WO2004018308A2 - Article conçu pour contenir une substance - Google Patents

Article conçu pour contenir une substance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004018308A2
WO2004018308A2 PCT/GB2003/003656 GB0303656W WO2004018308A2 WO 2004018308 A2 WO2004018308 A2 WO 2004018308A2 GB 0303656 W GB0303656 W GB 0303656W WO 2004018308 A2 WO2004018308 A2 WO 2004018308A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
receptacle
container
containers
article according
substance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2003/003656
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004018308A3 (fr
Inventor
Karen Branch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0219424A external-priority patent/GB0219424D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0306455A external-priority patent/GB0306455D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2003259337A priority Critical patent/AU2003259337A1/en
Publication of WO2004018308A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004018308A2/fr
Publication of WO2004018308A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004018308A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4204—Inspection openings or windows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
    • B65D5/0209—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body the tubular body having a curved or partially curved cross-section
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4208—Means facilitating suspending, lifting, handling, or the like of containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/4212—Information or decoration elements, e.g. content indicators, or for mailing
    • B65D5/4216—Cards, coupons or the like formed integrally with, or printed directly on, the container or lid
    • B65D5/422—Cards, coupons or the like formed integrally with, or printed directly on, the container or lid as an extra panel or panels folded against or inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/048—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid and the outer container being of curved cross-section, e.g. cylindrical
    • B65D77/0486—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid and the outer container being of curved cross-section, e.g. cylindrical the inner container being coaxially disposed within the outer container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an article for containing a substance, and display apparatus for displaying said article.
  • Articles may be exchanged between persons for a variety of reasons.
  • One reason is to acknowledge or commemorate an event with the exchange of a gift.
  • Such gifts commonly include, for example, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, toiletry or cosmetic items such as bath oils or moisturisers, and confectionery items such as chocolates.
  • Another reason for exchanging an article between persons is the submission of a sample of a bodily fluid, for example blood or urine, for medical analysis, or the submission of a sample of a substance, for example, water or soil, for other scientific analysis.
  • a sample of a bodily fluid for example blood or urine
  • a sample of a substance for example, water or soil
  • a written message will accompany the article being exchanged.
  • the written message may give personal details of the person submitting the sample, the time, date, and location of where the sample was taken, or other appropriate information.
  • the article is given as a gift, a personal message, greeting, or other sentiment may accompany it.
  • the written message should preferably be attached to the article to ensure that the sample is correctly identified.
  • this may cause difficulties, for example, with confidentiality of medical samples, since if such information is written or printed on the packaging of the article the personal details of the person submitting the sample may easily be viewable.
  • There are also difficulties associated with the filing of personal details since the article itself or the article with its packaging may be too bulky (or otherwise inappropriate) to easily be filed, and hence the written message must be copied out and filed separately, which can also lead to errors.
  • the written message (typically in the form of a greetings card) will typically be bought or sent separately from the gift.
  • this may be given as a separate article, or attached to the gift and wrapped together as two individual discrete articles.
  • the card by giving the card as a separate article, it may become separated from the gift and lost, in particular if being sent by post, and if the card is attached to and wrapped with the gift, then the two articles together may present an irregular shape which is awkward to wrap, and has sharp corners.
  • the shape and structure of the gift and card are incompatible and do not fit or slot together. It is also preferable that the personal message is not readable until received by the recipient of the gift.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an article which can overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.
  • an article for containing a substance which comprises a receptacle for containing the substance, and an integral dedicated data input surface which has accessible and non- accessible positions.
  • the substance to be contained by the article may be selected from beverages, toiletries, edible items and items related to a person's hobbies or interests.
  • Suitable beverages may include, for example, spirits, liquors, wines, champagnes, beers, cocktails, soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks and mineral waters.
  • Suitable toiletries may include perfumes, make-up, cosmetic and facial products, hair products, bath/shower products and aromatherapy and massage oils.
  • Suitable edible items may include confectionery, chocolates, snacks and biscuits.
  • Suitable items related to a person's hobbies or interests may include candles, books, paintings, artist's paints and DIY products.
  • the receptacle of the article of the present invention may itself contain the substance, i.e. receptacle may contain the substance directly, the substance being removable from the receptacle by, for example, pouring it from the receptacle into another vessel.
  • the receptacle of the article of the present invention may contain a separate container within which the substance is contained, i.e. the substance may be removed from the receptacle by removing the container from the receptacle.
