PACKAGING ASSEMBLY WITH PRODUCT CONTAINER BOX BODY AND INFLATABLE HEAD COMPONENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to product packaging, and more specifically to product packaging assemblies and methods including a box and an inflatable head component.

For certain types of products, the product packaging can be as important to consumers in making a purchase decision as the product in the package. An interesting package may drive a purchase decision for an otherwise unfamiliar product, or may cause a consumer to choose one product over another even though the products may otherwise be similar. This is perhaps especially so for relatively low cost products. In this sense, limitations of product packaging can effectively limit product sales.

For instance, edible product items such as mints, hard candy items, and other types of candy and confectionary items have a loyal customer base. Such edible product items are typically individually wrapped for consumption and sold in bulk form within a larger package such as a bag or box. Conventional bags and boxes for such edible product items, however, are practical but typically lack consumer appeal that draws specific attention for making special occasion purchases, including but not necessarily limited to seasonal gift purchases. As a result, sales are mostly driven by consumers who are already attracted to the products themselves for their own consumption, and the packaging is either not a consideration or is a disincentive to buying the product as a gift.

Innovative product packing is desired for edible product items and other items that would attract customers in a manner that transcends the products in the package, and that more effectively compete with other products as potential gift purchases. Improvements are desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Package assemblies are described herein that embody a distinctive character associated with a special occasion in a relatively low cost and easy to assemble package. The character is seen to be presenting a gift for the occasion and promote the sale of the packaged product in the package assembly as a special occasion purchase as well as drawing interest to potential purchasers that have not purchased the product previously.

In one embodiment, a product package assembly includes a product container body having generally flat sides and a top, and an inflatable component having a curved outer surface attached to the top. The product container body is configured as the body of a character, and the inflatable component is configured as a head of the character.

In another embodiment, a product package assembly includes a product container box having at least one top panel, and an inflatable balloon body extending adjacent but above the top panel. The product container box is shaped to form a body of a character and the inflatable balloon is shaped to define a head of the character.

In another embodiment, a product package assembly includes a product container box comprising a folded packaging material blank having first and second top panels in an overlying arrangement, and an inflatable balloon body including an inflation stem. The inflatable balloon body is inflated with a fluid, and the inflation stem is mounted to the first and second top panels with the balloon body extending adjacent to but above the first and second top panels. The product box includes opposing side panels that are respectively shaped to form a body of a character, and wherein the inflatable balloon is shaped to define a head of the character.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary gift package assembly including a product container body and an inflatable head component according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a product container blank of packaging material for the product container body shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the blank of FIG. 2 folded into the product container body shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the inflatable head component shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the inflatable head component shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembly of the assembled product container body and the inflatable head component.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the completed package shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second exemplary product package including a product container body and an inflatable head component according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third exemplary product package including a product container body and an inflatable head component according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary product package including a product container body and an inflatable head component according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary package assemblies and methods of assembling gift packages are described herein that may be provided at relatively low cost while more effectively drawing interests to shoppers looking for special occasion purchases. Such special occasion purchases include, but are not necessarily limited to seasonal, holiday gifts such as Christmas gifts. In contemplated embodiments, package assemblies of the invention provide a novel and desirable package for seasonal gift purchases of product that may not ordinarily be considered for gift purchases. Method aspects will be in part apparent and in part specifically discussed below.

Products such as Peppermint Starlight Mints are well-placed in nearly any setting. These are the individually wrapped smooth hard candy mint products that are easily recognized by their twelve red stripes around a white center, and are enjoyed as palate cleansers and as refreshing treats having a pleasant minty flavor. Indeed, Peppermint Starlight Mints are often given away at restaurant establishments, are often present in conference rooms and meetings places, and are commonly found at social parties and events at residences and businesses. While their red and white design complements candy canes and seasonal Christmas items and decorations, Peppermint Starlight Mints are typically enjoyed all year long.

Peppermint Starlight Mints are widely available from a variety of providers, and are typically sold in bulk at relatively low cost inside a larger bag or wrapper including varying numbers of mints. For example, individually wrapped Peppermint Starlight candies are available in large, 5 lb. bags that include approximately 500 pieces, and smaller bags or bulk wrappers are also available including, for example, 34 pieces. The smaller servings of Peppermint Starlight Mints are easily found at convenience stores, pharmacy stores such as Walgreens, and grocery stores, among others, and are categorized in merchant parlance as “grab and go” products.

