal portion 50 that at least partially encompasses the
container 40. The seal portion 50 can seal two or more layers of
material that encapsulate the pocket 44 and essential oils in the
pocket 44 therein. The seal portion 50 can be formed by any of the
sealing methods previously mentioned.
[0034] In some embodiments, the container 40, shown in FIG. 2, can
include a tearing feature on or near the neck 48. The tearing
feature can be similar to that described above with reference to
FIGS. 1A and 1B and which can facilitate the tearing open of the
neck 48.
[0035] Reference will now be made to FIGS. 3A-3B, which illustrates
a sales tool that may be used by vendors of essential oils to
distribute samples of essential oils. As shown, the sales tool
includes a container that includes a sample amount of essential
oils, including a volume of oil previously described above. The
container can be a sachet 10 as described with reference to FIGS.
1A-1B. The sachet 10 can be selectively inserted into a sleeve 60
and the two can act as a single sales tool that can be distributed
to interested individuals.
[0036] In some embodiments, the sleeve 60 is made of paper, paper
stock, card board, card stock, or other similar material. In other
embodiments, the sleeve 60 is made of another material commonly
used and/or suitable for use as a business card, print invitation,
brochure, or the like. The sleeve 60 can be folded and/or coupled
(e.g., glued, welding, etc.) together to form a sleeve, as shown.
The sleeve 60 can thus have a first side 66 and a second side 68
that form a substantially flat sleeve 60 or envelope. The sleeve 10
can have an opening 62 in one or two of its ends. The opening 62
can allow selective insertion of the sachet 10 into an internal
cavity defined between at least a portion of the first and second
sides 66, 68 of the sleeve 60.
[0037] As shown, one or both of the first and second sides 66, 68
of the sleeve 60 can include a cutout 64 that facilitates gripping
and removal of the sachet 10 from the sleeve 60. This cutout 64 can
have various shapes that are shaped and sized for permitting access
to the sachet 10.
[0038] As shown, in some embodiments, the sleeve 60 can include
business-card-type information thereon that can inform the
recipient of this sales tool to contact the vendor in order to
purchase standard-sized containers of essential oils.
Business-card-type information includes information typically
included on a business card such as vendor name, vendor contact
information, logos, QR codes, bar codes, and other such
information. Moreover, additionally or alternatively, the sleeve 60
can include information about an upcoming event, a product (e.g.,
the attached essential oil), the vendor, a company, or the
like.
[0039] In some embodiments, instead of a sleeve 60, as shown in
FIGS. 3A-3B, the sachet or other type of sample container can be
coupled to or inserted within a business card, brochure,
invitation, mailing envelope, or other sales/marketing
material.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the sleeve 60 of FIGS. 3A-3B
in an unfolded state. As shown, the sleeve's 60 first side 66 and
second side 68 can initially be formed of a single sheet that is
then folded along fold line 70. Once folded, portions of the first
side 66 and the second side 68 can be coupled together to form the
internal cavity.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the sachet 10 of FIGS. 3A-3B
in an unfolded state. As shown, the sachet's 60 first sheet 30 and
second sheet 32 can initially be formed of a single sheet that is
then folded along fold line 72. Once folded, portions of the first
sheet 30 and the second sheet 32 can be coupled together to form
the internal pocket. As mentioned, in some embodiments, the edges
of the sheet can be sealed to form the internal pocket 16 in a
manner that prevents the contents thereof from leaking out. In
other embodiments, the sachet's 60 first sheet 30 and second sheet
32 are separate sheets that are sealed together.
[0042] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
is provided for distributing samples of essential oils. As
mentioned, prior methods of distributing essential oils included
the expensive distribution of 1 mL or larger vials of essential
oils that can hold up to forty drops of oil. Accordingly, a method
for providing samples of essential oils includes one or more of the
following steps. First, the method includes providing a container
containing a small sample of essential oil, wherein the container
can be any of the containers discussed with reference to FIGS.
1A-5. In particularly, the container can be a sample sachet or an
inflated, compressible container that includes an internal pocket
shaped and sized to contain only between 1-15 drops of oil, between
1-8 drops of oil, or between 1-6 drops of oil. Such containers can
reduce the cost of providing samples of essential oils, while also
increasing the ability to distribute such samples since these
flexible and substantially flat sachets can be easily handed out,
mailed, or included in a product brochure.
[0043] Second, the method includes distributing the sample
containers of essential oils to individuals that may be interested
in these oils. This method may also include the step of providing
(e.g., distributing, shipping, selling, etc.) the sample containers
to individuals (sales people, independent distributors, etc.) who
distribute the samples. This method can enable retailers,
multi-level marketing companies, and other business entities
engaged in the sale of essential oils to provide a low-volume and
relatively low-cost samples of essential oils to prospective
customers.
[0044] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a
sleeve into which the sample container may be inserted. This method
may also include the step of inserting the container into the
sleeve. The sleeve can be similar to that described with reference
to FIGS. 3A-4. As mentioned, the sleeve can include
business-card-type information that can inform the recipient of
this combined sales tool to contact the vendor in order to purchase
standard-sized containers of essential oils.
[0045] Although specific embodiments and applications of the
invention have been described in this specification, these
embodiments and applications are exemplary only, and many
variations are possible. For example, essential oils may be
inserted into another known type of container or packet for
providing a product of a liquid, semi-liquid, or gel sample.
[0046] Moreover, the various embodiments of the containers may be
used for both personal as well and professional use. For example,
single-use containers may be useful to medical practitioners who
require or prefer single-use packaged products for sanitation
purposes. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the invention includes
a method for providing a container, such as any of the containers
described herein, for medical purposes, for use in a medical
facility, or for providing a single use serving of essential oils
in a sanitary environment.
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