  • the walls of the receptacle may be shaped to reflect the type of substance contained therein.
  • the receptacle may be attractively shaped to represent a wine bottle, or if the substance is beer then the receptacle may be shaped as a beer keg.
  • the receptacle may also be suitably shaped if the substance contained therein is non-alcoholic.
  • the substance is apple juice then the receptacle may be in the shape of an apple, or if the substance is carbonated soda then the receptacle may be in the shape of a tin or can.
  • the receptacle may be shaped into any appropriate or attractive shape.
  • the receptacle may be in the shape of an item relating to sports, for example a football or rugby ball, a technology related item, for example the shape of a computer or mobile telephone, a car, or other attractive design for cosmetics or toiletries.
  • the receptacle may take the form of a key ring, having a data input surface and substance receptacle attached thereto.
  • the walls of the container may be shaped to reflect the type of substance contained therein.
  • the container may be attractively shaped to represent a wine bottle, or if the substance is beer then the container may be shaped as a beer keg.
  • the container may also be suitably shaped if the substance contained therein is non-alcoholic.
  • the container may be shaped into any appropriate or attractive shape.
  • the container may be in the shape of an item relating to sports, for example a football or rugby ball, a technology related item, for example the shape of a computer or mobile telephone, a car, or other attractive design for cosmetics or toiletries.
  • the container may take the form of a key ring, having a data input surface and substance receptacle attached thereto.
  • Suitable containers for containing the substance within the receptacle will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may include, for example, bottles, cans, tins, jars, bags, tubes, beakers, cartons or the like.
  • the container may be at least partially flexible, for example so as to be foldable with the data input surface, and/or be assembled from component parts, for example from interconnecting flexible tubes.
  • the container is provided with a tamper-evident closure, in order that the end user (i.e. the person who accesses the substance) can check that the container has not previously been opened.
  • tamper-evident closures are known in the art, and may comprise, for example, a cap having a line of weakness which is broken on removal of the cap from the container.
  • the receptacle may be sealed, the container being pre-packed within the sealed receptacle.
  • the container may be mounted to an insert shaped to be received by the receptacle.
  • different inserts may be shaped to mount differently shaped containers, but each different insert may be received by the same receptacle, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
  • receptacles of different shapes and sizes may be provided, each shape and size of receptacle having a correspondingly shaped and sized insert.
  • the container may be mounted to the insert by any suitable attachment means, for example by suitably shaped projections or cutaway sections, suitable fastenings, or by vacuum foil or blister packing techniques.
  • a space may be provided either between the container and the insert, or attached to, or provided within, the container or the insert, where promotional material or information can be inserted/attached.
  • the insert may have an interior space within which promotional material may be provided, the interior space being accessible via a reclosable opening.
  • promotional materials or information may comprise, for example, information about the end product, details of other substances in the range, next purchase money- off tokens, vouchers or coupons or entry forms for promotional competitions. It is preferable that any such promotional material or information is only accessible to a consumer after purchase to discourage unwanted tampering with the product.
  • the insert with mounted container, is slidably received into the receptacle. This aids assembly of the end product by the consumer. It is preferred that the insert is shaped to fit snugly within the receptacle to avoid unnecessary movement of the container within the receptacle, thereby providing support and protection for the container, which may be made of a fragile material such as glass.
  • the insert may be shaped such that, on insertion of the insert within the receptacle, an internal portion or pocket is defined within the receptacle into which any aforesaid promotional materials or information may be included.
  • the aforesaid promotional materials or information may be provided on or attached to the receptacle itself.
  • the article may further comprise a vessel, or selection of different vessels, into which the substance can be displaced.
  • Suitable vessels include, for example, cups, glasses, beakers, and the like, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • the vessel may be shaped so as to reflect the substance contained in the receptacle.
  • the vessel may be a wine glass, beer glass, shot glass, champagne flute, or other suitable drinking vessel.
  • Other alternative shapes for the vessel include the shapes of medical equipment, for example a syringe, items relating to technology, for example a computer or mobile telephone, and items relating to sports, for example a football or rugby ball.
  • the article may further comprise one or more additional items associated with the substance within the container.
  • the additional item when the substance is a spirit beverage the additional item may be a golf ball, when the substance is a cosmetic the additional item may be a cosmetic holder or applicator, and when the substance is a scented oil, the additional item may be an oil burner.