Conventional bags and wrappers Peppermint Starlight Mints and other types of grab and go products generally do not lend themselves to consideration as a gift for a seasonal occasion. In the case of Peppermint Starlight Mints, this is perhaps compounded by the fact that they are typically given away in a complementary fashion in so many places. Consumers do purchase them for their own use and enjoyment, and a loyal customer base will seek them out. The same customers tend to overlook them, however, when holiday shopping, and conventional packaging is limited in its ability to attract new consumers in a store. That is, conventional packaging of such products does not easily attract customers that have not previously purchased them.

Innovative package assemblies are described below that overcome the challenges described above for grab and go products such as Peppermint Starlight Mints with exemplary gift package configurations specifically geared toward Christmas gift shoppers. It is recognized, however, that the package assemblies of the invention may likewise be configured to appeal to shoppers for other holidays such as, and for example only, Easter, the Fourth of July, Halloween party, St. Patrick's Day party, and Valentine's Day. Package assemblies of the invention may also be configured to appeal to non-holiday special occasions such as a retirement, a graduation, a milestone birthday, and a wedding or engagement among other celebratory days. Package assemblies of the invention may also be configured with specific appeal toward theme parties such as a Superbowl party, a Luau party, and a Fiesta party. As such, the Christmas gift packages described are provided for the sake of illustration rather than limitation.

The benefits and advantages of the packaging assemblies concepts of the invention are described and illustrated in relation to Peppermint Starlight Mints, but are not limited to Peppermint Starlight Mints. The benefits and advantages of the packaging assemblies concepts instead accrue generally to other types of candies and confectionaries that may or may not be individually wrapped. Further, other types of food products such as popcorn, party mix, crackers, cookies, and other items that are desirable for festive and seasonal holiday consumption may benefit from the packaging concepts disclosed herein. Finally, the package assemblies described herein are not necessarily limited to food products at all and may generally accrue to other items such as toys and entertainment items (e.g., jacks, marbles, blocks, puzzles, crafts, games), collectible items and memorabilia, and other seasonal or holiday items (e.g., lights, decorations, ornaments, hangers, clips, bows).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary gift package assembly 100 including a product container body 102 and an inflatable head component 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The inflatable head component 104 extends just above but exterior to the product container body 102. The package assembly 100 resembles a distinctive character, figure or representation associated with a special occasion. In different embodiments, the character, figure, or representation may be a person, an animal, or a life-like embodiment of an otherwise inanimate object. The product container body 102 is shaped and configured to resemble a character's body and the inflatable head component 104 resembles a character's head.

In the illustrated example, the gift package assembly 100 is configured as perhaps the most recognizable character of the Christmas Holiday, namely Santa Claus. The product container body 102 is accordingly configured as Santa's body, and the inflatable head component 104 is configured as Santa's head. The inflatable head component 104 is a balloon while the body product container body 102 is fabricated from a flexible but non-inflatable material as described further below. The package may be provided and assembled at relatively low cost while providing a distinctly desirable appearance to a Christmas shopper of any age.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body 102 is adorned with graphics and colors to present Santa's body and his famous red and white suit, belt, and mittens. The inflatable head component 104 is adorned with graphics and colors to present Santa's face with his iconic glasses, beard and hat. The proportions of the body 102 and the inflatable balloon 104 are comparable such that the balloon 104 is as visually prominent as the body 102, providing a cartoonish appearance but still being instantly recognizable to Christmas shoppers as Santa Claus. The body 104 is formed into a box having flat sides, while the inflatable head component 104 assumes a curved shape that is visually distinguishable as Santa's head. The product container body 102 includes Peppermint Starlight Mints which can be seen from the front of the package as appearing to be held in a gift box 106 including a bow 108. The gift box 106 further appeals to be held by Santa between his hands as if Santa was presenting it as a gift.

The clear visual impression of the package assembly 100 is therefore threefold. First, the package assembly 100 is clearly a Christmas item. Second, the package includes Peppermint Starlight Mints. Third, the Peppermint Starlight Mints would make a thoughtful Christmas gift. Coupled with the fact that Peppermint Starlight Mints are themselves a relatively low cost purchase a Christmas shopper may find the package assembly 100 to be simply irresistible, whether or not the purchaser already desires Peppermint Starlight Mints. Indeed, to some shoppers, the package assembly may be purchased as much for its decorative appearance as for the Peppermint Starlight Mints. That is, the package assembly 100 may be as desirable (or more desirable) to a purchaser than the product inside it. Potential customers who have not previously purchased Peppermint Starlight Mints may be much more likely to purchase them, and customers who may not have tried a Peppermint Starlight Mint may try one because of the package assembly 100.