  • the vessel and/or additional item may be associated with or removably attached to a receptacle (for example removably held within a pocket in the article) , but is preferably associated with a container.
  • the vessel and/or additional item may be mounted to the insert together with the container.
  • the article of the present invention may comprise a plurality of receptacles.
  • the article of the present invention comprises an integral dedicated data input surface which has accessible and non- accessible portions.
  • information provided on the data input surface can remain in the non-accessible position, i.e. information on the data input surface can remain unreadable, until received by the recipient.
  • the consumer can enter information, such as the name of the end user of the assembled end product and a greetings message, or the like, on the data input surface, which is then positioned in the non-accessible position, in order that the information cannot be accessed.
  • information such as the name of the end user of the assembled end product and a greetings message, or the like
  • the end user can then position the data input surface in the accessible position, in order to access the data input surface, for example to read the greetings message.
  • the receptacle preferably has a flat surface against which the data input surface abuts in a non-accessible position of the article.
  • the article may be flat sided, which can offer advantages for stacking, transportation and display purposes.
  • the receptacle preferably comprises a hollow body portion for receiving and retaining the container (and insert, if present), and at least one cover attached thereto.
  • the body may have any suitable shape and dimensions for receiving a container.
  • the body may have a regular or irregular cross-section, may be tubular, cylindrical, cuboidal, or have a more complex shape.
  • the body may comprise a generally elongate cylinder having a biconvex or elliptical cross-section.
  • the container is preferably completely enclosed within the body, although the body should of course have at least one opening prior to receiving the container, for inserting the container into the body.
  • the body may comprise an open end portion, which may be securable in a closed position following insertion of the container.
  • the body comprises a portion which enables the consumer to view the container within the body in the end product, for example a window or other transparent portion.
  • the body may comprise a portion which can be removed, for example by breaking a line of weakness, such as a perforation, to view and/or to gain access to the container.
  • the data input surface may comprise any suitable surface on which information may be displayed.
  • the data input surface may conveniently comprise a piece of cardboard, paper, plastics or similar material, on which a person may write.
  • the data input surface may also comprise an input screen of a computer, mobile telephone or the like, for displaying a message. In this way, the data input surface can convey, store, and/or transmit, for example, personal details or a greeting or goodwill message.
  • the power source may be, for example, a battery, solar power, or any other suitable power source.
  • the data input surface is positionable in accessible and non- accessible positions. This may conveniently be achieved by the data input surface being pivotally attached, for example foldable or hinged, for example as a ring-binder, with respect to the receptacle, for example foldable from an "open" (i.e. accessible) position to a "closed” (i.e. non-accessible) position.
  • the data input surface may packaged around the receptacle or substance container, for example in the form of a protective film or plastic frame.
  • a user may position the data input surface in the open position, write or otherwise convey a message onto the data input surface, and then position the data input surface into the closed position by folding, or otherwise.
  • the cover may be attached to the body via a spine, so that in use, the cover is pivotable in relation to the body along the spine, and the cover and body are thus openable and closable onto each other.
  • the cover may be attached to the body via a slidable extrusion, for example a groove on the cover may be engagable with a lip or flange on the body, or vice versa.
  • the receptacle may comprise a plurality of covers, for example a cover on both the topside and the underside of the body.
  • the dedicated data input surface may conveniently be a surface of the cover or the body.
  • the data input surface may be in the non-accessible position when the cover and body are closed onto each other.
  • the data input surface is preferably retainable in the non- accessible position by retaining means, so that it is concealed from normal view and so that it does not accidentally become positioned in the accessible position, thus rendering any information on the data input surface readable.
  • the receptacle preferably comprises said retaining means.
  • said retaining means comprises a closable and openable cover as described above which, when closed the data input surface is in the non-accessible position, and when open, the data input surface is in the accessible position.
  • the retaining means may, for example, comprise a clip, fastener, ribbon, elastic band, hook, tamper-proof seal, a tongue-and-groove arrangement, a hook-and-loop arrangement or adhesive.
  • the recipient can determine whether a third party has interfered with the article prior to receipt.
  • a tamper proof seal may be of value, for example, for determining whether or not a medical sample has been interfered with, for example for drug testing, or may provide an attractive addition to the article if being given as a gift, for example as a wax seal.
  • the article of the present invention may comprise a plurality of data input surfaces.
  • the article of the present invention comprises two data input surfaces positioned on opposing sides of the receptacle.
  • the data input surface is detachable from the article, for example by a frangible portion or a line of weakness such as a perforation, by which the data input surface is attached to the article.
  • the body may be detachable from the cover, for example along a frangible portion or a line of weakness such as a perforation, or by otherwise disengaging the body from the cover (s) (for example, by disengaging the lip or flange and corresponding groove, as described above) .
  • the end user can detach the body from the cover, leaving the cover as a keepsake.
  • the body can then be opened and the user can remove the container (and insert, if present) out of the body.
  • the container (and vessel and/or additional item, if present) can be removed from the insert (if present) , the container can be opened, and the substance can be accessed by the recipient.
  • the front and back covers may be formed from one continuous piece of card, and attached to the body at a perforated spine, such that when the body is detached from the covers along the perforated spine, the two covers remain as one continuous piece of folded card, in the form of a conventional greetings card.
  • the data input surface may be contained within a protective film or frame attached to the receptacle.
  • the recipient may thus detach the data input surface from the receptacle, for example for filing or displaying, or for use according to the design and function of the embodiment of the article in question, for example in relation to technological, sporting or medical products.
  • the faces of the cover (s) and body may additionally comprise printed matter.
  • the face of the cover or body which, in use, is forwardmost when the receptacle is held or conventionally stood up may be printed with trade marks, logos, business brands, or attractive designs or patterns, such as those employed in any conventional greetings card.
  • the face of the cover or body which, in use, is backwardmost when the receptacle is held or conventionally stood up may be printed with details such as a barcode, price, and details of the manufacturer, and/or other items in the range.
  • the cover (s) preferably additionally comprise cut-out sections, for example perforations, which enable a consumer or end user to view therethrough at least a portion of the body.
  • the cover may comprise perforated sections allowing the consumer or end user to tear away said sections, thereby exposing at least a portion of the body.
  • the receptacle, and/or insert if present, may be provided as a blank, for assembly by the consumer.
  • the receptacle, and/or insert may be initially provided as a piece of card, or other suitable foldable material, having appropriate score marks, for folding by the consumer.
  • the receptacle preferably acts as a greetings card or other stationery item, and the container as a gift.
  • the end product conveniently provides a combination of gift and greetings card (or other stationery item) .
  • Such stationery items may include books, prints, photographs, calendars, picture, folders, A4 folders, diaries, albums or a blank card.
  • the receptacle may have a further data input surface for entering the name and address of the intended recipient, and a postage stamp (alternatively, the end product may have pre-paid postage) .
  • the article may further comprise means for producing sound, providing light or displaying a three-dimensional figure, which is activated in response to the cover being pivoted open in relation to the body.
  • Such means may include, for example only, a battery-powered insert which plays a piece of music or makes a sound, a LED, or a pop-up insert.
  • the article may also comprise a sleeve or envelope, into which the assembled end product can be inserted, and from which the assembled end product can be removed.
  • the sleeve is preferably sealable so as to form the external surfaces of the article, i.e. all of the remainder of the article is contained therein, for example the receptacle (containing the insert and container, if present) , the data input surface, a vessel (if present) , transfer means (if present, as described hereinbelow) .
  • the sleeve may be a (e.g. postage-paid) sealable envelope conveniently shaped to receive the receptacle, having an area on which the consumer can enter the recipient's name and address.
  • the sleeve may comprise an attractive pattern or design (such as that of conventional "wrapping paper” or "gift wrap") .
  • the sleeve may further comprise one or more handles to enable a consumer or end user to carry the article within the sleeve.
  • the one or handles may be detachable.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a receptacle for containing a substance, and an integral data input surface attached thereto along a longitudinal fold, the perimeter of the data input surface and the receptacle being substantially coincident when the data input surface is in the non-accessible position, and the data input surface being detachable from the receptacle along a line of weakness parallel with the longitudinal fold.
  • the periphery of the receptacle and the data input surface may be shaped like a wine bottle or half bottle, like a can of carbonated drink, or a wine glass.
  • Other alternative shapes for the periphery of the article include the shapes of medical equipment, for example a syringe, items relating to technology, for example a computer or mobile telephone, and items relating to sports, for example a football or rugby ball.
  • the article of the present invention comprises two data input surfaces attached to opposing sides of a receptacle positioned therebetween by longitudinal folds.
  • the receptacle contains a container for containing a substance, for example a bottle, test tube, straw or can which is removable from the receptacle.