FIG. 2 is a product container blank 110 of packaging material for constructing the product container body 102. The container blank 110 is shaped as a flat piece of a known packaging material that may be paper-based such as cardboard material or other suitable material that may be flexible folded into the shape of the body 102 as shown in FIG. 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the product container blank 110 includes a bottom panel 120, a right side panel 122, a left side panel 124 and a fold-over top panel 126 that may be folded about perforations or fold-lines into a generally rectangular three dimensional shape with the top panel 126 extending generally parallel to but spaced apart from the bottom panel 120 and the right and left side panels 122, 124 extending generally parallel to one another but generally perpendicular to the bottom panel 120 and the top panel 126. Each of the panels 120, 122, 124 and 126 is provided with fold-over tabs and/or slots that facilitate an inter-fitting and interlocking engagement of the panels 120, 122, 124 and 126 in a box-like configuration to define a receptacle that contains the Peppermint Starlight Mint product (not shown in FIG. 2) in any serving size desired. The Peppermint Starlight Mint product may be individually wrapped and included in a larger bag or wrapper that is, in turn, placed inside the blank 110 when folded into the body 102.

The product container blank 110 further includes front and rear panels 128 and 130 with a fold-over top panel 132 in between. Each of the front and rear panels 128 and 130 is adorned with graphics to appear as clothes worn on the body, and in this example adorned with graphics including elements of Santa's suit. The front and rear panels 128 and 130 are also provided with the graphics of the gift box 106 and bow 108. The remaining panels are red. The graphics on the various panels of the product container blank 110 may be printed or provided in another suitable manner.

In one embodiment, the gift box 130 may include a cut-out that can be removed to provide a window to view the Peppermint Starlight Mint product inside. In another embodiment, a see through panel may be formed in the blank 110 in each gift box area to provide a window to view the Peppermint Starlight Mint product inside. In still another embodiment, a graphic of the Peppermint Starlight Mint product may be provided in the area of each gift box to provide the appearance of a window showing the Peppermint Starlight Mint product inside. The product graphic may be adhered as a label in the area of the gift box or may be printed on the blank itself. Numerous variations are possible in this regard.

Once assembled, the front panel 128 is folded to extend generally perpendicular to the bottom panel 120, the top panel 132 is folded to extend generally perpendicular to the front panel 128, and front panel 130 is folded to extend perpendicularly to the top panel 132. The front panel 130 includes as shown a tab that is received and engaged in a slot in the bottom panel 120 to attach the panels 130 and 120. The front and rear panels 128, 130 when folded extend generally parallel to one another and extend generally perpendicular to the top panel 132 and the bottom panel 120. The top panel 132 and bottom panel 120 extend generally parallel to one another and to the panels 122, 124 when folded to complete the box-like container. The top panel 132 extends over the top panel 126 when the blank 110 is folded.

As also shown in FIG. 3 in the folded configuration, the front and rear panels 128, 130 include rounded or flared portions that extend beyond the panels 122, 124 in the box formed, such that the body 102 does not have a rectangular shape when fully formed. The rounded or flared portions appear as the arms and elbows of the character's hands. The front and rear panels 128, 130 include identical graphics such that a customer will see the character's body when viewing the body 102 from the front or the rear. In another embodiment, the front and rear panels 128, 130 may not include the same graphics such that package assembly 100 would look different depending on which side it is viewed from.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the top panels 132 and 126 is provided with an aperture or hole 136 within a slot 138 extending on either side thereof. The apertures 136 in each panel 132, 126 align with one another when the panels are folded. In combination, the panels 132, 126 provide a double-wall thickness on the top side of the body 102 to increase the structural strength of the body 102 to support the inflatable head component 104. The apertures 136 and slots 138 in the panels 132, 126 facilitate mounting of the inflatable head component 104 (FIG. 1) with relative ease as explained next.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the inflatable head component 104. The inflatable head component 104 in this example is a decorative balloon having an inflatable body 140 and an inflation stem 142. The inflatable body 140 has an exterior shape and profile of the character's head, in this case the head of Santa Claus.