  • the article of the present invention may further comprise transfer means for transferring the substance from the receptacle, for example to a vessel or the mouth of a user.
  • the transfer means may comprise a tube, preferably a flexible tube, which is connectable to the receptacle.
  • the transfer means may be expandable and contractable, for example by way of a pleated portion, to facilitate storage, and may be contained within the article, for example within a portion comprising the data input surface.
  • the transfer means may be transparent, to thereby allow a user to view the substance passing through the transfer means during transfer.
  • the transfer means preferably comprises a first opening having a nozzle for sealing engagement with the receptacle, for example a nozzle formed from a resilient plastics material, such as rubber, and preferably further comprises a second opening having a funnel, which may be expandable from a narrower to a broader configuration, through which substance may leave the transfer means into a vessel.
  • the transfer means may comprise a spray gun, by which substance may be transferred from the receptacle to a vessel by being sprayed thereinto, for example by operation of a trigger (for example, as in a childrens water pistol) .
  • the transfer means may comprise a straw for inserting into the receptacle on which a person may suck to draw substance from the receptacle. The straw may have multiple openings.
  • the article of the present invention may further comprise connecting means, for connecting the receptacle, the data input surface, and a vessel into which the substance is to be transferred from the receptacle.
  • the connector may thus lock together the receptacle, transfer means (if present) and a vessel to facilitate transfer of the substance.
  • the article of the present invention may further comprise a rotatable wheel in which the receptacle is held.
  • the receptacle may be releasably held on the wheel, for example by means of suction or magnetic grips.
  • the rotatable wheel may comprise a tube, in particular a transparent tube which may contain a coloured substance, for an attractive appearance.
  • the receptacle may be initially positioned in an upright position in which substance contained therein cannot leave the receptacle, and may be rotated on the wheel to an inverted position, in which the substance contained within the receptacle may flow from the receptacle, for example on removal of a stopper from the receptacle, and for example into transfer means as described hereinabove.
  • the vessel may be formed from a foldable sheet of material, for example a sheet of card or paper, which may be pre-marked with fold lines, and which may form part of the article, for example may be removable from the data input surface by a line of weakness, e.g. perforations.
  • the sheet of card may thus be removed from the article by tearing along the line of weakness and folding along the fold lines.
  • a preferred vessel is a drinking vessel for containing a substance which comprises two portions, the two portions having respective corresponding substantially planar surfaces, and being joined by an expandable and contractible joining member.
  • the two portions are preferably substantially identical, and the expandable and contractible joining member preferably comprises a plurality of pleated sections, each pleated section corresponding in shape to the substantially identical corresponding planar surfaces of the two portions.
  • the planar surfaces and the joining member can form a substantially uniform outline when the joining member is contracted.
  • the two portions may together preferably form the outline of a drinking vessel, for example a wine glass, or a medical, technology, or sports related article.
  • the article With the vessel attached to the receptacle and in a contracted state, the article may take on a compact flat sided book-like form. This offers advantages for stacking, transportation and display purposes.
  • An inflatable drinking vessel for example an inflatable wine glass, beer glass, spirit tumbler, beaker, or cup.
  • An inflatable drinking vessel has the advantage of being collapsable, thus taking up little space, which may be advantageous if the article is to be sent through the post, for example as a gift, and of being unbreakable if dropped.
  • An inflatable vessel can also provide the advantage of protecting the receptacle during transportation, for example a partially inflated drinking vessel may be packaged around the container containing the substance to act as a buffer during transit, particularly if the article is sent through the post.
  • the inflatable vessel may help prevent leakage from the receptacle, which may damage the data input surface or other accompanying items.
  • the vessel may alternatively or additionally be compressible, flat-packed and/or assemblable from component parts.
  • the article of the present invention may thus comprise a receptacle positioned on the periphery of a rotatable wheel, an inflatable vessel positioned opposite the receptacle on the periphery of the wheel, and transfer means comprising a transparent tube, a nozzle for forming a sealing relation with the receptacle and a funnel which is expandable from a narrower to a broader configuration, through which funnel substance may enter the vessel.
  • transfer means is connected to the receptacle, the inflatable vessel is inflated, and the wheel is rotated such that the receptacle is in an inverted position, thus allowing the substance contained within the receptacle to transfer by gravity flow into the inflated vessel.
  • an inflatable drinking vessel as described hereinabove.