In one embodiment, the balloon body 140 may be made from Mighty Bright® brand non-foil balloon material of Betallic LLC, St. Louis, Mo. The Mighty Bright® balloon material is a bright white material that facilitates printing of graphics on the material in bolder and brighter colors than conventional materials and processes. Unlike conventional foil balloon material, the Mighty Bright® material is non-conductive. The balloon body 140 may be printed on both sides to provide the face of Santa Claus on each opposing side of the balloon body or only on one side. In another embodiment, the opposing sides of the balloon body 140 may not include the same graphics such that balloon body 140 would look different depending on which side it is viewed from.

The balloon body 140 may in one example be constructed from a laminated plastic sheet material having, for example, a first layer that is preferably fabricated of a biaxially oriented nylon, a second layer of Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol copolymer, a third layer of biaxially oriented nylon and a fourth layer of linear low density polyethylene.

The balloon body 140 in another example may alternatively be fabricated from a pair of two-dimensional flexible, generally gas-impermeable sheets such as Mylar® sheets or other suitable flexible and generally gas-impermeable polymeric material such as polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins and polyacrylates. Such polymeric sheets may or may not be decorated or “metallized” for aesthetic purposes. Alternatively, the sheets could be of latex or other elastomeric or non-elastomeric materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In use, the balloon body 140 may be inflated, via the inflation stem 142 with helium, air or another fluid. FIG. 5 shows the inflation stem 140 attachment to the bottom of the balloon body 142. The balloon body material is gathered around a first end of the inflation stem and sealingly attached to the stem. 142. In the example shown the inflation stem 142 is an elongated tubular shaft having a hollow center. An inflation fluid may be introduced to the interior of the balloon body 140 from the exposed end of the inflation stem 142 outside the balloon, and once the balloon body 140 is inflated the inflation stem 142 can be sealed. The stem 142 remains attached to the balloon body 140 and after inflation and serves a dual purpose to facilitate assembly of the balloon body 140 to the product container body 102.

Air is a preferred inflation fluid for the package 100 as helium-filled floating balloons may render assembly of the package 100 more difficult. Air is also beneficial as the balloon body 140 can be easily and conveniently inflated at lower cost in that specialized equipment for filling the balloon with helium is not needed for the vendor or purchaser of the balloon body 140. The air-filled balloon in some instances can also be advantageously deflated and re-inflated at a later time if desired, providing extra value to the consumer. Air inflation also facilitates asymmetrical shapes of the balloon that present problems for helium-filled balloons. In the example, shown the ball of Santa's hat introduces an asymmetry in the balloon body 140.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembly of the folded container body 102 and the inflatable component 104. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows the cross section of the body 102 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

The blank 110 is folded into the box-configuration described above. The top panels 126, 132 are in an overlying arrangement and the apertures 136 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are aligned and each receives a portion of the inflation stem 142. The slots 138 in each of the top panels 126, 132 provides ease of insertion of the stem 142. The stem 142 is inserted until the balloon body 140 touches, or nearly touches, the top panel 132 such that the stem 142 is generally not visible when the package assembly is completed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. The stem 142 may be held in place with a friction fit in the panels 126, 132. The balloon body 142 is accordingly easily removed to unfold the box and access the product 150 (shown in phantom in FIG. 6 and following the example above is Peppermint Starlight Mint product) inside the container body 102. The purchaser may then reassemble the package and use it for decoration, providing a dual-use of the package assembly 100. If desired, the body 102 can be folded flat for storage and the balloon body 140 may be deflated for compact storage out of season.

Using the same basic approach to that described above, product container blanks and balloons may be differently shaped and/or provided with different graphics to provide an appearance of a character other than Santa Claus in the package assembly 100. Packages 100 may likewise be provided in a combination of different characters following the approach described above. For example, by providing the blank 110 and the balloon body 140 with different graphics one could easily provide the character of Mrs. Claus rather than Santa while using otherwise identical structure and method of assembly. As such, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus could be realized in package assemblies 100 to package the same products or different products which may be sold together. Different shapes of product container blanks and balloons can likewise produce substantially different characters in package assemblies 100 other than Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second exemplary product package assembly 200 including a product container body 202 and an inflatable component 204 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The container body 202 may be formed of a blank similar to the blank 110 but having appropriately modified front and rear panels and with the graphics as shown to realize a snowman's body when the blank is folded. The inflatable component 204 may be an inflatable balloon having a different shape in the balloon body and different graphics to realize the snowman's head and face, but with a similar stem 142 (FIGS. 4-6) and assembly to the folded box to that described above. Similar benefits and advantages of the package assembly 100 are therefore realized with a substantially different appearance in the character presented in the package assembly 200.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third exemplary product package assembly 300 including a product container body 302 and an inflatable component 304 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The container body 302 may be formed of a blank similar to the blank 110 but having appropriately modified front and rear panels and with the graphics as shown to realize an elf's body when the blank is folded. The inflatable component 304 may be an inflatable balloon having a different shape in the balloon body and different graphics to realize the elf's head and face, but with a similar stem 142 (FIGS. 4-6) and assembly to the folded box that described above. Similar benefits and advantages of the package 100 are therefore realized with a substantially different appearance in the character presented in the package assembly 300.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary product package assembly 400 including a product container body 402 and an inflatable component 404 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The container body 402 may be formed of a blank similar to the blank 110 but having appropriately modified front and rear panels and with the graphics as shown to realize a reindeer's body when the blank is folded. The inflatable component 404 may be an inflatable balloon having a different shape in the balloon body and different graphics to realize the reindeer's head and face, but with a similar stem 142 (FIGS. 4-6) and assembly to the folded box that described above. Similar benefits and advantages of the package 100 are therefore realized with a substantially different appearance in the character presented in the package assembly 400.