  • display apparatus comprising display means and display articles, the display articles comprising either:
  • each container contains a substance, and at least two of said containers contain different substances, and wherein the plurality of receptacles comprises at least two different receptacles; wherein in (a) , (b) or (c) the or each receptacle comprises an integral dedicated data input surface having accessible and non-accessible positions, and wherein in use the display means displays the display articles.
  • the one or more display articles are preferably according to the present invention as previously described herein.
  • the at least one container may be mounted to an insert as previously described herein.
  • the display apparatus of the present invention thus allows a consumer to choose between a selection of containers containing different substances and/or a selection of receptacles for receiving one or more of the selected containers at a single location. Accordingly, the consumer can choose a suitable receptacle, e.g. a greetings card, and container containing a substance, e.g. alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, edible items such as chocolates, toiletries or cosmetic items such as bath oils or moisturisers, without having to spend time travelling between locations.
  • a suitable receptacle e.g. a greetings card
  • container containing a substance e.g. alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, edible items such as chocolates, toiletries or cosmetic items such as bath oils or moisturisers
  • the display apparatus of the present invention can provide economic advantages over conventional greetings cards and gifts, by way of reduced manufacturing costs.
  • Manufacturers can make and supply the receptacles separately from the containers, allowing the consumer to make the final choice and to assemble the receptacle-container combination (the "end product") themselves, and thus manufacturers do not need to provide separate product lines for each combination of different receptacle-container combination.
  • the display apparatus can be restocked according to the demand of each different receptacle or container, thereby minimising inventory and wastage, for example the amount of surplus stock and beverages passing their use-by-date.
  • the display apparatus of the present invention comprises display means for in use displaying the display articles.
  • the display means may be any suitable means for displaying the display articles in order that a consumer may make a selection of a container and receptacle therefrom.
  • the display means may be a self-standing display, for example a point-of- sale or point-of-purchase display, or existing shelf space which has been adapted to accommodate the display articles.
  • the display means preferably has dedicated areas for displaying the display articles, for example discrete compartments for holding the display articles.
  • the container (s) and receptacle (s) are preferably housed in separate areas of the display means.
  • the container (s) may be housed at an inner area of the display means, with the receptacle (s) being housed at an outer area, surrounding the inner area, or vice versa.
  • the display articles may be arranged on two opposing faces of the display means.
  • the receptacles may be provided on one face of a display means and the containers may be provided on an opposing face of the display means, so as to keep receptacles and containers separate, and also to provide more space in which consumers can stand and make their selections.
  • the display articles may hang on the display means, for example by hooks or the like, for display and ease of access.
  • the display articles may further comprise loops through which said hooks can be received, although it will be appreciated that any suitable means for displaying the display articles may be utilised.
  • each container may be mounted to an insert, and the insert may comprise a loop through which a hook can be received.
  • there may also be provided mounted to the insert an additional vessel or any such additional item as previously described.
  • the display means may additionally comprise one or more data display surfaces for displaying information relating to the display articles, for example instructions how to assemble the end product, and/or promotional materials such as advertisements, trade marks, and the like.
  • the display apparatus of the present invention also comprises display articles.
  • the display articles comprise either (a) (i) a plurality of containers, and (ii) at least one receptacle for receiving one or more containers selected from said plurality of containers, wherein each container contains a substance, and at least two of said containers contain different substances; or (b) (i) at least one container containing a substance, and (ii) a plurality of receptacles comprising at least two different receptacles, wherein each receptacle can receive the container or one or more of said containers; or (c) (i) a plurality of containers, and (ii) a plurality of receptacles for receiving one or more containers selected from said plurality of containers, wherein each container contains a substance, and at least two of said containers contain different substances, and wherein the plurality of receptacles comprises at least two different receptacles .
  • the display articles preferably comprise (i) a plurality of containers, and (ii) a plurality of receptacles for receiving one or more containers selected from said plurality of containers, wherein each container contains a substance, and at least two of said containers contain different substances, and wherein the plurality of receptacles comprises at least two different receptacles.