While a number of Christmas characters have now been described and illustrated, it is appreciated that others are possible. For example, an angel or a nutcracker soldier could easily be realized by modifying the panels in the blank and providing differently shaped balloons to create different characters in packages having otherwise similar structure and assembly.

The concepts described above may likewise be extended to non-Christmas characters for different holiday seasons. For example, a scarecrow, a witch, Dracula, or mummy character could be presented in Halloween packages for products associated with Halloween, including but not limited to candies and confectionaries. For Valentine's Day, a cupid character can be presented. For Easter, an Easter Bunny character can be presented. For the Fourth of July, Uncle Sam can be presented. The possibilities of characters to be presented are limited only by one's imagination.

Entertainment characters and athletic characters are also possible to present in further adaptations. For instance, Disney, Pixar or other movie studio or television characters, superhero characters, and famous athletes or branded professional sports logos, colors and uniforms are possible in package assemblies that are otherwise similar to those described herein. The package assemblies may promote new films, may reflect teams playing in a championship game such as the Superbowl or World Series, or may promote local college or high school sports teams.

Other characters could be presented in package assembles to celebrate lifetime milestones and achievements. For example, a cap and gown character may be presented to celebrate a graduation, a bride or groom character may be presented to celebrate a wedding or engagement, and a baby may be presented to celebrate the birth of a child. Characters to complement birthdays and retirement parties are also possible in further variations of package assemblies, and various different products may be sold in relation to each character.

The benefits and advantages of the inventive concepts disclosed are now believed to have been amply illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments disclosed.

An embodiment of a package assembly has been disclosed including a product container body having generally flat sides and a top, and an inflatable component having a curved outer surface attached to the top. The product container body is configured as the body of a character, and the inflatable component is configured as a head of the character.

Optionally, the inflatable component includes a balloon body. The balloon body may be inflated with air. The balloon body may be fabricated from one a foil, rubber, latex, polychloroprene, or nylon. The balloon body may be a laminated body. The balloon body may include an inflation stem, and the inflation stem may be attached to the top of the product container body.

The character may be a holiday character, and more specifically may be a Christmas character. The product container body may be a box consisting of a folded packaging material blank. A product may be included inside the product container body. The product may be an edible product, and may specifically be a confectionary product.

An embodiment of a package assembly has also been disclosed that includes a product container box having at least one top panel, and an inflatable balloon body extending adjacent but above the top panel. The product container box is shaped to form a body of a character and the inflatable balloon is shaped to define a head of the character.

Optionally, the balloon body may be inflated with air. The balloon body may be fabricated from one a foil, rubber, latex, polychloroprene, or nylon. The balloon body may be a laminated body. The balloon body may include an inflation stem, and the inflation stem may extend through the at least one top panel. The at least one top panel may include a first panel overlying a second panel, and the inflation stem may extend through each of the first panel and the second panel.

An embodiment of a package assembly has likewise been disclosed that includes a product container box comprising a folded packaging material blank having first and second top panels in an overlying arrangement, and an inflatable balloon body including an inflation stem. The inflatable balloon body is inflated with a fluid, and the inflation stem is mounted to the first and second top panels with the balloon body extending adjacent to but above the first and second top panels. The product box includes opposing side panels that are respectively shaped to form a body of a character, and wherein the inflatable balloon is shaped to define a head of the character.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

PACKAGING ASSEMBLY WITH PRODUCT CONTAINER BOX BODY AND INFLATABLE HEAD COMPONENT

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