  • a method for assembling an end product comprising selecting the receptacle and the container from a plurality of display articles displayed on display means, and inserting the container into the receptacle, the display articles comprising either: (a) (i) a plurality of containers, and (ii) at least one receptacle for receiving one or more containers selected from said plurality of containers, wherein each container contains a substance, and at least two of said containers contain different substances, or
  • each receptacle can receive the container or one or more of said containers; or (c) (i) a plurality of containers, and (ii) a plurality of receptacles for receiving one or more containers selected from said plurality of containers, wherein each container contains a substance, and at least two of said containers contain different substances, and wherein the plurality of receptacles comprises at least two different receptacles; wherein in (a) , (b) or (c) the or each receptacle comprises an integral dedicated data input surface having accessible and non-accessible positions.
  • the one or more display articles are preferably according to the present invention as previously described herein.
  • the at least one container may be mounted to an insert as previously described herein.
  • the end product resulting from the assembly of the receptacle (s) and container (s) used in the above-described invention, is preferably a greetings card or other suitable printed or printable stationery item, such as a book, print, photograph, calendar, picture, folder, A4 folder, diary, album or blank card.
  • the greetings card may be a card designed to be suitable for any occasion, and may include, for example, birthday cards, religious holiday cards, get-well-soon cards, anniversary and wedding cards, valentine cards and good luck cards.
  • the receptacle is assembled by the consumer following purchase of the individual component display items.
  • the receptacle may be provided pre-assembled and ready-to-use.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an article of the present invention having a pre-packed receptacle and container showing data input surfaces in accessible positions;
  • Figure 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the first embodiment of an article of the present invention, with data input surfaces in non-accessible positions;
  • Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a sleeve for use with the first embodiment of an article of the present invention
  • Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of an article of the present invention, having a self-assembly receptacle and container showing data input surfaces in accessible positions;
  • Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an insert for use in the second embodiment of an article of the present invention
  • Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the second embodiment of an article of the present invention, with data input surfaces in non-accessible positions;
  • Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an insert for use in an article of the present invention
  • Figure 8 illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a display apparatus of the present invention
  • Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a display apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows one embodiment of an article 10 of the present invention.
  • the article 10 is pre-packed, and comprises a container 11 mounted to an insert 12 within a receptacle 13.
  • the container 11 contains a substance (not shown in Figure 1) .
  • the substance is an alcoholic beverage, such as a spirit, wine or beer and is contained in an attractive container 11, such as a bottle to reflect the substance contained within.
  • the bottle is mounted to an insert 12, shown more clearly in Figure 7.
  • the insert 12 is sufficiently rigid to have mounted thereto a substance-containing container 11.
  • the insert 12 is made of card, plastic, cork or any other suitable material and has cut-away sections 14 into which the container can be inserted.
  • the insert 12 also has retaining means 15, 15' in the form of projecting flaps for retaining the container 11.
  • the insert 12 is shaped to fit snugly inside a receptacle 13.
  • the insert 12 also comprises a vessel 16 in the form of a small drinking glass into which the recipient can pour the beverage contained within the container 11.
  • Figure 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of an article of the present invention, having a self-assembly receptacle and container.
  • the receptacle 13 is assemblable from a blank, being a piece of card scored appropriately for folding by the consumer to form the receptacle 13.
  • the assembled receptacle 13 comprises a hollow body 17 for receiving and retaining the container 11 (and insert 12, if present) and at least one cover 18, 18' attached thereto.
  • the body 17 is a generally elongate tube having a biconvex or elliptical cross-section, and a concave top 19 and base 20.
  • the top 19 and base 20 are at opposite ends of the body 17 and are concave.
  • the body 17 has at least one opening through which the container 11 (and insert 12, if present) may be inserted.
  • the top 19 and base 20 are openable and closable.
  • the top 19 and base 20 are securable to the body 17 via flaps which engage with corresponding slots in the body 17 (flaps and slots not shown in Figure 2) .
  • the covers 18, 18' are attached to the body 17 via a spine, so that, in use, the covers 18, 18' are pivotable in relation to the body 17 along the spine 21, so that the covers 18, 18' and body 17 are openable and closable onto each other.
  • At least one surface of the body 17 comprises a dedicated data input surface 22, 22' onto which a message or greeting may be added by the consumer.
  • the covers 18, 18' are in the open position, the data input surfaces 22, 22' are accessible, and when the covers 18, 18' are in the closed position, the data input surfaces are non- accessible.
  • the consumer can enter information, such as the name of the recipient of the assembled end product and a greetings message, or the like onto the data input surfaces 22, 22'.
  • the recipient pivots the covers 18, 18' to the open position, thereby enabling the recipient to access the data input surface, now in the accessible position.
  • the body 17 is detachable from the covers 18, 18', along a line of weakness 23.
  • the recipient can detach the body 17 from the covers 18, 18'.
  • the top 19 or base 20 of the body 17 can then be opened and the user can slide the container 11 (and insert 12, if present) out of the body 17.
  • the container 11 (and vessel 16, if present) can be removed from the insert 12 (if present) , the container 11 can be opened, and the substance can be used by the recipient.
  • the container 11 may have a tamper-proof seal so that the recipient can ensure that the container 11 has not been opened prior to the user receiving the end product.
  • the display stand 25 is a self-standing point-of-sale display comprising a base 26, a generally upright display area 27 and a data display surface 28.
  • the data display surface 28 can be used to display information relating to the display articles, for example instructions how to assemble the end product, and/or promotional materials such as advertisements, trade marks, and the like.
  • the display area 27 has dedicated compartments for housing display articles. These display articles comprise containers 11, receptacles 13 and sleeves 29, as described hereinabove.
  • the display area 27 houses a plurality of containers 11 (at least two of which contain different substances, thus presenting the consumer with a choice of substances from which they can make a selection) , a plurality of receptacles 13 (at least two of which are different, thus presenting the consumer with a choice of receptacles 13 from which they can make a selection) , and a plurality of sleeves 29.
  • the containers 11 are mounted to inserts 12, for inserting into the receptacles 13, and are housed in a generally central section of the display area 27.
  • the containers 11 may of course alternatively be provided separately from the inserts 12, so that in addition to being able to select a preferred container 11, the consumer can also select a preferred insert 12.
  • the receptacles 13 are housed at the edges of the display area 27 on either side of the containers 11.
  • the sleeves 29 are housed towards the base 26.
  • the consumer can also select a sleeve 29 into which the assembled receptacle 13 and container 11 end product can be inserted.
  • the sleeve 29 is a postage-paid sealable envelope conveniently shaped to receive the end product, and has an area on which the consumer can enter the recipient's name and address.
  • Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein display articles are provided on both sides of the display stand.
  • the containers are housed on one side of the display stand and the receptacles are housed on the other side .
  • the display articles preferably comprise those shown with reference to the previously described Figures.
  • a gift item comprising a greetings card for containing a substance, which greetings card comprises a receptacle for containing the substance, and an integral dedicated data input surface attached to the receptacle, wherein the data input surface has accessible and non-accessible positions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un article (10) conçu pour contenir une substance. Cet article comprend un réceptacle (13) conçu pour contenir ladite substance et une surface d'entrée de données spécialisées intégrale (22, 22') présentant des positions accessibles et non accessibles. Ledit réceptacle (13) peut contenir directement la substance ou peut comprendre un conteneur séparé (11) qui contient la substance. L'invention concerne également un appareil d'affichage permettant d'afficher des articles d'affichage.
PCT/GB2003/003656 2002-08-20 2003-08-20 Article conçu pour contenir une substance Ceased WO2004018308A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003259337A AU2003259337A1 (en) 2002-08-20 2003-08-20 Article for containing a substance

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0219424.9 2002-08-20
GB0219424A GB0219424D0 (en) 2002-08-20 2002-08-20 Apparatus for containing liquid
GB0306455A GB0306455D0 (en) 2003-03-20 2003-03-20 Display apparatus
GB0306455.7 2003-03-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004018308A2 true WO2004018308A2 (fr) 2004-03-04
WO2004018308A3 WO2004018308A3 (fr) 2004-05-27

Family

ID=31948027

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2003/003656 Ceased WO2004018308A2 (fr) 2002-08-20 2003-08-20 Article conçu pour contenir une substance

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003259337A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004018308A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10363175B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2019-07-30 The Procter & Gamble Company Carton with a reclosable opening
DE102020131385A1 (de) 2020-11-26 2022-06-02 Richard Bretschneider Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Kissenverpackung

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1943074A (en) * 1932-02-15 1934-01-09 Milton M Heyman Mailing wrapper with built-in receptacle
US5232087A (en) * 1992-09-21 1993-08-03 Allen Schluger Combination product transmittal package and greeting card

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10363175B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2019-07-30 The Procter & Gamble Company Carton with a reclosable opening
DE102020131385A1 (de) 2020-11-26 2022-06-02 Richard Bretschneider Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Kissenverpackung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004018308A3 (fr) 2004-05-27
AU2003259337A1 (en) 2004-03-11

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